Saturday, August 24, 2013
Review Rhino: Highchair Kings - Highchair Kings (EP)
Review Rhino: Highchair Kings - Highchair Kings (EP): Released: August 2013 Rhino Rating 5/5 Now here is a band that is onto something! Good solid American Rock executed without the nee...
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Review Rhino: Echoic - Springbook (Album)
Review Rhino: Echoic - Springbook (Album): Rhino Rating 4/5 This is an eight track album masterminded by group leader Otto Nuoranne, a musician from Finland who is now based in the...
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Review of Barley Station's "After All" LP
Review of Barley Station's "After All" LP
By Ryan Chilton
From the first lines of the album, “Thirteen steps to the gallows/These are the roads that I take” you can tell that the members of Barley Station have done some living. The album, After All, is a 12-song collection of emotions: love, loss, hope, and heartbreak. The honesty in the songwriting blends perfectly with the layers of deft musicianship to form a solid, accessible album.
Barley station exists somewhere between genres, finding a sweet spot between rock, country, folk and even classic pop. They lend a Midwestern charm to each song. Listening brings up old memories and stirs familiar emotions. Its easy to feel what these guys are feeling. This is not, however, a “lay back in wallow in my pain” album. Barley Station is just as comfortable with the railroad rhythms of “I Found You” as the lament “Can’t Sleep for Venus.”
Overall, this is a solid album by very capable musicians. Their website refers to them as an “emerging” band. It is a good bet that this record will broaden their horizons. Listening to it feels like getting lost on Missouri back roads, and enjoying every minute.
Overall Rating:
(4 out of 5 Stars)
Album Available through Amazon
Ryan Chilton is a freelance writer for B's RSM Promotions and the songwriter/vocalist/guitarist for band The Faretheewells. - http://facebook.com/thefaretheewells
Barley Station Links:
Website
Myspace
ReverbNation Barley Station is ranked #1 on ReverbNation
Friday, October 12, 2012
Review of Cryptic Calling Debut EP
Review of Cryptic Calling Debut EP
By L. White
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.
Overall Rating:
(4 of 5 Stars)
Enjoy music by Cryptic Calling
Cryptic Calling Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrypticCallingReverbNation: 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/
Trademark Experience Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
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.
The X links:
ReverbNation: http://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.
Gilbert Lachance is the on-air host
of From One Extreme To Another
("D'un extrême à l'autre")
heard Monday nights at Midnight
here: http://chuo.fm/
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