Sunday, October 26, 2008

"Uno" by Naima (Jazz/Rock Artist from Spain)

"Uno" is the inspiring new release from the European contemporary jazz unit Naima. The group uses an abundant array of musical elements and styles for their exploration and improvisation, drawing from many different influences and sources. The musicians establish a picture with each tune, which is then designed and shaped by the interaction between the different instruments and nurtured to completion. A good example of this is the opening track "Bicho," where the theme is first established by the piano and then developed by the other instruments. Listen to the fantastic interplay between the piano, soprano sax, and drums on the fiery "Totem." "Ana" is a quieter, gentler track, possessing expressive melodies and a more delicate, understated interaction between the musicians. "Alas Cortadas" is also a tender piece, but has a definitive pulse and groove. "Sicalipsis" is another example of the fine interplay between the musicians, weaving their own musical comments throughout the tune while still complementing each other and staying within the given framework of the music. This is an impressive album to be enjoyed by fans of improvisational and contemporary jazz reminiscent of the style of Wayne Shorter.
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Eyes of the City” by Vince Agwada (Rock Artist from Illinois (IL))

"Eyes of the City" is the impressive debut release from veteran Chicago-based musician Vince Agwada. The guitarist/singer/composer/producer provides an electrifying collection of self-produced songs covering many styles including Blues, Rock, Jazz and R&B. Agwada's sound is defined by his signature blistering guitar work, husky vocals, and crafty arrangements. The aptly titled "Confidence Man" encapsulates his highly-original, driving, aggressive sound. His noteworthy blues guitar is on full display with the swampy "Car Wash Blues" and the slow-moving but deliberate "Hard to Cry." "Come on In" introduces us to Agwada's ferocious slide work and further illustrates his mastery of the blues guitar. Agwada also shows his versatility with the upbeat shuffle tune "Bottle," the contemporary jazz feel of "Ellie," and the title track "Eyes of the City," which features a lush string arrangement and soprano sax melody. "Eyes of the City" is an exciting debut release where Agwada shines not only in his artistic and musical abilities, but in his production capabilities as well. This release has a lot to offer to the fans of Rock and Blues in the style of Albert Collins and Buddy Guy.
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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“In Our Time Machine" by 3 Legs On Wheels (Rock Artist from Los Angeles,California (CA))

The multi-talented duo of Steffen Presley and Arnold Mollica make up the wonderfully original sound of 3 Legs On Wheels. Their album, "In Our Time Machine," is a unique, forward-looking recording blending old school funk with more contemporary sounds. The entire album is characterized by Presley's superior Hammond B3 organ-playing and soaring saxophone melodies, along with Mollica's funky, imaginative drumming. "In Our Time Machine" is a solid opener, with Presley's mastery of the Hammond B3 and Mollica's bluesy lead vocals on full display. "Hey Now Mama" is a platform for Presley's abilities on the alto saxophone and Mollica's inventive grooves, and both deliver an enjoyable performance. "Free Fall" is a vehicle for their creativity and flexibility, changing from their customary sounds to a tasteful change of pace. "Veil of Tears" is another highlight, exhibiting once again Mollica's soulfoul vocals and Presley's command of the organ. "French Aire" showcases their versatility, with Mollica starting the tune with brushes before breaking into a rowdy shuffle groove, and Presley adding expressive piano melodies and more fiery work on the alto saxophone. This album is recommended for fans of Rock and/or Blues, and the instrumental tracks that feature saxophone will very likely appeal to jazz fans as well.
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Monday, October 13, 2008

“zOE’S iMAGINARY fRIEND" by zOE’S iMAGINARY fRIEND (Rock Artist from Colorado (CO))

"zOE'S iMAGINARY fRIEND" is the impressive alternative rock/folk debut from Denver outfit zOE'S iMAGINARY fRIEND. Accompanied by a sensual and effortlessly talented female lead vocal, ZIF's arrangements are diverse and thorough. The songs range from slower acoustic alt-folk tracks to heavy alternative rock, and incorporate, a plethora of instruments, including fuzzy wailing guitars, muted trumpet, poppy piano, and viola. The lyrics also cover a wide range of subjects, from driving trucks to snapping photos, but they all have a great storytelling quality to them that keeps the listener hanging onto every word. "zOE'S iMAGINARY fRIEND" has a raw quality great for the group's sound. "Sweetness" is an energetic, fast-paced rock song with great riffs, rocking beats, catchy lyrics, and an outstanding vocal performance. "Fisheye" aptly begins with the sound of snapping photographs then moves into a mellow drum, bass, and guitar arrangement with more great lyrics and vocals, and some excellent male backing vocals. "zOE'S iMAGINARY fRIEND" is a fantastic debut from a talented set of musicians with an admirable do-it-yourself mentality. Fans of alternative rock, alt-folk, and great female lead vocals should definitely check out this CD.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out zOE'S iMAGINARY fRIEND's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, October 9, 2008

“Live At the House of Sin” by Phil Shoenfelt & Pavel Cingl (Rock Artist from London, England)

"Live At the House of Sin" is an incredible collaboration between English singer/songwriter Phil Shoenfelt and Czech violinist and guitarist Pavel Cingl. Recorded live at the Nova Sin club in Prague, this album features digs into the Shoenfelt songbook and features Shoenfelt on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, reminiscent of Iggy Pop and Nick Cave, and Cingl contributing incredible violin and electric guitar work to accompany the acoustic rhythms and give the tracks a full sound. The resulting songs have a great mix of gothic and folk, as Shoenfelt delivers intelligent and memorable lyrics of sorrow, love, life, and death. This is the type of performance best heard live, and "Live At the House of Sin" is recorded cleanly and the product sounds great. "Saviour's Day" begins with clean acoustic and violin work, then moves into a sorrowful violin progression that perfectly matches the sadness of Shoenfelt's lyrics of lost love. "Shivers Inside" features electric and acoustic guitar work, and is an incredible, slow and lyrical love song from Shoenfelt. "Hospital" is another great violin and acoustic collaboration that creates a beautiful harmonic sound and features more great lyrics from Shoenfelt. "Live At the House of Sin" is a great album, beautifully arranged, and thought-provoking from a couple of talented musicians with a lot of street cred. Fans of goth, folk, and the likes of Iggy Pop and Nick Cave should definitely pick this one up.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Phil Shoenfelt & Pavel Cingl 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

“Pointing North” by STEHM (Rock Artist from California)

"Pointing North" is an excellent live rock & roll album from San Diego outfit STEHM. These guys are all about producing fun and upbeat rock & roll music. The songs are guitar-driven, full of outstanding solos, riffs, and progressions, and accompanied by great drum and bass work. The vocals are always energetic, though the entire band contributes to the vocal performance. That said, some vocals are gritty and sound like a combination of Rush and Blind Melon; others are sheer rock & roll and sound like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Mick Jagger. "Pointing North" is a live recording and has a raw, non-studio sound, which is perfect for a band like STEHM. "Sally the Girl Dog" has a catchy guitar riff and drum accompaniment, group vocals, and humorous lyrics that accurately describe the behavior of a dog. "Don't Tell Me Anything" pleases the ears with its superb guitar work, gritty vocals, and memorable lyrics. STEHM really represents what rock & roll is all about with its impressive guitar work and upbeat, fun songs. Fans of Stone Temple Pilots and fun rock & roll music are going to want to check out this CD.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out STEHM's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Face In Your Crowd” by Jonathan Adam (Pop Artist from Texas(TX))

"Face In Your Crowd" is the excellent pop rock debut from Texas singer/songwriter Jonathan Adam. Adam (stage name of Jay Arseno) delivers a great vocal performance reminiscent of many of his influences, including Better Than Ezra and Vertical Horizon, and the entire album features outstanding vocal layering and harmonies. His songs have a solid rock foundation with great guitar riffs and solid beats, and Adam fuses it nicely with great pop elements, including electronica keyboards, whistles, flute solos, and Adam's stellar pop vocal performance. The songs themselves are melodic and catchy, heartfelt and real, and have great lyrics about love and life, often in rhyming verse. "Face In Your Crowd" is well-produced and sounds clean and professional with a great balance of vocals and instruments. "15 Minutes" is a fast-paced arrangement with matching frantic electronic drums and lyrics about the proverbial fifteen minutes of fame. "Cinematic Tragedy" has catchy and metaphorical lyrics and excellent musical transitions with electronica elements. "Face In Your Crowd" is truly an impressive debut from Jonathan Adam with its original pop rock arrangements, electronica elements, and powerful vocals. Fans of pop rock with a great modern rock foundation should definitely pick this one up.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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“Until All Have Heard” by Everneed (Rock Artist from Texas(TX))

"Until All Have Heard" is an upbeat debut from Texas Christian rock outfit Everneed. The songs are positive and worship-themed; the lyrics are addressed to God, in the same vein as contemporary Christian rock groups like Third Day and D.C. Talk. Everneed's tight musicianship, with great beats, heavy riffs, immense solos, and well-crafted modern rock arrangements and rock ballads, makes the album penetrable to both the secular and non-secular world. The lead singer's vocals are raw and great for the overall sound. "Until All Have Heard" is well-produced and sounds clean and professional. "More Like You" opens the album with an excellent rock song with solid guitar riffs, a stunning solo, a fitting beat, and the inspiring reflective chorus, "I need to be less like me and more like you." "Who Do You Say I Am" is a slower track with a more traditional Christian rock sound, a nice beat and guitar progression, and lyrics that inquire God's opinion of the lyricist. Overall, this is a very enjoyable debut with inspiring worship songs and excellent rock arrangements, and should be picked up by anyone who enjoys Christian rock.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Everneed's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites