"Sparks in the Sky" by Steve Pedvin (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

Singer/songwriter Steve Pedvin's engaging style of guitar driven pop/rock is on full display on his excellent CD, "Sparks in the Sky." Often recalling the fertile talents of Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler and particularly his classic "Brothers in Arms" LP, "Sparks in the Sky" 13 tuneful tracks run the gamut of potent rockers such as "Alive," to solemn ballads like "When Lightning Strikes," to feet-tapping swing on "Stuck in a Hole," all the while effected with the know-how and sly humor, of a performer of impeccable artistry. As a guitarist, Pedvin's tone and phrasing are spot on, whether invoking the spirit of Jimi Hendrix on "Nowhere to Go" or providing an acoustic picking-style backing on the solid, folk-like number, "Thirty Five." As a vocalist, he displays a range of tone and inflection that serve the song first and foremost and, as a writer, Pedvin's songs are as original as they are musically satisfying, reminding us all over again why rock 'n'roll remains a vibrant and important art form, even as it nears the end of its sixth decade. Steve Pedvin's aptly-titled "Sparks in the Sky" CD is a vision of musical sparks that illuminates the sky.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Green Evolution" by Sudama Mark Kennedy (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

Opening Sudama Mark Kennedy's new CD, titled "Green Evolution," is a relaxed, Brazilian-style slice of vocal jazz, "Your Heart Just Knows," serving notice that his Adult Contemporary-oriented and deeply spiritual music is as eclectic as it is accomplished. A guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as tasteful as he is skilled, Kennedy's laid-back style works to perfection whether exploring Indian melodies ("Mystical Envelopment"), mining James Taylor-like easy listening ("Hum Alla Allelujah"), or even creating improvised, ambient New Age soundscapes ("Healing Zither"). A soothing and tuneful singer himself, Kennedy's inventive use of female vocals to counter melodies, or flesh out the harmonics of otherwise spare arrangements, adds yet another dimension to this album's California polish. With a back story as intriguing as his rich, spiritually-based music, Sudama Mark Kennedy's excellent "Green Evolution" is sure to satisfy on many levels.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Green Evolution" by Sudama Mark Kennedy (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

Opening Sudama Mark Kennedy's new CD, titled "Green Evolution," is a relaxed, Brazilian-style slice of vocal jazz, "Your Heart Just Knows," serving notice that his Adult Contemporary-oriented and deeply spiritual music is as eclectic as it is accomplished. A guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as tasteful as he is skilled, Kennedy's laid-back style works to perfection whether exploring Indian melodies ("Mystical Envelopment"), mining James Taylor-like easy listening ("Hum Alla Allelujah"), or even creating improvised, ambient New Age soundscapes ("Healing Zither"). A soothing and tuneful singer himself, Kennedy's inventive use of female vocals to counter melodies, or flesh out the harmonics of otherwise spare arrangements, adds yet another dimension to this album's California polish. With a back story as intriguing as his rich, spiritually-based music, Sudama Mark Kennedy's excellent "Green Evolution" is sure to satisfy on many levels.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sudama Mark Kennedy's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam

 

 

Band Name: Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam
Band Location: Texas Houston
Sounds Like: Matchbox 20
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out STEHM, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for STEHM

 

 

Band Name: STEHM
Band Location: California San Diego
Sounds Like: Stone Temple Pilots
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Check out Marsiglia, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Marsiglia

 

 

Band Name: Marsiglia
Band Location: Pennsylvania
Sounds Like: Guns and Roses, Foo Fighters, Buck Cherry
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Boon, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Boon

 

 

Band Name: Boon
Band Location: South Africa
Sounds Like: Coldplay, Seether, Three Doors Down
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Freedom Hawk, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Freedom Hawk

 

 

Band Name: Freedom Hawk
Band Location: Virginia
Sounds Like: Black Sabbath
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Check out Jurassic Dave, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jurassic Dave

 

 

Band Name: Jurassic Dave
Band Location: England London
Sounds Like: Lost prophets, The Ataris, Fallout boy
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts, one of RadioIndy's favorite Blues artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts

 

 

Band Name: Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts
Band Location: Michigan
Sounds Like: Bob Seger
Visit Band's Website: click here

"The Jungle or the Stars" by Ballistic Edna (Rock Artist from Illinois(IL))

Returning with "The Jungle or the Stars," an 11-song collection of smart and catchy, guitar-driven alternative pop/rock, the Chicago-based quartet, Ballistic Edna, delivers another CD that succeeds as both a follow-up and as a stand-alone album. "What Was That" opens the album with a power-chord manifesto that features a big, Bangles-like chorus as their two female singers blend voices with an ease that's extremely precise. Also recalling The Bangles, "Hallowed Ground" is a terrific rocker with a dead-on hook, while "Woman" thunders like a long-lost Heart out-take. Elsewhere, "Soulseeker" finds the band playing with Middle Eastern modalities without losing their fundamental rock ethos; experimentation not unlike the early-period of the group REM. Album closer, "Camera" in fact, takes the experimentation a step further, as the band explores an ambient mood that perhaps, suggests a new direction for the band. Kick back and enjoy their new CD, "The Jungle or the Stars" for straight-up, uncomplicated – Heartland-style Rock, as Ballistic Edna delivers the goods.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Christ VS Krishna" by Christ VS Krishna (Rock Artist from Ontario, Canada)

Whether building off a Velvet Underground with Strokes-style riff or plying a decidedly UK-influenced pop-rock sensibility and even experimenting with electronica dance grooves, the 5 songs and self-titled CD, "Christ VS Krishna" proves it has original and substantial musicality. Toronto based Pank Bagga is the singer/songwriter behind the moniker, and his unique sound succeeds not in spite of these different influences but, rather, because he blends them so seamlessly. So, while CD-opener, "Hollywood Torpedo" is raggedly insistent like the best of Strokes songs, and "Lemonade" features the kind of instantly hummable hook worthy of The Cure, neither detracts from the other-worldly dance rhythms of the synth-driven "Sub-crack Waves." The other 2 tracks, "At the End" and "Demons in the Church" lean more to the VU / Strokes influence, particularly in their effortless rhythms and irresistible melodies, but each is stamped with Christ VS Krishna's utterly original vision. As debuts go, Christ VS Krishna's self-titled CD is a memorable and provocative outing that delivers much, but promises even more.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Love Revue" by Love Revue (Pop Artist from United Kingdom)

Smart and catchy pop/rock with decidedly Power Pop leanings is the order of the day on the very fine new self-titled CD from Love Revue. Boasting a post-Beatles-inspired sense of melody and pop precision, Love Revue's irresistible hooks have an altogether classic feel despite the contemporary production values that make this 11-song collection a natural for multiple radio formats. CD opener, "Cooking for One," a low-key gem built on a piano and acoustic guitar backing, sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the disc as it recalls the charms of Badfinger at that classic band's best. "Looking for the One" and "Soothe My Soul" more than ably demonstrate Love Revue's rocking side, while "Strip Me" and "Release" is love ballads of the first order. With the triumphant song "Get Along," Love Revue really proves its mettle with a spirited ELO-influenced creation tailor-made for summer radio and summer fun. Love Revue's CD impresses as an album that succeeds on its own merits: a collection of pure pop songs that will sound as good on the car radio as they will at home.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Featured Single

Band Name: Silent Circus
Featured Single: Sun Fades Away
Album: Different Worlds
Genre: Rock
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"Better Than Ever" by IYAM (Rock Artist from Texas(TX))

Released for '09, IYAM's "Better Than Ever" CD, a collection of Classic Rock with Heavy Metal theatrics, sounds as fresh and relevant as ever. Since the likes of Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath popularized grandiose, anthem like Hard Rock virtues back in the day, many other sub-genres of Rock have come and gone, but Hard Rock and Metal's appeal has never waned. IYAM prove themselves accomplished purveyors in their own right, displaying said virtues on an album that hits all the right marks: songs built on riffs of unstoppable force, slashing lead guitar work worthy of Randy Rhodes, well-crafted and exemplary lyrics that get to the heart of what Metal is all about; and a singer with the rage, fire, and immediacy to bring it all home. Highlights include "Witches And Warlocks," built on a thundering blues riff, CD-opener "All Is Well," a rocker with soaring hooks, and "Going Through The Motions," with its Gothic atmosphere. IYAM's "Better Than Ever" CD is, simply, well-executed and powerful classic hard rock.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Wild" by Making a Monster (Rock Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

With a unique approach to their alternative / modern rock leanings, Making a Monster's solid debut CD, "Wild," actually recalls an otherwise unexpected influential '90's album as a source of comparison. Even though "Wild" contains plenty of outright full-rock attack - with a decidedly Grunge bent, Making a Monster's sound, sometimes restrained and sometimes crash and burn sonic assault, reminds one of no less an historical document than Nirvana's "Unplugged" album. Like it, "Wild" is redolent with the aura of loose ends and jagged edges, of introspective pleas and scathing fury, and of finely wrought songs that can be both engaging and corrosive. For instance, "Blister" comes across like a straight-on Nirvana tribute, particularly with its discordant, vertigo-inducing guitar fills while the soft ballad "Light," built on a simple acoustic guitar backing, demonstrates leader Scott Auriat's keen melodic sense. Elsewhere, "Wild" bounces between sonic rage as heard on "To Be Young" and pure-pop sensibilities heard on "The Long Road," a split surely reflecting a restless need to explore the ranges and depths of their art. Fans of the group Nirvana will want to hear, the fine "Wild" CD by Making a Monster, as it is fired by a musical vision that also happens to echo back to one of rock's great visionaries.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Making a Monster's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Silent Circus with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Different Worlds"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Silent Circus with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Different Worlds"

The pop/rock duo, Silent Circus, debuts their first album "Different Worlds." This pair is very reminiscent of blending two famous groups together, The Beatles and Eagles. The chemistry between these talented guys is unfaltering. They have composed lyrics with a calm, easy feeling balanced out by the easygoing instruments. Lead vocals are delightful and the harmonies complement them perfectly, as listeners will be able to hear on such songs as "I Believe" and "Hard to Be the One." There is an excellent guitar solo on "High Speed," while "Clouds" highlights a strong, melodic guitar, steeped with flowing riffs. Silent Circus' "Different Worlds" would be a great addition to anyone's easy listening album collection, especially for fans of The Beatles or Eagles.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Silent Circus 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Transit Only with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Let's Make a Truce "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Transit Only with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Let's Make a Truce "

Sit back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of "Let's Make a Truce," Transit Only's latest release. This duo performs with laid back vocals complemented by guitar and piano. Feel the chemistry between these two musicians as they carry out dreamy, easy listening arrangements. Vocals are soft and tender, which blend with the heartfelt lyrics. "Parachute Boy" mingles the vocals and instruments with graceful style. "Bye, Bye Baby" moves up in tempo and has a nice strumming guitar, while the piano helps maintain the balance of this tune. If you are looking to hear some ideal mood music, then check out Transit Only's "Let's Make a Truce," especially for listeners who are a fan of John Mayer or Augustana.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Transit Only 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Mike Ringler with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Note-ified"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Mike Ringler with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Note-ified"

The sounds of the late 1960's psychedelic movement are still alive and well! Don't believe us? Well, just listen to "Note-ified" the latest release by Mike Ringler and you may reconsider your answer. The CD opens with that staple fuzz guitar tone on the song "You Can Shine," a track that also features vocal work very reminiscent of The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. Ringler also delves into the British sounds made popular by The Beatles and The Hollies with songs such as "Hope" and "We Know You're Right." There is also an excellent guitar solo on "Words Through Time," which has a cool Moody Blues effect to it. All in all, "Note-ified" screams of "flower power" and is a great album for any fan of that wildly colorful era.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mike Ringler 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present E.Z. Riders with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Experienced Zydeco Riders"

RadioIndy is pleased to present E.Z. Riders with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Experienced Zydeco Riders"

The blues/rock band, E.Z. Riders, have released a throwback to the days of Humble Pie with their latest effort, "Experienced Zydeco Riders." Their roots are obvious, with raging Steve Marriott guitar riffs and gritty vocal tones reminiscent of early ZZ Top. "Witchy Woman" is by far the best track on the CD and is not an Eagles cover. Instead, it is an E.Z. Riders blues jaunt, filled with Lynyrd Skynyrd style slide guitar playing. That is really what this band and this disc are all about; strong and rocking guitars. If you crave more string bending guitar action, give a listen to songs like "I Should Have Quit You" and "Mean Mistreater" and you will get your fill. "Experienced Zydeco Riders" belongs in the hands of any 70's blues/rock fan.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out E.Z. Riders 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Ric Seaberg with a GrIndie Award for the CD "A Thousand Songs"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Ric Seaberg with a GrIndie Award for the CD "A Thousand Songs"

Veteran songwriter Ric Seaberg takes listeners for a musical journey through his life and much more on "A Thousand Songs." Overall, Seaberg's songs are very reminiscent of late 70's Jackson Browne, both in his vocal approach and melodies. The Browne influence can be heard throughout the disc, but is most recognizable on "The Queen of Hollywood High" and "In My Daddy's Car." There are also some faint hints of John Lennon and Warren Zevon scattered about as well. Seaberg also touches upon the subject of divorce in songs such as "Make it About Me" and "Smiley Emoticon." His ability to write openly about his life experiences and feelings makes it very easy for any listener to attach themselves to these great songs. Any Jackson Browne or Brian Wilson fan will be spinning "A Thousand Songs" over and over again.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ric Seaberg 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: Jeff Alan Ross
Featured Single: The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Today
Album: Lock My Feelings In A Jar
Genre: Rock
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"One Last Look" by The Buffalo Blues Band (Blues Artist from California(CA))

Buffalo Blues Band's seven-track debut disc, "One Last Look," will lasso listeners in with some tasty bluesy treats. The first spin on this album and also the title track, "One Last Look," brings out the deep and soulful harmonica with absorbing blues riffs. The deep-rooted vocals on "Conoco Saloon Blues" brings together the rhythmic beats of the solid bass and guitar. Taking to the softer side of the album, "Feels Like Rain," strikes a chord of a different note as the charming vocals will sweep you away while the guitar gently plays a sweet accompaniment. The chemistry within the band is clearly heard in "Killin' Floor," as each instrument is strikingly dominant in their rock solid fills and pure intensity to the bouncy beat. Not only will you feel the high amount of energy this group conducts but you will be moved by the tonality of their musicianship. If you're a blues fan, you won't want to miss hearing a beat on the excellent and vibrant new album "One Last Look" by Buffalo Blues Band.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Buffalo Blues Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"CrazyMan" by Dave Plaehn (Rock Artist from Oregon(OR))

Singer/songwriter Dave Plaehn releases his third CD, "CrazyMan," packed with adult contemporary compositions that are flavored with tones of bluesy roots and splashed with savory harmonica riffs. Plaehn reaches to his audience with outstanding vocals that are clean and crisp with smooth and soothing clarity. Catchy and bouncy, "What's This Love Thing?" lends an ear to what vocal harmony is all about. Listeners will enjoy how the vocals flow between lead and harmony with stunning style and ease. Soft touches of syncopated percussion on "Shugum Boom" season the clever lyrics and vocals with a tasty tonality. Moreover, "She's Got Kisses (Any Love I've Known)" highlights Plaehn's abilities to perform on the harmonica with bluesy attitude and refined technique. The musicianship displayed on this collection is top-notch, marked by tight and accentuated dynamics. Overall, "Crazy Man" offers some diversity in styles and is sure to please listeners of adult pop with hints of rhythm and blues.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dave Plaehn's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"8 or 80" by Sierra Hurtt (Rock Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

Songwriter/vocalist Sierra Hurtt's debut album, "8 or 80," is comprised of crisp and refreshing contemporary pop/rock while highly flavorful with folk attitude. Hurtt, who is no stranger to the music scene, charts her own course into the music industry with a voice that is strong and emotive, and emits qualities of deep, rooted, soulful distinctions. Peaceful and serene comes to mind when hearing "Solace," with the soothing acoustic guitar and the tranquility in Hurtt's voice. Laid-back and full of solid vibes, "Rooftops" is embedded with expressive rock guitar riffs that swarm around the sultry vocals that Hurtt generously delivers. A beautiful blend of tingling vocals and thoughtful lyrics meld together with the sweet guitar licks on the gem, "Circles." Don't miss a chance to hear this wonderful album, "8 or 80," especially if you're a fan of Joni Mitchell or Carole King, because with Sierra Hurtt at the helm, you're in for a fantastic ride.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sierra Hurtt's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Full Circle" by Et2Brute (Rock Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

"Full Circle," by Et2Brute and the Conspiracy is an uncommonly diverse assembly of political pop/progressive rock songs. Touching on subjects such as the JFK assassination and the current Iraq War, this CD flaunts a different quality of lyrical relevance. Highlights include "Feeling Sorry for the People Who Grew Up in the 80's," which is led by an attractive acoustic guitar progression and introduces a lovely female vocalist. Taking on a lighter tone, the upbeat "This War (Obamarama)" flaunts some poetic and witty commentary on the Iraq War, proclaiming that "if Bush had to fight, this war would be over...." Moreover, "People Don't Like People Like You" assumes delightful blues flair, boasting ear-catching piano and sax solos. Fans of progressive rock and blues will enjoy this highly diverse and politically-charged collection.

-Xavier and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Mark on the Stage" by Graham Gorrie (Rock Artist from Australia)

Graham Gorrie refuses to be bound by convention or stylistic constraints on his fine debut CD, "Mark on the Stage," instead carving out a rock 'n' roll path that emphasizes smart songcraft . Like his brilliant fellow Aussie singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly, Gorrie's originality is borne out over 13 rock / folk-rock songs that are as meaningful as they are satisfying. Songs like CD-opener, "Closing My Eyes," with its alternating guitar and harmonica fills or "Hard to Do," with its effective female-lead interpolations, each display a deft touch for finding the right textural context for the composition at hand. On "Red Wine Dreams" Gorrie offers up a rare jazz-like ambience while the socially-conscious "Resistance," with its engaging melody, calls to mind yet another Australian act, the great Midnight Oil. Throughout the album, though, Gorrie's songs resonate with conviction and true-believer passion, making "Mark on the Stage" not only a particularly noteworthy debut CD, but one that will likely be a jumping-off point for an artist of considerable talent.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Graham Gorrie's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites