CD and DVD reviews
There’s always going to be a market and an audience for big-anthem, riff-fueled, Rock-music – and as it turns out, looks like we’ve found one of its latest suppliers through the tunes of L.A. Knights and their new Psychoanalyze EP. While that audience for Hard-Rock and Metal isn’t usually found in me necessarily all that…
Well now! Somebody woke this band up! Flaunt’s new single “Jungle” is a wicked composition. Full of smartly controlled-chaos in a musical-style almost similar to Thom Yorke’s solo-work, Flaunt quickly separates themselves from that potential direction by taking “Jungle” into a truly soaring, anthem-esque atmosphere. Solid melody, but most importantly, they’ve got themselves an idea…
I’d wager a bet that our man Charlie Funk is onto something here with his new EP, Give Me A Groove; I mean…hell, I’d give him one myself if I thought he could possibly use any more than he’s already got in him! He’s written this six-song set with sharp focus and a whole crew…
Recalling the tenderness of Vashti Bunyan’s work, Taking Back Eden’s “Beautiful Disaster” is an absolute gem. The arrangement is impeccable with every instrument falling into the right place. Vocals express a fragile sensibility. Lyrically the song has a poetic dreamy quality to it. Production values absolutely shine through with everything from the strings to the…
For better or for worse, Folk music (along the Roots genre in general) have earned a spot in today’s pop music. Thanks, perhaps to the advent of sub-cultures like the Hipsters and great bands such as Mumford and Sons and Of Moster and Men who have found the way to reinvent the genre by adding…
Solid progression, heavy atmospheres and emotions outline the new EP from Spoken Life, a one-man project from Anthony Irvin based out of Brookhaven, PA. You’ll find yourselves surprised at the direction that the music takes…it starts out with a bright, electro-infused, gentle-melody that’s close to an Owl City kind of sound on the opening title-track…
Scott Smith’s “Sum of Life” is folk rock at its finest. Throughout “Sum of Life” Scott Smith weaves in a little tenderness, helping to give these songs a certain charm. His earnest, forthright vocal delivery serves as the album’s core. Lyrically the songs have a sense of reassurance that helps guide them forward. By letting…
Here they come – the bold Italian mafia called The Rideouts with their third album Heart & Soul. Brazen, cool and provocative, – that’s the mixture of the hot Italian blood, rock-n-roll and soul with some secret ingredients and spices. Shake well, it’s going to be hot! You don’t really need to know much about…
Luca Boskovic Bonini, artistically known simply as Boskovic, was born in Vicenza on a cold December day in 1970. He inherited his passion for music from his father, who daily listened to classical music and was mostly attracted to Beethoven, Bach and Vivaldi. When he is 12, he casually buys a Beatles long play record…
The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show is proud to present the latest episode in their Rock N’ Roll TV Show series, “LOVE TOWER”, bringing the audience 7 talented independent artists in 1 special ½ hour TV show. This Bongo Boy TV produced episode premiered Tuesday, 15th March 2016 in Portland, OR on Channel…
Karen Willough’s “Tra Le Tue Braccia” is a reverie. Beautifully sung in Italian, Karen Willough’s voice shines through with crystal clarity. Accompanying her masterful passionate vocals are hushed whispers of sound. Together everything works to create lovely layers of sound. The balance is ideal as Karen Willough manages to veer from the near silent to…
The last impression I’d want any of you to get from this review is that I only have a lot to say about Ramsey’s new single “See You Bleed” because I’ve been away from posting for so long as we switched the location of the studio from Abbotsford, BC to Ottawa, Ontario. If I go…
“Rise” is an inspirational collection led by Klyve’s undeniable inviting voice. Full of bright color the songs positively shimmer with hope. The sense of purpose that drives the pieces forward is palpable as is Klyve’s uplifting lyrics. In fact, the lyrics are what help to tie together the entire collection helping to outline an entire…
Sonic Fear’s “I’ll Be Your World” opens the collection off on a light and airy note. The sound is a luxurious one that increases in intensity. At times Sonic Fear’s “I’ll Be Your World” embodies a delightful trance pop stance. Nimble guitar work introduces Daniel Monroe’s “Novacaine”. From such humble origins the song veers further…
Spacebear is a high-octane power trio hailing from Texas and their guitar-based attack on Straight for the Sun will leave a mark on listeners. The band advertises themselves as an outfit just as apt to make you laugh as they will make you think, but it will be deliciously difficult for many listeners to disengage…
Sung straight from the heart, Todd Apfel’s “Reflections EP” is a true joy. Arrangements are playful nicely accompanying the tender thoughtful lyricism. Remarkably inviting Todd Apfel manages to create leisurely songs that reflect upon the simple pleasures in life. Throughout the collection Todd Apfel shows off his impressive arrangements, from the giddy sound that opens…
Formerly the front man of the Dance Hall Pimps, RJ Comer redefines his musical style with a stripped down version of Americana Rock. RJ released his new single “Nightly Suicide” on February 26th with an accompanying music video due out March 7th. This is first single off of his upcoming EP also named, Nightly Suicide…
Sometimes we need a break even from something we are deeply in love with, to see it from another perspective, from the sidelines, to make up our minds to go for something we’ve always aspired to, but had one thing or another impeding it; to give it a try. So did the ex-bass player of…
Aptly named, Dead Air Republic’s “…With Extreme Prejudice” takes no prisoners. This is music that deserves to be played as loudly as possible. Dead Air Republic makes the kind of music that bludgeons the listener into submission. David Maltais and Richard Bent do phenomenal work with their blistering guitar solos that aim for the heavens.…
Using a collage of styles and sounds Pat Campo’s “Clouds in my Head” is infectious indie rock done right. Pat Campo’s approaches vary across the many pieces and his wide range recalls Beck’s early, playful work. Elements of pop, dance, folk, psychedelic, and more are woven together into a coherent satisfying whole. Vocals help to…
Optimism is at the very core of Rfd Pioneer’s “Home Run”. Production is pitch perfect with the crisp footwork production particularly fine. Rfd Pioneer’s flow is incredible. Fast-paced while still highly articulate, Rfd Pioneer strikes the balance between the clever and celebratory. This is the kind of song that needs to be felt as much…
The very first chords of the song Answers by Monique Angele, – a Canadian singer-songwriter, now living in Sydney, Australia, – let me see that we’d got something interesting here. Having listened to all the songs from her recently released EP of the same name, I’d only convinced in that. It is about everything the…
SBM consists of Lance Lopez on guitar and vocals, Fabrizio Grossi on bass, and Kenny Aronoff on drums. There’s some interesting collaborations with blues veterans Billy F. Gibbons, Walter Trout, Warren Haynes, Robben Ford, Eric Gales, and Chris Duarte. Buy: http://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/supersonic-blues-machine Running Whiskey has a distinctive ZZ Top sound, probably because it was co-written by…
In the 1970’s, Aunt Mary was Norway’s answer to progressive rock. After breaking up in 1973, they got together on occasion to perform. Now, years later, they’re back. The original singer and drummer had since passed away and were replaced. The current lineup consists of Bjorn Kristiansen on guitar, Bernt Bodal on bass, Glenn Lyse…
Brash, bold, and beautiful Sarantos sings a song of defiance on “The Silence Doesn’t Bother Me”. Meant to be played as loud as possible the song is one of celebration. Lyrically the song explores not having to conform to any expectations. The message is one of rising above the confines of what may be socially…
EDM is a branch off of the musical tree that some may never be able to fully comprehend or even want to. For ‘Hello Friday’ by Lexxica who without a doubt has immensive workmanship to produce such an easily excitable track. To break down the pros and cons of Lexxica’s newest club thumping jam, we…
Grown Up Avenger Stuff is a four piece hailing from North Carolina. Any guitar music coming from south of the Mason-Dixon line conjures visions of denim clad hat-wearing longhairs, but a plethora of quality hard rock and metal bands have emerged from Dixieland over the last three decades giving lie to cliche. Their second album,…
Peter Unger is a Reverend out of Allentown, PA. He has a vision to create a path for Christians to learn and reintroduce themselves to the teachings of God. He believes we are living in a period of transition, he wants to paint the trail with love and music. Audio: https://od.lk/s/Nl83MDExMDU4NF8/Take%20The%20Flame%20Out%2016%20Bit.mp3 Rev. Unger has a…
Opening up the collection with fire is the rollicking sound of “Miss Stacey” by Plainfield Slim & The Groundhawgs. Delivered with great vigor the song swings forward. Vocals are absolutely astounding with just the right amount of passion. Promo Video Clip: https://vimeo.com/156381136 A stripped down intimate sound defines the intricate work of Blind Lemon Pledge’s…
“I feel like I got a second chance at music after my accident – a chance to contribute – to create. For those who TRULY work for a second chance – I want them to get it.” – a position of Indie rock singer-songwriter Idalee (Topher Hall). February 19, 2016 he is making debut with…
Souleye is a hip-hop artist, who is being positioned as “hip-hop’s Medicine Man” and “a modern day hip-hop warrior”. Based in Los Angeles, California, the positively-charged musician has released his new single Labeled on February 22 and the lyric video for the song – on February 24. Souleye has a vast experience of working and…
DreamEternalBliss music takes ’80s new wave influences and wraps them up in a fresh, modern rock style. You’ll hear and feel some classic Euro-pop influences, but DreamEternalBliss doesn’t emulate those bands. This is fresh music with a nod to the past. There are big keyboards and sultry vocals, plus outstanding guitar work that was rarely…
Esse Quam Videri’s “One Way Up” effortlessly blends the best of old and new folk. Grandiose in tone the pieces expand in the most satisfying of ways. At times reminiscent of Grizzly Bear’s highly intricate compositions, Esse Queam Videri take a similar approach. Color comes from their flourishes of sound from banjos to the smooth…
Hannah Ayrault, like many young men and women before and after her, has planted her flag in Music City U.S.A., Nashville Tennessee, in hopes of finding fame and fortune. It’s a sign of her confidence that she makes such a move at nineteen years old and the five songs on her debut EP, Me Right…
Jillian Kohr’s “Free” is an impeccable ode to living life on one’s own terms. Defiant at times Jillian Kohr creates a compelling series of songs. Her lyrics tie the pieces together creating a snapshot of a person. All a person’s hope, dreams, and disappointments are captured fully and completely. Behind her is a band that…
The Love Load is a rock/metal/punk band from Washington D.C. consisting of just three enthusiasts: Ted Watts (bass, vocals), Ben Azzara (drums), Blaine Misner (guitar, back vocals). On December 14, 2015 they released their new EP called Metal Mothman. The main figure of the album is the Mothman, the cryptid that was widely discussed by…
Opening things up is the undeniable swagger of Mark Lindsay’s “Like Nothing You’ve Seen”. Formerly the lead singer of the 60s band Paul Revere & the Raiders, Mark Lindsay’s “Like Nothing You’ve Seen” has a retro playful feel, courtesy of a strong guitar riff and just the right amount of organ. Absolutely joyful the song…
Tyler Colt’s “Back To The Start” is a perfect kind of pop. With carefully crafted lyrics and a catchy melody the song builds up into something so extraordinary. Opening up with a muted guitar hook the song comes into full bloom after the swinging rhythm comes into the picture. Articulate lyrics reflect the kind of…
Jack the Radio’s “Badlands” deserves to be blasted as loud as possible. Packed to the brim with intricate arrangements Jack the Radio’s music positively soars. Aiming for the skies Jack the Radio goes for an epic all-encompassing sound. With a multitude of divergent styles married together (country with indie, hard rock with blues) Jack the…
Sung straight from the heart Small Town Sound’s “For Mama EP” is Americana at its absolute best. Lyrically these songs describe the day to day life of living honestly with oneself. Tuffy Casteel’s voice conveys this sense of purpose with crystal clarity. At times Tuffy Casteel’s vocals recall Rob Thomas at his absolute best. Besides…
