Review: Fernando Perdomo “Home Is Wherever You Are” [EP]

Singer/Songwriter

Grandiose melodies and soaring instrumentation stand at the door to welcome you to Fernando Perdomo’s new EP, “Home Is Wherever You Are”. The gorgeously mellow sound of “Home” lay the foundation for another winner from this talented singer/songwriter based in Miami. “Smile” is another instant favorite, with its gentle acoustic fingerpicking and empathetic lyrics providing all one needs to feel better. The video is also brilliant (see below) - the best of its kind since R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts". I also love the breezy feel of “Lazy”, which is beautifully sung by Perdomo, and the tenderness of the acoustic ballad “In A World Without You”. This song builds to a rewarding climax, reminding me of the timeless pop ballads of 70s soft rock. Finally, the witty word play of the weepy “Andreas Fault” makes for a fine finish to this excellent EP.

Many of you may be familiar with Perdomo’s extensive work in the power pop scene in Miami, and through his Dreaming In Stereo project (reviewed here). His new EP, under the direction of longtime friend and Grammy nominated producer Chris Rodriguez, is full of symphonic arrangements to accompany its softer side and laid back pace. It’s a different sound, but “Home Is Wherever You Are” sounds like home for any music fan!

Fernando Perdomo – Official site.

Check out the video for "Smile":

Review: Abandoned Pools “Sublime Currency”

Alternative

“Sublime Currency” is the long-awaited third album from Abandoned Pools, representing a culmination of an eleven-year journey. This song collection walks us through a new chapter in the narrative of Tommy Walter, the songwriter and musician behind the band. Walter began the project in the early ‘00s after leaving the critically acclaimed alternative band The Eels.

Abandoned Pools released two highly underrated albums, 2001’s “Humanistic” and 2005’s “Armed To The Teeth”. What I’ve always loved about Abandoned Pools is Walter’s introspective lyrics and his ability to match music to the mood. This style continues despite the passage of 7 years, with the songs conveying that Walter has found solace in his faith and recent marriage. In his own words, “This record is more of a joyful record,” Tommy says. “I’m a happier person after I’ve gone through this process. I reached a low point in my life and I think my music now reveals how I overcame that. This record is about feeling like I discovered something that’s important to me.”

As with previous records, Walter balances traditional guitar-driven rock with a modest dose of electronic sounds for the atmospheric effect – kind of like a Radiohead and Erasure collaboration. However you describe it, the one thing that keeps me coming back are the catchy melodies and thoughtful words. The record begins with the splendid title track, which incorporates a little ELO and Queen in the chorus. With this song, Abandoned Pools easily convinces fans that they’ve come back with style. The driving “Hype is The Enemy” and the radio-friendly first single “Unrehearsed” keep the album engaging and moving at a good pace. Things get a little monotonous until the graceful ballad “Autopilot”, which builds quietly up to a satisfying ending. “In Silence” is a gorgeous mid-tempo composition that segues perfectly into the upbeat energy of the radiant “Marigolds”.

With only a few missteps, the benefits far outweigh the costs, making “Sublime Currency” one of the best ways to spend your dough.

Abandoned Pools – Official site.

Check out “Unrehearsed”:

Review: Beta Wolf “Just Before Morning” [EP]

Rock

Now on tour with Daughtry, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band, Beta Wolf, is poised to hit the big time. Their new EP, “Just Before Morning” dropped July 31 (Congregation Records), the follow-up to their first international album, “Dark Days”, which was released exclusively in Japan through JVC/Victor Records in October 2011 and climbed to No. 51 on the international charts. Beta Wolf consists of lead vocalist and songwriter Grant Arnow, lead guitarist Sergio Ruelas, rhythm guitarist Devon Pangle, drummer Chester Lang, and bassist Rocko McIvor. "The album is a combination of a ballad, a heavy song, and some mid-tempo tracks," says Beta Wolf’s lead vocalist, Grant Arnow. "We wanted to make something that flowed consistently together. We focus on an album as a whole rather than on a single track.”

The five tracks on “Just Before Morning” were produced and mixed by Fred Archambault (Avenged Sevenfold).The first single is the title track, a stunning song co-written with Dan Wilson (Adele, Semisonic). “Just Before Morning” is a gorgeous pop rock song, with engaging verses and a chorus that sticks in your head instantly. Arnow is a vocalist that really knows how to wrap a melody around the lyrics, and the lofty falsetto at the end of the chorus is icing on the cake. Another thing I appreciate about Beta Wolf is their incorporation of tasty guitar solos, which has become a bit of a lost art these days. “Domino” is another terrific modern rocker that features vocals from each band member, mostly in the form of well-placed harmonies. Another standout is “Who’s Holding On To You”, a sizzling song with a danceable rhythm and unshakable melody. The closer is the most ferocious in the bunch, a ballsy never-say-die anthem called “Last Man Standing”.

All praise Beta Wolf – this band just gets it. Awesome vocals, thoughtful lyrics, masterful musicianship, and memorable songs. There isn’t a bad track among the five, and I think it’s a safe bet that “Just Before Morning” will be making my best of 2012 list.

Beta Wolf – Official site.

You Were Robbed – Dog Society

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!

I have a lot of sympathy for musicians and bands that tried to make it in the mixed up musical times of the early 1990s. The rise of grunge and difficulty of genuine rock bands to distance themselves from the hairband stigma made it doubly hard to find an audience. The debut record from Dog Society, “Test Your Own Eyes”, probably didn’t rise above the radar because of these environmental reasons – it surely couldn’t have been because of poor songwriting or lousy musicianship or lack of creativity. 1993’s “Test Your Own Eyes” is one of the few records from that era that still sounds great to my ears.

The first single was “Love Is All Gone”, a rousing anthem that is as catchy as it is smart. Radio should have found a home for this little nostalgic funk rock tune in-between the noise of Nirvana and Stone Temple Pilots.



Other highlights include the stormy opening cut, “When You’re Dead”, the gritty “Time To Go”, and the funk-rock mash up of “Blind To the Fact”. And while it sounds better on the record, here is a live version of the excellent melancholy ballad, “Word Salad”.



“Society Dancer” is another epic cut from the record, a seductive mid-tempo ballad.



So go check out this critically acclaimed band now – you can get the CD for pennies. Our spotlight on this band could not have been better timed – after two decades the band will be releasing their long, long-awaited follow-up called “Emerge”, due September 25. Watch this space for our review!

Review: Chris Richards and the Subtractions “Get Yer La La’s Out”

Power pop/rock

I’ve been eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the 2009 effort, "Sad Sounds of the Summer" (review here), from Chris Richards and the Subtractions. I’m happy to say the band has raised the bar even higher on their new release, “Get Yer La La’s Out”, comprised of 10 near-perfect guitar-driven pop rock confections.

The sparkling opener, “Don’t Do Anything Tonight” reaffirms that you are in for a treat. It’s the perfect track for cruising with the top down, radiating with sunny melodies and gentle backing vocals. “It’s Something” adds to the happy-go-lucky atmosphere with its stomping verses and soothing chorus. The crunchy “Sleep All Day” and “December” provide a taste of the extra bite that imbues this collection of tunes compared to their previous outings. Other highlights include “And Suddenly”, “Head Above Water”, and the harmony-laden “They Won’t Mind”.

Combining the heartland rock vibe of Tom Petty and Will Hoge with the power pop prowess of Wanderlust and Tommy Keene, Chris Richards and the Subtractions have outdone themselves here – highly recommended.

Chris Richards and the Subtractions – Official site.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Babylon Bombs

By Stephen Kasenda

BABYLON BOMBS “Babylon’s Burning” (2010)

“Babylon’s Burning” is the fourth album from the Swedish glam act, Babylon Bombs, and this one caught me by surprise. I suspected their music to be in the modern glam corridor, which I can appreciate, but they blew me away with a solid set of good old commercial sleaze. This album is like a rough mix of Faster Pussycat, Hanoi Rocks, and Trixter. Worked on by Chris Laney, you can always expect a big and satisfying sound in the production department.

“Liberation” didn’t really impress me much as an album starter, but the title track does them a favor. The melodic verse and addictive hooks of that song kept me sitting on the edge of my seat for their next offering. “Resurrection Love” is like a lost Hanoi Rocks from their “Two Steps” era. “Nobody’s Home” is their best creation – a fantastic up-tempo hard rock anthem in the style of classic GNR - Babylon Bombs are at their very best here. The happy vibe of “Angel Eyes”, the great radio friendly ballad “It’s Alright”, and the 70s Aerosmith feel of “Anywhere The Wind Blows” are just marvelous. The rest of the album is just mind-boggling, from the commercial melodic rock of “Winding Road”, the sleazy “Rattle My Bones”, and the anthemic “Goodbye Good Luck”…the whole bunch definitely are diamonds.

Honestly, I haven't heard their previous albums, but will probably check them out soon. “Babylon’s Burning surely will hook you in a minute if you’re into late 80s sleaze metal. Great vocals, explosive guitars, nicely composed songs, and awesome production. I give this a solid nine for a job well done, kudos Bombs!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

New video: Nickelback with Seinfeld and Baywatch stars

The new video by Nickelback features Seinfeld's Jason Alexander and Baywatch's Brooke Burns - check it out here.

Review: Elevator Art “Tent City” [EP]

Rock

Elevator Art is a 6-piece band from New Jersey that blends elements of Jethro Tull, Sleeper Agent, and Fleetwood Mac into a mix that sounds fresh and new. Their new EP, “Tent City” takes its name from a large local camp in Lakewood, NJ where the surrounding homeless communities have congregated. These six tunes deliver biting social commentary with fuzzy vintage riffs and unpredictable genre shifts that should strike a chord with classic and modern rockers alike.

The introductory tune “Good Morning” not only sets the musical stage, but alerts you right up front that this band is raising the bar on lyrics. A stomping backbeat perks us up as it ushers in “Tent City”, whose lyrics launch us back in time to when rock music was socially conscious. “Killing Time” is a mini rock opera complete with flute solos that tip a hat to Jethro Tull. “Wind-Up Toys” is perhaps the most accessible and energetic rocker, featuring a far out acoustic break and harmonious coda. “Tent City” is an ambitious record and not everything works perfectly, but no one can deny the exciting originality of the band and its sound.

Elevator Art – Official site.

Promo video:

Review: Empire Of One “Empire Of One” [EP]

Rock

Empire Of One is a modern rock band led by Wil Seabrook, and they’ve recently released a self-titled EP of five songs. These songs sizzle with a seductive lure that reminds me of the sultry rock style Dishwalla made famous in the 90s. No stranger to the industry, Seabrook has accomplished a lot to date, with tours throughout the US and Europe, sharing the stage with bands such as Sister Hazel and Dave Matthews Band. His career has enabled him to work with producers like Lior Goldenberg (Sheryl Crow/Macy Gray) and his killer performance qualities landed him a role as a contestant on CBS' hit series “Rock Star: INXS”.

The first single is “Roam”, which reminds us to remember who we are no matter where we've journeyed. Seabrook’s voice has a soaring quality that is both gripping and soothing. The power of the music is not in the pace, but in the melody. “If I Let Myself” is another highlight with a chorus as cozy as a pillow under your head. All of these songs have a soulful rock vibe, but it comes through strongest on the emotive “Better Than”. The EP closes with the punchiest tune in the batch, “I’m Still Here”.

These are slow-burning modern rock songs that won’t make you want to bang your head, but will have you nodding along in agreement and wanting more. Check them out if you like Train, The Fray, or Dishwalla.

Empire Of One – Official site.

Review: Cliff Hillis “Dream Good”

Power pop/Singer-songwriter

It was a pretty lousy day, but lucky for me the new Cliff Hillis CD had arrived. Just seconds into the opening track, “Keep The Blue Skies”, I could feel my spirits lifting and my mind putting things back in proper perspective. The new record, “Dream Good” radiates cautious optimism and may be among Cliff’s most inspired works to date. “Keep The Blue Skies” has rapidly become my favorite Hillis song in his entire catalogue.

“Dream Good” takes its name from one of Woody Guthrie’s New Year’s Resolutions from 1943 and sets the tone for the uplifting messages imbuing the dozen song set. Hillis recruited an exceptional team to contribute to the dream, including Scot Sax (Wanderlust), who co-wrote the snappy “When You’re Listening” and contemplative “Welcome To You”, and Danny Wilde (The Rembrandts), who co-wrote “Start Again” and also contributes bass, guitar, and vocals to the album. Philip Price of The Winterpills co-wrote the brilliant opener I raved about above. The record was mixed by noted pop producer Brad Jones (Marshall Crenshaw, Jill Sobule, Matthew Sweet).

Other highlights include the acoustic-based song of encouragement, “Sing It Once Again”, the feisty rocker “Twin Sisters”, and the mellow title track that reminds us to take our chances. There is also a song contemplating the nature of faith called “What’s Your Name” worth a spin or three. By now you should realize this record is the product of a seasoned musician who has mastered the art of songwriting in such a way that keeps his intelligent lyrics memorable. I know I say it with each new release, but this is my new favorite Cliff Hillis record.

If you enjoy Glen Phillips, David Mead, or The Rembrandts, be sure to get this one.

Cliff Hillis – Official site.

Review: Budokan “Spin A Little Gold”

Rock/Power pop

Lifting their name from the famous “Live At Budokan” record by Cheap Trick, Budokan wears their love of these power pop icons on their sleeve. Throughout this Canadian band’s debut LP, “Spin A Little Gold”, you’ll also hear plenty of reverence for the Ramones, Buzzcocks, and Rolling Stones. The four lads, Andrew Molloy (guitar/vocals), Craig Vishek (guitar, vocals), Kent Bendall (bass), and Graham Watson (drums), have been around the block in numerous other bands but display a great chemistry here as Budokan.

“Spin A Little Gold” is filled with thirteen nuggets of power pop goodness. There is a lot to like about this record, but I’m finding a few things preventing me from loving it. The vocals aren’t terrific and often get buried in the mix, and the choruses would have benefitted from some tweaking to make them more memorable. However, there are some moments of rock and roll brilliance scattered throughout and the choice of lead guitar tones is spot on. The band is energetic and sincere, qualities that eclipse most of the shortcomings here. Highlights include “You Stop Loving The Band”, “The Right On Girl”, “For Badge Holders Only”, and “Shady Glade”.

Budokan – hear them here.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Eclipse

By Stephen Kasenda

ECLIPSE “Are You Ready To Rock” (2008)

This Stockholm-based melodic rock/metal act fronted by the talented Erik Martensson finally released their third album, "Are You Ready To Rock" in 2008 after their first album with Frontiers Records, "Second To None", four years earlier. The music is a blasting experience, cranking up the quality. Imagine Whitesnake's "1987" mixed with Europe's early heavy metal side and you get a pretty good idea of how they sound.

The first three tracks will drop your jaw - "Breaking My Heart Again" explodes like Whitesnake's "Bad Boys", "Hometown Coming" has a pumped-up tempo and raises the bar with a superb chorus, and "To Mend A Broken Heart" chops in with modern riffs before flying high again with a soaring chorus. "Wylde One" is a strange, sleazy title, but a killer song indeed. "Under The Gun" has a bit of a neoclassical piece at the chorus and is another a great track. "Unbreakable" is much more radio-friendly and my most fave song of the album, perhaps the best tune with an unmistakable perfect chorus. "Million Miles Away" is a huge commercial melodic metal tune with overwhelming riffs - another flawless attempt by the band.

I love this album from start to finish. Beware there is no ballad for the tender hearts. Eclipse values the volume, the distortion, the unmerciful fast tempos, but still retains the balance with enough melodic and commercial ingredients. "Are You Ready To Rock?" is a question raised for those who want to raise their fists and yell "Hell Yeah We Are!" This is one of 2008's highlight records, five stars, no doubt!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Nat Col and the Kings "Coming Home"

Want to introduce you to a new band from 'Down Under' called Nat Col and the Kings by way of their new single, "Coming Home". This song was a love at first listen for me, and I think you'll enjoy it too. Gritty verses lead up to an infectious chorus that radiates with tasty harmonies. Kind of like combining Tom Petty with Train. Check it out!

More info on Nat Col and the Kings here.

Video for "Coming Home":

Review: Kyoto Drive “The Approach” [EP]

Rock

Kyoto Drive is a UK rock band comprised of Adam Binder (Vocals/Bass), Mike Levell (Guitar/ Vocals), Mark Piper (Guitar/Vocals), and Mitch Davis (Drums) that caters to fans of Cartel, Jimmy Eat World, and The Early November. Formed in 2009, the band had a vision of creating something uplifting, something catchy, and something powerful. The band has completed a 7-track mini-album called “The Approach” with producer Matt O’Grady (Deaf Havana, You Me At Six).

“The Approach” begins with an atmospheric introduction that I advise you to skip…the good stuff begins with “Holiday”, a fiery track celebrating newfound romance. “So Much Alive” continues the feel good rock vibe with a song based on a film called August Rush. One of the most radio-friendly cuts, “Faking Laughs For Photographs” is actually about a marriage proposal. “Breathe” is a contemporary rock anthem (video below) that hits all the right buttons. The EP closes with the slightly more subdued “You Never Knew”, a song about a life in music that will likely resonate with music fans as well.

Aside from the introduction, this EP comes at you fast and strong, without a dud in the bunch. “The Approach” will be cranking out of my speakers a lot this summer!

Kyoto Drive – Facebook.

Check out the video for “Breathe”:

Review: Late Cambrian “Social Season” [EP]

Indie rock

Late Cambrian is an indie rock band out of Brooklyn formed by John N. Wlaysewski, who you may remember from our 2009 review of Flying Machines (reviewed here). Late Cambrian has been compared to Weezer in numerous articles and album reviews. Their lyrics tend to be existential in nature, tackling subjects such as aging, the cult of celebrity, and being a shut in. They bring a thoughtful approach to songwriting, with many of the songs going through tempo and key changes when it serves the song’s higher purpose.

The new EP “Social Season” features five tunes of indie rock goodness, tilting more towards the melodic end of the spectrum. Lead off track “Ryan Gosling” is a good example of this, with its thumping bass and percussion driving a very catchy verse. The “whoa-oh oh’s” comprising the chorus are certainly hummable and add to the charm of this track. “Trash Show” and “Hand Stamp” are serviceable, but the true standout is “Song 11”. “Song 11” is the most accessible in the batch, with its bouncy and jubilant verse leading up to a very memorable chorus with more of those “oh oh’s”. I wish there were more like it. The only disappointment here is the closing track, “Saint James”, which is an experimental instrumental jam. Their music is available on Itunes, Amazon and CD Baby – go check it out today.

Late Cambrian – Official site.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Primal Fear

By Stephen Kasenda

PRIMAL FEAR “Unbreakable” (2012)

‘Unbreakable' might be a cliche of power metal, something that you've predicted right from the start when you tore off the CD's seal and put it in the player, but PRIMAL FEAR delivers something here that they're very good at - and what makes this album stand out is the brilliant composition of the songs, which are backed by an extremely tight rhythm section.

After the intro, 'Strike' thrusts in deep with a blistering tempo and incinerating harmonic solos. A perfect song in my book, and two other tracks that are just as strong: 'And There Was Silence', which reminds me of the classic HELLOWEEN, and 'Unbreakable Part 2', a 6-minute metal epic that's also the best part of the second half.

PRIMAL FEAR isn't only about power and speed. I think of them as a cross between JUDAS PRIEST and old HELLOWEEN. There are still plenty of awesome heavy metal tracks such as 'Give Em Hell' with fantastic riffs, the first single, 'Bad Guys Wear Black', which in my opinion is only the fifth best track here, and 'Blaze of Glory'. Ralf Scheepers vocals are still monstrous - check out his take on the last tune, 'Conviction', a brutally beautiful slab of power metal.

It's probably the same old style, and sometimes the term 'consistency' always overlaps with 'monotonous'. If you're looking for something fresh and new, you might not find it here, but if you need something classic done right, this is a solid pick!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: Josh Flagg “Devastate Me”

Rock

We all love a Cinderella story, and Josh Flagg’s “Devastate Me” is the musical equivalent. Approaching songwriting like a prize fight, Flagg comes at you fast and furious but inside he’s doing it out of love for the sport. "I don't like the You-Me-Girl aspect to songwriting," Flagg says. "It's a little cloying. I wanted to take those same sentiments and subvert them. Take really cliché choruses, but have them, when you listen to the lyrics, turn out to be about zombies – or written from the perspective of a cancer cell. It's an interesting way to undermine the classic pop format. I mean, 'Bring Me Back To Life' is about a zombie looking for his girlfriend, more or less."

His songs are analogous to the cover art – sharp dressed and put together with style, but bearing a gritty interior that brings an enticing complexity to the composition. If you’re looking for comparisons, I would cite the Foo Fighters. The first half of the record is considerably stronger than the second half, with some knock outs like the fiery “Seeing Red”, which also has a bit of a Buffalo Tom vibe, the deliciously syncopated “Bring Me Back To Life”, and the chugging title track. The second half isn’t bad by any means, and features additional strong contenders like “Come Back To Me”, “Fair Is Foul” and the driving closer that will leave you wanting more, “Whatever Turns You On”.

“Devastate Me” is one of the more impressive debuts I’ve heard in some time and I am already waiting with eager anticipation to see how this artist matures on the follow-up. As Flagg says, “It's a fantastic contradiction: a breathtaking showdown that pits pop hooks against right hooks.”

Josh Flagg – Official site.

Review: Wigelius “Reinventions”

Melodic Rock/AOR

Who said an appearance on Swedish TV can’t lead to great things? Anders Wigelius is a smashing young vocalist who caught the ears of producer Daniel Flores when he sung the ubiquitous Journey anthem, “Don’t Stop Believing” on TV (see the performance here). Anders joined with his brother Erik on drums, along with Jake Svensson on guitars and Chris "Wielbass" Pettersson on bass to round out the line up for a band that would share his name.

Anders is a devoted fan of the classic melodic rock genre that had its peak in the 80s with bands like Richard Marx, Toto, Journey, and Foreigner. He honed his chops playing in an AOR covers band called Gamblers, before forming Wigelius.

Helped by the production talents of Flores, and mastering by none other than hard melodic rock legend Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), "Reinventions" is one of the most promising debuts in some time – it is a huge, energetic record that is just bursting with arena-ready rockers. Keyboards and guitars are front and center to deliver the catchy melodies. The record gets off to a blazing start with a run of strong cuts in the Survivor sounding “Angeline”, “Talking About Love”, “Do You Really Know”, and “Next To Me”. The band shows a grittier edge with “Piece Of The Action”. The back half of the album is not as strong, but certainly pulls its own weight and makes for a satisfying listen from start to finish. There is a refreshing acoustic break with the endearing “Love Can Be That Much”.

“Reinventions” was released in the US on July 2 and is not to be missed if you long for the days of 80s-styled pop rock.

Wigelius – More info here.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Jettblack

By Stephen Kasenda

JETTBLACK “Raining Rock” (2012)

'Raining Rock' is a valiant effort by the British glam hero, JETTBLACK, giving their fans an album full of variety. It is highly riff-oriented, but still accessible while retaining the raw and aggressive feel of the debut. In my first spins, I found that a couple songs just didn't work and perhaps were a little lower in quality compared to most songs on the debut. The title track, for example, made me wonder “is this really the best pick to start the CD? It seems kinda patchy”, but then after several concentrated listens, you'll find it's a galloping and energetic track - a great kicker!

'Prison of Love' is a beautiful commercial track and, together with 'Never Gonna Give It Up', you have the two radio gems of this album with big potential to score a respectable chart position in their home country. I admire the riffs in 'System' and 'Temptation', both are also very good songs, but 'Something About This Girl' and 'Sunshine' are even better. JETTBLACK pull up a nice ballad in 'Black Gold' but I have doubt in 'The Sweet and The Brave'.

If you can grab the limited edition, the bonus track, 'Weapon', is an ultimate track, worth every penny you spent, because it's one of the best tracks here, but all in all, you can't find any bad tracks here and it's a pretty good follow-up to the debut. Maybe I slightly prefer the debut, however I don't see no reason to not own this beast if you dig that album. Amazing stuff!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Jeff Litman "Over and Over" video apes Groundhog Day

Here is the new video for Jeff Litman's “Over and Over”, which painstakingly recreates scenes from the much beloved Bill Murray/Harold Ramis classic movie, Groundhog Day. Check it out and see if you can spot the original scenes (see the clip below for help!)

 

More info on Jeff Litman or this video project.

Review: Dan Miraldi “Sugar and Adrenaline”

Rock/Power pop

If there was ever an album title more appropriate, I’m not aware of it. Ohio-based Dan Miraldi’s second full-length release is filled with energetically sweet melodies. “Sugar and Adenaline” follows his full-length debut, “Thirsty”, and a couple of EPs entitled, “Tease” (reviewed here) and “Rock N Roll Band” (reviewed here).

“Sugar and Adrenaline” was inspired by life’s journey and by the people Miraldi’s has encountered along the way. Miraldi describes his music as “a very eclectic brand of rock and roll”, citing influences from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Ben Kweller and Jack White. You’ll hear him transition from 50s styled rock to modern rock throughout the new record, yet the magic is that Miraldi manages to somehow maintain his own identity.

Things start with the thumping “Few Rock Harder”, which is a punchy anthem with plenty of crunch and attitude – very Material Issue. But most important is the chorus hook that will have you humming for days. “The Runaround”, “Revenge”, and “Now Is The Right Time” are tasty numbers with smooth melodies and satisfying guitar riffs that sound very contemporary, but the surf organ in “I Fall In Love All Over Again” and the Monkees-like acoustic runs in “She Got Soul Part I” hark back to Miraldi’s love for vintage rock. And for you fans of the undead, there is a succulent morsel in “Vampire Girl” that is reminiscent of those haunting 50s tunes. Miraldi masterfully fuses the classic Bee Gees sound with Jack Johnson on the album’s contemplative closer, “The Many Shades of Blue”.

 “Sugar and Adrenaline” will be available July 17 – taste some of that sweet energy!

Dan Miraldi – Official site.

Review: Joshua Ketchmark “Dreamers Disease” [EP]

Rock

“Dreamers Disease” is the second release within a series of three EPs being completed by modern rocker Joshua Ketchmark. “Dreamers Disease”, dropping July 17, exudes more of an alternative country-rock feel, underscored by the Nashville flavored track, “Should Have Been”. The EP was recorded at 1 Tree Studio in Nashville and features appearances from Nashville players such as Tony Paoletta (Pedal Steal; Dixie Chicks, Travis Tritt) and Dave Webb (Bass; Randall Bramblett, Sugarland). Inspired by short-lived romances and fervid moments when your childhood crashes head first into adulthood, “the Dreamers Disease” aims to capture the attention of youthful dreamers and hopeful wanderers alike.

The first single, "Saving Grace" is a summer anthem begging to be played on your next road trip. “Saving Grace” is laced with Bon Jovi influences, sounding like a leftover track from their “Lost Highway” sessions. “Mason Jar” is not as accessible in the melody department, but is a potent riff-oriented rocker in the style of Lenny Kravitz. As mentioned, “Should Have Been” is the song with the most overt country influence and this mid-tempo treat has a very satisfying hook. “Step Back” closes this EP with a breezy ballad that begins with some gentle strumming before expanding into an emotive epic.

Joshua Ketchmark – Official site.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Van Halen

By Stephen Kasenda

VAN HALEN “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” (1991)

"Standin' on the top of the world, let's give it all we got!" Definitely not an empty chants as Van Halen seized the top of the Billboard charts with "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" in 1991. This record marked the return of Van Halen to their guitar-driven roots and abolished synth sound in their previous albums.

The collaboration with DLR-era producer, Ted Templeman, was a big success, spawning many hits such as the electric-drill enhanced "Poundcake", the glaring piano-rocker "Right Now", and the punchy anthem "Top of The World". Not to forget the explosive "Judgment Day" and the groovy "Runaround" that added lots of value to this album.

While I enjoy many of Van Halen great songs from their Hagar-era albums, in my opinion, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” is their best moment with Sammy and he's still one of the best singers around to this day. An essential album you should have!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Under Cover: Take Me Home Tonight

PK "Take Me Home Tonight" (Eddie Money)

High-energy, scrappy indie-pop quintet, PK, have premiered a cover of Eddie Money's classic "Take Me Home Tonight" with AltPress. Listen to their rendition of the song here. The band released their sophomore studio project, The Lost Boy Sessions on May 29th. Sonically described as "The Killers meet Vampire Weekend," PK has been compared to such acts The Cure, U2 and The Gaslight Anthem. ­­Purchase The Lost Boy Sessions on iTunes here.

When asked about covering the song, singer Travis Hawley, says, "It was actually the music video that inspired us to cover this song. Ladder hits, an empty stadium, a mullet and a howling sax solo. All the main ingredients for the best music video of all time. We attempted to take the 'be my little baby' part out of the song, but every time we'd mention which song we were covering to our friends, they would immediately break into falsetto and squeal that part. No one seems to remember the rest of the song. We decided it had to stay."

Hailing from San Luis Obispo, California, PK is made up of Travis Hawley (Vocals), Matt DePauw (Guitar), Mikel Van Kranenburg (Bass), Nick Fotinakes (Guitar) and Rico Rodriguez (Drums). While the members initially met in high school, vocalist Hawley was born in the United Arab Emirates and lived in England for five years before moving to the U.S. His brief stint in the UK deeply affected his vocal style and he has often been compared with emotive British artists such as Robert Smith, Bono, and Danny Elfman.

After releasing their first full length Into the Roaring, PK was immediately hand selected and published by Rolling Stone Magazine as 1 of 16 top unsigned artists in the United States. In the past year, the band has opened for such acts as Angels and Airwaves, Twin Atlantic, Aerosmith, Shiny Toy Guns and Youngblood Hawk and has garnered attention from the likes of Nylon Guys, Alternative Press, Pac Sun Music, RCRDLBL, Filter Magazine and Dianna Agron of GLEE's blog, "You Me & Charlie." PK recorded their new EP The Lost Boys Sessions at the famed Red Bull Studio in Los Angeles.

PK released The Lost Boy Sessionson May 29th (see our review here). For more information, go here.

Review: The Slingsby Hornets “Borrowed And Blue”

Power pop

The Slingsby Hornets injected us with a healthy dose of vintage-styled power pop with their last release, “Something Old Something New” (reviewed here). The new release – the fourth – is a 35 minute romp through pop history, Slingsby style. The record is aptly named “Borrowed And Blue” as it features a number of cover tunes spanning several decades of pop music.

The first thing that is evident with “Borrowed And Blue” is that Jon Paul Allen (a.k.a. Frank E. Slingsby) has wonderful taste in music. His choice of tunes to rework is impeccable and includes a nearly unrecognizably peppy version of the Carpenters hit “Yesterday Once More”. Even better is his rendition of Bobby Goldsboro’s AM radio smash “Little Things”. However, I don’t think the world needed another cover of David Essex’s “Rock On”, but it’s here if you want it. My pick of the litter has to be the energetic version of “The Lady In Red”, a staple of the 80s high school dance originally performed by Chris De Bergh.

Among the original tunes, definitely check out the upbeat “Love, Love” and the downbeat “Growin' Old Disgracefully”. And I have to mention the CD itself was a hoot – packaged as a Japanese import with OBI strip and all – way cool! “Borrowed And Blue” is another winner from The Slingby Hornets that will keep power pop aficionados happy all summer long.

Slingsby Hornets – Official site.

Check out the video for “Fireball XL5”, a cover of a 60s TV show theme:

Review: Europe “Bag of Bones”

Rock
Don’t ask me why, but I’ve been buying every new Europe album even though the last great one was way back in the early 90s with “Prisoners In Paradise”. Each time Europe releases a new album they say it is the greatest since “Final Countdown”, but each has been deeply disappointing as the band seemed to be stumbling around in the dark searching for a new undated sound. The band is back with “Bag of Bones”, a new record that once again claims to be their best since “Final Countdown”. And this time there isn’t a bone in this body that regrets getting it.

Europe has finally found the sound I believe they were looking for – of perhaps they just finally perfected it. “Bag of Bones” is a heavy, guitar driven record that blasts off with four hugely engaging songs right at the top of the batting order. But this isn’t your father’s Europe. This Europe sounds like it belongs among any modern rock band, with the exception that they boast much better guitar solos.

I must admit I miss the keyboard-guitar synergy that made their late 80s records so memorable. But if they had stayed on this path, they would definitely sound dated. If you are a big fan of this era of Europe, you may want to sample “Bag of Bones” before purchasing. In addition to the smoldering title track, just check out the crushing sound of tracks like “Firebox”, “Riches To Rags”, or first single, “Not Supposed To Sing The Blues”. The middle of the record sags a bit, but the band closes strong with killer cuts like “Doghouse” and “Mercy You Mercy Me”. The record closes with an exceptional and soulful ballad, “Bring It All Home”.

“Bag of Bones” is not a melodic masterpiece, but it reaches much greater heights than their other recent work. It continues to be dark and moody, but it’s got something about it that makes it more energetic and memorable.

Europe – Official site.

Check out the video for “Not Supposed To Sing The Blues”:

Melodic rock CD of the week: Poison

By Stephen Kasenda

POISON “Open Up And Say…Ahh” (1988)

Poison did well with their debut, "Look What The Cat Dragged In" in 1986, and they successfully spread the venom with their follow-up, "Open Up and Say.. Ahh". The sophomore record spawned four hit singles, including the well-known acoustical piece "Every Rose Has Its Thorn". They stripped the heavy metal element from the debut and put a more stadium-oriented hard rock and commercial touch to the songs. The result is beyond any devil's expectation, racking up 10 million sales worldwide and boosting their name to become a big contender alongside Bon Jovi and Guns N' Roses.

While many claims that this is their best album, I hardly agree as I think Poison reached their peak later with "Flesh & Blood". Sure this has a lot of strong and classic tracks, but with some decent songs such as "Love On The Rocks", the Def Leppard-rip off "Tearin' Down The Walls", and the worst filler, "Bad To Be Good", this album suffered from songwriting inconsistency. My fave picks of the album are "Nothin' But A Good Time", a fiery party starter, the stripper's anthem "Look But You Can't Touch", the body-shaking Loggins and Messina cover of "Your Mama Don't Dance", and the painful ballad of "Every Rose". But the top of the mountain is undoubtedly the fame-and-fortune journey of "Fallen Angel".

The production is raw and thin. The volume level is very low. I haven't got the re-mastered version yet but I hope they've resolved this issue. "Open Up And Say.. Ahh" is still a very good release with lots of fun and excitement. With this album, Poison taught you how to live life and party hard. As long as you don't drive drunk, kill somebody, and blow up your liver, that's quite a harmless lesson to learn.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Under Cover: AC-DC

I'm betting very few of you woke up with an urge to hear classic AC/DC hits played on ukulele. Nevertheless, here is a batch of AC/DC covers played on the uke.

A taste of what you're in for:

Review: PK “The Lost Boys Sessions” [EP]

Rock

If you took Robert Smith of The Cure and injected his right arm with testosterone and his left arm with caffeine, you’d get a pretty good approximation of what the indie rock outfit PK sounds like. The urgency of early U2 resonates in their songwriting and new wave 80s sound effects abound, yet they sound like a comfortable companion to modern rock pioneers The Killers.

“The Lost Boy Sessions” marks the band’s second release, bursting with 6 songs to add some sizzle into your summer. Hailing from San Luis Obispo, California, PK is made up of Travis Hawley (Vocals), Matt DePauw (Guitar), Mikel Van Kranenburg (Bass), Nick Fotinakes (Guitar) and Rico Rodriguez (Drums). Hawley lived in England for five years before moving to the U.S., which deeply affected his vocal style – you’ll hear influences from Robert Smith to Bono to Danny Elfman. PK’s first record, “Into the Roaring”, got the band selected by Rolling Stone Magazine as 1 of 16 top unsigned artists. In the past year, the band has opened for such acts as Angels and Airwaves, Twin Atlantic, Aerosmith, Shiny Toy Guns and Youngblood Hawk.

Things start off on the right foot with “Berelain” (video below), a hugely energetic anthem that sounds like it could have been on the “Better Off Dead” soundtrack – easily my favorite on the EP. “London” is a tribute to Hawley’s stomping grounds, appropriately performed in Brit-pop style. If “Some Nights” doesn’t take you back to the 80s, I’m not sure what will – this tune is a blast, reminding me of Rock Kills Kid. The EP ends on strong notes as well, with the ambitious “Chase The Sky” and jubilantly catchy “I Know”.

PK released “The Lost Boy Sessions” on May 29th and you can buy it on iTunes here. The band is also giving away their full-length debut “Into The Roaring” here.

PK – Official site.

Check out the video for “Berelain” here:

You Were Robbed – The Pursuit of Happiness

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!

Well known in their native Canada, The Pursuit of Happiness (TPOH) never made it as big in the States. Led by the hilarious and talented songwriter Moe Berg, TPOH did achieve a modest level of success with the amusing rock track “I’m An Adult Now” in 1989.




Maybe the song pigeonholed them into a novelty act, so the other spectacular cuts on their “Love Junk” debut went largely unnoticed by the mainstream. Take a listen to the melodic charm of “She’s So Young” and try to figure out why it wasn’t a crossover smash. The powerpop legend Todd Rundgren produced this record, and his influence comes through the best on this track.



Yes, those beautiful female harmonies supplied by Lelie Stanwyck and Kris Abbott! Those backing vocals became a signature sound for TPOH and they are omnipresent on all of their records. Although, Stanwyck and bassist Johnny Sinclair left the band after the solid sophomore record, “One Sided Story”, to form Universal Honey.

The third single from “Love Junk” was a gritty pop rocker about cheating, the only one I know to rhyme the word “beguiling”. Again, catchy melodies and wry lyrics make it a mystery why this song didn’t give the charts a beating.



Virtually every track is wonderful and sticks in the head easy. I’ll leave you with one final example that should convince you that TPOH was robbed: the acoustic-based pop rocker “When The Sky Comes Falling Down”.

Review: Bonaventure “Come Hell or High Water” [EP]

Pop rock

Formed in 2010, Bonaventure is a Nashville-based pop rock duo that recently released their debut EP, “Come Hell or High Water” on May 15th. Following the success of their previous bands, vocalist Andrew Albert (previously of Holiday Parade) and guitarist Dan Smyers (previously of Transition) have teamed up to create an explosive act in Bonaventure. The band has a diverse sound reminiscent of influences such as Kings of Leon, The Fray, and Carolina Liar.

Bonaventure's debut EP is a perfect soundtrack to kick off the summer. Lead off track “Gaining Speed” feels like a #1 radio hit with an uncanny resemblance to Train. “I Dare You” is another slick piece of commercial pop rock with a sweet hook and sound that pays homage to their love of The Fray. The title track breaks things down with some refreshing acoustic guitars before the power chords chime in to accentuate the storytelling lyrics. “These Shoes” is included as a bonus track - a beautifully sparse but radiating song with a Wildflowers-era Tom Petty vibe (see video below).

Bonaventure brings soulful vocals, melodic hooks, and outstanding modern production to your ears. There’s not much more required to satisfy pop rock fans. You can purchase the EP on iTunes.

Bonaventure – Official site.

Watch the official music video for "These Shoes" on AltPress.com here.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Alfonzetti

By Stephen Kasenda

ALFONZETTI “Here Comes The Night” (2011)

ALFONZETTI's 'Here Comes The Night' is his third solo offering, which came out pretty late in 2011. It steals the attention and I've seen some friends rate this pretty high, even up to their top 10 of that year. I do think this is a great album, but I'm not sure that it's really worth that extremely high rating because despite some killer tracks here such as 'Set Me Free', 'Heartbreaker', 'Don't Listen To Your Heart', and 'Lay Your Love On Me', there are few weaker moments such as 'Why Can't You Love Me', 'Losing You', or 'Rock N Roll Heart'.

This album was handled by only two guys. Matti himself played bass and guitar while singing the whole song and his other friend, Daniel Flores, plays drums and also keys. But to me, it doesn't sound like a one-time project and it still feels like a whole band playing a complete album. Alfonzetti still has that great vocal and I need to underline that the gems of this album are the ballads, so probably not really for those who prefer heavier music, even though you can still find some good uptempo tracks here as well. 'I Will Never Let You Fall' is also a great track.

My biggest complaint is that this album is just way too short. Clocking below 40 minutes, it reminds me of old SLAYER or TESTAMENT album, and I think providing a couple more songs would have been better. I give this a solid 80%, depends on the mood, probably swing as high as 85%. If you love melodic rock and AOR, I think Alfonzetti has done a pretty good job here.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Under Cover: Hit Me Baby One More Time

Travis "Hit Me Baby One More Time" (Britney Spears)

Circa 2003, Brit-pop band Travis reworked this massive Britney Spears hit from a slick overproduced affair to a stripped down acoustic version.

Review: Wig Wam “Wall Street”

Melodic rock
Norwegian glam revival band, Wig Wam, is back with their fourth release, “Wall Street”. The boys in this band enjoyed their major breakthrough in 2005 when they presented their single "In My Dreams" to the Eurovision Song contest, beating all rivals and going straight to #1 on the national charts, where it stayed for over 21 weeks and went platinum. In 2006, Wig Wam recorded their follow up, “Wig Wamania”, and further cemented their reputation for big riffs and catchy hooks with the 2009 release of “Non Stop Rock N Roll” (reviewed here).

As you might surmise from the title, all the fun seems to have been sucked out of this party band. This time around, the band made a conscious effort to bring more depth to their lyrical themes. An admirable task, but it isn’t going to be compatible with what many of their fans expect – and might want. There is a greater sense of drama in the musical accompaniment to match the darker, more somber mood. Nothing wrong with a band evolving and experimenting, but I have to say it took me by surprise and I’m not sure it was a pleasant one.

The title track and “OMG! (Wish I Had A Gun)” almost seem too serious for their own good, and these are followed by a painfully boring ballad called “Victory Is Sweet” (but even more sleepy is “Tides Will Turn”). “The Bigger The Better” is more exemplary of what we’d expect from Wig Wam, but it feels strangely small in staying power. “Try My Body On” might have worked better on a previous record, but these lyrics just sound stupid sandwiched between the other songs. The only tracks that have a chance of being played again into my ears are the catchy “Wrong Can Feel So Right”, the funky rock fusion “One Million Enemies”, and the refreshing acoustic-based jam “Natural High”.

I really enjoyed the last Wig Wam record, but “Wall Street” is bankrupt – what a disappointment! A band should grow and explore more serious themes, but they don’t have to compromise memorable melodies to do so.

Wig Wam – Official site.

Review: SIVA Addiction “Bad Decisions”

Modern rock
Led by the powerhouse vocals of Bridgette Oliver, Oklahoma-based SIVA Addition released their sophomore effort, “Bad Decisions”, back in February of this year. Propelled by the head-banging single, “One Night Rodeo”, the band is raising eyebrows as fans raise their fists in the air at their shows. “Bad Decisions” was produced by Hinder's Cody Hanson, so if you’re familiar with Hinder you have a good idea of what SIVA Addiction sounds like. In addition to Bridgette Oliver on lead vocals, SIVA Addiction features Andy Hopkins on lead guitar, Jesse Slone on bass, Vince Lindstrom on rhythm guitar, and Brandon Fields on drums.

The title track serves to introduce us to what SIVA Addiction is all about – thick riffs, anthem choruses, and engaging lyrics and vocals. In addition to the terrific “One Night Rodeo”, other rocking highlights include “Hit Me”, “Night To 5”, and “When It’s Over”. The band can do more than rock out - “Gone Away” is a restrained and pleasant mid-tempo tune and “Take Me Home” is a solid power ballad.

Fans of Halestorm, Paramore, and Shinedown will want to check this one out for sure – lots of good tunes to feast on to satisfy modern hard rock appetites. You can catch the band on tour with Saliva.

SIVA Addiction – Official site.

Melodic rock CD of the week

By Stephen Kasenda

GOTTHARD “Human Zoo” (2003)

'Human Zoo' is a turning point for hard rock band GOTTHARD. Entering year 2000, the band seems to have convinced themselves to play a more European melodic rock style rather than the AC/DC driven no-frills hard rock. Both sides of GOTTHARD are interesting, as is trying to see them mix the two styles in the set list during their concerts.

This album is a slightly higher step than 'Homerun', and there are three insanely perfect songs here that give me chills when I hear them. 'Have A Little Faith' is a truly wonderful ballad with a beautiful violin that could make a perfect wedding song. 'Top of The World' is a roaring anthemic song and also an incredible gig opener. 'One In A Million' is a brilliant commercial track that I love a lot.

GOTTHARD also seems to focus more on the mid-tempo songs and ballads, even though some heavy rockin' songs like 'Human Zoo' and 'Where I Belong' add colors to the whole album. The mid-paced tunes such as 'Jamie's Not Alone', the acoustical ballad of 'First Time In A Long Time', and the closing song, 'What Can I Do' are other songs that I recommend. The production is also great and overall this one is a pleasant album and I'll gladly rate it a respectable 85%.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: Wes Hollywood “Fantasy Arcade”

Power pop

Since 1999, Wes Hollywood has been honing his sound on the streets of Chicago, perfecting a mix of new wave and power pop that combines one part of the Kinks and two parts Cheap Trick. “Fantasy Arcade” is the culmination of lessons learned through the years, resulting in one of the most solid albums of his career.

In general, the music of Wes Hollywood is bouncy and upbeat, with melodies that feel inspired by Lennon and McCartney or Todd Rundgren. Highlights include “It’s Good To See You”, “Alfie”, “New Society”, and “City Streets”. While remarkably consistent, it could be argued that a few more dynamics would help prevent each song from sounding too similar to the last. Some additional harmonies would certainly take some of these songs to the next level.

“Fantasy Arcade” is a healthy dose of bright and cheery pop rock to start your summer off on the right foot – there is more than enough here to satisfy even the most discriminating power pop fan! And for your audiophiles, the record is available in both stereo and mono versions.

Wes Hollywood – Official site. 

Review: Sam Densmore “Ku-Thar’-Tik”

Singer/songwriter

Sam Densmore is a singer/songwriter from Portland, Oregon who has poured all he’s learned about love and loss during his first 40 years into his latest album, “Ku-Thar’-Tik”. “Ku-Thar’-Tik” is actually a double EP: the first entitled “Sad Songs For A Sad World” and the second called “Cat Years”. Together, they consist of 17 tracks that are recorded in the lo-fi format, reminiscent of the organic feel Paul Westerberg has been shooting for on his most recent efforts. Densmore earned a BA degree in music composition in 1996, and his abilities have been polished over the years in various bands including Slow Children, Frequency db, and Silverhawk.

I would characterize Sam’s vocals along the lines of Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) or Dave Pilner (Soul Asylum), and the music he crafts is in the neighborhood of Elliot Smith or Guster at times. While the arrangements are sparse, this isn’t to say the artistry is not sophisticated. Beautiful chord changes and harmonies are heard throughout the course of this album and the simplicity forces you to focus on the message without being distracted by the smoke and mirrors of glitzy production tricks. I would be lying, however, if I didn’t admit that there are several songs on here that would stand to benefit from a more climatic ending or added dynamics.

At 17 tracks, there is a lot to digest. If this style piques your interest, I’d encourage you to check out “So Complex”, “Groan”, and “Sophisticated” on the first half. The second portion is much fuzzier and less accessible to my ears, but I’d point you to “She’s Going To Want You” or “Live Another Life” for sampling.

“Ku-Thar’-Tik” will be available on June 19.

Sam Densmore – Facebook.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Big Life

By Stephen Kasenda


BIG LIFE “Big Life” (2011)

Big Life, a name that reminds me of Night Ranger's classic release, definitely won't surprise me if their songs have derivative influences from what the Ranger did in the 80s. But to top the cake, Steve Newman uses his tender melodic rock touch and Mark Thompon-Smith enhances the product with his metallic experiences he grabbed by fronting Praying Mantis in the early 90s. If you also have heard the prog/AOR mix of Slamer's "Nowhere Land" and the two classic Giant albums, there are a lot of similarities in style on this record as well.

Going through this album from top to finish for the first time, my initial impression was they have a very unique sound - not your everyday melodic rock. Many songs have unpredictable patterns but the good thing is that every single tune has hit potential. If you prefer their harder side, "Dying Day", "Close To You", "Calling", "Feel Alive", and "Takin' Me Down" are the best picks. If you're curious for the slower parts, "I'll Still Be Here", "Stop In Time", and "Nothing Without You" are ballads carefully crafted for maximum enjoyment. The crème de la crème of this record is the third track, "Better Man". Driven by piano, it has a strong Toto touch - the chorus is a champion, the harmony is utterly brilliant, and it’s simply a superb song!

I didn't expect this album to be that good, but after repetitive listening, this album just gets better and better. I even came to the point that Big Life even surpasses the already-great release of Newman's, "The Art of Balance" last year. It would be a total waste if this project is only a one off shot. For fans of melodic hard rock and AOR, it's an unforgivable crime to pass on this. Bottom line: Bigger than just Big!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: Hardline “Danger Zone”

AOR/Melodic rock
Hardline was formed when brothers Johnny (vocals) and Joey (guitar) Gioeli teamed up with Journey/Bad English guitarist Neal Schon, Todd Jensen (David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper) on bass, and Deen Castronovo (also coming from Bad English) on drums. Their 1992 debut album “Double Eclipse” became a favorite among fans of polished AOR, but the change in musical tides did not help things commercially and the band soon parted ways.

In 2002, Johnny and Joey reignited Hardline with an all new line-up, resulting in the long-awaited follow-up album simply called album “II”. This time out, Josh Ramos (The Storm and Two Fires) took Neal Schon’s place on lead guitar. Another record, “Leaving the End Open” was released in 2009.

Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino continued to champion the band and Gioeli decided to give Hardline another go with the Italian songwriter and producer Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever). Hardline now has a European based line-up featuring Francesco Jovino (UDO), Thorsten Kohene (Code Of Perfection, Eden's Curse) and Anna Portalupi (Mitch Malloy).

While the band only retained one founding member, the sound on “Danger Zone” largely remains the same: driving verses, big choruses, and slick production. For fans of Journey, Europe, or Bad English, you are in for a nostalgic treat. There are plenty of juicy cuts for us melodic rockers to sink our teeth into and savor. Among the upbeat tunes, highlights include “10,000 Reasons”, “Never Too Late For Love”, “Stay”, “Look At You Now”, and “What I’d Like”. The band has always churned out high quality power ballads, and the big winner this time is “Stronger Than Me”. All in all, “Danger Zone” is a very strong record.

Hardline – Official site.

Check out the video for “Fever Dreams”:

You Were Robbed – Diving For Pearls

"You Were Robbed" features artists and bands that should have gotten much more recognition and fame than they did. Check them out now...better late than never!

The debut self-titled album from pop rock band Diving For Pearls came out in 1989, spawning the minor hit “Gimmie Your Good Lovin’”. Danny Malone was the key force behind this outfit, but despite their airplay, a top 20 ranking by KERRANG, and a CD filled with potential radio-friendly hits, the album barely made a blip on the radar screen.



After this opening track, the album just gets better and better. “Have You Forgotten?” is a terrific melodic rocker that holds you attention to the more sultry tune, “I Close My Eyes”.



The band could also deliver an excellent ballad – check out “New Moon” as an example.



And that is just the first half of the album! The second half kicks off with another driving rocker called “You’re All I Know”.



Other highlights include “Mystery To Me” and “Keep You Love Alive”, as well as another notable ballad, “I Don’t Want To Cry”.

Remarkably, Malone returned in 2006 with the long-awaited follow-up record called “Texas”. While using the Diving For Pearls name, it was really a Malone solo effort. It was a solid release, and Malone sounded great, but the songs just didn’t capture the magic of their debut. Track down the debut – no melodic rock collection is complete without this lost gem.

Review: Fallon Cush “April”

Rock/Americana

Fallon Cush returns in June with the release of his second album, “April”, which follows an acclaimed debut we reviewed in October, 2011 (review here). The songs on “April” set a different tone, as described in the words of singer/songwriter Steve Smith, "The record is really about reconciliation, fresh starts, tearing down walls, and building bridges”. In addition to exploring new lyrical themes, the musical styles on “April” flirt heavily with the type of Americana rock Tom Petty popularized.

Rounding out Fallon Cush are Scott Aplin (keys), Chris Vallejo (bass) and Josh Schuberth (drums, bass). With Glen Hannah on guitar and renowned vocalist Lily Dior on backing vocals, and mastering completed by Greg Calbi (Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, The Antlers), the songs have a refreshingly organic feel not unlike the past couple Black Crowes records.

“April” begins with the spritely tune, “It’s Line”, which radiates radio-friendliness with its bright verses and catchy chorus – one of my favorites from Fallon Cush. “Honey Honey” also makes a favorable first impression with its simplicity and charm. The soulful delivery of “Sight To Remember” gives the song a distinctive Joe Cocker vibe. I loved how the breezy feel of “When You Say” was followed by the feisty charge of “Renegade Blues”. Finally, be sure not to overlook the beautiful “Where Your Name Is Carved”, which brings some piano into the mix along with some spectacular harmonies.

Overall, “April” represents a big step forward for this band – catch them while they are in bloom.

Fallon Cush – Official site.

Melodic rock CD of the week: Destine

By Stephen Kasenda

Destine “Illuminate” (2012)

I'm completely stunned with DESTINE's latest album, 'Illuminate', which really combines enchanting melodic rock with a twist of modern element. The band builds a perfect bridge to accommodate both fans from the 80s and the young generation of the 2000s. The balanced mix of uptempo and energetic tracks with ethereal ballads make 'Illuminate' a strong contender to stay on top of the mind of this genre's fans.

'Four Leaf Clover' is a massive start but 'Stay' kicks the ball even higher. The band sways into slower territory with 'All The People', a beautiful downtempo moment. It’s not really their best offering but I find it quite satisfying. 'Wait Forever' is flawlessly brilliant. I love everything from the splendid intro to the bombastic chorus. 'Thousand Miles' is another ballad pick and I think it's better than 'All The People'.

On the second half, I'm seeing an even better game played by the band. 'Unbreakable' is a solid fast-paced track, 'Best Kept Secret' has a different vibe with a slow start before erupting with an awesome beat, and the last two tracks are definitely winners. The production is also great and some folks might think this band is too young and light for their taste, but sweet melodies are the main attraction here and if you're into that thing, 'Illuminate' is one of the best picks of this year!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Under Cover: Hot Stuff (In memory of Donna Summer)

Hard Candy "Hot Stuff" (Donna Summer)

The music community suffered another loss this week with the passing of Donna Summer. Here is a rocked up version of "Hot Stuff" by Hard Candy, a track featured on the soundtrack to The Full Monty.

Review: Great White “Elation”

Rock
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…along comes Great White’s 12th studio album, “Elation”. While Great White is best known for their 80s hits “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”, “Rock Me”, “Save Your Love”, and “Call It Rock N Roll”, the band has been quietly churning out records regularly, featuring their trademark blues-tinged rock.

It can be argued that “Elation” is not really a Great White album – the band decided to record without founding member and distinctive vocalist Jack Russell while he was ill. Instead, XYZ singer Terry Ilous has stepped up to the mic. “This is a new birth of the band,” drummer Audie Desbrow says. “I wanted to call the album ‘Tabula Rasa’ which means rebirth, but we went for ‘Elation’ because of the euphoria in the atmosphere. It’s a fresh and healthier start than ever before. I’m like a kid in a candy store.” I’m not privy to all the politics of the band, so I’ll just comment on what I am qualified to talk about: the music.

First, I’d argue the record retains a great deal of the Great White sound despite the change in lead vocalist. Ilous is a fine lead singer and his tone fits into the band’s bluesy rock groove better than I expected. Another distinctive feature of Great White has always been Mark Kendall’s guitar licks, and they are front and center on “Elation”.

The record starts with “(I’ve Got) Something For You” – the song features some sizzling riffs and leads, but is kind of a lackluster beginning. “Feelin’ So Much Better” isn’t so much better, but at least has a somewhat memorable chorus. “Heart Of A Man” is a decent mid-tempo cut and the driving tale of “Shotgun Willie’s” is pretty good. Unfortunately, too many songs are way too long and just ramble into nowhere – the worst offenders being “Love Train”, “Resolution”, and “Lowdown”, which is probably the worst song Great White has ever done.

Overall, any euphoria the band experienced making this record doesn’t translate into “elation” - it’s pressing it just to call this record “nice”. A handful of tracks are fair to good, but too many are a chore to get through.

Great White – Official site.

Review: Art Kenyon “Cocoon” [EP]

Alternative rock
Art Kenyon is a singer/songwriter hailing from Vancouver, and he’s just released his emotive debut EP, “Cocoon”. A former psychology/philosophy major, his music is infused with rich, contemplative lyrics, set to a soundtrack of generally dark and moody rock. The grungy undertones and use of distorted vocals fit the themes of these six songs, but what makes the EP truly engaging are the subtle hooks buried under the dirt and dust.

The title tracks kicks things off and is one of the strongest in the batch – a groove driven song, this one sinks in faster than the others. “Cocoon” explores the obstacles we encounter through each phase of our life. “The Way They Try” features more introspective lyrics about existence, and the bed of guitars is draped with some experimental sounds. “This Girl’s Trouble” doesn’t really have a great hook or melody to latch on to, but there is something hypnotic about this haunting tune that makes you want to hear it again and again (check out the video below). “Tuesday Night” finds Kenyon in more of a laid back coffeehouse mode – the acoustic strumming and handclaps make it one of the more accessible numbers and is sure to have wider appeal. Riffing off some Shakespeare, “Juliet” is a crushing rock song that gets your pulse going before the comparatively gentle closer, “Always”, calms you down.

Art Kenyon has the poetic swagger of Jim Morrison and is cultivating a blend of alternative and modern rock that seems destined to break ground in new sonic territory.

Art Kenyon – Facebook.

Check out the video for “This Girl’s Trouble”