"Album Reviews"
Sponsored In Part By
Icos-INCURABLE CONTACT
Madcap Digital Records
The debut CD from Icos is an eclectic mix of white-boy funk,
country, and acoustic-tinged rock 'n roll but unfortunately it
doesn't commit to any particular groove. Sounding a bit like Alice
in Chains sans the heroin and despair, it's a smattering of
different musical styles that need a little direction.
- Janet Schmidt
Victory-VOICEPRINT
Event Records/SaRaya Recordings
This is some of the best melodic hard rock you'll find, and it
comes from a veteran German band. Guitar solos that drive the music
forward, and songs motored by insistent, melodic, powerful vocals.
In even a barely tolerant radio environment, "Run and Hide" and
"Fighting the Reality" would put Victory on the map instantly --
they have the finesse of Tall Stories or Giant but with much more
ferocity. And "Deep Inside the Reality" would be the mainstream
smash hit, Journey-esque ballad. This is an amazing CD.
- Geoff Wilbur
Days of the New-DAYS OF THE NEW
Outpost Recordings
Like an eerie, lonely, almost haunting blend of classic rock,
progressive rock, Metallica-esque unhappy metal, acoustic-styled
cadences, and heavy pop alternative mood all rolled into a single
sound, Days of the New sounds familiar on several fronts but comes
across totally unique and original.
- Geoff Wilbur
Homesick James-WORDS OF WISDOM
Icehouse Records
This disc is a must have for all who appreciate traditional blues.
Cousin to the late and great Elmore James, Homesick James and his
style of understated but expressive blues pulls you in and doesn't
let go. Very gut-pounding bottleneck slide work and an overall
classic blues feel throughout these recordings. Features 7 original
cuts with others by Jimmy Reed and cousin Elmore James himself.
This is the real stuff, kids. Emotional and honest blues.
- Mike Somers
NOTE: Due to space constraints, the following reviews were not
included in the print edition of the RENEGADE. They are only
available here in the online edition.
Kyle Vincent-KYLE VINCENT
Hollywood Records
Some extremely whiny vocals are backed up by surprisingly solid
tunes. I like the solid base and upbeat rhythm. This is a CD full
of whacky contrasts and cute riffs. Kyle stays away from the
tinned electronic sound of so much pop music. He uses real
instruments to produce a real fun, upbeat and rounded sound to all
his tracks. This CD has images of sunny and shiny waters but
beneath it lurks the depths of a lingering depression. The lyrics
keep talking about abandonment and hopelessness. If I just feel
the music, I can enjoy the tunes. Listening to the words just
makes me feel iccky.
- Rebecca Szilvagyi
Brad-INTERIORS
Epic Records
Best known for featuring Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam fame, this
anti-grunge side project is oddly without any edge at all. Filled
with Jim Croce, Neil Young, and Steve Windwood-sounding melodies,
it pulls no real punches. It does, however, pull out all the stops
to mimic that groovy 70's sound: complete with lilting piano,
falsetto-voiced smarmy lyrics, and light-weight ballads. If this is
something you've been missing, pick this disc up.
- Janet Schmidt
Verbow-CHRONICLES
550 Music
Produced by venerated genius Bob Mould of the defunct Husker-Du,
this is proof that not only does he have lots of talent; he can
also spot it. This tight-sounding Chicago quartet feeds on driving,
pop rhythms, and beautiful melodies with an undercurrent of the
morose. The cello accompaniment of Allison Chesley makes it all the
more sublime: sheer pleasure from beginning to end.
- Janet Schmidt
Voodoo Glow Skulls-BAILE DE LOS LOCOS
Epitaph Records
This seven-man Southern California set (featuring brothers Frank,
Jorge and Eddie Casillas) and their new album, BAILE DE LOS LOCOS,
are a definitive example of intensity. Led by the album's first
single, "Bulletproof," you are taken through what sounds like a
cartoon chase scene from hell. The album also features VGS's saucy
version of "Feliz Navidad" for your holiday collection. If
hardcore, headbangin' punk is what you're looking for, you might
want to look out for the Voodoo Glow Skulls.
- Chris VanOchten
Moist-CREATURE
Arista Records
An interesting mix of sounds, and pretty poppy for a CD with song
titles like "Hate" and "Creature." (It even has a ballad.) With the
intensity and driving force of Live, it combines urgent,
high-tempoed guitar-backed rock, with a sprinkle of piano, horns,
cello, and organ. It also effectively changes mood and direction at
the drop of a hat.
- Janet Schmidt
John & Audrey Wiggins-THE DREAM
Mercury Records Nashville
With the glut of new country artists being turned out these days,
it's sometimes hard to tell where true talent will come shining
through. John and sister Audrey Wiggins follow up a most
critically-acclaimed debut release with THE DREAM and score a
certain shining example of what contemporary country music can
aspire to. Beautiful blending harmonies carry every cut, and the
first-rate musicianship push these 11 solid song selections to
break-out status. Standout cuts include "Once You've Loved
Somebody" and "Were You Ever Really Mine."
- Mike Somers
Baboon-SECRET ROBOT CONTROL
Wind-up Records
An assault of hardcore rhythms, feedback, hyperactive pounding
drums, crunching metal, and screaming chainsaw sounds, topped with
disturbing chanting/screeching vocals. Best described as background
music for running down a dark alley away from a killer. Definitely
not for everyone.
- Janet Schmidt
Seven Mary Three-ROCKCROWN
Atlantic Records
Orlando's 7M3 deserve the "RockCrown" for this: its third and most
ambitious release to date. Lyrically introspective, the combination
of melodic arrangements with straight-up rock 'n roll forge a new
direction for the band that's bound to please current fans and win
new ones. It's also gorgeously produced.
- Janet Schmidt
Popa Chubby-HIT THE HIGH HARD ONE
Prime CD
Looking for another reason to love the blues and worship the
Stratocaster? Look no further, my friends. Popa Chubby sends both
to new heights with his third CD release. Recorded live and
kickin', the performances collected here showcase a huge guitar
talent and a raw, emotional explosion of blues-flavored rock that
would set any club on fire. Popa Chubby plays it his way, which is
to say, IN-YOUR-FACE! Blistering lead breaks provide the only
relief from the rough and tumble vocals and the rock solid rhythm
section on every track. Shredding guitar solo after solo put forth
a firestorm of sound guaranteed to please any blues or soul
rockers.
Standout tracks inclued: "Sweet Goddess of Love and Beer," "Trail
of Tears," and a roadhouse reading of Bob Dylan's "Isis." This disc
captures Popa Chubby at his current best and promises the listener
a wild ride with driving, pounding songs, full-force and from-the-
gut vocals, and some of the best improvisational guitar soloing
around. Come ta' Popa!
- Mike Somers
5 Chinese Brothers-LET'S KILL SATURDAY NIGHT
Prime CD
This third CD from the Brothers offers something for everyone, from
down-home flavored pop songs to dark broodings about lost
relationships and lovers almost forgot. What makes this collection
stand out is the deadly sense of humor and the unmistakable
American charm used to take aim at their targets. Great songwriting
and very proficient musicianship aid the listener to feel the
moods, see the colors, and appreciate these very heartfelt and
honest songs. Call it "New Country" or "Progressive American Folk-
Rock" or whatever fits your fancy. I call it "Damn Good Music."
- Mike Somers
Shootyz Groove-HIPNOSIS
Once again Shootyz Groove attempts to prove that musical genres
know no boundaries with their unique blend of hip-hop and heavy
metal that help make their second full-length album, HIPNOSIS, a
great showcase for this Brooklyn group. Funk grooves are coupled
with methodic, pulsating guitar rifts help bring out the
challenging lyrics which are the real vehicle for Shootyz's sound.
Even if your tastes run straight hip-hop or metal, Shootyz Groove
deserves a good listen to; you may be surprised.
- Chris VanOchten