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03.28.04
For one man, Brad Skistimas has created a sound equivalent
to that of a full acoustic-based band. He sounds a lot
like Nathan Payan with the rhythms and guitar talents
of Ari Hest, and his songwriting isn't anything abstractly
poetic, rather, it's extremely raw and from the heart.
"Wherever" was my favorite track, and in it,
Skistimas sings in true Howie Day style, "It's
strange to me/I'll give you everything/But you don't
know what it means/And I hate to be the one to disagree/But
you don't know what your missing/Cause I see inside
you/I want to be the life of you/Cause you gave that much
to me." I think he shows promise, though his voice
needs to be refined to stand out above the predictability
of his lyrics. If you like the pure acoustic stuff, it's
a decent listen, and the electrified swirls in the background
give it depth.
Favorite Tracks: Wherever, Better With You
Rating: 3 stars
03.26.04
With a more refined sound, this Ohio-based band has stepped
up their sound a notch and is readily seeking more exposure.
The sound is upbeat rock and roll in the vein of Barnaked
Lades or DelAmitri. They have a great radio-bound vibe
that I can easily see catching on well. "First Kids
Names" has the best sound, and in it, the band shows
off their ability for Mraz-like rhymes as the lead singer
belts, "After all the dreams and the first kids names/There's
no one to blame/But I'm still here without you/And do
you feel the same when I tell you that I'm feeling alright."
Songwriting isn't heart wrenching or gripping throughout
this album, which makes it a fun listen. Better than their
knack for words is their jazzy big band alt-rock style...well
done.
Favorite Tracks: First Kids Names, The Beautiful
One that No One Knows
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.26.04
Where The Cranberries and Radiohead meet Evanescence,
there is Bellglide. A hard alt-rock female-fronted band,
this group has hard core rock done right, and I'm hardly
a fan of metalish alternative music. Just when it gets
too "hard" for me, a piano interlude balanced
it out with classically-tainted keys, as lead singer wailed
beautifully. Their song "Addiction" is a dreary
yet soaring chamber of electric guitars in synchronized
sonariztion. All I want to hear is more from this band,
and I can't wait to.
Favorite Tracks: Addiction, Change My Mind
Rating: 4 stars 03.26.04
They got their big break on the television show, "Imus
in the Morning", and since then, this band has gotten
some big exposure. Naturally, and deservingly, because
their album is pretty awesome. Graham Colton fans will
enjoy this smooth, sensitive alternative rock collection
of heartfelt tracks led by Erick Bellitto, whose voice
deserves to lead this band. "Perfect Somehow"
is the best song on the 4-track EP, and in it, Bellitto
sings, "In the cities of heartbreak/Everybody's something."
If you like touching lyrics mixed with hearty portions
of the electric [guitar], this EP is a good investment.
Favorite Tracks: Perfect Somehow, Someday
Rating: 4 stars 03.26.04
Similar to Train or Five for Fighting, this group produces
electronically-based rhythms with touching piano interludes.
Truthful songwriting adds to the album's delight. They
experiment greatly with vocals and background sounds that
swirl masterfully due to the audio art of microphone shifting
(read their bio on the site for more...it's interesting!)
"Belong" is the first single and it's about
finding your comfort zone. "If you're looking for
some inspiration/Somewhere to belong/Don't be looking
too far/I never had an indication that anything was ever
wrong/This is where you belong." The words aren't
anything painfully gripping, but they do overflow with
meaning. An amazing alternative rock sound in the vein
of Graham Colton and a lead vocalist similar to Gavin
DeGraw make the band sparkle. They're already signed to
Atlantic Records, so I'd be prepared to hear about them
nationally soon.
Favorite Tracks: Belong, Tonight
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.20.04
Soothing, intoxicating and poetic, Brian Donahue is a
sure fire favorite for fans of Duncan Sheik, Elliot Smith,
Damien Rice or David Hopkins. Donahue blends a melancholy
arrangements of acoustic and electric guitars with somber
percussions to create emotionally-intense music. In "Strangest
Love", a darker alternative track, he sings, "When
you tear me down, I still hold you up/When I'm spilling
over, you drink it up/I need this, it"s the strangest
love." This guy has mystery oozing out of his mouth,
and I must say, I"m intrigued. True talent in the
adult alternative genre is yours, courtesy of this rising
artist.
Favorite Tracks: Strangest Love, Useless
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.20.04
Although I'm not sure if this album fits our site, it
still contains a professional sound comprised of Tom Pettyish
jams and lead vocals similar to that of Chris Martin or
David Bowie. They're also similar in sound to The Clash
or Walty, and they have the spunk of Jim's Big Ego or
Barenaked Ladies. Fun jams here...nothing sappy or too
heartfelt. "Nora" is the dreamiest of all the
tunes...Pink Floyd meets Coldplay with a sprinkling of
Adam Richman. In it, lead vocalist John Roderick sings,
"I bet she wonders if I'll ever be/Who she dreamed
I'd be." This album didn't really grip me, but it
was pretty easy on the ears.
Favorite Tracks: Stupid, Nora
Rating: 3.5 stars 03.20.04
This guy is coffeehouse music at its best. Nothing to
sappy, but emotions and inward questioning are everywhere,
lyrically, throughout this album. Similar to Nathan Payant
or Jason Adamo, Andrews crafts soft acoustic-based songs
that could leave anyone yearning to know more about themselves.
In "Somebody Else", Andrews plainly sings, "You
feel empty inside/You never try to be with somone/Who
knows you like I do." The lyrics are raw, but not
gripping for the most part (except for that gem of a song
I mentioned before -- that left me speechless.) Andrews
is an artist who is growing, and I'm interested in seeing
him emerge throughout his musical career.
Favorite Tracks: Falling Down on Me, Somebody Else
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.20.04
Combine The Clash with Walty, and there lies this duo.
Melding Ben Folds-ish piano workings with some Chicago
big band and a dash of Blink 182, they have conglomerated
an array of music genres into this album. But you know
what? Eclectic is good and it works for them. Nothing
lyrically captivating here, but the songs show some emotional
resonance - if nothing else, they're fun. But there is
one song here that realy spoke to me -- "Breakdown"--
a slow, somber acoustically-strummed masterpiece that
I could listen to all day. "And all your saints go
down/And your figters can't be found/And you're stuck
in a dark dream that wont die down/It's a good thing/You
breakdown." The sound is professional and refined,
which is a plus for any emerging band to get noticed.
Even if it was mastered in their garage, this CD would
get noticed for its diverse music stylings alone.
Favorite Tracks: Slow Burn, Breakdown
Rating: 4 stars
03.09.04
If you need some music to chill out to, or you really
miss Stevie Ray Vaughn, you may want to check out this
CD. A wise meld of jazz with blues infusions, the instrumental
songs take you away into a jammy chillin' world.
They call it "instrumental music with a lot to say",
and that's true. The chord progressions lifted me
out of the monotony that most jam/instrumental bands have.
Bass is dominant, and it kicks butt. Ahh, sometimes it's
the simple music that speaks volumes. If you like jazz
or blues on occasion, or if you adore it, you'll
like this. Pull up a cup of coffee, this is the kind of
music you could listen to for hours over a good conversation
and an even better brew. I'm game for seeing them
live.
Favorite Tracks: Monkey Chips, 9
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.09.04
Fans of Alice Peacock, Cara Aley, Rachael Yamagata and
Jenny Bruce unite! This brilliant album features honest
songwriting that questions love and relationships and
tells stories of romance. The charging chords of the electric
guitar keep the music upbeat and motivational, while Foster's
songwriting takes precedence with its truth and clarity.
Her voice has a folk characteristic to it, which gives
life to the expressive content of the songs. In "Used
Black Cars" she sings, "I never noticed all
the houses that look just like where you live/I never
noticed all the places that reminded me of where we'd
been/Until you left me/Now I see too clearly." I'd
love to hear her explore life more, not just love, but
she's definitely on the right track to success with
this honest, refined collection of songs.
Favorite Tracks: Used Black Cars, Superwoman
Rating: 4 stars
03.09.04
Exuding an array of jazz and alternative rock sounds,
The Big Creak displays originality throughout this release.
Frontman Aaron Bright deserves to spotlight his vocals,
as they are semi-gritty and fun. He doesn't always wail
during the songs, either. "Wendy" features more
of a spoken word vibe with broken up rock-n-roll interludes.
"Just Left Town" has some wonderful piano-based
interludes and masterful honest lyrics. In it, Bright
sings, "I'm not the only one who knows/Love don't
grow where the ground just froze." What a great song
about breaking up and wanting someone back. Most of the
songs are fun with that Sublime tone and feel to them.
I'd compare this band to Gavin DeGraw, Akiva or Jim's
Big Ego. A fun album with a few deep songs to keep you
emotionally stimulated.
Favorite Tracks: Just Left Town, Half the Night
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.07.04
Pete Schmidt has hit a grand slam with his latest full
length release. His sound is refined, his songwriting
keeps getting better, and his vocals are signature. A
rich blend of emotionally raw lyrics, Schmidt is a master
songwriter in the vein of Matt Nathanson and Graham Colton.
I feel that he's really emerged with this album, which
features the amazingly apologetic track, "Make It
Up to You". Using acoustic rhythms and soaring electric
sounds (not to mention dramatic percussion effects), this
song has that pop-friendly aspect to it, while retaining
emotional depth. In it, Schmidt sings, "I sit here
and think about what I had/And yeah maybe sometimes I'd
like to have it back/When I see other people doing what
we did/Do you think about us, the replacement of us."
"All of Us" is another gem of the album, a song
that proves Schmidt can stretch his vocal capabilities,
with a little U2 tossed in. "Graduation" was
remastered from his previous EP, and the slower pace and
electronically-charged background keep this tune rocking
smoothly, as Schmidt hits some great high notes. When
I hear him belt vocally throughout the album, I hear the
true Schmidt. He seems much more at ease when he's wailing
out the end chords and choruses, but sounds a little too
rehearsed during the verses of the songs. Regardless what
you think of his voice, I definitely think it works for
him. The entire album has a beautiful range of melodies
intertwined with rich vocals and endearing lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: Make It Up to You, All of Us
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.07.04
What a magical, wondrous interlude to the first track
("Rebuttal") , completely instrumental and chill.
Joel Hamilton is a gifted vocalist with a tone that truly
soars. A professional recording, this album explores all
aspects of love. We've got a Simple Plan/Val Emmich/Green
to Think sound emerging here, and it is richly laden with
emotion (which, of course, I dig completely.) "Something
She Said" is a spiritual alt-rock tune about losing
one your love, and in it, Hamilton sings, "I descend
into a room down the hall/My hands are shaking and I must
reason with the angels/They will understand/They will
see the tears/Tell everyone I can make them let her go/She's
in heaven now/This house couldn't work as a cage
for an angel/Now it's me I've got to let go."
Extremely powerful lyrics are felt throughout this entire
high-energy album. It's no wonder these guys hit
it big with their tune, "Beloved" on the American
Wedding soundtrack, the Harvey Dangerish track has a lot
of energy. This band has a lot of poetic angst. The lyrics
don't always make sense off the bat, but the music
guides you into feeling the emotion.
Favorite Tracks: Rebuttal, There Is None
Rating: 4 stars
03.07.04
This Swedish artist has commerciability oozing out of
him, because his music is energetic and smooth. Soaring
vocals put the touch on this electronically-based album.
There are lots of studio sounds, and the album is professional
in sound. I'd compare him to all the great 80s rockers...Brett
Michaels...the Extreme dudes. It's kind of like a time
warp but I'm telling you, that stuff is coming back. As
far as the album, it doesn't contain a lot of gut-wrenching
vocals or lyrics, but sometimes you need a CD that allows
you to escape. Ban has the vocals and sound to do just
this, which makes this a refreshing listen. It doesn't
meld with the normal sappy guitar-strummin' usual tunes
here on DA, but hey, we love variety. I would have liked
to hear his less-energetic side, a softer tune more like
"It's All Right", but it was a fun listen
nevertheless.
Favorite Tracks: Just Like That, It's All
Right
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.03.04
Like a comfortable pair of jeans or smooshy slippers,
this band has done it again with a "best of"
collection that feels familiar and lets you relive the
mid-90s. Man, I've missed this band. If you dug tunes
such as "A Long December", "Mr. Jones"
or "Round Here", you'll like hearing them on
this sweet compilation, which also includes "Big
Yellow Taxi" and their latest release, "She
Don't Want Nobody Near". I even heard a few songs
that I recognized, but never knew the band sang (sadly,
I'm not a die-hard fan.) The new tracks prove that this
band is here to stay, and they make music that just feels
good, and also allows the listener to feel emotion through
their compelling lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: She Don't Want Nobody Near, Einstein
on the Beach
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.03.04
Oh I just love when a band that would have been a hair
band in the 80s has the guts to put out alt-metal in today's
acoustic based society. Yes, now Jeff Coffey would be
considered alternative rock in the vein of Nine Days,
Gin Blossoms or Graham Colton. This guy has the smooth
semi-Jovi sound with brilliant emotional and raw lyrics.
In "Back to You" he sings, "I've
seen it all out there/I've taken more than my share/But
somehow everything/To you I still compare." His vocals
soar as the guitars back him up and the drumming keeps
perfect rhythm. "Always" was an absolute tear-jerker,
and featured the lyrics, "There were the last words
you spoke to me, you said/You must go on and you must
be strong I will wait for you in heaven/Please don't
be sad/What a wonderful life I've had loving you."
Yeah, that's what we call heartfelt poignant emotion,
and Coffey is a master songwriter when it comes to that.
This album epitomizes great alternative rock with a touch
of modern day 80s rock.
Favorite Tracks: Always, Anyway
Rating: 4 stars
03.03.04
Attention those who like female vocalists - this is one
to hear. Okay, so she's not an instant favorite
of mine, but this 7-song album is quality. Compared to
Lesley Pike, Mindy Smith or Late Tuesday, Rattner isn't
afraid to let her vocals soar with brutally honest lyrics
and the piano chords to back them up. With the twinge
of an octave, however, she flashes into bits of Tori Amos,
Kate Bush and Charlotte Martin. A nice mix. Her voice
leads the songs, but sometimes seems a little off tone,
or it could just be raw. This could be fixed, and hopefully
will by the time her next album is released. She exudes
a lot of potential, so keep and eye on her.
Favorite Tracks: In My Vein, Blue and Green
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.29.04
Within about 3 seconds of hearing the first track on this
CD, I knew it was worth a review. Smooth, dreamy vocals
make it shine, and McGovern's sound is comparable
to Guster, Evan and Jaron and Breaking Laces. Upon further
research, (hence getting to the second song, "Name",
and realizing I will probably listen to this CD more than
once), I learned that McGovern hails from Texas. Austin,
Texas. Ahh, that's it. I swear, there's something
in the water down there that produces emotionally-in touch
rockers with great sounds. "Better Now" is a
rich romantic tune (seriously, they all are!) and in it,
he sings, "Do you keep that look in you eye/Or is
it reserved for nights like tonight/Do you keep wondering
why/We couldn't ever make it work right." McGovern
has these soft, somber vocals that exude depth and heart,
and he still has the ability to rock out during a few
tracks. Okay, one listen through the entire album and
I can guarantee this guy winds up in my stereo, which
is a top honor considering how many CDs I receive in a
given week. Certainly, he has earned the credit. Wow,
a great album...pick it up!
Favorite Tracks: Better Now, Lost at Last
Rating: 5 stars
02.29.04
This band has some acoustic bluegrassy funk going on,
and it's all good. Three guys and a gal...and they
all swap vocal spotlights that highlight their intrinsically-driven
lyrics. Similar in sound to Jason Mraz, Tommy Anton or
Walty, this is the kind of album that catches your ear
and doesn't let go. The percussion is so raw, yet
refined, the perfect back-up for these organic songs.
I wanted to pick up a bongo and join in. "Misconceptions"
is another great track that features the vocally-talented
trio of men, with steady rhythms that beg toe-tapping.
Percussion throughout the entire album is beyond enticing.
The boys now have a gal in the group, and I'm eager
to hear how she contributes on their next album. Their
sound is definitely more of an asset than the lyrics,
but who cares as long as we listen, right?
Favorite Tracks: September, Breathing Down
Rating: 3.5 stars 02.29.04
With a smooth alt-rock sound, Jersey's Bamm Hollow
has created an enticing electrically-based album. The
sound is mostly refined, and the lyrics are outwardly
honest. A cross between PJ Loughran and Changes, this
entertaining jammish band features wailing vocals a top
their smooth sounds. I'd like to see the lead singer process
his vocals a bit, and yowl a little less, but other than
that, this band is definitely a stand-out in the Jersey
music scene. A live show would certainly be worth the
visit.
Favorite Tracks: Same Old Road, In Our Past
Rating: 3 stars
02.27.04
I've heard some great things about hearing this popular
radio-played band live, and after listening to their latest
collection of live tracks, now I know why. Live is the
only way to truly appreciate this phenomenal group of
pop-friendly alternative jam rockers. There's energy as
the band breaks into favorites such as, "Change Your
Mind", "Everybody" and "Your Mistake."
They even covered my favorite tune of theirs, "Your
Winter." The sound is clear, the songs are enhanced
with ad-lib playing and the lead vocals shine as always.
This album is a must for anyone who enjoys this band.
I've never seen them at a concert, but now I feel like
I finally have.
Favorite Tracks: Your Winter, Everybody
Rating: 4 stars
02.27.04
A former band mate of Pete Yorn, Waz has created a dreamy,
introspectively romantic album that reflects his own style.
His sound is a cross between Howie Day, Breaking Laces
and Yorn himself. His voice is deep and raspy, and his
lyrics are abstractly honest. "Mine to Remember"
is an acoustically industrial track that represents the
best Waz has to offer. In it, he sings, "You weren't
the first/But you'll be the last/To see inside."
This guy has a beamingly bright future ahead of him, and
I think the EP is only the beginning of a great career.
If you like Day or Yorn, pick this up...now.
Favorite Tracks: Summer Love, Mine to Remember
Rating: 4.5 stars
02.27.04
This band has wit and edge, and combines bold lyrics into
fun electric guitar jams and dreamy rhythms. I had a hard
time comparing their musically to another artist, though
I'd say she's a cross between Suzanne Vega and Weezer
if you can imagine that. "Pictures of Success"
has some simple lyrics and the best guitar groove on the
album, mixed with Kiley's semi-raspy voice. "Always"
has that sort of Rooney/Jet high tempo Beatlesque sound
to it (which, I may add, is making a huge comeback!) while
"Go Ahead" features a simple folk sound. Extra
studio sounds put the finishing touches on this mellow
album. Nothing on this album is emotionally gripping,
but that doesn't keep the songs from having deep-rooted
meaning. Most of all, they're just really fun chill-out
tunes to listen to.
Favorite Tracks: Pictures of Success, Go Ahead
Rating: 4 stars
02.27.04
This guy has a fun acoustic jam sound and the album stays
professional enough for it to go places. "Letters"
is a fast spoken word type of tune, while "Impossible"
features some intricate acoustic guitar playing. "6:45"
had the best overall sound to me, a heartfelt tune about
long-distance love and leaving. In it, Syd sings, "Something
about the way you disappear/6:45 on a Saturday/And everytime
that train takes you away/I go blind until the next time
you stay." I would like to hear Syd refine his vocals
a bit, but overall, it's a decent CD to listen to if you
like the raw feel with a pro edge to it. Fans of Matt
Benoist, Adam Stewart or Tanner Walle will like this.
Favorite Tracks: Impossible, 6:45
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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