Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Pop
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Current Top Ten Chart
Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
Converge - No Heroes
The Graduate - Anhedonia
Death By Stereo - Death Alive
Comeback Kid - Broadcasting
The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth
Dear and the Headlights - Small Steps, Heavy Hooves
The Geeks - Every Time We Fall
Limbeck - Limbeck
WinterKids - Memoirs
03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Alternative, Pop
Princess Ugly — We Knew It Was Perfect Buy it at Amazon
Gut-wrenching vocals, shoegazing guitars, and lush soundscapes drip like liquid from the pores of “We Knew It Was Perfect”. Princess Ugly is a trippy alternative indie pop group. Utilizing gothic undertones, Princess Ugly manufactures stirring melodies and downtempo rhythms. Not the most uplifting thing in the world, but sometimes music is supposed to bring you down or keep you down.
- J-Sin
William Tell — You Can Hold Me Down Buy it at Amazon
Surprisingly enough William Tell has no Overture and instead is rather predictable (at times) alternative pop. “Fairfax” isn’t all that bad as a funky hip pop song goes, but there’s something about the tune that makes me feel like it’s trying a little too hard. Singer/songwriter rock that doesn’t take a whole lot of chances, pulls too many punches, and lets his record company send out promos that don’t play in computers (BECAUSE THE INTERNETS WILL STEAL YOUR BAD MUSICS!)…
- J-Sin
![Pilotlight - Bite Your Nails [Single]](/reviews/images/pilotlight-biteyournails-single.gif "Pilotlight - Bite Your Nails [Single]")
Pilotlight — Bite Your Nails [Single] Buy it at Amazon
After some success and exposure via their promo, “Music to Cross the Road To”, Pilotlight follows up with a nifty single of alternative pop-rock. Glossy melodies and gushy vocals take this London-based quartet to the next level. Keep your eyes peel for a full-length.
- J-Sin
The Red Button — She's About to Cross My Mind Buy it at Amazon
Melodic pop rock from L.A. based duo The Red Button finds a mixture of British Invasion and late ’60’s pop. Chugging power pop riffs forge a nice backdrop on which the vocals are laid down. The beats are steady and create a toe-tapping appeal but there’s not anything more than the standard ‘pop’ sounds we’ve heard a thousand times before in rock ‘n’ roll.
- J-Sin
Apse — Spirit Buy it at Amazon
Modern rock compositions that are dark and dank is what “Spirit” is made out to be. But who would have told us to prepare for the solid blast of exciting post-modern gothic rock and noisy ambience? Cathartic as all hell, Apse is like a more ethereal version of The Cure with more depression and bleakness surrounding them than Robert Smith could ever hope to conjure forth. Post-punk adventures in seriously impeccable melodies and burnt-out percussion. Completely one of the better post-rock gothic nightmares you’ll come across.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Remember the Alamode Buy it at Amazon
Looking for something independent, underground, and completely different? Well look no further than this manic and loony compilation from the good folks at Shut Up! I Love You Records. Featuring bands with sounds coasting through the varied genres of hip-hop, indie rock, noise, and indie pop, “Remember the Alamode” has a little something for everybody or rather, everything for anyone. Captain Ahab is on the comp. and you may remember them from them winning the “Snakes on a Plane” soundtrack contest and being featured on NBC’s hit television show “The Office”. In addition, other notables include Bad Brother and Thee Moths (both of whom we’ve featured before), as well as Tiger Piss, Mas Y Mas, and Mike Dixon. Hurry there’s only five hundred total hand-numbered copies.
- J-Sin
The Feeling — Twelve Stops and Home Buy it at Amazon
“Sewn” is the big single that all Keane fans have been awaiting. But “Twelve Stops and Home” has plenty other songs to offer up aside from that one. Gripping soft-edged rock with nary a harsh overtone to deal with, The Feeling is yet another entry in this year’s best of for alternative rock. You might have been able to catch them on tour with The Fray late last year if you were lucky enough.
- J-Sin
Friday Mile — Love & Gasoline Buy it at Amazon
I totally loved Friday Mile’s last effort, “Using Up Our Trust”. Regurgitating a sound that might seem at place wafting from the soiled speakers in a college dorm in Nowheresville, Kansas, Friday Mile might have rustic edges but deep inside is a character more at home with modern rock. CMJ might not have noticed yet but that should only be a mere matter of time because something this infectious is bound to spread like wildfire. Disarming harmonies with rangy vocals and sinewy guitars twang, swaying you to bop and weave with the danceable rhythms. Feel it, you know you will.
- J-Sin
Karrie Hopper — An Unusual Move Buy it at Amazon
Our buds at Nobody’s Favorite Records (best misnomer in the business), are proud to introduce Karrie Hopper. An unsung hero of indie folk-pop, she’s a strong singer/songwriter whose passion seems to be invested heavily in poignant lyrics and timeless melodies. Distinctly catchy hooks that remind you of post-hippie folksters hanging out on porches with some brews and acoustic guitars.
- J-Sin
Kathy Greenholdt & The Edsel Bros. — Wake-Up Prayer Buy it at Amazon
Solemn indie popsters Kathy Greenholdt & the Edsel Bros. sit down to craft another fine journey into whimsical tales. Folk-rock that sheds the acoustic instrumentation for something slightly more electric and modern-sounding. But never fear, those of you that coveted “Wisdom Days”, will find an equal home in your heart for “Wake-Up Prayer” with its nuanced and solid approach.
- J-Sin
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