Tony Levitas is in a jovial mood throughout “Black Sky Blanket”. Playing the songs through a nostalgic filter the songs possess a keen sense of warmth. By keeping the pieces relatively low key Tony Levitas explores the quieter impulses in life. Day-dreamlike in tone the pieces are well-crafted pieces of art. Lyrically the songs convey…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Bridgend – Directed by John Michael Williams
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Bridgend explores one community’s experience with what appears to be an ongoing tragic series of events. Incredibly tight-knit it has seen a large amount of media attention for the large percentage of individuals who took their own lives. While John Michael Williams explores some of the explanations for these events ultimately it is impossible to…
KING – Imperial Majesty (feat. The Band of the Hawk)
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“Imperial Majesty” is all about being smooth: smooth flows and smooth samples. KING has impeccable taste in how each song is arranged. As KING states in “Bulletproof Wallet”: It’s that smooth shit right here. The number of references thrown into the mix is incredible. Kaleidoscopic at times it is an incredible assortment showing off KING’s…
Victoria Blythe – Silver Flyer
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Joni Mitchell meets Nora Jones–stunning voice, dazzling guitar, brilliant originals and innovatively interpreted covers. “Absolutely amazing voice, pitch strong and with a wonderful delivery” Niklas Hansson, Universal Music Scout. Victoria Blythe has been performing for many years in the SF Bay Area and beyond as vocalist, songwriter and co-leader of the award-winning Americana band Calaveras,…
Molly Roth – “Believe Me”
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When naysayers question if new artists have the same depth and talent as our longstanding pop icons, Molly Roth is the answer. This North Carolina native, a classically trained and seasoned performer, will startle all but the most jaded with her track “Believe Me”. Molly Roth is a modern throwback of colossal proportions. A class…
Go Time
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One of the greatest things a music-lover can experiences is the discovery of a new artist so exciting, so invigorating it makes the listener want to “really” write about it. Though I don’t write reviews under false pretenses I will admit many times I find myself writing reviews based on music that is to say…
Strange Anthem – EP Volume 1
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Strange Anthem’s “EP Volume 1” has the full-bodied feel of J. G. Thirlwell’s best work. Flawlessly transitioning from full-on rock to industrial-dance landscapes, Strange Anthem packs a lot of detail into these three songs. Infinitely catchy they worm themselves deep into the mind. Lyrically the songs take on a cryptic vibe which matches the overall…
Assaf Kehati – Naked
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This CD “Naked” is the latest release from Boston based Jazz Guitarist and his trio. As a leader, Mr. Kehati has recorded three CDs that have received numerous rave reviews – A View From My Window (2010) and Flowers and Other Stories (2011) and his latest album, Naked (2014). This latest 9 Track work gives…
Dr Wippit – For Everyone
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“For Everyone” is full of raw grit and true energy. Dr Wippit uses a funky sensibility throughout the songs. By letting the rhythm serve as the focal point of the songs he is able to incorporate other elements into the song: from a low-key psychedelic tinge to a dreamy vocal delivery. The combination of these…
Patrick James Clark – Letters To Beatrice
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Alright…Patrick James Clark! You and I sir…we’ve got something to discuss before I get into reviewing your music sir…yep, that’s right mister, not another word from me about your excellent songwriting until we resolve this beef I’ve got with ya… You see my friend…it’s just that…well…when I push play on your latest EP, and the…
Crawl – Anticipate The Fall
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This one’s tough. Crawl is an undeniably hard-hitting band from the Eastern side of Canada…wasn’t even kidding; most of these songs are tough as nails. Though they’re capable of incorporating a little melody into their music at any time, but for the majority, expect complete and utter chaos. From the moment “Rise” starts out with…
DF3 – “Tell Me”
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Synth-pop band DF3 have just released their debut single into the world and it’s a hot one; “Tell Me” is a flawless production through and through, showing real promise for this 3 piece band for the future to come. With its slow and steady pulse and driving chorus, this song is both a throwback in…
Jet Force Gemini – Pistola Melodica
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I can only imagine how I would have reacted to this album during my high-school years…this was right where I was at; high-energy music that pounded with a furious pulse, big hooks and bigger choruses. I still react well to this genre when I hear it done well like it is here with Jet Force…
Morgan’s Road – Topics of Love
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5 Piece Rock Band “Morgan’s Road” has a new fusionist sound to me. This latest 15 Track epic release “Topics of Love” captures the energy and foundations of this new sound. This new style of music has hooky vocals, thumpy beats, crunchy guitar, and heavy bass lines that will make you dance, sing, and beg…
KILL RITUAL NEW SINGLE “DROP DEAD GORGEOUS”
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SF BAY AREA Thrash’N’Rollers KILL RITUAL have made the unreleased track “Drop Dead Gorgeous” available for free download and streaming on SoundCloud and ReverbNation. The song comes off their 2014 release ‘The Eyes Of Medusa‘ as a thank you to all the fans that have supported the band the last few years. The song was…
Xavier Toscano – Feels So Good
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Feels So Good is pure sonic hedonism. This is dance music at its absolute best. By distilling each song down to the absolute essence of party-infused fun (catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and concise delivery) Xavier Toscano has created an incredible album. Every song lasts exactly as long as it should. Sonically the songs are incredibly…
TIYAH – Don’t Know Why/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
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TIYAH takes songs and makes them better. By adding her own distinctive flair to these beloved pieces she is able to explore different moods within them. Her approach is casual and carefree. Put together they reflect upon her own unique strengths alongside her backing band which offers the right kind of adornment for her smooth…
Lina Fouro – The Love Cycle
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Lina Fouro’s “The Love Cycle” combines delectable pop with colorful imagery. With a clear debt to dance music “The Love Cycle” bounces. Melodies glide by luxuriously. Impeccably produced the songs sparkle and shine. At times the music feels so joyous it might as well be neon-tinted. Pieces move by quickly as the tempos blare forth…
Jackson Ward, Goodbye Trouble (EP)
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Jackson Ward is one band appearing to be making all the right moves. Their infectious blend of country and rock is on display as he blazes the trail in 2014/2015 on tour. Tour dates are listed far below hyperlink. Country by definition, but fueled by rock and roll and infected with a watermelon-sized helping of…
Michal Rudas – Whisper
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“Whisper” is a catchy affectionate piece of pop. Everything about it glimmers with optimism. Michal Rudas works wonders in neatly embodying the joys of being in a loving relationship. The strong melody and attention to detail help to highlight its general sense of overall comfort. A strong beat helps to carry and propel the track…
Lena Fayre – Oko
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Intro: Lena Fayre has been making quite a name for herself regionally and nationally. She’s received critical acclaim for her amazing songwriting and impressive talent from many prominent music critics thus far in her musical career. This includes millions of views on YouTube and a nod from Rolling Stone Magazine. As a versatile vocalist, she…
Sarantos – The Happiest Time of the Year
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“The Happiest Time of the Year” is aptly named. Sarantos express his utmost cheer throughout the piece. With a jaunty feel the song captures the true spirit of the holiday season: one where people are able to appreciate their closest relationships friends and family. By using a playful attitude throughout the piece it simultaneously explores…
We Are Galilee – Arrival EP
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You know…oddly enough…I think if I was to look back through our entire history there would be less than a handful of reviews on what I’d consider to fit into the ‘dance-music’ category. With the partitions in this genre being so extremely-edged, parameters like electronic/dance music can only go so far to describe a sound,…
Dimestore Prophets – Be Yourself
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Boy-O…have you ever gone to sleep with nothing but the intention of seeing the clock spin forward and find yourself in the throes of another day…only to awaken merely hours later, compellingly refreshed like you had spent the entire winter hibernating and conserving your energy? Cause that’s where I’m at right now…think I drifted off…
Evolove, We Are The Warriors
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Evolove just released their latest CD entitled We are The Warriors” (2014) under Spectra Records. These latest group of songs are sure to one day be remembered as one of the classic modern rock band of our time. It’s pure Blues the way it used to be via full-tilt playing and hooky soulful grooves. The…
Casey Fallen, Atmospheric Disturbances
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Casey Fallen just released his latest 13 Track installment entitled “Atmospheric Disturbances.” The mood is pungent, dark and ever so representative of the true Hollywood experience, the climb to fame and stardom stripped of its glamour. Instead what is revealed is the tone of prevailing truths within the mountain of glitter and lights. The music…
Naomi – All About That Bass
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All About That Bass is a playful optimistic piece of pop. Naomi uses the song structure as yet another aspect for her lyrics to bounce off of creating a whirlwind of exuberant joy. Her positive outlook on childhood helps to highlight the overall sense of happiness that radiates from the piece whether it is about…
Atman – Silence Is Golden
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Let this be a lesson to you all…don’t just check ONE page, check them all! My original experience in listening to Atman came through what I found out to be a mere sampling of the full album on his Soundcloud page – for a moment there…I was about to review this new music as I…
Laura Cole – Dirty Cheat
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Laura Cole’s spirited delivery and retro style make “Dirty Cheat” a memorable damned perfect LP. By letting the songs unfold naturally she creates the aura of smoke-filled rooms late at night, with her lyrics serving as the equivalent of pouring her heart out. Thankfully she opts to use this style to call out people, to…
Scarlet & The Harlots – We Can’t Seem To Get Enough
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We Can’t Seem To Get Enough bursts at the seams. Remarkably busy arrangements give the songs a sense of controlled chaos. Scarlet & The Harlots understand this concept well as they fill their pieces with horns, strong vocals, nimble drumming, and infectious bass. Horns happen to serve as a form of punctuation for the pieces.…
Morning Fame – Voyager EP
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This latest release by Canadian 4 member rock band Morning Fame is a compilation EP called “Voyager.” This is not a new band as they have several albums to their credit now. A band like Morning fame really cannot and/or should not be underscored of even conveniently pigeonholed. Their latest 4 Track EP is called…
The Frank Hovat Band – Strange Machine
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The Frank Horvat Band hails from Canada and is led by Frank Horvat. Formed in 2013 by Canadian composer/pianist Frank Horvat, The Frank Horvat Band’s uncreative name hides a wildly creative sound and a roster of ultra-talented musicians. An indie art rock band with an electronic edge, they create a textured atmospheric sound that envelops…
Kenny Fame – Fame Whore
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Kenny Fame’s “Fame Whore” is a delightful blend of electro, glam rock, dance, and more. Everything comes together perfectly on these carefully constructed pieces. With the songs kept at perfect length, the real focus is Kenny Fame’s lyrical prowess. Ranging from straight-up party anthems like the opening “Shadow Dancer” to the heartfelt romantic “Julie” Kenny…
Flower Girl – Volume VI
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Great things come in small packages. Like I always say, until you push play or see a listing of track-lengths…you just don’t know if you’re in for an album or an EP. I suppose that’s why I’m here partially…I get to play the role of the spoiler for the confused, so here it is; make…
We Live in Sod Houses – Shark for a Week”
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We Live in Sod Houses latest release “Shark for a Week” yields a dynamic, diverse collection of thirteen tracks that beautifully fuse punk and alt-rock. At the same time, they enlisted the help of some high-profile folks to round out their sound as listed below. Dustin DeBoer- Guitar& Vocals Rachel DeBoer – Vocals and Percussion…
Antone – V2.0
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Antone’s “V2.0” is dance music done right, done decadently. Opting for dance with the absolute essentials Antone strips the songs down to their absolute basics. This approach works well for him as he is able to indulge both in downright endless grooves and shorter, more experimental playful pieces that highlight the origins of electronic dance…
Nomadic Attic, Nomadic Attic EP
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Now here’s something – hear something by Nomadic Attic! On this self-titled you’ll find five songs of true atmospheric brilliance, all unique in their own right, all coming together perfectly as one on this new self-titled EP. There’s a captivating, almost hypnotic quality that can’t be mistaken on Nomadic Attic’s EP…great tunes here – turn…
The Royal Guard – “Hail the King”
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The Royal Guard are: Todd Davidson (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Andy Ascolese (Guitar, Vocals), Fred Scragg (Drums). Upon returning back home to NYC after living 5 years in Eastern Europe, Todd was ready to create, exciting music that can reach young people. First he called Fred. They worked great together but something was missing. The next…
Kimi Kent – Wayward Child EP
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Kimi Kent’s “Wayward Child EP” embodies music with true heart and soul. Songs burst forth with great energy on the EP. Everything comes together to paint the portrait of a lovely life. Little lyrical flourishes work wonders as does her powerful singular voice. Her arrangements are tasteful and concise. Nicely unfolding to reveal great beauty…
Tom Rhodes, With or Without
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Tom Rhodes “With or Without” is as warm and as real as a group of friends gathered around the campfire. Honest, sincere, and raw, “With or Without” is the sound of country music done right. Vocals drive the whole thing, as Tom Rhodes’ voice is without peer. His band is amazing as well, knowing when…
