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 Anthony, Taylor 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 Femmes, Sublime 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:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Subjectid
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/subjectid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Subject_id

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/subjectid 

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:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3beersforbreakfast

ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/3Beersforbreakfast