CD Review: Live Hart's 'Honesty'

Live Hart
Honesty
Goin' Native Records

Links: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud

Florida's Live Hart brings a fresh alternative soul and pop release with ten new songs loaded with heartfelt lyrics and smooth grooves. Honesty traverses the human soul with such acuity that is unparalleled in today's music. Live's candid expressions and emotive result shines through on every track. The first song, "I'm Gone," is a laid-back, soul-enveloping romp into a smooth jazz world of punchy bass, swishy percussion, and keyboard washes. "Lala" is a poignant guitar ballad with Live's solo and somewhat acrobatic vocals throughout. However, the vocals are quite tame and solid. "Release" is a neo-soul and pop tune with some electric guitar displays that set it apart from other tunes on the album. "Summer Love" is a lush, pop song with keyboards, guitars, percussion, and other effects that create a sort of dance-friendly result. "This Is Me" is another great pop tune with crystalline guitar notes, laid-back percussion, and clever lyrics. The same great elements, including back-up vocals, are present on "Please Don't Say It's Over." Overall, Live Hart's new release is more alternative soul and pop than urban or R&B. Every tune brings something new and fresh to the mix without resorting to any of the common traps of contemporary music. Honesty: It's the best! 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Allan Moon's 'Children Of The Call'

Allan Moon
Children Of The Call
Songbird Records

Children Of The Call is a laid-back, funky, and jazz-inflected journey resulting from Allan Moon's global lifestyle in Canada, New York, and Israel. Allan's classic tone bridges alternative leanings with folk and rock beats that shimmer with raw and inspiring lyrics. The slow, symphonic beats of the crooner, "New York City," Allan blends American 1970's folk styles with a bluesy, Southern feel for a truly enigmatic result. "Children Of The Call" is an anthem that combines the vocal talents akin to Cat Stevens and Tom Petty with a heady mix of classic roots and folk. "Karolina" is another bluesy tune with classic vocals that encapsulates everything good about contemporary pop and rock music. Overall, the album brings together a mix of blues, folk, roots, rock, pop, funk, and alternative leanings in one indelible package. All the songs are in English with liner notes detailing each song. Fans of classic rock and folk with a bluesy and innovative edge will find comfort in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Armory's 'Rediscover'

The Armory
Rediscover
Self-Release

Links: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud

The Armory is an Atlanta-based indie rock band comprised of Sean Wheeler and Marc Harris on lead vocals, Ben Harris on bass and vocals, as well as guitarists, John Patton and Ricky Free. Together, the group forms a compelling and entertaining form of rock music with a pop vein and alternative leanings led by crunchy and symphonic guitar arrangements. The static-driven rock vocals of "If I Ever" prove the band has what it takes to bring a song to life. "Stay" contains a heady mix of crunchy rock guitar arrangements and great vocals not too unlike Three Days Grace and Splender. "Peter Piper" adds a heavier mix of rock vocals and guitars that are not as cohesive and enjoyable as other tunes on the album. "Rediscover" opens with a plaintive, acoustic guitar melody and clear, emotive vocals. Half-way through the song, heavier rock arrangements and vocals take over and end the song on a solid note. The nine-track release is a solid effort with a generous dose of rock riffs and melodies that are not too dissimilar from Three Days Grace and Splender. 4.5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Troker's 'Crimen Sonora'

Troker
Crimen Sonora
Intolerancia

The Tex-Mex Balkan funk dance beats of Troker is multi-dimensional and definitely interesting. Troker brings heady electronica, jazz, and muted metal sounds to the alternative forefront throughout the album. There is a mix of swirling noises, sounds, and melodies that traverse the funk, cinematic, and psych worlds in such a fashion as to arouse listeners in a very positive direction. The music moves along with an earnest energy never really heard before in Mexican music. The music is quite contemporary and amorphous with no real multi-international origins, but anyone into experimental, avant-garde, and art rock will love it. The steady world jazz connotations on a few tracks suggests a down-tempo pulse, which they know how to pull off with ease. If you are seeking Mexican maracas, congas, and mariachis; then look elsewhere. These guys are so good they will blow the chimi right out of the changa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Glass Child's 'I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die'

The Glass Child
I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die
Self-Release

The young songstress and guitarist with an unbelievable knack for crafting sweet, meaningful, and moving pop songs, Charlotte Eriksson, is the chief progenitor for The Glass Child on her latest release, I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die. The poignant alternative and pop song structures are more cohesive than fellow-countrywoman, Katie Melua. However, the vocals are a mix of Avril Lavigne and Adele. "The Fall" is an amazing pop anthem with neo-classical instrumentation and contemporary sounds that coalesce with such ease. "Yesterday" incorporates plaintive acoustic guitar sounds and an emotive vocal set-up that is full of poignant pining. "Who I've Grown To Be" is a pop song with a slight rock sound that incorporates a little punk and alternative stylings that are unlike any other songs on the album. Overall, The Glass Child, the brainchild of Charlotte Eriksson, shines above the London fog with nothing but good things. Taste some of the sweet sounds of The Glass Child on her latest release. 5 Stars all the way.  ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Monica Giraldo's 'Que Venga La Vida'

Monica Giraldo
Que Venga La Vida
Polen Records

Colombia's Monica Giraldo is a Latin-Grammy-nominated musician that brings us alt-pop and roots music with a lot less percussion than one would expect from vibrant areas of Central America. Monica's vocal and instrumental set-up is not too unlike New York's Leona Naess. However, the music still contains some Latin American character with a little alt-folk and roots comparisons that shine very well amid the mix. The ten tracks are poignant, delicate, and heartfelt. This is easy listening and contemporary pop constructions that are quite mature and pleasant. This may be based on contemporary Colombian pop, but Monica seems to take it one step further: into a world of roots, alt-folk, and a magical third genre. The music is perfect for anyone into Colombian pop, folk, and roots. Traditionalists into heavy percussion should look elsewhere to satisfied your needs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 9Bach's 'Tincian'

9Bach
Tincian
Real World

Founded by singer Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, 9Bach takes the world by storm with inventive, contemporary Welsh music. The group's name is a play on words using the numeral "9" as "nain" and "bach" together to connote a cozy, warm frame of reference. Whether it is cozy, inviting, or infectious, 9Bach knows how to create meaningful sounds and melodies with equally-compelling vocals. The modern effort brings together folk, alternative, pop, and electronic elements to form a cohesive type of music that is memorable and refreshing. The diverse influences are what makes the music interesting and catchy. There is almost an ambient or new age feel to some of the songs. The Welsh vocals are unique and beautiful in the same manner. Some of the melodies are reminiscent of one of Hooverphonic's modern works. There are ten songs in all. There are no disappointments here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Juliane Jones' 'The Space Between The Telephone Lines'

Juliane Jones
The Space Between The Telephone Lines
Self-Release

New York-based singer, musician, and ethnomusicologist, Juliane Jones, brings us a unique set of songs that combine the poignancy and intimacy of French pop music with the folk and alternative melodies of Cantonese pop--ripe with Chinese and English vocals throughout. Juliane's pop-centered songs reflect a little Regina Spektor-meets-Faye Wong-and-Gigi Leung arrangement. The quirky, little songs are incredibly catchy from the opener, "Free This Mind," to the ballad-esque, "When You Sleep." It is rare every track on an album is great, but Juliane Jones succeeds without a hitch. "Wooden Horse" echoes with youthful brilliance, as the guitars reverberate and the roots-inspired keyboard combines with sparse drums and smooth bass wrapped around stellar Chinese vocals. "Hey Shadow" is a peppy little ditty that features a ukulele instrument that gives the song is happy feel. It is impossible to feel down when listening to this stuff. By the end of the album, you'll be craving some Chinese food and find yourself praising Juliane in Chinese with phrases such as: Hao ji le! (Excellent) and Wo hen xi huan Juliane! (I like Juliane very much!). Overall, Juliane is a fantastic singer and a fine addition to any world pop collection. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Brazilian Johnsons' 'Howdy Duty'

The Brazilian Johnsons
Howdy Duty
Self-Release

The alternative rock/pop stylings of New York-based, The Brazilian Johnsons, draw upon mixed influences stemming from old school rock, 70's psychedelica, and roots-infused blues. The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist, Michel Nasrallah, bassist and vocalist, Apoena Frota, drummer, Bruno Esrubilsky, pianist, keyboardist, organist, and vocalist, Joao Nogueira, and additional guitar and vocal accompaniment by Andre Vasconcelos. The opener, "S.O.S", is a gritty, bluesy, and rock-infused anthem with piping hot piano lines, grungy guitars, and college rock sensibilities. "Stranger In A Strange Place" contains a bit of smooth bass, sparkling keyboard arrangements, and radio-esque vocals with some rock vocals and roots-inflected moments. The quieter moments are akin to a bluesy, ballad-esque form of Stroke 9. "Need A Miracle" contains vocals akin to Stroke 9, but the instrumental arrangements are more reflective of bluesy 70's rock. The reverberating B3 sounds resemble a little Wallflowers action. The laid-back, folk-rock tune, "We'll Never Know", is a pop ballad with great lyrics and great vocals. As a whole, The Brazilian Johnsons excel with every note and tune. Think of balladeer Stroke 9 combined with the rock-infused concoctions of Every Damn Day amidst a light psychedelic influence of Zero 7. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: True Nature's 'You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud'

True Nature
You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud
True Nature/Fire Sign Records

The New York City-based power pop and alternative rock group, True Nature, brings us an excellent album of alternative tunes with vocals akin to The Gufs and Nickelback. The instrumental arrangements are not too far off either. The six-track album contains one track that is a short introduction to "My Freedom Lies Behind The Sun." The alternative rock song is pure Nickelback with The Gufs guitar work. The title track, "You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud," contains jingly and grungy guitar work with vocals not too dissimilar from Pearl Jam and Nickelback. "Only Love" is a classic rock tune with pop and alternative greatness that only can be achieved by the best groups. Fortunately, True Nature is one of the good guys with good vocals, arrangements, and catchy rhythms. Fans of the aforementioned groups will be happy to add True Nature to their audio library. After all, it's only natural. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Kelley James' 'The Pattern Transcending'

Kelley James
The Pattern Transcending
Self-Release

Californian, Kelley James, creates a hit album with catchy riffs, licks, and chords that cover the pop and rock genres quite nicely. There is a mix of witty lyrics, poignant rap sections, and scintillating roots reggae with a dash of alternative. "Stalker" is a bouncy song with Jason Mraz-type vocal calisthenics and a gospel, reggae, and pop-esque beat. "The Legend of Rip Venice" opens with a smooth bass line, jazzy guitar backing, punchy horns, and poetic vocals. "Secret Lover" is a jaunty tune with rap vocals, punchy bass, and urban hooks. The Maroon 5-esque tune is very catchy with a strong hip hop edge that is very understandable. "California" is a breezy tune with party-like enthusiasm and fun vocals. "Brother" is a solemn acoustic guitar and piano song with light vocals and wavering classical strings. The song is fitting for the final track, as it is very pleasant, calm, and memorable. The entire album is not only worthy of a listen, but it ranks high up on the list of must-have contemporary pop albums. It contains a high degree of substance, which is great if you are not seeking a boring, ho-hum album. Kelley is a cross between Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. ~ Matthew Forss     

CD Review: More Like Trees' 'Roots, Shoots & Leaves'

More Like Trees
Roots, Shoots & Leaves
BBE Records

London, England-based trio, More Like Trees, creates quirky, urban, folk, roots, rock, and pop flavored samplings for our ears on Roots, Shoots & Leaves. The group combines some drum n bass, flamenco, classical, hip hop, indie, dance, dub, and world fusion for a delicious mix of tunes that are unforgettable. With vocals like Jason Mraz, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, and Dave Matthews in an urban vacuum, More Like Trees bring everything out on this release. The music is somewhat difficult to define or describe, but the affect is seamless, catchy, and addictive. Thirteen tunes represent a wide array of musical influences with varied vocals. It also mixes some experimental and avant-garde influences that are very compelling and top-notch. Anyone familiar with innovative British music with a world fusion and alternative vein will find solace in Roots, Shoots & Leaves. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Stone Diamond's 'We Stole The Stars From The Black Night'

Stone Diamond
We Stole The Stars From The Black Night
Davin Enterprises

With ties to New York and Germany, Stone Diamond rocks out with some heady blues-inspired tunes with an alternative--almost grungy--edge. The solid vocals are not too loud or intrusive. There are rock harmonies and swirling guitar melodies that do not disappoint. The entire album was produced, composed, and engineered by lead vocalist and bassist, Cy. Cy is joined by Josh on vocals and guitar, along with The Tongue on drums. The trio perform hard-hitting, yet melodic anthems of blues-rock greatness. "Tattoo" leaves its mark with Soundgarden-esque vocals and guitar arrangements. "U Know" is a more languid tune with grungy guitar arrangements that meander with a mysterious beat that is more thriller or spy film soundtrack related than modern rock band performance. At any rate, this showcases the diverse song stylings and sounds Stone Diamond has no problem creating. "When We Were Young" contains a little alt-country rock and blues elements with a classy, almost vintage feel. The guitar and percussion beats resemble early U2. "Long Hard 5 Days" reaches into some grungy, rock-infused music with electronic voicings and punchy bass. Overall, there are eleven tracks that feature a range of grungy, alt-rock, and blues-infused concoctions that are not for the faint of heart (aka Top 40 listener). However, the songs may make the Top 40 list in the future, but Stone Diamond contains a hard edge that is surprisingly easy to listen to. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: The Great American Robber Barons' 'Reno Nevada And Other Songs Of Gambling, Vice, And Betrayal'

The Great American Robber Barons
Reno Nevada And Other Songs Of Gambling, Vice, And Betrayal
3:05 AM Music And Film

The alternative guitar stylings and psychedelic rock concoctions of The Great American Robber Barons are incredibly infectious, energetic, and classic. The vocal interplay between Keith Dion's lower vocal register and Diana Mangano's higher vocal calisthenics lend a classic touch to the new album. There are sixteen tunes in all, which are all diverse and never boring or flat. The melancholic "Nowhere Left To Go" is a completely instrumental tune with light guitar sounds and no percussion. Keith and Diana join together for "Cemetery," "At The Hands Of The Robber Barons," "Hoo Hoo Man," "Last Tango In Ponsonby," and a few others. The drifting guitar rhythms and great vocals conjure up the classic American folk and rock sounds of the 1970's. Importantly, the music tends to utilize the acoustic guitar sounds over full-blown electric guitar. At any rate, the classy vocals, melodies, and guitar sounds are cohesive, infectious, and memorable. Highly recommended. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Elsten Torres' 'Waiting For Clouds'

Elsten Torres
Waiting For Clouds
Real/Artificial Music

The Cuban-born and New York-based singer/songwriter, Elsten Torres, is no stranger to creating pop hooks and rootsy, Americana songs wrapped in an alternative and progressive package that is memorable and catchy. The opener, "A Perfect World," is a melancholic and down-tempo guitar tune with earthy vocals. "Bleeding Hearts Club" is a catchy, roots song with a slight nod back to 1960's and 70's folk music from America's heyday. "Closer Tonight" is a soft ballad that is contemplative, melodic, and classy. "Keep Me Waiting" is an uppity guitar tune with some spunk, yet clearly alternative leanings. The punchy chords and earthy vocals are reminiscent of Springsteen and The Devlins. "Sitting On Your Throne" begins with a poppy opener that is reminiscent of a 1960's pop song, yet with a slight reggae beat. Think of The Wonders from Tom Hanks' film, That Thing You Do!, and the symphonic keyboard stylings of Craig Armstrong. The rootsy, "Through Her Window," is a guitar gem and vocal winner that is an appropriate male counterpart to Shawn Colvin. Fans of good folk, alternative, progressive music with a slight throwback to mid-twentieth century song greatness will understand why Elsten Torres comes in way ahead of the pack. Waiting For Clouds is down-to-earth as it gets. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Jensen Reed's 'The Left Coast'

Jensen Reed
The Left Coast
Self-Release

Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter, Jensen Reed, weaves tight lyrical worldplay around an amped up hip-hop, alt-pop, and electronic background that propels the album in alternative directions with a fresh perspective. The symphonic and electronic-focused, "Throw You The Rope," is a magical song with keyboard embellishments and a hip-hop instrumental backbeat that mirrors a more conservative and lighter Linkin Park medley. "Left Coast" opens with a jingly beat and punchy rock melody with vocals that resemble Modern English and The Killers. The cinematic opening of "Rocketship" merges into a rock/rap medley that is not particularly fast, but the ambulating beat and keyboard washes add an element of alternative leanings indicative of pop, electronica, and dance. "Something Missing" features a few punchy piano beats and up-tempo vocals that are rather steady with background vocals. The music is rather reflective without hip-hop or rap lines. "The Countdown" contains some dark, brooding electronic embellishments with hip-hop instrumental backing. The vocals are slow at first, but the vocal delivery picks up mid-song in a rap display. The swishy percussive beats and punchy piano line creates a modern display of musical ingenuity. The entire album represents a wide breadth of musical creations that span several genres, but the musical variety is not too different to turn-off new listeners. Anyone with an interest in alternative hip-hop, rock, pop, and dance-inflected music should check out Jensen Reed's new work. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Andy Palmer's 'Hazard Of The Die'

Andy Palmer
Hazard Of The Die
Self-Release

Coming out of Colorado, Andy Palmer presents us with an alt-folk-rock EP of quirky, edgy, bluesy, and poetic odes of human brilliance. The eight songs are diverse with a classy feel overall. For instance, the guitars reverberate on a few songs, which add a slight psychedelic tone to the songs. There are a few other instruments that add to the rootsy, folksy, and alternative-inspired tunes. The violin, harmonica, drums, and bass add to the repertoire. Andy's acrobatic vocals traverse high registers and throaty, low sounds--both of which are showcased on "The Monk." There are bluesy leanings on "Heart Of Colfax." There are slow guitar meanderings on "Broke Down In Bellevue." A hint of blues and jazz emanates from some of the tunes. The nostalgic, bluesy, Spanish-titled tune, "Hay Algo Muy Mal," contains rippling guitars, edgy percussion, and diverse vocalizations. Andy's rough vocals are appropriate throughout and are vocally similar to Xavier Rudd, The Devlins, Jace Everett, and Douglas September. The guitar stylings are similar to The Devlins and Jace Everett with limited rock arrangements overall. The mature vocals and quirky instrumental arrangements make for an interesting musical journey that is anything but boring. Andy is not lucky here; it's all talent. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: A Is For Atom's Self-Titled Release

A Is For Atom
A Is For Atom
Self-Release

New York-based, A Is For Atom, was formed earlier this year by a talented musician, Mike Cykoski. The new album, which is a five-track release, borders on alternative, pop structures with plenty of electronic embellishments, bass, guitar, drums, and synth. The languid vocals on "Creation," suggest an almost Soul Coughing-esque song. The throbbing synth sounds transport listeners back to the early 90s. "See You Again" is a more upbeat folk-rock tune with radio-like vocalizations and pop guitar stylings and an uppity, Western feel with guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals and guitar playing resembles Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Light Years" features a little downtempo trumpet and pop melodies that shine with infectious hooks and instrumental displays. "Bird In A Cage" contains a bit of static vocals and Royskopp-like electronic noises. The vocals are quite pop-driven, but relatively reserved. The guitars are cinematic and the melody is very relaxed with limited percussion. "Whiskey" opens with spritely guitar and fingersnaps with a classy vocal setup that resembles something from REM's Up. Overall, A Is For Atom is also 'a' for amazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jackopierce's 'Everywhere All The Time'

Jackopierce
Everywhere All The Time

The Dallas-based alternative rock group, Jackopierce, named after the founder's, Jack O'Neill and Cary Pierce, bring us catchy vocal harmonies and guitar rhythms with outstanding percussion. Overall, the music takes on a slight folk and country element that is steeped in memorable hooks, riffs, and lines. The folksy "Alright By Me" is layered with good hooks, percussion, and blazing fiddle or violin strings. The poignant, quiet anthem, "Killin Me," is a heartfelt ballad that is reflective with sparkling guitar notes and tambourine-shakin' percussion. The track is relatively slow with acoustic guitar and vocals. "Around Me Now" begins as a possible dance song with echoing vocals and a metallic, urban beat that morphs into a pop/rock tune of catchy sounds. The folksy "Lonely" contains beautiful harmonies and acoustic guitar with simplistic percussion that shimmers with life. As a whole, Jackopierce presents a very good mix of upbeat tunes that stand alone without much influence from other artists. Everywhere All The Time is going to be a hit with everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bang Data's 'La Sopa'

Bang Data
La Sopa
Rockolito Music

San Francisco-based, Bang Data, brings us a writhing mix of heady electronic cumbia, beatbox, ska, samba, bossa nova, and dance music. Their new album, La Sopa, which means 'The Soup,' connotes the worldly influences in the music. Of course, Latin, rock, hip hop influences are also present. However, the Latin cumbia music is most prominent throughout the album. There are many instruments that produce the wondrous sound, including bass, guitar, zampona, charango, congas, timbales, cajon, turntables, synths, and vocals. Even Peru's Eva Ayllon lends her vocals on "Toro Mata." Over one dozen musicians play in Bang Data. A slurry of alternative, Latin rhythms and influences mark the unique sound of Bang Data. At any rate, the fourteen tracks are rhythmic, pulsating, and sizzling. Great for fans of Latin, cumbia, and urban dance tunes from the San Francisco-bay area. ~ Matthew Forss