2013/09 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Passage Riviera Blues

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Music has the power to move us. That plays a huge part in why it’s the chosen choice for entertainment and recreation for many and has been for centuries. The oldest form of it though, instrumental, is timeless. You cannot begin to understand how powerful it is to be moved by a piece of music that has no words to guide it. Passage understands this with the album “Riviera Blues.” A heavenly number of tracks contain a sound that is resonant of a clear night sky in the desert. As someone who grew up with cactus right outside their window, I can stand by that. The title track sets the tone for the record overall as this soothing place that brings peace of mind. The following songs like “San Jose” and “Til We Meet Again” each contain aspects that make them unique but have this base that sounds like a New Mexico, adobe landscape. If you’re into music that eases the mind why captivating, then check out Passage’s “Riviera Blues,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Passage5)

Shannon Matter Coasts

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Anyone can tell what era Shannon Matter likes to call home when it comes to her musical style. It’s taken from the days when peace and love were apparent in the air and artists like Janis Joplin were rising in the ranks. Matter ties in old school elements and barely tinkers with them. Her sound could be played in the tape deck of a Chevy as it’s gritty and timeless all at the same time. Songs like “Aware on Burnaby Mountain” capture the echo of someone who has lost their way in the hills, a maples wanderer with only a song. “Inside Out” is an upbeat track white “Starseeds” could use a little work to be stronger in the vocal department. It seems her strengths lay within the water though as “Off to Surf” was good, but “By The Shore” was her best. Shannon Matter should stick to the coastal route and let the ocean breeze flow through her because that’s where they glides high. (https://www.youtube.com/user/ShannonMatter)

97 Grenade Does Punk The Right Way

Sat, 28 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

97 Grenade is a trio of punks who combine their appreciation for the anarchist musical movement with likes of metal riffs and hardcore breakdowns. With only a handful of songs to judge them on, it’s not hard to hear where they’re going for. “The Fashion Show” is a clear shot at being an individual and not wanting to be part of the norm – no matter what. Why look like everyone else when you can be yourself, right? “Screwball” is where you can hear that metal influence and it’s un-punk in that it might be quick and fast at the end, but the long instrumental rage that leads into the bursts of spattered lyrics are more metal than punk. The energy doesn’t stop with “Out of Body Experience” and then things wrap up nicely with “Buzzkill!” Three guys who want to show the world what they got when it comes to punk – let them show you before they just say, screw it and show you anyways. (https://www.reverbnation.com/97grenade)

The Wheel Within Us

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Written by Dylan Gallagher

The Wheel Within is a religious rock group out of Florida with a professional, creative sound. The singer’s lyrics praise the Lord, but I wonder how often people praise the singers because they certainly deserve it. The Wheel Within have grabbed hold of something more powerful than themselves and are harnessing it with the power of music for the masses. They have great guitar playing, sweet drums, and an excellent vocalist. Their calling may have come from on high, but they certainly know how to bring down the beat for the rest of us.

The June Fiasco

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Coming at you from Canada is The June Fiasco, a five member in your face rock group with a sound like Foo Fighters and the fresh talent that this industry craves. The band consists of Andrew Sparks on vocals and guitar, Damian Anthony on guitar, Jeff Richardson on lead guitar, Steve Williams on bass, and RJ Fraser on drums. Their music is both pop rock at its finest and punk/grunge rock where you want it, and the lyrics are all well written and are chalk full of emotion. In terms of quality, The June Fiasco has professional production and they sound like something I would hear on the radio. I would not be surprised if they got picked up with a contract shortly. The June Fiasco has a sound that can meld with many genres of bands, making their live performances particularly satisfying.

Joe Blessett

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Blessett describes his music as flowing motion. A good example he used in his biography is the ebb and flow of night traffic – red lights on one side and white headlights on the opposite side of the road. In night traffic, everything is fluid, separate but in unison, he aptly described. That would be the best way to describe his music. The experimentation of his music tends to fall in unison, and the entire record works through and through.

Tectonic Plates Shake the Earth

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Screaming their way out of obscurity, the Tectonic Plates are making a stand with their music. The Tectonic Plates are a band whose music has the soul purpose of getting your blood pumping and putting your adrenal gland on the fritz. Their heavy guitar, thumping drum rhythm, and intense vocals are sure to wake you up. The Tectonic Plates is a perfect name for this group because they really shake the earth.

Sick Six Sex

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Coming at you from Pomona, California, the band Sick Six Sex screams their way out of obscurity. They have an eclectic electronic, supersonic rock sound and consists of Michael Nero Ceasar on vocals, Justin Hellfire on guitar, Chris Sins on rhythm, Violence on bass, and Boxcar Kelley on drums. The band seems to focus their energy on angry rock songs, but don’t let that scare you away (disclaimer: these songs might actually scare young children). Sick Six Sex are legitimate and heavy rock specialists with a taste for rage filled songs and the experience to match professional musicians. Sick Six Sex certainly has a very distinct persona, one that I don’t think will easily slip through the cracks.

Prayze S.W.A.G.: You Get What You Pay For

Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Prayze S.W.A.G. is not only a band, song, and a clothing company; it is a movement dedicated to honoring God. But what if you don’t believe in God? Their single song is still worth listening to, even though I thought it would be a shot in the dark. In addition to selling clothing and praising their Lord, Prayze S.W.A.G. has created their music to reach out to “a generation that is influenced through popular culture, music, and fashion.” So yes, they are using their music to get their message across, which some might find seedy or even amoral, but Prayze S.W.A.G.’s music isn’t all about that. This band…movement…really believes what they preach and really wants to make the world a better place. What’s so wrong with that? On to their music.

Holly Lowery

Sat, 21 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

An 80’s-goth atmospheric intro starts off “Beyond the Moon”, Holly Lowery’s first track on her ReverbNation music page. It’s like Depeche Mode meets Fleetwood Mac - and hey that’s a pretty lethal combination. Holly was got some serious guts and creativity with her layered synths and 80’s/Metal combinations. The melody for the song is engaging and somewhat “modern”, then distorted guitars and heavy drums keep this roller coaster truly going “Beyond the Moon”.