CD Review: Dead Rock West's 'It's Everly Time!'

Dead Rock West
It's Everly Time
Angel Flight Recording Co.

The Everly Brothers, once popular in the 1950's and 60's, are resurrected here with the work of Frank Drennen and Cindy Wasserman in Dead Rock West's latest homage to The Brothers with the Grammy-winning producer, Mark Linett, on It's Everly Time. There are fifteen songs by The Everly Brothers remade by Drennen and Wasserman, but the overall sound is highly-reminiscent of the original recordings, which are due to the use of vintage amps and microphones. In addition, the same vocal keys were used to further replicate the original music. "Cathy's Clown" is ripe with great vocals, jangly guitars and percussion, and a rhythm right out of the 1950's and 60's. The swaying ballad, "June Is As Cold As December," contains Drennen and Wasserman's heart-felt vocals backed by a great guitar and percussion base. "Leave My Girl Alone" is a rather upbeat melody that is a bit of a departure from the other songs, but it is still classic Everly Brothers. "[Why Am I] Chained To A Memory" is a slower ballad with twinkling piano keys, light percussion, and guitar-work. The vocals are tender and clear throughout. A classic ode to the now-extinct phone booths, "It Only Costs A Dime," is an upbeat pop ode with light rock effects and of course, great vocals to boot. "[You Got] The Power Of Love" is a bluesy, rock song that sheds the pop-centric qualities of other songs, but the vocals are still clear and rockabilly-like. Fans of The Everly Brothers, song from the 1950's and 60's, and even Fountains of Wayne's work on the That Thing You Do! soundtrack will love it. Highly-lauded! 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Torsha Lynn's 'Inappropriate'

Torsha Lynn
Inappropriate
Self-Release

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Dallas, Texas singer, Torsha Lynn, knows how to create edgy, urban beats and flowing verbage that does anything but stay grounded. The new album, Inappropriate, contains some 'super' hits with the dance-friendly, "Supa Badd." This is a contrast from other songs, such as, "So Wrong," "Down South," "Keep Me," "Space Age," and others. These songs are more urban, R&B beats with some dance elements, but the main gist of the songs stems from a deep, urban influence. Torsha's vocals are rather fluid and edgy with a sound akin to Rihanna, Tamia, or Aaliyah. "Super Human" begins with a little piano introduction and Torsha's emotive vocals with neo-classical string accompaniment for an urban ballad result. "Lady Sings The Blues" also begins with a piano intro, but there are some electronic dance elements that set this track apart from the previously-mentioned song. There is a dance element to the song, but the entire song flows with a slower tempo and more electronic embellishments. "Down South" is a frenzied, electronic display of dance and urban R&B elements, which provides an awe-inspiring chorus with a male, backup vocal that is a little distracting in a deep, vocal register. Still, Torsha amazes listeners with a solid and mature release. 4.5 Stars (out of 5 Stars). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kicklighter's 'The Fantastic Thinking Machine'

Kicklighter
The Fantastic Thinking Machine
Self-Release

Kicklighter is formed by Everett Young, a guitarist, pianist, and political psychologist, that incorporates pop hooks, acoustic, easy listening, and folk-rock rhythms and melodies that explore various topics. The Tallahassee, Florida-based musician, takes a down-tempo and jazzy vein on "The Sultan Of Brunei." "Until You See The Sun" begins with a spacey and ambient wash that fuses contemporary percussion and new wave sounds in an engaging structure that is sure to satisfy. "Kid" is a folksy ballad with great vocals and a catchy, pop hook. "The Professor" takes an academic approach to songwriting and arranging with a laid-back composition and classic vocals with equally-fascinating instrumentation. Overall, the album spans eleven tracks around fifty-minutes. The vocals and some instrumentation is akin to Fractal Cat, The Gufs, Mysteries Of Life, and Owsley. The new wave, folk, ballad, and pop influences are rarely observed in today's music. The vocals are clear and appropriate throughout. The music is never rushed or contrived. Fans of great contemporary music with a historic edge will love Kicklighter's new release. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nitya Thomas' 'Awakenings'

Nitya Thomas
Awakenings
Watchfire Music

Awakenings is a three-track release that is ripe with joyous, Christian melodies. The first track, "O Dreamer," is a traditional Irish melody by lyricist, Rosa M. Turner. The song begins with a few keyboard chords followed by Nitya's sparkling vocals and guitar sounds. "My Grateful Spirit Sings" is a song by Sally DeFord with a popular sound that brings together gospel, classical, and new age. "Psalm 23" is the only song written by Nitya. There are classical piano sounds and classical strings that set the mood for the Bible-based composition. Anyone with an interest in contemporary vocal performances with a Christian foundation will love Nitya's soulful and heavenly release. The vocals are strong and clear throughout. Fans of Christian music, new age, piano pop, and female vocal music should check it out! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pete Alderton's 'Living On Love'

Pete Alderton
Living On Love
Ozella Music

Born in England, based in Germany, and vocals in English, Pete Alderton is a blues king with classic influences and thought-provoking storytelling on his debut release, Living On Love, which is a remastered version of the original release in 2006. "Song For David" is somewhat bluesy, but it takes on an alternative vein with a pop/rock setup on guitar. A piano tune, "Have The Roses Gone Dry," creates a more reflective tone with heartfelt vocals in an earthy manner. The ballad-esque tune is poignant and sweet. A number of tunes bring out the blues essence with organic vocals and a stellar delivery. "Living On Love" is a jaunty, blues-infused tune that encapsulates the real message of the album. There are seventeen tracks in all, but a few are spoken word skits or intros, which set the pace and tone appropriately. Pete's mature vocals and bluesy tunes go hand in hand. Anyone familiar with Pete's work will love it and anyone interested in blues music should check it out. ~ 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: Nistha Raj's 'Exit 1'

Nistha Raj
Exit 1
Self-Release

A distinguished performer of Hindustani Classical and Western Classical violin in the Washington, DC-area, by way of Texas, Nistha Raj connects with her Indian roots, but includes a twist: vocal beatboxing, upright bass, piano, and drums. The edgy, innovative, and clearly awe-inspiring tunes are Indian fusion at its best. There is a jazzy feel with the bass, piano, and violin, but the Indian connection is channeled through raga cycles, tabla, and somewhat rustic, earthy tone of the violin. The somber, "Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai," is an instrumental ballad with organic violin, pensive piano, and light drum accompaniment. In contrast, "The River," embodies the innovative Indian instrumental spirit with punctual violin melodies, rhythmic percussion, and luscious drones. There are upbeat and plaintive moments throughout. However, the South Asian instrumental arrangements are creative and fresh. Nistha knocks this one into another dimension and it definitely 'beats' the competition. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cole Hermer & The Ravens' 'Quoth The Raven'

Cole Hermer & The Ravens
Quoth The Raven
Self-Release

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Cole Hermer & The Ravens resurrect vocals and melodies of good 'ol rock music from the 1980s and 90s with all original material, a guitar, a voice, and a dream. Cole's vocals fall somewhere between Axl Rose and Fuel. The five-track release contains rock/metal-infused tunes with "California Breakdown," "Exploitable," and "Teenage Creed." These tunes contain big guitars, punchy rhythms, great vocals, and great licks with spectacular electric guitar solos. For a lighter side, Cole's ballad creations take the stage on "Friends" and "Maybe." The vocals are still great, as well as the instrumental arrangements. These latter songs represent a more intimate picture to the musical mix. Quoth The Raven has everything from hot licks to hot vocals that leave an impression. Fans of good rock music will love it. Everyone else will love it, too! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Silvana Kane's 'La Jardinera'

Silvana Kane
La Jardinera
Six Degrees

Born in Peru and based in Canada, the soft-spoken and brilliant Silvana Kane creates a beautiful medley of folksy, South American-tinged compositions that are cheery, poppy, and ballad-esque. The slow, meandering folk song, "Duerme Negrito," is a good song with minimal percussion and instrumentation that is led by Silvana's voice and a distorted guitar. The playful, "La Jardinera," is a sweet song with bird sounds and a light guitar melody. The soft songs are reminiscent of nearby Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The sweet voice of Silvana is matched by her good looks, which happen to resemble Jordana Brewster - an actress and another South American-native. However, Silvana is not acting here; her music is genuine all the way. Additionally, the ten songs are highly recommended for fans of Peruvian and Brazilian music. ~ Matthew Forss