You are here: Home / Archives for alexandra

Luke Rathborne Double EP Review

August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment


Looking for the perfect track to add to your semi-sweet, end-of-summer mix tape? Look no further, Luke Rathborne offers just that. The more people who hear this, the more mixes it will unmistakably land on.

With a split-EP released thus far in his career, Dog Years and I Can Be One, Rathborne tests his skills at a few styles. In general, Dog Years is the more upbeat sing-a-long. And with catchy lyrics like, “Hang on my wayward baby” and a few “ sha-la-la-lalalaaaas” you’re sure to be singing the words soon. “Tie Your Hands Down” even possesses a bit of a country twang; it ends the EP differently and interestingly in under two minutes.

I Can Be One illustrates a more gentle Rathborne. It is unexpectedly soft, turn up the volume to hear every sweet note. The singer’s voice delicately hangs on, sending chills at particular moments. The piano is forceful, truly emphasizing every feeling, especially in the title-track “I Can Be One.” This EP shows us a more solemn Rathborne.

The split-EP lyrics are straightforward, relatable, not too obscure. Life is tough, and Rathborne explores that. This is one act I am anxious to see live.

For more information on Luke Rathborne please check out his official website, Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter pages. Get now Dog Years and I Can Be One on iTunes!

Filed Under: Album Reviews Tagged With:

‘Catching a Tiger’ Catches Attention

August 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It’s catchy, it is full of talent, and it channels rebellion. It’s singer/songwriter Lissie’s first full-length release, Catching a Tiger.

Lissie’s musical style embodies several genres, including pop-rock, country, blues, folk, indie, and the list could go on. Each song on the album changes in an interesting way that keeps listeners on their toes, their ears perked-up.

Without reading her bio, Lissie’s lyrics speak loud and clear: teen rebellion in the heart of America. While Lissie currently spends the majority of her time in California and the U.K., she grew-up near the Mississippi River in Illinois. Any American-at-heart may relate to the blonde with vast blue eyes.

Catching a Tiger boasts the track “When I’m Alone.” Notably the album’s best sing-along. Listening enthralls you to get in the car, put the top down, and drive down the highway with the sun on your face and the chorus in your ears. The music video for “Cuckoo” offers a look back to the younger Lissie, and the inspiration for much of this album.

Overall, Catching a Tiger could launch a huge musical career for Lissie in the future. It is the artist’s bluesy voice that keeps it from sounding too country for the mainstream.

Check out the artist’s MySpace for a fun, live cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”

Get Catching a Tiger now on iTunes.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:

Snow and Voices ‘Anything That Moves’

July 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Vocalist Lauri Kranz and songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jebin Bruni comprise Snow & Voices. The duo released their third album, Anything That Moves, this past May.

The nine-track release displays emotionally-driven ballads, equally dedicated to both the breathtaking and agonizing aspects of human relationships. The metaphors intrigue the senses. For example, Kranz confesses “I am the black heart of desire,” during the fourth track, “I Am A Storm.” Lyrics like this leave the listener puzzled, but offer the opportunity to believe what they want of the ambiguous claim. A musician’s ability to compose a song that can be appreciated from multiple perspectives is a noteworthy skill. During each track, Kranz’s delicate voice gently floats through the airwaves. Paired with Bruni’s skill on the keyboard, the result is a sensuous and undeniably meaningful experience, for both the listener and the artist.

At times the softness of Anything That Moves establishes a struggle for the listener to find the vocals, as in the song “Mistress.” Hence, the high-pitched vocals become the album’s downfall. Listeners yearn for texture, and instead are left with a feeling of anticipation because there lacks a sense of entirety, or completion. In general, it seems as though the album fixes to feature Bruni’s musical talents more than Kranz’s vocal abilities.

Overall, Anything That Moves is poignant, yet cautious; Snow & Voices kept the gentleness they were successful with in the past. For more information on Snow & Voices check out their official website and get it now on iTunes.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:

Scott Liss & the Sixty-Six

June 30, 2010 By 1 Comment


I’m driving up to Asbury to meet the band in their recording studio. I don’t really know what to expect, but when the door is pushed open and I see the mess of equipment crammed into one tiny room, it feels absolutely right. Scott hands me a copy of their long-awaited album The Blackpool Letters. My fingertips want to rip the plastic off the 5.5” x 5” cardboard package and finally hear all twelve (or thirteen) tracks. But I practice patience as I slip the band’s first record into my bag; I want everyone to see what I see, so we have to take care of this first….

Listen to “Miles” here and get the album on Miles now.

Check out Jersey Shore Metro Mix review of The Blackpool Letters here.

myspace.com/nightonlyvisual
facebook.com/ScottLiss66

Filed Under: Interviews, News

Album Review: Girl In A Coma "Adventures in Coverland"

June 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment


Sassy may not be the perfect adjective to describe Girl in a Coma, but it leaves the impression that the three Texans have enough sweetness and plenty of attitude to cover seven classic songs with power-punk girl band success. It’s entirely fitting that they released the three volume Adventures in Coverland on Blackheart Records, Joan Jett’s label.

Sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz and close friend Jenn Alva make-up Girl in a Coma. These women have brave souls–tackling many talented artists from The Beatles to The Velvet Underground to David Bowie. The line-up is as follows:

The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – To even attempt a George Harrison cover is impressive. The smoothness of the original is captured, but Girl in a Coma gives the song their own twist with an edgier chorus.

The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” – More upbeat than the original, which adds interest and keeps the music in line with what’s popular in today’s world. In comparison, the song was clearly made for Nico’s delicate vocals.

Ritchie Valen’s “Let’s Go” – The faster, punk version of the classic rock ‘n roll song.

Patsy Cline’s “Walkin After Midnight” – Girl in a Coma keeps the swinging element of the original, but did away with the country twang. Again, a more updated version of a classic.

Selena’s “Si Una Vez” – Selena’s version has a bit more edge, sounding more angst-driven. The language barrier may have something to do with this. The attempt is unexpected, but not remarkable.

David Bowie’s “As the World Falls Down” – It’s a gentle song for Girl in a Coma, but their version is not gentle compared to the sensitive Bowie. The song does, however, translate into a great punk song.

Joy Division’s “Transmission” – Girl in a Coma definitely made this song their own. It is more slow, more feminine, and more emotional than the original. Joy Division thrashed; Girl in a Coma soothes.

Overall, Girl in a Coma takes classic pop, punk, country, and Latin songs and transforms them into feminine, power-punk. With some songs it works, while others would be better left alone. I’m guessing this was an exciting, intimate project for them, but I’d be more excited to hear their own rock.

For more information on Girl In A Coma check out on MySpace and get their album now on iTunes!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:

Circa Survive Fails to Disappoint

June 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment


You wouldn’t be surprised to hear about the front man of a band making it big, then letting their ego travel straight to their head. That’s why it’s refreshing to experience Anthony Green. The unique vocalist succeeds as a musician, to say the very least, yet continues to remember why he is so successful–his fans.100_4699

Circa Survive pleasantly surprised their followers by adding a New York City show at the Highline Ballroom on June 8. While crowds gathered in front of the stage in high anticipation, Green walked amongst those who cherish his music. He didn’t have his hood up or an entourage rushing him through the masses. Instead, he took some pre-show time to smile in pictures and mingle with a few lucky souls who paid attention and realized it was him. He fit right in, and to fit right in at your own show is a rare commodity in today’s rock scene.

100_4697As if meeting the man behind the mind-blowing voice wasn’t enough, he slipped onto the stage and sang a few lines with the opening act, Kilimanjaro (an As Tall As Lions side project). Yes, it was amazing. And yes, the Circa Survive performance was even more amazing. It’s obvious that Green thrives off of the crowd’s energy–both were at a skyrocketing high. The crowd moved as one–screaming in honest approval when the band started playing old favorites, swaying to the rhythm as Green slurred sweet melodies out across the room, and begging for more when the set ended. One of the night’s best surprises came at the end of the show when Green admitted they rarely played this particular song live, but also admitted it meant a lot to them: Always Getting What You Want.

Overall, classic night with one of rock’s most humble spirits. Get Blue Sky Noise and The Inuit Sessions EP now on iTunes!

100_4701

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With:

AM Taxi: Mixing Old with New

June 8, 2010 By 1 Comment

Looking back to get ahead takes on an entirely new meaning with AM Taxi’s third release, We Don’t Stand a Chance. Combining old school punk undertones with present day pop influences creates a contagious effect. But it’s not the cold-you-can’t-kick, my-younger-sister-listens-to-this contagious. It’s the type of contagious you really are okay with.

The music as a whole is fairly upbeat. The album’s more intense moments come when lyrics like “I will be the razor, baby, I will be the pill” blare out of your speakers. “Maydays and Rosaries” is the album’s noteworthy track, going above and beyond the band’s comfort zone of the pop-punk genre. The duet (featuring Genevieve Schatz of Company of Thieves) tugs at your heart strings, especially when Schatz’s voice smoothly creeps into the track, and the electric guitar riff just won’t give-up. Both elements raise the hair on the back of your neck. They will haunt you.

My only regret is that the album is slightly stereotypical at times. Like any band under the pop influence, the record wouldn’t be complete without a few obscure song titles. But the band gets a bit Death Cab on us with an ode to New Years and regrets during the song “Champagne Toast.” And when we hear the lyric “I’m sick of thinking about you,” most listeners are sick of hearing about it by now. While these features make the music relatable, maybe AM Taxi could keep the noteworthy mixture of punk and pop, but kick the “necessities” to the door and compliment their original music with even more original approaches to the same old themes.

For more information on AM Taxi check out MySpace, Facebook, and their official website. Get their album We Don’t Stand A Chance now on AM Taxi - We Don't Stand a Chance and see them live this summer on the Vans Warped Tour!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Pete Francis: Out on His Own

May 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pete Francis successfully distinguishes his solo career from his Dispatch days with the recent release of The Movie We Are In.

Francis’ gentle voice comforts fans, reminding them why they became fans in the first place; yet as a solo artist Francis experiments with new, different sounds. And he does it with talent.

While some may remember the acoustic style of Dispatch, Francis plays with more electric, more modern, and even futuristic elements throughout his new album. Consider the song “Good Man.” In less than four minutes experience an upbeat tempo and electric motives. The guitar breakdown pulses emotion through the music, instead of solely relying on Francis’ voice. However, it is still his voice that ties the song together. It’s just an edgier side of Francis that he’s kept hidden from us until now.

Toward the end of the album, Francis slows his audience down with “St. Paul’s Fair.” The song is a relapse to the artist’s softer, acoustic-influenced side and slowly transforms listeners into a dream-like state. It’s a nice touch to an overall more upbeat, and hence uncharacteristic, album from Francis. And the lyrics of this song are relatable; after all, everyone’s felt “as lonely as a library” at one point or another. Give it a listen and you may stumble upon your own interpretation of why Francis titled his solo project The Movie We Are In.

The album is available now on Pete Francis!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ,

Talking with Screaming Females

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Rock n’ roll lives. If you’re feeling weary toward this statement, check out New Brunswick’s Screaming Females and there’s sure to be a change of heart.

“We’re just a rock n’ roll band,” Marissa Paternoster, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, said during a phone interview.

The Screaming Females are a band to keep alive; their unique rock sound is difficult to come by in a world dominated by pop-quality progression.

Alongside Paternoster, King Mike plays bass and Jarrett Dougherty plays drums. The threesome started playing basement shows after meeting in the New Brunswick music scene.

“There’s nowhere else that kids can go that’s close by so people throw shows for themselves and have fun. That’s how you meet people, how people meet your band.” Marissa said. “It was born out of necessity.”

When seeing the Screaming Females perform live, their basement roots shine through in the best way. A packed venue feels like a close community of instant fans, entranced by Paternoster’s tough shredding and commanding vocals, and Dougherty and King Mike’s talent with their respected instruments.

They follow a different set list for each show, written by Paternoster and Dougherty before the band takes over the stage. Despite song order, their approach is aggressive. But the band said the song-writing process for them is slow.

“Everything is subject to change up until it’s recorded,” Paternoster said, “and even then it’s still subject to change at live shows.”

They also said the themes of their songs do not fall under one umbrella topic. There could be many topics weaved within one song.

“All of it is just surreal gobbledygook as far as lyrical content is concerned,” Paternoster said.

Yet it works for the them.

So what’s in the name? Mike takes the phone to clarify.

“It’s like a Beatles concert.“ he said. “When the Beatles would play a concert there’d be thousands upon thousands of screaming females.”

These New Brunswick natives may not have thousands upon thousands of screaming females calling out to them yet. However, they notice a fan base when on tour. Paternoster said they have friends in every state who come to see them perform every time they come to town. And with a recognizable fan base, the band does not have to worry about what else they would be doing.

“If I wasn’t playing music in a band I would probably be sad,” Paternoster said, laughing at the thought of an alternative to the Screaming Females.

And who could blame her? As much as they enjoy making music, fans love hearing it. Their punk-rock sound and attitude are equally rare and stunning.

“Mostly all we want to do is keep it going for as long as possible without getting boring or stagnant,” Paternoster said.  “We don’t have any plans to get super famous or fall into obscurity or anything like that, we just want to see what happens and enjoy ourselves.”

Check out the Screaming Females tour dates HERE and get their album Power Move at Screaming Females.

Filed Under: Album Release Tagged With:

Against Me! Makes for an Extraodinary Night in Asbury

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

100_4679(2)

Bands progress. As time moves forward, so does their sound. There exists no exception for those mysterious anarcho punks who call themselves Against Me! Yet this classic foursome from Gainesville, Fl. rocked Asbury, filling The Stone Pony on Thursday night. People crammed into the famous venue, and sweat poured as the pits raged.

This June, Against Me!  is releasing their fifth album, White Crosses, so it was no surprise that fans heard a few new songs, most notably, “I Was a Teenage Anarchist.” Observe the past tense. This jam reminds fans that while the band started out staring revolution in the face, they aren’t those young punks anymore. In this song, front man Tom Gabel blares out to the crowd, “Do you remember when you were young and you wanted to set the world on fire?” And devout fans do remember.

Unfortunately, the new age punks look back at Against Me! without recognizing the necessity of mere growing-up. While playing a new song, the band received a few signs of disapproval. Yet the signs came from a roaring pit. So who’s laughing?

Dead To Me and Moneybrother opened for Against Me! Both bands played for an amused crowd. There was evidence of a fan base for each. As some sang along, pits broke-out and shoes were lost.

Overall Against Me! mellowed over the years, but when playing older songs everyone in the crowd remembered why they bought a ticket to the show. For most, the night still ended with one fist in the air.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , ,

« Older Posts