Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

Pilot Touhill, Keeping Secrets

About the Artist: Pilot Touhill is an artist that hails from the LA area. Reading from their bio: Fusing elements of alternative, rock, reggae and electronic, Pilot Touhill creates catchy songs with soulful melodies that are completely honest and unedited like any private journal entry. Their latest 4 song EP entitled “Keeping Secrets” was Produced…

John Wakefield, A Curious Child’s Album

Inspiration, at times, is a strange muse. Sometimes ideas flow from the deepest inner well. Other times, it is some thing seemingly unrelated to creativity. And sometimes it is “creation” itself that prompts us. In the case of John Wakefield, it was “procreation” that ushered forth A Curious Child’s Album, after his wife told him…

Billy Ray Deiz, Joy

Billy Ray Deiz has been around music his whole life to where he even enjoyed success with one of the hottest bands in L.A. back in the 60s called The Seven Souls.   That group included the late Bob Welch who later went on to play with the legendary Fleetwood Mac and The Seven Souls…

Thank You Scientist, Maps of Non-Existent Places

About the Artist: New Jersey 7 piece band Thank You Scientist just released their latest CD entitled Maps of Non-Existent Places in 2012. Band members include: Salvatore Marrano, Tom Monda, Russell Lynch, Andrew Digrius, Ellis Jasenovic, Greg Colacino, and Odin Alvarez Review: In this overly saturated genera/market with a plethora of artists coming out of…

The Como Brothers Band, Speed of Sound

It is the propensity for mankind to classify the things around them. We like things to fit into a category with other things like it. And I am no different. That being said, I can’t seem to place the NY-based trio, The Como Brothers Band into one nice, neat little package. Just as it seems…

The Higher Concept, Everybody

If Slightly Stoopid had “slightly” heavier leanings on Hip Hop, it would probably sound a lot like The Higher Concept. The NYC trio has released their new full-length Everything–a strong mash-up of pop rock sensibility, motivational uplifting lyrical matter and token rap and rhymes. The album packaging even gives a nod to The Beatles album…

Antoinette Michael Thorne, Issues

For New York rocker, Antoinette Michael Thorne, her 12-track album Issues was the album that almost wasn’t. After moving to New York, an untimely accident crushed the lifelong singer’s larynx and for the next four years, several specialists couldn’t seem to fix her broken voice. In May of 2010, she finally had the necessary surgery…

Kaotik, The Awakening

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…

ILLnique, Divine Retribution

In a time where much of Hip Hop seems to be cast from the same mold of kitschy club tracks, Autotune lyrics and “shawties”, it’s a breath of fresh air when someone decides to eschew the contemporary that everyone else is doing and trek out on their own. Maybe it’s the “two paths diverge in…

Sex Slaves, Call of the Wild

About the Artist: Deep from the depths of the New York arises the 4 headed beast known as Sex Slaves who just released their fourth album entitled “Call of the Wild” in 2012. Review: I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the band or artists has selected to hit…

They Know, Next Time Around

Daniel Ehart and Lee Raden join forces with Ruth McFarlane and Dave Stouber to create the band, “They Know”. Reigning out of the musical town of Phoenixville, PA they have been working hard to complete their latest project and have released an EP to let us wet our whistles in anticipation for their full length…

The Dirty Panties, I am a Robot

          About the Artist: The Dirty Panties are a 4 piece Puck Rock band from Las Vegas, NV. and have been making a name for themselves regionally. They have received critical acclaim from many music critics and webzines around the globe thus far in their musical career and are known for…

Metasoma, Self Titled

With their hard edge and sharp sound, Metasoma’s music is hard to nail down to one genre. One listen to any track will leave you mesmerized by their diversity in the rock realm of sounds they have to offer the music world. On “Metal Erosion”, Voytek Golbiak blazes in with his lead axe opening what…

Eclectic Mayhem, Eclectic Mayhem

For the city that boasts the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it is fitting that Cleveland quartet Eclectic Mayhem has dropped their self-titled debut album–11-tracks of hard-rocking Indie, splashed with moments of melodic ballad and progressive rock elements. Beyond being a milestone in the career of the band, it is a testament of a…

Kim Yarson, Thankful

About the Artist: This is Yarson’s second release. She’s based in Trenton New Jersey and was recently nominated at the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards, awarded 2010 Top Female vocalist and Top Female Songwriter for 2011. Impressive to say the least. Here mantra: “I write and sing songs to paint hope and promote healing with one…

Michael Carroll, Electronic

“Electronic” is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one artist that brings to the table effective songwriting via a very original sounding musical delivery. This meshed with a one in a million Spaced out Ambient sound makes for a very effective combination. “Electronic” even touches on tripped out-psychedelic-chill-dub, almost as if you’re listening…

SIXSTEP, House Of Cards

    SIXSTEP is proud to announce their first studio album, “House of Cards”. I’m proud to say I was able to review it. These guys rock! They are bringing positive vibes with a groovy sense of humor. [youtube Mc89X-TwSxY] This CD is entertainment at its finest. It comes at you full force, hitting you…

Another October, Storage Stories

Another October is a Michigan based band bringing their debut EP, “Storage Stories” to a eager fan base. These guys are entertaining and talented with a mix of jazzy rockers and smooth vibes. [youtube 4X0bNBgK1a8] The only disappointment about this CD is that there are only six songs on it. Each tune dances in your…

We Are The Last Men On Earth, Girl Named Never

Killian MacGeraghty is the front man for the band, We Are The Last Men On Earth. He is celebrating his latest adventure with his new release, “Girl Named Never”. He is based in San Francisco and is bringing a sound as fresh as a spring breeze. http://wearethelastmenonearth.bandcamp.com This CD is quirky and fascinating with a…

KELLER WILLIAMS, PICK

For Keller’s 18th album appropriately title Pick, singer/songwriter (and player of just about every stringed instrument he can find) he has joined forces with Nashville’s beloved bluegrass family The Travelin’ McCourys.   The release was recorded at Music City’s famed Butcher Shoppe studios.   Needless to say, the release relies on a lot of fiddle…

Mat Brandon, I Would Run

I like to think that I know talent when I hear it and I have to say that Mat Brandon has got that “IT” factor.   Music has been running through Mat’s blood since he was a kid where he started on classical and jazz piano at the very young age of five.   Mat…

The Barrens, Self Titled

“The Barrens” (2012) is their latest release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: the impressive 5 piece line up featuring. Colin Fitzgerald (Vocals, Guitar, Bass), Debbie Chou (Vocals, Keyboard), Mike Koene (Guitar, Vocals) and Chris Gersbeck (Drums, Vocals. Jay Sharp…

Dani Raushi, High Tides Collide

Raushi is a L.A. based band with a songstress rock n roller for a lead singer. It sounds like she has lived through one trial after another. The beauty of it all is how she always managed to come out ahead. This band continuously puts one foot in front of the other and collects more…

TWO CENT SAM, Songs from the Sandbox

Band Members: Mike Logiudice (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Bass), Jeff Burke (Guitar), Matt Shaw (Bass), Pete Bienkowski (Drums), Dan Hodgkinson (Keys, Vocals). Review: In this overly saturated genera/market a plethora of artists coming out of the woodwork, armed with nothing more than a PC, Microphone, a guitar and a crappy sounding CD. They manage push their…

T.O.N.E.Z., High Voltage

Production credits: T.O.N.E.Z. Hopsin, Arjae Knox, Life & Death, JM730, Koncept,   Tokerface, Eurostarz, Mr. Mikey, DJ JSI, Naydee & Julian. About the Artist: This is the latest release from Rapper T.O.N.E.Z entitled High Voltage. Reading now from his bio: Rooting back to the origins of hip hop as the younger brother of hip hop…

JOANovARC, Say Sayonara

About the Artist: All female UK rock band JOANovARC just released their latest single: ”Say Sayonara”   This is one band that’s been tearing up UK stages and has made a few stops in the US, recently performing at the Florida Music Festival. American fans can look forward to a full tour in the near…

Nomad Carlos, Live Good

Newsflash: Jamaican born Hip Hop artists Nomad Carlos just released his latest single “Live Good” produced by DJ King Flow. This is not the first we’ve heard from Nomad Carlos. Raised in Kingston from the age of 5, he worked hard through the ranks of Jamaica Reggae and Dancehall music to become one of the…

JOE BONAMASSA, DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT

Making 13 albums in 12 years, is a feat in itself, not considering the literally thousands of shows Joe has done in that time period.   Joe and producer Kevin Shirley reunited to take a trip back through Joe’s blues roots, with a few originals added into the mix.   Brad Whitford, Anton Fig, and…

Dirk Down, With a Vengeance

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…

Stereo Pirates, Self Titled

Newsflash: Deep from the depths of the Twin Cities arises a 5 headed beast known as Stereo Pirates. Stereo Pirates just released   their debut self titled CD in 2012. ARRRRRRRRRR I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost.…

Shatterglass, Self Titled

With all of the evolving rock genres out there trying to invent new sounds and new concepts, it is actually refreshing to get right back to good old rock ‘n’ roll. That is what Shatterglass brings to the table with their self-titled EP. Catchy hooks, driving leads, sing along lyrics and a great chemistry have…

TomkoMarsh, Slow Dancer

About the Artist: This is TomkoMashs’s debut CD entitled “Slow Dancer” (2012). For those who may not know Larry Tomko and Peter March have over 60 years of musical experience between them. Larry Tomko came to France via San Francisco as a sax player, songwriter and backup singer. After contributing to acclaimed studio projects he…

ALIFIC, Dub in the District

About the Artist: This is ALIFIC’s latest CD entitled “Dub in the District” (2012). ALIFIC is the creation of Brendan Dane who is based out of the DC area. He is the musical mastermind of ALIFIC and his cited influences include “Long Beach Dub Allstars, Slightly Stooped, and Sublime.   Review: What does Crystal Method…

Justine Dorsey, Unsaid (EP)

About the Artist: This is Dorsey’s latest EP entitled “Unsaid” released in 2012. Venture to the internet — it will reveal an amazing musical career thus far for this rather young and up and coming female singer/songwriter. Based out of Southern California Dorsey is a 2012 LA Music Award Nominee for Best Female Singer/Songwriter. Review:…

Buddy Guy, When I Left Home

The 75-year-old blues legend has decided it was time to recap his lengthy trip from helping his parent’s toil on others farms in Lettsworth, Louisiana, to learning blues guitar on the job in Chicago.     David Ritz lends his biographical talents here, leaving Buddy language and stories untouched.   Buddy takes you on his…

Erik Lamberth, Three Guitars

About the Artist: This is Lamberth’s latest release entitled “Three Guitars” released in 2011 and certainly does not disappoint. Venture to the internet — it will reveal an amazing musical career thus far for this gunslinger form Philadelphia. A guitarist for nearly 30 years, he has performed with numerous ensembles, including The Haverford College Jazz…

RED9, RED9

Not many people outside of Orange County, California remember a 2-piece act named Roqbot. However, anyone familiar with the OC’s rock scene should know that they were the seed from which the fruitful tree had grown to become what is now RED9. This self-titled full-length is the second offering from the band, but the first…

LexRox, Go All In

Have you ever wondered how many pop stars it takes to change a light bulb? The answer, in case you are wondering, is that it doesn’t matter as there will never be a shortage of pop stars. Of course, being a Pop Star isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are actually capable of delivering…

Beer, Guts & Glory, American Pride

Upon first hearing the name of the band and accompanying music CD, I was immediately intrigued by Beer, Guts & Glory and “American Pride”. I was not surprised at all to hear that the band truly lives up to their name. In judging a book by it’s cover, so to speak, I pictured a punk,…

James Moore, Your Band Is A Virus!

For the first time ever I am doing my first book review, so I am definitely excited right from the start!   James Moore is the author of “Your Band Is A Virus!” and he is an independent music promoter/CEO of Independent Music Promotions (www.independentmusicpromotions.com).   This book can help Indie artists & bands gain…