At first listen the Beatles come to mind with the song “Waiting for the Green.” Every song is poetry with
twists and turns, metaphors and possible dozens of meanings, which is the fun part. Allowing the listener to
interpret the songs in their eyes which lets them grow closer to the music and relate to each song their own way.
The way the chorus builds, "Fingers, thumbs and toes
sensory overload
all rebounds like..."
and continues to climax into, “God I loved you”, grabs the soul and leaves it wondering for a moment
until all thoughts are collected like pools of tears running the course to the river.
The chord progressions are like a surprising journey leading you sometimes to a dark place overloading the auditory
sensors.
“Sleeping Beauty” seems like it was born on stage from a true life event.
Groove mixed with beauty hits hard with “Decidedly Dumb”.
The Musicianship is remarkable throughout every song and the poetry of the lyrics are breath taking as as well as
thought provoking with lines like, “what's the point of being half in love?“
Review by Russell Eldridge
Galanor: Fragments (demo 2008)
Presenting self-described "pop-metal" from the Netherlands, the band Galanor flows in and out of memorable choruses
and groove with creative use of negative space proving that silence is powerful.
The song "Reign" takes one back in time to a Queen demanding submission and loyalty from her people. Both guitar and
keyboard solos were well written and well placed.
With "Silver Seigh" the story of infatuation dances around and plays with the soul. This song starts you out with a foot
stomping march then into a candlelight embrace. The vocal harmonies in the end add another color bringing out a new
dimension to a tempting melody.
"Superman" starts with a recorded riff which sounds like a record playing in its production, but the vocals start a
song to which many could compare their own lives. "They never seem to understand; their fate lies entirely in their
own hands" signals a theme many may consider purely American; the idea of searching for a "superman" to rescue each
from his or her own demons and decisions. The dynamic way the female vocals are offset by the harmonizing male voices
makes the chorus stand out as a dichotomy of the simple idea that we each control our own fate, but we desperately
search for that hero to make us safe and whole.
Galanor have a bright future ahead of them. Sit back, be patient, and listen. The lines will appear.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Portugal. The Man: The Satanic Satanist
The quirky name of the band does little to divulge their catchy sound, but the song titles on this fourth album fit
like a glove. John Baldwin Gourley's high-pitched vocals blend effortlessly with dense instrumentation throughout this
collection sprinkled with subtle treasures.
As a whole, the album works like a story and I think of Quentin Tarantino's style, except for the dating of tone--he
strives for a 70s style, while The Satanic Satanist sounds quintessentially 90s with a lot of added flourish
drawn from so many disparate sources as to defy any sort of pigeonhole.
The album opens with "People Say", a cautiously optimistic song ("All the people sing, they sing, it'll be all right,
it'll be all right, it'll be all right, it'll be all right") interspersed with keyboard through a sweeping Leslie
speaker.
Next on the track list is "Work All Day", intricate, and bearing a laborious, climbing coda with small synth-tone sweeps
in the background. Such hints and bits abound throughout the album: Acoustic guitar surrounded by crash in "The Sun" or
handclaps accompanying a rolling, grinding guitar in "The Woods", which gives the most insight into the main character
of the story that I hear throughout the album.
It is by turns psychedelic, driving, restful, inspiring, rousing, and dreamy. "Guns and Dogs" is about living an
isolated life in Alaska, but to me it feels like strutting through the old part of town in the west with braggadocio
and kick drums, building to a climax before dropping to some kind of meditation, then sweeping back around. "Do You"
has the aura of redemption, followed by the pleading and promising, yet hateful "Everyone is Golden" and the hurt,
mournful pushing of "Let You Down" ("It's all right, all right, all right, all right. Just go. Please don't go--'cause
I won't let you down. Watch the world.") Again, the theme of things being 'all right'. You can tell they're not.
The album wraps with "Mornings", an almost cheerfully nihilistic, fuzzy song with another nice subtle line, this one
from a violin.
Further description of the album is best summarized as Beck on downers--all the soul influence, choral harmonies, and
unique sounds from every instrument available, but toned down, less hyper, more normal.
Review by Evan Tyler
Street Sweeper Social Club: Self-Titled
Landing at number 37 on the Billboard 200 chart in the first week of its release, Tom Morello
(Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) and Boots Riley (The Coup) join forces to unleash a new blend of political
rap-rock with Street Sweeper Social Club's self-titled debut.
The title of the opening track, "Fight! Smash! Win!," recalls things scrawled across high school notebooks, but some of
the verses call to arms the mentalities of the masses who need to pay attention to what may be a crumbling economy.
"Just like getting up in the club with a fake ID, if it don't work we gon do it again" shows audiences (who may have missed Rage Against the Machine songs) the power of the people who don't quit. The song works as a rapped rally trying to educate audiences while Riley's words rapidly cruse over Morello's classic riffing.
A wise choice for SSSC's appearance on Jimmy Fallon live was the second track and single, "1000 Little Curses".
The marching snare makes this song along with Riley's raps and Morello's signature moves. The chorus cutely exclaims,
"All my real down people we got love for you here, 'cept for that motherfuckas right there, get 'em!"
Imagine the scene at a show when Riley chooses the fan at which to point!
Critics could criticize Morello for attempting to re-create Rage Against the Machine in its political content or
success, but this team triggers the awareness needed for a generation who may have missed out on former bands or
disconnected from political rock.
"Somewhere in the World It's Midnight" acts as one of the more well-crafted songs, lyrically, on the album. It tells a
solid story with characters from all walks of life from kids getting out of school to guerillas in the mist. Check it
out when you buy the debut from Street Sweeper Social Club.
Review by Ellen Eldridge
Paulina Logan: Wallflowers
We live in a place in time where music has taken a backstage to most other forms of media
and entertainment; record sales have dissolved for most artists who chose to keep their integrity and originality.
Only those who appear on 'American Idol' seem to see any of the limelight today and who, in all honesty, can call
them musicians when, in reality, they are only a fleeting memory in a ratings war of commercialized redundancy?
That being said, Paulina Logan, a California singer/songwriter, is a breath of fresh air with her enthusiastic and
eclectic styling. Her voice is at times angelic and other times it has a raw edgy feel that ranks her high on the
list of up-and-coming musical acts of today. She has the potential for greatness.
Listening to her music for the first time is like arriving in heaven, an overwhelming euphoria takes hold of you
and it's impossible to shake it. There is a hypnotic rhythm to her voice that exudes enormous undertones of sexual
energy. You can sense the growl of something special is in the air. Dim the lights, loosen your collar and enjoy.
She has been compared to the likes of Jewel and Joni Mitchell, but in all honesty I don't see it. She is truly an
artist who has invented her own unique and original sound. It's only a matter of time before she is a household
name unlike any 'Idol' star you care to name.
With songs like, "Hold On" and "Too Far Gone", her musical range is explicitly displayed with a
rare expertise not often found in today's music industry. The listener can only hope that Logan's music
plays on forever.
I encourage you all to give Paulina Logan a listen. Her first record, Wallflower (2007, Warrior Girl Music) is available through her website: www.paulinalogan.com. She is currently in the studio working on her second record.
Review by Darryl Salach
Phineas J. Whoopie: Down the Rails
A rock band formed in Florida during the peak of the alternative movement, Phineas J. Whoopie
recalls the days of '90s rock with catchy melodies, spacey guitars and a slight psychedelic influence.
Their song, "Break Me Little", features the former items listed with a U2 bend thrown in for good measure.
"Wait" sounds like it could fit on any teen movie soundtrack with its up-tempo beat and urgent lyrics about
wanting to be with that special someone. "Black & White" shows the band going into acoustic territory and
once again one can hear the grunge/alternative influence.
Why this band never reached the success of bands like Collective Soul or Smashing Pumpkins is beyond me,
as this band had all of the tools to be successful when alternative was king. Of course, it is no longer 1995, but 2009
and the musical landscape is certainly different from what it was 15 years ago. Quickly done Mohawks and tight, black
jeans have replaced flannel and long hair, and band development has gone the way of the dinosaur as music labels snatch
up musical artists based more on singles than actual talent.
In an environment such as this, does a band like Phineas J. Whoopie stand a chance? There is no perfect answer to this,
but Phineas certainly deserve national recognition after being together for over a decade, having four albums under
their belt. The quality and longevity of their music speaks volumes in today's musical climate.
Review by Jerel Johnson
Kotadama: 2009 Debut scheduled
When listening to Kotodama daydreams walk in and out of the ears playing movies of an emotional roller coaster.
For example, somebody walking down the street alone listening to their I-pod and “See You Tonight” starts to play
reminding them of their fallen relationship. Wishing they could see them again hoping they would forget the past and
understand that no ones perfect.
“Three Simple Words” is full of pain from someone reaching for something that wasn't there. Like someone was
played cold and left in a negative oasis.
“Earth verses man” brings vision of someone falling in the rain slowly turning around to see the end but too late
to do anything about it.
Kotodama is a Japanese belief of the power of language. The band Kotodama seems to take the meaning seriously with
songs about love, pain and the earth. Maybe someone will be inspired to treat their loved one better or to take better
care of our environment.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Kind Words From Bad People: Rhythm Unconscious
When listening to "Kinds Words From Bad People" listeners can sit back and let an andante trance
permeate to the tip of their soul.
vocals differ like east and west. The east is the rapping which flows with triplets and intense
visualizations through creative use of spoken word. Then, you have the west where beautiful melodies and a sense
of intense relaxation calms your soul, bringing you close to an Alpha state or peace. Both styles flow back and
forth grazing fingertips as they pass.
"Patient's Dream/Sweetest Arsenic" screams a love story of acceptance. The line, "Kiss of her venom" seems to be saying,
"No matter what you do to me I will Love you." With "Sometimes I Play The Fool" visions appear of someone
trying to make it famous, but unsure if it's what they want, and tire of hurting friends.
The chorus of "Beginning Of Where You Left Off " is full of energy and sticks in your head, bounces back and
forth till your head is moving to the rhythm. "Fly on a Wall" is an impressive mix of Blues and Hip-Hop.
"Kind Words From Bad People" has a sound which gives hope for the constant evolution of Hip-Hop through a creative mixture of
Blues, New Age and Rap.
Review by Russell Eldridge
Theresa Flaminio: Momento
Currently in the studio recording their debut effort, called Momento, this
collection of original jazz songs will no doubt carry this band up the Billboard charts.
The talent is ripe and ready to topple down on us from the heavens and what a treat we are all in store for!
The song, "Good Thoughts", is filled with a magical jazz feel with Flaminio's songwriting resonating from some
faraway place I've not yet visited but can't wait to get to.
The next track, "Coulda Woulda Shoulda", is simply exquisite with its soft opening and haunting guitar parts
that follow in the middle section, Flaminio's voice beckoning for another chance, "now I have fallen/ I don't
want to get up or I'll have to give up on you".
The song, "Run", reminds one of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song; it's aggressive and rhythmic jazz lines are
incredible and very well presented.
I was able to listen to a half dozen or so tracks and my appetite for more is wanting. There is a remarkable
mix of musicianship here that is, simply put, rarely found in today's regurgitated music place, everything
sounding too easy and lacking in honesty.
Theresa Flaminio hails from the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania and was raised by humble parents.
She started playing the piano at the early age of 5, violin by 8, and was singing by age 10. Her love of music
started early and after spending a year with the renowned Claudia Pinza, the daughter of opera legend, Ezio Pinza,
she realized her passions resided in more contemporary forms of music, and the world of jazz is where she landed.
Review by Darryl Salach
Alternates: The Alternates EP
The Alternates are a young band from California that sounds like a hodge podge of a few bands.
The song "Changing Course" sounds very similar to "Jumpin' Jack Flash", by the Rolling Stones and Iggy Pop
simultaneously, in the beginning of the track before slowing into acoustic bliss and speeding up at the end.
"Who Can You Trust These Days" is an easy going song with stretched out vocals over somber chords.
The bluesy solo in the middle chugs at the heart a little; this song could be a hit on radio.
The Alternates' strength is drawing influences from diverse genres of music ranging from rock, blues,
acoustic and alternative. This could also act as a weakness if the band lets their influences get the
better of them and they sound like other bands opposed to themselves.
Still, it's good to hear newer band play good guitar solos in an era where most rock bands think strumming a
few chords and throwing a pinch harmonic in there is a lead. The Alternates are not revolutionary, but they are a
good band that deserves a chance to be heard.
They registered with BMI Records, released an E.P. and have been featured in such music media
sources as Music Connection Magazine and Junior's Cave Online Magazine.
Kamilah Marshall has already had her share of successes with appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show,
David Letterman and Jay Leno's Tonight Show. She is currently one of Bette Midler's Harlettes, appearing in
The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Exhausted yet?
After listening to a few of Marshall's tracks, it's obvious this young woman has an exceptional gift.
Her voice has exceptional range and her ability to sing the blues is second to none. While listening to the tune,
"Jami", it's easy to picture oneself sitting in a seedy Vegas bar desperately needing the blues, sipping countless
shots of bourbon, wanting more of Marshall's version of the blues; she brings the feeling of Chicago to the listener
with a masterful zest.
Kamilah has surrounded herself with some fantastic musicians who helped her to capture the essence of each and
every song she currently performs. Her style is wide-eyed and never harnessed but country blues is no doubt where her heart
lies and her passion for it is quite evident. Raised on the sounds of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, her father
schooling her on the jazz sounds of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock, it explains her versatility and
ability to interpret a song and make it hers on the stage.
Listening to the song, "Sis Shaw", an original ballad written by Marshall, its sheer breathtaking brilliance
shines like a starry night, comforting all who chose to listen to the vulnerability of each word she exudes from
her sweet voice.
It's evident the world is a better place with the music of Kamilah Marshall in it. God knows, we need some
goodness in this world, now don't we?
She is currently in the studio recording her debut record.
Review by Darryl Salach
Tailgunner Joe & the Earls of Slander: The Red Scare
A distinctive groove and a fist-pumping excitement sets Tailgunner Joe and the Earls of Slander apart from what
is typically found in the music scene. There's a concrete substance to be found here among the riffs?
There exists a tone among their sounds, but it isn't distinctive enough to give them a character all their
own. A lot of slower tempo riffs, along with shouting, creates a certain amount of
entertainment, but a more interesting form of playing might be desired where the audience can hear the band taking more
chances in their approach.
Tailgunner Joe is somewhat reminiscent of Sonic Youth, but without excitement to grab; thusly moving along at
a monotonous pace. The band has some promise, but doesn't go the extra mile to try to captivate the audience as
effectively as one might want. Thus, we're just left with an outfit that tries to groove its way into your veins
and does a decent job overall, but we wish they'd go the extra mile.
Furthermore, I wish the vocalist would sing more than he does shout at this brings down the style of the band
slightly more overall. If it wasn't for the rather bland style of the band, they might show some promise, but
there isn't anything particularly exciting to be found here.
Review by Adam McAuley
White Owl-
If Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Korn, and a Celtic Violinist had a child it would be a White Owl.
This eclectic band blends a mixture of polar opposite styles of music. You could call them Folk-Core, Bi-Polar Rock,
New Age Celtic Thrash, Nu Modern Folk Metal, take your pick. Original bands like White Owl make music exciting. Just
when you think everything has been done you have pioneers who ask the question, "What if"?
The cover of "Dead Man's Chest" is brilliant and seems accurately played as if Davy Jones was in a band in modern times.
"Cunla" has a fun, energetic sound that is easy to sing along with. "Miksi Ne Jeijot", which can be translated as
"Why do the maidens...?", reminds one of a drum circle at the center of a medieval style festival. "Personal Jah"
leads conciseness through a system of dreams encouraging you to state your creativity to change an old world. With
"Just Chains" they show another path, but this time through a college town hoping to break the constraints of typical
negativity encouraging creative thinking to free your mind.
After listening to White Owl, inspiration to do something different breaks free leaving a layer of skin that was
suffocating the breath of the muses.
