Let’s be honest for just a second shall we. I get a lot of albums sent my way for review and I mean a lot. Most of them don’t do anything for me. They don’t always get happily placed in the CD player, but the ones that do usually get a three song stay of…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Nagmah, Diva Mortis
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From the Costa Rican capital of San José comes a metal band called Nagmah. Formed in 2003, these guys have played all over Central America, including some rather intimidating-sounding events, such as the Metal Mutilation Fest in Nicaragua. They have an album out, and it’s called Diva Mortis. Not sure about the exact translation, but…
Sharp Practise, Steal With Pride
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Formed in 1999, Sharp Practise is a rock band from the U.K. that has been around the global block, appearing on TV screens from Australia to Canada, along with providing music for such bigwig companies as Fila. Viewing their studio as an instrument in its own right, Sharp Practise takes a rather scientific approach to…
Vacant Party, Myths
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Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There’s something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good…
Tomorrows, The Code Duello (Preview)
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Formerly known as The Jim Ivins Band, I had the pleasure of reviewing their last two EP’s but that was then and this is now. Actually, it’s Tomorrows and don’t forget it! Made up of brothers Jim & Jack Ivins, Tomorrows are trying to breathe new life into Rock music that they feel…
Paul Meadow, Frozen Christmas Radio Train
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Paul Meadow is one of those singular composers band out of Brooklyn, New York who just released his latest EP entitled Frozen Christmas Radio Train in late 2013. Meadow presents an original blender of sound mixing bands like Psychedelic Furs, Love and Rockets, R.E.M, Brian Eno, David Sylvian and Divine Fits. On this EP expect…
Andrea Desmond, Open Spaces EP
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Open Spaces is an eclectic yet unique pop offering from Seattle based singer/songwriter Andrea Desmond (Spectra Records). Her music is hard to put in a generalized category or genre, but she does manage to incorporate elements of indie, rock, jazz, folk, and even pop parallel to the 90’s. Desmond received training in songwriting under…
Rob Larkin & the Wayward Ones, Dogwood Roots
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Enter Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Rob Larkin & The Wayward Ones who just released his latest 10 track CD entitled “Dogwood Roots” (2013). On the upside, you can expect 10 vintage pieces that champion high quality poppy folk and topics canvassed against an alt-rock backdrop. Some songs have an almost earthy sound to them while…
Brandon White, In My Younger Dreams (2013)
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This CD “In My Younger Dreams” by Arkansas’ own Brandon White is sure to one day be remembered as one of the classic good timing Americana-Alt Rock CD’s of recent time. Its pure rocking Americana magic the way it used to be, full of cautionary tales, and a passion for life and life on the…
Magic Punches
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Based in Portland OR, Magic Punches is a pop rock duo consisting of Lee Barbara and Bobby Seus. Musically, they’re both very well educated: Mr. Barbara went to Univ. of Oregon on a jazz scholarship, while Mr. Seus obtained a degree in Music Theory from Notre Dame. The band has three EPs out, two of…
Julian & The Upside Sound, Julian & The Upside Sound
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Get ready for the unexpected with this self titled debut by Julian & The Upside Sound, a self described “true fusion of Celtic ethereal sensibility with a bluegrassy folk drive.” The unconventional yet joyful sound is thanks largely to the chemistry of the lifelong friends that make up the group. “Water” is a fast paced…
Kris N, The Thankful Parade
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Indie pop group Kris N is making waves again with their latest effort “The Thankful Parade” and as the title suggests, it’s a celebration of life with a dreamy pop flair. “First and 10” begins with an 80’s new wave flair, straight out of a John Hughes prom scene. “Carillon Belles” carries the balladry along…
Andy Ferrell, I Was Born
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Americana singer/songwriter Andy Ferrell is an emerging artist from North Carolina. His debut “I Was Born” is a culmination of traditional roots, country and folk and owes a debt to Andy’s idol and musical mentor Doc Watson. The e.p. kicks things off with “On The Road” which is a tale of his travels overseas to…
Supa, Back 2 Basics
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The Supa is in the building and he is not leaving until he fixes the rap game! Supa is a dedicated rapper who is on a mission and won’t quit until the job is done. Supa is going ‘Back 2 Basics’ on the all new Mixtape featuring beats from Sadik. Originally from…
Margot MacDonald, Canvas
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Margot MacDonald’s latest release, Canvas is literally a piece of art. This is her fourth full length CD and the talent shines even brighter than the one before. When you think she has topped herself she comes back with yet another group of songs that leave you astounded. She uses her signature looping to produce…
Echo Arcadia, Beauty in the Average Life (CD)
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Let’s be honest for just a second shall we. I get a lot of albums sent my way for review and I mean a lot. Most of them don’t do anything for me. They don’t always get happily placed in the CD player, but the ones that do usually get a three song stay of…
Marc Maynon, Download Jesus
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Fans of classic and Adult rock might want to take note of this little gem by songwriter Marc Maynon titled “Download Jesus”. As the first track “Man of Many Faces” implies, there are many different influences and sounds permeating this release. The opening track has a breezy 70’s rock sound and a warm analogue tone…
Decoded, Topanga
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While it is true many feel the music industry is in disarray it’s always a breath of fresh air to hear a new band or artist that’s not afraid to take chances with their musical expression. With 4 piece band from Los Angeles — Decoded and their latest 5 song musical offering entitled “Topanga” it’s…
MATT SCHOFIELD, FAR AS I CAN SEE
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The English blues guitarist/songwriter has gained popularity as an artist throughout the world, and with his fifth studio release keeps the trend going. As most of the legendary English guitarists grew up on the blues, you don’t run across many newer younger entries into the blues category. Matt has his own version of…
Richie Aldente, Disco Baby
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Disco Baby is the followup release from disco pranksters Richie Aldente. Their debut “For The Ladies” established the group as one to watch, and Disco Baby firmly cements them as one of the most original and fun acts to ever come out of post grunge Seattle. The album kicks off with “Take My Party Serious”,…
Eliza, Anything Can Happen
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Eliza[pronounced Eleeza] is an original artist and composer from Southern California. Her debut release “Anything Can Happen” is coming out early 2014 and shows us that she really knows what’s up. Her dark electropop sound is a perfect soundtrack for club life and celebration, fitting in somewhere between Lady Gaga and deadmau5. “Anything Can Happen”…
Archangel, The Elite EP
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Archangel is no higher-ranking angel by any means, but I would honestly say he does rank fairly high in the area of rapping skills & execution. Archangel represents Memphis, Tennessee and he appears to be a man on a mission when it comes to holdin’ down the hip-hop game. Music runs through his…
Jumpship Astronaut, Lights Burn Out
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Jumpship Astronaut is a four-piece (formerly a five-piece) electronic and dance music group that has a few indie pop/rock tendencies. The band seems to be relatively popular within its own community, and performs frequently in its hometown of Oklahoma City and nearby Tulsa. Jumpship Astronaut is Ryan Bryant on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Bourland…
Olivia Frances, Back to Happiness
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Fusing her “addiction to the catchy melodies of pop” with her love for the storytelling aspect of country music, 17-year-old Olivia Frances puts forth her own distinctive blend. Though she likes the work of such hotties as Taylor Swift and the cougar-ish TLC, her most profound musical epiphany occurred when she heard “Shining Star” by…
Allen D, “In The Still of The Nightâ€
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L.A.-based composer Allen D skillfully employs the software on his laptop to convert conventional romantic ballads to up-tempo electronic dance music. His work strives for a new way to showcase “the musical genius of the great American songwriters.” “Still of The Night” Video Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3qSUpD1Ajo Allen has a four-track EP in the works, and it’s…
Spycker, Voted Away
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Belgium based Spycker (Michiel Omtzigt) just released a new 10 song album entitled “Voted Away.” in 2013. This surging artists based in Amsterdam is slowly becoming a musical force with this his third release to date. In fact yhis marks his third release and following previous releases (Fonderie Olive, 2011) and experimental electronica (Ner Begot…
MAD THE MARTIAN, BLAST OFF
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Can Aliens Save Rock-n-Roll? Meet Mad The Martian whose tagline is “They come from outerspace to save Rock-n-Roll”. While this is all in cheeky good fun, there’s something to be said about this bands’ intentions. Rock has always been about invention and rebellion, and MTM does both in spades. “Blast Off” is their debut and…
Michael Henchman, 40 Miles from Midnight
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(PORTLAND) Michael Henchman performs, writes and records in a unique hybrid style that fuses the rhythms of classic folk, singer/songwriter and vintage pop melodies and a lyrical sense of humor. In his own words Michael says, “I unearthed these stories as songwriters often do, witnessing clues along the byways of our own lives… a woman…
Zora, Metamorphosis
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Welcome Zora with their debut, full-length album titled ‘Metamorphosis’ just released as of Friday the 13th of all days! Whether luck is on their side or not, Zora proves to be insanely original & creative on the new release. The record is described as a: “concept album based on Kafka’s novella; the album…
Bigg Redd, Do You Qualify
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Do You Qualify is the latest album available by Lake Charles, Louisiana based Bigg Redd and his red hot Creole Soul sound. First a bit about Bigg Redd: Josef “Bigg Redd” Arline grew up in Hillister, Texas about 45 minutes North of Beaumont, TX and 45 minutes West of Louisiana. Like many vocalists and performers…
Slowmatch, Illusions EP
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Combining years of musical experience, this world traveler, composer, songwriter, producer known as Slowmatch has been around for many years but was born in Brussels, Belgium. It is inspired by the post punk scene, and what was called the Cold Wave, and bands that broke new ground like Joy Division, Bauhaus, Killing Joke. It also…
FlyByWire, Lost and Found
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Sydney Australia rockers “Fly by Wire” seem to making all the right moves. Working hard, releasing music, hitting the pavement. Make no mistake about it: FlyByWire appear to be surging and becoming a household name down in Australia. For a 4 piece band like FlybyWire it’s not about them as much it’s about launching…
Nkosazana, “Pocketzâ€
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It’s not every day I encounter a lady with a Master’s degree, who can also probably beat my ass. Her name is Nkosazana Uwimana: a rap musician who goes by the stage name Nkosazana. With some 20 years of musical experience, she describes her genre as “new school rap with an old school feel.” A…
Jackie Highway, Solid Sate Sun
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This is Jackie Highway’s (Angie Shyr) latest release entitled ‘Solid State Sun” in 2013. core members include only Shyr. Shyr is a classically trained Pianist and a one man band type of writer, or in this case a one woman band. Solid State Highway is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one…
Phil Celia, Circus Town
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Circus Town album for sale by Phil Celia was released Oct 08, 2013 on the CD Baby label. Recorded, Mixed, Mastered and Produced by Perry Celia featuring: Phil Celia – lead vocals. A highly anticipated third release from a singer songwriter originally from the New York area now based in LA. On Circus Town expect…
Third International, IDES
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The politically & socially-conscious unit Third International is back with their first ever live production titled ‘IDES’. Fronted by songsmith Andrew Pearson, the new release features four songs along with an “Intro” (“Criminal Cool”) & outro theme (“Letter to a Muse”). ‘IDES’ was filmed and recorded on March 15th, 2013 at Pearson’s newly…
Rog & Glenn, Martians
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It’s easy to know how to categorize a band like Roger and Glenn. This North Carolina musical two-some consisting of Roger Brandon, Glenn Hubbard who just released their latest release entitled “Martins” 2013. “Martians” is one of the more upbeat, funny, quirky and brightly flavored rock releases I’ve heard this year. It’s not so dark…
Tony Banxx
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Storm Lake, Iowa may not sound like a rap epicenter, but there actually is a potent and growing hip hop scene. A rising figure in this scene is Chicago native Antonio Maurice Banks a.k.a. “Tony Banxx.” Mr. Banxx recently stepped up his internet presence, and he currently offers several fresh tracks for your listening enjoyment……
XO, Lover’s Blood
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Diversity really does come in all shapes and sizes. Think about the bewilderment and repulse amongst pop-country fans when Garth Brooks undertook the Chris Gaines project… or when Beck stepped away from the frantic musings of Odelay and penned the sweet and melancholy Sea Change. So too is the story of electronica maiden, XO. Once…
Future Us, We Are Future Us
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If one were to gaze into Future Us’ crystal ball, one would see we are headed toward “Organic Electronic Sex-Pop” and this turns out to be a pretty apt descriptor. Combining the edgy vocals of Megan Heavlin Ochoa and the organic and electronic instrumentation wizardry of Daniel Durrett, Future Us is electronica-dominated dance tracks with…
