Reviews by Mark E. Waterbury

David Fiorenza - Tan, Rested & Ready
Blind Cat Music - BCN 5.20.03
This CD by Pennsylvania singer/songwriter is a happy go lucky mix of pop songs combining elements of reggae, island music, folk and rock with witty lyrics. The snappy title track gets you grooving while "Texas" goes on a strange but fun sort of country slant. Along with the enjoyable lyrics are some interesting guitar and instrumental work that add a hearty dose of flavor to the songs. URL: http://www.geocites.com/davidfiorenza E-mail: lisa@blindcatmusic.com

Andrew D. Huber - Ten Songs From the Side Room
Singer/songwriter/guitarist for the band Gecko Club, Andrew D. Huber's first solo album melds folkish melodies with styles ranging from mellow country in "Celebrity" to the atmospheric "London" and rollicking "Favorite Local Bar." Andrew's voice gains notice right away with it's pleasing timber fueled by a sort of ambient power. Solid lyrics and the talent and desire to do things a bit different bode well here. URL: http://www.andrewhuber.com E-mail: geckoclub@aol.com

Shiver -The Way We Are
NRW Music
The Big Apple's Shiver kicks in alt rock with solid vocals, not real heavy but has a potent guitar power & great hooks to the songs. At times it sounds a bit like Oasis, with maybe a touch of Good Charlotte. Driving rockers like "Friend of Mine" and "My Day" also provide interesting songwriting idiosyncrasies that spice up the pop vibe. Only a seven song demo but there is a serious amount of good music here. URL: http://www.shivernews.com E-mail: Shivernews@hotmail.com

Crown 10 - Crown 10
So Cal Records - CD SC-7799-1
Joel Maitoza, the former drummer from 24-7 Spyz has helmed a new power trio with cohorts James Brady and Roz Taylor. The result is like a kinder, gentler but still potent Spyz - a more alt rock soul is laced with funky riffs that are not overly heavy but are powerful in their own way. The emotive lead and harmony vocals add a killer edge to the songs, from the explosive "Agreements" to the jazzy, folkish ballad "New York City." URL: http://www.crown10.com E-mail: joelspy@cs.com

R50 - The Golden Highs
Tampa is more known for its death metal scene, but R50 is working to change that. Chunky guitar fueled alt rock with good hooks and excellent vocals, a little like Foo Fighters with a bit of a Brit rock influence to the shade of the Fab Four. Songs like "The Golden Highs" and "Same Old Me." have radio airplay written all over them. This band could easily explode beyond the Bay Area. URL: http://www.R50rocks.com E-mail: geoff@r50rocks.com

Brown Sox - Music To Quilt By
Nine Mile Music
Brown Sox roar out of the Big Easy with prog rock mixing the roots of Rush and King Crimson with more aggressive modern purveyors like Spock's Beard and Fates Warning. The vibe is definitely modern, with really strong vocals and great musicianship. The songs aren't overly pompous or too intricate but are still quite intelligent and stunningly powerful. Prog may have their future new darlings here.URL: http://www.brownsox.com E-mail: NineMileMusic@Worldnet.att

Debbie Hennessey - Rustic Heart
Squeaky Cat Music
L.A. based singer/songwriter Debbie Hennesey tilts toward the pop-country side, with a unique and refreshing voice like a cross between Ann Wilson and Joan Baez. The songs are well composed, an example being "This Ain't About You" with its poppy drive enhanced with stellar fiddle and piano work. The vocals tend to be from the heart, and when combined with emotive music as in the balladic "Midnight to Cinderella" they really shine. URL: http://www.debbiehennessey.com E-mail: debbie_hennessey@hotmail.com

The New Element - Forgiveness is my Curse
Underground Productions - F6-2-4-001
Powerful vocals and snarling guitars slam you right from the first notes of "Stigmata" by this brash New York City foursome. Metal that does a great job of jolting modern influences from Disturbed andwith the thrash of Sepultura and the edginess of Iron Maiden. Very good potential in the areas of musical talent and stretching the songwriting envelopeURL: http://www.damageyastamina.com E-mail: bmclean11@hotmail.com

John Sid - For Loving You
Long Island's Jon Sid unleashes rock with elements ranging from punk to metal to alt with other slight tastes. The different facets are often combined with more unique vibes in the same song. Jon also shows distinct vocal personalities, from the Police era Sting flavor in "For Loving You" to the barrelhouse blues of "A Little Faith" and the rock snarl of "Hell is Coming."The production needs work but the quality of the songs is still noticeable. URL: http://www.johnsid.com E-mail: john@johnsid.com

Call Me Alice - Sweet New Disease
The rock and roll from San Diego's Call Me Alice is a bit prog-ish with some slightly techno aspects. Influences from Portishead, Lana Lane and the B-52's make an interesting and fervent futuristic rock stew.The vocals that nod towards Veruca Salt's Louise Post inject extra zest into the music. Some of the songs are brilliant, particularly "Fly" which turns a children's song into a cyber rock hoot. URL: http://www.callmealice.com E-mail: callmealice@callmealice.com