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01.29.04
In the vein of lady-vocal-led bands, Echoset is right
on the bandwagon. Although none of the songs gripped me,
and their sound was not as refined as I was hoping, it's
still a good CD for alternative rock fans. A lot of the
songs sound the same to me, however. "Pinwheel" was definitely
the best track on the album, and sounded a little Nirvana-ish
to me. A secret song left me with a relaxed end-of-the-concert
feeling.
Favorite Tracks: Pinwheel, Track 12 (Hidden)
Rating: 2.5 stars 01.29.04
If you like West James or Changes, you will probably like
this jam-based album, although I like those bands much
more (and you all know I'm not a jammy person.)
The lead vocals good be better, but they're still
decent, as is the keyboard-based sound. Lyrically, this
group likes to tell real-life stories about themselves,
instead of carving out raw emotions – it works for
them. The general sound is a little too synthesized simple,
and to be honest, the album didn't do much for me.
I wouldn't have taken the time to write a review
had this band been less hyped-up to me. Sorry, guys.
Favorite Tracks: Sweet Life, Drive Me Away
Rating: 2.5 stars
01.21.04
This alt-pop group has a knack for creating great alternative
jams and pairing them with acoustic singer-songwriting
gems. The result is a varied album with no one format
taking precedent—and this diverse genre they've
created really works for them. Take Wes Cunningham, throw
in a little Dashboard Confessional and blend with a little
Beatles. Now we're talking! In the somber finger-picked
"On Your Porch", lead singer Nate Ruess sings,
"When my dad was sick/My mom, she cared for him/Her
loving nursed him back to life/And me, I ran/I couldn't
even look at him/For fear I'd have to say goodbye."
From that heartfelt ballad, it's onto some other
smooth alternative rock tracks, including "Wait,
Wait, Wait." Overall, this is a unique album because
of its varied style, both in sound and subject matter.
Oh yah, and Ruess has some mind-boggling and amazing vocals,
too!
Favorite Tracks: On Your Porch, Give It Up
Rating: 4 stars
01.21.04
In the vein of high school age gals with guitars that
seem to have vanished, Kate Voegele has stepped up to
the mic to reclaim the lost art of pop princesses who
actually have talent. She's all too reminiscent
of Michele Branch; and although I can't tell you
that she sounds much different, I can tell you that if
you dig Branch, this album is a continuation of catchy
pop-laced songs that cling to your memory. In "The
Other Side", she sings, "Why do I cling to
things like you/When you'll only break me again/What
in the world do I see in you/Standing on the other side
of the mountain?" She's got a smooth, delicate
voice that stretches to convey witty emotions. Lyrically,
I like how her songs aren't happy-go-lucky, and
have the ability to question relationship motives. Voegele
is definitely one to watch.
Favorite Tracks: The Other Side, Only Fooling Myself
Rating: 4 stars
01.20.04
I love Will Hoge's knack for creating great darn rock-n-roll.
His salty vocals paired with his witty words make for
some great upbeat tunes. "Let Me Be Lonely"
has a Beatles vibe to it, and the lyrics are upfront and
stylish. Gee-tar is the word throughout this album, because
the electric takes precedence to help the grooves break
on through. Percussion is awesome as well. "Your
Fool" has some great lyrics about trying to break
free of someone you're drawn to, but without a doubt,
"(Pretty Sure) I'm Over You" is the best song
on the album because it has Hoge's signature smart ass
lyrics with a rockin' background. The title track "Carousel"
is a slower tempo gem, and shows off oge's ability to
transverse into ballad mode. Hoge reminds me of Sister
Hazel alot, and he displays the potential to appeal to
the masses with ease.
Favorite Tracks: Ms. Williams, (Pretty Sure) I'm
Over You
Rating: 4 stars
01.20.04
Wowsas — did you ever think that John Lennon was
still alive? He is...Harris has a dreamy, old-fashioned
voice and slow tempo Guster-ish songs. The rolling percussions
set the tone for this mellow bass-laced album. His songwriting
didn't pop out at me during the first listen because I
was so intrigued by his professional sound. Catchy lyrics
and tunes are all here, and done masterfully - with a
touch of fun studio sounds ala Wes Cunningham. If you
liked what Walty had to offer, or you dig The Bens, Harris
is definitely worth a listen.
Favorite Tracks: Blame, Welcome Me Back
Rating: 3.5 stars 01.20.04
With a bluesy-funk tone to her songs, Wendy Woo resonates
a style all her own. Whether she's singing about trying
to get over someone "Most of Yesterday", or
finger-picking her guitar wailing about having the blues
"Down and Dirty", Woo expresses herself boldly.
Her vocals are similar to Sheryl Crow, and her sound is
found someplace where Mandy Shaw would meet Ani DiFranco.
I I wish she'd stick to slow, acoustic stuff, because
those few mellow songs on the album really showcase her
best talents.
Favorite Tracks: Most of Yesterday, Late Night
Summer
Rating: 3 stars
01.18.04
With her semi-grainy, brutally honest and engaging voice,
Keri Noble has created an album that will take up permanence
in my stereo. This gal is upfront, she's classy and she's
heartfelt - and she sings with utmost conviction of her
emotions and values. I love love love her ability to reach
into my heart and pull up each of my emotions, dissecting
one at a time, simply by lifting her voice. "I Won't"
is a pop-friendly tune with tell-off lyrics that brought
my dark emotions to the surface and helped me release
them. In it, Noble sings, "I won't be your trophy/I
won't look the other way/So I guess you got your wish
because I promise/Things are going to change." The
rest of her piano-based album is Sheryl Crow and Amy Fairchild's
voices melded with Azure Ray and Catie Curtis' songwriting
capabilities. I love artists who can pull up the things
inside of you and challenge you to confront them. Noble
does this so well, making her music relatable to all.
If you like those touching Dawson's Creek-type tracks,
pick up this CD and relish all 12 of them...they'll leave
a meaningful imprint on your heart. Break down and buy
this CD - it will NOT disappoint!
Favorite Tracks: I Won't, Talk to Me
Rating: 5 stars
01.18.04
This girl is the softer version of Tracy Chapman...finger-picked
acoustics with a gorgeous voice. With a professional acoustic
sound, Shaw tell stories and conveys intimate feelings.
Although I don't go much for the story-based songs, Shaw
sings them splendidly. In "All I Need is a Drive",
she sings, "I need some new kind of beginning/Something
to wrap my soul around/All I need is a
love to lift me up/Until I cannot see the ground."
These are great somber, rainy day/coffeehouse tunes with
meaning. A-plus acoustics!
Favorite Tracks: All I Need is a Drive, I Am Ready
Rating: 3.5 stars
01.18.04
With a simple background of poignant piano playing, Karen
Jacobsen took me into a modern classical music world,
complete with honest lyrics that speak to the soul. Her
slightly (Australian? English?) accent adorns each track
with ease. Throughout the album, she sings of introspection
and love, and she does it with grace and beauty. Her piano
skills have the ability to move you - just by sound alone.
In "Don't Miss You", she sings, "And I
can't change/The way I don't feel/And I can't pretend/Something
that's not real/And I won't say words so untrue/And I
don't miss you." If you like Vienna Teng or Keri
Noble, you'll probably melt with this album off into a
dreamy oblivion of compelling music. Don't miss the secret
song, a remixed version of "Don't Miss You"
- definitely a treat!
Favorite Tracks: Don't Miss You, Supposed to Say
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.16.04
Soft and gentle, Kyler England has the ability to bring
sultry country-toned vocals into thoughtful acoustic-based
coffeehouse tunes. This 14-track collection is nothing
short of brilliant, and in it, England sings boldly with
a strong core of emotion. "Higher Ground"
is a triumphant song about moving on after loss, and it
she sings, "When the walls come tumbling down/And
the waters rushing all around/I've gotta get myself
to higher ground." The last five tracks are acoustic
yet professional, and they reflect her ability to stand
out despite the solitude of her voice and the strings.
Her voice is like pure gold, her sound is easy and soothing,
and her songs echo the power of love to heal. The entire
album is a treat.
Favorite Tracks: Breathe Again, Higher Ground
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.09.04
Traditional, classic rock and roll is revived throughout
this 14-song collection...and it's done perfectly. Smooth
vocals and guitar jams make this a fun, quirky mix of
songs that reflect human nature. "Amsterdam" is a cool,
electrically-based tune with some fun studio rhythms mixed
in; and "Two at a Time" is a sweet Thorns-like jam. Think
Pete Yorn meets Tom Petty with a mild twist of Bob Dylan.
Definitely a fun CD to mellow out to, with enough energy
to keep you from sleeping to it.
Favorite Tracks: Careful, I Hope Tomorrow is Like
Today
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.09.04
This girl has edge, rhythm, a knack for gripping lyrics
and an industrial-based sound with warm vocals. That's
a pretty good mix, and her versatile style shines throughout
this collection. Her voice can go from delicate to amped
up, and her music reflects emotions in their pristine
state. "Hidden Track" is a slower, more somber
acapella song with profound lyrics. In it, Darling sings,
"I'm bare as the baby/Who is borned with no
choice at all/And when I'm done complaining/I won't
have become what I want to be/And it kills me."
She can rock out supremely as she does in "Drunken
Liar" and "Let's Do It Again",
with wailing guitars and industrial riffs backing her
up; and she can slow things down to keep things thoughtful.
Think Charlotte Martin meets Angie Mattson, sound wise.
This is the kind of CD that stays in my stereo long after
this review is published. A vibrant, semi-gothic collection
of great songs that should be heard by all.
Favorite Tracks: Drunken Liar, Supernatural
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.09.04
Man, good alternative rock bands are emerging everywhere
nowadays, and Wes McDonough vocally leads one of them.
With darkly-tainted lyrics, and electric guitars heavily
backing up his deep voice, McDonough sings candidly about
broken relationships and life in general. He's a little
Val Emmich with a little Matchbox 20 and Hoobastank thrown
in. In "Final Destination", he sings with grit,
"There's a final destination/That brings me down/Another
complication/A suicidal desperation/Is where I'm found/Take
me away from myself somehow." It's kind of beautiful
poetry chock full of pain, sort of morbid, but nevertheless,
McDonough is viciously open with his audience. I listened
to this CD, each song completely through, intrigued to
hear more. Keep your ears open for more, this guy has
a bright future ahead.
Favorite Tracks: Final Destination, Count Me Out
Rating: 4 stars
01.09.04
Okay, so I liked her previous album, "See Red"
more. This is still a great album, your typical edgy gal
with an electric guitar in hand. Lyrically, it's
encouraging and spellbinding. Think Joan Osborne meets
Sarah McLachlan, with just a little more edge. In the
witty-worded, "I'm So Sad (That You're
Happy)", Alexander sings, "I lost, I lied/I
can't stand to see you smile/I crawl, I cry/And
I know I need to/Get a grip, get a life." All of
the tunes aren't hard-core electric guitar, however.
"Only Love" is another weightful tune about
emotions. I felt that the CD started strong and ended
softer; meaning that the unique sounds I liked in "Masterpiece"
and "Smash" faded by the time I got to "818."
Overall, a decent, professional collection of love-based
tracks, but nothing that really standed out to me. If
you want to hear her best work, pick up "See Red."
Favorite Tracks: Only Love, Jamie
Rating: 3.5 stars
01.06.04
This band has some extreme potential, and their sound
is electrically-based pure audible joy. Their music is
refined, and the lyrics are poised to encourage. In "Shine",
they sing, "I wanna feel/I wanna see the signs/I
wanna be the one now to tell you that you'll forever
shine." They know how to meld upbeat alt rock with
meaningful slower ballads, without getting over-gushed.
The tone is optimism, and the sound is Adelayda introduces
Ryan Cabrera to The Clarks and The Foo Fighters. Powerful
and energetic, I will be getting their upcoming full length
release – for sure.
Favorite Tracks: Shine, The Darkest Night
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.06.04
Here comes another guy with guitar in hand. This one,
fortunately, has some talent as he wails about romance
throughout this 5-song collection. "Daylight"
has some truly heart-wrenching lyrics as Young sings,
"This room is so empty/Without the sound of your
voice/Friends say it's better this way/But this
is not my choice." Okay, his soaring voice borders
on whiny during "Once Again", but really,
his vocals are grainy and decently expressive—he's
definitely got the songwriter thing going on. I think
Young has to refine his voice, and by the time he does
so (hopefully with a full-length album), he'll be
climbing up my star ladder.
Favorite Tracks: Daylight, Not Tuesday
Rating: 3.5 stars
01.06.04
This artist definitely has a unique sound, although his
style is different than what we normally feature here
at DA. It's alternative rock with a fun jam
sound and some great lyrics to rhyme. The lead singer
has some funkish, deep lead vocals, and the message of
his lyrics are positive. If you like Michael Tolcher or
Ziggy Marley, you will probably enjoy this album. Overall,
Toothpick is a great artist to check out because of its
truly unique sound.
Favorite Tracks: Comin' Home, Knockout Punch
Rating: 2.5 stars
01.04.04
These girls have done it again...they've created a moving,
energetic album chock full of soaring vocals and splendid
harmonies. The keyboard riffs stand out as each girl takes
her turn leading the vocals on alternating tracks. "Apart"
is about feeling torn over someone who is not in your
life anymore, and in it, the girls sing, "But still
I'm distracted by you/I might not be over you/My thinking
is wrapped up in you and I know/That I am tired of guessing
with you/And I am tired of missing you/When you're not
really here/So why do you still tear me apart." These
girls can't do wrong. Their voices are truly heavenly,
and they know how to pen moving songs. "To Not Be
Let Down" offers encouragement to a friend who is
down, and it is an instant mood-lifter, to say the least.
These girls are pristine, genuine and clever—as
is their music. If you like Leah Morgan, Ani DiFranco,
Indigo Girls or Maren Ord, you will probably love this
group. I can't say this disc is better than the rest,
because I adore them all equally; but I can say that this
adds to their collection of truly meaningful songs. I'm
a huge fan!
Favorite Tracks: My Nice-Friend Face, Apart
Rating: 5 stars
01.04.04
Reminiscent in sound to The Strokes, Rufus Wainwright
and Ben Folds Five, this band knows how to pen thought-provoking
songs while rocking out semi-Brit style. Lead singer Randy
Wooten's vocals have stunning depth and range, and the
ability to convey emotion as he does in "You Don't
Love Me." In "Lonely", Wooten beautifully
wails, "I've been erased/I've been undone/Cuz no
one is near me/Nobody's near me." Their sound is
professional and authentic, and the ability for stardom
is definitely evident throughout this fun, quirky collection
of tunes. If you like the sound of piano-based rock, you'll
enjoy this CD...there's the right blend of slow ballads
to keep things grounded. These guys are quality!
Favorite Tracks: You Don't Love Me, A Million Years
From Now
Rating: 4 stars
01.02.04
This is a beautiful acoustic CD from a fantastic singer-songwriter.
Formerly of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Phillips proves that
he doesn't need band backup to make a profound noise.
And his sound is vibrant, raw and true. Mixing a few old
Toad songs in with some solo originals, this all-acoustic
brings you to the small venue - a warm intimate setting.
Because I only know his Toad songs, I would prefer to
have heard his solo studio work first. But certainly,
this is a gifted acoustic collection.
Favorite Tracks: Whatever I Fear, Crowing
Rating: 4 stars
01.02.04
I got this sampler of these two amazing artists who are
both releasing albums soon. He's got the vocals similar
to those of Breaking Laces' Willem Hartong and Tom Petty;
and she's the vocal equivalent of Cindy Alexander meets
Alex Bach. She's got a delicate, feminine voice and some
moving lyrics, but when you put the two together on one
sampler, it's evident that he shines more. He's electronically-based
smooth alternative...with a fun studio sound and lyrics
that are propelling. I am eager to receive his forthcoming
album, Edible Darling. I have a feeling the stars
will be high for him. Check him out in the meantime. I
rated this album based on both artists, which is why it
didn't receive my highest rating. Once I get Arthur seperatly,
I am sure we're talking 5 stars...that's how moving his
music is.
Favorite Tracks: End of the Day, Tonight
Rating: 4 stars
01.02.04
This electronically-charged album is professional and
energetic. Plumb meets The Cranberries and Pat Benetar,
if you will. The lyrics are bold and rigid, and the sound
keeps things fun. "How Long" is power-packed,
and in it lead singer, Rachel Hagan sings, "Along
talking to myself/Inside I dwell/In silent padded cell."
This is harder alternative rock, which I don't usually
like. But this band is good at their genre. The female
vocal leads give it that Evanescence feel, which I think
may be another huge music trend.
Favorite Tracks: How Long, Ruthless
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.22.03
What an album, what a singer! Intriguing, with lyrics
potent and catchy. I love finding new female artists,
and Curtis has an innovative, fresh, experimental sound.
She's a cross between Amy Fairchild and Nina Gordon with
a twist of Suzanne Vega. In the electronically mellow,
"Happier Now," she sings, "But maybe you're
happier now/In New York/What do they say/Everybody swears
you lose your mind/Before you make it/But you made it
through another day." "Stay" is a stellar
track, with a simple keyboard background and a synthesized
rhythm. She knows how to rock in a sultry yet fun way.
Curtis is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
Favorite Tracks: Stay, Mission to Mars
Rating: 4 stars
12.22.03
This is an absolutely chill, all-original CD. Packed with
background musicians I dig – namely David Hopkins
and Matt Nathanson – I am liking this mix of vibrant
acoustics and folky vocal tones. Although there's
nothing painfully heartfelt, the lyrics are true and upfront.
"Haight Street Bus Ride" is of the Phantom
Planet genre, led with vocals by Brett Abramson, whose
voice is plush and smooth. Robert Hunter who wrote with
Jerry Garcia contributes to these catchy, fun songs; and
the musical myriad of layers on this CD makes it a worthwhile
listen. It's kind of a collage of great musicianship,
definitely worth picking up.
Favorite Tracks: Haight Street Bus Ride, California
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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