Moossa - Get Away
504 North Inc.
The second CD by Richmond, Virginia's Moossa is another good time mix of alt folk with a subtle jam rock vibe and flashes of reggae. Think of Bob Dylan, Widespread Panic and Sublime being whipped in a blender with a couple shots of Appleton Rum. "Break Apart" is a laid back romp with sweet guitar licks. "New War" is a passionate plea fueled by music to the shade of Phish, and "Night Rider" has a gritty blues bite. Augmented by excellent musicianship, and well-written songs, John's vocals are a bit Tom Petty and a touch Trey Anastasio as he lends the extra dose of soul to the slyly sardonic lyrics.URL: http://www.moossa.com E-mail: jmbmoose@hotmail.com
Steve Grimm - On The Outside Looking In
Another solid disc of well crafted, enjoyable music from Milwaukee’s stalwart songwriter/vocalist. Aging with grace from his days with Midwest rock icons Bad Boy, Steve still injects serious power and passion into rockers like the hooky “Angel Come Home” and the blues fueled “Don’t Come Cryin’”. His voice has not lost any of its fire and emotive intensity, and with excellent musicianship and songwriting throughout the disc, Steve’s love of creating music is nowhere near waning. URL: http://www.prettygrimm.com E-mail: sjgrimm@execpc.com
The Vacant Halls - 3 song EP
Atlanta power trio provides a solid first glimpse at their talents. You can hear influences as diverse as The Police, 38 Special and Matchbox 20, generating a fairly unique blend of guitar power with pop flavorings, strong vocals and just the right touch of edginess. "My Big Mouth" has a radio ready feel to it, while "Blush Red" is an inspired acoustic driven ballad. The lyrics are a cut above normal as well, fueling the interest to hear more from these guys. URL: www.vacanthalls.com E-mail: band@vacanthalls.com
Kathy Fleischmann - Unresolved
Bent Pussycat Records
A former alt rock band vocalist, south Florida's Kathy Fleischmann's turn as a singer/songwriter is still going strong, exemplified by her latest effort. Her lyrics are brilliant and obviously emanate from various corners of her heart and soul, carried by her voice which takes Joni Mitchell's blues and injects it with Bjork's angst. With crafty backdrops of folk, rock and bare bones acoustic guitar, Kathy shows that she deserves widespread attention.URL: http://www.kathyfleischmann.com E-mail: kathy@kathyfleischmann.com
Waxburn - Hey Hey
Capsule Records
Brainchild of singer/songwriter Jim Camacho, the debut from this Miami band melds contrasting influences from punk to acoustic alt pop and retro psychedelia into a great first effort. From driving rockers like "Making My Day" to the acoustic hook powered "The Optimist" and the brash "Found It" Jim and his cohorts execute their creation with both precision and serious life force. Jim's intense but melodic vocals and thoughtful lyrics are another notable dimension. URL: http://www.waxburn.com e-mail: info@capsulemedia.tv
Split Sense - Somber
Queens, NY's hard rocking foursome Split Sense is a fresh and incendiary new voice in metal. The melodic harmony vocals with only rare gruff embellishments and acoustic driven passages temper the furious guitar attack and Godzilla walking rhythms. "My Fate" is a perfect example of the intricacies of the songwriting, which borders on prog but without overblown instrumentation. They could become a leader to break away from the current noise metal morass. URL: http://www.splitsense.com
Chandler Marks - Feeling Van Gogh
Mish Music - CMARKS5784
The multi-textured voice of Rensselaer, NY's Chandler Marks grasps you right from the haunting Celtic tinged vocals on "I Need To Laugh." Think Tori Amos with a Dolly Parton inflection and you get the idea of her lovely voice, handling the songs from the passionate piano graced ballad "Here I Am" moving on to the lusty, smoky jazz of "Swim" to the subtle techno pop of "Dangerous" with equally poignant grace. This is music that will catch your ears and touch your soul. URL: http://www.chandlermarks.com E-mail: chandlermarks@yahoo.com
Robert Farrell Band - Sun House Fury
KS Communications - KSCD0928
From Ottawacomes guitar playing that is steeped in Louisiana swamps, Texas hills and Chi-Town back alleys. Robert Farrell's voice has a more alt rock edge and his songwriting stretches beyond the typical blues rock path. Stand out songs include "Blind," "Heatseeker" and the boogie fueled instrumental "Sidewinder" in which Robert flat out smokes on the slide. Canada's answer to Johnny Winter, Robert Cray and Sonny Landreth. URL: http://www.robertfarrell.com E-mail: kscomm@cyberus.ca
Earthshine - 4 song EP
YThe music from Charlotte, NC's Earthshine is a bit like a stripped down Coldplay on a Jesus and Mary Chain trip. "Follow You" is both poppish and highly emotive, while "Melody" begins with lush acoustic pickings before morphing into a seething growling beast. Vocals to the nod of Chris Martin, inventive songwriting and potent rhythms in the proper dosage underlines the fact that this is a trio to watch out for.
TM© May 2004
Lana Lane - Winter Sessions