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
Dudley Saunders — The Emergency Lane Buy it at Amazon
While perhaps not quite as dynamic and catchy as “The Billy White Acre Sessions”, “The Emergency Lane” is barely a step behind. Dudley Saunders is one of the most talented singer/songwriters you stumble across. His music is surprisingly deep and offers a breadth of expansive sounds that most indie folksters don’t dare touch. Folk songs that are completely and holistically outside of the box.
- J-Sin
Army of Me — Citizen Buy it at Amazon
Army of Me has already been featured on this dirty old rag twice. Why? Because they’re simply a stunning display of indie rock meets modern alternative. Reaching back to a Coldplay-esque sort of atmospheric rock arena sound, Army of Me is sure to break out of the mold that they once held as one of the top unsigned bands in America. Based out of the nearby city of Washington, DC, Army of Me has already lurched out of the local scene and grasped the national one by the throat and throttled it a bit. With their strongest songwriting to date firmly at task on “Citizen”, Army of Me looks to conquer the airwaves next and then the charts. Watch for them, this is a band you do not want to miss.
- J-Sin
Oh No Not Stereo — Oh No Not Stereo Buy it at Amazon
This six-song self-titled EP is a spotlight on one of Hollywood’s biggest up and comers in the modern rock scene. Produced by Marc Jordan whose past work has included such rock luminaries as A Static Lullaby, Rock Kills Kid, and Yesterday Rising, the album is full of chugging melodies and crystal clear harmonies. Churning rhythms keep you up at all times while the band works real hard to ensure that you’re full on into their alternative rock style. Not bad.
- J-Sin
Charlie Beresford — The Room Is Empty Buy it at Amazon
U.K. painter turned singer/songwriter Charlie Beresford composes dark folksy pop tunes that are brooding and rich. He shrugs off comparisons and attacks the under belly of soulful pop. Complete with haunting atmospheres, Beresford doesn’t mind singing an out-of-tune noodle or two. “The Room Is Empty” is a decent album of haunting melodies and dashing downtrodden tempos.
- J-Sin
Utah Carol — Rodeo Queen Buy it at Amazon
Breathy vocals that remind one of some of those obscure ‘60s art pop groups is the foundation from which Utah Carol springs. “Rodeo Queen” is a tremendous accomplishment in merging the nuances of Americana with vocal dominant pop. Fantastic hooks marry male/female vocal harmonies that reek of Mama’s and Papa’s influence but have a sheen of modern appeal that lasts. Folksy pop lullabies that stretch through the heart and mind’s imagination give the album a breadth that is everlasting and completely compelling. Nice!
- J-Sin
Pi — The Curse of the Songwriter Buy it at Amazon
Pi’s music is pretty straight forward but offers plenty more groove than your standard pop-rock album might. Her vocals are melodic and attempt to curtain around your soul. Does it achieve that effect? Well somewhat. She’s not a bad singer or songwriter but we’ve heard this sort of music a zillion times before and while there is little to separate her from the pack, she still boasts a good sort of style.
- J-Sin
Wensday — Torch Rock Buy it at Amazon
Bluesy rock ‘n’ roll that plays host to pop and country twists, “Torch Rock” by Wensday is another installment into AAA. While often it brings snores and bores, there’s the occasional bright spot with soaring vocals and spotless melodies. But I imagine many of you will roll your eyes with the cheesy lyrics and goofy pop hooks.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Northern Stars: A Canadian Singers & Songwriters Collection Buy it at Amazon
Not only are Canadians completely proud of their nation (just go travel in Europe and see how many Canadian flags you see sewn to bookbags), but they’re also proud of the accomplishments of their musicians. This compilation assembles some of the very best and most famous. Inside you’ll find songs by Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Tal Bachman, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, Leonard Cohen, k.d. Lang, Barenaked Ladies, and many more. Dig it, eh!
- J-Sin
Antoine Bleck — Mes Illusions Buy it at Amazon
Jazzy pop with French lyrics. Funky beats. Blah and Yawn.
- J-Sin
The Atlantic Manor — All the Best Girls Have Winter Hearts Buy it at Amazon
Dear Rick Sell, I would marry you if you I wasn’t already married. Plus it’s probably like illegal in Florida since Dubya’s brother ran the joint. Rick just had a new baby (congratulations, fatherhood is amazing ain’t it?) and that delayed the release of this majestic and beautiful work of art. While it’s only six tracks long, it has all the trappings of a true epic masterpiece. Stirring indie pop is artistically woven with piano, guitar, percussion, and vocals perfectly blended by a strong effort in the recording department by Bob Platt. Beginning with a down-trodden melancholic piece, “Desperation”, you hear Mr. Sell’s heart poured out open and his mind tickled with dreams and careful thoughts. The Atlantic Manor once again delivers a strongly written piece of solid indie pop-rock that has me convinced that I should have clearly heard about this band from some major music publication. Truly incredible folks. And hell Rick, maybe the offer does stand regardless of yours or my situation.
- J-Sin
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