intodown- Brave New World Review

Artist: intodown
Title: Brave New World
Website: http://www.intodown.com/
CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/intodown
Style: Progressive Rock/ Psychedelic
Rating: 8.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Michael Clark leads the musical cast that also includes a rotation of several musicians playing bass and drum parts found on Brave New World.

 

Clark wears many hats on this release that include, guitarist, composer, and producer.

 

As an old car ad use to say, 'This isn't your dad's Oldsmobile' intodown isn't your normal music. Clark's music is a built upon a base of progressive rock along with big heapings of psychedelic, stoner, 60's guitar rock, blues, and experimental mixed in to create a very unique sound.

 

They want their music to be more then a singular sound intodown wants to, 'create a world of sound, a musical journey'.

 

The music found on Brave New World has a dark almost industrial sound that always is there lurking in the background while Clark's guitar playing keeps you mesmerized. The music has the feeling of always being on the edge of total chaos but manages to never crossover the line into musical madness.

 

For the most part Brave New World is instrumental minus the occasional low-tone vocals or haunting background words.

 

This release lets you hear what music can sound like when not under the, keep it short for radio play rule. 7 and 8-minute songs are the norm with both the 12 minutes ( "Nostradamous") and 20 minutes medley ( "Fire", "V", "Revolution","Message Understood", "The Mission, "Revolution 2" "Voice of the Past")

 

If you're looking for epic music where the psychedelic past of the 60's meets up with a dark futuristic industrial sound, that is dripping with great guitar work, then you need to get intodown's Brave New World.

 

Brave New World isn't an easy listen but if you're willing to spend the time and take this musical thrill ride you will be justly rewarded.

Patrick Coman- An Audience of One EP Review

Artist: Patrick Coman
Title: An Audience of One EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/patrickcoman
Style: Folk/Rock/Country
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Patrick Coman is a singer/songwriter from Tulsa Oklahoma. His new EP An Audience Of One, features 5 original songs. Patrick has been involved in music and bands since the age of 17 and lists his musical influences as, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, The Black Crowes, Gram Parsons, Drive-By Truckers, Rolling Stones, and Noel Gallagher.

 

This release takes more of a hard edge then his previous acoustic work. The first four songs found on, An Audience of One, are filled with lively guitar parts and steady drumbeats. The vocals are gritty and emotional dealing with the down and dirty side of life while still keeping a slight glimpse of optimism in them.

 

Patrick (guitar, vocals) is also joined by Erin Nelson (drums, vocals) and Nashville veteran Steve Goodie (upright bass) on track-5 "Maria."

 

While the first four tracks are more rock-flavored track-5 "Maria" goes more of folk/rock ballad ala Bob Dylan for its sound.

 

This release has that little extra musical swagger to it that starts right from the release's cover that is a picture of an outdoor show with only one fan in the audience whipping the bird.

 

I like my music with a little side order of grit and gumption ala Steve Earle so Patrick Coman's An Audience of One EP hit the right spot for me.

Time Life's Songs 4 Ever Collection - Worship Review

Artist: Time Life's Songs 4 Ever Collection
Title: Worship
Website: http://www.timelife.com
Style: Praise & Worship
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Time Life's Songs 4 Ever is a 10 CD set but I've decided to review each CD found in the set individually. Last time we reviewed the CD Shout from the boxed set.

 

While Shout was more about loud and rocking music for the young or young at heart Worship is more for reflective type worship.

 

The fifteen songs that are found on Worship are ones that you 'd hear being sung during a Sunday morning or evening church service.

 

The songs fall more into the melodic and rich range with strings, organs and flutes found in them. The songs also feature rich vocal harmonies and choir like parts.

 

Worship features artist, Chris Tomlin, New Life Worship, Passion Worship Band, Hillsong, Delirious?, Robin Mark, Marty Nystorm, Don Moen, Twila Paris, Integrity Worship, Newsong, Graham Kendrick, and Kathryn Scott .

 

This release is one that you put in your stereo, get down on your knees, and spend time in worship.

 

Cougar Magnum- Green EP Review

Artist: Cougar Magnum
Title: Green EP
Website: http://www.cougarmagnum.com
Style: Jam/Rock
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Cougar Magnum started out in September 2006 hailing from the city of Raleigh, North Carolina and is comprised of, Shane Smith (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Brandon McLean (guitar, vocals, kazoo), Alex Shepherd drums, vocals), John Federal (bass, vocals) and Tim Lee (keys, vocals).

 

The band combines many elements to achieve their sound found on their first release the Green EP. The 5 tracks (1.Emily's Song, 2.The Outer Banks, 3.The Trail, 4. Jump In, 5. Felix Chesapeake) do have some things in common including a light and fun feeling that runs throughout.

 

You'll also find an ever-present drum beat that is built upon with free flowing dual guitar parts, and smooth keyboard work along with layered vocal harmonies. Several of the songs also feature nice little extras like whistling and harmonica.

 

On their website the band says that their name comes from, the cougar-cat and magnum-condom.

 

The Green EP offers the listener a nice big bite sized morsel of the band's music.

 

The band also has an interesting court case about to happen. In the spring of 2007 they competed in a Battle of the Bands and won. They were suppose to win $400 cash, 20 hours of studio time, a promotional deal, and a guaranteed gig at a large event however all they ended up getting was the cash.

 

So they turned to TV justice and will be appearing before TV Judge Greg Mathis on January 23rd. That episode of the show is scheduled to then air in February or March.