Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

MBandi - Harbor Nights
Residing in the nation's capital, MBandi is a compelling keyboardist who melds jazz, new age and various world stylings with ambient string, horn and percussion embellishments. "Caribbean Shores" transports you to that location with a laid back island groove that has a vibrant touch, while "Tribal Dance" pulses with the mysticism of MBandi's native Cameroon. "In Your Eyes" is a hauntingly beautiful piece with a soothing but intense feel. "Could it Be" features the provocative vocals of Alfreda Gerald in a lush backdrop of light jazz and R&B flavors. Although influences of modern pianists like John Tesh and George Winston are felt, MBandi has the talent and passion to carve his own scenic musical path. URL: http://www.mbandimusic.com E-mail: ngu_mbandi@yahoo.com

Transcendence - Sleep With You
TMG Records - TMG0012
Miami's Transcendence melds Brit pop styles including a healthy touch U2 with a more American slant on alt rock laced with welcome songwriting quirks. The guitar fueled power rock of the title track, the atmospheric but intense "Junkie" and the coyly humorous hook laden "Minnie Driver" display some of the more diverse personalities. The writing is fresh and the vocals are particularly delectable, creating songs that are well structured and very enjoyable. URL: http://www.transcendence.com E-mail: info@indiego.com

Down to the Shake - Not the Same
Atlanta has given the metal world Sevendust and Double Drive, and if "Not the Same" is any indication, Down to the Shake may be the next gift. The lead track "Invisible" is a potent blend of classic metal styles fueled with a more modern drive. The "mellower" vibe of "Fallen" retains a seething power with stellar vocal harmonies that are also prevalent in the heavier tunes. This is innovative music with the sonic intensities tempered masterfully with more melodic passages and the right touch of hooks. URL: http://www.downtotheshake.com E-mail: info@downtotheshake.com

Yellow Brick Ed - 6 song EP
"When I Met Susie" the first song from this Boston area foursome makes you think a bit of a more tempered Blind Melon. "Lower Than the Angels" has a snappy groove flavored with jangly guitars and some sweet organ work. "Eli" is the edgiest song here, with a bit more guitar power and potent vocals that remain melodic. A heady mixture of alt and pop flavorings, well thought out lyrics and comforting song structures. URL: http://www.yellowbricked.com E-mail: tony@yellowbricked.com

Identity - Hope and Future
The luscious vocals of Sarah Pecchia grasp your heart and soul from the first strains of the rock ballad "You're My Rock," launching the mission of this impassioned Christian rock quartet from Youngstown, Ohio. "Easy" has a prog/pop feel like a grittier Foreigner, while "Little Jack Horner" is a modern rock romp. The message in the lyrics is clear, and Identity conveys it with well crafted songs that allow you to kick back and enjoy them while even rocking out a bit. URL: http://www.identityrocks.com E-mail: dan@identityrocks.com

Exhibit F - Blue in the Background
Gritty guitar power, vocals that are a bit Martha Davis, and touch Courtney Love and intricate rhythms permeate the ear opening debut from San Diego's Exhibit F. "Sliding" has a power alt groove, followed by the punkified "Down" and the twisted pop of "Heir." There is a background simplicity to the music which sprouts tentacles of innovative songwriting further enhanced but obvious music talent. This band puts the alt back in alt rock. URL: http://www.exibitf.com E-mail: ndenny@ndenny.com

Phineas J. Whoopie - Second Time Around
This Miami foursome creates some pretty cool guitar heavy alt rock that retains a hooky groove with some nice surprises. The power cord fueled "Can't You Feel Me" and the more acoustic drive of "Cake" show the opposite ends of their songwriting spectrum. The earthy groove of "Plot" with a guitar vibe ala The Edge is one of the stronger songs. Solid vocals and lyrics with a slightly sardonic edge add even more life to the music. URL: http://www.phineasjwhoopie.com E-mail: pjwhoopie@mindspring.com

Vinyl Soup - Chasing Yesterday
Creek Slide Records - CSR-1001
Nashville's Vinyl Soup provides solid proof that jam rock is far from dead. You can hear a decided influence from Phish, but they interject their own feel into the music. The jazzy "Front Door," the laid back funk groove of "Fog" and the sly muddy blues ballad "In and Out of Touch" prove that they use their influences primarily as roots to grow vines that yield their own tasty fruit. Great instrumental chops and soulful vocals help simmer this delicious soup. URL: http://www.vinylsoup.com E-mail: bookings@vinylsoup.com

Stereo Soul - self titled
Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, Stereo Soul's power pop ranges from radio ready efforts to avant garde creations that turn your head. "Internet Life Sucks" is the kind of hook laden guitar rock that FM stations love. "Mary Stuyvesant" has a quirky Dirty Dancing backdrop with a modern edge and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. "(I'm In Love With a) Porn Star" also draws from 60's pop rock, driving it with and alt rooted fire. Don't let the radio song fool you, these guys are inventive. URL: http://www.stereosoul.com E-mail: fuzzy5113@aol.com

Fran Gray - Eclectic Encounter
Heart Spring Music - HSM1007
Singer/songwriter Fran Gray makes you think a bit of Shawn Colvin and Iris Dement, but her wonderful vocal styles have their own personality, fully blossomed on this her fourth CD. Provocative lyrics are wonderfully conveyed by her voice which ranges from the breathless emotion of "Alive" to the gutsy power of "In Your Room" and the chilling beauty of "Ghost.." Music that toys with various incarnations of rock and folk augment the talents of this Portland, Oregon gem. URL: http://www.frangraymusic.com E-mail: fgray@teleport.com