Jersey Beat Music Fanzine
Jersey Beat Music Fanzine - Celebrating 25 Years of Rock and Roll!

The World According to Wawzyrniak

REVIEWS BY JOE WAWRZYNIAK

THE ATLANTIC MANOR - Slow Drugs and Other Sorrows (www.theatalanticmanor.com)

Nothing gets me down better and faster than the latest album by determinedly obscure Florida-based low-fi Do-It-Yourself underground indie singer/songwriter supreme R. Sell. This guy rarely, if ever, comes across like a happy camper. Instead R. Sell frequently seems to be in a very deep and heavy morose funk from which there is no easy escape. I mean this all in a positive way. Nobody trudges through basic human feelings of regret, sorrow, sadness, and plain ol’ negative emotions with the same arresting anguish or beautifully laconic eloquence R. Sell brings to one hauntingly gloomy song after another. The tempos usually crawl along at a gradual clip. The beats are likewise pretty slow and subdued. The arrangements are tight, yet still tuneful and effective. Some of the songs, like the brief, yet touching “Do You Still Have a Heart,” are extremely short and to the point. Other tracks such as “Bad News for the New Scene” are impressively lengthy and extensive sonic work-outs. Each and every last song hits the poignant bull’s eye with often striking results. Granted, this sure ain’t the type of music to lift your spirits up when you’re down, but damn does it have a way of ringing around in your mind for hours after you finish listening to it.

Rocky Mountain Low - The Colorado Musical Underground of the Late 1970s (www.rockymountainlow.com)

You learn something new every day. Prior to listening to this simply astonishing 31 song various artists compilation, I had absolutely no idea that Colorado had anything remotely resembling an insanely rich, diverse and hoppin’ underground punk music scene in the late 70s. Well, that particular state sure had one hell of an amazing punk movement goin’ down in the late 70's. The fiercely crunchy’n’punchy tracks featured herein offer everything you love about lowdown gritty straight-up ballsy and sneering vintage punk: snarly vocals, angry lyrics, churning basslines, topical subject matter (Radio Pete’s poignant “Jackie’s Song” deals with President John F. Kennedy’s assassination), fabulously raw’n’rippin’ guitar riffs, snappy tempos, hard-grinding beats, and, most importantly, a properly bitter and defiant “fuck you!” attitude. Some of the songs are hysterically irreverent (“Let’s Kill the President” by the wonderfully named Dancing Assholes), others neatly prefigure the 90's riot girl trend (the jaunty “Hey Look” by the Guys, the bitter “Always Better Than Me” by the Profalactics), several rock out with galvanizing go-for-it furious aplomb (the supremely savage shredder “Sorority Girl” by the Dirty Dogs), some songs are just plain strange (the truly odd troika of “School Bus,” “Cruisin’,” and “Obey the Law” by the offbeat experimental outfit the Healers), a few are incredibly catchy (the rousing “All Cried Out” by the Immortal Nightflames, the bouncy “Fun” by Lilly Rose & the Thorns), all certainly smoke on one way or another. Granted, the audio quality of these recordings is very basic and rough around the edges, but that kind of gloriously ragged and scrappy unpolished stuff is what real punks is all about, baby! A first-rate compilation.



MILES HUNT AND ERICA NOCKALLS - Catching More Than We Miss (myspace.com/ theactualmileshunt)

Combining the sublime elegance of classical music with the brisk energy and bracing immediacy of pop-rock, the Brit-pop duo of Miles Hunt (of The Wonderstuff) and Erica Nockalls deliver eleven songs that captivate the listener with a heady sonic cocktail of sharp, biting lyrics, rich, complex and surprising arrangements, tart’n’tasty tuneful melodies, and an overall crisp polish that blends well with Hunt’s delightfully snarky and sardonic sensibility. Hunt’s smooth, yet snarly vocals are perfectly countered by Nockalls’ exquisitely soaring strings and sprightly piano. The lively tempos rarely slow down for a second while the beats are properly bouncy and constant. A supremely yummy and jaunty treat.

HOPE MACHINE - Big Green (www.hopemachine.com)

A beautifully moving, low-key and melodic album which delivers 12 songs worth of gently tuneful and reflective folksy country, this baby makes for a very pleasant and soothing listen. The vocals offer lots of deliciously delicate harmonizing, the arrangements are extremely dulcet and arresting, the songwriting sharp and thoughtful, the tempos subdued, yet steady, and the beats clop along at a sweetly gradual rate. Best of all, there’s a real heart and warmth at work in this music that’s both affecting and admirable in its disarming sincerity. The songs alternate between nifty originals (the eminently hummable “Clearwater,” the neatly buzzing “Folk Singer”) and inspired covers of such Woody Guthrie classics as “Pastures of Plenty” and “Deportees.” A simply lovely little jewel.

 

JUKEBOX ZEROS - Rock & Roll Ronin (www.jukeboxzeros.com)

Bursting forth from the speakers with six songs worth of pure fast’n’snappy rock’n’roll vigor, this EP CD sure does the trick in a pleasingly punchy and rousing way. The vocals are robust and enthusiastic, the guitar riffs ring loud and true, the drums keep the beats big’n’bouncy throughout, and the basslines whip things up into a further galvanizing frenzy. What’s not to like?

 

 

DRIVE A - Loss of Desire (www.myspace.com/drivea)

Nothing beats a fierce’n’dynamic serving of pure straight-up dynamic and exciting rock’n’roll done with plenty of furious vitality and no needless pretense. Well, this 12-song explosion of pure crunchy pow certainly fits that particular bill somethin’ sweet. The lively shouted raggedy-ass vocals, grinding guitars, churning basslines, and relentless steamrolling drums keep the snappy tempos and pounding beats boppin’ away with considerable spark and gusto from start to finish. There’s a raw boundless energy and beefy “hell yeah!” go-for-it swagger evident throughout that’s a total pleasure to hear. A very cool and enjoyable album.

MICHELE VREELAND - Never Not Myself (www.michelevreeland.com)

Offering up 7 songs worth of exquisitely bright, catchy and tuneful sparkling pop/rock, this EP CD immediately grabs the listener with its beautifully crisp, ringing and melodic sound. Better still, Michele Vreeland’s lovely soaring voice and sharp sense of thoughtful songwriting make for a formidable double whammy. Whether it’s the uplifting self-assertion of the wondrous “I’m a Person” or the heart-wrenching angst of the punchy, yet deeply affecting “Who I Am,” each and every last song scores a bull’s eye with spot-on touching and harmonic results. A radiant little winner.

 


JULIAN PETERSON - Get On This Train (www.julianpeterson.com)

Kicking off to a rousing start with the awesomely hard-diggin’ titular tune, this album really pours on the sweet and soulful funk with a winning blend of style and melodicism. Julian Peterson’s passionate vocals and expert guitar playing make for a potent double whammy. The songs alternate between lively and exciting or more low-key and reflective, but are constantly tuneful and spot-on from start to finish. Moreover, there’s a thoughtful sensibility at work throughout that’s both touching and arresting in equal measure. A very cool and satisfying album.

JASON LYTLE - Yours Truly, The Commuter (Epitaph.com)

Life is all about embarking on some kind of journey. Jason Lytle certainly believes this. His debut solo album takes the listener on a fascinating trip through the wealth of triumphs and disappointments that one will inevitably encounter on the road of life. Armed with a pleasant voice, a sharp sense of songwriting that can relate a story in a nicely direct and involving way, and a firm grasp of buzzing harmonic melodies, Lytle keeps things constantly tuneful and compelling throughout. “Brand New Sun” projects a heartening sense of optimism, “It’s the Weekend” offers a fun’n’fuzzy dynamic rock-out, and “Here for Good” concludes things on a hauntingly melancholy note. A nifty album.

SEAN BONES - Rings (Frenchkissrecords.com)

A neatly chugging blast of extremely funky, yet mellow and soothing reggae, this album offers 11 tracks worth of pure infectiously easy’n’breezy fun. Sean Sullivan’s pleasant voice and cheerful personality make for a winning combination. The tempos bump along at a gradual, yet steady rate. The beats are similarly subdued, but still bouncy and constant. The warm tropical Carribean vibes projected throughout give this album an extra engagingly kicked-back charm. A complete delight.

COPESETIC - The Keys EP (www.copeseticband.com)

This supremely soulful and tuneful five song pop-rock EP CD immediately wins you over with its solid and satisfying blend of eminently warm, complex and hummable melodies, catchy, bubbly and intricate arrangements, and bright and engaging three-part vocal harmonies. The reflective and intelligent songwriting and welcome feeling of genuine sensitivity rate as additional substantial assets. Favorite song: the impressively lengthy and funky-jammin’ sonic workout “Keys.” A nifty item.


ANNABEL - Each and Everyone (www.annabelohio.com)

A pleasingly mellow and melodic serving of thoughtful and mature pop-rock, this album is sure to put the listener in a relaxed and contemplative mood. The vocals convey anguish in an effective but never cloying or overwrought way, the songwriting is impressively concise and articulate, the arrangements spare and subdued, yet still tuneful, the tempos chug along at a reasonable pace, and the beats likewise move with a steady sense of purpose. A nice little winner.

HUDSON RAIL COMPANY (www.hudsonrailcompany.com)

Offering up six songs worth of neatly chugging and harmonic straight-up rock’n’roll, this album goes down smooth and easy thanks to its engaging vocals, tight’n’tuneful arrangements, and concise songwriting. “City By the Ocean” starts things on a nicely boppin’ note, “ Mystery Madonna” turns on the fiercely burning funk with right-on stirring results, “Superstar Tonight” likewise rocks out somethin’ sweet, and “Friend or Lover” kicks out the hard-charging jams for a totally robust and rousing closer. A nifty little EP CD.

SYNTHETIC ELEMENTS - Trashed Out Paradise (www.myspace.com/ syntheticelelements)

A gloriously blunt and aggressive blast of jumped-up fast’n’furious rock that cuts right to the chase in a thrillingly dynamic and exciting matter, this album makes 28 minutes breeze by at a breakneck clip. The shouted vocals are neatly offset by fiercely ringing guitars, sturdy drums, and chugging basslines that rarely let up for a second. This is the type of music that makes you wanna pump your fist in the air and holler at the top of your lungs. I mean this as a good thing.

DRUG RUG - Paint the Fence Invisible (blackandgreenerecords.com)

Delivering eleven tracks worth of lively, catchy and rousing pop-rock exuberance, this album certainly does the trick in a pleasingly brisk and punchy way. The spirited vocals convey an utterly engaging sense of joy and vigor, the arrangements are quite dynamic and harmonic, the tempos bounce along at a snappy rate, and the beats roll by with comparable jaunty aplomb. Best of all, the incredibly infectious mix of pure go-for-it energy and enthusiasm rarely let’s up for a minute. A really fun blast of an album.



MARY BRAGG - Sugar (www.marybragg.com)

Soft and gentle, lovely and lulling, as delicate and endearing as a fawn, this simply beautiful album of warm and melodic folk-pop quietly wins the listener over with its arresting sense of graceful harmony and wistful reflectivity. Mary Bragg’s gorgeous, soaring voice and smart, thoughtful songwriting make for a strong and effective double act. The arrangements are spare and subdued, yet still rich and tuneful. Better still, there’s a refreshing feeling of maturity and introspection which adds to the considerable power and poignancy of the music. For the most part Mary keeps things mellow and reserved, although she does perk up and kick out the swinging jams on the marvelously bluesy “The Paper Chase.” A sweet and delectable jewel.


CORY CASE - Waiting on a Remedy (www.corycase)

Singer/songwriter Cory Case delivers a perfectly pleasant serving of charming country-folk songs on this neatly low-key album. Starting off with the gently lulling “Father Time,” Case comes through with a steady succession of bubbly and upbeat tunes that combined delicately harmonic melodies with an engagingly positive sensibility. Case’s reedy, nasal voice projects well without ever resorting to needless show-off histrionics and his songwriting remains concise, thoughtful and literate throughout. Favorite song: The terrifically gritty and bluesy full-bore rocker “Lab Rats.” A delightfully spare and understated lo-fi winner.


ST. SAT B - Captain John Braves the Mighty Raritan! (http://stsatb.com)

Hey you? Yeah, you, pal. Ya wanna hear something fresh and different? Something novel and imaginative? Something that radically deviates from the norm and boldly treads its own gloriously idiosyncratic path towards pure sonic bliss and invention? Well, then this here be just the album for you. From the quivery vocals to the wonky, yet tuneful arrangements to the alternately mellow and subdued or more manic and exciting songs, there’s nothing remotely trite, mundane, or straight-down-the-line formulaic about the often imaginative and always invigorating music contained herein. For those with a taste for the quirky and distinctive, this album will most certainly fit that particular bill.



STRAW DOGS - Love and Then Hope (www.strawdogs.com)

Bouncy and upbeat, with a strong emphasis on harmonic melodies and touching introspection, this album is sure to whisk the listener away to a pleasant and comforting place as it unfolds on the CD player. The lead vocals are smooth and reassuring, the tempos gradual, yet steady, the beats likewise subdued, but persistent, the arrangements crisp and tuneful, the songwriting nicely concise and thoughtful. This is just the kind of album I want to hear after a typically hard and grueling day at work: warm, folksy, and soothing, it’s the ideal little platter to give a spin whenever you’re in need of something to just kick back and relax to.



SUPER SATELLITES (www.supersatellite.org)

Offering up ten songs worth of groovy-jammin’ coolness, this album immediately wins the listener over with its tasty blend of exuberant vocals, tart lyrics, snappy and tuneful melodies, and lively, harmonic arrangements. There’s a real bounciness and sense of total go-for-it joy evident throughout which makes this album a total treat to hear. It’s genuinely refreshing to hear an album with a cheerful and upbeat sensibility to it that never once comes across as overly cutesy or sappy; instead the happy vibe this album radiates in every last gloriously giddy note sounds sincere and endearing. A complete delight.



THE REDS - Early Nothing (www.TheRedsMusic.com)

Right from the opening sensationally sleazy slow-grinding song “Big Boy,” this album filled my imagination with tantalizing trashy images of a smoky and sordid biker bar with half-naked women in skimpy black leather lewdly cavorting on stage while the rowdy regulars booze it up and brawl with each other to the wee hours of the morning. All the right lowdown scuzzy ingredients for a prime rattling blast of first-rate junk rock are present and accounted for: Sneering sub-Mick Jaggeresque vocals, slinky, slithering tempos, hard-diggin’ guitar riffs, relentless steamroller drums, fiercely hip’n’rippin’ zoned-to-the-funky-bone heavy keyboards, deep, thick, lingering bone-quaking grooves, deliciously tawdry subject matter, and absolutely no needless artsy-fartsy pretense to get in the way of the divinely dingy and dirty straight-up no-bullshit fun. A splendid slab of inspired grungy spew.




THE HANDSOME FAMILY - Honey Moon (www.handsomefamily.com)

Brett and Rennie Sparks are without a doubt one of the most quirky, distinctive and original duos in the annals of offbeat alternative country folk music. For starters, Brett and Rennie possess very nice and melodious voices, with Brett’s deep twangy rumble neatly contrasting with Rennie’s lovely delicate soprano. Next there’s the pair’s firm and unwavering grasp of simple, yet captivating buzzing melodies. The duo’s beautifully plainspoken and insightful songwriting likewise does the straightforward trick. Plus they do that dark and despairing high lonesome mournful and regretful down-in-the-dumps country thing with exquisite grace and subtlety. The spare arrangements possess a fragile and tuneful timeless quality that’s an ethereal joy to hear. A simply splendid jewel of an album.

ELIZABETH & THE CATAPULT - Taller Children (www.elizabethandthecatapult.com)

A refreshingly smart and tuneful breath of appealing pop-rock air, this album immediately wins the listener over with its tasty blend of bouncy melodies, expressive vocals, and sparkling arrangements. Elizabeth Abby Lynn Ziman’s charming voice delivers a delightful mix of spark and warmth. The kickin’ drums and springy guitars keep things lively and thrilling throughout. Better yet, the lyrics are quite sharp and witty, with a fine line in quirky reflectivity. The songs alternate between low-key and thoughtful ballads and more dynamic full-bore rockers with always arresting and often affecting results. An absolute treat.

 

THE PAPER CHASE - Someday This Could Be All Yours Vol. 1 (www.killtherockstars.com)

Raw and rickety, totally bereft of any traditional sense of song structure and slick Top 40 radio friendly hooks, this sure ain’t your run-of-the-mill generic pop-rock album. Instead it’s a gloriously fresh, original and wildly imaginative one-of-a-kind oddity that’s both stirring and surprising in equal measure. The vocals are appropriately ragged and intense. The arrangements are likewise pretty kooky, with cutting guitars, wonky pianos, fiercely persistent drums, and shivery violins swirling and whirling about in a frenzied sonic storm of bracing cacophony and startling melodicism. The fact that all of the arresting songs are about natural disasters adds an extra sense of strangeness to the already offbeat proceedings. A deliciously idiosyncratic marvel.



FERAL CHILDREN - Second to the Last Frontier (www.feralchildrenmusic.com)

A fabulously manic and rumbling slab of hard-charging rock’n’roll fury, this album goes straight for the jugular and tears out your throat with a teeth-gnashing ferocity that’s truly something to hear. The howling vocals roar and scream over a seething sonic onslaught of fiercely cutting guitars, burning’n’churning basslines, and jackhammer drums that never let up for a minute. There’s a deeply felt sense of boiling rage and intense angst evident throughout that gives this music an extra bite and resonance that’s impossible to ignore. A highly satisfying beaut.

 

DSC - We’re the Drug Store Cowboys (www.thedsc.net)

Exploding forth from the speakers with a spiky fury and aggressive energy that just joyfully screams “total straight-up rock’n’roll with no flash or pretense, motherfuckers!,” this album certain hits the savagely satisfying spot something fierce. All the right gnarly’n’nasty stuff is present and accounted for: ferocious snarly shouted vocals, machinegun bursts of ripping guitars, relentless steamroller drums, burning basslines, and harsh, profane, meaner-than-a-rabid-pitbull lyrics. The piledriving beats and constant speedy tempos keep the music appropriately raw, gritty and exciting throughout. A pleasingly tough and hard-edged winner.

 

EDEN STAR - Skin (www.edenstarmusic.com)

Working a fast, punchy and supremely thrilling bump’n’grind groove for all its worth, this six song EP CD seriously smokes in no uncertain terms . The lively shouted vocals cut loose with vigorous go-for-it abandon while the fiercely rippin’ guitars, seething basslines, and unrelenting steamroller drums keep the music ferociously raw, gritty and dynamic throughout. This is the type of savagely exciting music that pulls no punches and takes no prisoners in its tough and aggressive pursuit of pure hard-rockin’ fun. Accolades don’t come any better than that.



CANADIAN INVASION - Three Cheers for the Invisible Hand (www.canadianinvasion.org)

Artfully combining catchy melodies with pointed and biting lyrics, this deceptively merry and frothy album offers a fiercely barbed and amusing satirical critique of the pointless shallowness of average suburbanite existence. The perky vocals and sunny arrangements project a sense of artificial happiness that seems like it’s on the cusp of breaking at any given moment: Such grim subjects as alcoholism, murder, infidelity, and lack of faith in organized religion are all tacked head-on in a hilariously nasty manner. A deliciously dark and deadpan serving of acid that’s given an extra kick by being done with a certain sneaky blend of joy and sweetness, this album makes for an often savagely funny and always enjoyable listening experience.

 

MATTEAH BAIM - Laughing Boy (www.myspace.com/matteahbaim)

I listened to this album on the tail end of another bad day. My TV set broke, so I had to go out and buy a new one. Plus I had to drop my car off at the mechanic’s to fix an oil leak. So I decided to give this album a whirl in my CD player to get a load off and forget my troubles for a while. Matteah Baim’s soft, soothing voice and hypnotic chanted vocals automatically put my mind at ease. The beautifully rich and gently buzzing melodies likewise calmed my previously frazzled nerves. The harmonic arrangements keep things subdued, yet still constantly chugging along throughout. I listened to this gorgeously elegant and enchanting album at a stressful time when I really needed some relief, but music this lovely, tuneful and mesmerizing sounds great and uplifting regardless of the mood you might be in when you hear it. Accolades don’t come any better than that.


DOMENICK CARINO - The Only Thing That Comes To Mind Are Songs About Us (www.myspace.com/domenickcarino)

Soft and melodic, gentle and lulling, this six song CD EP deftly mines a sweet and careful line in achingly fragile and tuneful introspective music. Domenick Carino’s reedy voice, skillful acoustic guitar playing, and thoughtful songwriting all possess a certain pleasant charm. The songs are all harmonic and affecting, with the lovely opening track “Still,” the engagingly laid-back “Alabama,” and the touching closing number “Delicate” rating as the definite highlights. A sound and moving little jewel.


BENJAMIN BEAR - Lungs (www.myspace.com/bejaminbearmusic)

This Seattle, Washington duo come through with a lovely, moving and melodic pop-rock album that’s chock full of passionate vocals, tuneful arrangements, and thoughtful, intelligent and refreshingly mature songwriting. The striking opening song “Station Rest Release” sets the tone for the strong and arresting sonic urgency and immediacy to come: Expressive singing offset by sturdy pianos, persistent drums, relentless beats, and charging tempos that all build and gain momentum as they eventually form together into startling crescendos. This the type of bold, fiery and dramatic music that one doesn’t hear so much as feel; there’s an energetic and incendiary outpouring of emotions unleashed throughout that ultimately adds up to one hell of a powerful listening experience. Terrific stuff.


GENE DANTE AND THE FUTURE STARLETS - The Romantic Lead (www.genedante.com)

Erupting from the speakers like a sudden sonic boom of dynamic and exciting musical joy and passion, this album rocks out in a very lively, rousing and captivating way. Gene Dante’s strong and emotive vocals carry the day with considerable charm and gusto to spare. Moreover, the groovy arrangements boast more than enough chugging basslines, persistent drum beats, and neatly riffin’ guitar licks to keep your toes tapping and fingers snapping throughout. Plus the lyrics are quite sharp and witty, which certainly doesn’t hurt matters in the least. A seriously cool and enjoyable album.


WILKINS - No Expiry Date (www.myspace.com/musicwilkins)

Okay, we all the drill by now. Friday night. Worst night at work. Got vacation starting the next day for a full week. And, wouldn’t you know it, I almost didn’t get out on time. Had to scurry something fierce to get everything done by nine o’clock and get home so I could start enjoying some well deserved rest. Naturally, I was more than a little crabby when I got home. But then I put this wonderfully warm, tuneful and soothing pop-folk album in the CD player and gave it a whirl. I got totally caught up in the lovely swirling melodies, the beautifully serene and soaring vocals, and smart and insightful songwriting. The gentle ebb and flow of the tempos and the soft, yet steady beats likewise took me up and away into a much better and nicer place where I could forget all about my troubles. And that’s exactly the sort of thing the best, most substantial and meaningful music is supposed to do.



HANDS - The Sounds of Earth (www.myspace.com/wearehands)

Wafting out of the speakers with an inspired and invigorating blend of energy, passion and intelligence that’s truly something to hear, this smooth-rocking album certainly hits the punchy, yet still melodic spot with often exciting and always impressive results. The powerhouse drums lay down a mighty pulverizing beat while the churning basslines and rippin’ guitars keep things strong, tuneful and thrilling throughout. The rich and expressive growly vocals likewise seriously smoke. Better still, the lyrics are surprisingly profound and thoughtful. This album offers the listener plenty of tasty meat to chew on in both visceral and emotional terms, thereby making it a true work of sonic art to be praised and relished.


LAURA CHEADLE - Live On (www.lauracheadle.com)

Getting off to a rousing start with the lively and exciting “Constantly,” this album offers one delightfully snappy, thrilling and spot-on pop-rock song after another. Laura Cheadle’s wonderfully warm, husky and robust full-throated voice belts out the thoughtful lyrics with infectiously hearty aplomb. The arrangements are crisp and tuneful, with the steady drums, equally sturdy basslines, and buzzing guitars keeping the music rich, catchy, funky, and flavorsome throughout. The songs neatly alternate between touching and subdued introspection (the moving “Answer Within Me,” the neatly bumping “In the AM”) and more energetic rock-outs (the smooth-grooving blast “Funk is Dead,” the punchy raver “Whatever Moves You”) with always pleasing and often uplifting results. A very cool and worthwhile album.



CHRIS SKEL AND THE ORIGINAL SINS - How Many Nails Does a Coffin Need (www.chris-skel.com)

Lively, punchy and melodic, this ten song album blissfully rocks out with always compelling and occasionally touching results. Chris Skel’s vocals neatly alternate between a soft, plaintive moan and a full-throated go-for-it holler while his songwriting mines a moving line in bittersweet regret and reflection. Some of the songs are slow and subdued (the affecting opening tune “Wither,” the lovely “Find You in My Dreams”), most are more energetic and hard-rocking (the rousing “Once Upon a Time,” the fiercely crankin’ “Another Broken Morning”), all are quite strong and impressive. A pleasingly varied and enjoyable album.

THE MOORE BROTHERS - Aptos (www.themoorebros.com)

This singer/songwriter sibling duo deliver a very catchy, tuneful and captivating acoustic pop album full of charming and quirky songs. With their pleasant vocal harmonies, keen ear for offbeat lyrics , equally sharp eye for oddball little details, refreshingly upbeat attitude, and strong grasp of pretty and simple folkie melodies, the Moore Brothers never put down a wrong foot throughout the course of this lovely, sunny, and utterly endearing delight. Best of all, there’s a beautiful radiance and sweet innocence which permeates every last gloriously delicate note. A real treat.

HRNY WRMS (www.myspace.com/hrnywrms)

Offering up a perfectly punchy’n’crunchy outburst of pleasingly dynamic indie rock, this album certainly hits the rousing and melodic sonic spot something nice. The ripping guitars tear and shred with fierce precision, the drums lay down a heavy steamrolling beat, and the churning basslines supply a gritty undertow to the snappy forward-ho tempos. The lively shouted vocals and concise lyrics are likewise up to snuff. Best of all, at a tight 28 minutes this album keeps things short’n’sweet and never overstays its welcome. A nifty little item.

ROBBERS - Flesh (www.unicronslife.com)

Slapping a simple label on this extremely eclectic, ambitious, and often interesting six song EP CD is difficult to impossible. It’s way too intricate and melodic to be hard rock. It’s certainly too offbeat and experimental to be dismissed as generic pop. It’s definitely edgy and intense enough to be categorized as the sprawling catch-all term “alternative,” but that particular word has long since lost whatever relevant meaning it might have once possessed due to excessive overuse. So what the hell do we call this marvelously quirky, compelling, and even frequently hypnotic out-of-the-ordinary music? I’d say let’s just describe it as fresh, inspired and different music for those with a taste for something special and unique and leave it at that.


JON CASPI - Eddie Knows! (www.JonCaspi.com)

Here’s a fresh, original and interesting premise for an album: An epic story about a guy named Eddie and the various hardships, triumphs, disappointments and achievements he experiences throughout his life. Each song tells a chapter in Eddie’s life. Jon Caspi writes the songs with exceptional acuity and vividness that ultimately adds up to an impressively large, complex and even poignant whole. Moreover, Caspi tackles vocal chores with exceptional flair and passion, plus plays a pretty mean guitar. Better still, the arrangements are extremely catchy, tuneful and dynamic, creating a full, rich, booming and soaring sound that’s as big, stirring and dramatic as life itself. An excellent and affecting work of rock art.

 

 
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