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:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bradykynin

ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/bradykynin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradykynin

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:

Website: http://mikegrosshandler.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Grosshandler/149409118502234

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mgrosshandler

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