Back in 2016, a young Bandcamp-native singer-songwriter named Sophie Allison released For Young Hearts, her official debut EP as Soccer Mommy. Our former colleague James Rettig was all over that shit. You may think of yourself as a Soccer Mommy OG, but James was the earliest of adopters — so early, in fact, that his post about For Young Hearts alludes to previous collections songs for the recently sad, which has since disappeared from Bandcamp, and the two–partsongs from my bedroom. Given the existence of those releases, one could make the case that For Young Hearts was not really Soccer Mommy’s debut, but it was the breakout release that landed her on our 2016 Best New Bands list, a remarkable time capsule that also includes heavy hitters like Japanese Breakfast, Mannequin Pussy, Moses Sumney, Noname, Pinegrove, and Show Me The Body.
(Erstwhile NCS writer TheMadIsraeli returned to us with a review earlier this week, and he’s already back again, this time writing about a new album by Brazil’s Nervosa that was released in April by Napalm Records.) I know the band we’re reviewing today is Nervosa, but I just need you guys to take a detour […]
On Wednesday, Houston venue White Oak Music Hall had a strange clash of events. Upstairs hosted current far-right Attorney General Ken Paxton, running for US Senate against Democratic state Representative James Talarico, while downstairs hosted emo-punk groups Meet Me @ the Altar and Leisure Hour. The bands were unaware that the event was scheduled that same night, and according to Texas Monthly, they were pretty pissed.
There’s already been a lot of conversation swirling around the girl group KATSEYE, with two members, Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza, going on recent hiatus. Despite the shift in dynamics, KATSEYE powers on. Today, they release their anticipated EP WILD, which features an Ed Sheeran co-write and a reworked Charli XCX song that she wrote for her 2014 albumSucker.
Last month, prolific Aussie rockers King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard announced their 28th album Alien Metal, but they didn’t share a release date. Over the past couple weeks, they’ve teased the album with singles “Level 5,” “Kill For The Steel,” and the title track. As of today, we’re finally able to experience their intergalactic rave.
The most overrated guitar brands can make or break a player. They are spending their hard-earned money to get an instrument that is going to take them to the next level. However, that doesn’t mean that every guitar is made for that task.
On this list, we’re going to highlight ten brands that don’t live up to the hype. It goes in no particular order.
1. Gibson
Gibson guitars.
Arguably the kings among guitars. Some of the most iconic guitarists in history have used Gibson guitars. However, they have become one of the most overrated guitar brands in recent decades.
One of the biggest reasons could also be one of their biggest virtues to some. It’s the fact that they are indistinguishable to a degree. There is a lack of variety when it comes to Gibson. And if you are a guitarist looking for something specific, that can be a problem.
There is also a weight problem. They can be quite heavy. And this is something that can be troublesome for some players. If they are not comfortable playing, they are not going to perform at their best.
Furthermore, there is also the range of cost. Now, there are some decently accessible Gibson guitars in the market. But the thing is that the more expensive they are, the quality is not up to the standard. You’re not getting your money’s worth. So, be careful when choosing one depending on the price.
All in all, Gibson guitars are not bad. They are simply lacking variety these days.
2. BC Rich
BC Rich is one of the most overrated guitar brands out there. However, they are also one of the most interesting. They have a vast history of changing styles of guitars since the 70s. This has resulted in a very varied, albeit chaotic catalogue. That can be interesting to some guitar experts, but also a problem for newcomers.
The first big problem is what was just mentioned. There are too many different models in terms of style, setup, and more. Depending on the type of music that you want to play, you can easily get a lot of things wrong. Moreover, there is also the fact that some of these models are not up to the required standard.
Back in the early 2000s, BC Rich released several low-quality guitars that should be avoided. Furthermore, most guitars from this brand are also quite difficult to use. That is mostly due to the weight. So, it is a combination of factors that makes this purchase not a recommended one.
3. Harley Benton
The Harley Benton company made waves in the last ten years or so thanks to their budget guitars. They are usually a lot of people’s first musical instrument because of that. However, that very reason makes them one of the most overrated guitar brands in the market.
There are several reasons for that, and the first one is weight. They are among the heaviest guitars in the market. This results in them being quite difficult to use in the long run. It is one of the most common problems with these types of guitars as well.
There is also the fact that you can’t test them. This is a major dealbreaker. If you can’t give them a try before buying them, this could cause problems. Therefore, bear that in mind before considering getting one.
A Harley Benton guitar is good enough for a starter. They are cheap and one can learn the basics with it. However, they are not a good choice for a seasoned guitarist. If you are one, do not get it.
It is also hard to get parts to fix these guitars. That is another problem that has to be taken into account.
Decent budget guitars, but definitely overrated.
4. Ibanez
Ibanez guitars
Definitely one of the first names you’re going to find when looking for a guitar. It is also one of the most overrated guitar brands in the business.
Now, there is nothing wrong per se with Ibanez guitars as a whole. They can be quite useful and practical to a lot of players. But when you get to the specifics, that’s where the problems lie.
One problem is that they are not the most versatile when it comes to music genres. Therefore, you are going to want to be very picky if choosing an Ibanez. That is an issue that can arise with this brand. Unless you want to play rock or metal, which is a good fit.
The cheapest Ibanez guitars tend to be of lower quality. Now, this may sound obvious, but it’s not always the case with these brands. However, it does apply here. So, if you are going for a cheap option, you may end up with a poor guitar. That can affect your performances and playing abilities.
The electric guitars have a very particular feel. Mostly because of the metal and general constitution. This can be a dealbreaker for some. You may love it, you may hate it. And that is the issue: Ibanez is not a very flexible brand. Therefore, it is not cut out for a lot of guitar players. It depends on who you are as a guitarist.
C.F. Martin
Most commonly known as just Martin. When it comes to overrated guitar brands, there are several factors at play. However, one that is not brought up enough is the specific nature of the guitar. And that is a factor when it comes to this brand.
Martin guitars tend to offer a melodic and mellower sound. While this isn’t bad at all, it does cause some issues for some players. Those who want a louder, more histrionic sound are not going to click with this one. It is a very specific type of guitar for a very specific type of player.
Some of the older Martin guitars also had some structural issues, mainly in the early 70s. There have been some myths surrounding this, including an alleged fire that left them without material. But that was disproven. Be that as it may, be wary when buying a guitar from their 70s era.
They are also on the expensive side of the market. And when considering they are more of a “premium” purchase, that might not be good for you. All in all, simply not the best choice in the current market for the average guitarist.
6. Ormsby
An Ormsby guitar.
This is one of the youngest competitors on this list. The Ormsby company hails from Australia and started making guitars in 2007. And while they are a decent company, they are also one of the most overrated guitar brands in the current market.
Some issues include the thick neck of the guitars. This can be a bit difficult for some guitarists at first. It can cause some issues when playing specific notes. It is one of those elements that depends on the player too.
Some of the models can be too big for a lot of players. It depends on the user, of course, but that is another considerable problem. That can make the experience of playing all the more challenging. A lot of guitars have this weight issue that can turn the process of playing into a struggle.
The profile of some of the models, especially the six and seven string ones, can be quite thin. While not a dealbreaker, this is another factor to bear in mind.
Compared to other brands, the Ormsby is still quite good. Perhaps a bit overrated, but that comes with the territory.
7. Schecter
Another one of those overrated guitar brands on the cheaper side of things. A lot of people tend to pick Schecter guitars since they are more accessible. That makes a lot of sense, but that is when the problems begin.
One thing that people need to know is that these guitars tend to be very focused on heavy metal. Those who are more focused on this music genre are going to get the most out of it. However, when it comes to other types of musicians, that can be a problem. The brand’s lack of musical variety can be an issue for some.
It is also not the most complex or varied in general. It’s a guitar that works for newcomers. But if you are a more experienced guitarist, you are better off looking for something else.
From an aesthetic perspective, it is also quite monotonous. Once again, it tends to appeal more to metalheads. Which is fine, it’s great they have a target audience, but it can be a problem for other players.
The seven string models can also be quite difficult to play. That is because of their size, which can be either too big or too small. Take that into consideration as well.
8. Dean
This is one of those cases where overrated guitar brands tend to be for specific reasons. Mind you, most guitars on this list are decent at worst. But they all have specific issues that may cause problems for their player. When it comes to Dean, there are two main problems: style and cheap production.
The first one is mostly related to the fact that they aim at metal musicians. Once again, nothing wrong with that per se. It is simply the fact that they are not suited for a lot of different genres. Therefore, this is something that may cause problems for guitarists who are looking to play other types of music.
On the other hand, their cheap guitars are quite weak. They tend not to sound well. They don’t last long. And overall, they are not a high-quality product. It is understandable that one may want a cheaper option. But it is also a problem when the product itself is not good enough. And that’s the thing with Dean guitars on the cheap.
However, it has to be said that Dean’s acoustic guitars are underrated. They have some strong guitars on that front. They also have a lot of lasting value. Therefore, if you are looking for an acoustic guitar, they are a good choice.
9. Taylor
If you search for overrated guitar brands, Taylor is going to be one of the most prominent names. And there are a number of reasons for that to be the case.
Their biggest problem is the thin sound. They tend to sound very weak and bright, which keeps the player from reaching his or her potential. It is a frustrating experience that has been echoed by a lot of buyers over the years.
The lack of character in the tones available is a major source of discomfort to a lot of people. It lacks the ability to adjust to a lot of demands. This is something that can take a toll on a lot of players.
In general, Taylor guitars are criticized for having a dry sound. It is the genesis of most of the criticism that it gets. And that is something that a lot of guitarists cannot move past. It makes sense given that they want the guitar to improve their sound, not make it worse. And it is something that Taylor doesn’t help with.
10. Fender
The general problem with Fender guitars is not that they are bad per se. In fact, they are good and that’s why they are so popular with a lot of people. It’s merely the fact that they are not the best in any singular element.
Fender guitars sound good, but not great. They look good, but not great. These guitars are flexible, but not that flexible. In many ways, they are a jack of all trades. That means they are a serviceable product, albeit a bit uninspiring.
There is nothing wrong with that. It’s just that people might expect something a bit more premium. That is because Fender is one of the first names to be mentioned regarding guitars. And while that makes sense when considering their legacy, it doesn’t make them the best. Not by any means.
A couple of months ago, I was in an AT&T store on one of those errands that takes way, way longer than it should. While I was waiting for who knows what, a naggingly familiar song came over the store speakers, and it took me somewhere between 30 and 60 seconds to realize that I was hearing Sugar Ray’s 1999 hit “Every Morning.” That’s not a song that I encounter very often these days — not like “Fly,” anyway. I will eventually have to write about “Every Morning” for my Alternative Number Ones column, but I hadn’t even thought about that song in forever, even though it was once absolutely omnipresent. Then I walked around with “Every Morning” stuck in my head for like six hours. It was rough. I wonder if Julia Jacklin had a similar experience, since I don’t know how else to explain her decision to cover “Every Morning.”
RØRY has shared another single from her upcoming album ‘BLOODLETTING’, and this one is absolutely unstoppable.
Photo credit: Derek Bremner
With the full-length set to arrive on September 11 via RØRY’s own SADCØRE Records, our latest taste of the ‘BLOODLETTING’ era is titled ‘SWALLOW’.
A captivatingly dark anthem overflowing with insatiable pop melodies, it explores just how deep feelings of sorrow, grief and anguish can go, and how suffocating it can be to be caught in their grasp.
Speaking about ‘SWALLOW’, RØRY has shared:
“SWALLOW is about the place grief can take you, where you feel suspended somewhere between life and death. You don’t actually want to die, but there’s this fucked up thought that if you did, at least you’d be where they are. And at the same time, you have no idea how you’re supposed to keep living without them.”
Listen below.
The official music video for ‘SWALLOW’ will arrive later today at 8pm GMT.
Here’s what RØRY had to say about the inspiration behind it:
“I wanted the video to physically go to that same place. I’m suffocating under a plastic bag and drowning in a bath. I pushed it way too far. I ended up passing out on set, which has never happened to me before! But actually, the intensity of capturing that in the performance made it feel painfully real… like I’d managed to put the physical sensation of grief on camera.”
Check it out as soon as it drops below.
RØRY is on the cover of the latest issue of Rock Sound.
Featuring a photograph deemed too inappropriate for the social media algorithm, we can only present it to you online in this custom-made, sealed-off packaging. The only way you will see the cover is by opening it up and looking inside…
Inside the magazine, confronting grief, mortality and the darkness that lingers even after your wildest dreams come true, RØRY takes us through the fantastical story of latest album ‘BLOODLETTING’.
You can get yours alongside a limited edition signed poster, with just 200 available, right now from SHOP.ROCKSOUND.TV
