Eclectic Vibes - July 2008
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
Quite a propensity for women in the reviews this month. Totally by chance, but you can certainly construct your own conspiracy theories if you wish. Usually there are one or two, but this month…
Burning Brides
AnhedoniaRecord Label: CobraSide Distribution
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 7
A hard rockin’ trio pumping out a flavorful spin on heavy alternative rock with a heavy hand in the low end grooves and a droning swagger filled with post punk angst and profound awareness. “Anhedonia” means the inability to gain pleasure from enjoyable experiences.
Reader Votes: 0
Dengue Fever
Venus On EarthRecord Label: M80 Music
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 8
Have you been searching for 60’s retro Cambodian pop rock with a psychedelic slur and female vocals? Then look no further than this flamboyant Los Angeles-based group to fulfill your need!
Reader Votes: 0
The Feelin Band
The Sacred Play Of LifeRecord Label: Wake The World
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 9
Soulful crooning compliments the flowing piano and contemplative writing style with a folk, jazz and jam-infused bluesy backbone. This talented Twin Cities group rounds it out with some occasional Spanish influences.
Reader Votes: 0
Gemini Sun Records Presents
Live!Record Label: Gemini Sun Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 8
Taking 4 of their highest selling new age artists, David Arkenstone, Loren Gold, Nicholas Gunn and Johannes Linstead, and pairing them together in a CD and DVD combo package is formulated to be a sure bet for this label. I pretty much agree
Reader Votes: 0
Lauren Harris
Calm Before The StormRecord Label: DR2 Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 4
Surprisingly tame, straight forward and stereotypical “chick” rock from the daughter of legendary Iron Maiden bassist, Steve Harris. I was really hoping for a lot more.
Reader Votes: 0
Hydrogyn
Deadly PassionsRecord Label: DR2 Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 8
Smart, sexy, determined and connected (they scored a Pepsi gig off their demo!), this well fueled metal outfit struts their stuff with a stunning female presence in front and a furious musical appeal in tow.
Reader Votes: 0
Leatherwolf
New World AsylumRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 9
Megadeth meets Metal Church in this surprisingly good thrash attack throwback. With Mustain-like vocals and kick ass catchy riffs n chops this release will certainly stress my neck well into the future.
Reader Votes: 0
Legendary Shack Shakers
SwampbloodRecord Label: Yep Rock Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 9
Wailing hillbilly psycho swamp rock with a gothic snicker and a bluesy swagger showing off the strange and soulful American South. This is the third and final installment of the “Tentshow Trilogy.” Git sum!
Reader Votes: 1
Neverdie
no ROCK uN ROLLedRecord Label: Club NEVERDIE Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 7
Generally cheeky and heavily sample-induced dance music from Club Neverdie, the most famous (and highest grossing) virtual nightclub in the world. Neverdie also happens to be the avatar of multi-talented singer/songwriter John Jacobs who is at the forefront of this new wave of nightlife entertainment.
Reader Votes: 0
Eivind Opsvik
Overseas IIIRecord Label: Loyal Label
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 6
Classic straight jazz turned into an ambient field and then nudged with noise, progressive elements and a few electronica glitches. This Norwegian born and NYC based composer records and plays live with a 4-piece ensemble called Overseas.
Reader Votes: 0
Bill Purdy
Move My WayRecord Label: Bill Purdy Music
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 7
This singer/songwriter and pianist bellows out smooth pop rock grooves in the vein of Jack Johnson but manages to find his own gritty pace and emotion on this EP
Reader Votes: 0
Mike Zito
TodayRecord Label: Eclecto Groove Records
Review published: July 2008
Rating: 7
Soulful bluesy roots rock combined with pop singer/songwriter mischief. Zito got into music at an early age and has a veteran attitude to compliment. The vocal delivery strikes me as having a Dave Matthews-ish sashay layered in an adult-contemporary musical playground.
Reader Votes: 0
