Indie Music Reviews

Jack Of All Trades AKA Kyle Douglas

published on February 25, 2015

Kentucky’s Kyle Douglas intertwines a singer-songwriter vibe that has a rock soul with a Country boy heart. You can hear a bit of grit as he delivers a powerful acoustic performance of “Hold On Me.” In what is possibly the coolest thing you’ll hear in a while is his cover of the hip hop classic “No Diggity” made famous in the ‘90s by Blackstreet. It’s not every day you hear Country take on rhymes like this. He totally transforms it and it’d be something interesting that would kill on shows like “The Voice.” It’s familiar but totally flipped on its side. Lastly we get a true blue Country gem with “Go.” It has that storyteller feel and also doesn’t give you anything but that Country boy mentality. So when it comes to Kyle Douglas you have a rocker who can bust out a rhyme when the time’s right, but can stay true to his roots and sound like a Nashville star. He’s a jack of all trades that goes by the name of Kyle Douglas. Check out this guy ASAP, that’s an order. (https://kyledouglasmusic.com/)

The Mailman’s Children

published on February 24, 2015

Can-American Indie rock band, “The Mailman’s Children” (TMC) is stationed out of both Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA, and Helena, MT, USA. Front man Eric Labossiere resides in Helena, MT, USA, while the rest of the band lives in Winnipeg. Labossiere, the lead singer and acoustic guitarist was born Canadian but has lived on the US side for the last several years.

URL: https://www.themailmanschildren.com/

Following a short hiatus, they returned stronger than ever with their 3rd studio album “Supply & Demand” in 2013. Their 4th studio release - an EP called “The Spiders We Eat” was recorded in May of 2014 and is slated for a 2015 release.

Bullyheart

published on February 23, 2015

Bullyheart

URL: https://www.bullyheart.com/home.html

Over the past two years, deep in the den alongside her fellow feral musical beasts, David Boucher and Kevin Harp and Holly Long birthed a home for the Bullyheart voice within the project, “ANTIGRAVITY” paying homage to her love and appreciation for early 80’s rock and roll. The result is a clean, raw-edged record which sounds urgent and alive on first listen. Bullyheart has arrived on this 10 track LP full of classic modern throwbacks.

Escher's Enigma

published on February 23, 2015

Escher’s Enigma

Primary URL: https://www.reverbnation.com/eschersenigma

Escher’s Enigma is Brian Miller (Guitar, Vocals, Midi) and Russ Miller (Bass). This father/son duo writes, arranges, performs, and produces original rock and pop music. Brian and Russ have a combined 40+ years of performing and recording experience. I hear no influences listed, such as Deep Purple/Rainbow and Black Sabbath. They’re a lot more modern than that, but who better to draw from either way. The CD “For A Moment” provides introspective songwriting in an adult contemporary format, similar in feel to their debut EP “From Me To There.” On this new one they paint a great picture of originals along with a surprising Guns ‘N Roses cover, with a palpable sleeve artwork done by Alan Miller. Brian Miller has been writing, recording, and performing since the age of 13. In high school, Brian was the lead guitarist and songwriter for Semi Crazi, an arena rock originals band.

Matthew Hutson: In Life with a Lie

published on February 20, 2015

It takes time for an artist to grow, but Matthew Hutson’s “In Life with a Lie” showcases a man’s growth from start to finish quickly. “Ode To The Low” has a very somber tone as this singer-songwriter tells a tale that matches the mood. As the record plays on, “Hi Fi Low Fi” picks up the mood a bit in terms of the music but the vocals still have this sad aroma to them. Then we get to “Drive Sky” and a whole new man emerges. This one isn’t sad anymore, but appears to have more bounce in his step and confidence in his heart. “White Lie” keeps that energy and state of mind alive and well to make this record end on a high note. He went from this melancholy man at the start to a man ready to take on the world by the end. If you like to watch an artist grow in the matter of one record, singer-songwriters who can also rock and fine tuned music, check out Matthew Hutson’s “In Life with a Lie,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/matthewhutson101)

Nick DeStefano – We Seek Higher Ground

published on February 17, 2015

Nick DeStefano – We Seek Higher Ground

REVERBANTION: https://www.reverbnation.com/nickdestefano

They say pictures are worth a thousand words. Set them to a song both heartbreaking and reflective and you have yourself a full blown narrative. Nick DeStefano’s “We Seek Higher Ground” channels Fred Durst a la the “Behind Blue Eyes” cover, and you can’t get any more literal than the track title here.

The harrowing song details the tragic events of a flood – after a few frames we understand it could very well revolve heavily around the storm at Seaside Heights, NJ, a few years back – and the use of pictures throughout paint the tale of its effects. Notably, the chosen photographs showcase the physical aspect of the natural disaster balanced by DeStefano’s lyrics which depict the pathos of the victims.

Chaunda Knighten: "Why You Lie"

published on February 10, 2015

Finally someone asks the basic questions everyone should ask when in this situation. Chaunda Knighten isn’t messing around when it comes to being played. She asks flat out in this R&B infused track, “Why You Lie.” It’s not only a great song to dramatically confront someone with, but it sounds good too. One listen and you can tell that a lot of time was put into the finalization of this track. It sounds like something you would be able to find on records by Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott. The only bad thing is that this is all we have from Chaunda Knighten for now. The good thing is that this one track will make you yearn for more. So if you’re a fan of strong willed women who can belt it out, check out Chaunda Knighten today. (https://chaundaknighten.com/home)

Max Random – Analog Man

published on February 9, 2015

Max Random – Analog Man

Primary URL: https://www.420punk.com/

I really do like the DIY element to this album. It does get a bit redundant, though. Still, there are things like a great sense of humor and a real punk sensibility that saves this. It’s not a great album, but it’s pretty good.

A folk song, “Godzilla” has a bit of a grunge element to it. It’s funny and fun. I love “Mister D,” too. It’s weird enough to be interesting. “Pessimists Can’t Pretend” doesn’t work as well for me. It’s just a little too long and not interesting enough. Next comes “Lesbian Folk Song” and it is another great song. It is just so much fun. It’s very humorous.