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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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Alternative, Pop
The Pathways — Productivity 7" Buy it at Amazon
Art-rockers The Pathways uproot everything you’ve ever come to expect from good old fashioned indie rock with their 7”. Sort of reminding one of the early ‘90’s alternative rock scene, before it was bloated by Alternative Press and Spin’s favorite artists who spend more time combing their hair to get it all messed up then they do writing good original music, The Pathways are proud to show off their skills via their first 7” single. Even if you get their highly anticipated full-length “Boat of Confidence” you have to pick this up as there’s two exclusive tracks plus a different mix of the third.
- J-Sin
The Fugue — Four Corner Races 7" Buy it at Amazon
Why is it that some of the best music is on vinyl? Vinyl that you can’t insert into your car’s stereo? Damn that format! Anyways, The Fugue plays interesting indie rock that’s reminiscent of…oh shut up, they don’t need comparisons, they stand up on their own just fine thank you very much. In stature they’re never pretentious but rooted in having a whole heck of a lot of fun as evidenced not just by song titles but by their website. Go there now, hilarity will ensue. You may have heard their music in their other bands as they’re also members of Genghis Tron, FACE!, Fucking Lion, Glitter Pals, and Archaeopteryx.
- J-Sin
Blue Merle — Burning In the Sun Buy it at Amazon
Featuring two singles, “Every Ship Must Sail Away” and the title track, “Burning In the Sun” is a testament to enhancing your life with great catchy pop rock. With a firm nod in the direction of bluegrass on a couple of tracks, Blue Merle exposes pop rock to Nashville’s Americana feel. They’re going to have problems shaking the Chris Martin comparisons with their singer’s falsetto sounding like a direct copy though. But what is really special is that they’re easily going to be a force to be reckoned with and will eventually shake off comparisons and create some of their own.
- J-Sin
No-Fi Soul Rebellion — Lambs to the Slaughter Buy it at Amazon
Beck’s hip-hop influences might not be known to most people but one would bet that he’s at least heard of No-Fi Soul Rebellion. Conjuring the lost dead spirits of indie rock and throwing rhymes and bouncy lyrics over top, “Lambs to the Slaughter” is inventive, inspiring, and upbeat. And that’s all just from the first song. With R&B, hip-hop, funk, indie rock, and artsy fartsy experimental music all wrapped together and co-existing in peaceful yet confounding chaos, No-Fi Soul Rebellion aren’t afraid to do everything that no one else will dare.
- J-Sin
Last of the Juanitas — In the Dirt Buy it at Amazon
After recording an album with the legendary Rick Froberg of Drive Like Jehu fame, Last of the Juanitas recorded a couple of other albums that met modest interest from both fans and critics. But it’s “In the Dirt” that will really ignite things. Their sound is smoky with an emphasis on the lonely desert mania that strikes a person after their car runs out of gas deep within Arizona during the peak of summer. Sweat drips down from your brow and you realize you just might die. This is the soundtrack of that eminent despair with mania deeply rooted in hard rock’s more jazzy technical side.
- J-Sin
Transcendence — Nothing Is Cohesive Buy it at Amazon
It is completely untrue that the only real transcendental track is the glammy album introduction. The rest is psychedelic garage rock that is every bit as close to Fischerspooner that you can get without being that great art rock outfit. Vocalist Ed Hale filters it all through his socially conscious and cerebral lyrics. A track like “Somebody Kill the DJ” will get honorable mention as New Wave retro track of 2005, while “Caetano” is every bit as Radiohead as it gets. These guys sound like they pulled out some old Bowie tracks, did a bunch of drugs, and hit record, playing until the sun came up the next day.
- J-Sin
The Rusticators — Talking with the Dead Buy it at Amazon
Politically toned pop rock that casts aside notions of simple themes for bigger, better, and gratuitous lyrics that are not just well sung but extraordinarily cerebral. But getting people talking about the issues and stories and tales that are weaved in and around “Talking with the Dead” isn’t the only subject worthy; the music itself is very compelling. The bouncing between female and male vocals is nifty and offers more transcendental reflections. It’s not often that independent music by a duo gets you thinking about all sorts of things so when it comes around you’ve got to really hang on and pay full attention.
- J-Sin
The Wowz — Long Grain Rights Buy it at Amazon
New York City’s The Wowz are a trio that demands to be reckoned with. Whether it’s their affinity for Americana as evidenced by their album opener that would have fit right in with any old Dylan record. This sort of lo-fi folk rock will appeal to the purveyors of the anti-folk scene but won’t be so elitist that the less “tre cool” kids would feel dumb for showing up to see them perform live at the old ramshackle coffeehouse down the corner. They’ve garnered a bit of comparisons to The Beatles, which is righteous only because they write upbeat and inventive tunes. Pick up this CD now from your indie store—there’s no excuse for not owning genius like this.
- J-Sin
The Angels of Light — The Angels of Light Sing "Other People" Buy it at Amazon
Young God Records might own the right to distribute great music by the likes of The Angels of Light Sing but truly this music belongs to the world. Why? Because it’s simply so damn essential that you can’t deny anyone across the world the unalienable right to listen to “Other People”. Their vocalist will remind you of the Man in Black and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear on great indie rock numbers like “The Kid Is Already Breaking” and “Simon Is Stronger Than Us” the later being a short quick down-on-the-porch Americana groove. Beware music addicts, this is one album that you can’t put down.
- J-Sin
Tydyl Wave — Break Down the Walls Buy it at Amazon
If you had to describe elephant tusks with music, would it be done with Tydyl Wave’s music? Maybe not. It’s not that introspective or otherworldly but what it is straight pop-rock in the vein of 3 Doors Down. Jam packed within each song is positive regard for human life and its pursuit of overcoming adversity. The main dude responsible is Dave Chenault who takes to task every rock hiccup that could easily destroy more hapless bands. It’s not the most exhilarating ride but a healthy one nonetheless.
- J-Sin
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