This New Zealand four piece set out on conquering the world with their energetic and catchy brand of pop/rock. Kristie Addison on guitar and lead vocals, Joshua Smyth on bass and Paul Southan on drums started playing together as a three piece in the mid 2004 and it wasn't until one year later, a year of eager searching for a second guitar player, that they decided to continue with a keyboardist in the face of Michelle Klaessons (also responsible for the back vocals). Unfortunately this song is one of their early recordings and the keyboards are missing, but the fact doesn't make "Flying Cars" any less enjoyable or less pleasant to the ears.
"Flying Cars" starts off on a level and stays put almost through out all the three minutes of playing time. We have a typical chorus verse, chorus verse structure with a guitar solo at the end followed by Kristie's quiet singing right before she nails the end with her angry female screaming. It's always nice to hear a girl scream this way in a rock song. Sweet! Amperzahn is very successfully combining elements of classic and modern rock with their lyrics ranging from metaphorically futuristic to political.
The recording is pretty good, taking into account that these guys had to record their debut in an unknown studio; although of course it could've been better. But the rustic sound that emerged as a result fits perfectly with the style they play and helped them produce a really rocking teenage pop song. But on the downside, the song is by far not radio friendly, so if the guys want more air time to help and spread the word they will need to get a better production. Another drawback, is that we don't get much variety in the song, except one guitar solo at the end. I think the guys have to tighten up a little bit and put a new verse or two in between so that the listeners can be kept anxious and ask for more. Other than that, I think we have one very nice and rocking debut on our hands with a beautiful angry female voice leading us along the way. And I can only imagine how they sound with keyboards on their hands.
Are you into catchy pop/rock leaded by a female vocalist? You are? Well I think you found yourself a nice band to look out for and follow blindly. If you also happen to be living in this beautiful green mountain place called New Zealand, you should give the guys a try and visit one of their shows. From what I can make out of the website, I think they are pretty regular. More info here: http://www.amperzahn.com/gigs.html
New Orleans Singer and Songwriter Gary Hirstius, was born and raised in a city rich in musical heritage and style, and is presenting his second album on Four Cats/Radionic Records -- a local independent label that believes in standing firmly behind their artists. As rich and diverse as New Orleans is music-wise, styles such as folk, rock and country are not that popular within the Jazz, Blues, Rhythm and Blues fixed city. This is exactly the reason Four Cats set out to break the ice with producing such music and helping talented songwriters and artists like Gary Hirstius along the way.
The fact that Gary (harp, guitar and vocals) is backed up by a recording company, even an independent one, is a fact that can't go unnoticed when hearing the production quality of this CD; which, by the way, is nearing perfection. The result is a set of radio-friendly and jukebox-ready mellow country rock tracks, which I'm sure are rocking the bars in Louisiana as we speak. Although we are only given the opportunity to review a sample, around thirty seconds of four songs from the album -- which is around 40 minutes in total playing time -- the difference in each song can be felt right away. From pianos to harmonica and female back-up singers, to other instruments typical to the country music genre - all solid proof of Gary's songwriting and arranging skills.
Gary is not the only person in the band, however. Currently, he is getting help from James Intveld (bass, mandolin), Lee Spaths (drums), Mike Turner (guitars), Al Minikitani (guitars), and Mike Thompson (keyboards). The last album also saw his father and musical inspiration Bruce Hirstius, (famous trumpet player from the jazz band Storyville Dixieland) doing backups on one track.
Unfortunately, as already mentioned, those are only samples of the real songs, so I am a bit sad that the label decided to put parts of the songs for streaming and didn't allow us to get a full idea of this artist's music. I think this is a way of fighting the mp3 and pirating, but I am sure that the lovers of independent and mainly good music would appreciate and would buy the CDs when they're available with the chance to listen to at least ... one of them. Athe same time I'm sure that with the way they're working with Gary, there'll be a lot more artists heading in the direction of Four Cats/Radionic and the new indie labels like them that huve sprung up with increasing frequency in the past ten years or so.
To find out if the critics are right to compare Gary's music to Tom Petty and Jimmy Buffet go to http://www.fourcatsradionic.com/newReleases.html and stream any of the songs from the "Down River" album.
Nice -- much of the Hip Hop available these days consists of flat beats and rhythms, worn out hyper-serious rants about their prowess in general (not that this isn't fun, too), or a relatively uncreative copy of other 'Pop-Rap' artists and beatmakers in the industry. "Audiences and artists alike are weary of hearing recycled sampled loops that retain popularity in today's DJ oriented music scene." says Pasadena, California's MC Random, otherwise known as Michael Comas. His single, "Making Daddy Proud", is full of flavor and life with well arranged beats, humor, and style. Random's music is easily compared to the east coast hip hop bands of the nineties and their signature low-fi sound, namely Digable Planet.
Comas' lyrics and rhythmic flow is much like that of a slam poet; the song actually has a storyline; it's about his twin boys taking in his footsteps as emcees and makin' their daddy proud; hence the title. "Making Daddy Proud" starts off with this sultry old piano and thick sounding bass. The two instruments together create the feeling of being in an smoky lounge in the early 70's. Its surprising the way it just sort of opens up on you with Comas' rhymes. "Daddy when I grow up I wanna' be an MC..." is the chorus, spoken by a child(?). It's layered between Random, twisted record sounds, the piano, bass, and creates a sweet texture of sounds that are both catchy and smooth. A nice little touch is the sax mixed in towards the end of the song. It sort of sneaks up on you and rounds everything off. The best thing about this song, beyond even the sultry sound is the humor involved; Comas' lyrics reach far into the future of a time when even his granddaughter's sitting on his lap continuing the long line of consecutive MCs. (Mind you his boys are still in diapers from the sound of it.) Random's sense of lightheartedness, sincerity, intelligence and style pour through on this track. "Making Daddy Proud" is definitely one for the playlists. Well placed rhymes and well thought-out concepts also make this a strong single. For comparisons, think KRS-ONE or The Roots.
The only drawback for me with this track is the instruments and beats I felt could come off a little crisper. At moments the genius of the song is clouded over and everything sort of melds together -- which is a nice effect
However, This is one of the best MCs I've heard in the indie Hip Hop scene lately; intellectual and fresh. Check out Comas' artist page and take a listen. Word to my peeps. Peace in the middle east. I'm outie 5.
It's always tough to judge a band or an artist solely on listening to a single song. Such is the case with Proven Delusion from Los Angeles. Peter Kitch and band mate Brian Toney recorded this track using just the voice of Peter and a classical guitar. The result - two and a half minutes of slow and quiet tunes, which could easily end up at the end of that real sad and deep movie - the one where the final song keeps you seated and thinking a little more. And such a song we are having the pleasure to review right here
Stretched between Colorado and California, Proven Delusion - comprised of Peter Kitch and Brian Toney - have been performing together as a duo only recently. Their untitled demo is currently in the works with at least one download available on their website. They seem to have their act put together well, and these guys obviously have the talent -- and heart -- to see it through and make it work.
"Tied Down", consisting of Peter's vocals and Toney's guitar, starts off with a low intro and builds up from there. The song is mellow, quiet, moody and melancholic even; and beside being the perfect ending to a good movie it could easily end up playing in your car when you are driving towards the sunrise. The track name is something to have a thought or two about, which is always of plus, because it leaves space for imagination. The lyrics seem to be personal and Peter does a really great job of bringing the raw emotion to this piece, at times petering out until he's almost too quiet to hear. Peter is using his voice to the fullest extent and really ties us into this song, I must admit. He is singing from start to finish and the guitar fits the passages perfectly throughout the changing moods and accents. These guys have what it takes to calm you down and bring you into the song, even if you've seen your world crashing down before you in that very moment.
I think the major downside of this song is the way it ends. It is not such a big deal one might say, but I think it is a little abrupt. And not so much the singing part, but the guitar is just cut off at the end, or so it seems. The production of the recording is ok, but if they really did used a piano as mentioned in the info sheet, I think they should have mixed it a little better, because the piano is nowhere to be seen. And a piano could really give this song an extra touch. There are also some issues in the mix, where the guitar seems to peak on occasion and gets caught suddenly in the compression.
The major strong point of the duo lies in Peter's voice. This guy can really sing and has got some great character in his voice! The guitar is cleanly played also, which is a plus of course; but I don't think that there is something really that difficult about the track, which would've called for a professional musicianship. And of course, the complexity of a song isn't the feature that makes it good -- Proven Delusion proves me right with Tied Down.
These guys definitely have potential; "Tied Down" certainly has that almost warm and welcoming feel, which could be felt through their music. If you like slow acoustic guitar songs which are full of quiet, clean singing or if you've been on that melancholic mood too much lately I think you would like this song. Give the band a try at http://www.provendelusion.com. ~ bfreaks
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May 13, 2008, 07:46:08 PM
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