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: R. Michael Rhodes' 'Please Remember Me'

R. Michael Rhodes
Please Remember Me
Self-Release

R. Michael Rhodes is a Colorado-based singer and songwriter armed with a Southern voice and guitar in hand. The six-track album is only about twenty-minutes long, but the sounds emanate long after the tunes stop. The heartfelt, "Please Remember Me," is a classy, country song with a touch of folk and pop. "Special Place For Me" is more of a ballad than a folk or country song, but there are still these aforementioned elements that permeate the music. "A Little Bit Tighter" is a roots-driven folk song seemingly taken out of The Wallflowers' line-up with distinct B3 and rougher vocals. The dreamy, "Where Are You Now," is a soulful ballad with droning guitar sounds and ballad-esque vocal arrangements. "You'll Never Know" is a catchy folk song with both male and female vocals in a guitar-driven track. Please Remember Me does not plead for acceptance, nor is it egotistical. R. Michael Rhodes knows how to get your attention with every repeated listen. ~ Matthew Forss