Laura Sailer is a karaoke aficionada and singer-guitarist with extensive formal musical training. Aside from teaching elementary music, she provides private lessons in voice, piano, and guitar. Her musical style hovers somewhere between Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco. She’s played guitar for seven years, but is modest enough to admit that DiFranco is a “way…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Drunksouls, Just Before Chaos
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Drunksouls is a band out of Marseilles, France. They have hit the European festival scene and have built quite a name from word of mouth. They are celebrating their latest release, Just Before Chaos that is an eclectic blend of pop and reggae meshed with infectious grooves that keep you coming back for more. A…
Roberta De Francia, Kaleidoscope Stars
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Fusing jazz, folk, and funk with a real sense of fun, London based Italian singer songwriter Roberta De Francia’s Kaleidoscope Stars is a spunky collection of spiralling tunes to bring some sunshine into your day. ‘Get Up And Go’ kicks the album off in a suitably upbeat fashion, and comes into its own when the…
She Bears, We Will Be Fossils
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Columbus Ohio based band She Bears just released their latest CD We Will Be Fossils (2014). This CD contains a tenrocked out collection of recordings from different musical styles and a wide spectrum of emotions. Band includes Band members include Alex Douglas (Guitar, Keys, Bells), Alex Eiler (Drums, Vocals), Ryan Franz (Bass), Stephen Pence (Guitar,…
Jackslacks Release 2 New Singles
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The Jackslacks just dropped 2 new singles – (Other Side/Come Home With Me) under Bungalo Records. Right from the start this surging band led my guitarist/vocalist Jackslacks stands out from other artists in a good way within this overly saturated market. His answer to mundane music is to deliver something that will make you want…
Go, Robot Go – Good Vibes in Fashion Swimwear
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At times these guys just seem a little awkward. At other times they seem a little lackluster and unoriginal. For the most part, though, this works pretty well. Fun is the most common element here, making it the nitrogen of this musical atmosphere. “My Brain Is in Space” is the first song and noisy sounds…
Ari and the Alibis
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Mashing together swing, dancehall, and female-fronted indie rock, Ari and the Alibis is the record you never expected. Opening with ‘Whatever Lola Wants’, we’re treated to a sweet mariachi style introduction which explodes into an unrelenting barrage of skittering guitars and swollen trumpets. The vocals are so powerful, adding contrast and texture to the track,…
Simon Adams, Point and Shoot
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Simon Adams says he wants to be a part of some greater purpose. I believe he has found that purpose in his music and the song, Point and Shoot is taking him to new heights. Adams is from a small town on the south coast of England. But he set off to see the…
Dyanne Harvey, Whiskey & Wine
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Dyanne Harvey harnesses the familiar tones of Sara Bareilles and Celine Dion and delivers her own brand of country tinged soft rock on her sophomore EP, Whiskey & Wine. Opening with ‘Nothin’ New’, things start off pretty easy going, with a emotive piano and Dyanne’s voice coming across as clean and strong. It’s not long…
Steve Ryan, Boundless Moments
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Steve Ryan has an entire catalog of music and has added yet another gem to his collection with, Boundless Moments. This Georgia born musician started at an early age honing his craft and his talents are as boundless as the musical moments on this CD. Ryan, pours his heart and soul into each song with…
Shneal, The Prequel
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With an unrelenting flow, big bold sounds, and serious themes, The Prequel is Shneal’s latest album filled with powerful beats and the clear intention to ‘bring it’. Opening with ‘Universal’, there’s a darkness to the beginning stages of the album, musing on questions of life and moral choices. It’s grand sounding and engaging the whole…
Andrea Remondini, Non Sequitur
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A sprawling, experimental piece running for all of forty four minutes, Andrea Remondini’s Non Sequitur is a wonder-filled experience laced with world music influences. There are enormous crossover points to be found along the way, with the Air-like basslines and spooky choral lines, and the underlying straight-rock sensibilities that hold the entire composition together. From…
Matthew Schultz ft. Alessia Guarnera, Crazy Heart
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Duets are always interesting. It’s about finding two voices that work together to create a sense of chemistry and dynamic, as well as creative tension and blending together. On ‘Crazy Heart’, Matthew Schultz and Alessia Guarnera perform a valiant effort on this R&B schmoozer, with Guarnera’s voice opening the track over a wistful acoustic guitar.…
Joel Havea, Strings and Wood EP
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Joel Havea clearly loves the blues, and similarly loves the guitar. Strings And Wood is his latest EP, and it’s all about the guitar, baby. Mini documentary/EP preview on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4rijvyBGew Kicking off with ‘Going Gone’, it’s a spunky, folky blues track with flashes of Stevie Wonder. As a three minute pop song, it’s over…
ODD FELLOWS REST, THE LAST HOMBRES
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TLH features the main members Paul Schmitz on guitar/vocals, Michael Meehan on bass/vocals, Russ Seeger on guitar/vocals, and the added talents of Chris James keys/vocals, and Tom Ryan on drums. The songs were written by the three member core, and relayed in story form. When you listen to this release, it’s obvious who their influences…
EUROPE LIVE, ERIC JOHNSON
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Texan EJ has always been right at home standing back to back and sharing the stage with other top guitar slingers like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Jonny Lang, and everyone on the Experience Hendrix tour. On occasion, and during solo tours you get to hear Eric sing, which he also does well. One thing is…
Juliette Jules, Black Crow EP
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Opening with the impossible confidence of ‘Johnny Was’, Paris’ own Juliette Jules immediately shows off her abilities as a young singer-songwriter. Perfectly matching sparkling piano and shuffling drums with Jules’ spectacular voice, it’s clear that this is a musician deserving of great things. Sounding like Lana Del Rey with a sense of humour, she carries…
Ray William Roldan, Mended Fences
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Ray William Roldan is back with his latest release, Mended Fences. He comes on the scene with the same tenacity he puts forth in everything that he does. He is edgy country and rockin’ the socks off his fans globally. He is enjoying radio play worldwide and after listening, I can certainly understand why. He…
The Pondhawks, The Pondhawks Have Landed
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One of Chicago’s top indie pop bands are The Pondhawks, who are making a spash not just locally but also abroad, with their brand of cheeky soft rock. The Beatles are the first thing that comes to mind, not necessarily the actual band, but the band members during their various solo adventures, Paul McCartney’s solo…
JP Stacka featuring Shemida, J-B Without U
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JP Stacka reigns out of Tampa, FL and is no stranger to the industry. He has been in the business for 14 years and the experience shows in his music. His latest single featuring the lovely Shemida J, B Without U, is a song you can’t live without. Listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/jpstacka/song/20032540-b-without-u This tune has all the…
Jiggley Jones, A Mountain, A Struggle, A Tunnel, A Light (EP)
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From Coatsville, Pennsylvania comes Alternative Singer/Songwriter Jiggley Jones who just released his latest EP (A Mountain, A Struggle, A Tunnel, A Light) in 2014 (Lamon records). Many of you are already aware how fickle this industry is. Right from the start it might be easy to just categorize Jones as some straight ahead folk rocker,…
Stage Republic, Firstage
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Taking the elements of classic pop music, particularly pop music from the 80s, and reconfiguring them in a 21st century format, Stage Republic have created Firstage, a synth filled album with hooks around every corner. ‘The Last Side’ unpacks the synths and sets up the stall, presenting vocals that bear influences from Sting and Phil…
itsDICE, Philosophy
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itsDice is hitting the airwaves and coming to us from Los Angeles, CA. His latest release is, Philosophy and he is telling it like it is with conviction. He has a smooth sound with a lot to say, talking about growing up in a poor neighborhood and being exposed to the harsh realities of gang…
Chand K Nova, Solar Bliss EP
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Guitarist and songwriter Chand K Nova’s new e.p. Solar Bliss is an instrumental guitar record that’s an interesting mix of styles and sounds. Allowing the guitar to be front and center as the ‘voice’ of the music, Chand K Nova’s e.p. is full of passion and understated melodies. The e.p. begins with the title track…
Eluusif, Aliens Do it Better
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Eluusif is an electronic dance Dubstep artist out of London. The latest creation is, Aliens Do It Better. Eluusif is definitely doing it as good as they come and is dancing their way into your psyche and possessing your body into a musical frenzy. Allow me to paint the scene for you. The lights go…
The Fixers Red, Novellus
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The Fixers Red is a one man band from Seattle that writes, records and produces his own songs. “Novellus” is his latest offering, and man what an offering it is. 19 songs, ranging from jazz to progressive altrock, there’s alot of variety here, and the man behind The Fixers Red [Daniel Schauer] plays every instrument…
CD REVIEW: THE BLUES CAME CALLIN’, WALTER TROUT
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During the celebration of Walter’s 25 years of being a solo artist (and some 50 years in the business) he was struck with severe liver problems, and is awaiting a transplant. This release and an official biography will be available in June. With the exception of a John Mayall and J.B. Lenoir cover, the songs…
PRODUCT REVIEW: ROLLING STONES GEAR, ANDY BABIUK & GREG PREVOST
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Talk about an obsession, this is 672 pages of Rolling Stones gear, trivia, and history. The subtitle is “All The Stones’ Equipment From Stage To Studio”. This five or so pound coffee table version (large table) tells you just about everything you wanted to know, or want to debate. It begins covering the history of…
Bae Kuang, These Darling Wings
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With her latest release, These Darling Wings shows off Bae Kuang’s skills as a singer, lyricist, and composer. Opening with the EP’s title track, her skills are gifts are immediately clear, balancing the tones like that of Norah Jones, Nina Persson, and even Stevie Nicks with soft, laid back instrumentation that is minimal yet commanding.…
Monks of Mellonwah, Turn the People
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Monks of Mellonwah are an award winning 4 piece alternative rock band out of Sydney, Australia. They have actively toured in their own country as well as the United States promoting their debut release, Turn The People. Monks of Mellonwah have put their best foot forward and poured their hearts out in this CD. I…
Nick Deutsch, Crazy Ride
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As Nick Deutsch’s Crazy Ride EP opens with ‘Run’, it’s immediately clear that he’s a capable songwriter and musician. The track borrows a whole host of contemporary stylings that could easily be found in the music of James Blunt and Owl City. It’s on the chorus, however, that the song really shines; soaring high with…
Matt Townsend and the Wonder of the World, Self Titled
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Taking the classic sounds of Bob Dylan and wrapping them up in a country/americana shell, Matt Townsend’s latest release is overflowing with summery vibes, good feelings, and great tunes. If the lap steel and hammond organ on ‘Carry On’ don’t grab you, then there’s little hope for you. If, however, you find that this is…
Sullivan Brill, Flashes of Light
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Sullivan Brill [The Singing Postman] single “Flashes Of Light” is an cool synthpop/new wave mix of hiphop beats, synthpop keyboards and robotic harmonic voices. He introduces the song by stating “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an emergency… this is what it’s not” and followed by random light driven rescue vehicles “fire engine… police car” with…
Christina Rubino, Alive From The Scraphead
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How would I describe Christina Rubino? She writes songs about the people, places and things that he loves, with a healthy combination of humor, skepticism, and honesty. He admits to what he doesn’t understand, questions what he already knows, and asks his listeners to join him in viewing life from a different angle. Some tales…
Godhead, The Shadow Realigned
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Godhead’s latest release, The Shadow Realigned is a compilation of songs each produced by a different person creating a unique sound. This Goth band is some heavy hitters that have been on the scene for quite some time. They have built upon their momentum and have perfected their skills. Through their artistic richness they have…
Piqued Jacks, Upturned Perspectives
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Funked-up and with their phasers set to stun, Piqued Jacks burst onto the scene with their latest EP Upturned Perspectives. The title track strikes a balance between funk, indie-rock, and a sprinkling of country vibes running through the mix. Once the chorus kicks in, it’s clearly a blazing piece which a strong hook that’s immediately…
Fox Band – Fox (EP)
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Kalamazoo, Michigan power trio, Fox has released a new 4 song EP entitled “Fox EP” and is available for a sample listen via the below BANDCAMP Link. As a music fans aficionado who’s strictly a voyeur, and /or a writer who’s never played a lick or tried to fit different musical components together into a…
The Cosmonauts, Take Me To Your Leader
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The Cosmonauts, in case you weren’t aware, are a new wave funk band with their tongues firmly wedged in their cheeks. Their songs are filled with Soviet references and jokey faux-communist phrasings, with ‘Space Debris’ name checking Boris Yeltsin, Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin. While the new wave aesthetic runs throughout the album, there are a…
Conrad Clifton, Picture in Picture
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Experienced as an actor and model, current Brooklyner Conrad Clifton is also a composer – one with a résumé that sports such partnering credits as Missy Elliot, Rick Ross, and Asher ‘i love college’ Roth. Having deejayed at numerous events, ranging from nightclubs to corporate shindigs, Mr. Clifton cultivated a talent on how to “read…
Impuritan, Make It Look Like Nothing Happened
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Opening with a massive, doomy soundscape, Impuritan nail their colours to the mast with ‘Monster Acolyte’, a sprawling psych-rock prog start to their latest release, Make It Look Like Nothing Happened. Influences appear to be many and varied – The Mars Volta, Opeth, Pelican, even Sunn O))) on the album’s darker moments. It’s an album…
