Music Reviews of Unsigned Bands, Demos, Promos
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 Unsigned Bands, Demos, Promos
Eric Lesher — Cherub Buy it at Amazon
Classically trained in piano, music theory, and composition, you’d expect that Lesher’s album would be riddled with mistake-free excellent piano arrangements. And it is. But his devotion to industrial finds him blending in misplaced synths and distorted vocals, that sounds less like Nine Inch Nails (whose equal devotion to everything keyboard is a perfect comparison) and more like a brash adolescent bastard step-child. On the one hand you have these gorgeous piano arrangements, elegantly played, and perfectly written, and then you have this ridiculous bleeps and beeps as if Boards of Canada or the Orb were offering tryouts to the handicapped. It’s a terrific way to ruin a good thing.
- J-Sin
Brock — Demo Buy it at Amazon
I’m pretty sure we’ve all played in a high school band this terribly unoriginal. I guess on that note I should cut him slack, but the reality is no one ever cut you or me any slack, so thusly the hammer shall be dropped upon their head. Or maybe on their CD smashing into even more useless bits and pieces. Blech, hard rock with funky bass and groove that itches no one’s scratch.
- J-Sin
Candygram For Mongo — The Red Pill Buy it at Amazon
Punk rock with the trashiest sounding percussion and throaty vocals that make you wish he’d stop smoking menthol cigarettes. I like the Dropkick Murphys more.
- J-Sin
Secret Apollo — Homemade Tape Machine Buy it at Amazon
“Homemade Time Machine” is a freak-out punk extravaganza. But not your normal punk, but a power pop punk rock adventure. Catchy female vocals with male vocals harmonize with slightly nasal undertones that would fit perfect in that local garage band you’ve heard stories about. Upbeat songs that are quick and to the point with a sneering sense of humor drawn in.
- J-Sin
Rich Schroder — Your Kind Words Buy it at Amazon
Calm songwriting that recalls Paul Simon at times, Boston-based Rich Schroder knows that his gift is golden. Since beginning to play music at the tender age of 14, Rich has increased his songwriting stamina and perfected the art form. His vocals are strong with whispers of many talented and gifted singers breathing through his rangy dynamic throat. It’s a fun and entertaining listen that is perfect for a nice long road trip.
- J-Sin
Angela Ortiz — All About You Buy it at Amazon
Piano girl pop that isn’t as cheesy as you might imagine, “All About You” is melodic and methodical. Her songwriting is strong both lyrically and musically with waves of choruses that wash over you. Welcoming harmonies greet the ear seemingly at every turn and you quickly realize that her brand of indie piano pop is sure and true. Astonishing!
- J-Sin
Moes Haven — August: Of Temporal Inconsistency Buy it at Amazon
As Moes Haven reaches the stretch run with only four more months of daily songwriting to go, they seem to have gained a second wind. The album opener is a great jaunt down the memory lane of forgotten pop with piano jingling with power pop vocals. Noting how long this has been going on I’m thoroughly surprised that they have anything left in the tank. Many songs are worthy of a songwriter’s attention—the details in even lo-fi pop songs like these are immaculate. Looking forward to the next release.
- J-Sin
Swallows — Me With Trees Towering Buy it at Amazon
Portland’s Swallows write complex guitar-centric pieces that are specifically designed to map out new and ingenious ways into your dance feet. Bluesy guitar and dance punk rhythms dominate while sheer call-out vocals rock and roll their way throughout “Me with Trees Towering”. Not bad at all.
- J-Sin
Ben Warren — Famous Buy it at Amazon
Famous? No, but this Michigan native isn’t all that bad. His brand of pop-rock is fused with hilarious lyrics that are shrugged off high school verbal bleats. Not bad but certainly not the bee’s knees of eclectic or energetic pop either.
- J-Sin
The Heartstring Band — Aurora Songs Vol. 1 Buy it at Amazon
Pseudo roots rock cum Americana that can’t save this band from themselves. Cheesy lyrics mixed with jalapeño peppers of stupid, stupid, stupid pop fodder. There’s plenty of nods towards Americana in the guitar twang but The Heartstring Band chooses to be an emo wannabe. The musicianship and singing (multiple harmonies even) aren’t bad but the songs are beyond bland.
- J-Sin
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