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

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!

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