Reality Serum- Hop In Review

Artist: Reality Serum
Title: Hop In
Website: http://www.myspace.com/realityserum

CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/realityserum2 Style: Hip-Hop/Alternative/Ambient
Label: Supple Records
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

When I first hear about Reality Serum and their music I was going to pass on reviewing it but thanks to Rob from Supple Records I decided to give it a good listen. I want to thank Rob because after giving Hop In a listen I was sold on the inventive style of music found on it.

 

The band describes their sound as 'Trans-urban', which blends, Alternative Hip Hop and guitar driven Ambient music styles of music together.

 

Reality Serum is Camanche (words & mic.) along with Twizle (instruments & backing vocals). The list of different instruments that Twizle plays on Hop In is a long one that includes, guitar, bas, drum machine, Roland baseline, wood flute, harmonica, tambourine, and whistle.

 

Before getting together in 2004 both Camanche and Twizle had been involved in music and developed their own styles before coming together to form Reality Serum and this wonderful mixture of musical styles.

 

That mixture can be found on Hop In with tracks like, "Inside Out" and "Bring It On" featuring more of a Hip-Hop style while the tracks, "Breathless" and "My Life" have more of an Ambient lead to them. The rest of the tracks found on Hop In have more of a mixed groove to them.

 

Once my ears got adjusted to the mixture of Hip- Hop vocals and Ambient sounds I really appreciated the uniqueness of Reality Serum's sound.

 

This release has been out since March of 2007 and the band is already back in the studio working on their next release. So now is the perfect time to pick up this release. If you visit the band's MySpace site you can buy Reality Serum's, Hop In at a set your own price + $2.99 for shipping deal.

 

Do yourself a favor and open up your mind like I did to the new musical experience that can be found on Hop In.

 

Laurel- Sweet Insanity Review

Artist: Laurel
Title: Sweet Insanity
Website: http://www.laurelbuzz.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace,com/laurelmusic
CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/laurelpop
Label: Harbar Records
Style: Rock
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Sweet Insanity is the latest release from Laurel Barineau, a sultry singer, with slightly raspy vocals that you'll be amazed by when you hear them.

 

Laurel belts out songs that range from, pop, rock, and dance to the blues with soulful vocals. I like the way she's described on her MySpace page, "Sounds Like: If Etta James, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, and Rod Stewart had a foursome, Laurel would be their illegitimate child."

 

The entire band lineup is, Laurel (lead vocals), Jason Barbee (lead guitar), Nick Nolden (bass guitar/vocals), Mike Cash (drums/vocals), Bull Durham (keys/vocals).

 

It all starts off with the rocking track, "Rain Down" that besides Laurel's great smoking vocals also offers some nice guitar parts including a solo at the 3:40 point in the song. This song and many of the others also have a really nice bass line running through them.

 

Track-6 "It's Not Over (When You Go)" is another nice track that features the sultry side of Laurel's vocals along with some nice saxophone all set to against an R&B lounge feel.

 

Track-9 "Back to Innocence" goes down the club sound route with its pumped up bass beats that made my stereo speakers rattle.

 

Sweet Insanity ends with "Right Outside Your Door," a melodic type ballad that features some real nice vocal harmonies.

 

Sweet Insanity features high-energy songs filled with Laurel's vocals that have a sensual playfulness to them. This is one very talented singer who can do it all from soulful blues to ripping rock lyrics.

 

Do yourself a favor and get Laurel Barineau's Sweet Insanity release.

Stealing Jane- Say Something Review

Artist: Stealing Jane
Title: Say Something EP
Website: http://www.stealingjane.com
Style: Pop/Rock/R&B
Label: BTO Records
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The band got started in 2000 under the name HyJinX but later reformed under their current name Stealing Jane.

 

Since then they've been building a loyal fan base playing with such artist as, Spin Doctors, Tower of Power, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and The Wailers.

 

Stealing Jane is a rare breed these days a full band complete with a horn section. The band's lineup is, Bryce Larsen (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Will Tully (drums), Matt Giordano (lead guitar), Brian Bunce (bass), Pat Iannelli (saxophone), Dave Calzone (trombone), Jesse Sears (keyboards), and Andrew Mericle (trumpet).

 

All of this instrumentation allows the band's music to have a rich and full sound.

 

The band jokes about how many different ways their music has been defined. Let me tell you it's a reviewer's nightmare trying to pigeon hole a band with so many different influences into a specific genre. So I'll let them label their own original sound, and they classify it as, 'groove rock.'

 

On this EP's 6-tracks you'll find songs that deal mostly with relationships and love set against a backdrop of guitar and horn infused music. The band's sound flourishes in its variety with R&B tracks like, "Better Things", to the Latin flavored, "More." It all ends with the final track, "This is Goodbye", a pop/rock number that lets the horn and guitar parts run free and have some fun.

 

One thing that I felt the whole way through this release that the band members are having fun and enjoy what they're doing. If you haven't been fortunate to hear Stealing Jane's music yet then their Say Something EP will give you a nice bite of their music.

Blood Red Sun- A Nation of Saviors Review

Artist: Blood Red Sun
Title: A Nation of Saviors
Website: http://www.myspace.com/bloodredsun
Style: Alternative/Rock
Lineup: Jason Nadeau (vocals, guitar), Justin La Vallee (guitar, vocals), Matthew La Fontaine (bass), Jessica Corchia (drums)
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Are you old enough to remember the days before American Idol and teen pop queens started to appear on the scene and ruin the musical landscape? Then you'll appreciate the band Blood Red Sun and their debut release A Nation of Saviors.

 

The band's music takes the social conscious of bands like The Clash an U2 and mixes it with guitar driven songs, with the goal of taking socially relevant music to the masses.

 

As band lead singer Jason Nadeau says, "Our culture says 'if you're unhappy, numb it out'. The role of the artist in society is to go to the places that most people are not willing to go and return with a map of the human experience that people can use to find a way out."

 

This band is all about standing up, learning for your self and moving the world forward in a positive direction. To that effect the songs found on A Nation of Saviors take on the dishonest media, lemmings like actions of some people believing everything they hear instead of checking it out themselves to make sure that it's true.

 

As the title suggest it's up to all of us to do our part. One of the band's tenants is, "You need to have an army to support a single word. If you don't scream, people don't hear you."

 

The band puts those messages against songs that run for the most part in the alternative rock vein although songs like, "All at Once", and "Easier" have a bit of a The Clash punk edge to them.

 

If you're tired of the normal musical pabulum then get Blood Red Sun's A Nation of Saviors and start your revolution.

 

 

Shadows Lie- Echoes Review

Artist: Shadows Lie
Title: Echoes
Website: http://www.shadowslie.com
MySpace: http://myspace.com/wheretheshadowslie

Style: Alternative/Rock/Electronica
Label: Tech-9 Music
Rating: 9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The main part of Shadows Lie is made up of Kira Leigh (vocals) and Cary Tamura (guitar, bass, programming). Cary Tamura (CT) also produced, engineered, and mixed Echoes.

 

At their live shows Shadows Lie is also joined with the additions of Frank Grullon (guitar), and Marco Britti (drums).

 

Echoes is the band's 2007 debut LP. On it you'll find a mixture of both melodic, acoustic ballad like songs along with more dark heavy gothic filling tracks. This wide range of styles can also be found in their eclectic list of musical influences that include, Tori Amos, Incubus, Portishead, Bjork, Alice in Chains, Massive Attack, Morcheeba, Ani Difranco, Tool, Korn, and Sevendust.

 

Two things run throughout the entire15-tracks, just under one hour of music, found on Echoes.

 

First is the near flawless vocals provided by the band vocalist Kira Leigh. Her vocals are always on pitch along with a very impressive vocal range. Whether soft and sweet enough to send a diabetic patient into a comma or hard and raw enough to wake the dead the sultry piercing blue-eyed Kira Leigh's vocals grab your attention and don't let go.

 

Second is the guitar and electronic elements found in the songs provided by Cary Tamura. With such prominent vocal parts Cary is still able to bring the guitar and electronic elements to the forefront holding their own in the songs adding fresh spice-like elements.

 

With Echoes Shadows Lie shows that they have what it takes to rise above the musical pack in the hard nosed music savvy New York City music scene.

 

Songs 4 Ever Collection- Shout Review

Artist: Time Life Songs 4 Ever Collection
Title: Shout
Website: http://www.timelife.com
Telephone: 1-800-488-4669
Style Pop/Rock/Praise& Worship
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

While the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series comes as a 10-CD boxed set to review it all as one I don't think would be fair so I'm going to review each CD individually.

 

Songs 4 Ever covers Christian music from the last two decades and besides the10 CDs, also includes a lyric's booklet, and comes in its own collector's box.

 

Shout is the first CD in the Time Life series Songs 4 Ever collection that we'll be reviewing.

 

Here are the 15 tracks that you'll find on Shout, the rocking "Big House"- Audio Adrenaline, the pop romance song "Baby Baby- Amy Grant, pop praise song "Testify to Love"- Avalon, a live version of the praise and worship song "Come Now Is the Time to Worship"- Brian Doerksen, the hit "Who Am I"-Casting Crowns, the piano ballad "Word of God Speak- MercyMe, the 1992 classic "Friends"- Michael W. Smith, a nice sing along version of "Here I Am to Worship" - Sonicflood, the hit praise and worship song "Shout to the Lord" - Darlene Zschech, the poignant song of a father dealing with his daughter growing up "Butterfly Kisses"- Bob Carlisle,  the choir song "Why We Sing"- Kirk Franklin and the Family, a nice version of the 1994 Twila Paris classic "God in Control, the take a strong stand for your faith song "For Future Generations" - 4Him,  the song about pure honest worship "The Heart of Worship"- Matt Redman and last but certainly not least is the 1988 classic "Awesome God"- Rich Mullins. (For those of you not old enough to remember Rich Mullins do yourself a favor and learn more about him. His life was tragically cut short when he died in an automobile accident in September of 1997.  Many of today's Christian artist give credit to Rich for influencing their music and more important their spirit for serving others. Here's a site to visit to learn more about Rich- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Mullins ).

 

Time Life has really put together an unbelievable set of songs on Shout. The 15 tracks feature both Christian artist of the past along with current ones to offer up 68 minutes of really good music.

 

Besides Shout here is the list of other CD's found in this collection that will be reviewing in the upcoming weeks, Worship, Love, Alive,Forever, Imagine, Heaven, Believe, Power Ballads, and Hope.

 

Look for our review for the Worship CD from the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series coming soon.

 

Whether your a long time listener of Christian Music, who wants to build on their collection, or a new listener who wants to have an instant library of Christian Music the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series is a must buy!

Boca Chica- Transform into Beast Review

Artist: Boca Chica
Title: Transform into Beast
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bocachica
CDBaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bocachica2
Style: American/ Roots/ Alt Country/Folk
Label: Carrot Top, Ltd
Rating: 8.1 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

At the heart of Boca Chica is singer/songwriter Hallie Pritts. Her vocals have a very distinctive sound that can be easily recognized after the first time of hearing them. Think of Lisa Lobe meets Patsy Cline. Her sounds also been compared to early Neil Young.

 

Hallie isn't doing it alone though she's also surrounded herself with a fine cast of musicians. They provide the rhythm and rich string parts found in the songs along with the often misaligned accordion that works well, like that one extra spice added in a cooking recipe, to take it up a level.

 

This is the second release from them that I've had the pleasure of hearing. The first one, an EP, had more of an alt. country feel to it while on this one they've seemed to move more in a roots/folk style direction.

 

You'll still find some country sounds though in songs like track-8 "Your Name in Lights (Oh my, Oh hell)." The band even gets a little bit rocking in track- 6 "My Favorite Rockstars," where they let the electric guitar parts come to the forefront and play with the rest of the other stringed instruments.

 

It all ends up with a short one-minute instrumental, "Happy Ending." The band does a solid job on Transform into Beast and that should help to allow the band to continue making their part of the musical spotlight grow larger.

 

Mister Vague- Allergic to Everything Review

Artist: Mister Vague
Title: Allergic to Everything
Website: http://www.mistervaguemusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mistervague
CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/mistervague3
Style: Modern Minimalist Rock
Label: Slothtrop Records
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Mister Vague is a band with a quirky side from Reno, Nevada that plays a minimalist indie pop style of music. The band's latest release Allergic to Everything is their third.

 

Their previous two releases are, Square One (2004) and File Under Trial (March 2006 and re-released October 2006). They also are part of the Slothtrop/Redeye-distributed release More Barn: A Tribute to Neil Young, a benefit for the Bridge School of San Francisco. More Barn: A Tribute to Neil Young is a compilation style release that also features artist like Waco Brothers, The Silos, Steve Wynn and many more.

 

The lineup for Mister Vague is, Mark Earnest (guitar, vocals), Neal Kramer (guitar, vocals), Jason Thomas (drums) and Marcus Mayhall (bass).

 

Although from what the band's press material says for their live shows you never know what you're going to get line up wise from the guys, Shows range from intense solo or duo sets to full-blown trio/quartet shows.

 

The band list, The Beatles White Album, Guided by Voices, Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, Low, American Music Club, Mountain Goats, and Death Cab For Cutie as some of their musical influences.

 

The album was produced by Alan Sparhawk, from the indie-pop band Low, along with Eric Swanson at Sacred Heart Studios in Duluth, Minn.

 

On Allergic to Everything you'll find moody dark melodic sounding tracks along with some that are more rock it out ones. The vocals drench the songs with the sweat of emotion while the guitars and drums drive the song's tempos from soft dark and gritty to fast, loud and rocking.

 

The band's sound is a mixture of Pink Floyd meets the Violent Femmes with a side order of Elvis Costello and Coldplay.

 

The band has been playing dive bars and off-the-beaten-path coffeehouses up and down the west coast to build a loyal following in major cities like,  San Francisco, Sacramento, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles.

 

Mister Vague's Allergic to Everything should help to move that hard earned musical notice to the Midwest, East Coast and beyond.

Eat Sugar- S/T EP Review

Artist: Eat Sugar
Title: S/T EP
Website: http://www.eatsugarmusic.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/eatsugarmusic
Style: Electro Post Punk/ New Wave
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Eat Sugar is comprised of Aidan Bogosian (vocals), Jim Reynolds (bass/synths), Greg Poneris (drums), and Erin Proctor (synths).

 

The band got started in January 2006 in Cincinnati Ohio after Greg Poneris and Jim Reynolds' band Chalk broke up. The guys wanted to start another band so they first added Aidan Bogosian (The Reaction) to the lineup and a few months later Erin Proctor (The Fairmount Girls) was added to complete the band's lineup.

 

This release is the band's debut and on it you'll find a heavy synth's lead sound that adds elements of post punk and new wave to create an upbeat almost dance club techno driving beats sound that will rattle your speakers with its driving beats.

 

On their MySpace site they describe their music as, "The Newer New Wave Meets Soul!"

 

This 4 track, eleven-minute EP, works as a nice musical appetizer that will tide you over until the band serves up a main meal of their music.

 

Juviley- How to Miss the Ground Review

 

Artist: Juviley
Title: How to Miss the Ground
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/juviley
CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/juviley
Style: Singer Songwriter
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Zubalsky or Juviley as he goes by for his music started out as a drummer for some of Israel's leading Indie musical acts including, Shy Nobleman, Geva Alon, and Daphna & The Cookies in 2002.

 

The Israeli singer songwriter has decided to now pursue a solo career. How to Miss the Ground is Juviley's debut effort. On it you'll find a collection of 12 songs that have a melodic at time almost whimsical feel to them. Words like, gentle, peaceful, and mellow come to mind while listening to the simple, uncluttered song arrangements.

 

The song lyrics are intentionally left abstract and open to your interpretation but in general deal with issues like love, dreams, and not compromising.

 

Juviley list Brian Wilson, Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, Belle & Sebastian, and Yo La Tengo as some of his musical influences.

 

Juviley wears many different hats on this release; besides writing the songs he also arranged and produced them along with playing most of the instruments heard on How to Miss the Ground.

 

Juviley now lives in New York City and is constantly performing his music anywhere he can from clubs to parks, and even subway stations.

 

How to Miss the Ground hits most of its marks and will offer you 41 minutes of dreamscape music that will help to allow you to let your thoughts run free.

 

Brandi Shearer- Close to Dark Review

Artist: Brandi Shearer
Title: Close to Dark
Website: http://www.brandishearer.com
Style: Singer-Songwriter/ Torch/ Blues
Label: Amoeba Records
Rating: 7.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

While Brandi grew up on a small farm located in rural Oregon she's also spent time living in both Hungary and France before returning to the U.S. to continue her music career.  She currently calls San Francisco home.

 

Brandi has two previous independently produced albums, Music of A Saturday Night and The Sycamore. Amoebe Records picked Brandi's latest release Close to Dark to be the label's inaugural release. That was a wise choice with Brandi's music having many different musical flavors including, singer/songwriter, alt. country, blues, and 40's torch singer that should appeal to a wide range of audiences.

 

Brandi's smokey, sultry vocals on several of the songs painted a picture for me of her being in a 40's smoke filled lounge in a slinky evening gown perched on top of a piano with a martini in one hand and a cigarette in a long holder in the other hand singing torch songs about love had and love lost.

 

In contrast to that you'll find a stretch of several songs that have an alt. country feel to them. You'll also find a cover of the 1971 Jeannie C. Riley song, "Oh Singer." The song's lyrics talk about longing for the simpler times when things weren't so complicated and hectic.

 

The songs are left a little edgy with a lot of them being recorded in only one take thanks to a great group of musicians that Brandi has surrounded herself with.

 

Close to Dark for the most part has a melodic flow to it that makes it an ideal CD to put in the stereo on a rainy day or for a relaxing evening.

 

Amoeba Records has done well picking Close to Dark for their first release. Both Amoeba Records and Brandi's musical future should be bright.

 

Kevin Max- The Blood Review

Artist: Kevin Max
Title: The Blood
Website: http://www.kevinmaxmusic.com/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/kevinmaxtheblood
Style: Gospel
Label: Infinity Music Distribution
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

On The Blood, Kevin's third solo release, he takes a break from rock to journey into his passion for soulful Gospel music that itself serves as the roots for much of today's rock music.

 

Kevin says that, "...It has taken me almost two decades to come full circle and realize how Gospel music has inspired me and influenced my decisions in music. The Blood is not a classic hymns cover project or a white/homogenized version of black gospel or soul music. It's a sensitive and stylized adaptation of the music that was at the root of rock, blues and popular culture. The Blood is about the story of Redemption and Grace, found only in the blood of Jesus Christ."

 

Kevin has also enlisted the help of many fellow artists on this release. The guest vocalist include, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chris Sligh (American Idol finalist), Joanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland, Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) and a dcTalk reunion featuring Max and former band members TobyMac and Michael Tait.

 

Kevin also got help on the musician side from, William Owsley (guitars, bass, engineering, all production) Bobby Huff (drums), Wookie (drums),  John Fields (sitar, absynth, jukebox hero bass), Phil Madeira- B3, organ, national guitar), Vince Gill (guitars), John Painter (horns, hiphop bass) Ashley Cleveland, Judson Spence, Kim (keys- BGV's).
 
The Blood starts and ends with old-time gospel music. The first track is, "The Old Rugged Cross" the song is set against the sound of an old record player with its static noises. The last track, "One Way- One Blood" featuring Joanne Cash also ends with those same sounds. On both of these tracks Kevin's deep booming voice has a very Johnny Cash like sound to them.

 

There are so many good points found on this release that it would take too long to mention them all but here are a few of the highlights:

 

Track-2 "The Cross" featuring the dcTalk guys starts slow and then really rocks it out. I enjoyed the sitar parts found on it.

 

Track-3 "Run on for a Longtime" featuring American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. This song has a real soulful rock feel to it with the horn parts. You might have heard this one already since it's the first radio single off of The Blood.

 

Track-4 "Trouble of the World"- any song with the Hammond B-3 in it can't go wrong.

 

Track-5 "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" features some good swamp blues music.

 

Track-6 "Up Above My Head I Hear Music" This is a upbeat country western top tapper featuring Amy Grant and Vince Gill.

 

Track-7 "They Won't Go When I Go" is a soulful piano ballad that deals with the tribulation.

 

Track-8 "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power" another soulful gospel song with the B-3.

 

Track-9 "People Get Ready" The 1965 single by The Impressions and written by Curtis Mayfield has to be one of the most covered songs around. It has been covered by everyone from Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, U2, Aretha Franklin, and Phil Collins to John Denver, Taylor Hicks, and Alicia Keys to name just a few.  This version features Erica Campbell from Mary Mary. I liked this cover that stayed pretty true to the original song. I also enjoyed the guitar solo's found on it.

 

When asked about the songs found on The Blood Kevin says, "One of the reasons the songs on The Blood are so important is because they represent the answer, the medicine for the ailments. I love the significance of Christ's blood as something that empowers us- it can literally change us. I know I am changed, and God has given me another chance to live a life that is full and without fear."

 

I really liked this release and it's ability to take black gospel and blend it with other styles to achieve its traditional Gospel yet fresh sound.

 

While the official release date for The Blood isn't until December 26th you can preorder it now at Kevin's web sites.

 

Lee Tyler Post- Emancipate Review

Artist: Lee Tyler Post
Title: Emancipate
Website: http://www.leetylerpost.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/leetylerpost
Style: Rock / Soul / Blues 
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Lee Tyler Post takes his blend of music that he refers to as, 'Rock 'N' Soul' on the road as a modern day musical Troubadour.

 

Currently Lee resides in his hometown of San Diego, CA.  But over the past 5 years he's spent a lot of his time on the road performing between150-200 shows a year while driving between 25,000-40,000 miles each year getting to the shows.

 

If you're lucky enough to catch him performing live get ready for a real performance. Lee's marathon live performances have been known to last sometimes from 2-3 hours without any breaks.

 

Lee also has a heart of gold often lending his talents to charitable causes, Lee has performed at benefits for M.A.D.D., the M.S. Society, and The Ramona Cancer Resource Center, The Victory Junction Gang Camp, Bikers Who Care/Toys for Tots, and The Heartland Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center in San Diego, CA.

 

Lee's release Emancipate is a collection of 10 songs that deal with the subjects of love, relationships, redemption and hope. These 10 songs are some of the most emotion drenched that I've ever heard. Lee's music comes straight from the heart.

 

Lee's songs blend elements of folk, rock, soul and blues to achieve his end sound.  His music has a raw edge to it and isn't over polished. He says that he prefers and, 'old school' approach so this release was recorded using a 1970 MCI Analog Machine.

 

His music is not over complicated with the guitars, bass, percussion and small touches of harmonica used in the songs staying in the musical background while the song vocal's and lyrics taking center stage.

 

If your a fan of artist like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, John Hiatt, and Van Morrison then you'll quickly become a fan of Lee Tyler Post' music.

 

Emancipate is one well done release that will find itself spending a lot of its time in your CD player!

 

Breakers Broken- Other Places to Search Review

Artist: Breakers Broken
Title: Other Places to Search
Website:  http://www.breakersbroken.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/yamayamusic
Style: Pop/Rock
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The band Breakers Broken is made up of two brothers, Tim Yamaya (vocals, guitar. keys) and Herf Yamaya ( vocals, bass, keys) along with best friend Neal Wehman (drums, percussion, vocals). The three attended school together at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in Florida. After graduating in May of 2007 the guys moved back to their hometown of Chicago.

 

The band list everyone from Radiohead, Counting Crows, and The Beatles to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Ryan Adams, the Roots, Police and Soulive as their musical influences.

 

Other Places to Search is the debut release from the band. On it you'll find eleven original songs that use the band's two lead singer set up to create solid harmonies for their pop/rock styled songs.

 

The band did most of the recording at their own home studio and with Craig Williams at Dr. Caw Studios, located in Northbrook, Illinois. Craig Williams' has worked with such well-known artists as, Styx, Freddie Jones Band, Fareed Haque, and Kurt Elling. Michael Fuller of Fuller Sound who has worked with artists like Eric Clapton and Shakira mastered the release in Miami.

 

Other Places to Search  is a really rock solid musical debut from the band. You need to add this one to your Christmas shopping list!

 

Fort Pastor- Beautiful Imperfection Review

Artist: Fort Pastor
Title: Beautiful Imperfection
Website: http://www.fortpastor.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fortpastor
Style: Pop/ Acoustic Roots Rock
Label: KOCH/ Kosmos Records
Lineup: Brant Christopher Menswar (lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica), Jeffrey Todd Keel (resonator guitar, vocals), Jono Callow (didgeridoo, bass, vocals, percussion)
Rating: 9.3 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Let's start off with an explanation for the band's name Fort Pastor.  "The name comes from a zombie movie; it comes from a movie called, "Dawn of the Dead," band member Menswar explains. "In that movie, Fort Pastor is the military fort that is the safe haven that everyone in town is trying to get to, to keep away from the zombies. And for us, it was more of a political statement, dating back to the '60s when zombie movies kind of first were in their heyday. At that time, the film was much more of a political statement about society and our consumerism and our need to consume everything around us -- where we slavishly become zombies to it."

 

The band members all currently reside in Orlando, FL., but originally Brant Christopher Menswar comes from Manchester, NH, Jeffrey Todd Keel is from Dalhart, TX, and Jono Callow hails from Melbourne Australia.

 

Beautiful Imperfection is their debut release on KOCH/Kosmos Records although the band has one other independent release, Alive Inside that was released in 2006.

 

Beautiful Imperfection is a collection of 13 songs that blend pop and acoustic rock roots music with a touch of a world sound provided by the extensive use of the didgeridoo found in it. After hearing the didgeridoo playing on this release it has now replaced the bagpipe as my favorite non-traditional instrument.

 

The band credits groups like The Dave Matthews Band and The John Butler Trio for influencing their sound. They also give some credit to artist like Billy Joel, Elton John, and James Taylor.

 

I really enjoyed the time spent listening to this release. The issue-oriented songs are well crafted and have a different sound then most of the other music out there now.  The songs feature nice smooth vocals along with a variety of rhythmic percussion parts. The didgeridoo parts where mesmerizing and really brought the songs to life.

 

One song that I'm sure you'll recognize on the CD is the band's interesting cover of the Seal song, "Crazy." The song has a nice tempo and flow to it.

 

The band also has a not so normal spiritual side. Here's what band member Brant Christopher Menswar had to say,  "We feel a lot of times that people look at us as being a little bit crazy," Menswar admits, "being that we're Christians, but we don't play a lot of churches. We kind of go to the places where we feel people need to hear what we're singing about and sometimes that's bars, sometimes it's prisons and wherever our message needs to be heard. So we're kind of a non-traditional band of Christians." "We'd much prefer to sing to people that haven't heard it, than preach to the choir."

 

Beautiful Imperfection will touch you both with its music and song subjects. Add this one to your must buy music list.

 

The band has a just don't talk about instead but put your words into action type of attitude. In 2007 they started a non-profit organization called Social Justice Army. The mission of the group is to inspire, rally and organize others to serve one another by providing opportunities to serve as a group within their local communities, thereby building hopes, conviction and courage in themselves and those they serve.

 

Members of the organization commit to serving their local community one hour a month. Their slogan is, "Changing the world an one hour at a time." For more information on the group and how you can get involved in it visit there website at: http://www.socialjusticearmy.org .

 

Last American Buffalo- Marquis for the Debutante Review

Artist: Last American Buffalo
Title: Marquis for the Debutante
Website: http://www.lastamericanbuffalo.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lastamericanbuffalo
Style: Rock
Lineup: Jesse Carmichael (drums),  Kevin Compton (vocals,guitars) , Brian Sadler (keys),  Jesse Taylor (guitars, vocals), Ashley Taylor (tambourine, BG vocals)
Musical Influences: The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Oasis, Beck, Bob Marley, Ryan Adams, Coldplay, The Doors, Elliot Smith, The Flaming Lips, Scissors for Lefty, Arcade Fire, Interpol, Neil Young, The Who, The Dandy Warhols, The Stills, Wilco, The Rolling Stones.
Rating: 7.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Last American Buffalo, is like their name implies, a lost breed in a modern world. The band's press material harkens back to a time when buffalo ran free on the range and the railroads were the kings of transportation.  That being said the band's music offers modern arrangements that include rolling drumbeats and fresh guitar parts.

 

For the most part the songs fall into the Indie rock category although the band does take a side trip on songs like, "Privateer", and ""Sunshine" that include banjo and harmonica parts in them. The songs have a 60's country folk feel to them.

 

The song "Ordinary Girl" also has an interesting Oriental sounding start to it. Most of the song's subjects deal with issues of love and relationships.

 

My favorite songs were the more rocking ones like track-1, "Breaking Up Mine" with its catchy melody and "Fon" which features nice interaction between the guitars and drums.

 

While the band didn't hit it out of the park with Marquis for the Debutante it's still a good solid sounding Indie rock release worth hearing.

 

Ellen Tipper- Flanagan's Field Review

Artist: Ellen Tipper
Title: Flanagan's Field
Website: http://www.ellentipper.com
CDBaby Site: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ellentipper
Style: Singer Songwriter/ Piano Folk
Label: Self- Released
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Ellen Tipper is a Maine-based artist. Her new release Flanagan's Field is a collection of eleven songs that will entertain you while also pulling at your heartstrings. Most of the songs are driven by Ellen's stellar piano playing, but the song's lyrics are what really reach out and grab you.

 

The songs take on some tough subjects head on like in, "Not This Time," a story about a husband who constantly degrades his wife with emotional abuse, seeing her only as an object for his sexual pleasures and the woman finally getting the courage to say enough is enough. 

 

"Let it Be Real," deals with the issue of divorce and blindly searching for love in the aftermath of such a tough situation.  "Play It Blue" offers up suggestions for living with the disappointments that can be found sometimes in long-term type relationships.  The songs are written in a way to be honest but also offer up some hope and strength.

 

Another main theme found in Flanagan's Field is the need to slow down your life, to relax and enjoy even the simplest things in life. One example of this is found in the title track, "Flanagan's Field", the song talks about the joy that can be found in the simplest things like viewing a beautiful sunset.

 

One of the more interesting tracks, style wise is, "Fatima" with its African rhythms.  Ellen has a connection with the country. After college and grad school in the U.S. and her studies in London, she moved to West Africa where she worked with women's cooperatives and AIDS education efforts.

 

When asked about her songs Ellen said, "Songs allow you to be transported, like traveling, it's the crooked path that's usually the most interesting. Distilling songs to their essence from that faucet of raw ideas is like emerging from that path, renewed, emboldened and ready for more."

 

With Flanagan's Field Ellen Tipper has shown that she has both the talent and heart to entertain, inform, and move people to make this world a better place. What more could you ask for from someone's music.

 

Jupiter One- Jupiter One Review

Artist: Jupiter One
Title: Jupiter One
Website: http://www.jupiterone.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jupiterone
Style: Rock/ Electronica/New Wave
Label: Cordless Recording
Lineup: K. Ishibashi (lead vocals, guitar, violin),  Zac Colwell (keyboard),  Mocha (keyboard),  Ben Wright (bass),  Dave Heilman (drums)
Rating: 7.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

To make the cocktail that is Jupiter One- Take large amounts of Talking Heads, Styx, and the Cars styles and finish it off with a few quick splashes of funk, electronica , and new wave, along with club beats and you'll have the musical cocktail that is Jupiter One's music.

 

The band got their name, Jupiter One, from the failed starship in 1960's TV sci-fi show Lost in Space.

 

Jupiter One was formed in 2003 and started out as an instrumental group. They would play their music while kung-fu type movies would be shown behind them.

 

This self-titled debut from Jupiter One is filled with infectious songs that feature killer rhythmic bass parts and guitars that drive the songs as smoothly as a Ferrari driving down the German Autobahn. All of this is completed by the keyboard and synth. sounds.

 

The songs are rich and full with most of them lasting between 4-5 minutes. The only thing I missed on the CD was a completely instrumental track. The band came close on a few tracks with mostly instruments and only a few lyrics but with their style of music lending itself to it an instrumental song I wish that they would have just let loose for an epic 7-9 minute instrumental track.

 

Besides the point mentioned above I thought that the album flowed really well and the songs were well done. The music mixed a little of the old with new to make fresh, inventive songs.

 

Cordless Recording founder and music legend Jac Holzman personally sequenced the release. Here's what he had to say about it,  "When the hairs on the back of my neck stand up with the excitement of discovery I pay close attention. And stand they did for Jupiter One's first single, "Countdown," an uncommonly fresh and gripping track," Holzman raved. "Then my silent prayer, 'I hope the album is as good.' Every time I listen to Jupiter One's debut album it is with joyous anticipation and delight in knowing that others will soon share that joy."

 

For any of you gamers out there you probably have heard the band's music already. Their songs can be found on several of the EA Sports releases including, Madden 2008, and FIFA 2008, along with on the video game NHL2K8.

 

If you're a fan of bands like, The Cars, Killers, Styx, Franz Ferdinand, Talking Heads, and Bloc Party, then you should really enjoy Jupiter One's self titled debut release.

 

Indie Vision Music- Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2 Review

 

Artist: Indie Vision Music
Title: Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2
Website: http://www.indievisiomusic.com
Style: Compilation (Pop/Punk/Rock/Hardcore)
Label: Indie Vision Music
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
By Senior Writer C.W. Ross

 

Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2 is the second in the series that feature unsigned bands. The music found on it ranges from hardcore and metal to punk, alternative and rock in style.

 

With its 20 tracks you're sure to find something that you'll like on this release. The price is also right at only $4.00 at Indie Vision Music's online store. I like these compilation style releases as they offer many different bands a chance to get heard and the listener a chance to hear some good bands that they might not get the chance to hear any other way.

 

Here's the CD's track listing:

1. Olivia "Feelings", 2. Sophia "Mocking Birds After The Picture Show", 3. Take It Back "Lights In This Town", 4. Avery Pkwy "Sleep Now" 5. Someday "The Sink Is Here Cause I Got Problems",6. Thyne Scabbard "Call of God",7. Kings to You "Strike Back",8. All But Screaming "Wide Eyed", 9. Quick and the Dead "Nothing Changes",10. Spacepilot "Without Stitch",11. Abandon Kansas "Minutes", 12. Stand The Gaff "Frankly My Dear", 13. One Star Story "Near To Far", 14. Death Is Not Welcome Here "Facing Today", 15. Newvale "Summer's Gone", 16. Fixed Til Tuesday "Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising", 17. The Distance Between "Building Bridges", 18. The Relay "Back Seat Driver Sara", 19. Ashcroft "Behind the Bruised" and 20. The Trade "White Noise."

 

Out of the 20 tracks I really liked 12 of them, which is a pretty good ratio. 77 minutes worth of music for a couple of bucks sounds like a real good deal to me!

 

Diamond Rio- The Star Still Shines Review

Artist: Diamond Rio
Title: The Star Still Shines
Website: http://www.diamondrio.com
Style: Christmas Music
Label: Word Records
Band Lineup: Marty Roe (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Gene Johnson (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (electric guitar, banjo) Brian Prout (drums), Dan Truman (keyboards),  Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals)
Rating: 7.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The band Diamond Rio has long been one of country music's most successful groups. In their over two decades in the music business they've won numerous awards, have had nine No. 1 hits, placed 15 singles in the Top Five, been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and have sold more than 10 million records and received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award in recognition of their many charitable endeavors, including their longtime relationship as National Spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

 

With all of those achievements it's hard to believe that the group has never put out a holiday release. The band says that they've always wanted to do a Christmas album and with their recent signing to the Word Record's label the time and situation was right.

 

The result is The Star Still Shines, a collection of Christmas classics along with the original title track, "The Star Still Shines".

 

When I first got this release I expected to hear Christmas songs set to a heavy country music style. While songs like, "Winter Wonderland", "Sleigh Ride", and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" have a country vibe the only 'hill music country' track is the country/ bluegrass song, "Christmas Times A Comin'." This songs a real toe taper that will quickly have you singing along. That being said a good portion of the album has more of a contemporary /pop sound to it.

 

The Star Still Shines though is filled with the band's signature vocal harmonies that could stand their ground against anyone in a singing contest. You'll also find those harmonies showcased in their purest form in the a capella songs, "O Come O Come Emmanuel", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" found on The Star Still Shines.

 

The release's original track, "The Star Still Shines" has the potential to become a Christmas classic. When asked about the song band member Marty Roe said,  "It's a great song and it has a great message to it," he continued, "It's about the Christmas story, the birth of Christ. I love the sentiment that the star is still shining. He is still here with us and that good news is still here today. I think we came out with something really, really special."

 

If your looking for a new album to add to your Christmas play list then Diamond Rio's, The Star Still Shines would make a nice choice. The music is done in such a way that I think it will appeal to many different family generations as you set around enjoying the holidays together.

 

chasetheglow- chasetheglow EP Review

Artist:chasetheglow
Title chasetheglow EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/chasetheglow
Style: Alternative Rock
Musical Influences: Switchfoot, Paramore, Disciple, Flyleaf, Anberlin, The Rocket Summer, Bleach , Family Force 5.
Lineup: Sara Pecchia (lead vocals), Jordan Crenshaw (guitar, background vocals), Aaron Carlson (bass), Eric Steward (drums)
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Chasetheglow was formed recently in the spring of 2007. While the band itself is new its individual members aren't having previous music experience being in other bands.

 

For example, I first hear lead singer Sara Pecchia's vocals a few years back when she was in the band Identity. Back then I was amazed by her vocal talents being that she was still only a teenager, so when she recently contacted me about a new band she was involved with I couldn't wait to hear their music.

 

I wasn't disappointed Sara always had the vocal talent but now she also has the extra wisdom that comes from life experiences that adds that extra bit of passion to her vocals.

 

Sara's lead vocals blend well with the rest of the band. The rhythmic guitar playing of Jordan Crenshaw keeps the songs flowing nicely while the drum beats provided by Eric Steward punch up the songs. Aaron Carlson's bass parts jump back and forth from being in the spotlight grabbing your attention and then melding back into the song like a chameleon.

 

The band's music is mostly up-tempo with catchy rhythms and driving beats although they aren't afraid to also add in some tempo changes, slowing things down for a few moments before driving the song's tempo back up again.

 

The song lyrics are filled with spiritual messages, but not in an overt way where every other word is God or Jesus. The band's spiritual message is more subtle leaning more on life lessons and finding hope to get their message out.

 

This style of song writing should offer the band great opportunities to reach out to people looking for faith not in a traditional church way. The band's song lyrics should also offer up opportunities to cross over to the secular music market should they choose to do so.

 

This self-titled EP from chasetheglow offers up a nice taste of their music and hopefully a full -length release from the band will be coming down the road, until then this EP should keep you happy.

Pawbox- Pawbox EP Review

Artist: Pawbox
Title: Pawbox EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/pawbox
CdBaby Site: http://cdbaby.com/cd/pawbox
Style: Rock
Label: Self-Released
Lineup: Will Moore (vocals, bass), Ryan Leyva (guitar), Jon Epcar (drums)
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross
 
PawBox is a Los Angeles trio that puts out a big sound. Although this self-titled EP is the debut from the guys, as individuals they all have 10+ years of musical experience under their belts.

 

This EP kicks of with the track, "O.O.T.N.I.F." a real rocker that starts out with a driving guitar sound that builds to a crescendo with fast paced drum beats joining in on the action.

 

After hearing it I was ready to tighten up the belt and get ready for some really heavy rockin' music. But after that first song the band shifted gears and went in a more melodic direction with the power ballad, "Leave the Door Open," and the piano ballad, "Razor Burn."

 

The guys pick it back up a little with the song, "Losing Sleep", and then end it out with another melodic track, "Silent Movie."

 

The band's press material describes their music as being both classic while still on the cutting edge. A mixture of rock styles combining bands like, the Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age with the edge of Nine Inch Nails.

 

The EP was produced by Matty Green (Solare, Kid Gloves, Xonimo).

 

For a debut release the music was pretty tight and solid. The EP should work as a nice offering to get the band's music out there and heard.

 

 

Alex Tobin- 16 Wentworth Review

Artist: Alex Tobin
Title: 16 Wentworth
Website: http://www.alextobin.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/alextobin
Style: Singer Songwriter/Piano
Musical Influences: Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Train, Counting Crows, Ray Charles, Beatles, Bela Fleck, Bleu, Boston, Elton John, David Gray, Chicago, Coldplay, Phil Collins, Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab for Cutie, Five for Fighting, Guster, Huey Lewis and the News, Bruce Hornsby, Journey, Led Zepplin, Matchbox twenty, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Sting, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, U2, Bob Seger, Simon and Garfunkel, Otis Redding, The Push Stars, Nada Surf, John Williams, Alan Slivestri, Ari Hest, The Who. 
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

You've heard of the saying a boy and his dog? Well 16 Wentworth is a man and his piano.  On it you'll find 7-tracks of very well done piano music that ranges from ballads to lively tickling of the ivory styled songs.

 

The songs found on 16 Wentworth are a collection of songs that were recorded by Alex between July 2002 and Sept. 2004 at Eman Music Studios in Boston. The song's subjects deal with life issues including, relationships, facing and overcoming life problems, and Alex lamenting about his hometown.

 

Alex's piano playing is top notch and his vocals have that friend like tone to them that makes you feel comfortable. The songs have a feel like a friend telling you about his life.

 

His sound has been compared to that of Billy Joel, Ben Folds, and Elton John.

 

If your looking for some really good piano filled singer songwriter style of music to buy then Alex Tobin's release 16 Wentworth will meet and exceed your needs. The songs offer up very nice arrangements along with a wide variety of styles that keep things fresh all topped off with heartfelt lyrics.

 

The Metapuffs- Dimensional Maze Review

Artist: The Metapuffs
Title: Dimensional Maze
Website: http://www.metapuffs.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/themetapuffs
Style: Alternative/Retro Rock
Label: Interplanetary Records
Band Members Tris Lucas (guitar,vocals) Candy Lane (drums, vocals) Jon Collins (bass, backing vocals)
Rating: 8.4 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The Metapuffs got started when Tris Lucas and Candy Lane met at a local Chicago hangout. From there they performed with a couple of different bass players until they met bassist Jon Collins and the final piece of the puzzle was in place.

 

The band was originally known as Lost Monkey but they changed that because they didn't want to get confused with the band the Artic Monkeys due to their growing popularity.

 

If you're like me, and thought Metapuff sounded like it had something to do with a marshmallow, then here's the band's definition of just what it means, "Metapuff is the smallest conceivable unit of matter. It exists outside of time and space as pure potential, and makes up the things that make up the things that make up other particles we are able to observe."

 

The band says that they want to bring the glitz and the glam back to an art form that they say, "...has grown increasingly stale and cookie-cutter."  From seeing the band's picture, listening to their music, and reading their press information I would put them in the category of Prince or David Bowie in regards to their show presence.

 

Their debut release Dimensional Maze features 12 original songs, although Tris Lucas did use the song, "I'd Get Arrested for You," on a solo album he put out in 2004.  Tris is the main songwriter for the band. He says that he churns out on average five songs a week and has written over a thousand songs. So the band should be set for new material for many, many, years to come.

 

The band likes to call their style of music, 'retro-futro,' because of its mixture of both classic and futuristic styles. I could feel both of them in the songs. At times the music felt like a throwback to 60's pop/rock while other times the songs had a space adventure feel.

 

The vocals duties are shared with both male and female lead parts along with the mixing of them in vocal harmonies in the songs.

 

The band's songs deal with a wide variety of emotions. Some song lyrics are joyful while others deal with the more depressing side of life.

 

One of my favorite songs was, "Keep Your Hair Long," a song that had a very deep rock vibe that reminded me a lot of an early Black Sabbath's sound. I also liked the song "2025," with its White Stripes like steady rhythmic beats.

 

While the music found on Dimensional Maze is good I get the feeling that The Metapuffs are the kind of band you need to see live to get the full experience.  And when you do they'll knock your socks off!

 

If you can't catch them live then getting Dimensional Maze is the next best thing.

 

Saint of the Day- Maker Fair EP Review

Artist: Saint of the Day
Title: Maker Fair EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/saintoftheday
Style: Rock
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Formed in early 2007Saint of the Day's debut EP Maker Fair is a blend of rock with elements of the blues. The 5 songs found on this ep (1-"Little Miss My Way", 2-"Relevance", 3-"Heaven", 4-"Bartender", 5-"Humor Me") are driven by the guitar talents of band member Sergio Ortega.

 

The songs are for the most part up-tempo rockers laced with rich guitar solos along with steady drumbeats. Inside of the rock genre the songs range in style from rousing southern rockers to more progressive and blues flavored tracks.

 

The band decided to write songs about subjects that almost everyone could relate to. Issues like, relationships, forgiveness, overindulgence, and laziness are covered in the songs.

 

Saint of the Day has really come out of the starting gate strong with this EP. It grabs your attention from the rocking first song, "Little Miss My Way" and doesn't ever let go.

 

Hopefully it won't be too long before the band goes back into the studio and puts out a full-length release. Until then their Maker Fair EP should fulfill your rock needs.

 

Mouse About- Mouse About Review

Artist: Mouse About
Title: Mouse About
Website: http://www.mouseabout.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mouseabout
Style: Alternative/Rock/Pop
Lineup: Peter O'Dowd (guitar, keyboard, vocals), John Cassibry (bass), Shane Kullberg, (drums, vocals)
Rating: 7 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Mouse About hails from the indie music hotbed of Austin, Texas. On their MySpace page the band list under their musical influences as everyone from, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and AC/DC, to Johnny Cash, Elliot Smith, and Public Enemy. As you might imagine with such an eclectic list their music is very hard to pigeonhole into one particular style.

 

I could hear everything from alternative, rock, 60's pop, punk, ska and jazz in the songs. The one constant that run through the whole release though was a moody undertone. I'm not sure exactly what it's from. Maybe its the deep vocal tones or the unusual sounds found in some of the songs.

 

For any conspiracy theorist out there here's a mystery to ponder. There's no track 10 listed on the CD's packaging. One the CD case's label it skips listing track-10 going from track-9 straight to track-11.

 

At first I thought maybe this was similar to what a lot of hotels do, not having a 13th floor elevator button due to superstition. My question were quickly answered though when I checked the CD and found all of the tracks listed correctly, and it was just a printing error, or was it?

 

Now back to the important stuff, the music. This self-titled release from Mouse About does a really nice job of mixing styles to create their own unique sound and kept the songs sounding fresh. Being an old trumpeter I also enjoyed the trumpet work found on several of the songs provided by Steven Welch.

 

This band has a bit of an offbeat side that comes through in the song lyrics. On their MySpace site when answering the question what their music sounded like they gave the answer, " Like garbage, not the band ".

 

If you have a desire for something a little bit off of the beaten music path, with an edge of quirkiness, then Mouse About's self-titled release is for you.

 

David Sasscer- Quiet Mind Review

Artist: David Sasscer (and the Mojo Conga Jam)
Title: Quiet Mind
Website: http://www.davesasscer.com
Style: World/Pop/SingerSongwriter
Label: Roomful of Sky Records
Rating: 7 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

David was raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, a small town located on the west coast of the island. With this fact along with the press material that came along with this release mentioning that David is joined on the release by his band with the name Mojo Conga Jam I expected to hear a real Latin flavor to the music which didn't happen on most of the songs.

 

David's love of music started early writing songs when he was only in 5th grade. While attending college in Atlanta he shared the music bill with acts like REM and Love Tractor. He quickly notes that this was before REM gained worldwide fame.

 

From there he moved to New York City where he began performing with his band, the 'Mojo Conga Jam', at infamous NYC clubs such as CBGB's, The Bitter End and Under Acme. Sasscer and the Mojo Conga Jam released their first Indie CD, Teaser on Gusto Records, which was labeled by music critics as, 'eclectic pop-definitely worth a listen'.

 

After several years of living in Paris, writing, recording, and producing other artist along with getting a few of his own songs on French radio stations he returned to the states and co-produced a musical television show with the legendary folk-rock artist Richie Havens.

 

He's also been keeping busy writing and producing a soundtrack for the Emmy nominated TV show, "Keeping Kids Healthy."

 

David isn't one to back down when asked a question, when asked if it is possible for an Indie artist to have both commercial success and artistic integrity? He answered with the following, " You can absolutely have artistic integrity and commercial success at the same time. I believe that more often then not, the argument that they are incompatible is used to justify really poor sales and/or really bad art."

 

On his latest release, Quiet Mind, you'll hear a world sound that you can better understand after considering all of his world travels mentioned earlier. The two things that stuck out most in the songs were the drum and percussion parts that steered each songs direction by their beats along with the vocal tracks that have a tone to them that keeps your attention while not going over the top.

 

My favorite tracks were, "Almost Perfect Weekend," a horn saturated island sounding song that deals with romance. I also enjoyed the very lively song, "Dynamite" with its rocking guitar parts and "I Do, To" with its funky R&B bass line.

 

There are two songs that I'm not sure I really got the true meaning of, "Jon Stewart is God," I'm guessing the song is about the Jon Stewart who host the Daily Show on TV. From the song I get the feeling that either David is a 'stalker type fan' of Jon or this song is done with tongue planted firmly in cheek humor.

 

Also the last track, "Doxology" came like a shot out of the blue with its praise and worship lyrics to God. The song features a killer heavy drumbeat that drives it along with other percussion and guitar parts. The vocals don't start until 1:35 into the song and are filled with rich harmonies.

 

This is one of those releases that will grow on you more with each listen as you pick up every little nuance that it has to offer.

 

In a footnote the record label that this release is found on Roomful of Sky Records says that, they strive to achieve their goals in a karmic way. This includes using environmentally friendly packaging and 10% of proceeds from sales going to charity. For this particular album the charity picked was Amnesty International.

 

Digby- What's Not Plastic EP Review

Artist: Digby
Title: What's Not Plastic EP
Website: http://www.digbyonline.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/digby
Style: Pop/Rock
Label: Label X/Toucan Cove Entertainment
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

This band has been put through the ringer of life but continues on. It all started three years ago after the band released their debut full-length release. In the middle of a tour one band member had to deal with a divorce while two other members started to question whether or not they should leave the band. The big blow came shortly afterwards when a close friend of the band was killed in a car accident.

 

The band continues on with a slightly different line up though with the release of their What's Not Plastic EP. In a fitting ironic twist the EP was recorded in a small studio on the second floor of a working funeral home in Louisville, Kentucky over a two-month period in the spring of 2006.

 

As you might imagine the band's music has a searching side to it with songs like, "New America", "Self Evaluation", "Bad Swing", "Knocking at Your Door", and "How Long".

 

The songs feature melodic guitar hooks that draw you in to them. If you're a fan of bands like, Weezer, The Elms, Squeeze and Superdrag then you'll enjoy the sound of Digby.

 

The band has also created videos to accompany each track that can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/user/Pmoeller

 

One final note you can download the entire EP including all of the artwork from the band's website for any size of donation or even free.

 

Here's what the band has to say about the free download,  "Hello, friends. Just wanted to let you in on little secret. Digby has just released its most recent project, the EP "What's Not Plastic". As a special gift, we have decided to make it available on our website as a download. Not only will you get 5 new songs, but all the artwork as well. You can download it for free, or if you choose to help keep us out of the poorhouse, you can donate any amount of money that you feel the songs are worth. As the old song goes "please put a penny in the old man's hat, but if you haven't got a penny, then God bless you."

 

Haven't these guys been through enough already so why not show them some love and give them at least a small donation for all of their efforts put into making the What's Not Plastic EP.

II Big- Face in the Glass Review

Artist: II Big
Title: Face in the Glass
Website: http://www.riverrox.com
Style: Classic Rock
Label: Russian River Records
Lineup: Aubrey Hansen (guitar, vocals), Tom Hansen (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Ken Ingels (drums, percussion), Roger Vance (bass)
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

If you're old enough to remember the 70's and 80's then this band's music will have a familiar tone to it and bring back some fond memories.

 

II Big plays what they describe as, 'brand new classic rock.' They accomplish this by fusing elements of classic rock music along with new musical twists to achieve their sound.

 

The band has opened for all of the top classic rock bands from, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, and Grand Funk Railroad, to Joe Walsh, REO Speedwagon, and the motor city madmen -Ted Nugent.

 

Band drummer Ken Ingels says, "Although our audience seems to be made up of people of all ages, we're most popular with those folks who grew up with the sounds of classic Eagles, Bob Seger, and ZZ Top. "

 

On Face in the Glass you'll find ten tracks, nine of them are originals, and the one cover track is of the Crosby, Stills & Nash classic, "Wooden Ship."

 

I really liked this group's guitar and keyboard driven sound that ranges from country and southern rocker to classic rock ballads. No matter what style of music their playing the band does them all equally well. Besides the song's instrumentation the vocal harmonies found on many of the songs are nothing short of stellar.

 

So if you're a fan of bands like, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., 38 Special, The Marshall Tucker Band, meets Bad Company and ZZ Top then you need to get Face in the Glass and hear what good country flavored classic rock music should sound like.

 

Brittney Elizabeth- Breathe In Review

Artist: Brittney Elizabeth
Title: Breathe In
Website: http://www.brittneyelizabeth.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/brittneyelizabeth19
Style: Pop/Rock/SingerSongwriter
Label: Desert Sunrise Records
Rating: 8.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

When first looking at the 20 year old Brittney Elizabeth one might think that she's just another in the line of cute looking, but limited talent, female artist that has splashed on the music scene in the last several years. Once her vocals start cracking through your stereo speakers though you'll quickly realize that she's different and has real talent.

 

Her trained vocals are clear, bright and passionate. Some of that passion comes from the fact that she's singing about actual events from her life. The songs are filled with her introspective thoughts about first love and following your dreams.

 

Most of the songs are taken from Brittney's journals and notes that she scribbled down while dating a boy that she met in math class as a sophomore in high school. The on and off again relationship didn't last but Brittney says the two still remain best friends.

 

"What I Live for is love and even though it hasn't worked out for me, for us, I'm just glad I got to experience it," Brittney said. "Whether it's happy or sad it is what gives me life. I completely believe in soul mates and finding that one person. I know that I'm not alone in believing this."

 

Breathe In is Elizabeth's debut release and mixes her singer-songwriter side with her pop rocker edge to create an interesting flow to the release.

 

Her musical influences come from many different styles of music. The softer side includes artist like Lisa Loeb, Sarah MacLachlan, and Dashboard Confessional while the pop-punk rocker influence comes from bands like, The Ataris and the queen of punk Patti Smith.

 

You might have heard some of Brittney's music already and not even known it.  Here's a list of some of the shows where her music has, or will be appearing on soon, including MTV shows- The Real World: Hollywood, The Paper, My Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage, The Diary Series, Trick It Out, Cribs, High School Stories, Newport Harbor and True Life.  Along with Lifetime Television's American Psychic Challenge, E! Entertainment- Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Oxygen Network's Bad Girls Club.

 

If you're looking for some singer-songwriter music with a pop rock edge to it then the sweet vocals of Brittney Elizabeth's Breathe In is a must buy.

 

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