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

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