Back when Free Albums Galore first appears, good free and legal rock and pop was difficult to find. The basic assumption by listeners was that if it was free it wasn’t any good and the musicians felt providing free music diminished their worth. That is no longer the case. Free and legal music as a way of promoting both new and established acts is becoming common. Two years ago, the bulk of free rock was the amateur hobbyist with a lap top and a few unpolished songs. The free albums of today are now springing forth from serious independent artists with professional production values and a real chance at success.

The Artist Life is a case in point. Their promo EP titled Living has a hard but commercial sound that would make it ready for FM or college radio just the way it is. The sound reminds me of a harder rocking Matchbox 20. Driving beats, good harmonies , and tight songs all make this an enjoyable debut. “Waiting Room” is a good sample track. “Liquid Courage” and “City Blocks” are also excellent tracks to start with. This is a recommended listen for those who like their rock mainstream but still on the heavy side.

The album is available in an album zip of 192kbps MP3.

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