Eclectic Vibes - January 2008
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
This Month: Dread Zeppelin, ASG, Blake Lewis, D Numbers, Diary Of Dreams, Edenbridge, Juicehead, Ladysmith Black Mambasa, London After Midnight, Putumayo’s Latin Reggae, Meldrum, Omar Akram, Putumayo’s Secret Journey, Sequoia Grove, Six and Violence, 3, Uz Jsme Doma
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The End Is BegunRecord Label: Metal Blade Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Moody, paradoxical and sophisticated rhythms compliment the succinct and distinct vocals which soar but do not annoy, while utilizing technical prowess to bring broad minded progressive metal to new heights.
Reader Votes: 1
Omar Akram
Secret JourneyRecord Label: Real Music
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
This son of a UN diplomat brings us an infusion of world flecked jazz instrumentals set in melodic new age atmospheres. Piano is the dominant but not overpowering motivator here, complimented by violin, guitar, drums and keyboard.
Reader Votes: 0
ASG
Win Us OverRecord Label: Volcom Entertainment
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
Friends of the surf/skate/snowboard scene, ASG dishes out heavy melodic rock with lots of stoner/psychedelic/alcoholic influences. A perfect compliment to your adrenalin fueled experiences!
Reader Votes: 0
D Numbers
LightparadeRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Boarding on instrumental jamtronica but activating just enough quirky indie rock impressions as to not be permeated with a patchouli patina. The stylistic layered approach that this Santa Fe, NM trio utilizes is a constant but the sonic outcomes create a variety of tonal conundrums.
Reader Votes: 0
Diary Of Dreams
Nekrolog 43Record Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
Dark and haunting gothic industrial electronica with sinister ambience yet beautifully breathtaking beats and passages. From the deep and demented mind and voice of Adrian Hates.
Reader Votes: 0
Dread Zeppelin
Bar CodaRecord Label: Cash Cow Productions
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
The basic “schtick” here involves an Elvis impersonator vocalist singing Zeppelin (and other) classics reinvigorated to an often reggae beat. This time they inject some Beatles, Bob Marley and other song snippets with their unique flavor as well.
Reader Votes: 1
Edenbridge
The Chronicles of EdenRecord Label: Locomotive Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
A 2 disc set featuring 3 new songs, some rarities and bonus tracks on one disc with the other a “best of” compilation voted on by fans worldwide. A great overview of this female fronted Austrian symphonic metal group! For fans of Within Temptation or Nightwish.
Reader Votes: 0
Juicehead
Devil Made Me Do ItRecord Label: Misfits Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 7
Old school thought provoking punk rock from Chicago with raw raspy guitars, tinny drums, sing along vocals and thrashy hooks that pummel and cajole the listener into a good feelin’ frenzy.
Reader Votes: 0
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ilembe: Honoring Shaka ZuluRecord Label: Heads Up Africa
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Taking a break from their usual heavy handed Christian focused acapella, this Grammy award winning African singing group pays homage to Shaka Zulu, one of the greatest leaders in African history. Amazing harmonies as always.
Reader Votes: 0
Blake Lewis
Audio DaydreamRecord Label: Arista/J Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Once again a runner up on American Idol scores bigger than the winner. Dynamic and diverse, this release offers a great range of Blake-isms; from beat boxing and alternative pop to soul and hip hop all seen through his pleasant technotronic filters.
Reader Votes: 0
London After Midnight
Violent Acts Of BeautyRecord Label: Metropolis Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 8
This long time gothic band has retooled and reinvigorated their style by adding a substantial electronic element. This change makes for some fertile new musical frontiers and repeated listens.
Reader Votes: 0
Meldrum
Blowin’ Up The MachineRecord Label: Locomotive Spain
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 7
By featuring guests Gene Hoglan on drums and Lemmy on some back ups, you get a good idea of what kind of kick ass metal this trio of fired up, ballsy females are gonna whip up.
Reader Votes: 0
Putumayo Presents
Latin ReggaeRecord Label: Putumayo World Music
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
I love reggae and Putumayo has managed to thrust a whole bunch of wonderful established as well as newcomer Spanish singing reggae based artists (largely from Spain) into the spotlight with this release. Ya mon!
Reader Votes: 0
Putumayo Presents
Tango Around The WorldRecord Label: Putumayo World Music
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Musically touring the tantalizing Tango hotbeds around the world including Finland, Senegal, Portugal and most notably Argentina. Here we are shown the fancy footwork (and musicianship) of 11 internationally renowned artists.
Reader Votes: 0
Sequoia Groove Presents
Angels VoicesRecord Label: Sequoia Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 6
Compiled by Yogafit founder Beth Shaw and mixed by the Gordon Brothers, this compilation focuses on female voices and consists of remixes of about 5 different bands. Blissful but limited.
Reader Votes: 0
Six And Violence
Bastards of the UniverseRecord Label: Dignified Bastards
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
A double disc complete discography of the band’s twenty year existence. These 58 songs are rife with great old school NYC hardcore punk riffs, attitude and humor.
Reader Votes: 0
Uz Jsme Doma
Cod Liver OilRecord Label: Skoda Records
Review published: January 2008
Rating: 9
Quirky, wild and zany jazz rock with a punk attitude. Comparisons to Zappa, Zorn and The Residents are actually appropriate here. This uneasy listening band from Prague sings in Czech and is not for the wimpy at heart.
Reader Votes: 0
