Cat Designers - Strange Little Creature
Googlie Mooglie Records -GOOCD002
The Doors and Talking Heads come to mind immediately when listening to "Vain as I Am," the lead track from this Brit foursome. They put a nice edge on it so it's not totally retro, and Nick Troop's haunting Morrison meets Byrne voice is hard to ignore or resist. Eerie keyboards, crunchy guitars and twisted hooks permeate the music. The psychedelia backdrop has an occasionally Bowie vibe, the crowning touch to music that is lively, intense, well thought out and composed. URL: http://www.catdesigners.co.uk E-mail: nick@catdesigners.co.uk
Rik Wright 4Tet - Polymorphism
Hipsync Records - HSG03-017
From the often musically innovative city of Seattle comes Rik Wright, a stellar jazz guitarist with a real slant on the future of the genre. With influences of classic artists from Mingus to Zappa, the fresh music smacks of the free form type more commonly heard at European festivals. Ejaculations from a plethora of instruments are channeled through song structures loosely arranged ala the Dead, allowing the improvisation and musicianship to flat knock you out. URL: http://www.rikwright.com E-mail: info@hipsync.org
Jessie Rae - Out of the Blue
The creation of Portland, Oregon writing tandem Joan Meyer and Lauren Semler creates music with elements of blues, reggae, folk and an overall mellow vibe graced with Joan's ambiently intense vocals and great chops from all the musicians. The journey takes you from Montego Bay in "Blue Armor" to back alley Memphis in "Can You Explain" and 6th street in Austin on "Walk With You." The songs also retain a solid pop slant without compromising the musical integrity. URL: http://www.jessierae.com E-mail: joan@jessierae.com
Eric Knight - Fractured Fairy Tales
28 Records - TE10430
Miami's Eric Knight is a former hair metal purveyor, with perhaps the only ghost of that past on his solo debut being the intensity of his vocals. More rooted in grunge and modern alt sounds, the guitar heavy rock ranges from the hook fueled "The Obvious One" to the Creed like "Crux Of The Matter" and the alt folk fervor in "Silly Love Song." Eric's obvious versatility in both songwriting and vocal stylings make for very solid songs that at their core are just good, edgy rock. URL: http://www.ericknightonline.com E-mail: rec28@aol.com
Kyler - A Flower Grows in Stone
Gypsy Rock Records - GRR5203
Kyler is a cut above your average singer/songwriter, as she may have found the right mid ground between pop, folk, rock and Americana. The hook driven chorus' and vocal power drive songs that cull influences as diverse as U2, The Dixie Chicks, Sarah McLachlan and Collective Soul. From passionate ballads like "Higher Ground" to snappy rockers like "Radioactive" Kyler grasps you with her musical honesty which extends to all facets of her songs. http://www.kylerengland.com E-mail: leslierising@hotmail.com
7 Sharp 9 - Gathering
Atlanta's 7 Sharp 9 drives a modern rock machine that tries to do things just a bit different. Witness the lead track "Wherever You Are" with its potent harmonies, gritty guitars and slight country and pop whiffs added to the edgy rock drive. "Words" starts with a mellow pulsing groove before unleashing the right burst of intensity. The music allows certain views of their aggressions with a more passionate side, combined with thoughtful lyrics and fresh songwriting perspectives. URL: http://www.sevensharpnine.com e-mail: booking@sevensharpnine.com
The Emergency - How Can You Move?
YGoal 01
From the hills of West Virginia comes more power than a runaway coal train. This trio takes classic rock influences from the Who and the Beatles and scorch it with gritty punkish styles ala The Offspring. The power riffs and driving rhythms of "Church of the Chix Denomination" are followed by the rollicking hook driven "Morning Announcements" and the delicious punk stomp "Stop Sign." The obvious element here is that this is three guys who just love to rock. http://www.theemergency.net E-mail: rob2theemergency.net
Janine Stange - Lifetime Guarantee
Janine Stange may have one of the most endearing new voices around. The vocals can rival pop divas from country to rock, but with the emotional fuel of P.J. Harvey or Melissa Etheridge. Songs tend to be acoustic driven with power rhythms, which work to great effect as the vehicle for her voice. Some of the stronger songs are the breathless ballad "Sunrise," and the naughty but nice rock of "Sweet Air." More intriguing a lot of the new (and veteran) ladies out there. URL: http://www.janinestange.com E-mail: booking@janinestange.com
Day of Infamy - Red Autumn
DOI Records - DOI6521
This extremely youthful band from Orlando (ages are 19, 16, 15 and 11) show incredible maturity with their first album. Perhaps the greatest surprise is the subtlety of which they weave metal, alt, grunge and plain old rock creating a signature sound that cannot be pigeon holed into either category. There are only three songs here, but the potential is stunning, with songwriting twists and turns, great musicianship, intense vocals and smart lyrics. These kids are definitely all right! URL: http://www.dayofinfamymusic.com E-mail: islpr@aol.com
TM© July 2004