Friday, October 12, 2012

Review of Cryptic Calling Debut EP

Review of Cryptic Calling Debut EP
By L. White




There has been a recent trend lately in the realm of hard rock music in the USA lately. That being that it has found it's way, and made a home in the capitol of country music. Yes, Nashville has seen a rise in great music, and banjo's have nothing to do with it. This is the case with hard rock band Cryptic Calling.
With the newly released debut EP by Cryptic Calling comes a refreshing sound from the home of country music. The self-titled EP is a long awaited release from fans of the hard rock band. Is it worth the wait? Let's find out.






The track "Otiose" draws you right in with the blazing guitar and lead vocals of James Robbins, driving percussion of Shea Shankle and beat driven bass of Clay Zimmerman. The metaphoric lyrics speaking on a family member who has constantly done wrong, with broken promises. To finally have the whole family turned against them. Amazing lyrics that are driven home with the emotion filled vocals of Robbins. Otiose being a rather old fashioned term for not serving any useful purpose. A great track indeed on so many different levels.

The track "Shattered Dreams" is more of a ballad, and a very good one at that. A song of a love that is in some sort of limbo. Whether it be from a death, or debilitating illness or injury is left up for interpretation by the listener. Robbins delivers on all levels helping you feel the anguish in his lyrics at the situation being sung about. The music accompanying just intensifies that with every crescendo and drop.
The same can be said about the other three tracks all dealing with lost love. Whether being friend, family or lover. All the tracks delivered with a strong emotion of loss on every level. With the music being just as emotionally charged as the lyrics, Cryptic Calling has delivered a concept EP that is masterfully produced and recorded. The long wait for fans was well worth it. Also sure to bring new fans from afar, as they put Nashville on the map once again in music for more than just country music.
Overall, the debut EP from Cryptic Calling is very enjoyable. Production value is superb and delivers a great sound that is sure to have old and new fans alike awaiting their next release with much anticipation. Also having many desire to see Cryptic Calling in a live setting playing these tracks. Already making a name for themselves in the local music scenes of Tennessee, watch for this band to rise in acclaim nationally and even internationally in the near future. Embodying that "It" factor that many strive for, but fall short of. Cryptic Calling has arrived.


Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions

Overall Rating:
(4 of 5 Stars)

Enjoy music by Cryptic Calling



Cryptic Calling Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrypticCalling
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/crypticcalling
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Crypticcallingband
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/crypticcalling

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Volary "Out of Shadows" LP - @volarymusic

Review of Volary "Out of Shadows" LP
By L. White




With a mixture of Shirley Manson and Gwen Stefani at times, Volary offers a very catchy melodic sound with "Out Of Shadows". Listed as Indie Pop in the genre realm, Volary offers more than just a casual pop album. The song writing on the entire LP is masterful in arousing emotions in the listener. From the very first track "Die A Little More", the music captures you first with a catchy rhythm and groove that swirl around the poetic verses of Volary's lyrics. Adding in a soft violin/cello to add texture to the emotion the track emits. Searching for something to fill the void from within, calling out to anyone who can understand the demons she is trying to escape that are caused by the loneliness she feels.





Enjoy music by Volary



The second track, "That Girl", is more of a pop rock song that shows the more vulnerable envious side of a girl wishing to be stronger in choices and in life. A song young listeners can relate to on the level of wishing they had the greener grass from the other side of the fence. Not so much using metaphors as being straight on with her wants and wishes. Looking at the one with the perfect looks, confidence and desire from others. Wishing she could be more like her, both inside and out, because she feels unrest in her own life.


On the third track, "Blackbird Fly", Volary adds a nice classical touch in the beginning. With the intro sounding as though a vinyl record has been put on tap, and then the acoustics with the opening picks of the guitar sound almost classical Spanish opera. Then reverting back to a modern indie acoustic vibe. Volary's voice then swirls all around the rhythm of the music perfectly. The bridge halfway through the track is like a roadside resting spot on a drive through the mountains where you look at the view around you and appreciate it's beauty. This track shines almost the brightest on "Out Of Shadows", as it showcases the many levels of depth behind the vocal range of Volary.


On the eighth track "Touched", is something yet again all different. More of a ballad with a definite soft classical feel, Volary's vocal range is superb. Pitch is precise and perfect at all the right moments. With violins and piano adding to the feeling of the deep emotions in the lyrics. Tortured in her own mind with the thoughts that bring her to desperation of acceptance. Truly the most heartfelt song on the album. Needing assurance for whats been said in her love, to curb the demons in her mind that cause doubt.


On the final track of "Out of Shadows", the listener is offered yet another different style of music. "Fame Doesn't Love You" is a blues track about an artist coping with the music world getting more bleak as age comes into play. But still persevering and moving forward with their music. Great music composition, adding in a horn and blues bass line giving the track more depth with the lyrics.


Overall, "Out Of Shadows" is a highly enjoyable album. Mixing many different genres than is stated by Volary in their description. A concept that has become quite the norm on the Indie level of music. Daring anyone, even themselves, to try and pigeonhole their sound to just one style, or even three. The song-writing is poetic and vibrant in emotion. Delivered with all of the right pitches and depth. The music composition of the entire album is fitting to each track, as Volary samples the wide spectrum of styles and genres. Volary music is for those who like to feel the music being presented. The feelings there in are up for interpretation by each listener, but it is safe to say that Volary has definitely created a masterpiece with "Out Of Shadows".

Overall Rating: 

(5 out of 5 Stars)

Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions


Volary Links:
Website: http://www.volarymusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolaryMusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/volarymusic#
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/volarymusic

Friday, September 28, 2012

Trademark Experience "Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die" LP


Review of Trademark Experience "Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die" LP
By L. White



With catchy beats and synthesized rhythm, Trademark Experience offers a great dance club album with Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die. The first of three studio albums by solo artist Thomas Mulherin that offers elements of funk, pop, hip-hop and a splattering of many other genres of music including some disco vibes.



On the second track "Ecstacy" Trademark Experience brings things more to current styles of R&B dance hits. A basic beat and rhythm with some added synthesized touches lets Thomas put the focus more on his great vocal abilities. Very well produced by Jim Conway with aptly placed breaks and hooks. The song is very catchy and would definitely be an instant dance club hit.



On the sixth track "Psychedelic", Mulherin's main lyrics has a sound that reminds you of Digital Underground somewhat, but with more of a dance feel. With background vocals in the chorus by KTA adding a nice touch. A perfect track to play at any house party, that also would be a hit at hip-hop clubs. Still having the synthesized rhythm behind it, Trademark stays true to his core of sound. 

The seventh track "Can't Get You Out of My Head" is reminiscent of Rick James music, but with Gap Band vocals. Mixing early funk with some R&B and soul genres. A nice touch fusing older 70's sounding rhythm with 80's and 90's vocals. The opening synthesizer is a little basic and not too original, but when the beat and lyrics kick in the track takes it's shape and gets you on your feet ready to dance.

The ninth track on the LP "Losing My Mind" offers more of an electronic dance groove to it. The rap parts halfway through the track have a little bit of an out of place feel to it, with the rhyme being softly sung, which somewhat fits in line with the overall feel of the track, but just has the element of feeling out of place a bit. The vocals and rhythm seem to be more behind the beat rather than even or over it. 

The tenth track "Co-Star" adds in a more 90's fuse of Hip-Hop and R&B feel, but still keeps the dance feel to it. Mulherin gives more range to his voice on this track with heartfelt feeling and conviction. Great pitch at all the right spots with the added spoken word type of hip-hop rhyming, yet staying in line with the groove of the music.

On the sixth track "Psychedelic", Mulherin's main lyrics has a sound that reminds you of Digital Underground somewhat, but with more of a dance feel. With background vocals in the chorus by KTA adding a nice touch. A perfect track to play at any house party, that also would be a hit at hip-hop clubs. Still having the synthesized rhythm behind it, Trademark stays true to his core of sound. 

With the final track "Reach For The Sky", Trademark showcases his rhyming skills throughout the track. With a soft but quick flow, Mulherin doesn't overpower the music wih his lyrics, yet stays tight with the flow of music. Perfect pitch and production values went into this track and it shines in his delivery and flow. Clearly the best of the hip-hop tracks Trademark offers on this multi-genre LP. 



Overall Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die is very enjoyable. Mainly seen as a dance offering, this LP delivers on so many different levels. With a few minor touch-ups on just one or two tracks, the album as a whole could be released as an instant classic. Bringing forth many different types of dance with several different genres represented, Trademark has fused some old classic styles with modern day vibes. The seventh track is set apart with it's old funk style that doesn't really reappear on the album again. Which would have been nice to hear a little bit more of, but Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die still delivers a very nice sound and groove to it. Sure to have Trademark Experience on the map for many years to come.


Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions


Overall Rating: 
(4 of 5 Stars)

Too Strange To Live, Too Rare To Die is available on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/too-strange-to-live-too-rare/id447089544

Trademark Experience Links:

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Review of The X Discography - @LUCA_ASCARI

Review of The X Discography
By Gilbert Lachance



The X, an Italian duo formed in early 2011 by Luca Ascari and Stephanie Lapertosa. Even though The X is a recent project, both members of the band are not new to the music industry. Stephanie began as a soprano at school in 1988, then directed her attention to jazz, which shows in some of the songs that The X have composed. In 2010 she released her first solo album, ‘’Dreaming Is Also Fly’’. With The X, she brings a captivating voice which plunges the listener into a dreamy mood. Luca Ascari is the composer, arranger and musician of the band. His career in music began in the 1980’s, but really took off in the 1990’s when he began a project with a new band named Segura Coisa, by trying to merge the original spirit of tribal rhythms from African sounds with those of northeastern Brazilian. Around 2000, in turned his research with solo projects more oriented toward jungle, drum’n’bass, electro, etc., with a project called Khallàs, in which he was singing in Italian. Finally, The X began in 2011 with a first album called ``Marie: The Dark Age of Reason``.

I had only heard about The X recently, and didn’t take the time to really explore their music. So to complete a thorough review, I received 4 folders containing lots of music of varied styles. One, containing different collaborations with many artists. Two, the new album, "Transmutation". Another containing remixes made by Black Project. With the final containing tracks made in collaboration with Ul2raviolet. Already being familiar with Ul2raviolet through his collaboration with Delta Pavonis.


The first batch, the single tracks & collaborations, contains the most varied types of music. The jazz orientation of Stephanie shines in these songs, especially in "Boom Bop", "You’re So Light" and "Diamonds Ecstasy". The latter being one of the best of everything I have heard from The X. A song using snippets from the James Bond movies. Another great one is the remix by Black Project of "Six Feet Under". A track that is more dance floor oriented, but very effective. Where "Changing With a Little Shot" is a quiet song, perfect around a martini with Stephanie’s voice twirling around your senses.


Transmutation, as said earlier, is the most recent EP put forth by The X. The ambient sound of The X is very apparent in this album. All 6 Tracks from this EP are excellent. They made me think a bit about The Orb at times. Especially on the track "A Wrong Cluster of Truth". the track "Sonogram" and the fore-mentioned "A Wrong Cluster of Truth" are not to be missed. Shining as the best tracks on an already well received EP.


The Black Project remix tracks, are remixes of tracks from Transmutation. Black Project gave them the techno dance treatment. For some it works fine, but for others like "A Wrong Cluster of Truth (Hardstyle remix)", I would definitely prefer the original version. Really an ear of the beholder remix there. Then on the track "Russian Dolls", the remix works wonderfully and adds a new dimension to an already good track." The Womb Beat Refixx" is another example of this.


The last folder contains the album "Luminescence", made with Ul2raviolet. As Ul2raviolet does the same type of ambient music as The X, this collaboration is top notch. "The Womb Beat" is really sounding like the best of The Orb’s music, and it’s quite a compliment to say that with conviction. "Mechagism (Interstellar hypnosis)" is one of the best tracks. With another version of this track surfacing on the Square Peg in a Round Hole vol. 3 Compilation, just out a few weeks ago. "Solidarity" has separate versions, one ambient and the other a drum and bass track. Both done well in their own right. The best of this bunch, are by far "The Womb Beat" and "Sonogram", which is more rhythmic.

Enjoy music by The X Pleasure




All in all, The X are very varied in styles of music. Going from ambient jazz to techno to deep ambient. If you like to discover new bands this one is a must hear. If you take the time to have a listen, you’re in for quite a nice journey in sound.


Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions

The X links:



Gilbert Lachance is the on-air host
of From One Extreme To Another 
("D'un extrême à l'autre")
heard Monday nights at Midnight

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Bradykynin's Self-Titled LP - @bradykynin

Review of Bradykynin's Self-Titled LP

By L. White




With so much rock music coming out of New Jersey, it is refreshing to have a new sound arrive on the scene. That is what Bradykynin offers with their new self-titled LP. Listed as Trip-Hop, Indie, Drone Rock, Bradykynin is actually harder to describe when trying to just pick a genre or three. With an almost classic Pink Floyd sound at times on tracks like "Receptor". Then more of an Alternative rock sound with tracks such as "Iwatamoto" that can also be described as New Wave at times. As has become quite popular lately with many artists, Bradykynin pushes the barriers of being labeled with a specific genre. This can only be a plus in today's world of music, as music lovers tend to look for that "something different" factor in the bands they follow.



Bradykynin are a three-piece band, but their music sounds like there is definitely more than three members. With Lew Confrancesco on lead vocals and bass, Mike Cairoli on guitar and Brian Csencsits on drums, Bradykynin has emerged with a mellow sound that also makes you want to move. A great contradiction in sounds, as you can listen while relaxing on a long car ride, or while hosting a house party. They have managed to create a sound that eclipses time with this self-titled LP. At some points sounding very much like an old classic rock song from the 70's, while maintaining a firm grasp on a more contemporary level. This fusion of sounds also makes it very hard to classify the band to specific group of genres, never mind just one. As some may describe it as a fresh new sound with a nostalgic vibe, Bradykynin brings a new element to the table with this album.





Enjoy music from Bradykynin

Overall, the self-titled Bradynynin LP is a very enjoyable one. The song writing is superb, the musical arrangement is perfect and put all together Bradykynin leaves you wanting to hear more. Whether you are wanting to just mellow out or get the party started, they offer both sides of the coin with the sound they bring forth. Seeing bands emerge that are hard to categorize is hard enough. This band has that element in full stride, as well as contradicting emotions emitted from just listening to their music. Any number of oxymoron phrases could be used. For this album, the best way to describe it is something refreshingly new from yesteryear.
The blending of genres is sure to have Bradykynin gaining many fans from different backgrounds, with many different likes in styles of music. If this album describes the sound of Bradykynin music, then this is definitely a band to keep an ear out for.


Overall Rating: 1/2
(3 1/2 Stars of 5)


Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions
Bradykynin Links:

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Review of Blue Skies Black- @mgrosshandler

Review of Mike Grosshandler

"Blue Skies Black" LP By L. White




Solo artists seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately, and sounding pretty good at that. Thus is the case with guitarist for Upstate NY bands "The Velmas" and "Above The Flood" , Mike Grosshandler. Juggling roles in two bands, this hard working artist found the time to release a full-length album of his own titled "Blue Skies Black". His first solo release since 2004 which, aside from drums, a horn on one track ("Drive Me") and guest vocals on another ("Status Quo"), Mike has written, performed, engineered and produced it all himself. Voted by a readers poll in Metroland as "Best Local Solo Musician" and "Best Local Producer", Mike Grosshandler has already seen acclaim for this full-length album.




Delving right into the music, on the title track, "Blue Skies Black", he starts out with his axe, paving the way with a nice rhythm. Vocals on the track are smooth and reminiscent of a softer side of David Grohl. Very catchy with a solid beat, nice melody and perfectly placed solo.

On every track, Grosshandler showcases his great guitar playing and his soulful voice. With great pitch on belted vocals and excellent range with softer melodic tones. Adding feeling to the storied lyrics that helps the listener relate and connect to the path the whole album takes them on.

None better than on the third track, "Nothing Much", where Mike seems to emit emotion and heartfelt feeling in his vocals. With a great solo bridge at the 2:25 mark of the track, lending the listener a retrospective moment to soak in the dream being chased.

On the track "Drops" he showcases some great keyboard playing with a violin overtone and xylophone symbolizing the tears of realization at the wrong caused from a lost love. Leaving the interpretation up to the listener of the songs meaning being of a lost love, or the singers quest for acceptance and self-exploration. Grosshandlers song writing is masterful and introspective, letting the wall crash down and giving one a look inside the feelings and thoughts of an artist who is seeking out the answers to his own path.

The same could be said about the final track, "Without You". The emotions come clearly through with the music arrangements and vocals. Clearly a song of missing a love from afar, or lost all together. Again, leaving that interpretation up to the listener.

Overall "Blue Skies Black" is a very entertaining and enjoyable release by Mike Grosshandler. Very well written, arranged, performed and produced. Showcasing the many talents of a very gifted artist. Grosshandler is definitely a musician to keep an eye on, whether it be in a band role or as a solo artist. "Blue Skies Black" offers that Foo Fighters sound, but with a slightly softer edge to it. Not to be so much compared, but offering his own style and distinction. Mike Grosshandler has hit a home run with this release and leaves you wanting to hear more. A concept that every artist should strive for and aim towards, he has completely nailed it.



Enjoy music from Blue Skies Black



Overall Rating: 1/2
(4 1/2 of 5 Stars)

"Blue Skies Black" is Available on CDBaby Here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mikegrosshandler



Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions

Mike Grosshandler Links:

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Review of Midnight Mosaic @midnightmosaic

By L. White



Midnight Mosaic’s ability to mix the genres of rock, soul, pop, R&B, hip hop, electropop, and funk…shows that this band most certainly lives up to their name by combining these various colors of music at exactly the right time. The transition time their moments between dark and dawn this timing is everything. With a forward-thinking style, they have managed to paint for their fans, a mesmerizing “musical landscape.” They tear down the boundaries of musical tastes and rebuild an entirely new canvas for you the listener. Their shows are intoxicating from beginning to end with high energy and passion. They deliver a show that keeps the crowd moving to the music all night and well into the early hours of the next day even!




Sunday, August 26, 2012

Review of the band Subject ID


Review of Subject ID
By L. White


With a bit of a pop/folk sound, Subject ID is hard to pin down to just a traditional genre. With elements of Sublime and then some Violent Femmes they traverse a wide spectrum of sound. At times sounding quite brilliant lyrically, but then maybe a little goofy, as on the track "The Tree Song". Showing some great writing skills on tracks like "Stalker" and "Cycle Stays the Same", with great metaphors and with the vocals just complimenting the messages of each track. 
On "Stalker", the track starts off with a great bass-line by Anthony DeDominicis and Taylor Kitchen, and remains bass and beat driven by AnthonyTaylor and skins of Levi Kertesz. With two bass players with the same sort of rhythm, Anthony also plays some guitar on the various tracks of Subject ID, they offer a great sound. All in sync and playing off of each other, the band works very well together to give the full feeling of what Subject ID brings to the table. 
On the track "Wooden Strings" you get more of an acoustic folk sound. With a bit of Violent Femmes sound, that David Mercante offers on each track with his vocal range. At about the 1:50 mark, the tempo of the track speeds up with a nice bridge that offers up a solo of sorts that is simple, but compliments the track. Actually bringing to mind a classic rock feel to it at times. 

Enjoy music from Subject ID





The band offers a swingy pop rock and folk based sound and is quite pleasing to the ear. It is actually very interesting that in listing their personal influences, they did not list such bands as the Violent FemmesSublime or B52's. Maybe not so much the B52's exuberance and tempo, but you can definitely hear some influence in there. With the vocals mainly sounding like Gordon Gano, but with Mercante's own style adding a softer feel to it. 
Overall, Subject ID is a great band with their own sound, no matter who their influences may be, or who they may resemble. Unable to really nail down their sound to one, or even two, specific genres, as has become customary lately with many bands. They offer a feel good sound even when touching on not so feel good topics. With not sticking to traditional ways of band members roles in the band, they open up doors for themselves where many other bands may stay stuck in one particular sound. With three of the band members listed as singing vocals, two band members listed on guitars, bass and even percussion, it leaves much more room for exploration for different sounds and techniques. Each of these tracks offers the sound that is Subject ID, with Mercante doing the bulk of the lead singing, you definitely know each track is from the same band. What the future holds for Subject ID, is all completely up to the band as they evolve and change their styles, yet always sticking to the same core of their true sound. No matter what style they settle on, or even if they keep changing it up, Subject ID is a band to keep an eye on.



Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions
Overall Rating: 1/2
(3 1/2 Stars our of 5)


Subject ID Links:

Friday, August 17, 2012

Review of 3 Beers For Breakfast EP


Review of 3 Beers For Breakfast EP
By L. White



3 Beers For Breakfast
With more of a southern rock feel, the music of 3 Beers For Breakfast cannot just be classified as Indie Country. Having more of that rocker type rhythm and flow, as opposed to too much twang, 3 Beers music is one of those sounds that will make the breakthrough from just mainstream country music to get play on many a rock station as well. This 5 track EP offers a taste of many styles of music all centered around the southern rock/country realm, but even has a pop rock feel a bit in the second track "The Truth".


In the digital age of music, many bands have started making their way to delve into several genres to create new sounds. 3 Beers has done that with this EP, and done it to perfection. Bringing to mind some aspects of great classic southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and even some newer pop rock like Nickelback.

On the first track, "Questions of Life", they blend some great lead guitar by Steve Emery around a campfire rhythm set by Jason Gilliam and Kurtis McKinney who also does the vocals for the band. Held together by the bass of Mike Womack and drums of Drew Klenczar. A sure lighter song at any live performance, this track has a feel good flow and shows off some really great guitar work on lead throughout.

As mentioned, the second track on the EP, "The Truth", has a more pop southern rock feel to it. More of a bleak song about the truth in a man beyond help. Heading down a road with many bumps and twists, but that still keeps on keeping on. Giving a glimpse into the truth of a man that doesn't any longer believe in any type of salvation for himself. The vocals of the song are more towards the country side of 3 Beers, while the music bends more towards the pop rock feel. All together very masterful in that it fits together perfectly.

On the third track, "The Woods", you get a bluesy country sound. A story of love between a woman and a country boy. That the woman's life is now transformed due to falling in love with this country boy. Not being able to return to the life she knew before, because she sees that this is real and true. A good love song, without the trappings of materialistic views and things. Sounding real bluesy, but not having any of the blue feelings. A great touch.

On the final track of the EP, "My Fathers' Son", 3 Beers offer more of the southern rock feel, with country body and lyrics. A song about the struggles of a man coming into his own in the shadow of his father, but feeling like he has eclipsed what his father has been to the world. Something any man can relate to, no matter what genre of music they tend to lean towards.


Overall, 3 Beers For Breakfast EP is very enjoyable. With a sound ranging from country to southern rock, with a touch of blues and pop rock, the band offers music for many different tastes. The EP was done very nicely, production and mastering done brilliantly, to give 3 Beers For Breakfast fans their sound to perfection. A great CD to have playing by a campfire, or for backyard barbecues, and even to sit with that significant other out watching the stars. 3 Beers For Breakfast are here to stay, and this EP only solidifies that.

Special thanks to 
Justin Sane of R.S.M Promotions
Overall Rating: 
(4 of 5 Stars)




3 Beers For Breakfast Links: