Review: All These Noises: Volume 1 from The Musical Junkie

Big thanks to The Musical Junkie for writing this track-by-track review of All These Noises. 

"Review: All These Noises: Volume 1. (Compilation)

This compilation is really unique in so many ways. It was released in September 18 on Star Beat Music. It stars 20 bands from the New Jersey scene and it strings from genre to genre. From the heavy dancing rhythm to straight out punk and it is an excellent and exciting collection. Here is a track by track review: 

1. Bern & the Brights - War & Game

(www.facebook.com/bernandthebrights)

It starts with an infectious guitar intro. The groove in this song is shows that in fact music is still alive and kicking. The vocal melody is extremely catchy, as well as the bass line which stands out throughout the song. This track reminds of a long drive in a bright day. If the hook doesn’t get you moving there’s something wrong with you. 

2. Melissa & Paul - Oh My

(www.facebook.com/melissaandpaul)

This is purely noise rock. Lands in the ballpark of early Black Keys and 60’s Garage Rock. The instrumentation consists of a cacophonic guitar and pounding drums. This track is great in so many levels. This is definitely a band worth checking out. This song not only rocks it will also give you the sensation to mosh. (Favorite Track)

3. Those Mockingbirds - Coast to Coast 

(www.facebook.com/thosemockingbirds)

This song is a raw rock explosion. The keyboards and occasional feedback mixes well with the vocal melody. It has a really dark vibe to it. The chorus is addictive and memorable, as well as the hook and build up. Loving the sharp sound coming out of the guitar. You must check this track out.

4. Black Wine – Flatland 

(www.facebook.com/blackwineband)

This track has a Pixies inspired sound. It fast paced, so it’s going to take you for a crazy ride. The fuzzy tone of the bass makes the track sound gritty and dirty. The bright guitar solo part is an excellent addition. The effects in the vocals are magnificent. This is a time capsule of 90’s rock. There’s even an awesome bass solo which won’t let you down. The groove of the drums and bass will get you into headbanging frenzy. (Favorite Track)

5. Atlas - Stung by A Dead Bee 

(www.facebook.com/Atlasmakesmusic)

It begins with a distinctive reverb guitar reminisce the early works of Staind. It has its instants where it explodes then suddenly goes back into a dark tone. The drums are wonderful and have a Led Zeppelin quality to it. The voice reminds one of the Human Abstract in the “Midheaven” era. This song sounds catastrophic but in a beautiful way. The hook has a sense of hopelessness. The ending of this song is really loud. 

6. Plastiq Passion - I Can't Wait 

(www.facebook.com/pages/Plastiq-Passion/182722546570)

The guitar has a spacey sound. This song has an addictive “Joy Division” style. The vocals echo the pop punk era of the late nineties. It’s a really calm track, but it’s packed with such electricity. An excellent example is during the chanting part. 

7. Boxed Wine – Molly 

(www.facebook.com/boxedwinemusic)

This song screams into the bonds of Interpol and Vampire Weekend. The vocals are pure magic which are swirling with the guitar that is just clinging away. This is a perfect to listen to when you are driving in a city darken by night. The fuzzy guitar solo makes this song even more astonishing. (Favorite Track)

8. Future of the Party - Place to Hide 

(www.facebook.com/FutureoftheParty)

This song reminds of the fictional band “The Clash at Demonhead’’ from the Scott Pilgrim movie especially in the vocals and rhythm. The guitar tone and playing is really brilliant. My favorite part is the vocal melody; it’s really emotional and passionate. This music will make you dance or at least makes you believe you are in a ballroom of the damned.

9. Boy Things – Equations 

(www.facebook.com/BoyThings)

The guitar and synthesizer add intensity to the vocal melody. The voice sounds so unique and fits so well in the track. The drums are bright and flashy, and they are thumping all over the place. It’s a perfect garage folk rock song. (Favorite Track)

10. Shayfer James - Weight of the World 

(www.facebook.com/shayferjamesmusic)

It has madness and maniacally spinning in the piano intro. This song is a bouncy bar song about the realities of the world. It almost sounds like you’re listening to a movie tune from an alternate universe of the 1920’s. When it starts playing, you will be dancing like a lunatic without any control. (Favorite Track)

11. Auto Defiance - Heart Attack 

(www.facebook.com/pages/Auto-Defiance/101380623239704)

Driven by an excellent guitar sound, this track will delight your ears. The bass and drums sound amazing resembling a starry night. The singer’s voice is drench in passion. The structure is well put. Again, the guitar sound is in the realms of 80’s indie rock. The chorus is enchanting and very catchy. The noisy guitar solo gives it a great favor. 

12. Their Planes Will Block Out The Sun - Teflon Kids 

(www.facebook.com/TheirPlanes)

This band land in the worlds of Interpol and Arcade Fire and makes it their own. The rhythm section gives the track a wondrous vibe. If you are running away from the world you will be listening to something like this. It has so many colors from bitter to sweet and back again. (Favorite Track)

13. La Fin Absolute du Monde - Leave me in Detroit 

(www.facebook.com/lafinabsolutedumonde)

The album gently slips into an electronic phase. There’s so much going on in this song. The vocals appear sinister and captivating. They are spine chilling, especially during the hook. The synthesizers are layered so brilliantly. It gives the music a misty quality. It gets a bit messy at time, but in a way that makes sense.

14. Oh! My Blackbird – Maudlin 

(www.facebook.com/ohmyblackbirdnyc)

The music on this song is purely Beatles inspired during the “Rubber Soul” era. It reminds me so much of the song “If I Needed Someone” from that album. This could possibly come from the flowery days of the 1960’s through a time machine. It’s really well written. The vocal melody sounds so amazing. The changes are the kinds that give you goosebumps. It’s energetic, fun, and beautiful. (Favorite Track)

15. Sleepless Saints - Meditate On It 

(www.facebook.com/sleeplesssaints)

This song is surf garage rock, especially in the rhythms the guitar and drums. You would hear a song like this if you were searching for a meaning of life in a beach. Its Beach Boys meets the Strokes. The voice is attention grabbing. The solo just pushes the song into a whole another level.

16. Foreverinmotion - Pulling Away 

(www.facebook.com/foreverinmotionmusic)

It has bright guitar chords throughout the song. The orchestral backing section adds an adventurous feeling. The vocals are sentimental, passionate, and full of hope. This style is usually found in bands like City and Colour. The music is luminous, wonderful, and captivating. This is a good to listen to when you are lost in emotions. 

17. Brook Pridemore - Oh, E! 

(www.facebook.com/brookpridemoremusic)

Here’s another track for the lovers of noisy fun folk rock. The strumming in the intro is laminated and fresh sounding. The fuzzy guitar just lifts the song into a higher region. The drumming is stumbling away and pretty much takes full control. The music simply exciting, it’s the kind that you could hear in coming out of a garage or basement somewhere in the world. The vocals are witty and entertain. It’s a perfect song to sing along when you are alone in your home. (Favorite Track)

18. The Swaggerin' Growlers - All I Want 

(www.facebook.com/swaggeringrowlers)

The introduction of the bass signifies that it’s going to be a fast pace punk song. You could influences of the Pogues and the Dubliners in this song. The accordion is dancing all over the music. The tremble of the bass gives it a whole new flavor. The drums are hard hitting. The voice is raspy and in your face. This is song for moshing and bouncing up and down. It’s really noisy old fashion punk. Almost as if it’s a 17th century type of punk.

19. Doug Ratner & the Watchmen - Bomb in the Backseat

(www.facebook.com/dougratnerandthewatchmen)

The tone of the guitar and rhythm of the drums show an obvious influence of the likes of Social Distortion. The chorus is fetching as a way that after listening to the song you will be singing it. The buildup mid ending with the spoken word and distorted guitar is really electrifying and well sounding. This song has excellent story telling lyrics about the planning of igniting a bomb which makes it really enjoyable to listen to.

20. Denise Barbarita & the Morning Papers – Suckers 

(www.facebook.com/pages/Denise-Barbarita-The-Morning-Papers/137296002995491)

The collection of these noises end on a very heavy note. The guitar tone echoes the early tunes of Jerry Cantrell. The singer voice is so dirty and sexy which blends well with the grittiness of the guitar. The bass line is outstanding as well as the guitar solo. This song is meant to be played loud. (Favorite Track)

This was an enjoyable listen. It gets me quite jealous that the music scene here in my side of the states isn’t as expanding as this. This review was time consuming but it was well worth it. I hope all of you who read it will enjoy this. Check out these bands. Each one of them deserves as much attention as they can get. You could download this compilation for free on their bandcamp."

http://allthesenoises.bandcamp.com/

The One & Nines: sultry soul to sooth a lovesick heart

"Do you remember what you did last night? / How you held me tight and shut off your phone, you shook me up, dear, like a grizzly bear / Like you didn't care." 

This is from the one and nines new single "Tell Me b/w Make it Easy." "Tell me" is about enjoying the time you have with the one you love. It's about letting you know to tell them you love them when you have the chance. The song is romantic but in a fun way with dual vocals and a sharp sax. It reminds me of the '50s oldies soul I heard on the radio when I was nine.

"Make it Easy" is just as good. It's a sexy number, too. Whereas Tell Me is sung from a guys perspective this one is sung from a woman's perspective. My favorite line is: "If you want it, baby, we can make life so simple / or simply make love...so much harder to give / I know what you want baby and you know what I want, too. so make it easy for me, baby."

Ain't that sweet? If I had a sweetheart I'd play this 45 for them and make a fool out of myself mouthing the lyrics. If that's not one of the cutest things one could do then what's love? One thing I can say is that one and nines get better with each single. I could say like a fine wine but instead I'll say this is a lovely record to enjoy while sipping wine. Have your love flip over the record.

They play at Maxwell's in Hoboken tomorrow with Old Wives. 9pm.

New Jersey's Adele: Stephanie White & the Philth Harmonic

Stephanie White & the Philth Harmonic
North New Jersey
RIYL: Adele, Joss Stone, Alicia Keys

When listening to music my first choice is not soul or pop, but that's because I'm not exposed to it. It's hard to go through the crap of pop that's out their, but soul music is certainly in good taste. At  Bern & the Brights performance at the Hoboken Music & Arts Festival I spoke to Robbie LaFalce who played some guest percussion for the band and told me about his own band, Stephanie White and the Philth Harmonic. He described them as similar to Adele. But I didn't know who Adele was. I had heard her song "Rolling in the Deep," but didn't know it was her until I looked her up. Girl has a voice! So what could I make of this comparison? That there are gems like Adele in my own home state. I still haven't heard any other song of Adele's besides her hit and even though she's good, I don't care to listen to her music. I care about the bands in my area. I care about SW & TPH. It's far more exciting to enjoy music from people you actually know and can see in concert. I even saw them live at Tierney's Tavern in Montclair and they covered "Rolling in the Deep."

The more I listened to the album, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, the more I realized that it's more of a soul-rock album. The closing song "Emerald City Blues," has some nice guitar licks at the end as Stephanie wails. Her pleasant voice ranges from soft and sweet to bold.

It's nice to hear something different than punk rock for a change. I am a music fan of course, but sometimes you just get locked into one sound. Every town has their own superstar local act and this one truly shines.

Stephanie White: Vocals
Robbie LaFalce, Jr.: Drums/Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
Chris Staranka: Bass
Nick LaFalce - Guitar
Aleks Ozolins - Keys

Demo Review of Monitors

Monitors-Demo

Birmingham, AL

Rock 'n' Roll

Self Released

Monitors is Jackie Sullivan's, formerly of Tin Kitchen and Little Lungs, new band out of Birmingham, Alabama. Jackie plays drums on this release. It's a departure from her emo and pop-punk influenced bands of the past, but awesome all the same. Monitors is more of a good ol' rock 'n' roll band-- something you can dig if you're into bands like Ted Leo & the Pharmacists or Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. That's pretty sweet, I must say. What you get are two rock ragers and a slower song.

http://monitorsrule.bandcamp.com/

Album Review: Wagers- New Guilt

Wagers- New Guilt
Brooklyn, NY
Punk/Rock/Indie
Released Feb. 28, 2011

For fans of: Foo Fighters, The Replacements, Husker Du, Superchunk, Ramones

Maybe it's that Brooklyn breeds many indie-punk bands, but I haven't been disappointed with any of these releases. Wagers is no exception. And their brand of punk rock goodness reminds me of a faster punk rock Foo Fighters meets Replacements. Boy, was I pleased to hear this influence. The best songs are "Spun," "Drunk Dial," and "Running Wild." The way the bass and guitar work together to deliver just the right amount of pop goodness to the punk tunes is wonderful accomplished. I just want to shake about when I listen to these songs. I definitely hear some '90s influence in this album. The band is giving it away for free, so snag it up.

http://wagers.bandcamp.com/ 

Amy Klein: folk/ rock musician, feminist, & writer releases new album

For Day 4 of our Women's History Month homage to artists and bands, I present you Amy Klein. A musician, writer, friend, feminist, and all around beautiful being, Amy is a true inspiration. I first meet  her in April 2010 outside of Maxwell's after seeing Los Campesinos and just before Titus Andronicus was loading into the venue to play a night show. She spent several minutes talking with me and was quite nice. Amy just self-released a digital solo album of folk tunes. 

There's the rock and punk side of Amy Klein that comes in the form of Titus Andronicus and Hilly Eye and then there's the folk side of Amy Klein that comes in the form of Solanin. Then there's the folk and psychedelic rock side of Amy Klein that comes in the form a new solo release called, I Know What You Want. Her songs simply put are pleasant, poised, and pretty. With this release Amy gets more musically involved, stretching her playing to include not just guitar, but piano, organ, and percussion, which I was told from her includes tambourine playing. Accompanying her on drums is Nick Shuminsky of Free Energy, a band she toured with in Titus Andronicus' last summer. The lovely sounds coupled with the natural imagery of the lyrics make it easy to get lost in the music.She cites influences like Joanna Newsom, Stevie Nicks, and Nick Drack, but I'm not familiar with these musicians. I can only compare her music to what I know and what I've heard. And though this may be odd to compare a self-described folk artist to a Celtic artist I will say that Amy's music reminds me of Loreena McKennitt. The comparison is mostly in the vocals and how calm and happy I feel after listening to the music. Amy Klein has a strong, delicate, and controlled voice that  is quite a surprise if you know her vocals from Titus Andronicus and Hilly Eye. I'm happy to say that I know this wonderful musician. A personal friend and fellow group member and founder of feminist group Permanent Wave, Amy is a true inspiration and I recommend checking out her awesome writings and posts here and familiarizing yourself with her musical work. On her blog she writes about her tour experiences with Titus Andronicus, thoughts on feminism, provides links to articles that touch on the human experience, and keeps you up-to-date on her music. One piece she wrote, which I found insightful and in-depth was on the Japanese punk band The Suzan, who play Santos Party House this coming Monday. Read it here. She writes about her own album here. I hope you enjoy.

Listen to Amy Klein here: http://amyklein.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Solanin here: http://solanin.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Hilly Eye here: http://hillyeye.bandcamp.com/
Listen to Titus Andronicus here: http://titusandronicus.net/videos

Amy Bezunartea released new album, played The Living Room (pics)

Amy Bezunartea @ The Living Room 11-3-10

Amy Bezunartea released her first solo album this past Tuesday on Kiam Records. The album Restaurants and Bars is an interesting themed album about being away from the ones you love, working too much, having trouble falling asleep, and also gives some astute observations. As a waitress, she found a common theme and source of inspiration for her songs, though not all songs are about restaurants and bars. She performed the entire album at The Living Room on Nov. 3. The album is personal, delicate, pretty. You can hear guitar, harmonica, banjo, and piano. It's folk at its loveliest. Some songs are sad, others upbeat, but overall, the album is laced together nicely.

The highlight of the night was hearing "Rope," the last song on the album. Amy performs acoustically with a harmonica and has a banjo player who also sings back-up harmonies. "People die young and younger it seems. Guys like you, girls like me/You are ok when I like you, I like you, and hold you tight, as a rope in the sky, and I never say sorry just think it to myself and laugh it off like it's funny." Afterwards, folks enjoyed a cake with the artwork for Restaurants and Bars. It was tasty. Thanks! And that was the end to a great record release!

Grab the album here.

EP Review: Hilly Eye (Amy Klein of Titus Andronicus) girl duo release "Fireworks"

Hilly Eye- Fireworks

Brooklyn, NY
Released Oct. 8, 2010
Self Released

Fireworks:
1. Double Dutch
2. Jersey City
3. Grand Canyon
4. Loopy

Hilly Eye is a two-piece girl band featuring Amy Klein of Titus Andronicus on guitar and friend Catherine Tung on drums with both singing. The band cites musical influences such as Afrirampo, Sonic Youth, the Pixies, and, of course, Sleater Kinney, Lightning Bolt, and Marnie Stern. Quite a list of! The band describe themselves as "Sleater Kinney meets Lightning Bolt meets a watery bridge at the end of town."

First song "Double Dutch" is a mostly instrumental song with just one line: "I can see what you are." The guitar here moves back and fourth, drawing you in with its steadiness, allowing you to get lost, swept up in the swirling sound. The guitar playing is similar to that of Marnie Stern.

Second song, "Jersey City" is a psychedelic song with a steady drum beat and guitar strum with just five lines. The last two, "You think you're so calm, You got an appetite for destruction," are the most sung in the song. Amy's voice soars on this track. There are lovely harmonies over the rugged intensity of the drums and guitar.

Third song "Grand Canyon" gets wordier and more intense. The vocals are loud and soft. This is a jam I can easily get into. I guess it takes a more traditional musical song structure. Any reference to Arizona, intended or not, also makes me happy, as a former resident of the Grand Canyon state. The guitar playing is flipping great. Finally, "Loopy" is another psych song with flowy guitar.

Overall, this is a cool release, experimental in some respects, but I'd like to hear more vocals. It feels like half instrumental, half full songs. The vocals are lovely and strong and I'd love to hear more of that present. I'd love to hear some screaming. Amy put together some facts about the band, so if you're interested read that here.

The band have three shows this weekend in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Philly:

11/5 @ The Charleston, 174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 21+, 8pm with The young devochkas, The shackeltons, and Mini Boone

11/6 @ ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington, NYC, ALL AGES, 4pm [info]

11/6 @ Tritone, 1508 South Street, Philadelphia, 21+, 9pm with Solanin, Bells Bells Bells, and reading from Klein and Sara Marcus, Girls to the Front [info]

EP Review: Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

"all i do to not give up is keep on walking/ all i do to not give up is keep on keep on keep on"- from Fever Creature

Black Birds- Galaxy Rising

Asbury Park, NJ 

Released Oct. 2010

Death to False Hope Records

DOWNLOAD: BLACK BIRDS- GALAXY RISING  

Alyssa- vocals, Sharon-guitar, Bob-bass, Azzara-drums

Black Birds have a new EP out that I'm very excited for. Since seeing the band over the summer in Kearny, I've been waiting for some digital tunes to surface. This comes in the form of a 4-song mini album called Galaxy Rising. The band has released it through North Carolina label Death to False Hope Records on a free/donation basis. The songs are gnarly rock 'n roll. Lead song "Brightest Diamond" has killer motorcycle sounding guitar riffs, if you know what I mean. I hope you do because it sounds great. Riffy but not excessive. The vocals are strong and fit the music well. Solid ep. 2 guys, 2 girls making rock n' roll music fit for you to headbang to and dance around to. Yeah. I have no comparisons on this one. Just listen.

Also, Brooklyn readers or anyone willing to travel, check out the band at Spike Hill (right off the Bedford L train stop) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at 8PM! The show is FREE! You can't beat that, right?

EP Review: Brit & Cavalry- Hiker

Brit & the Cavalry- Hiker
Brooklyn, NY
Released Oct. 12
Self Released

Tracklisting:

1. Breathing Under Water
2. The Great Forest Divide
3. Hiker
4. The Sun

for fans of: St. Vincent, Feist, and Jenny Lewis

Brit & the Cavalry is a darlin' violin-driving indie rock 7-piece band from Brooklyn. Their new release showcases some pretty violin that keep the music lovely, along with the soft sax, trumpet, and trombone parts throughout the songs. The EP is filled with nice harmonies, a steady beat, and beautiful vocals from Brit Boras. Hiker is a pleasant listen.

Their EP release party is Oct. 15 at Piano's with The Beach Project, Measure, and The Pastel Group. The band is on at 9pm. 

Best track: "Hiker" (Grab a free download here with the password hikersingle)

EP Review: Airplane Noise soften your heart on power popper 'Getting Down'

Airplane Noise- Getting Down
Back to Work Records
Florence, New Jersey
Released August 2010

For fans of: Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, Reggie and the Full Effect 

Airplane Noise is a power pop band.; however so, the songs have slight ska and folk elements. Their songs feature keyboard, harmonica, tambourine, and xylophone. The first two songs "Go Ahead" and "Last Night" are upbeat and poppy, but the last three take on a lighter tone and features some acoustic guitar. "Goodbye" gets rockin' but still has a light and sad tone to it. My favorite line is: "Friends don’t take breaks, so why are you going? We both made mistakes, so why are we throwing things away?" from "Last Night." Might as well check it out if you'r e into this. The album's up for free here: http://www.airplanenoiseband.com/

EP Review: Caleb Lionheart- Climbing Up a Mountain, Just for the View

Caleb Lionheart- Climbing Up a Mountain, Just for the View

Albany, NY

Barrett Records

Released August 8, 2010

For fans of: Alexisonfire, A Wilhelm Scream, Lifetime, The Movielife

Caleb Lionheart is an interesting pop-punk band. The band mix heartfelt and light-felt political lyrics with a fast and melodic sound filled with guitar squeals. "Coney Island" starts with a Martin Luther King, Jr quote. "Make Believe" is a passionate, fast, and catchy song with some solid harmonies. My favorite line is: "You can't change my mind" from "Flag-Folding." Overall, these songs are good, but nothing particularly new. I can imagine these guys to be fun live. And isn't that exactly what we want? Good, passionate, driving songs that you can get into live?

The EP is available on Barrett Records. 

Tracklisting: 

1. Coney Island

2. Make Believe

3. Flag-Folding 

4. Our Miracles

Album Review: Bern & The Brights- Swing Shift Maises (win CD)

Bern & the Brights
Swing Shift Maises
Montclair, NJ
Released July 17, 2010
Self Released

For fans of: Rilo Kiley, Ra Ra Riot, R.E.M, The Decemberists

This EP is the first recorded production from Bern & the Brights. For a band with over 20 songs it's only a sampling of the band's sound, but a good one at that. These four songs are glowing with a charm, sincerity, and drive that gets you right where you need it most—your heart. Their violin-driving indie-rock sound is lovely.

Bernadette Macavera's voice is soothing and soulful with additional vocals by Catherine McGowan.
Here are some comments with notable lyrics track-by-track:

Boo-- Starts off with a pleasant violin and acoustic with some sweet lyrics. “I don't think I want to die, just leave me be tonight...it's just the blues now, honey. It's just the frost on frozen dreams. It's just the stomp of my restless feet. Down this lonely turnpike. Through these plastic city streets. I've been soul jackhammering. Where is your girl who can tell, it's been so long since I've been myself.”

Sangria Peaches-- The way Macavera holds notes on words like "here," "happening," and "believe" is refreshing. The violin is lovely! "What is happening to me?."

Sleepless Aristotle-- Catchy, classy guitar that makes you smile with bass lines that make you dance. Wonderfully delivered. Best song on the EP! "Don't you stay awake at night."

It Goes Like That--This is a folky number. "Somethings just go like that. Why? I don't know? Just goes and goes. You said I have beautiful eyes, so I sat their mortified. And I laugh when I get shy. I'm an astronaut. I'm an airplane pilot."

Album Review: Young Mammals keep it interesting on indie-rocker 'Carrots'

Young Mammals- Carrots

Houston, TX

Self Released

Released June, 22, 2010

For fans of: Animal Collective, Flaming Lips, Broken Social Scene, Sunset Rubdown 

DOWNLOAD: Young Mammals- Confetti (MP3)

Young Mammals take the explosive indie rock world by storm with their latest release, Carrots. The band are charged and ready to delight with an album that connects every part of your body to the compelling sounds. The band throws everything together, but not in a messy fashion, in a way that's freshing for the new era of indie rock. I like the experiment/psych sound of the band- it's dynamic, different, interesting, yet still listenable.Carrots sounds like the soundtrack for life if life was only about kissing, holding hands, and partying. 

Album Review: Last Days of Empire fight for glory on 'Veronica Project'

Last Days of Empire- The Veronica Project
South Amboy, NJ
Self-Released
Released June 2010

For fans of: Deftones, Moving Mountains, post-rock, instrumental rock

The Veronica Project is a mesmerizing melodic alt-rock album with bursting layered guitars, and ambient vibes with themes of love, glory, and death. The band also adds keyboard, violin bows, and a textured sound that's consistent from top to bottom.

"Prizefighter" has some great guitar sounds. What gets me is when there's more than one guitar part happening. It's a bit tingly. The songs ends with a lovely piano song. This album represents a band that takes its time "to consider the way you connect me." The music really connects together nicely and is thoughtful.

The album is available digitally for pay-what-you-want here.

Album Review: The State Lottery uplift on 'When The Night Comes'

The State Lottery- When the Night Comes
Brooklyn and Buffalo, NY / Seattle, WA / Detroit, Michigan
Released June 2010
Salinas Records

For fans of: Fake Problems, The Gaslight Anthem, Defiance, Ohio, Nana Grizol

By Star Child

When The Night Comes is the kind of album you smile to--and cry to--and sing to. Not because it's particularly sad,  but because it's so good and uplifting. It conjures that sort of emotion in just 9 songs. These guys know how to deliver good wholesome folk-punk tunes that stand on their own. The addition of trumpet adds compelling musical flavor to the songs. "Coming Alive" is just about what the name suggests. "Stories" is a bold one. "When the Night Comes" is another great number. "Everyone knows that everyone dies, that it's all the same in the end," goes the song. The album closes with "Spring, 2008, Detroit," an 8-minute song that hits you hard. Overall, these songs are fast, slow, sharp, poppy, boppy, and passionate. The melodies are great, the lyrics are honest--it's what I've been looking for to get me through rough days, and rough nights, to keep looking up to good days, and keeping in good spirits. Download it. Own it. This is the summer release you want to have.

Download It
Buy It

Album Review: Bridge & Tunnel keep it crafty, honest on 'Indoor Voices'

Bridge and Tunnel- Indoor Voices

Brooklyn/Long Island, New York

Released June 2010

No Idea Records

For fans of: Hot Water Music, Cap'N Jazz, Cursive, Thursday

By Star Child

Bridge and Tunnel is one of those bands that consistently release great records. I've been listening to Indoor Voices for weeks. Ever since the songs were posted on PunkNews, I've been soaking up the goodness that is this new EP and since I bought the vinyl at the band's Cake Shop with Small Brown Bike in May, I've been enjoying the album in my record player. This album is simply awesome. I barely know what to write, but this release deserves as much credit as it can get. The guitar is always intricate and intriguing, and the dual male/female vocals coupled with the driving and melodic rhythms make the release compelling. Then there's the wonderful lyrics. The vocals are fairly clean with some screams here and there. 

On "Predecessors" the band pays tribute to those who work. There's a nice note that goes along with it about how the elderly get neglected and unrecognized and deserve better. "Staples" is a touch heavier and one of my favorites. "New Dialogue" plays like a letter to a friend or lover, better yet loved one, but in song form. It's about being around for someone, being honest with them, and reminding them you care. Rachel takes lead vocals on this one. Her sweet, firm voice weaving nicely through the touching lyrics. "Room to Let" is a softer one where Jeff's vocals shine through nicely. Overall, this is a solid release from a tight band!

Indoor Voices is available on 10'' vinyl in various colors for only $8 from No Idea Records here.

Album Review: Marissa Paternoster goes solo, kinda, on 'Holy Hell'

Noun-Holy Hell
New Brunswick, NJ
Release Date: July 5, 2010
Don Giovanni Records

By Star Child

DOWNLOAD: Noun- Brother

We already know Marissa Paternoster as the singer and guitarist of Screaming Females. But after 5-years of keeping fairly quietly with her solo project, Noun, Paternoster has released a full-length album. A bit more musically involved and with less rock 'n roll bites than Screamales, Holy Hell, is a new collection of songs featuring  keys, organs, and toned-down guitars and drums. The album is mellow and melodic but keeps a particular groove that Screamales fans might still appreciate. Angela Boylan (of Cheeky and Little Lungs), Miranda Taylor (Hunchback, Black Wine, Full of Fancy), and bandmates Jarett Dougherty and King Mike all play on the album, too! Now let's get to it. 

Holy Hell features 10 songs. The album starts with the piano song "Black Lamb," then goes into a heavy, Screaming Females sounding jam with "Outerspace." The album then slows down on "Old Friends," a sad song that starts with no drums and some unintriguing guitar. Then it returns to the cool title track "Holy Hell." My personal favorite is "Wrong Things." Marissa's vocals are soft, melodic, and the guitar is nice, plus for some reason it reminds me of college life. Other heavier jams include "Pearly Gates" and "So Rough." The album also features a psychedelic sounding tune called "Brother." 

All in all, I feel like this is a cool album, but it too easily shifts from a piano or light guitar song to a heavy jam. It's an album where I just want to hear one song at a time, the song that captures my mood at the moment. Or it has me playing the same song over and over. 

Holy Hell is at available at the Don Giovanni Records store, Screaming Females shows, and select  record stores. 

Album Review: Full of Fancy play bouncy, sweet punk on 'Liquid Nature'

Full of Fancy- Liquid Nature 

Release June 23, 2010

New Jersey

Don Giovanni Records

Full of Fancy's new album Liquid Nature has 22 songs. 11 new songs, 11 singles from previous releases. Together it's a new and old take on Full of Fancy in one shot. The songs range from poppy to punk to sad to groovy. 

The new songs have a summertime vibe of being away from dear ones, wanting love and good weather, and feeling emotional."Basement" is a great representation of the band's sound. Bouncy and bursting with pop-punk flavor.

"Weather" is a somber song that reminds me of the now defunct New York band One True Thing. Here the band tones it down to sing "Tell me that I worry for nothing." After is a song that reminds me of Screaming Females. Heavy. Groovy. Instrumenal. This is the title track "Liquid Nature"-- a killer track. Certaintly unexpected from this band. "Dear Summer" is about anticipating summer. The album concludes with a cute song called "Dumb Is Forever," about being shy when you're in love.

The second part of the album features the quick "Soule Cake," "Gym Class," "Notebook," and "Whoa Theodore Whoa." This album is filled with wonderful songs. 

Liquid Nature is available from Don Giovanni Records store. 

Album Review: Chambers get heavy with 'Old Love'

Chambers- Old Love

Union, NJ

Self-Released 

Release Date: June 22, 2010

By Star Child

When I first saw Chambers open for Gallows in a outrageously, but to be expected, pipping hot basement in New Brunswick last July, I thought the band was pretty good for an opening act. The door guy nicely handed me a wrist band for myself and fellow friends to attend the show. I had no idea that the guy was Chamber's Dan Pelic and he lived at the house. I also  had no idea that my first time seeing them was the band's first show. I impressed. The band has been playing shows locally ever since and in less than a year's time has its first full-length out. So enough background, let's get to the review. 

Metal fans. Hardcore fans. Punk fans. Rejoice. Jersey locals Chambers delivers an album to satisfy all your tastes. On Old Love, the band maintain the heaviness of metal, the attitude of hardcore, and the edge of punk. Simply put this is a heavy album with angry undertones, driving rhythms, and chuggy riffs with an anthemic vibe. "Ripper" is a  good example of the band's fueling sound. Heavy riffs. Beasty vocals. "Old Love" squeals on. Singer Pelic screams "You're fucking dead to me." "Crap Out " is driving with some clean vocals. "The Nest" is on the heaviest and angriest songs on the albums. There's a chuggy riff midway through the song and one of the most  notable lines goes: "I lived to hurt you/And my chambers are your fucking vice." These 11 songs don't let up. These songs rip.

Old Love is available across digial retailers: I-tunes, Rhapsody, MySpace Music, Amazon, EMUSIC, LALA, IMVU, Amie St, Shockhound.com, Nokia Music Store and the Lime Wire Store.

Also, make sure to call up WSOU 89.5 FM and request "The Ripper." 973-761-9768 (WSOU)