"If you take the punk rock flair of Joan Jett and mix it with
the brutal honesty and raw sound of Liz Phair, then you'll have Sick
of Sarah. These lady rockers can mix up the energy levels and even
have you weeping at their ballad material. Oddly enough, no one in
the group is actually named Sarah. "
FAMILY FORCE 5 Dance or Die Transparent
Media Group 2008
"I've heard of Family Force 5, but never actually listened to
them. My first impression of them before listening was, they have the
whole throwback rock thing going on. They have the 80s style logo.
They dress a bit like The Power Ranger, but it's still retro. They've
been billed on numerous rock festival. This may just be the 80s throwback
band I've been looking for."
In reality Family Force 5 IS a throwback band...a DISCO throwback
band. Uhhh! The group definitely has plenty of hooks and danceable
beats, but pushing them as a rock band is far from accurate.
OPIATE FOR THE MASSES Manifesto Century Media
2008
"Opiate for the Masses hits hard and heavy from the get go. They
inject plenty of power and anger into track after track of their latest
album Manifesto. There are a few down-tempo tracks here and there,
but their just as apocalyptic as the rest. However, I don’t know
how well their industrial feel will play out since that genre died
out quickly here in the U.S."
"Don’t let the record label mislead you; this is a pop-rock
record. The band couldn’t have picked a better name, because
their music is safe; safe for rock radio, pop radio, adult contemporary,
and possibly Radio Disney. That’s exactly what is wrong with
it too. There’s enough bands with this “safe” sound
out there that there’s no way you would recognize Safetysuit
from the rest. They’re even clean cut and what not. Don’t
get me wrong, they are good musicians, but they seem way too corporate."
"Okay, so Rachel’s music isn’t exactly my cup of
tea, but there was something about this songstress that captivated
me. Maybe it was how personal the lyrics were? Maybe it was the sweet
tone and emotion in her voice? Maybe it was her skillful piano playing?
Maybe it was those beautiful eyes of hers on the inside cover that
hypnotized me? Actually, it was all of the above."
ALESANA Where Myth Fades to Legend Fearless Records
2008
"It’s emo meets screamo on the latest album by Alesana.
What I want to know is who’s buying this garbage? The two sounds
are like night and day and don’t work well together, at least
in this case. Either whine and moan or growl like cookie monster. Poppy
upbeat music cannot be mixed with hardcore vocals. And let’s
face it, whining is not singing. I know, there’s an entire culture
devoted to emo, but it’s been played out already in music. The
band even tries to seem prolific with their album titles, but that
only makes a pure rock fan like me more annoyed with the album."
JESSE JAMES DUPREE AND DIXIE INC Rev It Up and Go-Go Mighty Loud
Entertainment
2008
"The name may not sound familiar, but I’m sure if you were
around in the 80s, you remember the chainsaw. Jesse James is the lead
singer of Jackyl. Sure, Jackyl wasn’t as renowned as their hair
metal contemporaries, but they were just as wild, raunchy, and energetic
as the rest. In fact, I think they once held the World Record for most
number of shows played in a day or week or something like that. So
what does Jesse James sound like these days? The answer to that is
pretty much the same. The guitars are rocking, Jesse is his cocksure
gritty self on the microphone, and the song are simple and to the point.
There is more of a country flair to his sound, but it doesn’t
overshadow the rock vibe. The skits are a little corny, but wasn’t
Jackyl a little corny anyway?"
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Drift [Remastered] Metal Mind Music
2008
"The band says Cuatro was their pinnacle, and a lot of fans agree.
I however disagree. Drift is by far Flotsam and Jetsam's best work.
It was their most mature effort and certainly one that could be appreciated
outside the heavy metal genre that was associated with the group. I
would liken it to Megadeth’s Youthanasia or Metallica’s
black album. How the band did not get noticed after this album is beyond
me.
The trash elements are still there, but the band itself shows how
they improved as musicians and songwriters since Doomsday for the
Deceiver. The songs deal with personal issues as well as issues facing
everyone
at the time. The Remastered edition (only 2000 made) includes a handful
of bonus tracks. If you buy one Flotsam and Jetsam album, Drift is
the one. Then go buy the rest!"
"Prior to this I have only heard one Tiamat song, "Brighter
Than the Sun." It's apparent that the one song I've heard is not
a great representation of the group. Tiamat's latest is dark, haunting,
and
down-right brutal. Not the good fist-pumping brutal, but more of the
'God this sucks' kind of brutal. If you can decipher or pronounce
the titles, you've already faired better than me. Beyond that, the
concept is cloudy and the music is boring. There's no structure to
the songs at all. It's almost as if the vocalist said to the band,
you play something and I'll say what comes off the top of my head. "
STONERIDER Three Legs of Trouble Trustkill Records
2007
"Sex, drugs, and rock n roll! That sums up the debut album by
the dirty southern-fried rockers Stone Rider. Vocalist Matt Tanner
has the perfect gritty/raw tone that you look for in this style of
music. Picture the Black Crowes meets Iggy Pop meets Jet (remember
them?). Stonerider keeps the energy flowing from beginning to end.
Their cover of "Hair of the Dog" is a little rough, but so many have
covered it before them. It must come off killer live."
RADARS TO THE SKY The Big Bang EP Self-Released
2008
"Despite the slower, more contemplative opening song on this
CD EP, the band soon settles into a more up tempo groove which highlights
the bands song structures and minimalist textures. Just as the EP itself
has a few songs, the band's own songs are almost less than songs. Not
in structure or detail, but that the band itself is seemingly fond
of stripping everything away but the most essential elements.
While
at first the effect of this choice almost overwhelms the songs, after
adjusting to it one actually finds that it highlights the songs by
allowing their nuances to be able to be heard with minimal fuss.
Not a real party, pump-your-fist record to be sure, I am really excited
about what this group has done and at least their style is different
from the usual cookie-cutter sounds most bands put out there. Very
interesting disc and I am looking forward to hearing more music from
this group."
TELEPATHIQUE Love and Lust Urban Jungle Records
2008
"Now, for something completely different! One name that seemed
to keep popping up early in Brazilian funk circles was Sao Paulo’s
DJ Periferico, aka Érico Theobaldo - mostly due to his insanely
cool remix of ‘Dadinho’ from the ‘City Of God’ soundtrack.
Periferico also lent his production skills to other artists but he
is now known for his work with vocalist Mylene Pires on this project.
The music for this weird little deal seems to be an interesting mix
of punk, rave, funk and electro all fighting it out for supremacy but
no one style wins here as the resulting madness is too interesting
top classify.
This new EP gives the rest of the world a chance to hear
their intense music. I am not really a big fan of this type of music
but I am really impressed with it and feel this may be a starting
point for some exploration into some genres I have never checked out
before.
This is for people interested in expanding their musical horizons."
"The band manages to use the two-guys-and-a-girl trio sparseness
intelligently and come up with an interesting full sound which often
resembles the riff-heavy leanings of metal but add an undeniable funkiness
and bluesiness not often seen these days. I feel the band takes more
from Hendrix than their peers but manages to add a thrilling modern
edge to it that is quite interesting. The band also understands dynamics
and doesn’t overpower everything or go full bore at every opportunity.
Guitarist is quite good while the bass and drums are really solid
and funky. Vocally, Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz come to mind in the singer’s
full-throated yelp. The band does quite a bit with the simple instrumentation.
I like this album and have hope they'll be able to create something
even better down the line, when they have a better handle on who they
are so they can add a little more originality to the mix. Still, very
good release and hoping there will be more soon.
DANGER RADIO Punch Your Lights Out Atlantic/Photo Records
2008
"This is just a brief showcase here, just a five-song EP. Almost
Latino-rock like sound filtered through some punk pop. Not quite your
typical punk-pop outfit but not too much different than the norm. Singer
sounds incredibly young but the music sometimes shows signs of a deeper
record collection than one might expect coming from a band so young
and sounding like they do. The song construction also sounds quite
advanced for what they are trying to do which shows some excellent
room for growth in the future.
Drummer is fantastic with short bursts
of power throughout each song. Makes you wish it were a full album
because the band seems to add new nuances to old formulas. They manage
to add quite a bit of funk as well. I am impressed and would like
to hear a full album of material from this group."
ALEX NACKMAN Still Life Moves Long Road Records
2008
"Quite an interesting release as Nackman plays all guitars and
most of the keyboards on the album. Not your usual singer/songwriter
drivel. Like a lot of recent solo discoveries, Nackman manages to realize
there is a lot to draw from if one visits the R&B well. Though
not totally neo-soul, Nackman’s music has a lot of modern R&B
elements to it and borrows as much from soul artists as he seems to
from U2's Bono in his soaring vocals. Nackman tries to conjure up a
decent atmospheric bed for each song to rest in and sometimes succeeds
but fails just as often, though they are interesting failures to be
sure.
Guitar playing is good if not spectacular, vocal range and delivery
are decent, if not really noteworthy. I don’t really think I
would hear this guy on the radio yet but with a few more albums under
his belt maybe he would be ready. Songs are kind of lifeless but its’ obvious
he has the right idea, just needs to sharpen his craft a bit."
"Though Zawawi is a pretty girl, the music contained on this
CD compares to the picture of Zawawi on the CD art: pretty on the surface
but seemingly little on the inside worth your time. This album is full
of your typical dance pop drivel, this time featuring a female artist
with an extremely thin voice and no real singing talent whatsoever
singing banal lyrics making no sense.
She seems to think that the more
lyrics she is able to pack into a song the more intelligent it will
make her seem like that horrible show The Gilmore Girls where
the writers thought if they could use as it might, if everything
she wrote wasn’t
as poorly constructed and boneheaded as some of this stuff is. One
of the most horrible CDs I have ever listened to. Studios really should
not be allowed to just give anyone studio time. No talent whatsoever."
BLIND MELON For My Friends Wishbone Recordings
2008
"I know what your thinking. Of all the bands to attempt a comeback,
why Blind Melon? I'm sure most people think since the 1995 passing
of lead singer Shannon Hoon that Blind Melon just wouldn't be the same.
Well more than ten years later Blind Melon have decided to give it
another go round with new singer Travis Warren, and you'd swear Boon
never left us. Warren has all of the hippy and trippy vocal tones that
Boon brought to the table.
On For My Friends the group captures a rootsy,
jam-band sound, and delivery some relaxing and memorable tune. I
was quite shocked myself. Perhaps the band should have tried a new
band name though. I don't know how much mileage the Blind Melon name
is
going to get since they were really only known for one song in the
90s. One has to wonder if that song would have even been popular
had Boon not passed so tragically.
"You're probably going to need someone to throw a few elbows
to wake you up from this mediocre and boring musical affair. The
Seldom Seen Kid barely breaks mid-tempo and brings nothing interesting to
the table. Take the worst of Coldplay and Peter Gabriel and you have
Elbow. "
JOSH PRESTON Exit Sounds Me and the Machine Records
2008
"Preston isn't exactly the most energetic or charismatic singer,
but the guy can sure write an emotional and thought-provoking song
or two. Josh harkens back to the singer-songwriter days of Simon &
Garfunkel and John Lennon. He's far from a political folk protester
though. His music hits very close to home and is rich with personal
experiences. "
JOE SATRIANI Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock Epic/Red Ink Records
2008
"Let's get this out of the way; Satriani gets the award for worst
album title of the year. Who can even pronounce it? He's also inching
closer to the worst song titles too. What Satch lacks in titling ability,
he more than makes up for in guitar mastery.
After
numerous albums, Satriani is not afraid to experiment a bit. DJ record
scratching is a great touch on "Musterion," yet it makes
you wonder if he's recreating the sound on guitar. "I Just Wanna
Rock" is anthemic
in it's delivery. "Professor Satchafunkilus" brings the funky
grooves to the show. "Come on Baby" is a beautiful instrumental
ballad (if there is such a term). "Asik Vaysel" blends Middle
Eastern tones with straight up rock. I wish my professors rocked like
this."
"The debut EP by singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris Henderson's
band shows much promise for his burgeoning jam band. Sounding vocally
and instrumentally like the Dave Matthews Band, Bronze Radio Return
shows a polish most new bands can't muster. The band seems as if this
is its fourth album judging by their sound. Color me very impressed!
Though it's not a genre I listen to a lot, I can see myself listening
to and enjoying a full-length album or concert by this band should
the band decide to keep moving forward.
This is very radio-ready stuff
and I can see a bigger label snapping up this band in a second as
their sound is both very organic yet very accessible. I predict great
success
for this band and I wish there were more than five songs on this
EP as I am interesting in hearing more from Bronze Radio Return and
hope
they take their name to heart and return with a new full-length sooner
rather than later."
"Featuring a misguided cover of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta
Love and a bunch of songs containing a ton of undistinguished Bruce
Springsteen-isms, John Mellencrap and other so-called "everyman" drivel,
it's no wonder why mysterious artist J-Henry has decided not to reveal
his true name. Really, it’s quite dull stuff. Playing is okay
as major label releases usually are at least up to instrumental snuff,
if not lyrically or emotionally. This is very ordinary, by-the-numbers
bar band stuff. Bad music as boring wallpaper. Stay away unless you
just love the startlingly ordinary."
DONA OXFORD Step Up Fountainbleu
Entertainment
2008
"Oxford, who has paid her dues playing keyboards in blues woman
Shemekia Copeland's (daughter of Texas blues guitarist Johnny Copeland)
band, acquits herself quite well on her newest release. Helping her
out on the production side of things is roots rocker Carla Olson while
The Waters Family sings backup throughout. Needless to say (but I'll
say it anyway) this is very soulful stuff and Oxford’s vocals
and piano are excellent in an old school Aretha Franklin style, and
though she really doesn’t quite reach the heights of the queen
of soul, who does?
In her own right, Oxford does quite well on this
new batch of future soul classics and it's easy to see all Oxford
needs is some key exposure ( her music in a television commercial or
a movie
perhaps) to get her career off the ground. There's no doubt Oxford
has the talent to make it big should she get a solid opportunity
to show off her abilities."
"Ever since The White Stripes became the darlings of the music
world, more and more acts have explored the interesting sparseness
and power possibilities of the two-man musical band. Thankfully (although
I like the White Stripes) this two-man (Daniel Toccalino - guitar and
vocals and Ben Cook - drums) blues guitar band takes more from The
Flat Duo Jets and traditional gutbucket blues than anything else, though
the vocals borrow from The Stripes a little bit and The Red Hot Chili
Peppers too with a decent dollop of country thrown in. Atmospheric
stuff, which means it’s been done right as it’s also pretty
emotionally gripping as well, not to mention they show great taste
by covering Johnny Cash's "Understand Your Man". Pick this
up if you like you some gutbucket!"
VOYAGER ONE Afterhours in the Afterlife Loveless Records
2008
"Jeramy Koepping (guitars, keys, programming) and Peter Marchese
(vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keys, programming) are the main cogs
in Voyager One, meeting after answering an ad in a Seattle music magazine.
Though it was an inauspicious beginning, the band has made its mark
with its intricate, textural space rock.
Ever since the two-man group
revolution started these types of bands have been popping up all
over the place, though the band is not rootsy like The White Stripes,
Black
Keys and other bands of that ilk. This band pulls from ‘80’s
new wave and dance music for their inspiration. Compelling stuff with
plenty of cool textures going on through the music, yet still poppy
and accessible. I could definitely hear this stuff on the radio. Singer
has a charismatic vibe and putting the vocals back in the mix a little
bit adds to the atmosphere – this is nighttime music for driving."
"Very interesting release as the cover art grabs you right from
the start with its picture of a person’s face made of meat. Seth
handles lead and backing vocals, guitars, banjo, dobro, percussion
and completely makes this album his own. The recipe for this release
is equal parts blues, jam band and country – but this CD would
be much better if the lyrics weren’t as boring as hell.
The riffs
and songs are well arranged and constructed though and if more time
had been spent constructing better lyrics these songs would be much
more listenable. Ultimately, the album is disappointing as the songs
are almost there but nothing to really distinguish them or make them
special in any way. Seems Seth has fallen into the same trap a lot
of artists are encountering these days of trying to duplicate that
low-key loping Wilco sound but no one quite has it like Jeff Tweedy
so if I were Seth I would try to come up with something more original."
THE MORNING LIGHT The Sounds of Love EP Fearless Records
2008
"The Morning Light's new 6 song EP serves as a w3elcome stopgap
between full-lengths. A five member band (Harrison Wargo - piano and
vocals, Bobby Garver - vocals, Matt Colussy - guitar, Nick Baxter -
drums, Andy McDonald - bass) which rose from the ashes of Pittsburgh's
much-missed Transition, The Morning Light is not your typical Fearless
Records band. When I usually get something from the Fearless label
I expect some hardcore punk or something of that stripe, not interesting,
intricate pop music. But it is very good pop music, with a youthful
energy.
Strong melodies with some great instrumental touches and synth
washes – very mature songwriting with some great guitars right
where they should be, like on the anthemic choruses. I can see this
being played on the radio as it is very good Green Day-styled stuff
with more of a power pop element than most bands of this kind. Very
accomplished and very catchy – great stuff. I am hoping for another
full-length album soon."
"Multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ben Jelen is joined
on this disc by producer/songwriter Linda Perry who also helps co-write
most of the songs. Sheryl Crow producer Bill Bottrell is also on hand
and helps mix a couple of the songs on the album. Jelen previously
released an album of lush, orchestral pop on Madonna's Maverick Records
which was quite decent as pop music goes but didn’t really do
well sales wise. With his guest producers and co-songwriters he seems
to have some heavyweight help this time which bodes well for the success
of the album.
Perry and his producers have taken Jelen’s decent
material and spiffed it up to another level, honing his song craft
and giving it some needed oomph. Pop music from the '60's and '70's
seems to form the basis of much of this disc's material including the
almost Small Faces-sounding title track. While this is no doubt Jelen's
album, Perry brings her formidable talents and almost takes over, somewhat
overwhelming Jelen's playing with her everything-and-the-kitchen-sink
production style.
With Perry's help Jelen and his piano get over the
mopey singer-songwriterness of his first disc to transform into
a common man trying to attack the worlds' problems. Those who liked
Jelen's
first record will be pleasantly surprised by how much he's matured
on this release. Best-seller or not, this album bodes well for
Jelen's career."
"Todd Martin has certainly got the songwriting chops necessary
to take the musical world by storm. Mont Clare opens up with the superb “Listen
Like You Should.” It continues onward with a number of up-tempo
songs.
I kept trying to pin down whom Martin sounds even remotely like, but I was never
really able to come up with someone. I think that is a pretty good indicator
of how much talent he has. The contemporary pop feel that comes across never
dips into the schmaltz and there is no danger of falling into a ballad rut either.
Tight song arrangements, solid vocals, and superb lyrics make this CD something
to really sink your musical teeth into. You need to check out “After The
Sunset”, “Runaway” and the lengthy “For Better.”
While I really liked the CD, I didn’t really care for “Greener is
Home” and “Attention”. I’m sure others will like the
songs but they just didn’t catch my fancy."
THE BANGKOK FIVE We Love What Kills Us Long Live Crime
Records
2008
"With a name pertaining to a gang reference more than a band,
the Bangkok Five know about togetherness and responsibility because
everything the band has achieved, they've done on their own. From booking
their first national tour through their MySpace page to releasing their
first EP in 2005 themselves, the band (comprised of dudes called Frost,
Holcomb KS, Sweeney, Coatez, and Blanco) is a perfect example of what
happens when DIY is done correctly.
Their first full-length CD was
issued by Universal Records in 2006 and was hailed as one of the
best sleaze-rock record of the past ten years. Dirty guitars and reckless
energy permeated every track and although the public didn't really
latch on to the record (Universal has subsequently dropped them)
the
band solidified it's own vision of what they were (a West Coast version
of The Strokes crossed with Hanoi Rocks) and proceeded to create
a hard rocking sound that left ears grimy for weeks. In other words,
the band makes fun rock and roll best used for fighting and fucking!"
WALLS OF JERICHO Redemption EP Trustkill
Records
2008
"Hardcore guitar attacks, wailing and intense vocals...all gone!
At least for now. Walls of Jericho take a different road on their latest
pet project, Redemption. The group dusts off their acoustic guitars
and delivers five surprising melodic ballads ripe with sorrow and darkness.
Vocalist Candace Kucsulain proves there's a soulful songstress beneath
her rough exterior. Perhaps the Jericho learned a thing or two from
their producer Corey Taylor when he made the switch from Slipknot to
Stone Sour. It's great to hear some versatility from such a powerful
and heavy band."
GINA GERSHON In Search of Cleo Takes the Biscuit
2007
"The actress turned singer-songwriter finds her debut disc filled
with an array of alternative rock/pop songs and a few torch or cabaret
type numbers as well.
The lead track is pure torch song. It’s a decent little way to open the
disc. “Midnight Girl” is another good song, but the best track on
this album has to be the bluesy stomp of “Marie”.
Sadly, while I’m
sure there is an audience out there for this type of material, I am definitely
not among that crowd. I found the rest of the songs rather ponderous
and thunderously painful to listen to for review purposes.
I guess for me, I need a little more rock to go with the pop. Gershon
is a good actress but I just can’t see her doing music full time if this album represents
the best of the written material she has. She’s got a good voice, but you
can’t make it on a good voice if there’s nothing to sing about."
CRIMSON GLORY Strange and Beautiful Metal Mind Productions
2008
"Metal Mind Productions has done it again. They've reached far
into the metal vaults to unearth some lost classics with the reissues
of the Crimson Glory catalog. I would have loved to review all four,
but I had to pick just one. Strange and Beautiful was the bands third
album, and with most bands that have gotten that far, they chose to
branch out from their, let's say unique progressive rock, and went
with more of a commercial approach.
Gone were the silver masks, gone was the cosmic imagery. Crimson Glory
got right down to basics on this one; sexually charged rock and roll.
Not traditional rock and roll though. The bands still captures their
unique edge, but just tries to appeal to a broader audience.
While "Strange and Beautiful," "Love and Dreams," and "In
The Mood" really get the juices flowing, it's the tender ballad "Song
for Angels" that steals the show. Get your copy today because
this is a limited run of 2000."
BLACK TIDE Light From Above Interscope
Records
2008
"Has power metal finally gone commercial here in the States?
Black Tide come out with their axes on fire with their debut album.
There's no lack of energy here. Black Tide can punch it upbeat and
energetic,
or dark and somber. The album's only weakness is the band's take on
Metallica's "Hit the Lights." "Warriors of Time" is
the albums highpoint."
LIONS SHARE Emotional Coma Locomotive
Records
2007
"European heavy metal with shades of power metal thrown in for
good measure. In-your-face vocals, double-kick drum, and evil riffage dominate
from beginning to end. As good as they are, they don't quite have that
'thing' the distinguishes them from the other bands like them."
"If there is such a genre as progressive gothic, then To-Mera
must be leading the charge. Despite the soft and melodic tones of vocalist
Julie Kiss, you can hear a lot of pain and heartache and sense just
a little bit of evil. Each instrument is exploited to it's fullest
potential within each 7+ minute track. Sometimes the instrumental sections
go a bit long, but progressive geeks will eat it up. You have to respect
a band that can incorporate swing music into one of their songs while
still remaining heavy."
OURS Mercy ...Dancing to the Death of an Imaginary Enemy American
Records
2008
"Ours' latest release proves you can't judge a CD by it's cover.
It may be easy to dismiss the group as a heavy or death metal band
based on the raw skull and death images. In fact, only the lyrics draw
from the cover art. Ours is more of a dark and tortured version of
U2. Emotional vocals and haunting melodies will draw you into this
world of darkness. As the album nears the end, some of the emotion
is a bit over dramatic, and becomes a little stale."
SIX Between the Warning and the War 1605
Records
2008
"It's been four years since Six's blood-thirsty debut The
Price of Faith. This time around the band abandons their nu-metal
sound (thank God) for a straight up hardcore delivery. Frontman Lauren
is
still one angry, angry fellow. Not just vocally, but lyrically too.
But his rage and pain is your reward. That reward being 13 tracks
of pure metal
intensity."
"Saving Abel comes out swinging with the energetic rocker "New
Tattoo," but shortly after that they turn into mid-tempo Creed.
That's not to say that they don't craft well written songs or catchy
melodies, but starting with the one and only powerful track leads you
to expect one thing, when in reality you get another. Saving Abel does
know how to craft emotionally charged and moving music, such as "18
Days," "Sailed Away," and "Out of My Face."
"You know, a clever blurb such as, 'Asia rises up from the ashes
with the reunited line-up' would probably work perfect here. However,
that's what you would expect, and I suppose the band sets us reviewers
up for that one too. Either way, the progressive melodic rock band
is back with their all-star line-up after 25 years apart.
Phoenix is a true Asia affair with beautiful melodies courtesy of
John Wetton, textured keyboards, crunchy but not over-powering guitars,
and plenty of memorable grooves and singable lyrics. The two three-part
medleys are where the group really flexes their musical muscle. If
you've heard any of the Wetton/Downes albums over the years, then you'll
know
what to expect. Just add more prominent guitars.
WILLIAM HART STRECKER Smoke and Clouds WHS Music
2007
"Strecker is a rock crooner that sings from the heart and from
personal experiences. William has had his share of good times and bad
times, and shares them with you through mid-tempo ballads and his
journeyed
yet enduring vocals."
IN FLIGHT RADIO The Sound Inside Last Broadcast
Records
2008
"Angelic vocals over acoustic melodies is what makes The Sound
Inside so enjoyable. Vocalist Peira is really a one-woman show with
her beautiful melodies and commanding delivery. She reminds me of a
blend of Natalie Merchant and Sarah McLaughlin. The song selection
is sure to tug at your emotions. I still can't get "Yelling Up to the
Sky" and "Just Walk Away" out of my head."
"Despite listening to the hundreds of CDs that come in here yearly,
I do get a chance to listen to the radio. Usually to hear what's popular
or new, even if it's not rock related. I don't want to be too much
out of the loop. Like many of you, I have a diverse musical pallet.
I even catch stuff on the radio that doesn't get sent here.
I've heard classics and new releases by the likes of Alan Jackson,
Mariah Carey, Snoop Dog and others. When they come on the radio, I
recognize them (or at least their sound). I couldn't recite the songs
word for word, but you know what I mean.
I guess it's just plain sad that I didn't recognize one song on New
Found Glory's Hits collection. Not a one. Oh, I am familiar with their
emo sound however. You can't mistake that Fall Out Boy, Plain White
T's, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, etc...sound.
I guess you could argue
since NFG is releasing a best of collection, then they must be some
type of pioneer for that genre. God help us. I think the 'S' should
be at the beginning of the album title."
"No Ceiling is a journey into a dark and sometimes haunting realm.
Middle-Eastern inspired rhythms give gypsy-like qualities to the musical
output. It's not the kind of music you'd hear in your average
everyday coffee shop. But late at night, when that coffee shop turns
into that hip underground club, that's where you'll find Haale."
out
of 5
