Monday, July 28, 2008

"The Exodus is Here" by Alien Alright (Rock artist from London, England)

"The Exodus is Here" is a fast-paced, guitar-driven hard rock album from Alien Alright. Alien Alright is true to the hard rock sound of the '60s and '70s, and his guitar progressions and solos have a certain timelessness to them. His lyrics follow the same format, and when they are not timeless, they are critical of the state of the music world today. "The Exodus is Here" was recorded as a seven-track album because Alien Alright wants music to return to its roots. Alien believes that for an album to be appreciated and loved and for a song to be all it can be, it cannot not be overproduced with the intent for radio play. His vocals also draw from the '60s and '70s through the likes of Robert Plant and Neil Young and create an original raw sound. The album is well-recorded and allows for those guitar solos to burst through the speakers clearly and cleanly. "Make Some Noise" contains a Jim James-style falsetto then moves into some great wailing vocals that creates an overall Zeppelin-esque sound. "Record Store Blues" has an inviting guitar progression as he sings about the overabundance of musicians today and longs for the purer days of musical yore. "The Exodus is Here" is a bold album that makes bold statements about the music industry past and present. Fans of early hard rock, give this album a try.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Thursday, July 24, 2008

“Above the Storm” by Daniel Gauthier (Rock artist from Quebec)

Canadian rocker Daniel Gauthier's "Above the Storm" is an elegant symphonic progressive rock album that displays Gauthier's solid musicianship throughout. A multi-instrumentalist, Gauthier is to be held accountable for all of the bass, keyboard, acoustic guitar, and vocals you hear on the album, all of which are more than worthy of praise. His vocals have a certain charm to them, as he is a French Canadian singing in English. Combined with the music, they effectively give the album a sound similar to Pink Floyd and Yes. "Above the Storm" was also excellently recorded, so you can enjoy this album to its full potential. While the symphonic prog rock sound is the key to the album, Gauthier's lyricism is also quite impressive. For instance, with "Evening of a New Romance," he opens with the haunting and beautiful, "Cast an eye on the man who suddenly could become yourself/His mind explodes like a rainbow in the sky." The title track begins with a storm that turns ambient and rises, well, "Above the Storm" around the one minute mark. "Cross the Bridge" begins with a great bass line and progresses from there. Overall, "Above the Storm" is an enjoyable album to be recommended to anyone who enjoys the musical intricacy that comes with progressive rock.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"The Wish" by Daniel Gauthier (Rock artist from Quebec)

"The Wish" is a limited edition CD/DVD single from progressive rock artist Daniel Gauthier. Daniel draws his style from many of the British progressive bands from the '70s, such as Pink Floyd and Yes, and the product delivers. This single is a live performance of the song, but it sounds fantastic and creates in the listener the sensation and urge to see Gauthier live. "The Wish" is very dynamic with intricate layers and superior musicianship. All of the instruments are well-represented, and there is very little crossover in the sound as a whole. The arrangement is a progressive rock lover's dream: atmospheric synths, a funky, crunchy, active bass line, precise, technical drumming, and wailing guitar solos. It is definitely a ride from start to finish. If you enjoy highly dynamic instrumental progressive rock, give Daniel Gauthier a listen.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

“Feed the Need” by Feed the Need (Pop/Rock artist from Long Island, New York (NY))

"Feed the Need" is an enjoyable self-titled rock album with surf rock and jazz elements from Feed the Need. Though all four band members are still in high school, Feed the Need has crafted an album that displays their strong musical capabilities on guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. The vocals are youthful and the lyrics are full of angst, as many of the songs are undoubtedly about the girls they obsess over at their schools. Nevertheless, you'll find yourself bobbing your head to the beat and singing along with the catchy choruses, agreeing that "Weirdness makes the world go 'round." The title track "Feed the Need" is well recorded and allows these youngsters to be heard to their full potential. "Light Up My World" has great keyboard and guitar progressions at the introduction and a catchy chorus to boot. The highlight of the album is "Without Words," which is an instrumental jam session with great bass and keyboard lines and an impressive guitar solo showcasing the band's musical finesse. Anyone who enjoys quirky, youthful surf rock should check out this fine album.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"The Sea Turtles" by The Sea Turtles (Jazz/Rock artist from Pennsylvania)

Get ready to hit the beach with this innovative self titled jazz-infused instrumental surf album from The Sea Turtles. This Pennsylvania based three piece band relies strictly on guitar, bass, and drums to entertain your ears. It may sound simple, but they manage to create a full and innovative sound, causing the listener at once to feel as though they are both on an island and in a jazz club . The recording quality gives a similar feel; one could imagine The Sea Turtles booming through a speaker, live or recorded, at either location. This album shows The Sea Turtles superb improvisational skills, as well as their influences, which range from the Beach Boys on guitar to the classical jazz sound on drums and bass doubtlessly influenced by a plethora of jazz predecessors. "Fastback" creates a great smooth sound with jazz guitar and classic drum and bass lines. "Paragon" features a quick tempo and presents more of a rock feel as it begins with the bassist matching every note the guitar plays. Overall, "The Sea Turtles" is a fun, innovative, and impressive album for anyone who wants to know what jazzy surf rock is all about.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

Sunday, July 20, 2008

"Seventeenth Parallel" by Seventeenth Parallel (Rock Artist from Ohio(OH))

Seventeenth Parallel shares their faith with you in the form of southern hard rock with this self-titled album. The power of this band is evident from the get go with a full sound, noteworthy lyrics, and an inspirational passion. The songs all have a great arena quality that makes you want to see the band live. The vocal performance is reminiscent of the southern alternative rock sound of the late '90s from the likes of 3 Doors Down and Creed. Musically, Seventeenth Parallel performs at a high skill level and the entire band is tight, so the arrangements are all solid, catchy, and immediately reel you in. The album is well mixed, putting the vocals right up front and allowing all the instruments to cut through the mix. Highlights include the opener, "Let me Run," which introduces Seventeenth Parallel as a spiritual southern rock band without delay and without question. The song has all the makings of a single. "Here I Am To Worship" is a powerful ballad of worship that features a piano-sounding guitar intro. "Shelter" opens with a thick bass line, with the track evolving into an intense rockin' journey. "Seventeenth Parallel" is a passionate and inspirational self-titled debut, and the experience is nothing short of a musical explosion. If you like powerful, spiritual southern hard rock, give Seventeenth Parallel a listen.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Life Worth Living" by Ross Royce (Rock Artist from New Zealand)

Ross Royce puts it perfectly in his short, spoken word opening to "Mrs. Vain," the second track off his album "Life Worth Living" - "this is rock & roll." Royce, who creates most of the sounds that you hear on the album, spans the genre instrumentally and vocally. He seems to transform musically from track to track, ranging from the masterfully crafted piano rock sound of Ben Folds to an acoustic Bowie to a bluesy number reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn, and finally to Floyd-esque space rock. The recording is clean, and allows each track to live up to its full potential. Ross's vocals work well in these rock and roll tracks. The highlight of the album, in our view, is the three track block of "Suzanne," "Hello People Pt. 2," and "Suzanne's Meditation." The tracks flow, each a response to the next, and give a crisp space/arena/art rock feel, thereby showcasing Ross's excellent songwriting and instrumental talent. For people who enjoy listening to albums from beginning to end and vocal stylings that remind you at once of the eighties and indie artists like Art Brut and Bloc Party, check out what this creative CD.
-Chris and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Travelin' Show" by Bowen (Rock Artist from Alberta, Canada)

"Travelin' Show" is an excellent adult rock fusion album from talented singer/songwriter Bowen. Bowen's lyrics travel straight from the heart to the page, and he expresses them with a great vocal performance similar to Chris Martin of Coldplay and Gavin DeGraw. He combines these talents with a cutting edge sound and great production to bring you an album that is here to stay. Above all, "Travelin' Show" is an album of great songs, each and every track so catchy that you will find yourself simultaneously singing along and reveling in Bowen's creativity. The songs are filled with great melodies and a nice layering of sounds both in the vocals and in the arrangements. If that isn't enough, the quality of the recordings is excellent with every facet of the sound represented throughout. Highlights include "Back On You," with a great vocal performance, intense lyrics, and a fantastic relationship of sounds in the arrangement. The title track, "Travelin' Show," features a tight beat and is as powerful as it is melodic. "Jaded" soothes your ears with guitar delays and gets your heart pumping with an energetic vocal performance. With "Travelin' Show," Bowen has created a memorable record filled with strong male vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and cutting edge production. If you enjoy the pop rock sound and male singer/songwriters, give this CD a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Saturday, July 19, 2008

"Timelines & Tragedies" by Midwest Dilemma (Rock/Folk artist from Omaha, Nebraska (NE))

"Timelines & Tragedies" by Midwest Dilemma is an acoustic folk album that features strong songwriting and orchestral elements. This album has a great layering of sounds and fantastic arrangements, and the orchestral elements add such power that tugs right at your emotions. Along with the intriguing sound, you'll hear some great vocal performances and lyrics that are based on the many trials and tribulations of the ancestry of singer/songwriter Justin Lamoureux. Above all, there is an inexplicable power to "Timelines & Tragedies" that gives it such an epic quality. The recording quality is superior and will win the challenge against any medium. Highlights include "Françoise," with a powerful arrangement that is well performed by the chamber orchestra. "The Great Depression" features great rhythms, wayward guitar, and more wonderful orchestral elements. The title track, "Timeline & Tragedies," is a beautiful duet and a great story. If you enjoy intelligent and cinematic folk music, give Midwest Dilemma a try.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Taking Chances" by Gunner Jump (Rock/Pop artist from California (CA))

Gunner Jump's "Taking Chances" is a Christian country rock EP brought to you by the powerful duo of Jon Jump and J.G. "Gunner" Franklin. The influence of '70s southern rock is a big part of the sound, as well as blues, funk, and R&B, and the emphasis on good songwriting is well apparent throughout. Gunner's vocals are energetic, and he delivers the inspiring and well thought out lyrics nicely with a great rock feel. The arrangements showcase Gunner Jump's great variance in what is largely an arena sound. There are some creative changes as well as instruments introduced that are clearly inspired by genres outside of Christian country rock. The production quality is good, so turn up the volume on this one. Highlights include "California," with its gritty lead guitar and great rock lyrics, and the addition of horns in the chorus adds a burst of power. "Remember Me" has a nice acoustic guitar progression, inspiring lyrics, and a great vocal performance. "You're My Girl" opens with an uncharacteristic drum machine and evolves into a beautiful love song. If you enjoy spiritual southern rock that takes a few chances, give Gunner Jump a try.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Thursday, July 17, 2008

"X-Ray Glasses" By Eric Colville Band (Rock Artist from Boston, Massachusetts(MA))

With "X-Ray Glasses," Eric Colville Band nicely fuses the spirit of the contemporary singer/songwriter with many complimentary genres - traditional adult rock, rockabilly, and Americana. Vocally, the weathered huskiness in Colville's voice remind the listener of Jakob Dylan of Wallflowers fame, although at times you can hear influences of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and even Tom Petty. Colville stands out as a lyrical force, with no limits to their subject matter. From the playful material of the title track to the solace-driven "Man I Am" and "Remember To Forget," a lasting impression is left. Whether you're listening to the mellow, acoustic "DMMLY" or the rocking guitar solo in the rockabilly-influenced "12 Step Program," the album is well-recorded with no noticeable missteps. "Man I Am" delivers lyrically and musically as the band lays down a beat that makes you want to move while Colville discusses his ambivalence with the angel and demon on his shoulder - "I'm stuck in the middle, mister, can't you see, between the man I am and the one that I'm supposed to be." The closing track, "Doer's Lament," offers a fast-paced, Americana feel with a choir singing the memorable chorus - "Everybody's gonna do everything, but nobody ever does anything." Overall, "X-Ray Eyes" is a winner and anyone who enjoys adult rock and contemporary singer/songwriters should give it a listen.
-Chris and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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“Feather Dust Rust" by Joel Strauss (Rock Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

Joel Strauss makes an impressive debut with "Feather Dust Rust," a rock album of melancholy chord progressions and poetic lyrics. The production has a great dirty quality, which gives the album an honest and artistic sound true to its indie roots. Strauss' vocals are incredibly unique, and he gives an overall performance comparable to contemporary indie rockers The Long Winters, Death Cab For Cutie, and Tokyo Police Club. "Feather Dust Rust" immediately pulls you in with two upbeat rock tracks, "Stand Still" and "In Flight Dream," both infused with raw, hooky instrumentation and Strauss' unique melodies. "The Earliest Bird" transitions to a more down-tempo feel with heavy electro-percussion and hollowed out vocal sounds. The album satisfies the need for an intelligent indie rock sound and is definitely worth a listen from beginning to end. Fans of indie rock should give this excellent CD a listen.
-Kathryn and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Shadow of a Mountain" by VIR (Rock Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

"Shadow of a Mountain" by VIR is a dreamy and melodic shoegaze-style alternative rock album that features good songwriting and an innovative, experimental sound. The influence of early new wave punk is well represented in VIR's sound, but they bring it to you in their own original way. These guys are pretty edgy and aren't afraid to take chances. There is an ever-present, grounding rawness to the sound, and the power-packed melodies will entertain your ears. The vocal performances are excellent, with a great vulnerable quality that lies underneath a strong voice. The lyrics are interesting as well, displaying a lingual sense while tugging at your emotions. "Shadow of a Mountain" is very well-recorded and maintains a nice analog quality. Highlights include "Wake Up Son," with excellent layering of guitar sounds and cool effects. "The Kicker" features a great vocal performance, progressive rhythm, and nice melodies. "Montana" wraps things up nicely with an atonal progression and an overall broodiness. If you enjoy experimental, modern sounds combined with a new wave, shoegaze sound, "Shadow of a Mountain" will be right up your alley.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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