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Eighteen Visions: Obsession
This California-based rock band’s fourth release looks like something sweet and
innocent, what with a big red heart on the cover. But upon listening, it’s all
in-your-face scream rock that barely lets up, save for the killer power ballad,
“I Should Tell You” and the piano-driven “Said and Done.” And while Eighteen
Visions rocks as hard as Godsmack or Tool, there are melodic moments in here
akin to metal bands of a bygone era.
Novocento Featuring Stanley Jordan: Dreams of Peace
It’s easy to say that the smooth genre sounds generic and infrequently strays
from its trademark Sunday-morning sound. But when you take guitarist Stanley
Jordan, who hasn’t put out a studio album in 10 years, and pair him with Italian
jazz ensemble Novacento, there’s a bit of magic in the air. The textures of soul
and fusion are evident throughout and make for a better than nice listen.
Yellowcard: Ocean Avenue
Remember when Jimmy Eat World put out their last record and went from indie
heroes to pop icons overnight? Expect the same from Florida-bred band Yellowcard.
Ocean Avenue, the band’s Capitol Records debut, is amped-up smartass punk that
crosses comfortably into the boundaries of pop/rock. The violin adds something
unique, but it’s the quality songs here that are going to speak to the
record-buying public (already evidenced by the VMA they recently won). “Way
Away” and the title track are standouts.
Cary Brothers: All The Rage
Singer/songwriter Cary Brothers’ new EP, All the Rage, has one major
flaw—the fact that it is an EP and only has four songs. Brothers is a thinking
man’s singer/songwriter like Elliott Smith, but at times flashes a melodic
brilliance along the lines of Glen Phillips or Adam Duritz. “Supposed to Be” has
almost an ‘80s pop vibe, but the rest of the tracks, in particular “Blue Eyes,”
are acoustic-driven and simply amazing.
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Blues Explosion: Damage
Jon Spencer and the boys are back with Damage, which is basically a party
from the start. Somehow I think this garage-tinged bluesy rock band is better
suited live, but there are definitely some sparks captured on this record.
Upbeat tunes like “Burn it Off” and “Crunchy” balance nicely with the dirty
blues/rap of “Hot Gossip” and the throwback feel of “Blowin My Mind,” which is
eerily comparable to guitar god Jimi Hendrix (RIP).
Crossfade: Self-titled
While many of us have had enough of the testosterone-laden nu-metal genre, bands
like Crossfade keep getting signed. Why? Because they have that sound that will
appeal to fans of Nickelback and Shinedown, while showcasing a hot commodity of
their own—good songs. Songs like “Cold” and “Colors” are tailor made for the AOR
format, but the band really spreads its wings and shows some songwriting chops
on “The Deep End” and “The Unknown.”
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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