Transcend The Fallen "Between Perception and Regret"
By J.Sane "Do you Transcend?" That is the question put forth by Nashville, Tennessee's 5-piece Melodic Hard Rock band Transcend the Fallen.I received TTF's debut full-length CD "Between Perception and Regret" having only been offered that one sentence about the band. So I set out to find an answer to the ambiguous question. What I found out about the band was quite pleasing before actually hearing one song. The self-described "Pretty Metal" sound mixes a wide range of genres. From Metal to Alternative Rock; from Screamo to Pop; and from Emo to a hint of Classic Rock. Full of intrigue, I finally let the music roll.Apon listening to the first three tracks, "Something to think about while your out tonight", "Again" and "Falling Backwards", I found a story starting to take shape. Whether the band planned it this way or not, I found that "Between Perception and Regret" is a concept album about a bad relationship that gradually gets worse and ends tragically. Bringing about feverish sadness, heated angst, marred betrayal, and leads to self-exploration and understanding to a mind blowing acceptance and healing. Singer Matthew Bess' vocal range on this journey is nothing less than superb. With a mixture of soft harmonizing vocals to gutteral screams that do not overpower the song or message in the lyrics, but rather compliment them and help the listener feel the story being told. His emotion comes through with every word where I actually absorbed what he was singing and transformed them to my own feelings. A very hard technique for singers to accomplish, but is what makes the best in vocalists. To write a story is hard enough. To have the listener actually feel as though the story is somehow related to themselves and take them on a journey from within, now that is what creates a genuine art.The guitars in every song blaze with riffs that compliment every lyric and help magnify the transference I was experiencing. From the hard based rhythm from Jason Garrie, to the guiding lead of Stephen Lewis' axe. They both seem to weave in and out of patterned leads with driving rhythms and solos, but not leaving you confused by the changes because they always remain true to the tracks themselves as a whole. On the ninth track "Never Again" is the best example of this. As both axemen intertwine and make the whole song climb from depths, rising to crescendos that had me aching to see them playing it live. The solo at 1:45 had me envisioning Lewis carving the path in my mind of the journey the album put forth. Martha Ramos' bass and Phillip Garners drums work together on every track as the threading backbone behind the music of TTF. Tying everything together on each song and providing a solid foundation for the vocals and guitars to shine apon. Not to be dubbed "having a female bass player, just for the sake of being female", Ramos grinds out every pluck, finger and strum providing the driving force behind the songs. Also providing that driving force is Garners master of his set of skins, always changing his styles to bring the songs the heartbeat of rhythm and soul. On the fourth track, "You're Burning Denim, I'm Burning Alive", Garners crossover patterns were impeccable and displayed the wide range of his abilities and precise timing.As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed the jouney "Between Perception and Regret" brought about in me. From pain and despair, through firey angst and heated betrayal. Which eventually led to surprising discovery and self-enlightenment, enpowering above the wrongs that had been dealt to land in a place of content and achievement. None so evident as on the seventh track "Shattered" which is, in this listeners ears, the enbodiment of the journey, and also the first track that should be released as a single on this album. All of the tracks were very well put together, mixed and mastered to perfection, and it shows in the finished product. The message and story of the album reign through. Listening from the very beginning, to the fateful end had me captivated, and feeling, that yes, I too have come to Transcend. Visit Transcend The Fallen on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TranscendtheFallen |
Machine Elves "Fancy Suits & Cigarettes" By J.Sane Apon receiving Machine Elves' debut full-length CD "Fancy Suits & Cigarettes", I was shocked to find out that this band has not been signed to a major label. After listening to every track, I assumed that this was the bands choice to remain Independent, as any label to pass on signing them must be completely insane. Either that, or just plain hard of hearing.Delving into the background of the band, guitarists Frank Fasano and Lou LaRocco along with drummer Tommy Mitchell formed Machine Elves in 2009 in New York City. After several months of auditions, they found their perfect fit at vocals in Joey Calveri. Known for on and off Broadway plays "Rock of Ages" and "Wonderland", Calveri had the perfect voice matched with a charisma the band was looking for in a frontman. In the spring of 2010, they recruited Bassist Howie Blatz to complete the band. They then immediately began to share their new sound with the world. As far as a genre is concerned, Machine Elves with their wide range of personalities, incorporates that range into their music, giving you a sound that is virtually impossible to pin down to one specific genre. With the release of the debut CD, they offer many different styles and techniques with each track. Songs so diverse and interchanging, yet sticking by the one true mantra that is their core. Rocking the audience and entertaining everyone. Traversing the wide spectrum of styles and sounds, the best I could come up with for a genre is "Blended Rock". After the intro-track "One Pill For Now" is the self-titled "Machine Elves". A sort of introduction to the show they are about to put on, even incorporating a megaphone at some points in the song, as they do on other tracks as well. As the band states, "a circus-like feel" is the best way to describe it. Rocking with a performance oriented sound, they pulled me right in. Picturing Calveri with a top hat and cane announcing the show I am about to witness.Calveris voice range through each track had me thinking of a blend of Anthony Keidis and Wes Scantlin with an added element that makes it unique and his own. His showmanship comes through in his vocal range with exuberant energy, that he leaves the listener wanting to be at the live performance. Mixing soft toned harmony with belting emotion and feeling to every song, i envision him as a sure crowd pleaser in live performance.I found that most of the tracks were very much guitar driven. From winding solid rhythms by Frank Fasano, to the masterful solos and invigorating leads of Lou LaRocco. Both guided me through the many twists and turns of the rollercoaster ride the whole CD took me on. None more so evident as on the tracks "Running Off The Edge" and "Wreck Myself". The solid rhythm and unconventional leads were so drastically different, yet somewhat the same and still true to the core of Machine Elves sound. That may sound contradictory, but I assure you that after listening to this whole CD, you will understand exactly what I mean.Tying everything together is Tommy Mitchells masterful percussion and the bouncy progressions of Howie Blatz bass. Both of which I felt were best displayed on the hard driven track "Stripper" and the catchy rhythm on "Lullaby". But still evident in every track on the CD, and very much enjoyable to hear. Never overpowering or offset like a lot of the newer bands out there are trying to make a fad. Staying solid and true to what the Machine Elves core sound is, yet mixing in some of their own special abilities showcasing their resounding expertise as well.The production on the CD was done by Machine Elves and Robert Carpenter. Recorded and mixed by Robert Carpenter at Fraidy Cat Studios. Mastered by Andy Van Dette at Masterdisk. Album artwork and layout was done by Frank Fasano of Machine Elves. All very professionally done. I could tell just by the fine details that they are very meticulous and precise in what they wish to put out there. I was very impressed with their work ethic and passion as a band, and in their music. It shows in every aspect of what Machine Elves set out to accomplish and reach for.Overall, I found Machine Elves quite entertaining and very diverse. A great combination for a band in the game for the long haul. They seem to possess that "IT" factor that many bands nowadays lack. With so many different elements of showmanship, they are best suited for stages in front of high energy crowds that want a complete show. After watching several videos of their live performances of these songs, they had me ready to book some flights to their next few gigs. With lots of crowd interaction and energy, with their stage presence, Machine Elves are sure to be welcomed in any cities venues.From beginning to the very end, "Fancy Suits & Cigarettes" is one of those albums that fans of any rock genre can enjoy. Machine Elves will definitely be around for some time and sure to be headlining a world tour in the very near future. I highly recommend this album and will be enjoying it for some time myself. Visit Machine Elves on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MachineElvesMusic |
Review of Sheffield Band Abandoned Faith
By J.Sane Apon hearing the first track put forth to me by Abandoned Faith, "The Underlining Truth", I immediately pictured a West Coast USA band. With a blazing guitar classic rock feel and pulverizing drumline, I have to say I was quite surprised to learn the band hails from South Yorkshire, England's burrough of Sheffield. Lead singer Jay Hewitt mixes a clean sounding harmony with a sometimes grainy growl of early 80's metal bands. Using his voice mainly in the former for each track, he offers a sound that echoes many 90's grunge bands. Mixing both generations together, but offering a complete sound that you could hear being played by the classic rock bands of the 60's and 70's. This only made me want to hear more, to see if that sound carries over to their other tracks as well. Without any disappointment, I soon realized this is the sound they have for the band, and not just a track or two. Mixing so many generations of sound comes out one of two ways. You either nail it, or sound like an imitation karaoke band. In my humble opinion,Abandoned Faith have nailed it. Creating a timeless sound that could cater to many different rock genre lovers. With amazing lead hooks and solos offered up by former NAIAD guitarist Richard Marsden, and steady solid rhythm kept by axeman Steve Jenkins.Abandoned Faith's sound drives the listener to a fueled energy that can only be exhausted by hearing every offering in a live format. Drummer Aaron Smith, formerly of The Minority, doesnt follow a set pattern as each track twists and turns to both his beat and Roman Marmurowicz's driving force behind the music. Both working in unison, which is understandable, considering Roman was also his band mate with The Minority. Bringing a completely different sound and driving force with Abandoned Faith than their former collaboration.On the track "The Life She Leads" the instruments immediately brought to mind Corrosion of Conformity. However vocally sounding closer to a youthful Chris Cornell. Again, blending that hard rock/classic rock with grunge sounds. Abandoned Faith definitely have a seperate sound from todays rock bands. Their extensive music experience and talent shines through in their crisp whole sound. After watching some fan videos created at shows around the UK, I witnessed how tight these guys blend together and make their sound work. Each feeding off of the other, and the crowd energy to bring a full rock show that could be played to any generation of rock enthusiast. Upon having some words with the band, I found that they don't even realize the power that their music actually holds within it. Being dubbed a timeless song is very rare and far between in todays music scene. And they have created several tracks with this sound. Not being able to be pidgeon-holed within one genre of rock. Whether being hard, alternative, metal, or any number of other classes of genre in the rock realm. Whether Abandoned Faith can continue to live up to the "timeless" stature of their current musical offerings or not is still to be seen. For now though, AF has definitely arrived and has this listener eager to see what the future has in store. Visit Abandoned Faith on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/abandonedfaithuk |
Review of Beer, Guts & Glory's "American Pride"
By J.Sane Apon first hearing the name of the band and accompanying music CD, I was immediately intrigued by Beer, Guts & Glory and "American Pride". I was not surprised at all to hear that the band truly lives up to their name. In judging a book by it's cover, so to speak, I pictured a punk, hard rock or metal band that lives up to their party namesake. After listening to their CD, watching fan videos and delving into their background, I saw that I was spot on in my assumptions. I would classify Beer, Guts & Glory as a southern hard rock/metal band with roots in country and even some blues. Though the tracks offered on their "American Pride" CD were a bit grainy, the music is pure genius. It may be hard to believe, but the band had found a way to mix their country influences with a very hard metal groove. Adding in some hardcore, giving it that grainy sound of a band out to have a good time, and make all around them have a good time as well. On the track "Whiskey", the drum-line to start the song sounds peculiar to the point of being completely different than any I had heard before. Not so much a recognized steady rhythm as being a mixture of several rhythms at once. A very unique build-up to a song, that makes it truly their own. Being beat and bass driven by Travis Geary on the skins and Kevin Durant slapping the bass, vocalist Ron Brown comes in sounding like a cross mixture of Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Anselmo and Peter Steele, if you can imagine that. With the rasp of Lemmy and the deep baritone of Steele, Ron's voice is strong and very heavy. Add in the belting of Anselmo, to get everyone in the pit and banging around. I could hear the bands many influences shine through on each track from "American Pride", but their sound is definitely unique in it's own right. The coursing rhythm of Sergio Cesario and blazing lead from Tommy "Break Strings" Monger is completely solid from both axemen. Both lending solos on different tracks that course through you but still stay true to the song and accompanying music. Adding to the party crowd pleasing atmosphere, Beer, Guts & Glory are best on stage. With great presence and crowd interaction, they would be able to get the deadest of venues hopping and ready to party. On the track "Crucified", I could clearly hear the bands influence from Pantera shining through. Bringing to mind the song "I'm Broken", but not even close enough as to call it a copy. BGG still comes through with their own sound and shows their diversity and deepness in both lyrics and music. Forming catchy rhythms and then bleeding into mayhem that would have any pit stomping and bashing. Beer, Guts & Glory are a high-energy good time southern metal band that are here to stay. Having that "It" factor and crowd pleasing attitude of let's just party and forget the outside world for a while. They put on great shows at local venues in Florida, but I can very much see them soon touring the country, if not the world. After watching footage from several of their shows, I wouldn't hesitate, if given the chance, to see them live. As well as encourage anyone with the means, to go to a BGG show. I would very much like to hear what comes out of a professionally produced studio mixed and mastered full-length from BGG. With their unique mixture of genres, but swaying mostly on the heavy side, I very much can see this band making a very complete album. Catering to lovers of many different styles of music, walks of life and genre specific fans alike. The timing of the band is good and you can see they have a great camaraderie with each other. Feeding off of each others, and the crowds, energy to bring you the very best BGG has to offer. I very much enjoyed this disc, but was dismayed at the end for wanting to hear more. All four tracks on the CD were different from one another, yet still true to being the bands core. I feel that "American Pride" is just the preamble to what the band has to offer the world musically. They are definitely on the right track, and ready to rock the world with a new class of heavy music that isn't afraid to add in their blatantly different genres of interest, to make a sound that can only come from Beer, Guts & Glory. Visit Beer, Guts & Glory on Facebook here:https://www.facebook.com/pages/BeerGuts-Glory/125961854154676 |
Review of Red on Red
By L.White After quitting their day jobs in Brisbane, Australia to become a full time band, Red on Red made the trek across the pond to Los Angeles, California. From there, the music world has seemed to welcome them with open arms. Currently in the studio, putting the final touches on their brand new full-length EP, I have had the honor of listening to eight tracks offered to the music world from this very hard working band. With the first track, the bands officially released single and video, "Walk Away", I was instantly impressed with their sound. Noticing the hints of their influence from another California band, "No Doubt", they offer a very catchy rhythm. Mainly beat driven by Justin's bass and Andrew on drums, the amazing range offered by Bonnie's voice had me hooked immediately. Between her conviction in what she melodically expresses and the strong belts of harmony intertwined among all of the tracks offered by Red on Red. Then on the track "Through the Cracks", Bonnie rocks solid and shows another side of herself, bringing immediately to mind a young Pat Benetar. Fueled by the mastery of Mike's wielding axe, her brashness comes through and shows an even wider range to her vocals than previously stated. The band lists their genre as Alternative Rock/Indie, but also add flavors from a wide variety of other genres in each of their songs. Touching lightly in the pop and smooth metal genres, as well as a bit of electronica with Bonnie on her keyboard. Mixing the sounds just right, without any overpowering or confusing mash ups going on. The sound is very eclectic, but also familiar at the same time. An oxymoron that works wonderfully to the ears. After listening to all 8 tracks several times, I was genuinely pleased that Red on Red decided to make the decision to commit to their music full time. It shows in the production, the writing and the music itself. They have also recently been named Sunset Island Music Band of the Week, which does not surprise me at all. I see many awards in the future for this dedicated hard working band, if they keep progressing on the path these tracks have shown. Red on Red is a band that has discovered their identity, and is nurturing their talents to stay on the path that has led them to Los Angeles. Their music, as eclectic and familiar as it is, can reach a vastly wide audience. Catering to the genres named, and their very different backgrounds. With their Alternative Rock core leading the way, and the following of the various genre additives, Red on Red look to become an international band with that unique sound that makes you ponder how to actually classify it. I fully enjoyed being able to review this band. From the start, I thought it would be just another band seeking fame in California, from how they were described to me. I found the pleasant surprise that they were the exact opposite. A four-piece band that came to California to not just share their music with the world, but to show the others how it is done. Becoming an instant fan after listening to just one track, this writer is very happy that Red on Red quit their day jobs to commit to their true calling, making great music. I will be one of the first in line when their new EP drops this summer. Visit RED on RED on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/pages/RED-on-RED/6269981983 |
Review of RED9's "RED9"
By J.Sane Not many people outside of Orange County, California remember a 2-piece act named Roqbot. However, anyone familiar with the OC's rock scene should know that they were the seed from which the fruitful tree had grown to become what is now RED9. This self-titled full-length is the second offering from the band, but the first as a full collaboration between what is now the trio of band mates. Having just recruited drummer Giovanni "Gio" Fuentes during recording of their first album, "The Host". Being said that RED9 had been the bands name on both albums, but with it's current line-up and writing process being different, I guess you could call "RED9" their debut-sequel. Harvesting more of their love of Star Wars, as is apparent with the name of the band being an obscure mention from the science-fiction franchise. Delving right into the music, their first track "Fanatico" grasps the listener right away with its intro of smooth drums and bass-line. Then adding the slicing rhythm of Paul "Friz" Frislie's guitar leading into the vocals of Jeff Lyons. After listening to the entire album, I found it very appropriate that the band chose this song to start their track list. As it embodies the sound that makes RED9 who they are today. Not trying to place it above the collection of songs the album makes up, but establishing the sound that RED9 comprises. Their identity song, so to speak.Through each track on the album I could hear the diversity of the bands many influences. As example, on the tracks "My Piece" and "Emoticon", I could clearly hear the Nine Inch Nails influence in both. On the many other tracks, I could hear traces of Foo Fighters, Filter and Alice in Chains. Yet, even with the influences shining through, the band adds their own unique sound to make each song their own, with their own set of storied lyrics and musical genius instrumentally. Though I have enjoyed the bands previous musical offerings with their EP "1 of 9" and their first full-length "The Host", I felt as though this self-titled album should be garnered as the true debut of RED9. As it is clear they have found that unique sound and fit with the line-up of: Jeff Lyons on Vocals and Bass; Paul "Friz" Frislie on guitars and background vocals; and Giovanni "Gio" Fuentes on drums. The journey the band went on does establish the identity of who they are today, but the full collaboration among all three band mates marks the growth of what RED9 is as a whole. They may mark their founding date as 2007, but the band in my eyes, were founded with the addition of Gio and the recording of the "RED9" album. With each track standing out as a possible hit, the album almost seems to be a "Best Of" compilation. Which will make future releases be a hard process to live up to. Though the band doesn't call themselves a touring band, one of their major strengths seems to be playing their music live. With their influences shining through, but with their own unique sound added in, concert goers feel like they have heard the music before. Even if it their first time ever setting eyes and ears on the band and their music. In live format the band plays very tight, sticking to how they have recorded the songs in the studio. They interact well with audiences and feed off the energy their songs create in the crowd. The interaction between themselves only shows the solidarity the band has made between each other. Overall, I found this self-titled offering very enjoyable. It pleases the ears, has you wanting to learn the lyrics and each song has you wanting to hear the next. The growth of RED9, as a band, may earmark the foundation of how they became who they are today, but the offering of "RED9" only has me anticipating what the next branch of this band might be. This tree has truly matured and I can't wait to taste their later fruits. |
Review of Glim Dropper's "The Last Days of Analog"
By L. White When first told the name of the band I would be reviewing, I laughed out loud at the cleverness in it. Of course, being surrounded by the young, my laughter was lost as they had no clue what was so funny. From that moment I was intrigued to hear what Glim Dropper had to offer the music world. Much to my delight again, I was handed, not just a CD from the band, but a seven inch vinyl record. Being a retro enthusiast, I was already building up the intrigue of Glim Dropper in my thoughts. Hoping that I wasn't placing too much pressure on the music to continue delivering more delights.Finally delving into the music, after listening to the first two tracks, I was not disappointed in the least. "Blue Mass" being an instrumental introduction to the body of work by the band. It was quite pleasing music, with a folk/rock vibe and vintage radio voice background explaining music quality and fundamentals of recording. Which, after listening to the entire CD, I found to be quite fitting as an intro to Glim Dropper's sound and style.On the title track, "The Last Days of Analog", I was again pleased and impressed with the retro aspect of the music and vocals. Singer/Bassist Dan Kauffman brought to mind a young Ray Davies with his smooth alternative folk/rock sound. The accompanying music was equally pleasing, being bass driven at times, by Kauffman. Then led by the retro quick turning licks of Ben Geise's axe at others. All tied together with the beat of Rob Schnell's skins. On several of the tracks on this CD, I was impressed with the vocal styles slight changes. Sounding like Davies at times, Sting at others, and even hints of Daryl Hall. Of course, even with the comparison, Glim Dropper retains their own unique style on every track. Offering a retro contemporary style that is truly all their own. Bringing retro rock, funk, blues and even pop to the table. Blended so brilliantly to create a genre I cannot classify in general terms. This is both in lyrically speaking, as well as musically.I thoroughly enjoyed "Last Days of Analog" as the bands musical offering to the world. I was equally impressed to find out after looking into the band, that they had recorded this whole CD in analog format as well. Keeping with that retro aspect that had me liking Glim Dropper from the very beginning. On the sixth track, "Williamsport", I was pleasantly surprised to hear something completely different from the band, as guitarist Ben Geise takes the microphone for vocals. All three band members sing on this CD, with Kauffman handling the bulk of the singing on most of the CD. With "Williamsport" I was pleased with Greise's vocal range as much as Kauffman's. Just adding another element to Glim Dropper's diverseness and my inability to nail them down to one genre. The same could be said with "Mind Over Matter" as it lends a jazzy soft rock feel to it. This entire CD is comprised of songs that offer much to the music world, bringing back some styles that surely never die. With some new styles that not many bands can pull off as well as I feel Glim Dropper has with this CD. It left me wanting to hear more, and wanting to see them perform these tracks live. I very much recommend "The Last Days of Analog" to all who appreciate the roots of music, as well as to people open to new retro sounds. That may sound like an oxymoron, but trust me, it is what would best explain the sound of Glim Dropper. As for those of you who are still wondering what made me laugh at the cleverness of the name of this band, look it up and have a chuckle. Glim Dropper, the band, is far from being a scam, and is definitely on the music map. I look forward to what comes next. Visit Glim Dropper on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/glimdropper |
Review of Shatterglass
by J.Sane With all of the evolving rock genres out there trying to invent new sounds and new concepts, it is actually refreshing to get right back to good old rock 'n' roll. That is what Shatterglass brings to the table with their self-titled EP. Catchy hooks, driving leads, sing along lyrics and a great chemistry have Shatterglass climbing the ladders of success in just a short time. With their first single "Psycho Girlfriend", the band comes right out of the gate swinging for the fences. Being bass and beat driven by Donnie J. on bass, and Ron Jon on the skins. Coupled with the masterful lead of Jinx on his axe, looping in and around the rhythm so skillfully. The beginning has you moving instantly with it's great harmony, hooking you right in. When Zoog comes in with his lyrics, you are immediately reminded of Art Alexakis with his range being smooth, yet grainy at all the right moments. Bringing into focus the feel of Shatterglass as an auditorium rock band. The feeling continues with "Coming Undone", with the instruments taking a back seat to the lead of Zoog's lyrics for the main body of the song. Seemingly a relationship story, you could also attribute the lyrics to a band on the rise, but on the edge. This track represents a soul searching for the band, as they seek out their path in the realm of music. Seeming oblivious at first to the wrongs they may have coursed thus far in their careers as musicians, but always driving forward. With the coming undone being the unfurling of a rose maturing to shed it's budding infant status. Thus explaining the realization of Shatterglass maturing into the rock band that once was an experimental seed, now a fully bloomed rose of success. Whether the band wrote the song this way or not, is up for interpretation, but it is every bit true upon listening to how the group has matured in their music. On the third track, "Talkabout", the band goes back to the anthem styled sound of "Psycho Girlfriend" with that sing along appeal. Equally as entertaining, but standing on it's own merit. Even though the song is a relationship break-up song, it is up tempo and delivers in the "make you move" sense. Bringing back that essence of a band best seen live in auditoriums. Very well written and composed musically. Though lyrically a song about an ended relationship, it is written in a way to have an amicable ending with it only being an end to togetherness, but not life. You could almost see this as being the end to a live show. Using the relationship metaphor as an end to the show, but not an end to the music, as it goes on to the next step. With this three track EP, the band has created the buzz for itself in the rock world. Having the listener craving more music and wanting to see Shatterglass perform live. A very good start to something that is sure to become even bigger as the band progresses. Shatterglass is currently in the studio working on their debut full-length album. If this EP is any indication of what the band has in store, then they are truly on the right track to success. Not trying too hard to create the next big thing or new genre, but doing music the right way. Sticking to the basic formula of storied lyrics, catchy music and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll music. That is what makes Shatterglass, themselves, the next big thing. Visit Shatterglass on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/shatterglasstheband |