Fall Reviews 2009
Anvil: This Is Thirteen
The 70s and 80s saw an explosion of heavy metal bands that drew upon the molten riffs of Black Sabbath to create the subgenres of metal that exist today. Whether it was the New Wave of British Heavy Metal lead by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motorhead, or the California thrash metal movement
spearheaded by Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Exodus, it can be said without much hesitation that heavy metal was a musical force that touched each
corner of the world and in the process inspired countless individuals to pick up guitars, take up the drum kit and scream their lungs out to any
metalhead that would listen. Sadly, despite the number of bands that did achieve success, there were a lot of bands that almost faded into headbanging
obscurity. Canadian metal band Anvil was among those bands that never made it, but endured for the love of metal. After 30 years of playing, the band is
finally getting the appraise it deserves with the recent release of the documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil. Coinciding with this movie is the
re-release of This is Thirteen which was originally released in 2007, but only on the band’s website. Now the record is widely available
and the result is a batch of strong metal. The title track is over six minutes of Sabbath sludge and opens the album in a dark, grandiose way.
“Flying Blind” hearkens to the days of 80s British metal while the pounding drums of “Axe to Grind” crush down the competition with the riffs adding to
the tribal aura of the track. When listening to this record, it is obvious that Anvil are having a fun time and want you to join in the fist pumping
action.
Review by Jerel Johnson
Atari Blitzkrieg: Kick, Punch, Fight, Rhyme
Atari Blitzkrieg is a one man army. Through recording all the instrumentation for his album and rapping over it, he changes the stereotype that rap
“isn't really music”. Atari Blitzkrieg defines the saying, “if you want it done right do it yourself”.
Some tracks feature other artists which adds even more color to Atari Blitzkieg's multicolored palate. The mixture of old recordings and the sometime
constant sound of a record spinning adds an element of the past not heard by today's youth. The album Kick, Punch, Fight, Rhyme was recently made
available. If you want to hear someone pour everything they have, and then some, into a song then make your way to iamsubstance.com to experience the
artistry of Atari Blitzkrieg.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Brennan:
Kevin Carlson: Museum
When the first notes of "Bethany's Wood" caress your senses, you know you are going to enjoy this trip to the Museum. The first full length CD
from Woodstock, Georgia singer/songwriter Kevin Carlson launches with this wonderful track reminiscent of the days when folk was ruled by legendary
names like Taylor, Stevens, Mitchell, and Fogelberg. This CD delves so much deeper though, with various pop stylings and more current musical influences
melding wondrously with Kevin's emotive vocal work and life experience stories. "Miracle" has a subtle edge to it, displaying Kevin's vocal range.
"Other Way Around" is a passionate ballad that has a touch of Nashville soul woven with comforting hooks. The whimsical "Little Dang Dog" showcases a
humorous side to Kevin's lyric writing and dares you not to tap your toes and sing along with it. Another facet that increases the depth of enjoyment on
Museum is Kevin's prowess with the 12-string guitar; not showy or flashy but with enough obvious talent to make you notice how it enhances the overall
musical mosaic. As the singer/songwriter genre becomes more cluttered by seemingly anyone who thinks they can pick an acoustic guitar and sing, it is
refreshing to hear Kevin's well-rounded talent. There are still people who do this not
just for their own love of creating music, but to please other music lovers as well. Kevin's Museum is pure proof.
Review by Marc Storm
Deep Samadhi: This Is Now
Deep Samadhi have a British sound for a band from Italy. One could attribute this to the fact that drummer Matteo Sideri received his sound
engineering degree in England. All of this aside, Deep Samadhi is a good pop rock band with quirky sensibilities.
“Nothing to Say” is an upbeat song that sounds like a new wave song from 1981, but the band makes it sound so fresh it can fit into the music landscape
of 2009. “From a Window” has some manic drumming that keeps the song jogging along with some nice lead guitar work. The best way to describe the sound
of this band is a younger version of the Police. The Police were easily the biggest band in the world during the early to mid 80s, and if a group is
going to model their sound on any specific band, The Police is a great band to model it to. That is not to say that the band is a copy cat by any means;
it is just that the guitars and drums instantly recall Sting and Company. This has not hindered the band in any way as they won the 2009 Roadie
Rockslide Festival.
Deep Samadhi have an EP out titled This is Now which is currently available at www.myspace.com/deepsamadhi. Hopefully this band will have an LP
on the way as the band’s popularity seems to be growing and will allow the group to play more material at their shows. Bravo Deep Samadhi on your
success.
Review by Jerel Johnson
The Doctors Fox: Plural Non-Possessive
The unconventional sound of The Doctors Fox can be likened to a schizophrenic with a multiple personality disorder. There are times when the music is
layered superbly and flawlessly transitions from one genre into another. At other times, the nasty side presents itself with annoying vocal fluctuations
and lyrics that leave much to be desired. But, it is at all times beautifully strange in its delivery.
“Ode to Sun” is a great track featuring a gorgeous blend of middle-eastern folk-influenced melody with clapping rhythms and a captivating bass line.
The song switches between old country folk, jazz, and rock without sounding at all disconnected. “Sasha” combines elements of rock fusion and blues
within a bouncy upper of a ditty including a trippy electric guitar solo backed by bumping bass and drums.
Unfortunately, there is one track that ruins the experience for me, “Sarah.” The vocals during the chorus sound like Conan O’Brien’s “In the Year
2000” skit, and I just can’t get past it. Overall, The Doctors Fox is reminiscent of Jellyfish, Dave Matthews, Turkish fiddling folk, and Modest Mouse
in a blender and allows a prominent role for the fiddle among this collage of madness. The tracks would work well in small doses for a quick pick-me-up
from the day to day mundane.
Review by Nadia Lelutiu
The Face Time Police: The Definition Of Deviation
The Face Time Police have several musical faces: The song, “None of the Below” sounds like Mr. Bungle mixed with Beck and the vocal harmonies add an
extra level of depth to an already catchy chorus.
Next, they take you through a world of moving ballads, dance and rap with “Seashells”.
On “Nothing Left To Break” Fats Time Police try to wipe up spilled tears with a heartfelt song we all have sung at one point. A bit of Green Day can be
heard in the vocals.
This extremely versatile act will find a way into your musical collection, no matter what your taste is. As the press kits states, “This isn't about
thinking outside the box... it's about destroying the box entirely”.
You can purchase their music on http://www.facetimepolice.com.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Flowers For Lily: Live At Studio 55
Flowers for Lily gets it right. This Australian rock band with gloomy sensibilities nails the hard riffs with angst ridden vocals with relative ease.
“Cupid” may not be a song that will get that much radio airplay due to its chorus line, “shooting children in the heart it’s not a game”, but the
song is so catchy it does not even matter. The track has the perfect loud/soft contrast with big rock riffs spliced with acoustic interludes that
add to the song’s power.
“Cemetery Forest” will probably appeal to the AFI crowd with its gothic imagery of coffins and death. The track is essentially punk rock with roaring
drums and slightly over the top vocals. “Breaking Bread” is a bit on the heavier side with the murky riffs and somewhat moody atmosphere.
Flowers For Lily could very well go on to achieve success in America as the band has the mainstream appeal yet still has a sense of underground
integrity that will allow for great coverage from more independent magazines. The music draws from a slew of influences which allows the band to not
stick within the parameters of any particular genre. Flowers For Lily is already on the right track for a band that has only played together for one
year. The band performed at this year’s Big Day Out Festival and were even nominated for an Independent Music Award. The band plans to spend the next
year recording new material and touring. With a work ethic like this, there is no reason this band will not become a breakout success in 2010. Check
them out at www.MySpace.com/Flowers4Lily.
Review by Jerel Johnson
Images Of Io: Red White Black and Blue
It almost doesn't matter what the beautiful voice of Nadia Hope is singing, the notes are so well-crafted and chosen.
Of course, content does matter to the reader of Target Audience Magazine because our readers want to know why the independent music of certain voices is
chosen over others still fighting for a chance.
Images of Io blends electronic instrumentation and influences to allow the listener an amount of distance; it works well as background music.
Painters and poets alike can put Red White Black and Blue and detune to the sounds while feeling creative enough to draw inspiration from the
music.
Reminiscent of 80s music in the electronic sense, but modern with lyrics like, “it's you and me against the world as it's falling down”
(from “Red White Black and Blue”). The subtle word play of the single's title is not lost either, it almost sounds like “read while black and blue”
which could be interpreted to elicit images of struggling and surviving).
After listening to the first few songs, the urge to sing along takes over (regardless of whether or not you can reach those high notes). A need to find
the lyrics creeps in and, yet again, I find myself recommending posting lyrics for fans.
Remember Shakespeare's Sister? The soulful singing in “Human Cannonball” brings them to mind, but without the creepy make-up. Images Of Io have a
talented and stunning front lady in Nadia Hope (whose name almost sounds like “not enough hope”; perhaps the music simply elicits a new way of looking
at things in front of you).
The press bio announces her recent addition to the group and a fine choice was made as she really seals the backing keyboards and guitars with a wide
range of vocal ability. Again, the track closes with repetition of the song title, “I'm a human cannonball”, but it ties in with the feeling that you
may not have heard every lyric in the mellow, zoning out of the beginning of the song.
Red White Black and Blue presents a balance of styles from Imogen Heap to Pink Floyd.
The remixed song, “All For Nothing” gives the listener two chances to appreciate the lyrics which truly speak to an audience of independently promoted
creators...for that reason alone readers of Target Audience Magazine should check out Myspace.com/ImagesofIo.
“Feels like I swallowed an ocean of doubt. The fish are swimming in me. And if you can't help coming closer to the edge you could be swept
away and wind up lost at sea. I feel so far from where I've been I think I'll never be back on dry land and I'm clinging to the hope that it's not all
for nothing” -”All For Nothing”
Review By Ellen Eldridge
Melissa Kate: Kissed By Kate
Melissa Kate is from Buffalo NY. After graduating from SUNY Fredonia, she moved to New York and co-founded a non-profit theatrical company, Cobblestone
Productions, Inc. She has recorded two albums with the Yallopin Hounds. Currently she is the vocalist for the George Scott Swing Band, Taylor Made Jazz,
occasionally the Latin Jazz Project.
Her Album Blind Faith can be found through www.tmi-music.com and Van Taylor
music Productions, distributed to Border stores across the states available online at her
website www.melissakate.net.
The highlights of Kissed by Kate include “It's Only Love” which starts out with a gorgeous piano introduction and a progression reminiscent of
“Earth Angel” by Marvin Berry and the Starlighters.
The use of the flat 5, “the devil's tone”, in “After the Affair” puts a proper perspective on the subject of the song and the song “Phoenix” reminds
one of Sheena Easton's “For Your Eyes Only”.
Finally, some excellent bass and guitar in the song “Consecuencia Del Amor (Result of Love)” show off the talent of the entire band backing Melissa
Kate.
Overall, Melissa Kate has a pleasant voice, at times, but pitchy notes need work.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Paris Keeling: End of Ride Revisited
Surgeland Records - 401559
This re-issued recording project, featuring North Carolina songwriter/guitarist Marty Paris and one of rock's top vocalists Kelly Keeling, takes the
original recording to a higher plane. The addition of five bonus tracks along with remastering and some subtle instrumentation embellishments of the
original songs makes this CD a must for any fan of either Paris or Keeling, as well as people who appreciate songwriting talents funneled into various
aspects of rock and roll. The gritty retro rocker "Tears Of Heaven" launches the disc with dramatic power. "Life" has an inspiring quality to it, with
acoustic driven melodies and harmonic vocals building to an intense, uplifting climax. The addition of delectable string arrangements enhance the
touching ballads "Feel" and "Free". Keeling's emotive vocal prowess shines on the minimalistic piano fueled "Morning Song". The bonus track "Alive"
affords Paris the opportunity to display his talent, which he does to wonderful affect on this alt folk rocker with a heartland feel. The listener is
treated to both a live and studio version of the edgy, Beatles influenced rocker "Head Straight." Like "Head Straight," the full throttle sonic guitar
fueled "Don't Disturb the Occupants" features the indelible drumming of the legendary Carmine Appice. Other notable guest appearances include the wicked
guitar licks of George Lynch on the modern blues tinged rocker "These Days," and his former bandmate Don Dokken produces Lennon/McCartney style vocal
harmonies with Keeling on the subtly intense "I've Found". The bamd also pays homage to one of their inspirations - ELO - with a luscious cover version
of the classic "Telephone Line". A near perfect balance of retro and modern styles fueling foot-stomping rockers and reflecting ballads with lyrics
straight from the heart and soul of two talented musicians who really know how to tell stories with their music. "End of Ride Revisited" will rate
high on your listenability and musical enjoyment scales. And for those of you into visual aesthetics, the new artwork is spectacular as well.
http://www.pariskeeling.com, http://www.myspace.com/pariskeeling - available at http://www.cdbaby.com/pariskeeling2
Review by Marc Storm
Marc Lawson: These Empty Streets
Marc Lawson recently made the jump from behind a drum set to front man behind a piano and with the release of his first collection of
songs, These Empty Streets listeners can see the faith behind that leap. He says of his debut, "To me, songwriting is the ultimate coping
mechanism… It allows me to transform the painful experiences of my own life into something that can be shared with others.”
“There is nothing more rewarding to me than connecting with people through music."
The release took place October 3, 2009 in Atlanta at Smith's Olde Bar, but in September the Cherokee County Music Society held a Songwriter's night
where Lawson performed his songs and sold copies of These Empty Streets. Watching him perform that night exposed new understanding of the power
of his music and the passion with which he presents it live.
The songwriter style lyrics hit home with themes from escaping town to finding the right woman.
“Brand New Day” was introduced live as recently changed from, “GTFO”. Just a simple introduction like that allowed a perspective on the song to which I
could connect. Many listeners will connect with the ideas presented from the first line, “this town has had enough of me” to the last line, “hey, hey it
's a brand new day”.
The quiet song “In Her Arms” compares elements of a possible love/hate relationship with a twist on the old “can't live without them” saying. The
crescendo building in the chorus powers the song's pulls from “lying in her arms” to “dying in her arms”. Nothing a country twang county couldn't
convey behind a guitar, but the elegant piano accompaniment adds a distinguished atmosphere.
“Tightrope” definitely contains elements of country, but the good country as opposed to songs about kicking the dog and flipping the truck. An almost
Billy Joel singer-songwriter comes out of Lawson as he sings about walking a thin line without looking back or down. Perhaps, his venture in the world
of music production and writing his own songs feels like walking on a tightrope, a great metaphor. The entire album works as a metaphor loosely covering
the fact that these truly are intensely personal songs shared with the world.
Check Marc Lawson out at www.Myspace.com/MarcLawsonMusic
Review By Ellen Eldridge
Jerome Lee: Life This Time
Jerome Lee has survived the test of time having been making music for 40 years! His work is truly what “adult contemporary” should be; great music for
listening as background music in classy nightclubs or family restaurants. Themes including finding love, happiness and beauty within a woman which lasts
longer than outward appearances win favor with many audiences.
His music may not strike emotive chords, but it is upbeat and fun to listen and dance to. The jazzy additions of tenor saxophone and the quality of
mixing makes this great for radio play.
Jerome Lee makes music for audiences who don't necessarily need to feel overwhelmed by music; those who can simply enjoy an ambient atmosphere.
I sincerely hope his music gets a chance to be heard by those who would appreciate it.
Check him out at http://www.jeromelee.net/.
Review by Ellen Eldridge
Nive Nielson: Nive Sings
Nive Nielsen has a voice that drips with sweetness, but her lyrics are bleeding with anger and pain.
Her vocal melodies seem to flow effortlessly in each song, but a feeling of supressing that anger forebodes like folk music should.
The song “Good For You” sounds like Ani DiFranco in an old western.
Not bad for a ukelele-wielding Eskimo!
The song “Room” reminds the ear vocally of The Doors in the beginning, then the banjo starts arpeggiating creating a different sound for this musical
haunting.
The song “Vaccum Killer” could me a metaphor for a painful breakup, or it could simply be about hating bugs.
Nive Nielsen music is beautiful with very melodic lyrics that pounce on the topics of broken love, anger, and the question of sanity. You can listen to
some of her music at http://www.myspace.com/nivenielsen
Review by Russell Eldridge
Painting In Negative: Adrift
Painting in Negative is a California based heavy metal band that mixes modern metal riffs with a small of slice of progressivism. Over the past few
years, there has been a resurgence in old school thrash metal as a bunch of teenagers and young adults have raided their parents’ closets looking for
rusted bullet belts, denim jackets and Kill Em’ All era Metallica patches. While this new movement of thrash is certainly surprising, and even
heartwarming in a nostalgic way, there is little innovation or reinvention of the genre as newer bands are copying what was popular and refreshing 20
years ago.
Painting in Negative does not go down this road and instead creates a mini detour on the worn metal path as they mix clean vocals and growls with nu
metal riffs and guitar solos. On the track “A2” this formula proves to be successful, thanks to some industrial type riffs mixed with brooding vocals.
The result is a band featuring just enough diversity to share a concert bill with bands ranging from Machine Head to Mushroomhead. Although elitist
metal heads may scoff at this band for not playing “true brutal metal”, Painting in Negative deserves some kudos for playing their own brand of modern
progressive metal that rarely falls into the conventions of any single metal sub-genre. The band is currently recording tracks for their debut album,
Adrift. If the songs “A2”, “Inertia” and “A Promise Kept” are any indication, the record should be a solid first effort that could make some
waves in the American metal community. Visit them at Myspace.com/PaintingInNegative.
Review By Jerel Johnson
The Problemaddicts: The Darkside Of Oz
If the Problemaddicts inspire the future stars of rap then the world of hip/hop can breathe easier. The Problemaddicts show the world what happens
when five emcees, from Massachusetts, team up to breathe life back into the style of hip/hop. You get neck-snapping rhymes back-to-back and side-by-side
with every track. The 16th note drive in the lyrics for “Home” will put you under a spell of unavoidable groove. If you're ever in New England make
some time to check out a show so you can see how hip/hop is properly preformed. You can hear some of their music at www.myspace.com/theproblemaddicts
Review by Russell Eldridge
Ricardo Sweatt Rodriguez:
Ricardo Sweatt Rodriguez's guitar playing is best described as a non-stop arpeggio perfectly ringing through the ear into the soul.
His alternate picking technique is quite impressive and clean. Watching his fingers during “Broadcast” is like watching a spider slowly reset his legs.
It was bound to happen that the angels would put down their harps and pick up the guitar. Ricardo Sweatt Rodriguez is leading the way. You can purchase
some of his music on his site http://www.omeros.net/
Review by Russell Eldridge
Slayer: World Painted Blood
The first thing that screams at you, besides the vocals, is the guitars which have less gain than any of the other Slayer album
and they are more mid heavy, which makes playing as fast as Slayer does a lot more difficult and, at times, much heavier. The guitars are also extremely tight and in sync with
each other and the drums throughout the entire album. Which means either Slayer is incredibly in sync with each other after all these years of playing
together or Slayer was extremely meticulous in the studio.
The use of octaves in the title track was a nice detour from typical Slayer riffing; it added a fitting new element to the music. The song
“Not of this God” starts of with a riff reminiscent of “Temptation” on Seasons in the Abyss then the middle of the song breaks down to a
Dimebag/Vinnie Paul sounding style groove.
“Playing with Dolls” takes another unusual direction for Slayer. The song starts off with a haunting finger-picked pattern then, during the second
verse, the backing guitars build dynamically off of the first riff. During the chorus, a very subtle guitar effect is heard which could be a Wah pedal or
a Phaser. The song “Human Strain” contains a bridge section with Tom Araya's most memorable vocal melody of all time.
World Painted Blood is an album for all Slayer fans with influences from each album making an appearance and a few different ideas as well.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Vickda Kreed: Televised Revolution
A cursory glance of Vickda Kreed's incomplete press kit exposes inspired words about writing lyrics and music from the heart; not an uncommon thing in a market
flooded by excited creative minds desperate to find an audience to connect to through the internet.
The first song listed in the press kit is “Stay Focused” and does strike a chord lyrically with combining lyrical poetry with marketing a creative
project. I would recommend Vickda include the lyrics to his songs in the press kit.
The spoken introduction announces host Vickda Kreed on the continuing journey of Hip Hop music...”reminding you to stay focused”. This song moves
rhythmically as hip hop style raps pour out between the lips of a man who proclaims he is “born to lose” but encourages listeners to “stay focused”.
An interesting irony and a dichotomy which shows the dissonance between making something from the heart and tunneling it through the ears of those
whose heart it will strike on the other end...”bleed less and sweat more”.
The strings behind clapping hands holding the song's pulse make this song stellar without making predictions about the artist's future.
“Stay Focused” deserves a listen and for this reason Vickda Kreed deserves attention. He has recently released Televised Revolution and can be
found at Myspace.com/Vickda Kreed
Review by Ellen Eldridge
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