Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Pop
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Current Top Ten Chart
Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
Converge - No Heroes
The Graduate - Anhedonia
Death By Stereo - Death Alive
Comeback Kid - Broadcasting
The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth
Dear and the Headlights - Small Steps, Heavy Hooves
The Geeks - Every Time We Fall
Limbeck - Limbeck
WinterKids - Memoirs
03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Modern Rock, Folk, Alternative, Pop
Sister Hazel — Bam! Vol. 1 Buy it at Amazon
What are they Emeril now? Funky AAA pop-rock that is just another Sister Hazel record—great musicians, good music, same old same old. Guess not everyone in the pop universe could ever really say that, but I cheer diversity.
- J-Sin
Suzy Callahan — Freedom Party for Insects Buy it at Amazon
Flutist, guitarist, and vocalist extraordinaire Suzy Callahan once again impresses Smother with her magical and magnificent effort on “Freedom Party for Insects”. Inspiring lyrics that never seem to grow tired even after many repeated listens are the crux for what Callahan has always done right. She then encapsulates it all with her witty and catchy songwriting, finding strong melodies behind each and every corner it seems. Smart folk-pop from a female artist who just drips wet with talent.
- J-Sin
Cherry Suede — Cherry Suede Buy it at Amazon
Canadian alternative pop act Cherry Suede unleashes a torrent of pop hooks that will make you groove non-stop. Sounding like the second coming of John Cougar Mellencamp (yeah I used ‘Cougar’ damn it), Cherry Suede’s first song “Not a Day Goes By” is catchy enough to hit the charts with a ton of gusto. Sort of an ‘80’s pop-rock retro look back, Cherry Suede write damn catchy tunes.
- J-Sin
Noush Skaugen — Palomino Buy it at Amazon
Noush’s debut finds her collaborating with producer Richie Stites (Michael Jackson, Outkast) on this attentive pop album. Challenging audiences with her steady diet of vocal harmonies, Skaugen writes personal songs and composes them within strong song structures. Female singer/songwriters are a dime a dozen; ones as talented as Noush are not.
- J-Sin
Mr. Smolin — The Crumbling Empire of White People Buy it at Amazon
Well as if the album’s amazingly provocative name wasn’t enough, once you dive into the genius poetry of Mr. Smolin’s latest you’ll be totally blown away. Imagine lyrical wit with power pop, transcendental soundtracks, and avant-garde pop hooks and you’re halfway there. Following up on the tremendous “At Apogee”, which I personally totally adored, Mr. Smolin has somehow captured off-Broadway magic and ingenious writing all at once. Illuminating tales from this host of a psychedelic radio show in Southern California have easily placed him among the finest in the underground art-pop scene.
- J-Sin
Brant Bjork and the Bros — Somera Sol Buy it at Amazon
Brant Bjork is most well known for his work with Kyuss and Fu Manchu. On “Somera Sol”, the rock is less fuzzy and stoner rock driven. Instead they focus on writing great groove hooks with thick guitars glazed over top. Greasy basslines undercut the crunchy percussion that digs into beats fit for a strip pole dancer.
- J-Sin
Kill the Alarm — Fire Away Buy it at Amazon
Melodic alternative rockers Kill the Alarm produce a charming pop hit in “Fire Away”. Tender catchy hooks armed by gritty guitars and soaring vocals are the lynchpin in Kill the Alarm’s delivery. You can definitely hear a lot of Matchbox 20 influence. Producer Jon Kaplan found frontman Garen Gueyikian’s center and just went with it. Good pop fodder with decent songwriting.
- J-Sin
You — Flashlights Buy it at Amazon
Grown-up and mature rock that stretches from funky roots to rock ‘n’ roll history, “Flashlights” is a sophisticated album that hints at the direction that alternative rock is moving towards. Sweeping harmonies are crafted with fine attention to detail. Having found a bit of commercial success, the group has stayed focused on delivering quality pop hooks armed by powerful piano chops and sweet vocals.
- J-Sin
Angel the Love Mongers — The Humanist Queen Buy it at Amazon
Culling their sound from the ‘80s, ala Depeche Mode and the Cure, Angel and the Love Mongers may be one of many bands currently ransacking that long lost decade of music. But fortunately for them and their listeners, they do a pretty stand up job. Melodic vocals with that sort of British bite to it form the central theme to their sound as the coaxing guitars swap back and forth with catchy harmonies. Now that you know all that wouldn’t you be surprised that the group is from Knoxville, Tennessee?
- J-Sin
Queens of the Stone Age — Era Vulgaris Buy it at Amazon
From the Latin phrase meaning, “common era”, Queens of the Stone Age turn in an album that is anything but “common” or even could be labeled something of this “era”. Hard alternative rock that puts the screws to the guitars, allowing the garage rock insanity to go to eleven (see: bad Spinal Tap references 101) and beyond. Velvety rhythms coast around the cacophony of guitar chaos with booming vocals and crunchy production. It’s definitely a loud affair and one that should be appreciated while on the open road.
- J-Sin
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