“Dirty Rob EP” by Dirty Rob (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

"Dirty Rob EP" is an excellent five-song psychedelic pop debut from California musician Dirty Rob. With a delivery reminiscent of the front man for Queens of the Stone Age, Dirty Rob's overall performance is exceptional. His vocals are well suited for all of the songs' arrangements, from the acoustic and piano pop songs to heavily distorted hard rock tracks and back, all the while incorporating great danceable beats into his sound. Dirty Rob makes statements with his songs and, though the lyrics are memorable and the choruses simplistic and catchy, they are also political and critical of society at large. "Dirty Rob EP" was produced by experienced producer Danny Saber, and it sounds nothing but professional and ready to burst through the speakers. "She's Got Game (I got played)" is a fun song you can dance to with catchy lyrics, heavy guitars, and a solid solo. "Troubled Mind" closes the EP out with an introspective track with an acoustic arrangement and heartfelt lyrics. "Dirty Rob EP" is a great introduction to the talents of Dirty Rob, and it leaves the listener in eager anticipation for his next release. Fans of psychedelic pop that you can dance to, check out this EP.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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"Salvaged EP" by The Double ID (Rock Artist from Los Angeles, California (CA))

"Salvaged EP" by The Double ID is old school punk at its finest with a pop edge. The Double ID is truly a dynamic alternative-rock band with a unique sound. Lucas Duberow along with his brother Eli have formed the band recently, evolving from past musical efforts and bands they have been involved with. The EP combines many different elements of music ranging from Green Day to early hip hop artists like Run Dmc, as heard on the track "Ive known". Other highlights are the leadoff track "Never the Same", which features a guitar harmonies reminiscent of Sonic Youth, and "Silence", which has some really cool drumming. Be sure to check out this one to wet your appetite for all that is rock.

-Ross & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“The Black Letter” by Eve's Burden (Rock Artist from California(CA))

"The Black Letter" is the impressive alternative rock debut from California outfit Eve's Burden. This album is fueled by two things: firstly, an incredibly powerful vocal performance highlighted by an astounding vocal range from Sharon "Phox" Jordan, with a vocal quality like a favorable combination of Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Amy Winehouse and Melissa Etheridge. and secondly, the awesome guitar licks throughout the album crafted by Jerry "The Matrix" Leal. There is something severely '80s about the overall sound, with keyboard, bass, and drums rounding out the backing instrumentation and creating a solid and full rock sound. The songs are quite lyrical, melodic, and catchy, with introspective and sociological lyrics. "The Black Letter" is well-produced and ready for extensive radio play. "Candy Girl" is filled with catchy lyrics, nice guitar work, and hand claps to boot. "The Fame Game" is a song about the life of a breakthrough musician that features memorable lyrics, a catchy chorus, a harmonica, and more great guitar work. "Euphoria" closes the album out with a '70s rock inspired guitar riff and a stellar vocal performance from the "Phox." "The Black Letter" is a solid debut from an up-and-coming group that you'll be sure to hear much more from in the years to come. Fans of powerful female vocals and guitar-driven alternative rock, check out Eve's Burden.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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"Skippin' Stones" by Darin Seldes (Rock Artist from Atlanta, Georgia(GA))

"Skippin' Stones" by Darin Seldes is a great funky jazz/reggae album that can be compared to Van Morrison, Blues Traveler and The Dave Matthews Band. The album features excellent arrangements highlighted by powerful horns and a fantastic rhythm section. That combined with wonderful song writing ability and fantastic production value really makes this album stand out both creatively and technically. The vibe is such that it makes it a great chill album to have in the background while you drive, work or just hang out with good friends. The stand out track happens to be the title track "Skipping Stones" which sounds exactly how you would imagine. A very relaxed, chilled out melody along with soothing vocals search inside and find the child within. "Something New" is the leadoff track and blasts you right into it with a big full arrangement that is worthy of an arena. "Take A Deep Breath" touches on the reggae side of things, with a slick sound and nice work in the rhythm section. This is a great album by a talented artist. A great blend of many genres is difficult to achieve and Darin Seldes succeeds.

-Ross & The RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Stay with me sweetheart, don't close your eyes” by Jesper Eriksson & Wedell (Rock artist from Sweden)

"Stay with me sweetheart, don't close your eyes" is an excellent and truly original Swedish Americana album from Jesper Eriksson & Wedell. A talented singer/songwriter, Eriksson places the most value in his lyrics, and delivers with attention getting, thought provoking, flowing lyrics about life and love, with a great storytelling quality to them. Eriksson's vocals are weathered and perfect for this genre. He draws from one of his main influences, Bob Dylan, and the end result is a vocal styling quite similar to Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. While the lyrics may be key, the arrangements are also solid, combining pop, rock, country, and folk to create that unique Swedish Americana sound, superbly complimenting Eriksson's great lyricism. "Stay with me sweetheart, don't close your eyes" is a low budget production, most of it recorded in Eriksson's home studio. After a year of Andreas Granath's careful mixing and producing, the album sounds great, with a slight raw quality great for the genre. "Hey Hey Hey" introduces the album nicely with an Americana track featuring great lyrics, a catchy chorus, and a solid backing arrangement. "Are We Waiting for You?" is a sweet piano ballad with pleasant dueling female and male vocals, some nice vocal layering, and more great lyrics. With "Stay with me sweetheart, don't close your eyes," Jesper Eriksson & Wedell have delivered nine solid and excellently crafted songs and proved that you don't have to spend a lot of money to make a great album. Fans of Americana, do yourself a favor and see how well these Scandinavians approach the genre.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Flood Waters Rising” by Tucker Carr (Rock Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

"Flood Waters Rising" is a promising, three-track rock & roll EP from talented rock musician Tucker Carr. With this EP, Carr has crafted three songs of rock & roll magic, drawing heavily from influential classic rock artists like Van Halen, AC/DC, and early Aerosmith. "FWR" is full of great rock anthem arrangements, catchy lyrics, and rhyming lyrics about life in the fast lane that are sung with pride,excitement, and heart. The recording quality is excellent, and the tracks are ready to go to eleven. "Take Me to the Show" is a song about fast cars, high heels, black leather, sex, drugs, alcohol, and living the rock & roll lifestyle. The title track, "Flood Waters Rising," has some blues and southern rock elements to it, as Carr reflects on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, including the lyrics, "Oh, I've got nowhere to call my home/Whoa, flood waters rising." Carr feels such a connection with the region and respect for those who protect our nation that half of the proceeds from the sale of this EP will go to Habitat for Humanity and to the Gulf Coast. If great rock & roll music for a great cause isn't enough of a reason to pick up this EP, I don't know what is.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Hits The Spot” by Gregg Koval (Rock Artist from Canada)

"Hits The Spot" is a fun, guitar-driven rock album from do-it-yourself musician Gregg Koval and his backing band, The Toastmen. This album is actually two seven track albums in one - "Hits The Spot" and "On Ice". The combination results in fourteen '70s rock-influenced anthems with plenty of jam sessions, guitar solos, and distortion. Combine this sound with Koval's vocal performances and the outfit as a whole creates a sound reminiscent of Joe Walsh and Dire Straits. The lyrics are fun and catchy, as Koval sings about love, parking cars, shortcuts, and winking, subjects you'll be singing along to in no time. Koval has a history of self-producing four-track recordings, so it should come as no surprise that he did the same with "Hits The Spot." That said, the album sounds great and has an endearing quality that preserves the fun sound Koval is going for. "Telekinetic" begins with a great guitar solo intro, soon after matched note for note in the bass line and has a great overall arrangement and lyrics throughout. "Passing Time" is an instrumental track with great acoustic work and layering with electric guitar, bass, and drums. "On Ice" is filled with a haunting wind effect, excellent guitar riffs, and a great catchy rhyming chorus. "Hits The Spot" is a well-crafted double album with memorable lyrics and a fun rock sound. Fans of '70s rock and songs about the little things in life should certainly add this album to your collection.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Save Yourself” by Riviera (Rock Artist from Colorado(CO))

"Save Yourself" is the impressive debut EP from alternative pop rock / shoegaze outfit Riviera. Riviera advertises themselves as "classy music for classy people," and it's hard to disagree with this concept. This EP is filled with good rock music, with a great pop vocal performance that is at once familiar and distinct and great arrangements that breech typical rock expectations. Riviera's lyrics are strong, poetic, and often direct, offering outlooks on life in general from a down-but-not-out perspective. "Hollywood" opens with the lyrics, "Leave your old life behind, this is your new world," and the listener at once knows the direction and meaning of the song. "Save Yourself" is well-produced, and the vocals and arrangements both sound great. The title track, "Save Yourself," has good lyrics, a lo-fi arrangement, and the simple chorus, "Save yourself/From yourself/Save yourself/From yourself." "Division" features a great arrangement that is layered with a horn section and a fantastic guitar solo, while also supplying strong emotional lyrics and vocals. Riviera has created a promising debut EP that leaves the listener on the edge of their seat in anticipation of a full-length release. If you are a fan of classy alternative pop and shoegaze, pick up this EP.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Moon in the Afternoon” by Bo Blider (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

"Moon in the Afternoon" is a guitar-driven pop rock album from talented singer/songwriter Bo Blider and the Bo Blider Band. In crafting his sound, Blider draws from a number of genres, from '70s rock to blues to folk to reggae to '90s pop. The result is twelve timeless tracks with poppy lyrics, catchy choruses, and a great melodic sound. The Bo Blider Band's arrangements are tight and skillfully done, with great guitar work, including great acoustic progressions, electric solos, and funky basslines. Blider clearly draws from his experience in John Lennon and The Beatles tribute bands for both his sound and vocal performances. As a result, he sounds similar to Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Billy Joel. "Moon in the Afternoon" also has a great production quality and a clean, polished sound. "Chit Chat Chum" begins with a great guitar lick that quickly becomes the underlying rhythm of the entire song, coupled with quirky and memorable lyrics. "Shame On You" is a finger-snapping blues track with great piano, bass, and guitar arrangements and more great lyrics. "Moon in the Afternoon" is an album that really puts Bo Blider on display as a talented, true-to-his-roots singer/songwriter. Fans of Beatles-influenced '70s rock fused with '90s pop, check out the Bo Blider Band.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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“Fagan & Payne” by Fagan & Payne (Rock Artist from London, England)

"Fagan & Payne" is the self-titled debut featuring a well-crafted collection of songs that are classically upbeat with a touch of broodiness from UK artists Fagan & Payne. Kelly Fagan's voice wraps itself beautifully around Lucho Payne's wonderful and diverse acoustic guitar work. Their relationship leaves little need for trickery; rather, Fagan & Payne are all about great melodies, a naturally distinct sound, and great performances. Although they have their own styles, the two incorporate several genres into their act, including alternative and pop rock, lounge, and jazz, and they do it with ease. This album is well-recorded with an intimate quality that makes you feel as though you could hear a pin drop. Highlights include the opener, "The Story of Me and You," which sets the tone right off the bat, creating an immediate window into the concept, and includes some cool hand claps, a lovely guitar progression, and a crisp vocal. "Dear Dear Me" features a great lounge jazz progression and a warm vocal performance. "Started Thinking (Stuart Boldt Remix)" wraps up the album with a great layering of vocals, thumping beat, and a simple acoustic progression and extreme danceability. If you enjoy acoustic acts with a dark swagger and style, you will enjoy Fagan & Payne.

-William
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"Family Affair" by Garfan (Rock Artist from Nebraska(NE))

Garfan's "Family Affair" is a high energy alternative rock album highlighted with the impressive female vocals of Katie Preston. This album is a nice throwback for those who remember when rock & roll meant something. The clean production on this album works well for this genre, and allows the driving rhythm section, which makes your head nod and foot tap, cut through the mix. The songs on "Family Affair" all have a great rock feel and are carried by catchy lyrics you'll be singing along to in no time. The heavy drum pattern and melodic guitar work on "Dwell" is reminiscent of such female fronted rock bands as Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Airplane. "Had to Die" takes a much different approach than most of the rest of the album, with a heavy Rage Against the Machine kind of guitar riff and soulful lyrics. Overall this is a great effort from an up-and-coming band, especially for fans of bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Blind Melon and newer alternative rock bands such as Flyleaf.

-Ross Shotland
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"Vermillion" by Ryan David Orr (Rock Artist from California(CA))

Ryan David Orr's "Vermillion" is a great acoustic folk rock album similar to Dave Matthews and early John Mayer. Orr has a deep soulful voice that, along with soothing guitar melodies, will be sure to cause a buzz in the coffee shop scene throughout the country. Orr's songwriting skills are also well-crafted, his lyrics powerful, catchy, and melodic. The production on "Vermillion" adds a great polish to the chill factor of the instrumentation. Added effects, such as tambourine in "Right In Tow" and piano background in "Bottle Rocket," help bring out the pop factor of Orr's already extremely well-written songs. "Remember" is the catchiest song on the album, with a quiet yet humbling orchestral background and catchy chorus. With great lyrics, arrangements, and vocals from a talented singer/songwriter, "Vermillion" is a must listen for fans of Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, early John Mayer and acoustic folk rock.

-Ross Shotland
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"Superhero Madness" by Parallel (Pop/Rock artist from South Carolina (SC))

"Superhero Madness" is the fourth release from Southern alternative rock outfit Parallel. This album screams mid-nineties, bringing back the heyday of the alternative rock movement with music and vocals that remind the listener of an array of their likely influences – Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, 3 Doors Down, Stroke 9, Nine Days, and Nickelback. "Superhero Madness" is lyrically diverse and filled with emotionally charged piano ballads, Southern anthems, catchy choruses and the distinct feeling that something is missing in the world. Parallel worked with seasoned, professionals producers John Kurzweg and David Cox to record the album, so it has a polished sound and is ready for the mainstream. "If You Believe" is a soulful piano ballad with a nice melody, a catchy chorus and introduces an instrument less frequently used among '90s alternative artists. "Love is Gone" is a Southern my-baby-left-me song with a powerful and gritty vocal and another inescapably catchy chorus. Overall "Superhero Madness" is an enjoyable album and an admirable continuation of a classic influential music genre. If enjoy the mid-nineties alternative rock sound, give Parallel a try.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"The Many Moods of The National Convention" by The National Convention (Pop/Rock artist from Massachusetts (MA))

"The Many Moods of The National Convention" is an upbeat alternative indie pop album from The National Convention. Each track on "The Many Moods Of" was originally written for acoustic guitar by the man behind The National Convention, Eric Poulin. With a little help from his friends, Poulin has created a solid album full of great arrangements that include horns, piano and full band. The National Convention is clearly inspired by many of the sounds of the '70s and combines them with alternative pop both musically and vocally to create an overall sound similar to Belle & Sebastian and Kings of Convenience. As a result, the album is full of upbeat songs, catchy lyrics and fun melodies that you won't easily tire of. "The Many Moods of" was recorded in the basement of a Massachusetts studio; thus creating a quality of sound on the finished product that is very complimentary to the genre. "Favorite Complication" opens with a jazzy piano beat and follows with intellectually stimulating lyrics on a variety of subjects. "Local on the Eights" is an instrumental track that opens with a sort of vaudevillian piano keying and turns into a soothing musical performance by the guitarist, pianist and drummer. "The Many Moods of The National Convention" is a remarkable album with great arrangements and lyrics. It certainly brings about a longing for the return of AM radio. If you are a fan of '70s influenced alternative pop, give The National Convention a shot.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Welcome to Murraysville" by Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury (Rock artist from the United Kingdom)

"Welcome to Murraysville" is a Brit punk album from Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury. Most of the album takes on the simplistic, classic punk rock sound with Ramones-style three chord progressions. However, it also incorporates the organ, hand claps and intense guitar solos that draw from pop rock, blues and rockabilly. Murray's vocals are very British and styled similarly to contemporary artist Art Brut, as well as likely influences The Ramones, The Clash, and The Smiths. PM&tBfB's lyrics are original, humorous and often about life (and "Rainy Nights") in Rotherham; their Northern England home town. "Welcome to Murraysville" is well-produced, intentionally giving the album that gritty punk rock sound of its predecessors. "Average Day" shows the band's musicianship as it opens with a great bass line that is soon after matched by the guitar. "High Visibility Packamac" is a humorous song about people who drive Jettas and play Yu-Gi-Oh. The catchy chorus says it all; "He wears a high visibility packamac/With security written on the back." "17 Stone," "I Can't Stop Eating Trees," and "Dying Turtle" are also rather hilarious, pouring memorable lyrics atop that classic punk rock sound. "Welcome to Murraysville" is a packed album that does not let up until we're all on our backs doing the "Dying Turtle." Fans of that classic Brit punk sound with a sense of humor should check out Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"This is a Test" by Solution (Rock artist from South Dakota (SD))

"This is a Test" is a six-track funk EP from Solution that fuses their underlying funk sound with rock, pop, reggae and jazz. Solution is a musically sound group and shows their range by innovating their sound with each track. The lead singer has a naturally soothing voice similar to Phish vocalist Trey Anastasio, but his range will remind the listener of such bands as Wilco, Murder by Death and Primus - depending on the track. The lyrics are socially conscious, as "No Surprise" reminds the listener that "Around the world people are hungry" and asks, "Will reality just simply fall away?" "This is a Test" is well-recorded, but pushes the envelope as far as conventionality is concerned. "Hide Away" begins with a gristly, raw piano and flows into a sharp, crisp sound soon thereafter, indicating that Solution made a conscious effort to do so. "Hot Sauce" nicely fuses Solution's funk sound with jazz by incorporating jazzy flute, piano and horns with an outstanding funky bass beat. "Dig" is a fast-paced song with an overall funky beat and fast lyrics of which Les Claypool would be proud. "This is a Test" is a fun album with impressive and broad musicianship, nice vocals, and meaningful lyrics. For anyone in search of a good new funk album, here's your Solution.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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