Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

THE JOINT COMPOUND, Please Don’t Leave Get Out

About the Artist: 1 core member: (Dan Orvik) based out of San Francisco is one of those singular artists very much like Trent Reznor Beck. His latest release “Please Don’t Leave Get Out” was relea4ed in 2013. By the way he used to be the drummer for New York based band Stars of Track and…

Thornwill, Requiem for a Fool

‘Hungarian heavy metal’ sounds pretty intense, and Thornwill does not disappoint. Since their 2010 debut Implosion, they’ve been bangin’ along, shredding for live audiences across the Eastern Bloc, including at the Hungarian Metalfest. Radio waves have carried them to stations way the hell over in Chile. And, yes, these guys have appeared MTV. Now signed…

Lyda, “The North Shore“ EP

Rising Los Angels based Hip Hop artist Lyda just dropped a hot new EP entitled “The North Shore” in 2013. To say the least his music hits hard and is as unique and invigorating as the artist himself. “Above Y’all” is a sensational opener and a great piece overall. I really like the way things…

Sheila Swift, “Stay”

After listening to ‘Sheila Swift’s’ most recent contribution to the music industry “ Stay”, we see that this singer/songwriter has taken steps in the right direction.   Many exiting changes have occurred between Sheila’s new music release and her past work. After several recent tours across many parts of the world the song ‘Stay’ shows…

Pepper, “Pepper”

Kaleo Wassman knows a good tune. A native Hawaiian, Wassman’s made a career out of accomplishing the impossible-Stateside Reggae. Over the past 15 years he’s been a part of several things here and there, making good to sally forth by his alt rock band’s name moniker ‘Pepper’.   Lets get one thing straight before you…

Candice Russell, So Much More

Performing with the same guitar her grandfather used in his heyday, Candice Russell purveys a modern pop style of music quite akin to Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift. Russell, just 21-years-old, has now released her debut album So Much More. Drawing on some of her own experiences, and the struggles of loved ones, she strives…

Ryan Michalski, I am Starting Over

Ryan Michalski is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who comes from a small town in New Jersey called Ringwood where he lived for 25 years. He started playing guitar at the age of 14. Ryan always worked on his playing technique and writing skills. He grew up in the 80’s hair-metal generation developing a taste…

Ian Bouras, The Certainty of Being Found

Ian Bouras is a male guitarist, composer based out of New York City. This might just be the perfect locale to explore the melting pot of musical expression without limitation. His latest album “The Certainty of Being Found” is a fascinating-melodic-melancholy but truthful collection of melodic ambient jazz that reveals all the a-typical conventions of…

World5, Maybe There’s A Way & Man Of Action

World5 is a talented bunch of musicians taking the world by storm with their brand new singles: “Maybe There’s A Way” and “Man Of Action”.   The group’s previous releases included the single “You And I” along with their album ‘Global Experience’.   The new songs are beyond catchy, which further proves that World5 is…

Natasha Owens, “I Made It Though”

First off I’m a metal head. Apparently I’ve never heard Christian pop a day in my life. I imagine the reason being is because there’s a somewhat limited market for this emerging record buying minority. Then again, the relatively straight and narrow reputation of its community and pioneers doesn’t exactly appeal to me. But regardless…

Lesoir, Transience

Lesoir is a rock quartet from the Netherlands. They’ve gone from touring in Belgium, to the U.K., even all the way to China, where they performed in front of many thousands. Transience is the name of their recently-released album, Lesoir’s second. It makes a bit of a departure from the band’s debut, as this album…

Miss Amy, Angels Riding Shotgun

About the Artist: This is Miss Amy’s latest release “Angels Riding Shotgun” showcases how versatile her/their talents are. To me this 12 song set shares a rich collection of songs no doubt inspired by Miss Amy’s connection with a belief that we’re all a part of a universal family. The band members experience ranges from…

Prevrat, Symbols

Electronica has come a long way. To be honest if you asked me what I’m into I wouldn’t get past the Cool World Soundtrack. That was 1994. But seriously, since the days of Moby, Fatboy Slim, and every other dance act whos broken the top forty. The genre has been on a downward spiral of…

Leah Jee, Coming After You

Your music is recorded professionally and is well presented to be promoted to a large audience. Each track has a nice change (diversity) from the last, this is a fantastic way to be seen as a more unique artist. Leah Jee’s music combines two massive genres in music which are not usually advised to be…

Honeycircuit, Music For Roots

Formed in 2010, Honeycircuit is a duo purveying a genre of music described as “electro-conscious” and “world-folk.” Honeycircuit brings their act to “primarily underground” venues, one of which sounds ominous: “Burning Man decompression parties.” The band has also performed at the magical-sounding New York Faerie Festival. Honeycircuit’s latest offering, Music For Roots, is album #3.…

Leslie West, Still Climbing

Since becoming the foundation of the band Mountain, Leslie has been regarded as one of rock’s premier guitarists.   In talking to him (and if you’ve heard him on Howard Stern), he is one of those guys that says funny stuff, just as a matter of fact.   After assorted health issues, a gig with…

Cyril Neville, Magic Honey

Cyril Neville exudes the true New Orleans sound that has defined the city’s appeal with his new release, Magic Honey. The purity of his talent is defined by every note that spills from the speakers and dances into your body. Neville is the epitome of cool. He sings with strength and grace and the music…

Edewaard, Renominom Junction

Enter Edewaard. An Oregon five-piece interruption to the mundane semi orbit of Alternative/Indie jangle pop. While one of the more interesting concoctions of their kind out there, Edewaard thrive on two-part boy girl harmonies to ride the wind of the every Theology Major. Fortunately for career blasphemes such as myself though the delivery here is…

Za’Nae Saadiq, One Man’s Woman

What comes to mind right away is powerhouse singer when you bear witness to Za’Nae Saadiq’s vocal abilities.   The new single “A One Man’s Woman” includes a video that proves that Za’Nae has the pipes to go far in this business.   The indie artist from North Carolina is on a mission to spread…

Reckless In Vegas, The Hard Way

In principle, cover tunes often rule. It’s that moment when one of your favorite bands decides to belt out that song you love from your other favorite band. Often, it’s that unique twist they put on it or the translation of one band’s song in the sound of those doing the covering. But more often…

Dave Childz, Underrated Genius

Growing up in Yonkers, NY as a kid I remember so much like going to Jones Beach on the weekends with family & friends to frequent visits to Manhattan to enjoying a game at the OLD Yankee Stadium with my dad.   And who can forget all the great food like a delicious slice of…

Anthony Neff, Between the Rungs

To begin with I really liked this line from his: Between the Rungs, much like its predecessors, is built upon a solid framework of warm tones, thought-provoking lyrics and lasting melodies. Touches of Americana, rock, folk and pop music are interspersed throughout Anthony’s songs — yet he manages to avoid easy categorization into any one…

Class Reunion, Summer School

Living up to its name, the band Class Reunion consists of three former high school classmates from Chicago. Two of them reunited in 2007 and held some jam sessions. In 2009, they recruited the third old buddy and launched a band that draws on such influences as Tom Petty to produce a “nostalgic sound” that…

Sounding Rick, Never Be Famous

From Florida comes Alternative rocker Sounding Rick (Rick Reynolds) who just released his latest effort entitled “Never Be Famous” in 2013. Right from the start it might be easy to just categorize Rick Reynolds as a straight ahead old school rocker, and write him off as the newest trending thing down in Florida. It wouldn’t…

Shauna Burns, “Little Song”

Your music is recorded professionally and is well presented to be promoted to a large audience. Each track has a nice change (diversity) from the last, this is a fantastic way to be seen as a more unique artist. When listening to Shauna Burns’s music I could not place my finger on which genre her…

Cliff and Ivy, Equilux

Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska which can prove to be cold as hell in the winter, Cliff and Ivy are on fire with their new release ‘Equilux’.   With themes of mystery, horror, science fiction and real-life imagery racing through your ears, Cliff and Ivy have proven that ‘Equilux’ is one intriguing concept.   With an…

Eye’z, Damaged

Eye’z music is recorded professionally and is well presented to be promoted to a large audience. Each track has a nice change (diversity) from the last, this is a fantastic way to be seen as a more unique artist. “Damaged” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7MkqSxTYAw Personally when listening to Eye’z music I can hear some strong pop influences. Bands…

Ryan Bonner, Only When It’s Burning

One historical glance over the musical landscape of Charleston, SC reveals much the same as its coastal geography; it has been one of cresting waves and ebbing lows. Much like the breakers of Folly Beach, Charleston has had its periods of high points and low points. As a daily observer, dare I say the scene…

Japor, Japor

Newsflash: Japor just released his latest collection of songs via the below Jango Link. About the Band: Japor is the work of one Rony Chandaria an ambient composer. Japor has been making a name for himself musically both regionally and internationally. Musical Genera: Trippy-Ambient, Chill, Melodic-Progressive Fusion, 80’s Electronica Review: These songs are the result…

Barbie Anaka, Speechless

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 & image. There’s something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good…

Diva De Lai, “Senor (Tales Of Yankee Power)”

Due to the ever expanding music industry it has become harder than ever to ‘make it’ as an artist.   The increase of home studio recording has started a dramatic rise in many artists’ recording their own music instead of paying for studio time. Artists are now also finding platforms in which to promote their…

Abscondo, Travelpics EP

An attorney, an MBA, and a Chemical Engineer? Q: How can record label seriously expect people to believe that they real paid taxes in (two) separate countries to promote a band made of real life Harvard Grads taping Jim Brewer night at the Apollo? A: Because somewhere in the world there is a Slovakian quartet…

Adam Zwig, Visions of the Shimmering Night

With a revolutionary approach, insightful and approachable Folk-Pop sentiment and stars in his eyes; singer/songwriter (and psychotherapist) Adam Zwig has perhaps one of the most unique approaches to music within the music body collective. Leaning on topics of interconnectedness, universality and healing, his tracks transcend typical contemporary lyrical matter. His latest offering is still in…

Skeletons In The Piano, Please Don’t Die

Music industry fact: The farther removed you go from inherent musical expectations; the more people start talking. That should usher in a bevy of conversation surrounding Skeletons In The Piano and their commitment to their eclectic approach to their sound. Eerie and psychedelic-tinged, their moniker of “haunted hard rockers” is apt as evidenced on their…

Seven Story Fall, Stories And Analogies

Formed in 2002, Seven Story Fall (7SF) is the brainchild of Hunter Kennedy, who picked up a six-string at 11 and wasted little time, quickly becoming a veteran of the band scene. While going through a succession of band members, 7SF released 3 EPs that sold considerably well at the band’s many live shows. More…

Go Time, Tight Like Wood

I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the band or artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track of this latest release by Chicago based 4 piece “Go Time” is called “The Lines Were Blurred” and it sets the stage rather well for this…

Jay Brown, Soul To Soul

Jay Brown is a musician with a common name that belies an uncommon life of study and performance in locations ranging from Ghana, to Peru, to Swannanoa (wherever that is!). The Carolina native has also blazed a harmonic trail in his own country, bending blues notes in the Big Easy, or launching a jazz improv…

Levi Kreis, Imagine Paradise

About the Artist: Levi Kreis is an American recording artist and Tony Award winning actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee, who released his debut album on November 17, 2005 accompanied by an appearance on a special XM radio edition of NBC’s hit reality show The Apprentice. Think Levi Kreis is just another faddish Actor/Artist to release…

The Sidleys, Bittersweet

If The Sidleys as a group prove one thing, it’s that inspiration can come from the damned of places. The husband and wife team began as lifelong friends, transitioned to partners, then parents. Then they split. Though they continued to work together within their musical career, they would leave to separate residences. Finally, they decided…

Clarissa, One Love

A few years ago Clarissa experienced an epiphany at Mitsuwa Market in Centinela where she wrote her first two songs after circling around for what seemed like hours looking for a parking spot. Since then she never looked back. In fact she just released a ground single entitled “One Love” in 2013. When one listens…