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: The Dolomites' 'Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III'

The Dolomites
Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III [3-CD]
Alien Arts Alliance

The Dolomites, led by Stevhen Koji Baianu, create stirring melodies and rhythms caught between the past and the future by incorporating a mix of influences from Japanese enka to gypsy, Balkan-inspired tunes, and Latin-American cumbia. Confused yet? Need not be. The group, which consists of nearly 70 members from different areas of the globe, celebrates the best of their work in a three-volume EP set comprised of certain years, such as 2006-2009, 2007-2010, and 2006-2010. Each album contains five tracks for approximately twenty-minutes an album. There is a mix of music on each album, but all of it draws upon electronica, cumbia, folk, roots, Balkan, Gypsy, neo-classical, enka, horn-powered ballads, and quirky, percussive renderings throughout. Stevhen's vocals are ruddy and charismatic with similarities to darker Russian folk groups or even ErsatzMusika from Germany. Moreover, the album art should clue you in that this is going to be an interesting ride. For instance, the Jamiroquai or Batman-influenced silhouette artwork on the back of the albums should alert everyone that this is a unique production. Though, some of the vocals are a little rough, out of tune, or drunk-like in nature, but that does not make it a terrible listen. In fact, anyone seeking unique, world music with numerous geographic influences will find The Dolomites solid as a rock (pun intended). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Syre & Fresko's 'Gonna See Miracles'

Syre & Fresko
Gonna See Miracles

Links: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud

The husband and wife duo, Syre & Fresko, hail from Melbourne, Australia and present us with an excellent five-track EP, Gonna See Miracles. The contemporary release encompasses a slight rock feel with anthemic sounds of pop and alternative leanings throughout. "Broken Fragments" is a rock anthem of intelligent lyrics, great guitar hooks, and full-on vocals with bass, guitar, percussion, and electronic effects. "Gonna See Miracles" opens with spacious sounds of guitar, swishy percussion, and a classic, almost Western vocal arrangement. However, the chorus is purely rock and pop-driven with both male and female vocals. "Plastic Dreams" possesses an electronic sound with a full sound that is rock-laden with vocals that are all-encompassing and memorable. "Ruth" begins as a more laid-back guitar and vocal tune void of any percussion. The folksy melody is a bit country-esque with the whining dobro-like instrument. Syre & Fresko both lend locals on this tune. "Tightrope" begins with swishy sounds and female vocals with electronic bell tones. The airy vocals and lack of much percussion throughout the first half of the song gives way to a more robust rock sound with a stellar chorus and climax. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

Digital Review: War Poets' 'Hot And Cold: American Relationships'

War Poets
Hot And Cold: American Relationships
Self-Release

Minneapolis-based duo, War Poets, is the result of Rex Haberman and Jenny Case forming a voice and guitar group with lyrically-relevant and catchy pop-rock songs. Jenny's vocals are akin to Michelle Branch and Nina Gordon (ex-Veruca Salt), while Rex's vocals are equally-intriguing and reminiscent of Springsteen, The Wallflowers, and R.E.M. The basic pop-rock structures are here on the new six-track, digital EP release, Hot And Cold: American Relationships. "Ones Who Love" is more of a rock-based song with an R.E.M.-type beat and vocalizations with a hint of Bruce Springsteen and The Wallflowers. "Perfect One" contains a classic pop-rock beat with influences from the 1960's, but Rex's voice is timeless and backed by an incredible, catchy melody. "Bits And Pieces" is the only song on the release that features Jenny's lead vocals. The melody is catchy and the vocals very similar to a cross between Michelle Branch and Nina Gordon. Overall, the new release explores some catchy songs with great lyrics and memorable hooks without sounding forced or on-the-nose. Check out Sound Cloud for more info and downloads. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Farah's 'Neoteric'

Farah
Neoteric
Self-Release

California-based, Farah Washington, is a singer, performer, model, and all-around creative person with a heart and soul in alternative, urban, R&B, and hip-hop-like song-crafting. Her new album, Neoteric, which actually means 'new idea,' is a perfect description of this carefully-selected and imaginative work of slow beats, urban sounds, and even electronic embellishments. The five-track release features a groove-laden and sultry song, "I Don't Wanna (Leave)," which showcases Farah's intimate and commanding vocals. "You Got It (Interlude)" is a two-minute song with a beat akin to something by Rihanna with repeating vocals and swishy percussion. The opener is a fuzzy, electronic, and drowned-out track with a smattering of vocals and an urban beat that sounds distant and despondent, but that doesn't make it terrible. "5.3.1" is a soothing tune with R&B grooves and sultry vocals. The percussion is rather swishy and electronic. For an EP, Neoteric is a good example of an artist defining their voice and musical style, while making us yearn for more. Little room for improvement here. 4 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tapebenders' 'Chasing Ghosts'

Tapebenders
Chasing Ghosts
Self-Release

The Milwaukee-based psychedelic rock group, Tapebenders (formerly Elusive Parallelograms), releases an anthology of music previously released on earlier LPs and EPs. The rock music contains a bit of electronica that includes showers of metallic sparks and dreamy sequences that are varied and very deliberate. The concise playing style brings to life the progressive pop side of the music without venturing too far away from psychedelic or rock genres. The gritty "60 MPH" is an instrumental rock gem with vocals resembling Blink 182 and rock riffs not too far away from a punk vein. "Nuclear Man" is another fine electronic tune with big guitars, drums, and keyboards with vocals that are playful and adventurous. The sounds reverberate with spacey electronics and spacious licks. "Absolution" is a rock anthem with fuzzy guitars and psychedelic noises that include a bit of progressive and experimental music that is jingly, memorable, and cinematic. The entire thirteen-track release provides a great picture of what Tapebenders can do. Think of Fractal Cat meets Blink 182 with The Devlins close behind. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

Digital Music Review: Broken Quote's 'Foreshadowing Sunlight'

Broken Quote
Foreshadowing Sunlight EP
Self-Release

Houston, TX-based and cosmically-driven, Broken Quote (AKA David Schrier), infiltrates the downtempo world with an experimental, electro-acoustic, and trip-hop recording of aural delight. The swishy electronics, sparkling tones, eerie sounds, and cosmic array of noises make all of the songs stand out. The instrumental, electro-funk and rock tune, "Glass Ceiling," contains an effervescent mix of downtempo chills, intergalactic noises, and radiant keyboard tones that are equally happy in a dance club or outer space. "Sparks Water The Seeds" is nothing more than a solo steel pan medley that is slow and meditative, but definitely appropriate for the rest of the album. "Mispronounce" is another slower tune, but it is more of an electro-acoustic song that includes David's whisper-like vocalizations ideal for trip-hop or downtempo music. "Late Night Ocean" includes electronic blips, industrial noises, and atmospheric washes with a trip-hop percussion sequence and sparkling noises with steel pan, keyboard, and laser-like electronica for a truly intergalactic ride. "Ghost Crowd" is a vocal tune with deep bass sounds, electronica embellishments, and a pensive beat that is entrancing and delicious. All in all, David produces a fine release that is a little bit over twenty-minutes. The album is only a download release at this time. It is highly recommended for trip-hop and downtempo fans. ~ Matthew Forss
 

CD Review: Sia Tolno's 'Mouka Mouka'

Sia Tolno
Mouka Mouka
Lusafrica

Based in Conakry, Guinea, Sia Tolno brings a powerful voice with African-backed jazz, rock, and pop infusions on Mouka Mouka. The rather short EP contains five tracks that are featured on her latest release, African Woman. Whether this is an extended single release or EP, the result is the same: great music that is worth repeated listens. The jazzy, Afro-pop concoction, "African Police," showcases Sia's Angelique Kidjo-esque vocalizations and arrangements. The uncanny similarity to Benin's Angelique Kidjo is one of amazement and pride. The music is upbeat and littered with local issues surrounding male power, mutilation, women's rights, education, peace, and dance. The entire album is produced by Tony Allen, so you know it's gonna be good. The music is giddy, funky, and melodiously memorable. Fans of African contemporary music will love it's lush melodies, rhythms, and groovy vocalizations. ~ 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: Sonny Spectrum's Self-Titled EP

Sonny Spectrum
Sonny Spectrum EP
Artisans Label

Sonny Spectrum's new self-titled, four-track EP, is a collection of pop and dance-inspired songs that incorporate down-tempo, funk, rock, and electronica. The EP starts out with "Get Freaky," which begins with a classic dance beat inspired by Michael Jackson and Maroon 5. The swishy beats, electronica-driven sound, and dance vocals are anything but dull. The song precedes "Trust," which opens with an atmospheric wash that leads right into a steady, dance beat and blurby, electronica-filled delicacy. "Be The One" is a dance tune with a soulful elegance and electronica brilliance. The tune encapsulates a little down-tempo characterizations, but the main defining genre appears to be dance. The final tune, "Free Life," contains a sparse rhythm and instrumentation early on with a few vocals. The dance elements still retain a primary importance with a little more funk than the others. At any rate, Sonny's dance explosions will electrify your feet and ears with nothing but good vibes all night long. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: NMercer's 'Crossroads' EP

NMercer
Crossroads EP [explicit]
Self-Release

Raised near Seattle and based in South Central, California, Naomi Mercer (aka NMercer), presents us with a fine compilation of hip-hop and electronica-tinged songs with an urban edge and soulful mix of fanciful lyricism and quirky percussion. "DB" is a jazzy, edgy, and urban track with swishy percussion and miscellaneous electronic elements. The emotive vocals are rather hip-hop oriented overall. "Why U Gotta Be So Fine" opens with an electronic concoction of sounds before a slightly-hip hop-influenced vocal section picks up. The smattering of electronic embellishments and punchy percussion are most evident throughout. "Steal It" opens with drippy and blurby keyboard sounds that move into a hip-hop instrumental masterpiece without losing its electric showers of charm. "Crossroads" is an urban joint with swishy electronic adornments with assertive vocals and symphonic blips and beeps that scream hip-hop-electronica. You're guaranteed to find yourself at a 'crossroads' and it starts and ends with NMercer. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: SLV's 'Dig Deeper'

SLV
Dig Deeper
Luchadora

SLV, otherwise known as, Sandra Lilia Velasquez (of Pistolera-fame), releases her first solo debut EP. Dig Deeper contains three songs in English and one in Spanish. The uppity, Pistolera band music is shed here, as many of the tunes are more laid-back and refined. Meshell Ndegeocello adds bass accompaniment, while Joe Moore plays guitar, Sean Dixon & Mark Giuliana play drums, Sebastian Guerrero plays percussion, and Jason Lindner performs on keyboards and piano. The groovy tunes are top-notch and very fluid. This is down-tempo, Latin music at its finest. Though, there are more jazz influences than Latin. Nevertheless, SLV succeeds with this short, but great release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bree Rose's 'Breakthrough'

Bree Rose
Breakthrough
Iafelice Publishing

The New Jersey-based power punk singer, Bree Rose, is tearing up the charts with a voice that is nothing unlike the talents of Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson. Despite obvious vocal characterizations, Bree Rose is a singer and guitarist with a different type of music and vision. The new music is clearly pop-driven, but there is a good amount of power punk thrown in for a little angst. However, the music is largely contemporary with some electronic embellishments and dance rhythms. "Hands Up" is a dance song with power punk elements, electronic infusions, and crystal clear vocals. "Breakthrough" showcases a bit of power rock elements with Avril-esque vocals and upbeat rhythms. "Wake Of Our Reckoning" is a power ballad with rumbling guitars, electronic echoes, and pop vocals. "Just Until You Bleed" begins with a little piano accompaniment and breathy, angelic vocals amidst a string-infused, electronic brew of musical ingeniousness. A bit of power rock music ends the song. "I'm Not Afraid" opens with an orchestral and electronic introduction that quickly delves into a power punk ballad with static-driven guitars. Breakthrough is a work of pure power punk beauty. ~ Matthew Forss