Eclectic Vibes - November 2008
CD/DVD Micro Reviews by Andrew Frey
MAXIMUM INK HALLOWEEN BOO!
A party of a mythical magnitude formed on November 1st at The Annex. Rousted by Star Wars geeks and freaks theme costumes, coupled with the buzz of costumed coeds milling down the streets and coagulating at the McDonalds. The metal vibes that generally permeate the walls of the Annex were in a chipper and excited state. All the bands throughout the evening put on a good show, but Luna Mortis was the band to see and they delivered the goods far above and beyond what I was expecting. Their recent signing to Century Media Records is well founded as these Madison metal marksmen take aim for the national stage and from what I saw on 11/1 at the Annex, they are heading for a very large stage indeed. I have been a fan of female fronted power gothic rage metal for decades and Luna Mortis has a siren quality that I predict will draw them an ardent pan continental following.
I SEE RED!
Red Elvises at the Annex on Oct 8
Coinciding with a Southern Culture on the Skids show elsewhere caused a slightly thinner crowd than I was anticipating, but those that showed up were rewarded with a multitude of old favorites as well as tantalizing selections from their newest release “Drinking With Jesus” (Red Elvises Records). Their latest is almost as sacrilegious as it is HILARIOUS (“Don’t Crucify Me”) but seems to have taken on a darker and more jaded tone than I recall them imbibing in before.
As much as mainstays Igor Yukov and Oleg Bernov poured on their mischievous charm and stage charisma, the spotlight was generally occupied by keyboardist Elena Shemankova. Her seductive attire and provocative nature insured thunderous response when called upon. Viva La Elvises!
Crematory
PrayRecord Label: Blistering Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 9
These mighty and powerful German gothic doom wizards have conjured another “very now” offering. Blasting a full spectrum of darkened metal including a multi tonal vocal attack plus some electronic elements expounds upon their prior 15 year catalogue of success
Reader Votes: 0
Fall From Grace
Sifting Through The WreckageRecord Label: Bodog Music
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 3
When you are searching for glossy, fake, radio friendly, pop punk straight out of the cookie cutter, look no further. If you are searching for originality or musical fortitude, try again! All sold out here
Reader Votes: 0
Jorn
Lonely Are The BraveRecord Label: Blistering Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 4
Built around Norwegian Jorn Lande who is touted as being an extraordinary vocalist. Upon listening however, I was struck by how ordinary and blaze’ the music and most of the vocals are. Surprisingly average overall.
Reader Votes: 0
Judgehydrogen
Cult of BloodRecord Label: Rising Oculus Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 7
Hair raising atmospheres gurgling with virulent doom struck metal. This macabre one man project, bred in Middleton, WI, produces primal disturbances in the creep-a-dellic frequency spectrum while profanely exercising a deep gothic vocal pleasure. Seriously dark.
Reader Votes: 0
Kraak & Smaak
Plastic PeopleRecord Label: Ultra Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 8
This club friendly concoction conjoins disparate musical rhythms and beats into highly contagious cohesive danceable rhythms. Quite a clever musical aptitude. The spaced out and mystical cover of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is worth reverence alone!
Reader Votes: 0
Lotus
HammerstrikeRecord Label: SCI Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 8
Offering fresh, funky, technodellic indie jams that have to date been almost totally non vocal. This time there are several tracks with vocal flaunts to broaden their horizons and stellar trajectories. Upward and onward.
Reader Votes: 0
Natty Nation
ReincarnationRecord Label: iNatty Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 8
Madison reggae legends blast the Midwest with more of their infectiously buoyant rhythms and hip hoppin’ hybrid temptations. Lyrically mixing Jah philosophy with various related paths of mysticism allows for new spiritual perspectives for which their music may glide on.
Reader Votes: 0
Pert Near Sandstone
Needle & ThreadRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 8
A string contorting bluegrass band emanating from the Twin Cities. Upholding the American string-band tradition while upshifting expansive amounts of enthusiasm into a rousting reverie and full tilt expression.
Reader Votes: 0
Repo! The Genetic Opera (Soundtrack)
Repo! The Genetic OperaRecord Label: Lionsgate
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 9
The plotline may revolve around repossessing body organs in a not too distant future, but with an amazing all-star lineup including Sarah Brightman, Ogre, Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino and Clown from Slipknot in leading rolls, this musical squeals of greatness and immediate cult status.
Reader Votes: 0
Theories of Tension
Record Label: Self Released
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 7
A many faceted award winning Madison based metal outfit that throws down some prog rock, math rock and extreme jazz compositions in an aspiring manner. Somehow the recording is loose/rough/thin in a few areas which diminishes the exuberant talent contained here.
Reader Votes: 0
The Showdown
Back BreakerRecord Label: Solid State Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 7
The 3rd time is the charm for this thrash/power/death metal group; their best yet! Utilizing powerful Greek myths as the lyrical basis for the songs provides an interesting and powerful tapestry of material to tap into. Good grooves and aural diversity.
Reader Votes: 0
Ian Tescee
A Traveler’s Guide To MARSRecord Label: Self Released
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 7
A serene electronic landscape of sound forms that flow through a stellar selection of ambient space-scapes. From upbeat and funky as we enter “The New World” through dark somber “Dust Red Sky” the space music lover will rejoice.
Reader Votes: 0
Trin-Tran
Grows A RoseRecord Label: Animalman Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 7
Hyper maniacal one man band and visual spectacle. Very quirky keyboard riffs are spanked by punchy drums and nonsensical lyrics. Not for the faint of heart or the musical purist.
Reader Votes: 0
Uriah Heep
Wake The SleeperRecord Label: Sanctuary Records
Review published: November 2008
Rating: 8
Updating but not abandoning their classic 80s synth rock approach, this release shows the band as strong and musically alluring as ever.
Reader Votes: 0
