Spin Cycle
Artist: Three5Human
Title: Flying Below The Radar
Genre: Rock
http://www.three5human@myspace.com
By: D. E. Keith
This is such a perfect title for this band and it could be for this disk.
Unless you're paying attention, this release could fly right by you. So
don't let it. It is a strong soulful release brimming with great songs,
incredible vocals and musicianship. If that isn't enough for you
than it comes with some timely social messages as well. Standout
tracks for me included Black Rock Queen, Unspoken, Yesterday's
Girl and Remember.
Title: Flying Below The Radar
Genre: Rock
http://www.three5human@myspace.com
By: D. E. Keith
This is such a perfect title for this band and it could be for this disk.
Unless you're paying attention, this release could fly right by you. So
don't let it. It is a strong soulful release brimming with great songs,
incredible vocals and musicianship. If that isn't enough for you
than it comes with some timely social messages as well. Standout
tracks for me included Black Rock Queen, Unspoken, Yesterday's
Girl and Remember.
Artist: Brian Jonestown Massacre
Title: Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective
Genre: Alternate Retro Rock
http://www.brianjonestownmassacre.com/
By: D. E. Keith
I like this band, if for no other reason than their name – combining two
human tragedies into one name – very unique and comically priceless
Tepid Peppermint Wonderland is a very good two-disk retrospective of
this band and their musical talents. They combined a playful 60’s
musical feel with a nice punk lyrical flair that sync up quite nicely. I think
even the late great Brian Jones would be proud to call them his own.
Unfortunately, like Jones they became their own tragedy. Musically disk
two rocks a bit more than disk one and would be considered a bit more
mainstream. Either disk is awesome in its own right. If you’re looking for
a mellow 60ish sound with a punk ethic, you’ve come to the right place.
Cop a buzz with TPW.
Title: Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective
Genre: Alternate Retro Rock
http://www.brianjonestownmassacre.com/
By: D. E. Keith
I like this band, if for no other reason than their name – combining two
human tragedies into one name – very unique and comically priceless
Tepid Peppermint Wonderland is a very good two-disk retrospective of
this band and their musical talents. They combined a playful 60’s
musical feel with a nice punk lyrical flair that sync up quite nicely. I think
even the late great Brian Jones would be proud to call them his own.
Unfortunately, like Jones they became their own tragedy. Musically disk
two rocks a bit more than disk one and would be considered a bit more
mainstream. Either disk is awesome in its own right. If you’re looking for
a mellow 60ish sound with a punk ethic, you’ve come to the right place.
Cop a buzz with TPW.
Artist: Motion Soundtrack
Title: The Bridge
Genre: Rock
http://www.motionsoundtrack.com/
By: D. E. Keith
I especially liked this disk. Canada’s own Motion Soundtrack offers up
a well balanced mix of rock and ballads that are very smart, listen-able
and pleasing to the ear overall; Case in point – I Got Lost. It’s bitter-
sweet lyrics compliment the music and provides the listener that ‘been
there, done that’ moment. The band applied solid arrangements to well
written songs, combined with strong vocals and excellent musicianship.
I would classify this release as a strong winning combination from the
lads from the north.
Title: The Bridge
Genre: Rock
http://www.motionsoundtrack.com/
By: D. E. Keith
I especially liked this disk. Canada’s own Motion Soundtrack offers up
a well balanced mix of rock and ballads that are very smart, listen-able
and pleasing to the ear overall; Case in point – I Got Lost. It’s bitter-
sweet lyrics compliment the music and provides the listener that ‘been
there, done that’ moment. The band applied solid arrangements to well
written songs, combined with strong vocals and excellent musicianship.
I would classify this release as a strong winning combination from the
lads from the north.
Artist: Ms. Led
Title: These Things We Say
Genre: Power Pop/Punk
Label: Fish the Cat Records
Web site: www.msled.com
By. S. T. Molina
This Seattle-based power pop quartet’s current CD, These Things
We Say, is not for the faint of heart. But, if you love hard-driving
punk fused with ear-catching pop sensibilities, then Ms. Led is for
you. This 10-song offering is anchored by lead singer Lesli Wood’s
powerful vocals and backed by gut-punching power chords furnished
by guitarist Peg Wood and a solid pulsating rhythm section: drummer
Steph Hasselman and bassist Matt Menovcik. Reminiscent of The
Ramones energy and catchy hooks, These Things We Say is a
superb listen for rock lovers.
Title: These Things We Say
Genre: Power Pop/Punk
Label: Fish the Cat Records
Web site: www.msled.com
By. S. T. Molina
This Seattle-based power pop quartet’s current CD, These Things
We Say, is not for the faint of heart. But, if you love hard-driving
punk fused with ear-catching pop sensibilities, then Ms. Led is for
you. This 10-song offering is anchored by lead singer Lesli Wood’s
powerful vocals and backed by gut-punching power chords furnished
by guitarist Peg Wood and a solid pulsating rhythm section: drummer
Steph Hasselman and bassist Matt Menovcik. Reminiscent of The
Ramones energy and catchy hooks, These Things We Say is a
superb listen for rock lovers.
Artist: Tim Fagan
Title: Out of The Dark
Genre: Pop
Label: Wrunch Records
Web site: www.timfagan.com
By: S. T. Molina
It says something about the caliber of Tim Fagan’s latest release, Out of the
Dark, that the strongest track is NOT the one co-written by multi-Grammy
winner John Mayer. That distinction goes to the catchy and utterly captivating
“Soldiers” that opens Fagan’s sophomore release. In fact, this EP is so good
the only thing wrong with it is that it is an EP. At six songs, it’s too short for
music lovers. With vocals so sweetly charming that they could either break or
capture your heart upon the first listen depending on the lyrics, Fagan’s
songs are absolutely irresistible. No slouch on the guitar either, his style is
slick, intricate and yet not overwhelming. He holds back just enough to tease
and tempt the listener’s ears with a spellbinding, subtle sound. Blending the
voice, the guitar and forthright storytelling, the songs on Out of the Dark are
sure to shed light on an audience listening for first-rate material.
Title: Out of The Dark
Genre: Pop
Label: Wrunch Records
Web site: www.timfagan.com
By: S. T. Molina
It says something about the caliber of Tim Fagan’s latest release, Out of the
Dark, that the strongest track is NOT the one co-written by multi-Grammy
winner John Mayer. That distinction goes to the catchy and utterly captivating
“Soldiers” that opens Fagan’s sophomore release. In fact, this EP is so good
the only thing wrong with it is that it is an EP. At six songs, it’s too short for
music lovers. With vocals so sweetly charming that they could either break or
capture your heart upon the first listen depending on the lyrics, Fagan’s
songs are absolutely irresistible. No slouch on the guitar either, his style is
slick, intricate and yet not overwhelming. He holds back just enough to tease
and tempt the listener’s ears with a spellbinding, subtle sound. Blending the
voice, the guitar and forthright storytelling, the songs on Out of the Dark are
sure to shed light on an audience listening for first-rate material.
Artist: Philein
Title: Child of No Nation
Genre: Pop /International
http://www.philein.com/new
By: D. E. Keith
Philein Wang is an talented ambitious Asian-American songwriter, poet,
dancer and singer. Whew! Girl, what do you do in you’re spare time?
Philein has a hot release in Child of No Nation. It has an international pop
flavor, but don’t limit your brain to categories. This disk has a wide open
appeal to a number of musical genres – Pop, Disco, Ballads, Hip Hop and
New Age. Songs are sung in English, French and Chinese. Both the songs
and the arrangements are upbeat, danceable and fun. Hell I can hear at
least two songs becoming staples in gay bars. If you’re looking for
something upbeat and fun than you’ll enjoy Child of No Nation.
Title: Child of No Nation
Genre: Pop /International
http://www.philein.com/new
By: D. E. Keith
Philein Wang is an talented ambitious Asian-American songwriter, poet,
dancer and singer. Whew! Girl, what do you do in you’re spare time?
Philein has a hot release in Child of No Nation. It has an international pop
flavor, but don’t limit your brain to categories. This disk has a wide open
appeal to a number of musical genres – Pop, Disco, Ballads, Hip Hop and
New Age. Songs are sung in English, French and Chinese. Both the songs
and the arrangements are upbeat, danceable and fun. Hell I can hear at
least two songs becoming staples in gay bars. If you’re looking for
something upbeat and fun than you’ll enjoy Child of No Nation.
Artist: Marina V
Title: Simple Magic
Genre: Mellow Soft Rock
http://www.marinav.com
By: D. E. Keith
Marina V has a great vocal style on this CD. Some of the tracks have a
tendency to be a little over produced (e.g. A 1980’s big production number
with plenty of drama) which in my opinion detracts from her incredible
voice. Marina V’s voice comes off so much better with just the piano or
guitar accompaniment. A strong album overall, but this artist may have to
choose whether she wants to be the next Celine Dion or Nora Jones. My
vote is for the latter.
Standout Tracks: This Minute last
Title: Simple Magic
Genre: Mellow Soft Rock
http://www.marinav.com
By: D. E. Keith
Marina V has a great vocal style on this CD. Some of the tracks have a
tendency to be a little over produced (e.g. A 1980’s big production number
with plenty of drama) which in my opinion detracts from her incredible
voice. Marina V’s voice comes off so much better with just the piano or
guitar accompaniment. A strong album overall, but this artist may have to
choose whether she wants to be the next Celine Dion or Nora Jones. My
vote is for the latter.
Standout Tracks: This Minute last
Artist: Changing Modes
Title: Aeroplane
Genre: Alternative
http://www.changingmodes.com
By: D. E. Keith
Aeroplane, is a little hard to describe. If any band deserves the
description of avant-garde or eclectic – it would be Changing Modes
and their new release Aeroplane. The songwriting and arrangements
are some what chaotic and fragmented, but the vocals and musicianship
are strong overall. The strongest track is Arnold – which perfectly
captures the madness and creepiness depicted in the documentary
Capturing The Friedmans.
Overall this release lacks continuity. If you enjoy the sometime
fragmented /disjointed arrangements that were utilized in the
Beatles Sgt. Pepper and the Stones Satanic Majesty’s Request –
than Aeroplane will appeal to you. Me – I’ll need some sort of ‘herbal’
substance to get me there.
Don’t get me wrong, this bands songwriting will grow stronger in time,
hopefully also their arrangements. In my opinion - this release is certainly
worth checking out at least once, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Title: Aeroplane
Genre: Alternative
http://www.changingmodes.com
By: D. E. Keith
Aeroplane, is a little hard to describe. If any band deserves the
description of avant-garde or eclectic – it would be Changing Modes
and their new release Aeroplane. The songwriting and arrangements
are some what chaotic and fragmented, but the vocals and musicianship
are strong overall. The strongest track is Arnold – which perfectly
captures the madness and creepiness depicted in the documentary
Capturing The Friedmans.
Overall this release lacks continuity. If you enjoy the sometime
fragmented /disjointed arrangements that were utilized in the
Beatles Sgt. Pepper and the Stones Satanic Majesty’s Request –
than Aeroplane will appeal to you. Me – I’ll need some sort of ‘herbal’
substance to get me there.
Don’t get me wrong, this bands songwriting will grow stronger in time,
hopefully also their arrangements. In my opinion - this release is certainly
worth checking out at least once, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
©Indietude.com 2006
