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…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
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…
A.B. Clyde and the Kittylitters, Smokin’ Catnip
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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…
Paul Collica, It’s Not Me…It’s You
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Over the years we’ve seen pop and rock 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” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs & Rock n…
SEK’ND HAND SMOKE, SELF-TITLED EP
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Continuing the trend of rock and metal bands spelling their names incorrectly, Sek’ndhand Smoke are here to rock with their self-titled EP (2010). According to their bio, they play “simple, no frills, rock and roll”. The band has extensively toured throughout Oregon, California, and Washington, and they’ve also built a following through promoting their Youtube…
Matthew Nimegeers, Mystery Man
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Over the years we’ve seen rock, pop and even modern folk music 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” or “Power Pop.” I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully…
KENNY OLSON, CARTEL
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Kenny is best known for fronting Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker band for 11 years, and playing with the Experience Hendrix ensemble (he has always sported a Jimi tattoo). During the duration, he has played with and contributed to numerous varying artist collaborations, in addition to forming The Flask, Motorflys, and 7-Day Binge. …
ANDY TIMMONS BAND PLAYS SGT. PEPPERS
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Andy was very enthusiastic in describing this release, and after listening to it, I understand why. This is not merely a cover album of Beatles tunes; this is his personal interpretation of some of his (and countless others) favorite classics. He explained that he knew the songs note for note in his head…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, FEBRUARY 2012
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Sugar & The Hi-Lows, Sugar & The Hi-Lows (self-released) Throwback-chill-rock from a boy-girl duo of TV-soundtrack hacks, but it’s not as bad as I just made it sound. World domination isn’t the plan here, more like a few more montage slots in TV shows for annoying 30somethings; it’s stuff for soccer moms whose empty…
Rivethead, Doomsday For Optimism
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Get ready for a petal-to-the-metal, head-on assault that is Rivethead and their mission is ‘Doomsday For Optimism’. From the moment you push play all the way through to the end, Rivethead and their latest effort never let up on the gas. Aggressive, in-your-face music that will energize your senses and ring loud in…
F.G., No Fly Zone
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The indie hip hop world is moving fast, and it’s an exciting time to be a fan of the genre. With upstarts like ASAP Rocky becoming household names after mixtape success, there’s the sense that just about anything can happen. It’s because of this that indie releases are being given more respect than ever before,…
Smalltime, Smalltime (EP)
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Over the years we’ve seen rock 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” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs and Rock n’ Roll” into…
MALEA McGUINNESS, SWEET
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Singer-songwriter Malea McGuinness has an impressive list of accolades under her belt. She’s toured extensively, garnered a ton of positive reviews, and opened for acts like The Counting Crows. Her latest release entitled “Sweet” displays her impressive vocal chops overtop music that could be called country pop, though it’s safe enough to fit in the…
Charlie Dane, Dreamland
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Charlie Dane is a 13 year old singer & guitar player who has already accomplished a lot at her very young age, including, and this is the reason you’re reading this review, releasing a full length album called “Dreamland”. She played South by Southwest, a festival most bands dream of playing. She’s quite heavily trained…
SPARTAN, A New Age
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Spartan is a young, up-and-coming heavy metal quartet hailing from Portsmouth, England. Their debut EP “A New Age” is a testament to the enduring nature of metal, and much like rock, the enthusiasm it’s enjoyed from its devotees. The band started their metal training early, as the average age amongst them is 15. I, for…
Peter Galperin, Perfect World Today
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Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, 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 that makes me feel good. Something that’s pure and is going to kick me in the heart. Something that doesn’t…
Julie Clark Shubert, From the Inside Out
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It all began on Julie Clark Shubert’s 50th birthday when she unwrapped a Fender Stratocaster — a gift from her husband of over thirty years. Schubert had never touched a guitar nor was it her intention to craft a full studio album but strumming some strings has been on her bucket list for a…
