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09.09.04
With a sound similar to Fooling April, this band continues
on with a new album, fresh with great jam tunes and thoughtful
lyrics. "Never Gonna Give You Up" has a little Mraz
in its uptempo jam band rhythm, while sounding a lot like
Under New Ownership's vibe. With a tone of blues from
the electric guitar and emotionally-bound lyrics, this
band promises to excel live, and offers simple lyrics
that let the music do the shining.
Favorite Tracks: Never Gonna Give You Up, Last
Forever
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.08.04
He may very well be the next Josh Kelley, and Jonah Cohen
delivers acoustic rock via John Mayer with the blues touch
we all love about Marc Broussard. These songs have a smooth
sensibility about them, the kind of texture you recognize
deep within. "Spectate" offers more rhythm as he sings
in a soft, dreamy voice, "I know it feels fine/But numbness
may be why/You find it so easy/Living through a screen."
The title track delves into some funky keyboard work with
a jazz vibe, while "She Stands (Tonight)" seems to be
the "Your Body is a Wonderland" of the album. His songwriting
is poetically poignant, and proves that rhymes aren't
the only way to convey heartfelt emotion. A brilliant
acoustic rock ensemble, this collection is perfect for
a chill, romantic evening.
Favorite Tracks: Spectate, That Day
Rating: 4.5 stars
09.08.04
You can draw comparisons to Val Emmich and Nirvana with
Tom Kafafian's music, but his sound is still solely his
own. He's got the popish rhthm of today's Brit-influenced
rockers, which lands him a potential spot in the prominent
classic/alternative rock genre. "In the End"
almost has a Jimmy Hendrix feel to it, while Kafafian's
vocals sound similar to Graham Colton. Be prepared for
a harder edge sound in the up-tempo "In the End",
while "The Station" boasts an electric guitar-piano
duet with Kafafian illustrating a mysterious dark city
and someone lost in it. Experimental in sound, I enjoy
the fresh perspective to music created ala the 1970s by
someone who is only 19-years-old.
Favorite Tracks: The Station, Breathe You In
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.01.04
Anna Nalick is a new favorite singer of mine. She's got
a voice that's a cross between Keri Noble, Jewel and Norah
Jones, and a smooth sound to match with the right amount
of edge. You can even hear a little Nina Gordon in "Satellite",
while "Citadel" features that Charlotte Martin/Fiona
Apple combination of sound and mysterious lyrics. "Breathe
(2 a.m.)" is a brilliant track, and in it she sings,
"You can't jump the track with lined cars on the
cable/And life's like an hourglass glued to the table/No
one can find the rewind button girl/So cradle your head
in your hands/And breathe." Her songwriting has an
alluring aura to it with hooks that draw you in, her voice
is salty and pure, and her vibe mixes classic female vocalists
into a superstar. Once her Columbia album is released,
I think you're going to be hearing a lot about her. As
for me, she's staying in my stereo.
Favorite Tracks: Breathe (2 a.m.), Wreck of the
Day
Rating: 5 stars
09.01.04
Drawing comparisons to Raman Kia of Buddahead, this CD
has a soaring alternative rock sound with meaningful lyrics
and uplifting vocals by Ziv. The lyrics are questioning
and thoughtful, especially in the softer acoustic track,
"Let it Go", and he explores the afterlife in
"Close to You." His sound is inspirational and
his lyrics are chock full of heart. Maybe I've been listening
to too much music, but even though this was a nice listen,
nothing really stood out for me.
Favorite Tracks: Close to You, Fearless
Rating: 3.5 stars
08.29.04
This full-length album is a collection of edgy female
pop rock songs crafted by a delicate, emotionally-in-touch
woman. Masterfully written, Ferrara's songs are electronically-driven
with her delicate, raspy vocals woven into the mix. Throughout
the album, Ferrara's vocals have the ability to cross
genres from folk to rock with the switch of a tone. Her
voice draws strong resemblances to Karen O of the Yeah
Yeah Yeahs mixed with an aura of Nina Perrson of The Cardigans.
"No More" reveals Ferrara's self-respecting side lyrically,
while enticing listener's with a slower, more silky melody.
That all changes with a listen to "Underneath Your Star"
and "I Don't Like It", which take on a "chick rock" sound.
In "Walk Away", Ferrara softly belts out, "There's nothing
I can do/When you are near me/My heart is split in two/And
I am weary/Let's not talk it through/Let it be/You're
making a mess of me."
Favorite Tracks: Walk Away, No More
Rating: 3.5 stars
08.29.04
This album breaks out of the traditional music mold, and
features Steven Mark's dreamy Beatlesque, Petty-ful sound.
You could also compare him to Pete Yorn in a sense, with
clear acoustics resonating through amidst a background
of swishy electric interludes. In "Another Day Insight"
he sings, "Got to decide/Empty wit can barely catch
you/Silent we glide/Make no mistake." This is mellow
music that your parents probably chilled out to in the
60s. Vividly written, imagery abounds throughout Mark's
songwriting. This 12-track collection is named well – becuase
it offers a distraction from the everyday toil of commercial
radio.
Favorite Tracks: Where You Are, Dumb It Down
Rating: 3.5 stars
08.24.04
Catie Curtis can not – I repeat, can not –
make a bad album. I'm convinced of it. This mysteriously
rhythmic collection explores all the facets of life with
grace, poetry and a voice that only Curtis can bring to
the recording studio. Is it better or worse than her previous
four albums? Neither. And it's great when an artist can
maintain that rich characteristic of their own musical
niche. "Cross Over to Me" is sure to be the
hit of the album, as it was written by Beth Nielsen Chapman,
and features an upbeat, positive message. "Life Goes
On" has that rich essence of the human spirit, and
is highlighted by moving acoustic strums. "Saint
Lucy" was a perfect choice for Track 1, because it
shows off Curtis – folk rock edge and mystifying
lyrics. In it, she sings, "I woke up dreaming in
romance languages/Tangled stories by ghost writers/But
more like screaming like my eyes in bandages/All around
me your flowers." "It's the Way You Are"
has that WB music tint to it, as Curtis sings, "You
are everything I could never be/I want to look at life
from the top of your tree." Sparkling, vibrant and
shimmering, this album is a folk rock masterpiece by Boston's
resident folk rock goddess.
Favorite Tracks: It's the Way You Are, The Trouble
You Bring
Rating: 5 stars
08.24.04
Drawing comparisons to Jars of Clay, this acoustic rock
album is complete with thoughtful questions and inspirational
observations. "Chrome" features a mix of acoustic verses
and electrified choruses with a raw vocal sound yet enough
professionalism in the recording to make the album stand
out. A blend of storytelling and personal introspection,
this trio has created uplifting music that isn't preachy.
"Everything" is a stellar track; because of his calm acoustic-piano
mix nature and yearning lyrics. In it, the guys sing,
"It's not like I'm changing/For you, I know/There's nothing
like rearranging/A fortunate soul." The hidden track is
an orchestrated, soothing masterpiece.
Favorite Tracks: You are I am, Everything
Rating: 4 stars
08.24.04
This guy isn't getting reviewed solely because he's got
a plug for Duncan Sheik on his site; but that's a plus
(kidding!). It's good to see who inspires him musically,
though, and Sheik's essence can be felt with a listen
to this 4-track CD – though I'd say his sound is
closer to Chris Bryan. "Better Than Truth" has an acoustic
pop rock sound, so I'm not sure where he's getting the
"non pop" thing with that song – but it's brilliant.
Delving into "Give the People What They Want", it's clear
that Daniel has talent outside of the pop realm. His songwriting
can get dark and mysterious, then transverse to whimsical.
All introspective, though. I like this CD. He doesn't
have to define his genre, but the songs were very different
in sound – and I kind of wished they'd tie in together.
I see good stuff happening for Daniel, and this EP is
just the start.
Favorite Tracks: Better Than Truth, This Christmas
Rating: 3.5 stars
08.16.04
This album combines the rock-n-roll beats of John Cougar
Mellancamp with the acoustic stylings of Nick Drake. "Every
Day's Another Turning Page" is a finger-picked track
in the folk genre, while "Doomed" feels a little
Pete Yornish. Jacobsen has a dreamy Wallflowers-like vibe
to him overall, with some dreamy, inward-looking lyrics
to match. I need more time to really examine the depths
of this CD, but I like what I hear so far.
Favorite Tracks: Doomed, Lullabye, Pen to Paper
Rating: 4 stars
08.05.04
With refined crisp acoustic rock resonance, Ari Hest delivers
a thoughtfully-comprised debut label release. Featuring
eight previously-released indie tracks, Hest took time
to put the finishing touches and new twists on songs like
"Monsters", "Fascinate You" and "Holding
On". The small-town blues tune "Aberdeen"
boasts a new introduction, while a horn section was added
to the rhythmic toe-tapping jazz track, "Consistency".
As for new material, Hest maintains his knack for six-string
rock with meaning in "Not For Long", and his
heartfelt emotion soars in "Anne Marie". "A
Fond Farewel" is a vigorously motivating song, depicting
the freedom that comes with letting go. If you want to
hear the essence of Hest's emotionally-moving music, listen
to him as he belts out, "Say goodbye to feeling sorry
for myself/To begging others for far too much help/This
is my hand, these are the cards that I've been dealt/Only
I can make these changes, nobody else/Say goodbye to those
sleepless nights/Those corridors with no end in sight/A
driven man with these words I write/I'm making peace with
my soul
tonight." The title track is a dreamy Mayerish melody
to it, one that wraps up this album perfectly. Listen
to some tracks at http://www.arihestplayer.com.
Favorite Tracks: A Fond Farewell, When Everything
Seems Wrong
Rating: 5 stars
08.05.04
This CD is a medley of bluesy acoustic jams, and I normally
don't go for that stuff—but I'm digging it. He's
got that acoustic rhythm I adore in Edwin McCain, with
a voice strikingly similar to Matt Nathanson. In "Changed",
he sings, "With a word and a smile/You say everything's
alright/But who's head will you be holding/When you sleep
tonight." Ryan's tunes are written in a witty tone that
exudes his caution about love, while a few of them let
the softer side through. "I Fail You Constantly" is a
dreamy electric-based slow-tempo tune that sounds a lot
like the work of Cary Brothers. "Fair Weather Friend"
explores Ryan's jazzy side ala Jamie Cullum. Mixing genres
but keeping a solid grainy sound, I have to say the album
impressed me.
Favorite Tracks: Everything, Changed
Rating: 4 stars
08.05.04
Traditional rock-n-roll ala John Cougar Mellancamp seems
to have returned and had this band been big when Mellencamp
was, he would have had some serious competition. "Right
Here With You" doesn't have anything proud or emotionally
gripping to convey; but it's a fun tune with a smooth
alt-pop sound. "Hope You Never" is a heartbreaking
ballad, and in it, lead singer Scott Kurt sings with garageband
passion, "I hope you never need someone/The way that
I needed you/I hope you never lose someone/The way that
I, I'm losing you." If you've heard The Format, you'll
hear the comparisons in this band's sound. The track is
predicable in sound, but still an enjoyable listen (as
is the rest of the album).
Favorite Tracks: Right Here With You, Firecracker
Rating: 4 stars
08.05.04
Blending Jewel-like acoustic strums with alt-pop ala Ashlee
Simpson or Lisa Loeb, Megan Slankard creates feminine
girl rock that is perking industry ears. This is good
girl content with a bad girl sound, for the most part.
When she opens up to her softer, more acoustic side, the
album appeals to me most. ?Nearly Almost Always, Nearly
Almost Anything? is a gracefully-strummed song, while
?Dirty Wings? contained content about a battered woman
with a little more edge sound wise. Lyrically, Slankard
is a storyteller rather than an emotionally relatable
songwriter. For some reason, I couldn?t get into her work,
though?it skipped around genre wise and that sort of threw
me off. I think it was a little too common for my ears,
despite the inferred diversity I claim. Still, a refined
professional sound make it worth a listen.
Favorite Tracks: Dirty Wings, Flying Backwards
Rating: 3.5 stars
07.30.04
I sincerely hope this is the album that places Adrianne further into the national spotlight,
because she deserves it. A creatively-written album penned by this pensive singer-songwriter
reveals her sentiments and innate ability to produce music that raises the bar in the acoustic rock
genre. "10,000 Stones" reveals the core of Adrianne's journey into self
discovery. In it, she sings, "10,000 stones are hanging in my heart/No I don't know
how they don't tear me apart/How could I ever believe/10,000 stones would build the best of
me." This lushly deep song, comprised of easy electric guitar chords and a smooth rhythm, is
the basis of this album—which overall explores Adrianne's personal trials and triumphs
during the past few years. "December" is an acoustic-based song wistfully strummed and
seemingly magical in its "love in winter" content. She blends elements of Catie
Curtis, Emm Gryner and Jen Foster into this vibrant collection of exquisitely mastered tracks, and
I enjoyed all of them. Make sure to listen on for a secret song (named "Lady Blue"?)that is peacefully serene.
Favorite Tracks: 10,000 Stones, Just Can't Wait
Rating: 5 stars
07.28.04
This is another fabulous CD by a US band signed under
a recording company in Sweden. It's sort of Coldplayish
with a little Foo Fighters tossed in. They have the ability,
like Buddahead, to make swift rock music while keeping
it thoughtful. Swirling electric guitars with a professional
sound gives this band a radio-friendly edge. All of the
songs have a smooth quality with emotionally profound
lyrics that contain meaning — something often masked
by bands that know how to wail on guitars. "Song
for Lennon" has a mellow alt vibe with intense lyrics
such as, "Love doesn't mean a thing/If you let it
to unnoticed/Come on show me love/It's closer than you
think."
Favorite Tracks: California, Song for Lennon
Rating: 4.5 stars
07.28.04
Drawing strong comparisons to Mae or Dashboard Confessional,
Cary Brothers delivers dreamy alternative rock with endearing
thoughts. "Something" features lush electric
guitars, while "Honestly" features a more acoustic
sound as the vocals resonate, though the words are difficult
to make out. I wish there were more tracks on this EP,
because it was a mystical, wistful listen, and I am eager
to hear more about the artist. Stay tuned, one of their
tracks is in the new Natalie Portman movie "Garden
State".
Favorite Tracks: Honestly, Blue Eyes
Rating: 4.5 stars
07.28.04
This endearing album is reminiscent of Gavin DeGraw due
to its smooth piano-driven rock sound. In "Dear
Life", Coppermann takes his songwriting skills over
to the creative side as he questions his being. "Ordinary"
has a catchy loop with an almost Fooling April feel to
it as he rhythmically sings, "Take charge, you can't
hold me down/Fly high, but never leave the ground/Live
life as a tuneful melody/Show courage and set your spirit
free." Elements of Ryan Cabrera and Ben Folds also
poked through as I listened, which gave it an eclectic
edge. Most of all, this singer-songwriter exudes depth
and the ability to convey it in sweet harmonies.
Favorite Tracks: Ordinary, Believe
Rating: 4 stars
07.21.04
John Amen is a poet turned musician with the sound of
Ryan Adams. This lushly written and variously composed
album contains 13 tracks that are difficult to define
by genre. They can seem haunting and whimsical at the
same time. At first listen, it was a folk collection,
but once I got through more of the songs, it acquired
an alternative flavor. "Wild Dogs and Ostriches"
has some blaring electric guitar backgrounds that resonate
sweetly with nice bass undertones. Head over to "Steppin'
In" and you're feeling a little Josh Ritter as Amen
sings, "Please don't say it's too late now/If I catch
the first train home/Living like this, I know it's a sin/Stepping
out is easier than stepping in." This isn't an album
to rock out to; it's the kind of CD to play on a rainy
day and attempt to analyze.
Favorite Tracks: Steppin' In, Wild Dogs and Ostriches
Rating: 3 stars
07.12.04
This Sister Hazelish band knows how to rock out alternative
style, but more so than their fabulous sound is lead singer
Justin Moore's voice. It's a brilliant mix of Pete Schmidt
meets Gavin DeGraw, and the singer knows how to touch
others by belting out his emotional lyrics. "Will
I Ever Make It Home" has a smooth sound with a catchy
vibe, while "On My Way" is a dazzling tell-off
song with more of an acoustic vibe. In it, Moore sings,
"I don't have to find a reason/And I don't have to
answer why/Doesn't matter who is wrong here/I just want
to see you cry." This is a wonderful Hollywood Records
debut for this four-piece act.
Favorite Tracks: On My Way, Maybe It's Me
Rating: 5 stars
07.08.04
Her voice is feminine and soothing; her sound a dreamy
meld of acoustic and electric guitars — so it's
pretty much safe to say that this CD is a new favorite
of mine. Cifelli is a songstress who doesn't need the
e-bow, strings or percussion to shine, because her raspy
vocals resonate vibrantly solo. Still, this enriched arrangement
of instruments brings Cifelli's career to new heights.
"So Long My Love" is a track with sort of an
emotional twist, as Cifelli sings about saying goodbye
and holding on at the same time. She starts with, "So
long my love/It should've never gone on and on like this/Too
long, my love/I was doomed by the suguary taste of one
kiss." By the end of the song, Cifelli is reverting
her song title to explain how long she's waited on her
muse ("So long/I've waited/I've waited"). This
is brilliant songwriting if you ask me; when a writer
can break out from the traditional rhyming market, sing
of something deep, and etch it into your soul with a flicker
of creativity. She sings of family ties in "I'll
Run", and lingers over a lost love in "Sad Place".
"Love Your Hurt" has a folk-country vibe, with
endearing lyrics about unconditional love. "Let It
Go" is the gem of the album, personally. It's an
empowering song about forgiveness and growth. As a whole,
the album has a little Norah Jones happening; and some
Sarah McLachlan and Aimee Mann tossed in as well. She
has tracks that are pretty as pink flowers and other songs
dark and haunting in their rhythm. I still can't compare
her to anyone else out there, and that's why I adore her
work.
Favorite Tracks: Let It Go, So Long My Love
Rating: 5 stars
07.08.04
This piano-laden masterpiece sat on my desk at work for
months. Honestly, because I couldn't get in the right
mood to review it. It isn't one of those CDs you can just
pick up and classify; there are introspective lyrics to
be thought out, an incomparable sound, and a voice that
lures attention. So Gabriel doesn't really sound like
anyone else out there. I suppose he's got the heartfelt
vibe of Josh Groban, with the pop sensibilities of Train.
Lyrically, this album is lush with beautiful poetry set
to music comprised of compelling keys and percussions.
He can rock out alternative style while letting his vocals
soar as they do in "Fire in Your Hand". The
title track features some modern studio sounds and rhythms
with a soaring electrical sound. Despite that depth lyrically,
I didn't fall in love with the album, though I developed
an appreciation for it. Handed a number of songwriting
awards, it's obvious that Mann has a bright future head
as an artist.
Favorite Tracks: To the Wire, Fire in Your Hand
Rating: 4 stars
07.06.04
This acoustic chilled duo offers up some relaxing tunes
with even more soothing vibes. Introspective songwriting
highlights the tracks on this album, which have a Tom
Petty/Coldplay/The Thorns sound. "Cataleen"
has some easy electric guitar interludes and dreamy vocals,
while "Give You More" features heartfelt lyrics
overlaying a compelling piano background ala Gavin DeGraw
or Train. "Spark" features some industrial sorts
of acoustic stylings similar to those of David Gray. This
album is a wonderful medley of acoustic music with meaningful
lyrics that tug at the heart.
Favorite Tracks: Give You More, Am I Falling
Rating: 4 stars
07.06.04
If you're a fan of female vocalists with a little grit
to their sound, you'll like this gal. "So Much Right"
takes on a strummed acoustic sound outlined by Paskow's
signature raspy vocals, while other songs, like "Nowhere
to Run" have more of a blues beat. I wish I could
get into and understand her subject matter more,because
her sound is heavenly folkish. She's a little Amy Jo Johnson
with some Monica Schroeder tossed in.
Favorite Tracks: I Decided, Nowhere to Run
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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