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…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Circuit 68, Eleven
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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!
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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)
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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
by •
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…
SNAFU Kitties, Break Yo’ Back EP
by •
SNAFU Kitties. It’s a strange, strange name, but it’s the strange things in life that we remember, isn’t it? The new EP from Danish pop/rock quartet SNAFU Kitties is called “Break Yo’ Back”. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles, The Dears and Radiohead, the band has good taste, but how do they stack up?…
Ryan David Orr, Mordred the Quarter Known
by •
Combining poetry & literature in a music form sums up ‘Mordred the Quarter Known’. Ryan David Orr ‘s love for classic works goes all the way back to the memorable stories of King Arthur with Mordred being the son of the King. Orr describes the overall theme best by stating “shedding darkness…
Sal Piamonte, Lives In Devil City
by •
I’d like to start out by saying Sal Piamonte kicks major ass and his latest release ‘Lives In Devil City’ is a true testament to that. Sal is a jack of all trades playing to the tune of singer/songwriter, producer and rock ‘n’ roller. This record really offers so much with Sal Piamonte…
Annalise Emerick, Starry-Eyed
by •
Annalise Emerick is a focused & grounded singer/songwriter who puts everything into her music. On the debut EP ‘Starry-Eyed’ you will get to witness the real Annalise Emerick firsthand as she lays it all out there. Nothing left to hide, you will hear for yourself that Emerick is not shy when it comes…
Terra Stigma, And Beyond
by •
How easy is it to find a band that has it all, can intrigue you, with the desire for more? Well, the answer is its hard, really hard, you have to dig deep, feel the music, and hopefully it will bring you to a different place. We have found that band that keeps you begging…
Lisa Bianco, Momentum
by •
As mentioned in previous reviews, New York is a city of many things and that has something that everyday marvel their citizens and foreigners. And there’s no doubt that when it comes to movies and music, it’s a really special place, where many great music and musicians born. In this little big state we found…
Cutthroat Split, When The Tides Come
by •
There are certain genres that were made to not have any kind of harmony, like what makes it cool is the madness, the riot. One of the most known of this genres is punk. As years go by, things change and music is included. Some like to call it “music evolution”. However, we can say…
Starnes and Shah, Red Brick Tide
by •
If you take Dania Abu Shaheen, a Lebanese poet and combine her with Zilpha Starnes, a songtress from Dallas then you get, Starnes & Shah promoting their latest release, “Red Brick Tide”, and what a combination they do make. When you hear a band like these two young ladies you can not help but…
MODEST MIDGET, The Great Prophecy of a Small Man
by •
It’s not every day when you can safely call a band “musical explorers”, but in Amsterdam’s progressive rock masters Modest Midget’s case, no one can DENY the claim. Bravely embracing new intellectual and spiritual frontiers is the name of the game for founder Lionel Ziblat and his musical cohorts Artis Orubs, Emiel de Jong, and…
Walking Sideways, Walking Sideways
by •
For years, there has been this kind of idea in many people that small doesn’t work. There needs to be more songs and such, just like books where the idea of less than 100 pages novels or such isn’t a book at all. However, as years go by, this idea has been changing in people’s…
EMAXIMUS, DJ Psycho Steve Presents Emaximus The Hungriest MC In The Game
by •
One of the most inspiring aspects of hip hop is that it seems to represent, in its best cases, true perseverance and hard won individuality. Independent hip hop is particularly fascinating because it’s typically, and quite literally, “one man versus the world”. It gives us a glimpse of what’s to come. After all, even…
Charley and Jesi, Charley and Jesi
by •
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…
Cold Blue Kid, Mimic
by •
As years go by, new musicians in their quest as a band or singles to create something new, innovative and unique mix different genres one way or another. Some ended up doing it and delivering something better than they and everyone expected and others something awesome, good and probably not as the first one. Not…
