| ©Indietude.com 2008 |
Breech
Tarnish and Undress
RU Records
Breech is one of the strongest and most impressive bands in Los
Angeles (and Detroit MI). So I’m pleased to announce that their latest
release ‘Tarnish and Undress’ delivers the goods. Opening with
‘Grounded’ a song filled with teen angst and rebellion which describes
life as jaded when one is branded a bad girl. Anyone ever accused of
being a bad influence in their youth can relate to this song.
Throughout this collection, the songs are personal and reflective
exposing all the emotions that life’s wild ride lays on us: love,
obsession, hate, anger, heartache, despair, and guilt. Their songs
depict the ambiguity of modern life and the music artfully expresses
the beauty, pain, ugliness and driving passion of living through some
heavy experiences validating the oft spoken epigram - "that which
does not kill us, makes us stronger."
This would be a hard message for most singers to deliver, but Missy
Gibson proves her mettle in the vocals department. She expresses
the full range of emotions in her songs. Vocally she is raw, exposed,
yet touching and vulnerable. But her powerful vocal style triumphs
over the adversity of the lyrics. You instinctively feel that however
painful these experiences were - they don't own her. She is free of
them. The caliber of musicianship in Breech (Mike Flanagan,
Dan Hughes and Ian Barstowe) is exemplary and with Gibson's
powerful vocals it becomes an unbeatable combination. The
melodic arrangements and driving rhythm captures both the
power and vulnerability of the words.
Tarnish & Undress offers the listener a powerful collection of quality
songs and I strongly recommend that instead of listening to this band
via headphones or iPod, you should opt to hear the band pounding
through a quality sound system at home, or in your car. This is a band
that deserves to be heard at full throttle to fully appreciate the musical
nuances and intensity of their songs. It wouldn’t hurt to pump up the
volume too.
Lastly, I urge everyone to see this band Live. Not only are their songs
great, the band kicks ass and Missy Gibson pours her heart and soul
into every song. Welcome back Breech. I’ll C-ya soon.
http://www.breech.net/
http://www.myspace.com/breech
Tarnish and Undress
RU Records
Breech is one of the strongest and most impressive bands in Los
Angeles (and Detroit MI). So I’m pleased to announce that their latest
release ‘Tarnish and Undress’ delivers the goods. Opening with
‘Grounded’ a song filled with teen angst and rebellion which describes
life as jaded when one is branded a bad girl. Anyone ever accused of
being a bad influence in their youth can relate to this song.
Throughout this collection, the songs are personal and reflective
exposing all the emotions that life’s wild ride lays on us: love,
obsession, hate, anger, heartache, despair, and guilt. Their songs
depict the ambiguity of modern life and the music artfully expresses
the beauty, pain, ugliness and driving passion of living through some
heavy experiences validating the oft spoken epigram - "that which
does not kill us, makes us stronger."
This would be a hard message for most singers to deliver, but Missy
Gibson proves her mettle in the vocals department. She expresses
the full range of emotions in her songs. Vocally she is raw, exposed,
yet touching and vulnerable. But her powerful vocal style triumphs
over the adversity of the lyrics. You instinctively feel that however
painful these experiences were - they don't own her. She is free of
them. The caliber of musicianship in Breech (Mike Flanagan,
Dan Hughes and Ian Barstowe) is exemplary and with Gibson's
powerful vocals it becomes an unbeatable combination. The
melodic arrangements and driving rhythm captures both the
power and vulnerability of the words.
Tarnish & Undress offers the listener a powerful collection of quality
songs and I strongly recommend that instead of listening to this band
via headphones or iPod, you should opt to hear the band pounding
through a quality sound system at home, or in your car. This is a band
that deserves to be heard at full throttle to fully appreciate the musical
nuances and intensity of their songs. It wouldn’t hurt to pump up the
volume too.
Lastly, I urge everyone to see this band Live. Not only are their songs
great, the band kicks ass and Missy Gibson pours her heart and soul
into every song. Welcome back Breech. I’ll C-ya soon.
http://www.breech.net/
http://www.myspace.com/breech
Brandi Carlile
The Story
Sony Records
Since her first release over two years ago I have been singing
Carlile’s praises and now, I get to do it again. Before some of
you start shouting “She’s not an indie artist anymore." Let me
state my position – Carlile will always be an indie artist to me.
In her second release Carlile and the twins have not fallen prey
to the dreaded sophomore jinks. The Story is both bold and
insightful with its collection of songs penned by Carlile, Phil
and Tim Hansenroth. Opening softly with Late Morning Lullaby,
it moves right into a strong rockin chorus. The title track also
opens deceptively soft, all the while building to a powerful
climatic chorus. This is a powerful love song written by Phil
Hansenroth:
“I crossed the lines and broke all the rules, but I broke them
all for you. Because even when I was flat broke, you made
me feel like a million bucks – you do. I was meant for you.”
That is an incredibly powerful verse. When someone tells you
that you can only be deeply moved. Each song on this release
expresses profound human emotions about life’s experiences
and each track is carefully intermeshed with great musical
tenderness from both singer and musicians. Whether it's
Carlile’s own song, or one of the twins they are presented
with care both musically and vocally. Carlile and the twins
may now be considered ‘established artists,’ but with their
indie spirit, we will continue to claim them as our own.
The Story
Sony Records
Since her first release over two years ago I have been singing
Carlile’s praises and now, I get to do it again. Before some of
you start shouting “She’s not an indie artist anymore." Let me
state my position – Carlile will always be an indie artist to me.
In her second release Carlile and the twins have not fallen prey
to the dreaded sophomore jinks. The Story is both bold and
insightful with its collection of songs penned by Carlile, Phil
and Tim Hansenroth. Opening softly with Late Morning Lullaby,
it moves right into a strong rockin chorus. The title track also
opens deceptively soft, all the while building to a powerful
climatic chorus. This is a powerful love song written by Phil
Hansenroth:
“I crossed the lines and broke all the rules, but I broke them
all for you. Because even when I was flat broke, you made
me feel like a million bucks – you do. I was meant for you.”
That is an incredibly powerful verse. When someone tells you
that you can only be deeply moved. Each song on this release
expresses profound human emotions about life’s experiences
and each track is carefully intermeshed with great musical
tenderness from both singer and musicians. Whether it's
Carlile’s own song, or one of the twins they are presented
with care both musically and vocally. Carlile and the twins
may now be considered ‘established artists,’ but with their
indie spirit, we will continue to claim them as our own.
Sean Wiggins & Lone Goat
Wigmeister Music
The Kitchen Sink
It’s hard to believe that I’ve known this artist for seven
years. Wiggins never ceases to amaze me with the depth
of her talent, both as a musician and as a songwriter. For
this release, Wiggins joined forces with Lone Goat, a
great kick ass band and together they take on life on the
road, love and relationships. Kitchen Sink offers it all.
The songs have a sly country flavor, driving rock rhythm
and a few tasty blues riffs too. For those of you who
remember Wiggins from back in the day, she has
included some beautiful mellow songs too with just her
and her guitar. The songs are rich, reflective and playful
displaying wisdom and growth in spirit.
‘Crazy’ hits a definite groove and it’s good rocker to enjoy
while driving down the highway. Other personal favorites
"Into the Blue" and ‘I’m not your maid.’ Lord knows you
will shaking your head in agreement. Kitchen Sink is a
solid release proving once again that - like a fine wine,
Wiggins just keeps getting better with time.
Again, this is another hot ticket to see Live. Wiggins will
bring it all home for you when she visits your town.
http://www.seanwiggins.com/
http://www.myspace.com/seanwiggins
Wigmeister Music
The Kitchen Sink
It’s hard to believe that I’ve known this artist for seven
years. Wiggins never ceases to amaze me with the depth
of her talent, both as a musician and as a songwriter. For
this release, Wiggins joined forces with Lone Goat, a
great kick ass band and together they take on life on the
road, love and relationships. Kitchen Sink offers it all.
The songs have a sly country flavor, driving rock rhythm
and a few tasty blues riffs too. For those of you who
remember Wiggins from back in the day, she has
included some beautiful mellow songs too with just her
and her guitar. The songs are rich, reflective and playful
displaying wisdom and growth in spirit.
‘Crazy’ hits a definite groove and it’s good rocker to enjoy
while driving down the highway. Other personal favorites
"Into the Blue" and ‘I’m not your maid.’ Lord knows you
will shaking your head in agreement. Kitchen Sink is a
solid release proving once again that - like a fine wine,
Wiggins just keeps getting better with time.
Again, this is another hot ticket to see Live. Wiggins will
bring it all home for you when she visits your town.
http://www.seanwiggins.com/
http://www.myspace.com/seanwiggins
Michelle Malone
Sugarfoot
SBS Records
If you like your music hotter than Georgia asphalt on a summer
day, than you’ve come to the right place. Sugarfoot, released in
2006 is another testament to the incredible talent of this artist.
Not only are her songs powerful, but she is an awe-inspiring
vocalist and musician.
Jumpin right into an infectious riff with the opening track Tighten
Up the Springs, Malone demonstrates what an incredible guitar
player she is on this and every track on this CD. Whether she
plays it hard, soft, or soulful you can feel the passion and pure
joy she brings to her songs.
Years ago, I was blown away when I heard Bonnie Raitt play
slide guitar back in the 70’s. Malones’ musicianship surpasses
that memory. If I were to compare Malone to a brand-name
musician, in my opinion, she is the female answer to Keith
Richards. She's incredibility talented and like Richards, she
knows the power of an infectious riff.
With this release, I get the impression that she has reached
that point in her life where she is happy with her artistic efforts.
Lord knows her fans are. Sugarfoot is a win-win for everyone.
Be advised, Malone is another hot ticket Live. She is a must see
when she comes to your town. Go to her website for tour details.
Sugarfoot
SBS Records
If you like your music hotter than Georgia asphalt on a summer
day, than you’ve come to the right place. Sugarfoot, released in
2006 is another testament to the incredible talent of this artist.
Not only are her songs powerful, but she is an awe-inspiring
vocalist and musician.
Jumpin right into an infectious riff with the opening track Tighten
Up the Springs, Malone demonstrates what an incredible guitar
player she is on this and every track on this CD. Whether she
plays it hard, soft, or soulful you can feel the passion and pure
joy she brings to her songs.
Years ago, I was blown away when I heard Bonnie Raitt play
slide guitar back in the 70’s. Malones’ musicianship surpasses
that memory. If I were to compare Malone to a brand-name
musician, in my opinion, she is the female answer to Keith
Richards. She's incredibility talented and like Richards, she
knows the power of an infectious riff.
With this release, I get the impression that she has reached
that point in her life where she is happy with her artistic efforts.
Lord knows her fans are. Sugarfoot is a win-win for everyone.
Be advised, Malone is another hot ticket Live. She is a must see
when she comes to your town. Go to her website for tour details.
| Pick List: |
| Pick List: |
The Story Josephine My Song Turpentine |
| Keeper of the Key |
| Concealed |
| Unrequited |
| Pick List: |
| Crazy |
| Into The Blue |
| Tighten Up The Springs |
| Pick List: |
| Traveling and Unravelling |
http://www.michellemalone.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michellemalonemusic
http://www.daemonrecords.com/
http://www.myspace.com/michellemalonemusic
http://www.daemonrecords.com/
| Where Is The Love |
| Miss Miss'ippi |
| Sweet One (Stalker Waltz) |
| Real Life |
| Watchin' The World Go By |
| Taking It Slow |
Changing Modes
Down and Out In Shangri-la
Wendy Griffiths /Plague of Twins Productions
A little over a year ago, I reviewed Changing Modes CD ‘Aeroplane.’
At the time, I described their work as avant-garde and eclectic. To a
certain extent that description still rings true, although I would classify
them as Fusion Rock. At the time, I felt their music had a limited
appeal to those who enjoyed a freestyle jazz-rock presentation.
Now, with their latest release, “Down and Out in Shangri La,” they
have broadened their appeal considerably and I think that is a very
good thing. This is an impressive release overall. The first five tracks
focus on each songs core riff and infectious rhythm that anchors the
song into a driving force. Yes, they still have a penchant for merging
the jazz / rock styles together, but instead of allowing the song to spin
off and fragment, they bring it full circle, and pivot back to its central
musical core. In my opinion, that is a key element for keeping the
listener engaged and interested in the song. The songwriting is very
strong especially on the title track, which seems to tell the story of
impending doom and hard times summed up in the perfect line:
"Twenty miles from the ocean blue
Shangri-la can be a hell too"
The vocals have gotten stronger and are reminiscent of the B-52’s,
the Moto-litas and on some tracks Beth Hart. Overall, Down and
Out In Shangri La is a strong release for this band and worthy of
your consideration. It is both musically balanced, progressive and
it rocks too.
Down and Out In Shangri-la
Wendy Griffiths /Plague of Twins Productions
A little over a year ago, I reviewed Changing Modes CD ‘Aeroplane.’
At the time, I described their work as avant-garde and eclectic. To a
certain extent that description still rings true, although I would classify
them as Fusion Rock. At the time, I felt their music had a limited
appeal to those who enjoyed a freestyle jazz-rock presentation.
Now, with their latest release, “Down and Out in Shangri La,” they
have broadened their appeal considerably and I think that is a very
good thing. This is an impressive release overall. The first five tracks
focus on each songs core riff and infectious rhythm that anchors the
song into a driving force. Yes, they still have a penchant for merging
the jazz / rock styles together, but instead of allowing the song to spin
off and fragment, they bring it full circle, and pivot back to its central
musical core. In my opinion, that is a key element for keeping the
listener engaged and interested in the song. The songwriting is very
strong especially on the title track, which seems to tell the story of
impending doom and hard times summed up in the perfect line:
"Twenty miles from the ocean blue
Shangri-la can be a hell too"
The vocals have gotten stronger and are reminiscent of the B-52’s,
the Moto-litas and on some tracks Beth Hart. Overall, Down and
Out In Shangri La is a strong release for this band and worthy of
your consideration. It is both musically balanced, progressive and
it rocks too.
| Pick List |
| Down and Out In Shangri la |
| Ship |
| Off The Radar |
| Race The Wave |
