STEVE KRASE
" Someday"
( Self - released ) 2013.
CD
Blues / rockin' blues - USA

Steve Krase is a well-respected harmonica player and vocalist, whose activities
dated through last decades. Born in Brooklyn, NY, but last 20 years locate in Houston, Texas, he was also a part of Jerry Lighfoot And The Essentials band. There's no doubt, that he is a extraordinary harmonica player, and he has  released his actuelle album "Someday" , with respectful bunch of camarades and musicians. A CD are consists of 12 tracks in, done in standard, so call conventional blues/rockin' blues vain, but with addition of lotta' performing energy, and nothing less positive vibrations. Nothing especialy new, but with evidental emotionals and more than satisfying performings. Mr. Krase is also a certain singer, and most of present materials deserve repeatable listenings.

Rating : 8 / 10

C / o : www.stevekrase.com

WORSTENEMY
" Revelation "
( Wormholedeath Records ) 2013.
CD
Death metal - ITALY


Italian power trio Worstenemy isn' t a new name under a underground metal sky in mentioned beautiful country, and also in the other part of the globe. Their activities started out in 1997 year, and band found themselves than as a thrash cover act. Later on, they changed style in Florida old death school variant, and in forthcoming part of career more or less they are on same direction . Their discography is also relevant. "Revelation" is a actual full-length with 10 tracks in, done in mentioned death metal older school mood. But, Italian trio also has showed that other releasing elements can introduce in respectful manner. Practically in each song they produce an interesting atmosphere, often up tempo changes, and clever dialogues between slower and faster parts. A present songs deserves a repeatable listening where more hidden details need to be discovered. There's no doubt that Worstenemy did a fine job with actual album...




Rating : 8, 5 / 10


C / o : www.facebook.com/worstenemyband


www.wormholedeath.com

RED DIRT RANGERS
" Lone Chimney "
( Ranger Records ) 2013.
CD
Country/folk/country rock - USA

This year a Red Dirt Rangers celebrate a 25 years of existence as a band. They are undoubtedlypride and joy of Oklahoma music scene, especially if we speak about country/folk/roots and similar genre's tendencies. Their experience is evident, and if you are in position to hear a first tacts of its songs, the meaning of mentioned words became clear. " Lone Chimney" are consists of 13 equalizing tracks, done in country/country rock/roots mood, with certain melodic lines, strong harmonization and nothing less than simply, but convince technical details. We can not find a less interesting or so call weaker places on its album, and all of present songs are also acceptable for radio using and night-time , and also day-time listening. Absolutely recommendable.


Rating : /


C / o : www.reddirtrangers.com

www.facebook.com/reddirtrangers

JONAS CARPING

"All The Time In The World"

(self - released/Hemifran) 2012.

CD

Alter folk/americana - SWEDEN


Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 19. September 2013


Out of Sweden comes a Jonas Carping, singer/songwriter who pleasently suprised worldwide audience with his debut release " All The Time In The World". He has recorded a debut CD with 10 tracks in with the following band, and complete materials were done in americana/folk/alter folk mood, with evident 70's pastiche as well. Jonas is a certain singer , with powerful and intense voice. His songs are melodic, absolute atmospheric, with so call " dark" intensions and the same present mood. He knows to associate on late Leonard Cohen, also on some Roy Orbinson works, but a mentioned specific atmosphere is a his key weapon. A complete materials except one track, where he is a co-author, describes him as a certain and convinceble composer. His album is a specally recomand for the night-time listening. All the technical things, as same as production satisfies too...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10

C / o : www.jonascarping.com

           www.hemifran.com

ESQUELA - Are We Rolling?

ESQUELA - Are We Rolling?

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 05 September 2013

ESQUELA
" Are We Rolling? "
( Livestock/Bovina Records/Hemifran  ) 2013.
CD
Rock / americana/roots music - USA

A New York based band Esquela is a relatively newer act, under the indie roots/americana
therithory. Firstly, they have discographicaly started with " The Owl Has Landed" album,
and a few months ago, they are hailing with actuelle product, a CD entitled
" Are We Rolling?". And, a simply answer is - yes. Esquela in best possible way communicate
with rock/americana/country rock/roots music variants, and also with 70's flavours and
additionals as well. A soulful voice of singer Rebecca Frame characterize an atmosphere
in its songs , penned mostly by bass player Chico Finn. In many aspects a 6 piece Newyorkers
reminds on known 70's acts, but  psychologically they also elegantly captures a standars of
our time. " Are We Rolling?" are consists of mainly equalizing materials, and one " classic"-
- " Tossin' And Turnin' "

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

ACHILLES WHELL - 13 Hours

ACHILLES WHELL - 13 Hours

Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 05 September 2013

ACHILLES WHELL
" 13 Hours "
( Achilles Wheel Records / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Jam rock / roots music - USA

Achilles Wheel is a relatively new band, fronted by 2 persons/authors - Paul Kamm
and Johnny " Mojo" Flores.  The 13 songs from its debut album were recorded in
precisely 13 hours, live at historical " Nevada Theater", in downtown Nevada City,
CA. In best possible way USA act combines jam rock options with roots music
legacies. Their performing variants also apsorbes a psychology of 70's period, and
some influences leads to the groups as a Alman Brothers, Grateful Dead, and Little
Feat among others. But, even that band introduces themselves as a act with
raw and in the same time convinceble performing energy, its songs are more
than so call standard jam rock  tunes/themes. " 13 Hours" on the other hand are
consists of equalizing materials, with positive,  pleasent and also enjoyable
atmosphere, without less interesting moments. Fine work and recomandable
peace of music too...

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

GERRY GRIFFIN - The Passage Of Time

GERRY GRIFFIN - The Passage Of Time

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 28 August 2013

GERRY GRIFFIN
" The Passage Of Time"
( Self - released / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Alter rock / indie folk / americana / various genres - CANADA





Singer/songwriter, multiinstrumentalist and producer Gerry Griffin is a uncertain artist and
human being. " The Passage Of Time" is his 3rd album, where we can find 10 untipical
songs here and there. He penned his tunes in different time periods, and we can find a
several interesting spheres, as same as so call genres, in his authors views. He speaks
about love and loss, relationships, separations, and of course loneliness. He is poetic in
own way, and musically present materials ranges from indie folk/americana to alter rock
tendencies as well. Some of his songs posses a part of Tom Waits known atmospheres, but generally
Mr. Griffin has offered mainly an original visions and views...

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

SARA PETITE - Circus Comes To Town

SARA PETITE - Circus Comes To Town


Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 15 June 2013


SARA PETITE
" Circus Comes To Town "
( Self - released / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Alt-country/outlaw country/roots music - USA


 San Diego based singer/songwriter Sara Petite is continuously active practically last decade.
 With actual one, she has released also a 4 albums in  seven years. " Doghouse Rose",
 her previous CD from 2010 year, earned a respectable reviews and recognition in community.
 Her actual release " Circus Comes To Town" are consists of 11 tracks in, 10 are completely
 done by Sara, and song " Barbwire" is a common work with songwriter John Eddie.
 In her own fresh and also modern way, Sara knows how to combine elements of alt and
 outlaw country, with so call older school details. In her songs exists many traditional
 country, bluegrass, rock and roll and even earlier rockabilly details as well. Melody is
 also middle name of her  general songwriting , and listening of complete album materials
 is real enjoyable thing. " Circus Comes To Town " as a album is full of hit songs,
 acceptable for radio using too...

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

SUSAN JAMES - Driving Toward The Sun

SUSAN JAMES - Driving Toward The Sun


Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 15 June 2013

SUSAN JAMES
"Driving Toward The Sun"
( Susan James Music / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Americana / folk rock / country rock - USA

A carrear of Susan James started out during the begining of the 90's period. Her discographical activities earned  5 albums with actuelle one, and especially previous CD from 2011 year -" Highways Ghost Hearts & Home" received a respectful worldwide reactions. Her actuelle product, 8 tracks CD -" Driving Toward The Sun" she has recorded in collaboration with producer Ryan Ulyate, known also as a producer of Tom Petty and George Harrison albums. Susan songwritings knows to reminds on vintage 70's west coast stories and folk rock and country rock established era, and also on authors such as a : Linda Rondstadt, Eagles, Byrds or Lucinda Williams among others. She sings and writes lyrics from the heart, and her songs are full of melodies and emotionals. Fine album with wonderful " pictures  " and similiar atmospheres. Recomandable..

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

IRON KINGDOM - Gates Of Eternity

IRON KINGDOM - Gates Of Eternity


Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 13 June 2013


IRON KINGDOM
" Gates Of Eternity "
( Self - released ) 2013.
CD
Heavy / power metal / 80's metal - CANADA

A few weeks ago, a second offering from Canadian act Iron Kingdom looked the light of day. " Gates Of Eternity"are consists of 9 tracks in, done in reckognizeble heavy / power mood with expecting 80's metal additionals as well. Canadian quartet one more time confirms its qualities as a promising act under the mentioned genre's fileld, cos' complete offering materials deserve respectations and repeatable listenings, of course if you are fan or follower of  heavy/ power tendencies. A songs are in one hand similiar among them, but one positive 80' psychology characterize complete album atmosphere as well. Twin guitar passages, sinhronized arrangments works, solid production and nothing less convinceble technical dimensions are present here and there from first to last tacts.  A group has also recorded one interesting epic track -  " Egypt  - The End Is Near", probably a favourable concert gem too. "Gates Of Eternity " like its previous album, one more time expand band's potentials, and this product is more than recomandable release for the followers of  80's tendencies.

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.iron-kingdom.com
www.facebook.com/ironkingdom

SCHOOLTREE - Rise

SCHOOLTREE - Rise

Written by Branimir Lokner
Monday, 20 May 2013
                            

SCHOOLTREE
" Rise "
( Self - released ) 2012.
CD
Art rock/progressive / medieval - USA


Schooltree is a band fronted by key author, vocalist and keyborder Lainey Schooltree.Some of the reviewers compare her authors views and methods of vocalization with Kate Bush and Tori Amos, but undoubtlly her entire carrear deserve respectation.
" Rise " is a actuelle album, a full-length with 9 tracks in, done in art rock/progressive/medieval mood, with serious, but theatrical lyrical exposures, and complexive musicianship. Many elements and genres variants Miss. Schooltree and her compagnions combines in performing and releasing signiture, so we can find here and there neo-classical includings, a 70-s progressive touches, celtic/medieval details, and some sort of conceptual variants too. Nice work, pretty listenable, but at the same time unpretencious and serious.


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

SILVER HORSES - Silver Horses

SILVER HORSES - Silver Horses


Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 20 April 2013


SILVER HORSES
" Silver Horses "
( 7 Hard/ 7 Us ) 2012.
CD
Hard rock / heavy metal / rock -  UK / ITALY




Silver Horses is a newer band of singer Tony Martin, formerly Black Sabbath frontman. A group is a quartet with 3 Italian established musicians in line-up, where important rola belong to guitarist Gianluca Galli. Their " s/t " album with 11 track in, looked the light of day during the last "hours" of October, previous 2012 year. A present materials should certainly satisfie a followers of old school variants, cos' the band has provided a lotta' 80's hard rock details, some bluesy Whitesnake and Zeppelin tricks, and pretty listenable songs acceptable also for radio usings. Nothing especially new, but  done with stylish and elegant aroma in general interpretations and releasing views. A production is expectinglly clear, and I have add that Gianluca Galli and Andrea Castelli did a solid job. A band receives mainly a good critics for still actuelle product, and promote materials on gigs in European cities.


Rating : 7 / 10
C/o : www.silver-horses.com

IRON KINGDOM - Curse Of The Voodoo Queen

IRON KINGDOM - Curse Of The Voodoo Queen


                       
Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 20 April 2013


IRON KINGDOM
" Curse Of The Voodoo Queen "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD
Heavy metal / 80's metal - CANADA



Out of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, comes a quartet Iron Kingdom . Judging by their ages, they are pretty young, but its interesting sphere mainly touches one pretty older school of metal as a genre. They have released a debut during the  December 2011 year, entitled " Course Of The Voodoo Queen". With 10 tracks in, a band has iintroduced themselves as  act influental by the 80s' period, and what is more important 80's movement. Many influences comes out from the 80's British acts, as a White Spirit, Dark Star, Iron Maiden, but under the mentioned genres variants, they tried to offers own vision and views.A production of its album also capture a 80's psychology, and practically all of the songs posses 80's pastiche. But, that's not a bad, this is a group's choice, and under mentioned field, they have showed some interesting  tricks and details, judging by arrangments offerings and includings. " Curse Of The Voodoo Queen " as a album satisfie if you are  follower of the 80's metal tendencies, but also defines an expandier talents of members from band...


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

MARA LEVINE - Jewels And Harmony

MARA LEVINE - Jewels And Harmony


                             
Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 07 April 2013


MARA LEVINE
" Jewels And Harmony "
( Mara Levine / Mara's Creations / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Folk / americana -  USA



Mara Levine is a folk singer and jewelry designer out of New Jersey, and during the years, her carrear as a harmony singer deserved respectations . Many of her collegues  used to say, that her voice is one of the most recognizable , pleasent and  "brilliant", under the newer  folkie circulation and movement. She has also released with actuelle one a 2 solo albums, firstly " Mara's Gems" in 2009 year, and  newer product entitled " Jewels And Harmony ". Through 15 more or less well known songs, recorded during the folk  and not only folk music history, she has given a vocal signiture, helped by artists, musicians and colegues, such as a : Si Kahn, Brothers Sun, Joe Jencks, Terry Kitchen, Bob Harris . In the center of complete story is Mara's voice, and her pleasent and colourful interpretation characterize a complete album materials in general. I would specially  recomand her interpretations of  2 Paul Simon's songs - " Leaves That Are Green" and " April Come She Will ". But, " Jewels  And Harmony" is undoubtely  fine travelling through mentioned folk history, with also clear signiture  that Mara's herself and complete team, has accepted a standards of our time. So, this is also a modern folk album.


Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.maralevine.com
www.hemifran.com

JEFF PEVAR - From The Core

JEFF  PEVAR - From The Core


Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 07 April 2013                            



JEFF  PEVAR
" From The Core "
( Pet Peev Music / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Acoustic / instrumental - USA

Guitarist and multiinstrumentalist Jeff Pevar is a musician with longest carrear behind. During the years, he has cooperated with the groups and acts such as : Ray Charles Band, Rickie Lee Jones Band, Crosby, Stills And Nash, Jefferson Starship,  Marc Cohn, Joe Cocker..His signiture is on many studio works and albums, and finally, on late December of previous 2012 year, his actuelle and also debut release, looked the light of day. " From The Core", a 12 tracks album , are consists of acoustic  materials, recorded inside the deep caverns of the Oregon Caves National Monument in Cave Junction, Oregon, during a three-hour improvisational session for a " PBS" documentary film about the caves. One song - " River Of Dreams" he has  recorded with Jon Anderson, frontman of progressive icons Yes, and Mr. Anderson co-wote a lyrics for mentioned track.
 Jeff Pevar has offered a really sophisticate portion of acoustic music, with expandier arrangments includings and more  performing tricks. A present themes are enjoyable and listenable too, recomandable not only for so call acoustic purist.


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

THE PLASTIC PALS - Turn The Tide

THE PLASTIC PALS - Turn The Tide

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 20 March 2013


THE PLASTIC PALS
" Turn The Tide "
( Polythene Records / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Americana - SWEDEN



                       
Out of Stockholm, Sweden, comes a band with americana touches in its approaches. The Plastic Pals band are consists of experienced musicians, whose carrear posses a continious signiture. A group has released a first album in 2008 year, entitled  " Good Carma Cafe". Actuelle offering a band has released in 2013 year. " Turn The Tide" covers a groups interesting fields in realistic manners. A  present songs posses melodicity with some dark atmospheric details. A Swedish fellows are clearly influental by the USA wave from the 80's and the 90's period, and some comparabilities leads to acts such as : Green On Red, The Long Ryders, and The Dream Syndicate among others. Their friend and established figure in mentioned music area, Chris Casavas has given personal signiture as a producer, and he certainly did a good job. All of 13 present songs from album are  more or less similiar among them,  without leading tune, but also without less interesting or boring moments.



Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.theplasticpals.se
www.hemifran.com

WALTER ROOTSIE AND HIS BLUE CONNECTION - Dark Water

WALTER ROOTSIE AND HIS BLUE CONNECTION - Dark Water


Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 20 March 2013



WALTER ROOTSIE AND HIS BLUE CONNECTION
" Dark Water "
( WRAF Records / Hemifran ) 2013.
CD
Roots rock / blues / americana - HOLLAND


Walter Rootsie is a songwriter out of Holland, well-known person in roots music area. His actuelle album " Dark Water", he has recorded with mainly Finnish musicians, and this is a undoubtelly one of the most convinceble product if we speak about  mentioned genres forms, released in first months of 2013 year. " Dark Water" are consists of 14 tracks in, released in roots, rock, americana, blues manner, with evident southern emotionals, good singin', and  respectable playings.
One evidental narrative approach is present in his tunes, and each of the songs posses a strong arrangments includings, and well-done production.    " Dark Water" is also a pretty listenable product, without a weacker places.


Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.wrafrecords.com
www.hemifran.com

SMALL BLUES TRAP... featuring Georgia Sylleou - The Longest Road I Know

SMALL BLUES TRAP...  featuring Georgia Sylleou - The Longest Road I Know


Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 19 March 2013


SMALL BLUES TRAP...  featuring Georgia Sylleou
" The Longest Road I Know "
( Shelter Home Studio / Anazitisi ) 2013.
CD
Various blues genres / rhythm and blues / psychedelic - GREECE



A pride and joy of Greek blues scene, Small Blues Trap band is in the center of its activity one more time, with actuelle album entitled " The Longest Road I Know ". This is their 4th issue.. - " Our Trap, " 2005; " Crossroad Ritual", 2006; " Red Snakes & Cave Bats", 2010 - albums, a group has released previously. This time a band has cooperated with female singer Georgia Sylleou, and her voice is present on  4 tracks. Small Blues Trap one more time communicate with different blues, and not only blues forms, on its specific and unique way. A recognazible, untipical atmosphere dominate practically through complete album materials, and members from group did a lotta' emotionals and " southern" feelings to create a  own sound. I would also add that productional includings are different from song to song, but lotta' psychedelic details also characterize a general album conception. A Greek fellows did a  respectable job one more time, and " The Longest Road I Know " satisfies from many aspects.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.smallbluestrap.gr

MATTEO PLINI - Wonderful Tragedy

MATTEO PLINI - Wonderful Tragedy 

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
                           
MATTEO PLINI
" Wonderful Tragedy "
( EuRock Studio ) 2012.
EP CD
Rock / pop - ITALY




Matteo Plini is a songwriter and composer out of Italy, and a few days ago I have received a 4 tracks EP with his works.
 " Wondergul Tragedy"  introduces him as a certain singer, and author whose interesting spheres touches elements of rock and pop. He is emotional singer with evidental so call rock background and 3 of present songs posses a strong performing energy, with lotta' melodic includings. A closing tune is a half-ballad, also pretty available for radio usings. Matteo is ready and willing to expose his talent, and we'll see what the future bring. A songs from mentioned EP realistically covers his talent.



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

ALGEBRA - Polymorph

ALGEBRA - Polymorph

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 March 2013

ALGEBRA
" Polymorph "
( Self - released ) 2012.
CD
Thrash metal - SWITZERLAND


Algebra is a newer act out of Switzerland, formed back in 2008 year. During the forthcoming period a group has released a one demo, EP, and finally a full-length, entitled " Polymorph ". A Swiss fellows works as a quartet, and they are faithful to old school genres variants.
 Some similiarities and influences leads to groups such as a  Testament and Slayer , but a band has offered a fresh energy, evident enthusism, and respectable performings. " Polymorph" are consists of  9 equalizing tracks, with agressive riffing and shouting offerings, as same as with modern productional additionals. I can not find some other so call hidden message in its offering, but Swiss guys  under the thrash metal as a genre, has showed some well-done " tricks" and playings.

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

EASTWICK - A Moment From Now

EASTWICK - A Moment From Now

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
                   
EASTWICK
" A Moment From Now "
( Self - released / Hemifran ) 2010.
CD
Americana / folk / pop - SWEDEN


A Swedish quartet Eastwick started out its story in 2008 year, and discographically debuted in 2010 with 13 tracks album, entitled " A Moment From Now" . Musically, they combine elements of americana, folk and pop in one unusual way, with  interesting arrangmants includings, and with unclassical performing realizations as well. They use cello, banjo , oftenly as a leading instruments, and its album also characterize a presence of covers as same as original authors works. I will especially  recomand a band's versions of Bon Jovi song  " You Give Love A Bad Name " , and Mary Chapin Carpenter tune " Jubilee",  as a quite different than originals, but also listenable and with interesting performing realizations. Eastwick has offered its own views in known musical therithory, and in many aspects they sound "optimistically", but at the same time as a serious act...


Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.eastwick.se

CAILYN - Four Pieces

CAILYN - Four Pieces


                       
 Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 February 2013


CAILYN
" Four Pieces "
( Self - released / Land Of Oz Music ) 2012.
CD
Progressive / symphonic / neo classical -  USA


Cailyn Lloyd is a multi-talented performer  . Her musical experience started out from childhood days. During the latest period of few years she was discographically active, and before actuelle one, she recorded a 2 EP's and 1 CD. " Four Pieces" is her newest product, a full-length, where Cailyn introduces herself as a multiinstrumentalist. She also did a some sort of  musical transcription of 3 classic themes/works, done by Dvorak, Barber and Vaughan Williams. A theme " Nocturne" is a original work, inspired by the piano music of  Chopin and Schubert. In pretty sensitive and emotiona way, but with evident strong musical knowledge, she has offered a own combination of progressive and neoclassical elements. A sound of present themes is colourful and vivid, and Cailyn expose herself as a instrumentalist with original methods of performing, as same as a brilliant arranger. " Four Pieces " is a also a listenable issue, and recomandable for the wider listener's population.


 Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.cailynrox.com

SINEZAMIA - La Fuga

SINEZAMIA - La Fuga


 Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 February 2013



SINEZAMIA
" La Fuga "
( Self - released / Atomic Stuff ) 2012.
CD
Dark wave / goth rock / post new wave - ITALY


Out of Mantova, Italy comes a quintet Sinezamia, formed back in 2004 year. Before actuelle full-length, they have recorded a 2 EP's
and 1 single. " La Fuga " is a CD from previous 2012 year , with 8 tracks in. Italians are faithful to dark wave and goth rock tendencies,
with clear post new wave and post punk includings in its music as well. Their sound stronglly associate on late 70's and begining of the
80's period, and in some aspects they know to reminds on groups as a : Joy Division, Fields Of Nephilim, Liftiba and early Mission.
Some electronic elements are also present in its approach, but psychologically and also productionally, they are nearer to so call
older school of mentioned stylish forms. There's no doubt that they did a lotta' efforts that all things funkcionize with proffesional
flavour, and part of the materials surelly deserve a respectations.

Rating : 7 , 5 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/sinezamia
www.atomicstuff.com

AJAY MATHUR - A Matter Of Time

AJAY MATHUR - A  Matter Of Time

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 February 2013
                         

AJAY MATHUR
" A  Matter Of Time "
( Yakketeekak Music ) 2011.
CD
AOR /  rock / pop / songwritings  - SWITZERLAND



Ajay Mathur is a India born songwriter and musician. His carrear started out in cities of Delhi and Mumbai during the late 70's.
In his European country Switzerland, he was a part of group Mainstreet, and during the period of 80's and the 90's, with mentioned
band he took an important rola in national rock community. " A Matter Of Time" is a his solo album  from 2011 year, a full-length
with 15 tracks in. Ajay is a certain and emotional singer. His songs are serious, pretty melodic, with expandier arrangments
includings and strong performings. He knows to associate on artists as a George Harison, John Mayer, and Tom Petty among others,
but more in psychological and emotional forms, than as a author. He has offered also a complexive, but equalizing materials, where
most of the songs posses a radio friendly usings. " A Matter Of Time " is a album worth listeners attention, with many pleasent moments.


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

HARVEST - Chasing Time

HARVEST - Chasing Time

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 February 2013
                       
HARVEST
" Chasing Time "
( Red Phone Records ) 2012.
CD
Progressive / progressive rock - SPAIN



Out of Barcelona comes a Harvest band, formed in 2008 year by  keyborder Jordi Amela and guitarist Jordi Prats. Both musicians
were previously active in group Dracma, and with mentioned band they have recorded a 3 albums. In its line-up Catalonian group
have a female  Dutch vocalist - Monique van der Kolk. Her beautiful vocalization is a important part of group's general  exposure.
" Chasing Time " is a second offering, and what is also interesting,  Alan Reed ( ex-Pallas ) and Steve  Rothery from Marillion,
has participated in their album. Harvest is a serious act, and musically they are faithfull to folkie side of progressive tendencies,
and in some aspects they know to associate on groups such as a Renneissance or Camel. Some comparizions also leads to
a groups as a Mostly Autumn and Marillion , but Harvest as a band draws  many different aspects of its works and offerings.
A harmonization in songs, as same as colorful arrangments creations, characterize complete album materials in general. Technically
all other aspects satisfies as well, and I would also recomand a cleverly threated production. Fine work and listenable product too.

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

SIN' SOUND - From The Underground

SIN' SOUND - From The Underground

  Written by Branimir Lokner
Saturday, 23 February 2013                              

SIN' SOUND
" From The Underground "
( Atomic Stuff ) 2012.
CD
Rock - ITALY


Out of Brescia, Italy comes a band Sin' Sound, consists of  musicians with expandier previous experience. They works as a
septet with saxophone and trumpet in its line-up. During the October of previous 2012 year, they have released a full-length with
9 tracks in, entitled maybe a little pretencious - " From The Underground ". A group musically combine a various rock elements in its
approach, as a classic rock variants, funk, psychedelic and rhythm and blues as well. They also mixes up older and newer tendencies,
and its authors views are at the same time original and unusual. They aren' t a pretty melodic, but melodic lines also take a important
place in its performing realization. I can not compare ' em  with any well or less known acts, and some unclassical arrangments resulsts
characterize its performing and authors visions too. " From The Underground" on the other hand, realistically introduces group in its first
discographical steps.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/sinsoundfanclub
www.atomicstuff.com

PETE CORNELIUS - Tumbleweed

PETE CORNELIUS - Tumbleweed


Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 15 February 2013

PETE CORNELIUS
" Tumbleweed "
( Only Blues Music ) 2010.
CD
 Blues / rhythm and blues / rock - AUSTRALIA


Pete Cornelius is a well-known name, not only on Australian blues scene. He worked with De Villies group, and also participated
with many musicians, not only on national scene. His solo carrer is also successfull , and " Tumbleweed" is a his latest, still actuelle
offering. " Tumbleweed are consists of 10 tracks in, 6 authors creations,and 4 covers, where especially Pete version of  N. Young - " Mr. Soul" song   deserve a respectations. But generally, Pete has offered a right portion of blues, rhythm and blues and rock elements,
with clever performings, wise arrangments includings, and modern productional additionals as well. A musicians from following band also
did a fine job, and generally we have here a pretty interesting product with more pleasent elements.

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

WICKED MYSTIC - Beware And Whisper

WICKED MYSTIC - Beware And Whisper

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 14 February 2013
                           
WICKED MYSTIC
" Beware And Whisper
( Weltmeister Records ) 2012.
CD
Thrash metal - HOLLAND

The important rola in history of Dutch thrash metal during the period of the 90's belongs to Wicked Mystic group. A band has released
3 albums, also supported to many well-known acts, and received a respectable recognition. But, almost a decade they didn' t work,
and after a reunion in 2011, a new chapter in its carreare starts. " Beware And Whisper" is a actuelle offeing, digi CD with 11 tracks in.
A Dutch quartet is faithful to older school of thrash variants, but judging of modern productional work, and fresh present energy, thay also
accepts a standards of our time. Its materials are raw, and unpolish, at the same time brutal and agressive. They have also
 offered an equalizing songs, with one bonus track, cover of well-known Exodus piece - " Bounded  By Blood". Wicked Mystic are back
with " reason", and " Beware And Whisper"    "satisfie in many aspects...

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/wickedmysticmetal

GUNNELPUMPERS - Tritonium

GUNNELPUMPERS - Tritonium

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
                           

GUNNELPUMPERS
" Tritonium "
( Spiritflake Music ) 2012.
CD
Experimental / fusion / progressive - USA


Gunnelpumpers are Chicago based colective,  whose musical activities dated from 2002 year. With actuelle one, a group has released a
3 albums, a fourth will be look a light of day during the 2013 year. A band are consists of  6 members , with unclassical performing
orientation.In its line -up are 3 bass performers, drums and conga players and guitarist. " Tritonium" , their 3rd album are consists of
3 longest themes, full of intuitive and passionate playings , where improvization is a key element of its general approach and
authors and conceptual view. Judging by stylish orientation, in its approaches we can find clear elements of fusion and progressive
details, as same as different forms of experimental variants. Psychologically, they also accepts something  of krautrock elements,
especially in arrangments includings. They are also inspire by the 70's acts , but we can threat a band's concept in many aspects
as a modern too.  " Tritonium" deserve a repeatable listenings, even that band's message isn' t easily acceptable for the wider
audience...

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.gunnelpumpers.com

SPLATTERS - Fear From The Park

SPLATTERS - Fear From The Park


Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 12 February 2013

SPLATTERS
" Fear From The Park "
( Atomic Stuff ) 2012.
CD
Horror punk / rock / metal - ITALY

Even that guys from Italian act Splatters have been cruisin' around for some period, they have discographically debuted during
the March of previous 2012 year, with " Fear From The Park " album. Italian fellows are obsessed by B Horror movies, and also
with the late 70-s and begining of the 80's musical direction. Its style is something between Ramones, Misfits and Alice Cooper
variants, fulfield with some other thrashy additionals.  They are rough and unpolished, but pretty sincere and realistic in own
statements too. " Fear From The Park" are consists of 11 tracks in, with similiar approach and also raw productional includings.
On the other hand, they sounds as a coherent team, with more or less equalizing present materials.

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.myspace.com/splatters13
www.atomicstuff.com

FUEL FROM HELL - Easier Said Than Done

FUEL FROM HELL - Easier Said Than Done


 Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 12 February 2013


FUEL FROM HELL
" Easier Said Than Done "
( Street Symphonies Records / Atomic Stuff ) 2012.
CD
Sleaze rock / hard rock - ITALY

A roots of Italian act Fuel From Hell dated from 1998 year. During the forthcoming years, a group has participated on some
compilations, and released a one EP and 2 full-lengths. " Easier Said Than Done" is a actuelle product, a CD with 11 tracks in.
Italians are on the field of 80's hard rock/sleeze rock variants, with also some hair metal additionals as well. They sounds as a
coherent team, and its songs are also melodic and listenable too. " Easier Said Than Done" are consists of equalizing materials,
and some comparizions leads to acts as a : White Lion, Great White , Dokken...A recomandable tracks from albums are :
" Poison Whiskey", and " Send Me Your Love" ....

Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/fuelfromhell
www.atomicstuff.com

OCTOBER TREE - The Fairy's Wing

OCTOBER TREE - The Fairy's Wing

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 12 February 2013



OCTOBER TREE
" The Fairy's Wing "
( Canvas Productions ) 2012.
CD
Progressive / progressive rock - USA


Out of Maryland, comes a band/project October Tree, headed by wife and husband Tammy and Greg Lounsberry. They have released
a conceptual album, entitled " The Fairy's Wing", based on fantasy book, written by Greg Lounsberry. What we have here is a full-length
with 10 tracks in, done in progressive / progressive rock mood. Musically, a group is influental by the British movement from the
70's period, and also by the bands as a : Rennaisance, Camel and Barclay James Harvest. On the other hand, October Tree has offered
a pleasent and sophisticate work, with clever arrangments includings and excellent productional additionals too. This is also a listenable product
especially interesting if you are a fan of so call older progressive variants.

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.octobertree.net

FRAZE GANG - 2

FRAZE GANG - 2


Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 08 February 2013


FRAZE GANG
" 2 "
( Bongo Beat ) 2012.
CD
80's hard rock/metal / melodic hard rock - CANADA


Fraze Gang are consists of 2 former members of Brighton Rock group, one of the national well-known, but unfortunatelly
underratted acts, and also of 2 veterans from Canadian scene. " 2" is their actuelle product, a CD with 10 tracks in.
Fraze Gang concept is simply, but convinceble enough. Its approach is tipical 80's hard rock /metal, fullfield with clear
melodic hard rock additionals. They strongly associate on a groups as a : Santers, Ratt, Helix, but after listening of
its album, it's also clear that they know how to put right thing in right place. Fraze Gang delivers a knowing and repeatable
riffs and melodies, and all of present songs are followed by modern productional includings. " White Lightning", " Tough Enough",
and " Don' t Call Us We' ll Call You", are some of the highlights from its well-done album, especially interesting for the
followers of 80's metal/hard rock tendencies.

 Rating : 8 / 10
 C / o : www.frazegang.com

THE TURNBACK - Drawn In Chalk

THE TURNBACK - Drawn In Chalk

Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 05 February 2013

THE TURNBACK
" Drawn In Chalk "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD
Power pop / retro pop / rock  - USA




The Turnback are trio from upstate New York City, and " Drawn In Chalk" , its album is also soundtrack for the motion picture.
 What we have here is a CD with 12 tracks in, done in power pop /retro rock / pop mood. This is also a unusual issue, judging
by nowadays standards, but at the same time more than interesting product, also pretty valuable, and in some aspects inspirative.
 A band blends elements of 60's and 70's power pop and rock in its own way , a present songs posses strong melodic lines and
 harmonization, and complete materials are followed by convinceble production, done by well known Jeff Peters. Most of the songs
posses radio friendly usings, and generally a group did a fine work. Recomandable...


Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.theturnback.com

LIZA CARBE - Wait For The Spring

 LIZA CARBE - Wait For The Spring


 Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 05 February 2013

LIZA CARBE
" Wait For The Spring "
( Strangetree Productions / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Pop / new age - USA


Liza Carbe is a songwriter, bass and guitar player,  composer, based in Los Angeles. She is also one of the founding members of
latin-fusion- world music group INCENDIO. She is continiously active as a performer, but " Wait For The Spring " is her first solo
full-length album, released during the late period of previous 2012 year. What can we find on her album, is a 11 pretty intimate songs,
 full of melodic lines and haunting vocalizations. She sing about love, loss, hope...A songs are mostly done in slower mid tempo,
with clear additionals of ambiental / atmospheric following instrumentations. Vocally, she knows to associate on  Enya or Lorena McKennith
 methods of interpretations, so the followers of mentioned musical variants can also find many nice reasons to hear a Liza's album.
 " Wait For The Spring" are consists of more than pleasent and listenable materials, without less interesting or weacker places...

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

JJ SCHULTZ - Carolina

JJ  SCHULTZ - Carolina

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 01 February 2013

                         
JJ  SCHULTZ
" Carolina "
( Self - released / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Americana / roots music - USA



JJ Schultz is a Wisconsin born artist, but he has been working in San Francisco for many years now. He discographically
debuted with " Bustin' Outa Town" in 2004, followed by " Something To Me " ( 2005 ) and " Travelling Sons " ( 2007 ). His
actuelle offering is " Carolina", a full-length with 8 tracks in. With minnimal following back-up instrumentations, Mr. Schultz
deliver a portion of americana/roots variants, with strong songwritings, added with emotionally driven lyrical pastiche. He  write
about love, sadness and passion, creating a emotional atmosphere, and specific mood. Some reviewers used to compare a
 mentioned specific atmosphere with Springsteen's " Nebraska" , and to be honest some similiarities are present, but more in
also mentioned ambiental/atmospheric methods of exposure, than in author's views. JJ Schultz is a serious author, and " Carolina"
as a album offer enough pleasent moments...

Rating : 8 / 10
C / o : www.jjschutlz.com
www.hemifran.com

ELMO KARJALAINEN - Uninteligent Designs

ELMO KARJALAINEN - Uninteligent Designs

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 01 February 2013

ELMO KARJALAINEN
" Uninteligent Designs "
( KC Sound ) 2012.
CD
Instrumental rock / metal - FINLAND


Elmo Karjalainen is well-known guitarist out of Finland, established as a performer in a groups as a Death Like Silence and
Conquest, among others. " Uninteligent Designs" is a his solo debut from previous 2012 year, and this is a instrumental album,
with 16 tracks in. Elmo is a undoubtely guitar virtuoso, and " killer" performer and in his album he offers a variaty of technique
tricks, and mixing stylish elements. He posses a absolute control under his instrument, and his playing is frantic,
dynamic , with lotta' includings of real energy, but at the same time melodic. We can find in his tracks elements of
neo classical variants, progressive metal, jazz, fusion... He has also created a fantastic arrangments in offering materials,
and practically he did a excelent and superior job. This is a album not only for guitar aficionados and freaks, but also for
listeners with refine tastes...

Rating :  9 / 10
C / o : www.elmojk.com
www.facebook.com/elmojk

MAKAR - Funeral Genius

MAKAR - Funeral Genius

 Written by Branimir Lokner
Friday, 01 February 2013
             
MAKAR
" Funeral Genius "
( Self - released ) 2011.
CD
Indie pop / rock - USA


A New York City based act Makar are consists of 2 persons - Andrea DeAngelis ( vocals, guitar ) and Mark Purnell ( vocals,piano ).
 Their activities around NYC's club circulations dated from 2002 year, and till now duo received a respectable recognition, and also
respects around indie area. They discographically debuted with " 99 Cent Dreams" album from 2005 year. Actuelle , second offering
is " Funeral Genius", a full-length with 12 tracks in. With pretty sympathic, original and interesting views they combine elements of
60's, 70's and 80's pop / rock , with emotionally driven rhythms/moods, and energetic exposures as well. A colourfull arrangments includings and listenable tunes also characterize its album materials in general. " Funeral Genius" deserve repeatable listeners attention, and there's no doubt that duo did a creative product.

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

NAUTICUS - The Wait

NAUTICUS - The Wait

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 27 January 2013
                   
NAUTICUS
" The Wait "
( Wave ) 2012.
CD
Progressive / experimental/post metal/ alter - FINLAND


Nauticus are 5 piece act from Finland, active some period with respectable self-promotional campaighn, so many internet portals informs about its entire carrear. A band has released first full-length in 2009 , entitled " A Wave To Carry Us Out", followed by actuelle from previous 2012 year - " The Wait". A Finnish fellows has offered a sort of opressive apocalyptic-themed concept album, fullfield with real croossover of stylish variants as a : progressive, post metal, alter, alter metal, psychedelic... The songs sufferes from different
atmospheric tensions, and also different moods dominates through complete album materials. Colourful, but agressive productional work, as same as vivid arrangments includings charcterize its album in general. It's a interesting product, with also interesting cover artwork desighn.

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

TAINTED SOULS - Mercury Mind

TAINTED SOULS - Mercury Mind


Written by Branimir Lokner
Thursday, 24 January 2013


TAINTED SOULS
" Mercury Mind "
( Mad Dog Records ) 2011.
CD
Melodic rock - NORWAY



Out of  Norway, comes a band Tainted Souls, active some period on national scene. Even that four members from group
comes from different sides, they are locate in Oslo. " Mercury Mind " is actuelle product, a CD with 11 tracks in.
A present materials are seriously done, with " elegant" technical and productional includings. A group is musically on the field
of melodic rock tendencies, but some other elements are also present here and there, as a 80's post new wave and power pop,
as same as 90's rock as well. A band has counted some grunge influences and also Pearl Jam legacy as a important part of its
inspiration, but I would add that mentioned details we can eventually find in its music only in so call " hidden" variant.
Tainted Souls are pretty melodic act, and all of present songs are mostly listenable.A group did and still include a lotta' efforts
in promotional things, so we' ll  see what the future brings.


Rating : 7 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/taintedsouls

LANDSCAPE - Staring At Utopia

LANDSCAPE - Staring At Utopia

Written by Branimir Lokner
Wednesday, 23 January 2013

LANDSCAPE
"Staring At Utopia "
( Self - released ) 2012.
CD
Progressive / progressive rock / melodic rock - HOLLAND


Even that basic idea, and beginings of carrear of Dutch act Landscape started out in 1995  year, we can threat ' em as a newer
act.Discographically, a band debuted during the June of previous year, with 9 songs album entitled " Staring At Utopia ". In its
line-up a group has a fine female singer Sandra Smit and 2 males -Dennis Stant and Joris Wittenberg. Landscape is a pretty
melodic act equally influental by the older and newer progressive / progressive rock tendencies, as same as melodic rock, and even
a melodic pop traces as well. A songs posses a narrative dimension, a pleasent atmosphere is also followed by creative arrangments
includings. In its press material, a group has counted some influental acts as a : Dream Theater, Rush, The Police, Tears And Fears,
but in my opinion even of evident originality, some comparisions leads to late Barcley James Harvest legacy. But, just in some
" cases". " Staring At Utopia" is a listenable product from begining till the end, worth listener's attention...

Rating :  8 / 10
C / o : www.landscapeband.com

DON JACOBS - Drive

DON JACOBS - Drive


Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 22 January 2013


DON JACOBS
" Drive "
( Skye Records ) 2012.
CD
Rock / pop - USA

Don Jacobs is a singer/songwriter from Mississipi, and also successful visual artist and muralist. " Drive" is his second album, followed by " Late Night Radio" from 2009 year. He is a singer/songwriter of old manner, and his 13 songs from album were done in rock/classic rock, west coast, less AOR , and adult pop  variants as well. Most of his tunes posses a laid back and also a spontaneous atmosphere, and some comparisions leads to 70's period too.A solid production, and pleasent arrangments works characterize a complete present materials of more or less equalizing songs. But, I would a specially recomand a 10th track - " Rain" for a repeatable listenings, and probably this is a best song from album. A mentioned song also posses a evidental radio friendly usings. If you prefer a songwriters of old school manners, Don Jacobs is undoubtelly your type of artist.

 Rating : 7, 5 / 10
C / o : www.donjacobs.net

ROBERT HILL - What Are We Waiting For

ROBERT HILL - What Are We Waiting For


Written by Branimir Lokner
Tuesday, 15 January 2012


ROBERT HILL
" What Are We Waiting For "
( Self - released / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Traditional blues / roots music / folk - SWEDEN



A Swedish fellow Robert Hill is undoubtelly a new hope and promising artist under the sky of roots music, blues and folk tendencies.
His debut album " What Are We Waiting For", with 13 tracks in, has introduced him as a articulate and brutally honest songwriter and
nothing less convinceble performer. Basically, his approach is orientire to traditional blues variants as same as also to  traditional folk and roots legacies as well. He knows to remind  on Woodie Guthrie, but originality is also his middle name.A productional work  tendentiouslly associate on past times , and period between 30' and 50's years of previous century, but specific atmosphere also characterize a present songs. Fine work and recomandable product...

Rating : 8, 5 / 10
C / o : www.facebook.com/roberthillsongs
www.hemifran.com

PETER FAHEY - Under The Sun

PETER FAHEY - Under The Sun

Written by Branimir Lokner
Sunday, 13 January 2012

PETER FAHEY
" Under The Sun "
( Lotusdweller / Hemifran ) 2012.
CD
Americana / songwritings / rock - USA


Singer/songwriter Peter Fahey is on the saddle for a years. With actuelle one, he has released a 5 albums. " Under The Sun" his actuelle product, he recorded with 3 additional musicians - Steve Mugellan, Bobby Tsukamoto and Blake Mills, and also some guests, who participated on album.
Mr. Fahey on pretty convinceble and authorative way combine elements of americana, rock, west coast and similiar includings in his music.
A present atmosphere is dominate force of his approach and some  specific 70's emotionals is  evident here and there too. Insightful
lyrical approach also characterize a complete materials and 12 present songs as well. Most of materials  posses a radio friendly usings and deserve a repeatable listener's attention. Absolutelly recomandable..

Rating : 9 / 10
C / o : www.peterfahey.org
www.hemifran.com