For all kids, and parents with kids – No more teachers, no more books. No More teacher’s dirty looks… School’s out for summer!!!!”
Greeley Estates
“Go West Young Man, Let The Evil Go East”
www.myspace.com/greeleyestates
Style (hardcore alternative)
I chose this CD based solely on its title, which I love. How could anyone not dig that title? The artwork is tripped out contemporary black & white for the most part with splashes of chroma, and not much expense put into jacket filler. Yet looking at everything I had no clue the sound would fit within the hardcore / alternative style. And honestly I don’t know whether to be dismayed, shocked, or flat out pissed off. I am however not enthused about the songs. The direction is a bit pointless, not knowing whether to bring the beats or layback and chill. Plus listening to the CD I get a sense the live show might be a discombobulating convoluted energetic mess, leaving club patrons standing there jaws agape not knowing what was just heard and witnessed.
Rating 1 (only because I really dig the title)
Art of Chaos
“Crimson & Catharsis”
www.myspace.com/artofchaos
Style (alternative rock)
Had I been blindfolded listening to this CD I would have sworn the singer was a chick. But after I stopped laughing and read the name Brian I still don’t believe the singer of this band is a guy. If you can picture a high pitched raspy chick's voice trying too hard to find some character (including the forced vocal character cracks in the song “Coward”) then you’ve got this singer. I will at least say vocally it’s different from all the other alt bands I’ve been getting CD’s from, but musically this is the reason alternative rock is finally on its way out. I wish the guys all the best in the future and good luck with their stint appearing as part of the Project Revolution Tour, but this is just another band that leaves me shaking my head and asking why. I’m really hoping the Project Revolution tour is planning on having either carnival side show freaks or a water bounce house slide because that’s where I’ll be hanging out until this band clears the stage.
Rating 1 (I still can’t believe the singer is a dude)
Brooke Miller
“You Can See Everything”
www.myspace.com/brookemillersongs
Style (Indie / Singer Songwriter)
Easy, comfortable, laid back, simple, lazily lounging around the house stuck inside during a fall rain storm. I put this CD on after a frustrating half-hour of dealing with Dell technical support and something about Miller’s songs, and their presentation, washed away my stress. Miller has a wonderfully calm, rustic vocal quality, middle to low range, and comes across as a confident woman. The credits indicate the use of a variety of not so everyday instruments (lap steel, charango, shaker, just to name a few) along with the usual suspects and I can’t imagine not having these instruments included. The instruments' selection is perfectly arranged to fit in and not draw attention away from the songs. This is a CD that’ll stay in my collection for those moments in life when I need some relief.
Rating 3 ½
Fools Faith
“Undone”
www.myspace.com/foolsfaith
Style (rock)
Listening to this I hear nothing but 80’s hair metal. The songs have crunchy guitars, simple solos, mid to high vocal range, harmonies, verse / chorus / verse / chorus. And with the extended life support 80’s metal bands are currently experiencing with reunion tours I’m not surprised to hear this style coming from an eastern seaboard state (Connecticut), since the east coast music scene still has many bands playing this style of music. Oh well, is what it is – predictable and boring, but if you’re a fan of this genre and looking for a band not on your radar, check ‘em out
Rating 1 ½
Mexicolas
“X”
www.myspace.com/mexicolas
Style (rock / alternative)
I don’t know the history behind the naming of this band but I dig their name. And sometimes all it takes is a cool name. Hailing from England these three lads have got some punch in their step and some hooks in their music. Yeah it’s alternative, and as a whole this genre is becoming played out, but Mexicolas have songs with a few missteps, followed by a stagger (a few too many pints, but that’s OK), wipe off the dirt from the sidewalk face plant, take a quick glance into a parked car side mirror (gotta make sure the doo looks good), stroll in through alley side door, kick on the electricity and jam. Bands with this kind of easy attitude and fun songs transfer well to a live set and are easy to get excited about. Well done lads!
Rating 3 ½ (OK, who took my Guinness)
Special Ops
“Phase 2: Amidst the Madness”
www.myspace.com/opsmission
Style (rock / metal)
This CD got my attention after I read in their bio about gigs being cancelled because the bass player, Waldo Thornhill, is battling colon cancer. I don’t know this band personally but I wish Thornhill and his family all the best in beating this disease and a speedy return to the stage. As for the music, I’m not onboard with the band's name or CD title but giving it a once through the songs aren’t terrible. The music is rather straightforward, no frills hold the mayo, strong rhythms, heavy drum beats, and good vocal quality. The problem I have though is the music is too run of the mill and the band, especially one named Special Ops, didn’t take any chances to deliver something more potent. I’m not sure about their marketability but as a whole the songs are “radio friendly,” which is both good and bad.
Rating 2 ½
