Fiona Joy Hawkins is a pianist/singer/composer from New South Wales, Australia. She has won a host of awards for her work, almost too many to mention, and she has been recognized by the classical, jazz and new age music communities. She is classically trained and has a wealth of albums released, the latest being “Live…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Doug Prescott, The Journey and the Deep Blue Sea
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Over the years we’ve seen rock, pop and even rhythm and blues slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs…
Cutting Edge, F – – – The IRS
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That tenacious group that we all know as Cutting Edge is at it again with a song titled “F – – – The IRS”. The song was written by Liza “Leli” Pesnell, William Zimmerman, frontman David Pesnell with additional help from bassist Ryan E. Smith. The track also features the fine playing of…
Ashpark, Life in Satellites
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Ashpark consists of Ariel, Burke, Josh and Barnes. Four guys with loads of talent and big dreams. Ariel had a vision he wanted to make a reality so he came all the way from Guatemala City to Boston in order to make those visions come alive. They are alive and well in their latest CD…
Justin Young, Clean Slate
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Over the years we’ve seen rock and pop rock slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs and Rock…
Engloria, Drive
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Engloria are an alternative rock band from Albany, New York who have modeled their sound based on successful acts like Gin Blossoms and Goo Goo Dolls, although Engloria inject even more pop and “emo” into their sound. Made up of brothers James and Brandon Stewart, Michael Gleason and Devon Scott, the guys have been enjoying…
Hillbilly Vegas, Ringo Manor
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From small town Oklahoma with a vengeance, southern rock/country act Hillbilly Vegas are creating a serious racket with “Ringo Manor”, an effort that was produced by Richie Owens (Dolly Parton, Vince Gill). It seems that Hillbilly Vegas have been gaining speed on the merit of their original tracks; they’ve landed a management deal with Ben…
Macedo, Flags and Boxes
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I had to rub my eyes and make sure I wasn’t seeing double. Macedo is a duo of twin sisters, Michelle and Melissa. Their latest release, “Flags and Boxes” is making waves and getting people’s attention. These two young ladies are sharing their world with us through music. [youtube TiqOskpVBpQ nolink] They sing with soft…
Drunk Souls, Revolution
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Over the years we’ve seen pop, dance pop, and even alternative rock bands slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something fresh, something that’ let’s it all hang outs pushes the emotional envelope. Something that doesn’t sound like — well…
Trysette, Here On In
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Trysette is a classically trained singer/songwriter from New South Wales, Australia who has recently released the full length CD “Here On In”. She’s been plugging away for quite some time now with a very productive output — she’s released an EP and 3 albums independently before being signed by Global Journey Music. As is the…
Ned Evett, Treehouse
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Ned Evett is a monster on the guitar. His latest release, “Treehouse” is powerful and provocative. For those about to rock, be sure to grab this CD before you commence. He used to tour with Joe Satriani as his opening act, that alone is proof of his abilities, but don’t take it from me, listen…
Phil Jones, Raise-Up
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Over the years we’ve seen rock, pop, and even hard rock slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs…
Act Thirt33n, Salute and Smile
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Act Thirt33n are a young pop alternative/emo band from Atlanta who have already played some impressive venues such as the Hard Rock Café’s Velvet Underground and Taste of Atlanta. Consisting of Alec Ragsdale (lead guitar, vocals), Andy Morgan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ashley Smith (bass and background vocals) and Pat Meisel (drums), this act is…
Gaby V, Costume Ball
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Gaby V (Gaby Velazquez) is a young singer/songwriter who’s difficult to peg down and describe, yet easy to be intrigued by. Acoustic, folk, rock, and world music all find their way into his music, and the progress he’s made thus far has afforded him some serious credibility. First off, he’s worked with Grammy award winning…
Jack Jeffery, The Constant of what remains
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Over the years we’ve seen music slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish & highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs & Rock n Roll” into…
Planetary Nights, Today Ain’t Too Late
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The planets & stars have aligned once again for Planetary Nights and ‘Today Ain’t Too Late’ to witness it all! I had the pleasure of reviewing ‘Elliptical Motion’ (http://skopemag.com/2009/12/17/planetary-nights-elliptical-motion) back in 2009, which was the debut studio release from Planetary Nights. I knew then that this group…
Science!, Two Guitars Live
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You very rarely get what you ask for, and most of us know this all too well. Just like Michael Douglas in “Falling Down”, we’re simply unimpressed and more than a little bit annoyed that the burger looks absolutely nothing like the poster. Science!, an inspired acoustic duo from Seattle, must have had this in…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, MARCH 2012
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Every Time I Die, Ex Lives (Epitaph Records) Buffalo NY skate-metal meatheads ETID haven’t been this fierce in a while, even if the melodic singing in the enclosed “I Suck” bums out any grindcore purists. But who cares anyway; it’s hard to avoid by-the-book primordial emo if you’re trying…
Nehedar, High Tide
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Nehedar is the musical creation of Emilia Cataldo. Her latest CD, “High Tide” is her fifth self released project. Her voice is as mystical as her name. Nehedar means “wonderful” in Hebrew, and she was named well in my opinion, because this music is simply wonderful. She has a sweet petite voice that sings with…
Paul Jordanous Ensemble, Kenny Quirky
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Over the years we’ve seen music slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish & highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs and Rock n Roll” into…
Justin Levinson and the Valcours, This Side of Me, this Side of You
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Justin Levinson and the Valcours celebrate their latest release, “This Side of Me, This Side of You, with a collection of heartbreak songs that are executed with wit and laughter through the tears. Now don’t be too sad Justin, there are plenty of girls out there who think a good sense of humor is sexy.…
Out Like Pluto, Take Cover
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Out Like Pluto is an alternative pop/rock from Seattle, Washington who state clearly that “they’re not here to revolutionize music, but do want to make you dance”. Fair enough. Both revolution and dancing can be critical, but of course, most people would choose a good dance if they could only take one. The band’s new…
The Hitchhiker, Insatiable Curiosity
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The Hitchhiker reigns out of Seoul, KR. Their debut album was released last year and they are currently working on a double release for 2012. They have been keeping busy with live performances and celebrating the success of having their musical scores released on the movie “Metamorphosis”, from the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film…
Darlene Bailey, Wrenches & Rags
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Darlene Bailey is an emotionally charged folk singer/songwriter from Boston whose story is a realistic one that may have some lessons in it, as most stories do. Darlene began writing songs during her teen years before sidelining this passion for many years because of, well, life getting in the way. Many of us have…
Irena Hart, Heart Strings
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Over the years we’ve seen rock-pop and even singer/songwriter music slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs & Rock…
Gar Francis, Shine On EP
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Gar Francis is a Garage rock/Americana/Blues solo artist hailing from Belvidere, New Jersey with a long list of accolades and credits to his name. He has received awards from The John Lennon Song Contest, the Unisong Music Awards, and an honourable mention in the Billboard Song Contest. He’s been writing, recording and playing live for…
Fly Paper, Self-titled
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Kalamazoo-based alternative/blues rock trio Fly Paper are currently promoting their self-titled full length release. Inspired by the classic 90’s and 60’s rock movements as well as folk, blues, funk and some stellar female artists such as Fiona Apple and KT Tunstall, this could either be a strong release or completely mediocre. It’s always refreshing to…
Orly, Orly
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Orly is an indie/folk/acoustic duo from Somerville, Massachusetts. Made up of vocalist/guitarist Orly Forman and guitarist Yagel Sulchiner, the couple fell in love, travelled the East Coast of the United States sharing their music, and recently took home 1st prize at the U.S.A songwriting competition in the folk category for their song “Boy on a…
Matthias Sturm, Blood and Thunder
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Born in Germany and now operating out of France, indie/rock singer/songwriter Matthias Sturm has been generating very positive reviews worldwide for his new release “Blood and Thunder”. Recorded at Blind Melon’s private studio with David Hillis (Pearl Jam, Afghan Wigs, James Blunt) at the helm, Sturm also recruited Pearl Jam founding member Dave Krusen on…
Circuit 68, Eleven
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Circuit 68 are a 4-piece rock n roll band from North East England, inspired by decidedly different acts such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys and….the Sex Pistols. Interesting; and it’s a great idea to blend those seemingly divergent influences. If they get it right, this could certainly be good. The band’s new album “Eleven”…
Planetary Nights, Today Aint Too Late
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RJ McSweeny, singer songwriter of Planetary Nights, has released his second studio album, Today Ain’t Too Late — a fourteen track hard rock album infused with a twinge of country, a dash of blues, and a whole lotta soul. McSweeny brings together quite a roster of talent in the making of this album too. Eric…
Cutting Edge, Goliath
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The Cutting Edge locomotive is pushing full steam ahead and this time they come strong with a “Goliath” effort. With how busy the Cutting Edge Express has been lately, it is no surprise to me that they would release such a GIANT number. The live version of “Goliath” has so much energy that…
JennyD, Self-Titled
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Jenny Dinh, and known as JennyD, a 16-year old singer/songwriter from Lake in the Hills, Illinois plays acoustic music and has already released an album, which can be purchased on her website (www.jennydmusic.com). “Manhattan” is upbeat and shows some colour. JennyD’s style here is whimsical and dreamy, and it sounds like something you’d hear…
Robert Nix, Walk Down the Street
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Sometimes an artist emerges from so far left field that it wakes you up out of your slumber. It gives you a reminder of who you are, what your potential is, and of course, what the potential of music is. Like a shot of cinnamon whiskey dumped in my alpha bits, Robert Nix shocked me…
The Chorderoys, No Man’s Land
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Sometimes I wonder what Geddy Lee would sound like singing over fast-paced, Western country-billy music. I’m lying. I’ve never wondered that in my life, but it’s the first thing that came to my mind when I pressed play on The Chorderoys new EP “No Man’s Land”, particularly the opening track “Train”. The hyper pace is…
Crysis Chris, Land of the Misfits
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Crysis Chris (Chris Rodriguez) is an independent rapper from Queens, who connected with music after a very difficult road of death, violence, illness and despair hitting close to home multiple times. We can all relate to hard times in some way; it just hits some of us harder and in a more condensed period. Sometimes…
The Missing Parts, Suenos
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The Missing Parts are an acoustic quartet featuring violin (Oliver Blaylock), lap steel guitar/banjo (Douglas Francisco), cello/harmonica (Brian Hullfish) and acoustic guitar (Paul Wright) although on this CD they also feature a pianist and a choir. The CD starts with a very frothy number called The March which immediately throws everything at you — there…
Cutting Edge, RELEASED… LIVE!
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Are you ready for the best thing since sliced bread??? Well then, you’re in luck my friends because Cutting Edge is their name and ‘RELEASED… LIVE’ is the album that will electrify audiences everywhere! Seriously, if you dig live recordings then this one is definitely for you. In my opinion, this record…
Joel Henderson, Locked Doors and Pretty Fences
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Joel Henderson’s latest release, “Locked Doors and Pretty Fences” is as refreshing as a warm spring day. His voice is captivating and has the power to smooth out any rough edges life can sometimes inflict. It is a journey through dreamy passages that leave you awestruck from its beauty. This CD is the perfect music…
Moonbound, Peak of Eternal Light
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There is a difference between nostalgia and the respectful use of tradition. Moonbound, the solo project of Fabio Trentini, is an intriguing example of the latter. Accurately self-described as “80’s pop rock with progressive influences”, that’s not all there is to the picture. Moonbound’s new brilliantly titled release “Peak of Eternal Light” feels fresh and…
