Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

Skillet - Collide
Lava Records - 93192-2
Skillet has bridged the gap between Christian rock and commercial music with the strength of the Golden Gate. The intense brand of guitar fueled and melodic voiced rock found on "Collide" stands up against any hard driving act out there. The lyrics however take an obviously positive tack, driving home their message without throwing Bible verses or praises of Jesus in your face. There is also a high integrity factor in the music, because the songs are well-crafted and in spite of feeling influences from other acts, there is an element of innovation as well. This is music that will make you rock and think simultaneously. URL: http://www.skillet.org

Sonya Heller - Fourth Floor
The Big Apple's latest gift to the singer/songwriter world may be one of the most ear-opening in a long time. A bit Joan Baez, a little P.J. Harvey and even a breath of Gillian Welch are felt here, but overall this is about a lady with a wonderful emotive timbre to her voice, weaving poignant stories from the heart with unique vocalizing styles. The songs are very well-composed, from the subtly snappy folk vibe of "Before The Storm" and rainy night smooth jazz of "Not A Whole Lot to Say" to the haunting lilt of "King of Kings." Phenomenal guitar plucking by Sonya and stellar instrumental back-ups add extra spice. URL: http://www.sonyaheller.com E-mail: sonyaheller@msn.com

John Oliva's Pain - Tage Mahal
The latest project from the prog vocal deity launches with a surprising bluesy piano intro before the metal explodes with it's usual dramatic bombast. "People Say - Gimme Some Hell" proves that Jon's voice is as sonic as it was in his Savatage days, backed by a more bare bones rock feel. "Guardian of Forever" returns to the more orchestrated rock opus styles he is famous for. You always expect a spectacular music feast from Jon, and "Tage Mahal" is no exception. URL: http://www.jonoliva.net

Guido Priori - Journey Tribute
This tribute to the classic rock icon Journey is handled with respect and just the right waft of a personal touch by this vocalist from Italy. Guido does a fairly faithful Steve Perry imitation with a very slight accent in the singing that actually adds unexpected flavor. The band backing him also mimics the music with stellar musicianship. Some of the best efforts are their versions of" Don't Stop Believin'" Wheel in the Sky" and "Stone In Love." URL: http://www.griorijourneytribute.homestead.com E-mail: pierguid@libero.it

Dolour - New Old Friends
Made In Mexico Records - mex12
The CD title is an indicator of what you will find on the debut from this Seattle band. Beatles and Cheap Trick influences are weaved with the more modern touches of Weezer and Sum 41 along with some welcome surprises. The slight Latino vibe of "Next To You" and the brash guitar solo fueled power pop of "CPR" show extra inventiveness in the songwriting. Retro, hooky melodies that create rock that is fun at its basic core. URL: http://www.madeinmexicorecords.com E-mail: info@madeinmexicorecords.com

John Gaar Band - Bittersweet Success
Jango Bleaux Records
It's easy to be anonymous in the glutted Austin music scene, but John Gaar appears to have what it takes to garner notice. With a soulful voice interjected into Allmanesque blues and country rock, John breaks the typified alt mantra of the town and instead flaunts his roots in a thoroughly enjoyable way. The gutbucket shuffle of "That Ain't True" and the intense ballad "Hard Rain" are two standouts on this comforting yet innovative for its honest simplicity disc. URL: http://www.johngaar.com E-mail: johngaar@aol.com

Brian Hartzog - One-Way Ticket

Indie Boy Music - 7 10012-6
Brian Hartzog has a unique voice perfectly suited to the darkly humorous words prevalent on this disc. The Charlotte, NC songsmith chooses funk as the chariot for his words from the horn fueled stomp in "Motha Funky" to the more folksy feel of "Amy's Run Away" and the Bill Withers inspired "Don't Say No." The music does become the backdrop for the true star here. as the lyrics will make you want to replay the disc several times to see if you heard what you think you did. URL: http://www.brianhartzog.com E-mail: brian@brianhartzog.com

Lisa O'Kane - Peace of Mind
Raisin' Kame Records - RK4129
California's Lisa O'Kane produces a brand of country that ignores the Nashville regimen and pulls from the alt country ladies ala Rosanne Cash and the more Americana influences of Emmy Lou Harris. The swampy "Foggy River" is followed by the emotive ballad "Long Gone." "Settle Down" is a raucous fiddle-fueled romp. Graced throughout by Lisa's wonderful voice and thoughtful lyrics, this is the type of country we need to hear more of. URL: http://www.lisaokane.com E-mail: martha@somuchmoore.com

Mad Violet - Worry the Jury
Maple Nationwide - 2588941622
The sweet vocal harmonies of Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac grasp you from the first notes of the hooky alt folk of "Light It Up" and keep you enthralled throughout. Sweet ballads like "Haight Ashbury" and the sultry power groove in "I'm Alright" show just a couple sides of their songcrafting prowess. Add in the world-wise thought-provoking lyrics and this duo from Nova Scotia could be the hottest pair of songbirds since the Indigo Girls. URL: http://www.madviolet.com E-mail: jmonaco@sympatico.ca

Seismic Anamoly - Snake Eyes
Statue Records - 57327543
The brainchild of Meridian, Mississippi's Michael S., this instrumental rocker seethes with a growling guitar attack backed by post industrial rhythms. You feel the influences of Ministry and Ramstein, kissed with guitar work that can range from punked up squawk in "Just Don't Give a Damn" to hair metal shred in "Runnin' Amok." With fresh song writing approaches, Michael proves you don't have to be an arpeggio master to create intense rock guitar instrumentals. URL: http://www.seismicanamoly.com E-mail: sanamoly@yahoo.com