Friday, September 7, 2007

"We Believe" by Brian and Jenn Johnson (Christian Adult Rock/Worship artists from California (CA))

"We Believe" by the captivating Brian and Jenn Johnson is a moving collection of original Christian adult rock worship anthems! Opening with the energetic "Greatly to Be Praised," Brian and Jenn immediately demonstrate their ability to craft beautiful lyrics. "Isn't He Great" best displays Brian's powerful vocals. Jenn is no exception, delivering stunning vocals on "Oh Taste and See." In fact, every track on this CD is sung with excellent pitch and vocal quality, and deep emotion and passion. Furthermore, the musicianship on this record is absolutely amazing! Although these songs are built for congregational worship, they have all the necessary attributes to break through the church walls and into the radio airwaves! Hailing remarkable production, this CD is a must-have! Fans of Chris Tomlin and the Newsboys will jump for joy at the sounds of this sincere, heart-felt collection of adult rock worship songs!

 

 
 
-Xavier P. and RadioIndy
 

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

"Who We Are" by Lifehouse (DreamWorks Adult Rock band from Los Angeles, California (CA))

Lifehouse's latest Dreamworks release and fourth studio album "Who We Are" strikes a beautiful balance between their early hard-driving Creed sound and their new-found adult-rock/contemporary vibe. Although this release doesn't venture into any new territories, playing it safe for Lifehouse isn't such a bad decision, judging from their huge successes of the past. Their first radio single, "First Time," proves to be just as mesmerizing and chest-swelling as every Lifehouse song. Power ballad after power ballad, Lifehouse effortlessly keeps listeners entertained with their hypnotic electric guitars and trademark, edgy baritone vocals. "The Joke" is perhaps the most daring song on this album. Venturing into a more upbeat groove, a heavier edge, and a less melodic vocal arrangement, this song is perhaps the only one that doesn't sound like typical Lifehouse. Despite an overall lack of ingenuity and experimentation, "Who We Are" delivers all the great elements that have placed Lifehouse on the top!
-Xavier P. for RadioIndy.com
 
 
 

Daughtry's Self-Titled Debut (Sony Major-Label artist from North Carolina (NC))

Finishing fourth place in the TV mega-hit American Idol was only the beginning for Chris Daughtry. Finding the shoes with the perfect fit, Daughtry's self-titled debut delivers song after song of alternative and adult-rock glory! There's something about Chris's voice that is intensely captivating – perhaps it's his blend of smooth and grunge vocal tones that's so appealing. Moreover, Daughtry incorporates a little bit of everything for rock lovers - from adult rock power-ballads like the smash-hit "Home" and "Gone" to the near-metal sounds of "What I Want" and "There And Back Again." One thing remains clear throughout one's journey through "Daughtry" - this album was built to produce radio-hit after radio-hit. Inevitably, this means that there's not much that's innovative or pioneering for those who like bands who take music to new heights. Nevertheless, this album quenches any thirst for great rock anthems with powerful lyrics and memorable song structures!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy.com)
 
 
 

"Table For One" by Joe Colledge (Adult Rock artist from Northern New Jersey (NJ))

Joe Colledge's engaging adult rock collection "Table For One" will keep listeners groovin' from start to finish! Great vocals define the beauty of "Table For One" – Joe's cool, smooth tone rings with heavy appeal! "Lost Again" flaunts some great instrumentation, incorporating the graceful sounds of harmonica leads and organ backdrops. Musical hooks seem to be Joe's specialty – every song is laden with fresh hooks, making these tunes unforgettable. The heart-felt love ballad "Deep Into You" ventures into Joe's serene acoustic side. "Loosing Faith" demonstrates Joe's passionate vocals and his comfort with wearing his heart on his sleeve. Moreover, the lyrics of every song on this CD are sincere and skillfully written with poetic fervor, covering life experiences that we all can relate to. Finished with brilliant production defined by great quality, "Table For One" is one CD that music lovers should not do without! Fans of Tom Petty and Counting Crows, quickly find your seat at this "Table For One" – You don't want to miss out on this audio adventure!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy.com)
 
 
 

"Sinners & Saviors" by Sixth Degree (Rock band from Ohio (OH))

"Sinners & Saviors" by the explosive Sixth Degree is an energetic brew of hard-driving rock anthems! It's easy to notice a sense of chemistry between these band members, perhaps because this band is comprised of two sets of brothers. Regardless, one thing's for sure – this band has a very tight and fresh sound. Melodic arrangements of overdriven guitars paired with edgy, powerful vocals fuse together to produce unforgettable songs! "Waiting" opens with a mesmerizing bass line, and quickly releases its rock fury to become mosh-pit-perfect! Moreover, this band has a keen sense for producing catchy melodies and choruses, as demonstrated by songs like "Reach Higher." Displaying their diversity, "Let It All Go" takes on a more alternative sound. With production as impressive as The Sixth Degree's songwriting, "Sinners & Saviors" should be in every rock-lover's collection. Fans of Linkin Park and Sevendust will fall head-over-heals for this new rock sensation!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy.com)
 
 
 

"21st Century" by Filly Astro (Rock artist from British Columbia, Canada (CA))

Venture into the "21st Century" with the thrilling Filly Astro and you'll find yourself in rock heaven! Hard-driving, grinding, and electrifying are just some of the many ways to describe this powerhouse collection. "Wait For Me" flaunts some unforgettable electric guitar riffs, and introduces listeners to Filly's powerful and edgy vocals! "Glass Window" delivers an irresistible groove, and serves as insight into the creative and soul-searching lyrics of these tunes. Veering back to the sounds of classic rock, "Cecile" slows down the pace a bit and invites listeners to take a taste of Filly's delightful diversity. Moreover, skillful instrumentation and quality production brings this collection to a very nice finish! Fans of Bon Jovi and Pearl Jam will appreciate this awesome collection of rock hits!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy)
 
 
 
 

"Upon This Rock" by Katholicus (Hard Rock/Spiritual band from Maryland (MD))

"Upon This Rock" by the unforgettable band cleverly dubbed Katholicus is a hard-hitting, electrifying collection of Christian hard rock tunes! "Come to Me" delivers some rockin' electric guitar solos, and flaunts a thrilling intro. "Upon this Rock" gives an insight into Katholicus' diversity, combining elements of traditional catholic songs with the delightful sounds of classic rock. Demanding, powerful, and melodic are just a few words that describe the vocals on this CD. The guitar work throughout the CD is amazing. "Everything" shows off these memorable vocal arrangements and harmonies. Moreover, the production of this CD is as electrifying as the songs themselves! Fans of the Scorpions and Petra will divinely fall in love with these heart-felt spiritual compositions!
-Xavier P. and RadioIndy
 
 
 
 

"Carpe Noctem" by Tempting Tragedy (Hard Rock band from New Brunswick, Canada (CA))

"Carpe Noctem" by the cleverly dubbed powerhouse Tempting Tragedy is an electrifying and intense hard rock album! Guitar hooks, guitar hooks and more guitar hooks! – Every song on "Carpe Noctem" is impossible to forget because of their creative guitar leads and riffs! Demanding vocals also draw listeners in. "Mr. Hyde" shows of Tempting Tradgedy's trademark use of synthesized sounds and low, hypnotic vocals. The up-tempo "Good Day to Die" flaunts incredible drum skill and demonstrates the overall tight sound of the band. Lyrically, this CD tackles real and sometimes dark issues in a soul-searching and thought-provoking light. Solid production puts the cap on this dynamic collection. Fans of Drowning Pool and Korn will find a satisfying alternative in this captivating new hard-rock collection!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy)
 
 
 
 

"Kalh Orexh" by Mavri Magioneza (Rock band from Greece (GR))

Rock fans, get ready to jump up and down to the energized new sounds of "Kalh Orexh" ("Enjoy Your Meal") by the electrifying Mavri Magioneza (Black Mayonnaise)! Brewing up an exciting mix of rock and electronica, Mavri Magioneza achieves an unforgettable new sound. "Junk Food (4 Thought)" demonstrates their tactical placement of the perfect electronic elements, which really gives these rock songs more body and personality! Hooks form the foundation of every song on "Kalh Orexh." Overdriven, grinding electric guitars are the staples of this CD. "Syn8hma" shows off this band's amazing instrumentation while introducing some sweet electric solos! "Kinhsh Mat" flaunts a hard-hitting drum arrangement and awesome synthesizers. Moreover, a blend of edgy and smooth vocal tones makes these vocal performances very enticing! Lyrically, "Kalh Orexh" tackles political issues, everyday life, and closely follows a theme of relating who we are to what we eat or intake from the world around us. Polished to a brilliant finish with professional production, this is one CD that every rock addict must have!
-Xavier P. and RadioIndy.com