BRIAN KAHANEK - One True Thing

BRIAN KAHANEK - One True Thing

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 December 2010

BRIAN KAHANEK " One True Thing "
(Sidewinder Music Records) 2010.
CD - USA
Blues rock/rock/alt. country




Brian Kahanek is a guitar player and songwriter, raised in Ohio, and locate in L.A. During his entire carreare, he has released before actuelle one, a two albums - " Real Life" and " Suicide Kings", received many recomandations, and his work is recognize as a convinceble and sucessfull too.
" One True Thing" is a his third issue, released during the April this 2010 year. As a skillfull player, also engineer, and nothing less a certain singer, he introduces a variety of guitar oriantation options, based mostly on blues / blues rock level. His album also has a few alt. country includings, as same as some separate acoustic instrumental parts. In his own way Brian mixes 70's blues rock variants with modern views, and his songs are also fresh and modern. On his closing track " 63 Candles" he gave a special hommage to Hendrix legacy. " One True Thing" is also CD with convinceble productional look, where all other technical options satisfies in best possible manner.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.briankahanek.com

BARRY MYERS - 7th Avenue

BARRY MYERS - 7th Avenue

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 December 2010

BARRY MYERS " 7th Avenue "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Songwritings/contemporary adult rock/pop




Barry Myers is a singer/songwriter locate in Lake Mary, FL. A some months ago, he has released a " 7th Avenue" album with 9 tracks in. He was supported by several musicians and performers on his album, who took the important rola in complete songs realizations.I would mentioned two of them - a legendary guitarist Pat Travers and drummer and producer and also co-writer of two songs - Sean Shannon. Barry has offered a 9 pretty melodic and insightful songs, very listanable and eclectic at same time. Complete materials posses a pleasent atmosphere, and in some places his authors method reminds me on late Al Stewart legacy. Most of present songs are done in slower mid to mid-up tempo, and practically complete materials posses radio friendly usings. Barry offers to potentional audience a really pleasent journey, and each of present songs deserves again listenings. " 7th Avenue" is absolutely recomandable product for all the followers of mentioned sort of music.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.barrymyersmusic.com

WAVES - Crashing On Face

WAVES - Crashing On Face

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 December 2010

WAVES " Crashing On Face "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Indie pop/ rock/alter







Out of Somerville/Brighton comes a band formed by key person, songwriter Ben Garrett. Waves are consists of five members, but also a several persons a group has included in its debut as a musicians. " Crashing On Face" is untipical product, where we can find a varieties of ideas, soundscapes, atmospheres, moods and emotionals. A songs posses a different approach, and judging by stylish options, there are a themes with west-coast style, a songs with dreamy pop pastiche, some alt. country reflections, as same as alt. reggae exdperimentations.
But album in general has sounded as a coherent part, and potential listener can enjoy in complete group's offering. " Crushing On Face" isn't a album for usual genre's freaks, but Garrett as a author has showed some potentials....

Rating : 7 ,5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/wavescrashingonface

STILLLIFE - Requiem

STILLLIFE - Requiem

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 December 2010

STILLLIFE " Requiem "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Heavy / progressive metal





Out of North Michigan comes a band Stilllife, fronted by brothers Charbonneau - Eric singer and guitarist, and Jeremy - drummer. Firstly they started as a Metallica and Maiden cover act, and later on they have putted own materials in repertoairre. During the September this 2010 year, with own forces they have released a dubut, entitled " Requiem". This is a sort of conceptual heavy/progressive album, influental by the 80's and 90's traces.
Most of present songs are longer, and done in mid to mid up tempo, with many instrumental and atmospheric parts. A members from band didn't tries to show so call technical performings tricks or details, and more efforts they offered in arrangments duties. " Requiem" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, without presents of modern production, but with some evidental and interesting authors ideas.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/stilllifehome

DON RAY BAND - Lonesome Rider

DON RAY BAND - Lonesome Rider

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 16 December 2010

DON RAY BAND " Lonesome Rider "
( Margdon Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rockin' blues/southern rock






Don Ray and his band are newer attraction on USA market, whose musical interesting spheres touches southern rock as a genre. Don is a singer/songwriter/percussionist, and he quickly established his carreare, firstly with well received debut " On Top Of The Heap " from 2009 year.
" Lonesome Rider" actuelle one, is his second offering, where we can find a 12 well-done, performed and produced songs. Maniristically, Don Ray Band accepts elements of 70's rockin' blues and traditional southern rock, but in the other hand psychologically, their approach deeply touches standards of our time. A songs are relatively short, group didn' t fail in technical performing " competitions", and melodicity is also their strong adut. Without a classic hittish tune, but with convinceble and equalizing materials, their album is more than recomandable issue for the mentioned genre's followers.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.donrayband.com
www.myspace.com/donrayband

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF - Battle For The Mind

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF- Battle For The Mind

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 08 December 2010

THE COMMANDER - IN - CHIEF " Battle For The Mind "
( Self - released )
2010.
EP CD - USA
Rock/metal/hard rock/melodic hard rock

The Commander - In - Chief are newer act based in Los Angeles, fronted by female singer/songwriter/guitarist with the same name ( not sure what her real name could be ). With her male assistents, she has released an actuelle EP, with 6 tracks in, entitled " Battle For The Mind", and she receives for mentioned EP mainly a positive reactions from worldwide press. With 5 authors songs and 1 cover ( pretty interesting and unique version of Black Sabbath classic " Paranoid" ) she introduced herself as a original ortist with interesting musical views. The Commander- In - Chief plays sort of rock/metal with modern approach, metalic soundscapes includings, and presents of melodic vocalizations as well. Even of evidental influental traces from 90's and less 80's period ( some comparabilities with Doro and Pat Benatar comes to mind ), the band is judging by releasing ideas, deeply in 2000's. A production of Eric Greedy also communicate with standards of our time, and generally " Battle For Mind" as a EP offers a more interesting challenges.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.thecommanderinchief.net
www.myspace.com/thecommanderinchief

DANGERED ACE - Gotengo

DANGERED ACE - Gotengo

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 29 November 2010

DANGERED ACE " Gotengo "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Hard rock / rock / swing






Dangered Ace are newer act, formed by bass player Paul Ranieri, with key intention, to create something new and enjoyable, and enough unique.
A band is based in NYC, their line-up are consists of refine and experienced musicians, a brilliant vocalist Chandler Mogel, and technically convinceble guitarist Jon Bivona and drummer Steve Fruda. They have released a debut album, entitled " Gotengo" with 10 tracks in. Danger Ace has offered an interesting authors conception, and its music is some sort of hard rock/ rock melange, fullfield with swing and other dancable elements as well.
In the other hand, a members from band reflects an cohesive energy, its music posses impulsive fragments as same as melodic includings.
Yes, Dangered Ace has showed a many unique tricks, and originality is their middle name. I would add that one generally positive atmosphere dominates throughout its album materials, so in two words, satisfaction- guaranteed.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.dangeredace.com

SON OF THE SUN - The Happy Loss

SON OF THE SUN - The Happy Loss

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 28 November 2010

SON OF THE SUN " The Happy Loss"
( I Blame Yoko Music ) 2010.
CD
Indie rock/shoegaze - USA





Son Of The Sun band was formed by two members - Joseph Stocker ( guitar, keyboards ) and Zak Ward ( lead vocals, guitar ) in early 2007 year.
Both persons lived in opposite sides of the country in those tmes, and as a result of swapping files, a group has released an EP in 2008 year, entitled " Before The After". Now, the situation is quite different, and during the June of this 2010 year, a five members of Son Of The Sun group has released an full-length with 10 tracks in, entitled " The Happy Loss". With simply driven arrangments, they offers a dreamy rock and pop songs, full of unexpecting vocal lines, as same as some 60's psychedelic additionals as well. Present songs also posses a different motorizations, and it's also clear that different atmospheres circulate throughout complete album materials. A several interesting authors views can be heard on their album, and recomandable track to my opinion could be a 6th one, called "Keys" ( Last Call ).

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.sonofthesunmusic.com
www.myspace.com/sonofthesunmusic

DISTORTED FATE - Haunting

DISTORTED FATE - Haunting

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 27 November 2010

DISTORTED FATE " Haunting "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD
Heavy/power metal - USA







USA underground metal act Distorted Fate started out in 2006 year. They released firstly a home made demo, and some months ago actuelle full-length " Haunting" looked the light of day. Distorted Fate works as a quartet and its sound is combination of older and newer metal variants.
Basically, they are inspired by the 80's heavy and power metal tendencies, fullfield with some faster up playings and some screamo and even growl vocalizations presents as well. " Haunting" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, well-produced, but without so call hittish songs or fronted " recognizing" tune. I couldn' t compare' em with any of well-known acts, and more or less they have introduced as a act with open possibilities for future discographical challenges.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.distortedfate.com

MOTEL DRIVE - Motel Drive

MOTEL DRIVE - Motel Drive

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 16 November 2010

MOTEL DRIVE " Motel Drive "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rockabilly/revival/rock








Motel Drive are another more than interesting unsigned act, whose music orientation leads to revival fields. They work as a quartet, and started out its carrare in 2008 year. Quickly established as a attractive concert act, firstly they are discographically debuted with " $5 Trick" album. A some month ago, a group's actuelle S/t CD, looked the light of day. Motel Drive recapitulates in its own way a 50's period and early rock and roll pastiche.
But they sounds as a fresh and modern act, under the mentioned genre's forms, and also convinceble enough in its performing capabilities.
Their songs are melodic, repeatable, but band is equally convinceble in playing duties. There are 13 songs in its album, and 2 of them are recorded " live". Practically without weacker places, Motel Drive's album satisfies in every offering details. Check ' em out, and buy their album immediatelly.

Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.MotelDrive.com
www.myspace.com/moteldrive99

PETER DORAN - Sleepless Street

PETER DORAN - Sleepless Street

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 16 November 2010

PETER DORAN " Sleepless Street "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - IRELAND
Songwritings/acoustic/indie








Peter Doran is an Irish artist, continiously active several years in his homeland. He firstly started out his musical life as a guitarist, but later on after discovering Dylan's legacy and other similiar authors, he "transfered " his musical approaches to songwriting fields. He debuted with "Wood" album in 2006 year, and as a press informations confirms, that was a different album than actuelle , entitled " Sleepless Street" from this 2010 year.
"Sleepless Street " is a 12 track album, full of unpretencious vocal lines, insightful and emotional lyrics, and fine instrumental arrangments.
Most of songs were done in mid, to mid-up tempo, and something taken from 70's pastiche is evident in Doran's musical approach. Even that he mentioned Nick Drake as a one of comparabile artist, I have noticed also some similiarities with late Gilbert O' Sullivan works.Even of that, Doran has introduced himself as a original composer with clear attitude. A fnal, closing " epic" track " Sleepless Night" could be to my opinion a recomandable one, for often and again listenings.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.peterdoran.com
www.myspace.com/peterdoran

BITCH QUEENS - Female Shotgun

BITCH QUEENS - Female Shotgun

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 10 November 2010

BITCH QUEENS " Female Shotgun "
( Lux Noise Records ) 2010.
CD - SWITZERLAND
Glam / punk' n ' roll






Out of Basel, Switzerland comes a Bitch Queens, a newer attractive act, whose orientation is faithfull to glam/ punk' n' roll / garage / rock options.
The are active some period, and received a wider recognitions after realization of its " High Strung" EP, from 2009 year. During the October this 2010 year, they have released an actuelle full-length CD, entitled " Female Shotgun", also available in LP format with 1 additional bonus track.
Bitch Queens delivers a high-energy, a clear attitude, " dirty" and raw riffs and melodic vocalizations. They are equally nearer to 70's psychology, as same as to standards of nowadays glam/garage acts . Their songs are acceptable, posses evidental listenable dimension, and band's performings also deserve a same respectation. " Female Shotgun" is a fine product, recomandable for older and newer glam' n roll followers.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.bitchqueens.com
www.myspace.com/bitchqueens
www.luxnoise.com

CHRIS SCHUTZ + TOURISTS - Gemini

CHRIS SCHUTZ + TOURISTS - Gemini

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 09 November 2010

CHRIS SCHUTZ + TOURISTS " Gemini "
( Rainbow Road ) 2009.
CD
Indie pop - USA






Chris Schutz is a bandleader and songwriter from Philly, Pennsylvania. He had some previous music experience before realization of his debut album, entitled " Gemini". His mentioned CD from previous 2009 year are consists of 11 tracks in, whose orientations avoid classical genre's definitions, even that Chris himself didn' t communicate with any of unknown crossover details. Some of his songs has a retro touch and 60's views, other enters to 80's indie pop or less indie rock therithories. He posses a dynamic voice, and all of present songs has a strong melodicity.
On the other hand we can not find any leading theme or characteristic and recognizeble tune, but Chris mainly skillfully balancing through his authors world.
In some aspects he reminds me on latest George Harrison / Traveling Wilburys works, but only in some realizing arrangments fragments. A closing tune " Jet Stream" could be a recomandable track from " Gemini" album.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.chrisschutz.com

GUN BARREL - Live At The Kubana

GUN BARREL - Live At The Kubana

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 05 November 2010

GUN BARREL " Live At The Kubana "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD
Heavy metal - GERMANY








A German act Gun Barrel is one of true metal groups, continiously active on national scene for 10 years.During the period of exsistence, they have released with actuelle one, 5 albums and 1 DVD. Actuelle CD " Live At The Kubana ", is some sort of anniversary edition, and present to loyal fan base A group sell mentioned CD only from their website, and they pressed no more than 1000 copies. Gun Barell works in quartet formation, and in its line-up is a new singer, his artistic name is Silver. Gun Barrel deliver portions of true metal variants, nearer to 80's standards. They performs in raw and direct way. Their metal sound also accept classic hard rock elements, as well as some power metal additionals. " Live At The Kubana" introduces themselves with 17 tracks, recorded wthout any overdubs or re-recordings. Gun Barrel's approach is passionate, honest and also convinceble enough.
They are recomandable for true metal followers, and fans of 80's metal / hard rock tendencies.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.gunbarrel.de
www.myspace.com/yourgunbarrel

THE CHEATERS - Midnight Run

THE CHEATERS - Midnight Run

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 03 November 2010

THE CHEATERS " Midnight Run "
( Self - released ) 2009.
CD - USA
Rock/southern rock/hard rock







The Cheaters are another pretty interesting newer act, whose musical legacy communicate with southern rock tendencies. They were formed back in 2005 year, in Baltimore, Maryland, and complete line-up ( 4 members ) are consists of previous experienced musicians. During the 2006 year, they debuted with "The Cheaters L.P.", and in the next period they toured around the state, and also in Japan and Europe.
" Midnight Run" is their actuelle second effort from previous 2009 year, released with own forces. They have introduced themselves with 12 pretty equalizing tracks, and generally fresh materials. A band is on mentioned southern rock therithory, but its songs are done also in classic rock manner, and hard rock approach is present as well. Their songs also posses evident melodicity, but group has showed a certain playings and performings. A members from The Cheaters are well-trained musicians, and that's evident after listenings of just few tracks from its album.
Frank Marchand and band did a productional work with expecting standardization and same realization. " Midnight Run" is an issue without weaker places, and USA act has showed a highest capabilities.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.thecheaters.net
www.myspace.com/thecheaters

SWEETKISS MOMMA - Revival Rock

SWEETKISS MOMMA - Revival Rock

Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 29 October 2010

SWEETKISS MOMMA " Revival Rock "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Southern rock/blues rock






In last months I have received a few CD's of groups with southern feel and southern rock approaches, and it's a real pleasure every new discovering of relativelly still unknown acts, whose style communicate with mentioned genre. SKM are Washington state based band, they works in quintet formation, and few month before, they have discographically debuted with " Revival Rock" album. A group has introduced themselves with 12 tracks , done in southern rock/ blues rock style. Their approach is fresh, also convinceble, and even of associations of album title, their musical views are done according to standards of our time.A songs posses an equalizing qualities, most of them are done in mid to mid-up tempo, and also exists faster up songs, as same as some half-ballads as well. Musically SKM satisfies, and their approach could be interesting equally for older and newer southern rock followers.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.skmband.com
www.myspace.com/sweetkissmomma

SLAVE TO THE DAY - Pushing Through The Still

SLAVE TO THE DAY - Pushing Through The Still

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 26 October 2010

SLAVE TO THE DAY " Pushing Through The Still "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rock/hard rock/heavy metal







Slave To The Day are newer act on USA underground metal / rock scene. They are hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, and works in quintet formation. A few months ago, they have released a full-length, entitled " Pushing Through The Still". They are on own specific therithory, its songs are complexive, full of clear associations and interesting lyrical approaches . Musically they delivered a strong energy, and present songs are full of specific ambiental passages. Judging by style options, Slave To The Day communicate with rock and metal tendecies, and in some cases they have accepted influences from 90's period.In my opinion, a productional work also is more orientire to the 90's era, than to nowadays options.
A USA act offered an equalizing materials, but practiucally without any leading song.Their strongest weapon is exsistence of mentioned ambiental / atmospheric elements in performing variants

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/slavetotheday

DERIN DOW - Retroactive

DERIN DOW - Retroactive

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 October 2010

DERIN DOW " Retroactive "
( Crapshoot Music ) 2005.
CD - USA
Melodic rock/AOR/classic rock







Derin Dow is Los Angeles based musician, songwriter and guitar player ( on his album he also played bass ), active from late 80's period.
During the 90's period, he began contributing to the musical scores of several independent films, and he has also been feaatured in "RECORDING" magazine on two occasions. Since 2005, Derin and his band have opened shows for artists as a : Asia, Shaw - Blades , Ambrosia...
Derin is a strong songwriter and fine vocalist. His interesting sphere are deeply in melodic rock / AOR / classic rock fields, and most of his songs posses late 70's and early 80's approach. In some aspects his musical legacy knows to remind on REO Speedwagon or Foreigner style, but he is enough convinceble in his performing attitudes. All of 13 present songs on " Retroactive" album posses radio friendly usings, and also are pretty attractive for concerts playings. Under the mentioned genre's tendencies " Retroactive" is more than interesting and acceptable album.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.derindow.com

FAIRY TALE - Dream

FAIRY TALE - Dream

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 21 October 2010

FAIRY TALE " Dream "
( Hevhetia ) 2008.
CD - SLOVAKIA
Ambiemtal/electro/progressive/darkwave/melancholic pop





Formerly known as a duo, now with a band behind them, Slovakian Fairy Tale has still actuelle album, entitled. " Dream". As I reviewed its previous EP issue " Sound Mirrors", I have already known what can expect, but it seems that now expandier formation has also a something new to offer.
A key person in band is composer Peter Kravec, and his interesting and mainly original musical views elegantly introduce, promote and deliver a female fronted singer Barbora Kolarikova.A Slovakians are on the field of ambiental/ electro/ darkwave tendencies, and its sound is also fullfield with progressive includings. But, in actuelle album a Fairy Tale has sounded more mature, and some other musical variants as a rock, partly kraut rock, and even folk and pop, are presents as well. Like a previous issue, a " Dream" is also a complexive product, hardly available for avarage listener's ear. But, Slovakians has showed evidental progress in its actuelle offering, and " Dream " as a album, satisfies in many aspects.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.fairytale.sk
www.myspace.com/musicfairytale

WHITEBOY JAMES AND THE BLUES EXPRESS - Last Time Was The Last Time

WHITEBOY JAMES & THE BLUES EXPRESS - Last Time Was The Last Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 16 October 2010

WHITEBOY JAMES & THE BLUES EXPRESS
" Last Time Was The Last Time "
( Rip Cat Records ) 2010.
CD
Blues / rockabilly - USA





Whiteboy James And The The Blues Express was the band firstly known with its activities on the Southern California Blues Explosion scene during the late 80's and the begining of the 90's . Unfortunatelly their carreare was on hold some period, but luckilly, they are ready and willing for new battles.
" Last Time Was The Last Time" is a band's second effort, released for newly formed label " Rip Cat Records" ,of group's guitar player Scott Abeyta.
A band is fronted by the vocalist and harmonica player Whiteboy James, and judging by present album material, they delivered a fresh and optimistic sound. A group is on therithory of blues rockabilly , or better to say rockabilly blues tendencies . A 50's and 60's feel and spirit is also recognized in its approach. A pretty melodic harmonizations and catchy songs also characterize a group's musical views, and it's also evident that all other technical elemensts satisfies in general. " Last Time Was The Last Time" is more than recomandable album, and deserve a wider attention.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.RipCatRecords.com
www.whiteboyjames.com

GRIMLORD - Dolce Vita Sath-an-as

GRIMLORD - Dolce Vita Sath-an-as

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 16 October 2010

GRIMLORD " Dolce Vita Sath-an-as "
( Trident Harmony ) 2009.
CD - POLAND
Progressive metal/various metal genres





The activities of Polish metal act Grimlord dated from 1999 year. They have released several Demos, and with still actuelle one, a 2 full-lengths.
They changed conception during the years and editions, and " Dolce Vita Sath-an-as" finds them in a different mood. In contrary of previous issues, actuelle material shows sounds modifications to progressive metal variants. A mentioned genre option is also fullfield with known thrashing elements and some other power metal and classic heavy metal includings presents in its approach as well. Most of present tracks are consists of connective instrumental parts, constant rhythm changes, and breaking transfers. I have to add that band's promotional activities are still on high level, and for promotional work they deserves only recomandations...

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.grimlord.eu
www.myspace.com/grimlordband

US 32 - Tumblin Home

US 32 - Tumblin' Home

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 October 2010

US 32 " Tumblin' Home "
(Anthony Avenue Records) 2010.
CD
Country/roots/americana - USA





US 32 are Chirsty and Michael Kline, wife-husband team and singer/sogwriter duo from Elliot City, Maryland. They had some previous experiences, especially Michael, but " Tumblin' Home " is their debut album under the US 32 name. " Tumblin' Home" is an album with 13 equalizing tracks, done in country / roots manner, fulfield with some americana traces as well. A duo are also influental by the classic country, and 60's, 70's country rock movement, and some comparabilities could lead to first Eagles works. But what we have here, is seriously done strong melodic tunes, very listenable, and acceptable for radio usings. A vocal choruses are perfectly done, as same as instrumental parts, and all other technical elements sastisfies as well. As a album, " Tumblin' Home" is mainly acceptable for the country music fans of older school, but evidental melodic elements is their strongest weapon too.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.us32music.com
www.myspace.com/us32

CHASING JONES - Stay Tonight

CHASING JONES - Stay Tonight

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 October 2010

CHASING JONES " Stay Tonight "
( Self - released ) 2010.
EP CD
Pop / rock - CANADA





Chasing Jones are four piece act formed by Di Lullo brothers - Nick and Adam , during the 2007 year.They are hailing from Canada,and during the period of exsitence, they have released a two EP's, " The Lie" from 2008 year and actuelle " Stay Tonight".
Canadians are pop rock band with modern flavour and serious lyrical messages.Musically, they accepts 80's and 90's views, and some comparabilities could lead to acts as a U 2 or R.E.M as well. But, band mainly sucessfully gives own signiture, and its songs are full of pleasent atmosphere and enjouable melodicity. Opening track " Anniversary" maybe posses a more listenable elements than the others, but its material in gemeral, is pretty available for radio usings. Another recomandable track for their EP could be a song " Amelia".

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.chasingjones.com
www.myspace.com/chasingjones

GOMORRAHIZER - Pseudo God Induced Cephalgia

GOMORRAHIZER - Pseudo God Induced Cephalgia

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 October 2010

GOMORRAHIZER " Pseudo God Induced Cephalgia "
( Fuk 52 ) 2010.
CD
Grindpunk - USA






Out of Mentor, Ohio comes a trio Gomorrahizer, a band whose activities dated from 2009 year They are explosive act, and members from band has labeled its music as a grindpunk. They have introduced themselves with " Pseudo God Induced Cephalgia" album, and 25 minutes of furiously done music. Gomorrahizer are infected by the 80's, 90's grind movement, but they also tries to explore a genres boundaries, so its offering is full of blasting riffs, uptempo breakbeats, guttural and screaming voices. A punk and hardcore psychology also exists in its approach, so band has offered an interesting concept in final. I can not compare them with any of well-known genres acts, and USA band has showed that its offering posses an original views.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/GOMORRAHIZER
www.facebook.com/GOMORRAHIZER

CORVUS - Fragile Moments

CORVUS - Fragile Moments

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 October 2010

CORVUS " Fragile Moments "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Progressive / alter metal





A Glendale, Arizona based band Corvus, started out its carreare in 2006 year. A group was formed by frontman/singer/songwriter Brock Brown during the 2006 year. Even of some personal changes, Corvus is discographically active act, and during the forthcoming period, with actuelle one, a band has released a 3 albums : " We All Fall Down", " An Affair With Tragedy" and " Fragile Moments".
A band works in quintet formation,and its music can be labeled as a a sort of progressive / alter metal. A pretty unique sound characterize its offering, as same as under the mentioned genres tendencies - moderm views.A songs are done in faster / fuster up tempo, where thrashing riffs and melodic vocalizations dominates through complete materials. A band has also offered an interesting design of its CD covers, and I have to add that other technical elements also satisfies. Corvus are undoubtly a band with original approach, and their albums deserves lesteners attention.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.corvusaudio.com
www.myspace.com/corvus

MODEST MIDGET - The Great Prophecy Of A Small Man

MODEST MIDGET - The Great Prophecy Of A Small Man

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 06 October 2010

MODEST MIDGET " The Great Prophecy Of A Small Man "
( Multi - Polar Music ) 2010.
CD - HOLLAND
Progressive/rock/pop/various genres




Modest Midget are very interesting act, fronted by key person - guitarist, singer and author Lionel Ziblat. Discographically, a group started out with EP issue, entitled " Partial Exposure". " The Great Prophecy Of A Small Man" is actuelle full-length from this year. Musically, a Holland band has offered unusual crossover, where exists free space for many genres variants as a progressive , psychedelic, classic rock, beat, and even folk.
They are influental by the 70's period, but the 60's traces are also present in its music. In one hand we can hear earliest YES associations, but partly, a sound of 60's British beat groups is also evidental. A strong arrangments , clever and interesting texttures,clear melodic lines, and convinceble production satisfies in general, and practically Modest Midget did an excelent work. Recomandable.

Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.modestmidget.com
www.myspace.com/modestmidget

THE ROCKFORD MULES - From Devil's Spit To Angel Tears

THE ROCKFORD MULES - From Devil's Spit To Angel Tears

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 06 October 2010

THE ROCKFORD MULES " From Devil's Spit To Angel Tears "
( Self - released ) 2008.
CD - USA
Rock/southern rock/post grunge





During the late summer this year, I have received a couple of CD's of Minneapolis, Minnesota based band - The Rockford Mules. A group strated out its carreare in 2005 year, and first discographical step was EP " Crooked Tooth" from 2006 year. A band established themselves not only in local area with explosive and convinceble performances, and pretty strong approach. Their still actuelle full-length from 2008 year " From Devil's Spit To Angel Tears" confirms that as a act posses own sound and in some way unique style. Musically they combines elements of 70's and 90's music, but with modern look and same attitude. In their music exists lotta' elements of southern feel and southern rock in general, but band mixes mentioned options with post grunge details as well. A stoner rock traces as same as classic hard rock tendencies are also important part of band's message. I have to add that group also deliver a specific energy in each track from album, and didn' t find any weacker place in its offering. " From Devil's Spit To Angel Tears: is more than recomandable product, not only for southern rock freaks.

Rating : 8 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.therockfordmules.com
www.myspace.com/therockfordmules

FRACTURE - Dominate And Overload

FRACTURE - Dominate And Overload

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 04 October 2010

FRACTURE " Dominate And Overload "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - NORWAY
Heavy/power/progressive metal






Fracture is newer unsigned band, consists of 5 well-trained musicians. Their destination is Norway, but undoubtly a promotional activities through net, reaches a worldwide attention, so many webzines and reviewers recognizes them as a potentially pretty interesting act.
They debuted with " Dominate And Overload" album, where we can find 9 tracks and 41 minutes of music. A band is on therythory of heavy/power/progressive metal, and that's a basic opinion. But, evidental mainstream metal referencies a group mixes with power/thrashing riffs and progressive performing includings. A vocalizations on their materials reaches a high levels, and same standards were done in productional way. A group posses also a specific performing "energy", but I have to say that a similiar mannirism follows complete album in general, too." Dominate And Overload" is a good discographical start for Norwegians, and we'll see what the future brings for its carearre.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/fracturenorway

PATHFINDER - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time

PATHFINDER - Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 04 October 2010

PATHFINDER " Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time "
( Media Factory/ RedTone Japan ) 2010.
CD
Symphonic / power metal - POLAND






Pathfinder are hailing from Poland, a country also known as a destination of many interesting newer death and black metal groups, and during the August this year, they have released actuelle album, entitled " Beyond The Space, Beyond The Time". A Polish fellows works in sextet formation, and judging by genres options, they are faithfull to symphonoc / power metal tendencies. They introduced themselves as a power/symphonic metal act of older school, or better to say as a group whose orientation is nearer to classic genres tendencies. So, some traces could lead to established acts as a Rhapsody, Kamelot or Blind Guardian, and more or less originality isn' t a Pathfinders middle name.
But, in the other hand, their performing realizations is simply convinceble. Production is also modern and all other thechnical elements are pretty recomandable, among others a brilliant cover artwork with 12 page booklet confrms a groups seriousnes and professionalism.
A pretty equalizing materials characterize album in general, and there's no doubt that power/symphonic metal freaks will find many interesting moments in Pathfinder's offering.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.pathfinderband.com
www.myspace.com/pathfinderband

FEEDING THE FIRE - DisInfoNation

FEEDING THE FIRE - DisInfoNation

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 26 September 2010

FEEDING THE FIRE " DisInfoNation "
( Ownlifemusic ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rock/progressive





Feeding The Fire is another interesting act, whose musical concept belongs to rock/progressive tendencies. They are four-piece company from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, active some period continiously. Their actuelle offering " DisInfoNation" combines emotional moods and serious performing variants. Lyrically, they deliver own eclectic socio-political messages, and in the other hand, musically we can find rock/progressive traces fullfield with complexive arrangments includings. Melodicity is also evident and strong, and practically complete materials posses an equalizing qualities. A production is also done in modern way, and I have to add, that complete other technical elements funkcionizes as well. Even that band's authors realizations aren' t acceptable for avarage listener's ear, they are undoubtly group whose musical offerings deserves a wider attention.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.feedingthefire.com
www.myspace.com/feedingthefire
www.slwpromotions.com

Wrath Attack - Wasted

Wrath Attack - Wasted

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 23 September 2010

WRATH ATTACK " Wasted "
( Self - released ) 2010.
EP CD ( Demo )
Thrash metal - NORWAY






Wrath Attack are Norway act, faithfull to old school thrash metal tendencies. They have founded in late 2007 year, and till now recorded a 2 Demos, firstly 2-track " Bringing Out Of Thrash" ( 2008. ), and actuelle one " Wasted". 2 persons are practically did a complete jobs - Jan ( vocals, guitars, bass ) and Martin - drums. Author of 4 tracks ( 1 is cover ) was Jan., and what we can find here on complete 5 tracks and about 17 minutes of music, is 80's variants of thrash metal equally done in performing and psychological way.. Underground tendencies are also present in complete iconography, as same as garage variants. Nothing special, but at the same time pretty optimistic, Wrath Attack bringing back the period of 80's, and its message is mainly acceptable for the followers of old school thrash variants.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.wrath-attack.net
www.myspace.com/wrathattack

CANCER KILLING GEMINI - It Only Hurts When We Breathe

CANCER KILLING GEMINI - It Only Hurts When We Breathe

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 September 2010

CANCER KILLING GEMINI " It Only Hurts When We Breathe "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD
Various genres - USA




Even that name Cancer Killing Gemini associate on some industrial/grind tendencies, or group with similiar attitudes, a reality is quite different.
CKG is projest of one man - Eric Michael Cohen, and his various musical tastes are putted in album materials, entitled " It Only Hurts When We Breathe". As a person with previous music experience and also owner/leader/part of some projects/groups, he tested himself in new project/album, where is complete composer,performer and producer too. There are 10 tracks on album, and Eric offers variety of genres options as a industrial, electro, pop , and post grunge as well. Melodic tendencies are also present in highest possible level, so finally we can find here many modern solutions and traces. " It Only Hurts When We Breathe" is a listenable product, and what is more important ,a modern issue with clear musical messages and realization.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.cancerkillinggemini.com
www.myspace.com/cancerkillinggemini

THE KID AND NIC SHOW - Goin' Downtown

THE KID & NIC SHOW - Goin' Downtown

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 22 September 2010

THE KID & NIC SHOW " Goin' Downtown "
( Self - released ) 2009.
CD - USA
Swing/revival/rhythm and blues








There's no doubt that The Kid & Nic Show are important revival act on USA scene. Fronted by female-male pair, Nicole Tracy on vocals and Kirk Tracy on saxophone, harmonica and vocals, with their band in the back, constantly are in the saddle, and their concert shows are recognized as a some sort of enjouable and pleasent happenings. Musically, Kid & Nic are faithfull to revival options, locate somewhere between 30's and 50s period of previous century. So, in its sound we can find many swing elements, rockabilly and rhythm and blues traces, and many melodic lines/phrases/choruses as well. " Goin' Downtown" is its 4th issue, and this is some sort of compilation of previous 3 albums.
We can find here a 10 enjouable and well-produced tracks, some authors works and some naturally covers, but in every aspects, a group has offered a pleasent atmosphere, good rockin' rhythms and refine melodicity. Generally, Kid and Nic were done an excellent job, and finally I would recomand a song " Mystify", to my taste as a specially convinceble part of album materials.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.kidandnic.com
www.myspace.com/thekidandnicshow

Cosmic Trip Machine - Vampyros Roussos

Cosmic Trip Machine - Vampyros Roussos

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 19 September 2010

COSMIC TRIP MACHINE " Vampyros Roussos "
( Record Heaven ) 2009.
CD - BELGIUM
Psychedelic/space rock/kraut rock






Cosmic Trip Machine are frantic Belgium duo, active continiously some period. They have recorded a 2 albums, firstly as a cassete tapes, and later on, also in CD format. A group debuted with " Lord Space Devil" ( 2008.), and during the previous 2009 year, a second effort " Vampyros Roussos" looked the light of day. Actuelle album is some sort of psychedelic/cosmic/space/kraut rock opera, and Belgium fellows finds inspiration in lo-fi horror movie productions from the late 70's period. In untipical, but interesting and in the same time pretty convinceble way, Cosmic Trip Machine has offered own vision of modern psychedelic/space/kraut rock music, with evidental retro touches. Their themes are in the other hand inspirative, posses unexpecting melodicity, and what is more important - communicate with standards of our time. " Vampuros Roussos" is also to my taste pretty enjouable album, with many creative and listenable places, recomandable also for non-psychedelic freaks or followers.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.cosmictripmachine.be
www.myspace.com/cosmictripmachene

MEDIKADED - Chronic Anxiety

MEDIKADED - Chronic Anxiety

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 13 September 2010

MEDIKADED " Chronic Anxiety "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD - USA
Rock/hard rock






Medikaded are Blairsville, PA, quintet. A group are consists of experiemced musicians, 4 male and 1 female performers. They started out in October 2004, when guitarist and key person Rob Ruff and bassist Bob Mulhollen begins to work on forthcoming materials. " Chronic Anxiety" is their debut album, and as the information from band's press material says - " this is a compilation of the unfortunate troubled life of one unlucky guy". But, generally a group's CD we couldn' t threat as a some sort of serious rock opera or epic saga. Musically, they have offered sort of rock/hard rock options, fullfield with grunge elements as well. Some traces in its music could lead to 70's but also a 90's period isn't uncommon for their authors realizations.
Main quality belongs to special so call realations between band members, and atmospheric includings in its arrangments works. So, as a result even of avarage production, their songs are pretty interesting and also convinceble. " Chronic Anxiety" is in many aspects untipical album for
one rock/hard rock act, but Medikaded has showed some own " tricks" and possibilities.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.medikaded.com

SMALL BLUES TRAP - Red Snakes and Cave Bats

SMALL BLUES TRAP - Red Snakes & Cave Bats

Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 28 August 2010

SMALL BLUES TRAP " Red Snakes & Cave Bats "
( Self - released ) 2010.
CD
Blues - GREECE





Another important blues act from Greece, excluding a legendary group Blues Wire, is Small Blues Trap. They works as a quartet, fronted by key person, singer/harmonica player Paul Karapiperis They was founded back in 2004 year, and first discographical step was " Crossroad Ritual" album from 2006 year. " Red Snakes & Cave Bats" is actuelle one from this 2010 year, and band has released a CD as a self-produced issue.
Also is important to say, that on song " Buy A Dog ", a group include as a singer, writer and guest star performer Elias Zaikos from mentioned famous and established Blues Wire band. A 13 mainly convinceble and equalizing tracks are present on " Red Snakes And Cave Bats" album. A band has showed possibilities to explore blues as a genre in many aspects, so we can find here and there roots traces, 70's rhythm and blues variations, southern blues emotionals, acoustically driven tunes, and many things in-between.A fantastic voice of Paul Karapiperis dominates through songs atmospheres, but it's also clear that complete line-up performs in best possible manner. " Red Snakes & Cave Bats " deliver an enjouable atmosphere, excelent band playings, and modern authors views. " Red Snakes & Cave Bats" is recomandable product for older and newer blues followers, worth listeners attention.

Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.smallbluestrap.gr
www.myspace.com/smallbluestrap

Electric Chair - Demo / Promo

Electric Chair - Demo / Promo

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 23 August 2010

ELECTRIC CHAIR " Demo / Promo "
MP 3 2010. - USA
70's/ 80's hard rock







Electric Chair are relatively new project/band ,fronted by key person, guitar player/producer and leader - Wayne Ward. They hailing from Madison, Wiskonsin, and at this very moment a group's line-up are consists of 2 more persons - Gonzo /vocalist , and drummer - Al Sys. On their MySpace page we can hear a 6 putted songs from band, and that's only a part of group's hugest opus, ready for delivering. On the other hand a members from band are well-experienced and trained musicians, and from the first to last offering track, they knows how to satisfy a taste of mostly hard rock fans of so call older school. A band has introduced themselves with some authors songs and some covers, especially opening track " Time Of The Season" posses something typical of great 70's. Even that Wayne's company has recorded an equalizing materials some comparizions comes to mind, and I would mention another USA precisely New York act - The Rods, as a band with similiar performing "communication" . The Rods were a group whose carreare lasted during the 80's, and especially 2 albums - " In The Raw" and " Wild Dogs" reached the audience attention.
Electric Chair in their own way combines elements of 70's and 80''s hard rock, with present energy of our time. There are no unnecessery complexities in its performings, arangments were done in clear and simply way, but the songs are listenable and at the same time absolutelly accaptable.
Even of evident retro approach, Electric Chair are serious band, whose musical opus simply deserve a chance, and of course listeners attentions.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/electricchairrox

BEN COOLEY HALL - Owning Up To A Life

BEN COOLEY HALL - Owning Up To A Life

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 10 August 2010

BEN COOLEY HALL " Owning Up To A Life "
( Caunounicus Records ) 2009.
CD - USA
Modern songwriting/indie pop/americana/acoustic



Ben Cooley Hall is a singer/songwriter and artist with certain carearre behind. He was also a part of Boston based trio - The Mary Rellys.
His actuelle album from previous 2009 year, entitled " Owning Up To A Life", has showed his authors interests and creative views.
Musically, Hall combines elements of pop and americana, creating self-emotional atmosphere in each of 11 present songs. Some of his tunes posses late Beatlesque melodicity, some of them are influental by the acoustic/folk legacy from the 70's period. His mostly narrative melodies lyrically asssocate on love and positive vibration, but with also specifical ironical approches.His vocalization is authentocal, even that most of present songs were done in slower mid, rarely in mid-up tempo. A recomandable track from his album could be a third one - " After The Fall".

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.bencooleyhall.com

GREENSLEEVES - The Elephant Truth

GREENSLEEVES - The Elephant Truth

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 01 August 2010

GREENSLEEVES " The Elephant Truth "
( Self - released ) 2009.
CD - BRAZIL
Progressive metal




Greensleeves are act whose carearre started out in 1993 year, bit during the previous 2009 year, a band has released a first full - length album, entitled " The Elephant Truth". Lyrically, " The Elephant Truth" is a conceptual album , where present songs abstractly and hipothetically
speaks about " the mental journey of a man in coma " . The storyline was inspired by the late John Godfrey Saxe novel - " The Blind Man And The Elephant". Musically, a group has offered own vision of progressive metal options,where also exists enough places for other metal and non metal varianats. Even that complexivities of albun's materials is evident, some comparabilities comes to mind, and in some aspects more psychologically than musically, Greensleeves approach reminds me on late 70's Rush conceptual albums. Also, some traces judging by genre's variants leads to Fates Warning band too, but a Brazilian fellows also shows many authentical conceptual and performing skillness.
In its performings we can find many up tempo changes, rhythmical "turbulences:", and stylish combinations. So, in one theme/song a group recapitulize a metal elements as a power, classic metal and even thrash, but also we can recognize some typical " progressive" 70's traces too.
There's no doubt that Greenslaves did a respectable job, and " The Elephant Truth" delivers many interesting views and prominent ideas.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/greensleevesbrazil
www.greensleeves.com.br

CORE ZERO - Doxology

CORE ZERO - Doxology

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 01 August 2010

CORE ZERO " Doxology "
( Core Zero Music ) 2010.
CD
Rock/hard rock - USA




A nucleus of Core Zero band started out in 2005 year. During the forthcoming period a group has suffered from several personal changes, but finally everything comes to right place, and quartet locate in Denver area is ready to promoto debut CD, entitled " Doxology".
Core Zero is comprised of experienced musicians, and their musical offering is nearer to some sort of rock/hard rock options. It's evident that all of 11 present songs from album posses a strong melodicity, and also clear 90's influental trace is common element of complete offering materials. A producer of " Doxology" album was well-known Steve Avedis, established in 80's era, and his signiture is pretty strong.
I personally have some objections on rhythm section threathenings in final mixture, but generally productional work communicate with standards of our time. As a band, Core Zero has showed many emotional aspects in each of present songs, and also complete materials are full of
youthful energy. I would also specially recomand a third song from album as a very convinceble one - " Undefined", but generally a band has
offered mainly equalizing materials.

Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.corezeroband.com

FALLEN ANGEL - Crawling Out Of Hell

FALLEN ANGEL - Crawling Out Of Hell

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Fallen Angel" Crawling Out Of Hell "
( Fallen Angel Records ) 2010.
CD - USA
Heavy/power metal/hard rock




A Fallen Angel should be a new interesting attraction/act on worldwide metal scene. They hails from upstate New York, and members from band are mainly well-known musicians, established during the years in metal community. They released in own production conceptual album, based on the fantasy epic novel, written by guitarist and producer John Cruppe. An interesting mixture of fairy taile, comics, serious artwork, and music, reminds on periods when groups/artists as a Alice Cooper, Kiss or King Diamond occupied music medias and general rock culture.
" Crawling Out Of Hell" should be a first part of imaginary trilogy, and this is undoubtly a serious project done by evident efforts. A potential buyer of band's CD will enjoy in colourful 32 pages booklet, but surely a group offers another surprises. In the other hand, on 20 pieces from album, they have introduced themselves also as a 80's influental heavy/power/hard rock act, but with presents of modern ideas and modern views. " Crawling Out Of Hell" is a serious discographical start, and we'll see what the future brings soonly...

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/bandsitefallenangel