CD Review: Jacob Davich's Self-Titled EP

Jacob Davich
Jacob Davich
Self-Release

A former actor turned musician, Jacob Davich releases a candid five-song EP. Jacob's folksy sing-songwriter guitar and vocals resemble the work of Jim Croce, James Taylor, and David Gray. "Don't Run Don't Hide" is a great roots-driven, folk-centric, and pop-infused medley of throbbing B3, jangly guitars, and swishy percussion. "Call My Name" is a slower, down-tempo ballad with folk and alt-country stylings. "Hold On" is another ballad with introspective lyrics and a jazzy or bluesy musical influence with piano backing and guitar accompaniment. "How You Gonna Tell Me" is a great folk-rock song with a hint of roots-driven qualities from American folk music of the 1960's and 70's. The Dylan cover, "I Shall Be Released," is a bluesy, almost gospel-driven medley of sound reflecting the music of the time that is equally-relevant today. All in all, there are four original tunes and one cover. If you are fans of the above-mentioned artists, you will definitely love Jacob Davich's new EP. Everyone else should pick it up. It's that good. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sonido Gallo Negro's 'Sendero Mistico'

Sonido Gallo Negro
Sendero Mistico
Glitterbeat

Mexico's engaging and psych-inducing ensemble, Sonido Gallo Negro, brings the sounds of the 1970's alive with cumbia-infused beats, boogaloo, chicha, huayno, and other styles in an action-packed, Farfisa organ-soaked delight of musical exploration in a contemporary context. The mostly instrumental tunes are littered with psych references that contain electric guitars, flowing rhythms, indigenous percussion, and electronic samples. The head-bobbing music is ripe with cumiba sounds and instrumental riffs that strike the soul with such a powerful chord that nothing is impossible for these guys. This is psych-funk music at its best. Fans of Turkey's Hayvanlar Alemi will find similarities with Sonido's music. Overall, Sendero Mistico is a wild journey with danceable rhythms and great melodies that transcend a defined description. However, everyone will find happiness in the tunes of Sonido Gallo Negro. Get your psych-on today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The New Mastersounds' 'Therapy'

The New Mastersounds

Therapy

Legere Recordings

Hailing from England, The New Mastersounds reinvents soul, funk, and jazz with subtle sounds that are fluid, pure, and memorable. The smooth jazz elements of “When It Rains…” is an excellent example of laid-back jazz with swishy percussion and bubbling guitar notes. “Whistle Song” contains a funky beat with throbbing B3 sounds and great drum-work. “Soul Sista” is a jazzy, funky, and piano-infused urban masterpiece with killer vocals and a beat that will kick you into next Tuesday. The fluttering sounds of piano, guitar, drums, electronics, and other instruments make Therapy stand out—in a good way. The reggae beats of "Stop This Game" showcases the diverse talent on this recording. A mix of male and female vocals amidst reggae, jazz, funk, soul, electronica, and pop round out the best parts of the album. In fact, there are absolutely no bad parts on the album. There's never been a better time to try Therapy! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Carrington MacDuffie's 'Only An Angel'

Carrington MacDuffie
Only An Angel
Pointy Head Records

New York-native, Carrington MacDuffie, brings a sense of Americana folk with bluesy, poetic, and lyrical tunes with intimate sensibilities and playful vocal calisthenics. The folksy tunes possess a slight alt-rock and country connotation, but the primary sound is largely folksy blues. The ballad-esque, "Hot Sun Of The Summer," is a groovy tune with sparkling instrumentation and alt-folk arrangements with a voice akin to Shawn Colvin and Lucinda Williams. "Red Eye" opens with a plaintive acoustic guitar melody and smoky vocal line. There are country and folk strings with swishy percussion. "Stand Below Heaven" is an alt-folk, roots-inspired tune with guitar, drums, and reverberating B3 sounds. Carrington gets serious on "My Favorite Place In Texas" with galloping drums, metallic drones, and heartfelt vocals spacious and delicate. The country-esque tune is quite poetic and very enjoyable. In fact, the entire EP is enjoyable and worth a listen or two. ~ 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: Escaping Pavement's 'Uprooted'

Escaping Pavement
Uprooted
Self-Release

Escaping Pavement is a Michigan-based band that explores classic Americana blues, rock, roots, soul, and country with anti-pavement tunes with an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and Stevie Nicks' sound. Lead female vocalist, Emily Burns, sets the tone with a classy voice that centers around folk, pop, and Americana. The crystal clear vocals and instrumental arrangements contain a heavy 1970s feel that is nothing to laugh at. "Daydream's Haze" opens with a jingly guitar intro and throbbing B3 organ with upbeat drums and a classic vocal lead. The song is folk-tinged and country-cured without any deficiencies. "Part Of Goodbye" contains a folk-centered, rock-tune with vocals akin to Heart throughout. The song is rather punchy, grungy, and infectious. "Winter Homecoming" contains a jaunty guitar, mandolin, and banjo-tuned folk song with both male and female vocals. The Americana song is classic with scintillating strings and varied vocals that do not stray too far from the country roots. Anyone with an interest in Americana folk and rock with a country vein will love Escaping Pavement's latest tunes on Uprooted. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Charlie Wheeler Band's 'Line 'Em Up!'

Charlie Wheeler Band
Line 'Em Up!
Self-Release

Pennsylvania-based, Charlie Wheeler Band, is not your typical rock band from the North. In fact, the music is jam rock with Southern rock elements and a tad of blues. The new album, Line 'Em Up!, is a classic ode to Southern rock sounds with original material written by guitarist and vocalist, Charlie Wheeler. Charlie is joined by Greek Cheronis on lead vocals and harmonicas; Anthony Brown on keyboards and backing vocals; Andy Baker on bass and backing vocals; and Rad Akers on drums and backing vocals. "Why O' Why" is a gritty, political tune with big guitars and big vocals that reverberate with class and charisma. "Dark Canyons" opens with a rock guitar solo and drum-kit with roots elements and Southern B3 sounds. "Gone Are The Days" showcases a little harmonica action and a bluesy, rock-guitar medley and wild vocals clearly steeped in rock with a little piano notes on a keyboard. "The Same Thing" is an upbeat, classy, Southern rock song with burly vocals and a bluesy ambiance. "Line 'Em Up!" seems like a classic, thrash-rock anthem that is steeped in Southern soul. Overall, Line 'Em Up! is a great album of Southern blues-rock for today's generation. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Edzayawa's 'Projection One'

Edzayawa
Projection One
Soundway

The Ghanaian funk of the 1970's is captured brilliantly on Edzayawa's first and only LP. The newly release CD and LP versions showcase a heady, contemporary mix of funk 'n' roll music with a nice vocal range throughout. The eight long tracks incorporate rhythms and styles from Ghana and Togo, which infuse less rock elements than other regional music. However, Edzayawa knows how to kick in the beats with rousing percussion and groovy bass lines. The psychedelic elements of reverberating B3's and steady, but languid guitar stylings, signify a great range of musical enjoyment. Despite the few tracks, the music is top-notch and a vital release for any funk, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and West African guitar fans infatuated with 1970's Africa. Step back in time with our friends, Edzayawa! ~ Matthew Forss