Past and Present Webzine

Issue 18 – February 2003

Website: www.geocities.com/pastandpresent2001

Email: hansje35@hotmail.com

Editor: Hans Jakup Eidisgard

 Interviews/Features

Heavenly / Dyecrest

Album of the month

Stryper

Album Reviews

13 Faces / Arms of Kismet / Audio Out Send / Baltimore / B.E. Mann / CatDesigners / Collide / Criminal / Crooked Roads / Dbcurtis / Decapitated / Deicide / Donovan Kovea / Dwelling / Dyecrest / Exhibit F / Frank White / Fleshcrawl / Inner Surge / Into Eternity / John Temmerman's Jazz Obsession Quartet / Killaman / Lopside / Lord Carrett / Michael Reich / Miss Kristin / Narcissus / Ric Hordinksi / Richard Gilewitz / Robin Stone / Robert Farrell / Steve Lieberman / The Buddy Collette Big Band / The Emergency / The Insdyerz / The.Story.Of / Third Option / Various Artists: Chooglin’ A Tribute To The Songs Of John Fogerty / Various Artists: Prise Yourself Loose And Listen / Vintersorg / Vinyl Soup

Single/EP of the Month

Spy Glass Blue

Single/EP reviews

Alice Lee / Amigo / Beanstalk / Descendents / Dream Catcha / Dreamdaze / Goldenpyre / Euclid / Matt McGee / Mister Kite / Serenity (2x) / Some Mestizo / The Bravado / The Fencott Disaster / The Subject / Third Option / Twytch

Contact Address

Interviews/Features:

Name: Heavenly

From: France

Current release: Dust To Dust on Noise/Sanctuary

Sound like: Angra and Rhapsody, only a little less epic and a little more straightforward power metal.

The Story:

In 1994 a few 14-15 year old boys started a band. At first they just played covers of bands they listened to, like The Doors, Guns n' Roses and so on. But as time passed and the boys grew older their eyes were opened up to the sound of bands like Helloween, Angra and the likes. In 1999 they recorded a demo that got good feedback. Then they entered a competition, which lead Noise Records to hearing and signing them.

Debut:

It hasn't just been an easy ride. After some touring and a few line-up changes it seemed that a debut-album should finally be released. The recording of the album started already in February 2003 and release-dates were set along the way, but somehow it kept getting delayed. Until now, nearly a year later, that is.

The future:

Well, nothing is certain. Heavenly are hoping to get to do some touring in the near future, but as of now it all depends on how the new album will be doing.

Name: Dyecrest

From: Finland

Current release: The Way of Pain on Noise/Sanctuary

Sound like:

Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Iron Maiden etc. You get the picture: Like a lot of other heavy/power metal bands.

The Story:

Dyecrest started as a band in their teens 10 years ago, but it wasn't until they sent a demo to a Finnish Magazine, as a part of the European talent-contest "Young Metal God" that they got wind in their sails. They first were voted in the top three in Finland, which sent them to the finals in Germany where they actually won. "Actually, I was quite confident that we'd make it to top three in Finland" a member of the band told me over the phone, "...and when we made it to Germany, I was quite confident that we'd make it unto the top three there too." Dyecrest winning the contest also resulted in a record-deal with Noise Records, which brings us up to date with their current release.

The Future:

Nothing much, really. Hoping and waiting for an opening slot at a tour, which at this point, just like in Heavenly's case (see feature above), is really just a matter of how well the newly released album will be doing. More power to them.

Album of the Month:

Stryper; Seven - Best Of

Hollywood Records

The yellow and black attack is back. Or something like that. And yes, I am aware that these guys looked truly ridiculous back in the 80's with their tight yellow and black leather-bumblebee type of clothes and girly puddle hair. But I used to love their music, and when hearing this it's all coming back to me. Two new cuts have found its way unto this "Best of" compilation, both of them updated in sound and style, perhaps sounding more like Nickleback (only a 1000 times better) than the 80's hair-metal. There are songs featured from all their albums. Three from "Yellow and Black Attack" from 1983, three from "Soldier Under Command" from 1985, five from the legendary "To Hell With The Devil" from 1986, two from "In God We Trust" from 1988 and three from "Against The Law" from 2000. Of course, there are songs I'd like to see on here that aren't here (can you say "More Than A Man"?) and visa versa ("Lady"), but mostly this is very well picked out. This made me remember how good songs like "Free," "To Hell With The Devil," "The Way", "Honestly," "All For One" and all those really were. These guys might just be something people laugh at today, but back in the 80's these guys were some of the hottest pop-metal around. And musically (and especially vocally) bands like Poison, White Lion and the like didn’t stand a chance against these guys. For a band with a christian message they were kind of the POD of the 80's or something. Check them out.

Album Reviews:

13 Faces; These Bloody Hands

Bandaloop Records

This hardcore lot from Cleveland are as pissed of as you’ll get. Ok, perhaps not Decide pissed, but still pretty damn pissed. Don’t they ever get tired? Must be hard live, at least? They burst their way through 13 hardcore-punk songs that never ever slow down even for a minute. Of course, that also makes their sound a little one dimentional, but if aggression and chaos are two words you like to see in the same sentence then this is for you.

Arms Of Kismet; Eponymous

Wampus Multimedia

Although obviously a band, it seems like Arms Of Kismet (aka Wampeters) could just as easily be a singer/songwriter project of Mark Doyon. At least, he has written all songs and lyrics on this disc, save but for one which he has written with another band-mate. Musically Arms of Kismet also sounds pretty much like the typical folk-rockish singer/songwriter stuff that’s overflowing from USA these days. There seems to be a little Bruce Cockburn in there as well as some Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley, which makes it a quite varied offering, really.

Audio Out Send; Or Does It Explode?

A Flashcard Project

Having been around since 1996, these Oakland, California guys have had plenty of time developing their rock n' roll meets electronic indie-pop noise. I have no idea how previous offerings came out, but today these guys are more than ready for the big leagues. "Or Does It Explode?" was almost the perfect way to start this year musically, and pretty much unlike any other album, EP or single (or most of them, anyway) reviewed in this month's issue, there isn't one weak moment to find on this disc. Fans of the likes of Death Cab For Cutie and Grandaddy will eat this up.

Baltimore; Ultimate Tribute

Lion Music

Ian Haugland must definitely like his geography. He used to be in Europe and now he's in Baltimore. If Chicago were still around, maybe he could've joined them too? Anyway, I reviewed a previous album by this band a few years ago, and thought they were ok. I think, I liked them better last time around really. This is a record full of cover-versions, featuring songs by AC/DC, Rainbow, Sweet, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Nazareth, MSG, Kiss, Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath and more. A lot of them are bold choices, but the bottom line is that they don't add anything new to the original. I am getting kind of bored with these cover-albums. How about a new Baltimore studio-album?

B.E. Mann; Kaleidoscopes Prt.1 - The Pop Songs

Independent Records

According to the press-release I got with this CD, B.E. Mann has released 15 full-length album since 1989 (that is if we count “best of” albums and live-recordings), as well as being featured on 14 compilations since 1995, which all in all is quite a lot. Judging from the album-title you’re probably guessing that this is pure pop-music, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Of course, there are some pop-sensibilities in there, but this is Reggae with a capital R, accompanies by a little R&B and hip-hop to make things all that more interesting. “Kaleidoscopes Prt.1 - The Pop Songs” is definitely one of the better reggae albums I’ve listened to for a while in order to review on this site. The only down-side is a terrible version of the Beegees classic “How Deep Is Your Love.”

CatDesigners; Chemical Jazz

GooglieMooglie

One should think this was a jazz-records judging from the album-title. Nothing could be farther from the truth, though, as this has little to nothing to do with jazz (although it‘s quite chemical). Although presented as a band, CatDesigners is more or less a solo-project by Nick Troop. At least on this record and a new one due for release 26-01-2004 (the third one will be a bands effort). Sounds like this guy has ideas, huh? He does, and what is even better is the fact that it’s actually more than ideas: it‘s also great British-sounding rock-music inspired by the likes of Beatles, Bowie and Buckley among other. Favourite track: “Medicine Song.”

Clear Horizon; Clear Horizon

Kranky Records

This is a very special project and I’ll tell you why. Clear Horizon is the project of Ohio songwriter Jessica Bailiff and British electronica artist David Pearce. What, you say, a British male electronica artist and an American female singer/songwriter? It’s hardly the first time in history this has gone down. Well, no, it isn’t, but then again that’s not the whole story. This album has come to life after the two of them, Jessica and David, have been sending tapes back and forth through mail. Ok, this too has been done before, but the result has rarely been this satisfying. I mean, if this is what these two people are capable of being so far away from each other, then only God knows what they are capable of gathered in the same room. This is melancholic rock music at its very best. Thanks to Kranky for sending it our way.

Collide; Some Kind Of Strange

Noiseplus Music

The first thing to gain my attention when receiving this in the mail was the cover-art. It’s a young, beautiful goth-looking woman that instantly made me thing about Evanescence. And there are similarities. First thing the two of them have in common is the fact they’re both duo’s made up by a man and a woman. Secondly, they both mix gothic undertones into their semi-modern sounds. Collide, however, aren’t nu-metal. They’re electronic, danceable and yet dark industrial rock that works. And it seems like these people are no strangers to the world of industrial either. Singer Karin has also sung on Cevin Key’s “Space Cake” album, while Static will be a guest on the upcoming Skinny Puppy comeback album. Check it out.

Criminal; No Gods No Masters

Metal Blade

(Provided by Target Distribution)

The hardest band in Chile (to me they are anyway, as I don’t think I know any other band from that country) are back with a vengeance. Or are they? Their new album “No Gods No Masters” sounds pretty much like their previous album “Cancer.” There’s no change musically, and I don’t even think these guys have gotten better. In short, and as I said, this is pretty much the same as we’ve heard from this band before, which isn‘t necessarily bad, as this band is pretty good at making smashing hard thrash metal. One more band from South America to be keeping an eye on for metal-heads. Release date: 23rd February.

Crooked Roads; Love, Again

Self-released

Crooked Roads is an American country band. They're kind southern sounding, and kinda regular at that too. As often within country music there really isn't much new to offer - not musically and not lyrically. Musically Crooked Roads sound like a million country artists before them, and lyrically there's a whole lot of love/betrayal vs. happy/sad, which also is rather ordinary within this genre. But all that said, this really isn't a bad album. It's really not that great either. Let's just say that if you're into country like Gram Parsons and stuff like that, you might be into this.

Dbcurtis; Out of the Blue

999 Manifesto

“Out of the Blue” is Dbcurtis’ debut-album. Musically it’s electro-folk and Americana coupled up with a little country and blues, and it‘s actually a lot better than I thought it would be, although I didn‘t get this at all the first time I listened to it. I like this guy’s way of telling a story. That way, even if not all the songs hold your attention, the lyrics have a way of keeping you holding on. Favorite cut: “Hold Me Closer” - here Dbcurtis almost sounds like Bono fronting a folk-rock band.

Decapitated; The Negation

Earache

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Polish Decapitated were one of the most talked about death metal bands of last year when they released their second album “The Nihility”, which was a blistering journey through some of the most technical and yet brutal as Hell death metal around. Pretty much like any other Polish death metal band, then? Well, yes, but only better. And here they are again, slightly less technical and even more brutal, sounding not too unlike fellow Polish death metallers Vader. Tired of melo-death and want to have brutality, brutality and more brutality? Well, you ain’t gonna start the year better than in company with Decapitated. Release date: 9th February.

Deicide; Scars of the Crucifix

Earache

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Deicide was never my band back when I first started getting interested in death metal. So for a long time I avoided them like the plague. Of course, there were times when I heard a little of their music at school, but it never did anything for me. Of course, for a guy like me, their ridiculous Satanic lyrics didn’t make things better, but for some reason I find the new album to be really, really good. One of the better death metal albums of late, really. Of course, the lyrics still aren’t their strongest side, but then again what would Deicide be without them? I am not trying to sound like a Deicide expert here, coz I certainly ain’t, but this could very well be their best album to date. Perhaps their departure from Roadrunner sparked a new fire in their satanic souls or something. I don’t know. Whatever. All I know is that I like this album, I just kind of choose to ignore their angry side.

Donovan Kover; A Deeper Love

Ravok Records

Overall I found this disc to be pretty good, although it faded a little towards the end. “One Spin From Heaven or Hell” could easily become a huge hit if it ended in the right hands (DJ’s, label-owners - whatever!), but some might be put off a bit when finding out that it sounds a lot like newer Bon Jovi. Roughly I’d just say that this is radio-friendly pop-rock, period. Oh, and did you know that this guy has had music featured in the Soap Opera “The Young And The Restless”? Me Neither. Until now, that is.

Dwelling; Humana

Equilibrium Music

This is the first release from this Portuguese label, and as a start out they’ve decided that native men (and woman) Dwelling would be the perfect pick. This is acoustically played neofolk and neoclassical music, only featuring the beautiful voice of Catarina Raposo, bass, violin and guitars, and you’d be surprised how think the sound actually is. The guitar-players have got great skills and there are a lot of interesting little details to be found in the production. For a relaxing Sunday afternoon? Sure. For further details check out: www.equilibriummusic.com

Dyecrest; The Way of Pain

Noise Records/Sanctuary

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Dyecrest is a fairly new heavy metal band from Finland, and this, their first album for Noise Records, is really their award for winning a big European metal competition “Young Metal God.” Unsigned bands with members not being older than 23 years old were to send demos in to magazines in six different countries where of five bands were picked to play in the finals, and, well, you already know who won. So here we are in best American Idols/pop-stars TV-show tradition with a band winning a record-deal (only within metal rather than pop). Is it any good. Well, it is a lot better than what you’ve ever heard from those pop-music TV-Show winners (not that it‘s really comparable as these guys make their own music), but I really think that Noise Records should start to sign other than competition winners, as the French band Heavenly reviewed in last month’s issue was also signed when winning a music competition. Dyecrest is for fans of Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian and the like.

Exhibit F; Blue In The Background

Self-released

(Provided by Nina Denny Public Relations)

Ok, here's another guitar-driven rock act from San Diego, but don't be expecting another nu-metal group ala P.O.D. Exhibit F really don't have much in common with the aforementioned San Diego-crew, except for the loud guitars perhaps. Exhibit F is much rather an alternative rock band finding influences in indie, punk, emo and even progrock. The overall sound is quite catchy and reminiscent, at least vocally, of Debby Harry (Blondie) and even Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) at times. Exhibit F aren’t doing anything new here. It has all been done before, but it’s not something you can’t bare to hear again.

Fleshcrawl; Made Of Flesh

Metal Blade

(Provided by Target Distribution)

I remember giving the previous album by Fleshcrawl a rather lukewarm review, but I can‘t really remember what it sounded like. For some reason I like the new one “Made Of Flesh,” so I guess they’ve gotten better, but I can’t possibly imagine that they’ve changed their sound much, because this is still pretty straightforward, traditional and classic. But honestly I like it... Ok, some of it.

Frank White; Frank White

White Cloud Records

Frank White is only this guys nickname. His real name is Frank Badini, and although the cover of this album isn't in colours, it doesn't seem like Frank White is a white man. So it must be some kind of other “white” we're dealing with here, and I can only guess what!?! Anyways, this guy surely knows how to put some good hip hop together. He sounds a lot like modern rap-acts like Eminem and other Shady-artists, but he also mixes a few older 90's influences in there, while keeping things gangsta on a lyrical level.

Inner Surge; Solus Verum

Self-released

It seems like these guys believe in strongly in what they do, and there is more than just music in there, as these guys have played on the "Rock Against Racism 2002" tour together will tons of well known acts, as well as, in their own words, organizing benefit shows for charities such as Operation Eyesight Universal and the Evan Shaw Foundation. Musically this is mostly metal, but with influences drawn from a variety of other musical styles. Judging from this CD, these guys aren't quite ready for the big leagues, but there's definitely a light ahead of the tunnel.

Into Eternity; Buried In Oblivion

Century Media

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Into Eternity doesn’t do anything new here on their third album. Technical death metal has been combined with progrock and power metal before, but it’s definitely not every day that a CD like this comes along in this genre. Highly technical and well-played from start to finish and even in the places where Into Eternity sound like Tourniquet on their masterpiece “Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance” they don’t disappoint. Good production, strong musicianship and great vocals. Heck, the title-track even sounds like a Queensryche ballade with vocals on a Geoff Tate level. yeah, really.

John Temmerman's Jazz Obsession Quartet; The Power of Two

The JFT Group, inc.

I always like getting a good jazz-record to review. One of the things that I like so much about many jazz-records is the fact that they're so varied. Not so in the case of John Temmerman's Jazz Obsession Quartet though. Don't get me wrong, these guys can play - no questioning that. But really, the album seems to get trapped in going on in the same tempo throughout, without ever really breaking out offering any highlights. Well, perhaps with the exception of their cover of "Nice and Easy."

Killaman; Killaman

Displeased Records

According to the press release this is the soundtrack for your (or mine, if you will) broken neck in the pit.” Well, I don’t know about you, but I sure as Hell would like to keep my neck unbroken for quite some time, and therefore you can assume that I was quite terrified to put this record on. I mean, what if this was actually true. A broken neck in the pit! But it turned out that there was no “The Ring” kind of effect on it. Actually, these Swedes that used to be in Murder Corporation are quite harmless. Brutal? Sure, but still quite harmless. They aren’t bad. They just sound too much like every second death metal band around these days (with some thrash metal thrown in for good measure, though). But of course that could be exactly what you want.

Lopside; 37

Self-released

There’s a funny and rather unusual story behind this project. One day Dean Hinds, the creator of Lopside, received a “hand me down” pager as a gift from a friend who complained that he was too difficult to get a hold of. One day Dean received 37 voicemail messages with inhuman beeps, buzzes and other random bursts of electronic noise. But what perhaps has seemed as an irritation beyond everything else at the time, later turned out to become an inspiration for Dean Hinds. You may already have guessed it. Yes, “37”, the title of this album is a reference to those 37 voicemail messages, and it turns out that the 10 tracks featured on this disc are also in one way or another inspired and/or further built upon those voicemail messages. Musically this is electronic and atmospheric ambient stuff. It’s all well done, but it’ll demand your full attention to get through it, as the songs are long and perhaps mostly aimed at those who already like this kind of music.

Lord Carrett; Unsweetened

Self-released

Ok, normally this is where I am telling how good or bad music this and that artist is making, but this isn’t music...at all. What is it then? Comedy, that’s what. Stand-up Comedy. And Lord Carrett is actually really funny. It’s hard to make it through an as long set as the one Lord Carrett is offering here, and it really is just one show, this. There was no editing and no laugh track added to this thing - just 100% Lord Carrett, his jokes and people laughing like crazy. And they have all the right to do so, coz Lord Carrett has some fine jokes in his bag. I always like a comedian who can make fun of himself and Lord Carrett does that... a lot. As in any stand-up show I‘ve ever heard, though, there are a few things that really don’t come across as being funny, although they mostly do here, but it doesn’t even matter, because there’s some woman in the audience who laughs so hard and annoyingly that even when things aren’t funny, they certainly get funny because of her and the ugliest laughter ever. This guy has got some freaky fans for sure. Anyway, what I meant to say here is that I like this release, although it would probably be funnier if it was on video.

Michael Reich; Who’s Minding The Store?

Self-released

Having written and performed music for the past two decades, Michael Reich now finds himself releasing his third album, which really isn’t a lot, considering that the first one was released in 1989. Anyway, Michael really doesn’t sound like an old singer/songwriter, although his musical influences are certainly found in what once was rather than what’s going on right now, but with an updated sound. Someone compared this guy’s combination of pop, rock and folk to the likes of Poul Young, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, and although it seems like every other singer/songwriter gets compared to those guys these days (at least the latter two), it really seems appropriate in this case.

Miss Kristin; Trouble Child

2 High 2 Die Records

It’s hard to miss the message of hope in troubled times when listening to Miss Kristin, but that’s not all she sings about. She also touches topics like new found love, freedom and exploration. Light-hearted stuff for sure. Sounds like she’s on a mission to save the world, doesn’t it (she didn‘t say that. I did)? And she shall be more than welcome, because if there’s anything this world needs right now it‘s just that. It isn’t likely to be happening though with her music being released on her own label and her music not being overtly mainstream minded. Anyway, people with a passion of typical US singer/songwriter folk/pop/rock might get a spark lighted.

Narcissus; Crave and Collapse

Century Media

(Provided by Target Distribution)

Narcissus seems to be next band in line in the newly headed Century Media post hardcore direction. What Narcissus also is, is one of many bands that have been stuck in the Christian hard music scene for a while, but who’ve lately gotten good deals in the general marketplace. Their first album was released by Christian label Clenchedfist Records and the second one by Takehold Records (reviewed somewhere in the archives of this very webzine). This is, as you’ve probably counted already, their third album and probably their best to date. Think Poison The Well, Thursday, Haste, Beloved and that sort of thing and you’ll get the picture.

Ric Hordinksi; When I Consider How My Light Is Spent

Paste Records

(Provided by Biscuit PR)

"Music is not just about notes. It's about the spaces between the notes" - Ric Hordinksi. Perhaps one of the most ttelling and wise statements within the music-scene in years, and, really, Ric was the right person the make this statement. His ethereal guitar playing drips with the idea of beautiful notes and the spaces between them. For eight years Hordinksi has been a part of the much critically acclaimed Over The Rhine, while also releasing solo-albums under the moniker Monk. Now, however, it's time for an album under his real name. And man is it good. Not as singer/songwriter-ish as Over The Rhine. It's more laid-back, more poetic and ethereal, and a lot of the time instrumental. When vocals appear, it's sometimes even quite poppy (kind of Jars of Clay-sounding even). So if pop-music and ambience sounds like something that should be on the same album to you, then Ric Hordinki's When I Consider How My Light Is Spent" is probably the album to go for right now.

Richard Gilewitz; Thumbsing

Gillazilla Records

Richard Gilewitz is by God a gifted guitarist. No doubt about that. His love for his guitar shines throughout this disc, and it is only when you love what you do that you get this good. This is an instrumental guitar-CD featuring thirteen songs which of seven are his own, while six are covers. Richard is driven by, but not limited to, classical music, and his love for Bach among others is easily heard on "Thumbsing." Well-played and very well arranged, but still not an album for any mood. Personally, I won't be listening to it all that much, but that's just a matter of taste, really.

Robin Stone; Rushmore

She Loves You Records

Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, female singer/songwriter Robin Stone runs her own record-label and makes her own music. She has a good, strong voice and she’s obviously as talented a musician as she’s a singer (she plays both guitar and percussion on “Rushmore“). But if there’s a hole in the singer/songwriter right now, Robin Stone really doesn’t fill it, meaning that she hasn’t done anything new here. She sounds kinda like a less rocking version of a female Dave Matthews Band (add a little R&B and a little Sheryl Crow and you‘re there), which really isn‘t that bad, but it certainly isn‘t new either.

Robert Farrell; Metaphysical Ignition - Piano Suites

Musicmint

(Provided by Nina Denny Public Relations)

According to Robert Farrell himself "Metaphysical Ignition" is paying tribute to the past, while also pointing to the future, which totally makes sense when hearing the album. Robert's classical piano playing seems to be very inspired by the likes of Back, Mozart and Beethoven - composers that Robert also has spent a llot of time on studying, but the real surprise comes when you realize that Robert isn't playing on a regular piano, but rather a digital Yamaha model. Robert's piano playing can be very romantic at times, but also highly dramatic at others. One thing is certain, though - this is a job well done, but believe me, you'll have to be into classical music to truly appreciate it.

Steve Liberman; Desert Fever Brigade

Self-released

In theory this seemed like a very interesting project, but in reality it fell flat on its arse. Now, Steve Lieberman has got a lot of ideas and interesting ones too, but somehow he just doesn’t seem to get things to flow on this disc. First off, the sound quality is awful, and secondly Steve isn’t the best singer in the world. Actually, he sounds like Ossy Osbourne on a very bad day. The punk, prog-rock, electronica and Jewish-music that is made up by bass-guitar, flutes, trombones, fiddles, melodica and more just comes across as messy and extremely tiring. But props to Steve for being able to play all these instruments himself. Not a lot of people can do that, you know. Just would’ve wished it could’ve been more inspiring than this as a whole.

The Buddy Collette Big Band; In Concert

Bridge Records

This is our first review of an album released on the classical music label Bridge Records. However, this really isn't a classical album as such, but rather a trip into the sounds of big band jazz and swing, although performed in a classical-like manner. The atmosphere is laidback, but still quite swinging. The songs are long, perhaps even too long at times, as the CD turns out to be a little repetitive throughout, but that drummer certainly gets two thumbs up for going nuts here and there.

The Emergency; How Can You Move?

You Guys On A Label? Records

Smother.net have said these guys to be the best band in the underground right now, and quite possibly the best band in the underground ever to come. Big words. First time I listened to this album, I must say that I couldn’t disagree more, but after a second listen, I realized that I wasn’t really listening the first time around. I couldn’t have, coz these guys are really, really good. Perhaps not the best underground act around, but they’re up there somewhere among the better ones. Fans of power-pop with memorable choruses should try this.

The Insyderz; Soundtrack To A Revolution

Floodgate Records/Wea International

(Provided by Biscuit PR)

The Insyderz just used to be the coolest band in my world (ok, right after Supertones and Five Iron Frenzy obviously...) back in 1996 or thereabout. They were one of those really cool ska-bands. Of course, a lot of my school-mates hated them and thought they sucked. I didn't care, coz to me they rocked. But somehow they got kind of burned out after a few records, and just before calling their quits I really didn't feel anything for this band anymore. It's lucky then, that "Soundtrack To A Revolution" is a band that's back with new inspiration. Not that they've come up with something new here. It's still the same old ska-punk formula, but it seems like they've actually put their hearts into what they're doing here. The title-track is just as catchy as any Insyderz back-catalogue song, and quite a few of the other songs follow up on that quite well. The only negative thing I can say about this record, and that could be said about all their previous records too, is that their lead-singer really hasn't that good a voice. If he was singing any other kind of music except for ska-punk I'd probably kick his ass, but somehow on a "let's have fun" disc like the ones The Insyderz tend to release, you can forgive him, but there are times that he gets a little bit on my nerves though. But just forget about that. Overall this is a great ska-disc. One of the better ones lately, really.

The.Story.Of: Trust In Amanita

Self-released

You’d be surprised to hear how many good independent bands that are around today. The.Story.Of is if anything one of them. If these guys aren’t signed at the end of 2004, there sure as Hell isn’t much hope the music-business. Or let me put it this way: I would’ve signed them if I owned a record-company... In a heartbeat. Anyways, these guys might have a quite common sound in a lot of ways, but somehow they manage to bring on a lot of different influences in a way that makes their album a lot more interesting than a lot of self-released modern-rock albums these days. There’s a little art-rock, hard-rock, alternative, indie, synth-pop - a lot of things, really, and the swirling guitars come in spades alongside some of the coolest synth-sounds in art-rock today.

Third Option; Cult of Nice

NQuit

You can read a six-track maxi single review I did on this band if you scroll a little further down, but this is their first full-length album. It's really more of the same that is featured on their single. If your idea of a good time is techno-beats, classical piano and "spoken-word" pieces, then I am this'll work out quite nicely for you.

Various Artists; Choglin' - A Tribute To The Songs of John Forgerty

Dren Records

Anybody remember Credence Clearwater Revival? Of course you do. Pretty cool, weren't they? Or they still are, really. Anyway, John Fogerty was the main songwriter of that band and here is a collection of songs he wrote while being in CCR. You know them all: "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Have You Ever Seen The Rain," "Lookin' Out My Back Door" and "Bad Moon Rising" to name but a few. There are 17 cuts on this tribute disc and a lot of them are quite worthy tributes that never stray too much from the originals. There's a little country, folk and CCR-like rock in there, which was pretty much what I expected. I could get used to this disc, but please don’t make me listen to Frog Holler’s version of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” again.

Various Artists; Prise Yourself Loose And Listen

Distraction Records

Distraction Records is a new underground record label based out of Newcastle. On their first sampler they’re letting the word know about their four bands: Black Flower, The Tears Of Abraham (great name btw), Synthetic and See My Sound that go from being indie pop-rock to electronica to chill-out to trance. I wouldn’t be ashamed of having written a single track on this disc, and although none of these bands will be signed anytime soon (mostly because of their lack of mainstream appeal obviously and not their talent), I am sure we’ll be hearing more from some of them.

Vintersorg; The Focusing Blur

Napalm Records

(Provided by Target Distribution)

I wasn't too familiar with much of what Napalm Records have been releasing in the past. Not until recently, at least - but as it seems, they do release quite a bit of folk-inspired metal and it's in this category that Vintersorg find themselves. But there's more to Vintersorg that just the words folk and metal. Their music is very varied and perhaps more varied than a lot of their contemporaries these days. So if you looking for some metal that isn't too hard for some acoustic touches and folksy elements here and there, and black metal screaming alongside clean vocals and background vocal harmonies then Vintersorg might be the one to deliver. For fans of progrock, metal and folk.

Vinyl Soup; Chasing Yesterday

Self-released

Vinyl Soup is based out of Nashville, but instead of playing the typical Nashville country we all know (and some of us hate) they specialize in a progrock jam fusing together the sounds of jazz, blues, folk, reggae, bluegrass and classical music, but it all ends up sounding kind of like any other progrock album out there.

Single/EP of the Month:

Spy Glass Blue; The Blue EP

Accidental Sirens

It's been a few years since I stopped subscribing to HM Magazine, but back when I used to subscribe to it, I remember often reading good things about a punk band called Scattered Few. Not that I really checked them out - there was just so much music to dig into - but I got to hear a couple of tracks on some compilations. They were pretty good from what I heard. But when Scattered Few split up (I think they did, anyway) their front-man, Allan Aguirre, started this band. I didn't get a press-release with this EP so I am not sure just when, but I also remember them getting good press in HM Magazine and magazines like that. Anyway, kind of like with Scattered Few I never got around to actually check out Spy Glass Blue, although I probably would have if I found a copy of one of their albums in the local music-shop. But good things come to those who wait, and I've waited - so finally I got a chance to hear what this is all about. And lemme tell ya, these guys kick ass, bursting out some of the cooler dark, dreamy and still catchy guitar-pop songs heard in a long time. Allan sounds kinda like David Bowie and even Eric Clayton of Saviour Machine, but musically they remind me more of bands like The Cure, although being a little more on the lighter side. Rockin' stuff for sure.

Single/EP Reviews:

Alice Lee; The Art Of Forgetting

Self-released

Having learnt how to play classical piano as a child, Alice Lee picked up a guitar in her youth and with time she has become what she’s today. An electronic pop singer/songwriter that plays both piano and guitar. “The Art Of Forgetting” is her second EP release. The first one was an EP released back in 2001. Haven’t heard the first one, but this one is actually quite dark and emotional and not as poppy as I expected. Not really radio-oriented, rather more experimental with dark moods and groovy drum loops alongside Alice’s beautiful voice, piano and guitar-playing.

Amigo; Deep Water / Shallow Moment

Self-released

Wow, I love these English fellaz. Three tracks of brit-like indie pop-rock. Perhaps not that groundbreaking as such, but really easy to like if you're into this kind of music. Track one, "Deep Water / Shallow Moment" is the kind of song you can't help but be singing along to, and so is "Road With Cyprus and Star" for that matter.

Beanstalk; Kiss My Face

Self-released

Interesting trio, this. The bass-player and lead-vocalist is blind. Their guitar-player is a woman from Japan who went to London out of her love for the English art school bands of the 1960’s. Actually the band first got together after she responded to an add in a music shop, which was written by the other two members. Anyway, this is pretty much standard 90’s indie-stuff - it’s alright, not mind-blowing, but not bad either. That’s all I have to say.

Descendents; Merican

Fat Wreck Chords

Being formed in 1978, Descendents had their fair share to say in what turned out to be forming what today is known as pop-punk. Of course, it’s a shame that the name today is wrenched by those only wanting to make a quick buck. But the Descendents are the real thing. Not having release any new material in over 7 years, it’s about time that there punk-veterans return. “Merican” is a teaser EP for the upcoming full-length due in March 22nd. The two first cuts on here (“Nothing With You” and “Merican”) will also be on the full-length, which really wets the appetite for the full-length for this reviewer, and when considering that the two other cuts are just as good, you just know that good things are ahead.

Dream Catcha; Here I Am

Self-released

I found myself loving track one on this four-track EP. It might be a little cliché in all its love lyricism, but it's catchy and touching. The three other tracks never quite reach the same level, but still stand quite well compared to a lot of other radio-friendly rock-acts these days. Not finding a lot of Australian pop-rock these days? Well, here's something to chew on.

Dreamdaze; This is How Falt The World Is

Self-released

Dreamdaze was founded in 2000 and is the solo-project of DJ Dazed. It says on the reverse of this promo that Dreamdaze has had over 100.000 listens on mp3.com and has been on their top50 All Genre Chart. On this single he delivers three tracks representing three different genres. The first one, "Atmosherocephalic," is what people would call "down tempo." A track with deep bass lines and groovy drums that sound kind like a slow motion drum & bass song. The second track, "Illuminated Pleasures," is more of a IDM-song. Track 3, "Placid Abstraction," is totally different. It's more of a ambient techno track. More repetitive than the two previous tracks, but also a lot more relaxing.

Goldenpyre; NecroTERRORism

Self-released

The opening riff in track one seemed to promise a lot, but for some reason these guys from Portugal felt the need to make four tracks of pretty straightforward and ordinary death metal. Not really bad or anything, just kinda “run of the mill“. A new EP is either in the works or released as we speak. I bet that one is better.

Euclid; Carthage E.P

Low Valley Music

Neo-folk and alt-country from this American four-piece that sounds like someone taken from the "O Brother Where Art Thou" soundtrack, only a bit darker and stranger. If there wasn't such a dark and melancholic overall feel in the songs on this EP, I'd almost feel tempted to compare Euclid to the likes of Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline (perhaps mostly because of Katrina's voice), but the backing band sounds more like the Cowboy Junkies or perhaps even Sixteen Horsepower. Go fiture.

Matt McGee; DVD EPK

Crowne Music

(Provided by Biscuit PR)

Matt McGee is a worship artist, meaning that he sings songs that uplift God. His album is out on January 27th (already out, yes I know) and this is sort of a pre-promotion DVD thing. We did receive the CD for review too, but we haven’t had enough time listening to it, so it’ll be featured in the next issue, but from the sound of this it’s going to be good. This is just a few music-clips and Matt talking about his relationship with God for a little over five minutes. He seems like a very down to earth, honest kind of guy.

Mister Kite; The Hunger

Lion Music

Mister Kite was one of the bands featured on the Blackmore Tribute album (released a few months ago) that I didn’t get a kick out of, but it turns out that they’re quite good. Quite different from the rest of Lion Music’s rooster to be honest, although they’re not doing anything new as far as the contemporary metal-scene goes. They’re pretty nu-metal sounding (how’s that for a Lion Music release?). On this single they introduce the world of melodic rock/metal to ultra catchy tracks “The Hunger” and “How Long” that will make every nu-metal head go crazy. Hopefully the traditional melodic rock and metal-scene will too.

Serenity; The Wave

Self-released

I really love reading the English-based webzine Indigo-Flow, but, of course, every once in a while they just write something that I can’t in a million years agree on. One thing is their review on this band where they totally trashed them (or their singer actually) for ranging between poor and awful. Ok, they might not be the most original band around, but I wouldn’t call them tired. The guitar-playing in “The Wave” (one of two tracks on this single) is actually quite catchy and likeable. Actually, I think that whole song is great.

Serenity; Unaffected

Self-released

Another two-track single from this band. Not quite as appealing as “The Wave”, but nowhere near being boring. A little forced at times perhaps. I’d check out “The Wake” first, if I were you.

Soma Mestizo; Silversun EP

Self-released

I don’t know anything about this Pittsburgh band, but this seems to be a remix-EP of some sort. There’s a lot of world-beat quality to this EP, but accompanied by some hip and trip hop-ish grooves, danceable beats (in the remixes) and lots of didgeridoo (replacing the bass as a matter of fact). There’s a really melancholic overall tone on these recordings, perhaps mostly due to Christiane D’s peaceful but sad vocals.

The Bravado; Intimate With Slaves

Self-released

Wow, this was pretty cool. I had just expected another "The" band with that 70's retro sound going. Well, the retro sound is most definitely here, but there's a lot more to these guys than just noisy 70's garage guitar-playing. These guys actually have a production that makes it worth listening to the damn thing, and better yet, these guys even have songs that are worth listening to. This is some and extremely cool 70's retro-blues spiced up with electronic elements that definitely is worth seeking out.

The Fencott Disaster; Rome and Step On It

Self-released

Four tracks of post-punk and garage-rock. Noisy, heavy and dirty are words that come to mind while listening to these tracks. It's great music and it should definitely be of interest for those loving their garage "The" bands, but at the same time want something a little more loud, noisy and punky. The production is nothing to brag about, but then again, is it ever within this genre?

The Subject; Christina's New Hope

Accidental Sirens

Not the coolest band-name around (gee, how many "The" bands are there: The Strokes, The Vines, The Music, The Sounds etc.?), but I really like the album-title. Anyway, it may appear as this is just another "The" garage-band, but the truth is that The Subject is really an old school punk band, and a fast, angry and tight band at that too. There's is really nothing original about their music and it has been heard a million times before, but in this case, I just don't care, because these guys really do rock. That's all for now.

Third Option; Still

NQuit

Wow, another cool band. I wonder if these people are Argyle Park fans, or if it is just a coincident that they’ve used some of the exact samples in “ Fade To Black Mix” as Argyle Park did on their “Misguided” 1994 release! Anyway, these people aren’t exactly sounding like Argyle Park, although they’re obviously an electronic-minded band. I like the “spoken-word” parts and samples that go hand in hand with techno beats and dance-melodies a lot. At times it seems to get a little repetitive, mostly due to the fact that some of the spoken words tend to turn up in every track, but somehow, as a whole, it all seems to end up being quite a ride through the world of electronic music.

Twytch; Hatred

Self-released

Uh, these guys are quite angry. I wouldn’t want to meet them in a dark alley at five o’clock in the morning that’s for sure. Anyway, they know how to make great music. Monster hard metal riffage meets hardcore screaming and a few melodic vocals thrown in here and there. And did I mention that they’re good. If I didn’t, then it’s hereby said. They are. Anyway, fans of everything from Shadow’s Fall to Pantera will like this.

Contact Address:

Bands, labels and other companies interested in sending us material for review can send it to the address below. We accept everything we receive as long as it's music-releated (we can also take a look at comedy, spoken-word, movies and stuff like if you'd like). However, please don't send MP3-files (through email).

Hans J. Eidisgard

P.O. Box 29

FO-470 Eidi

Faroe Islands

(Via Denmark)