CD Review: The Bad Things' 'After The Inferno'

The Bad Things
After The Inferno
Silent City Records

With many lineup changes and tragedies over the years, The Bad Things seem to rise up from the ashes of the past with their latest recording, After The Inferno. The Seattle-based group combines a quirky, alt-pop, and a fusion medley of musical styles and instruments throughout the album. The music takes on a gypsy, cabaret, country, folk, and punk characteristic that is highly-creative, unique, and memorable. The slow and emotive "Green Grass," is a classic folk and country tune with alternative leanings and beautiful back-up vocals. The gypsy rave hit, "Grifter's Life," is a rollicking tune with great vocals and a danceable rhythm lead by accordion, horns, and percussion. With song elements bordering on folk, alternative, and indescribable, The Bad Things know how to create music with soul and substance. There are a few similarities to Neutral Milk Hotel. Get it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afro Bop Alliance's 'Angel Eyes'

Afro Bop Alliance
Angel Eyes
Zoho 

The Afro Bop Alliance is a Washington, DC-area band that showcases a wide-range of Latin jazz, salsa, bossa nova, and South American-inspired tunes on their latest release, Angel Eyes. The seductive album cover art draws in listeners by way of visual cues, but the visual quickly leads to the aural, as the sounds emanate from the album with such vivacity. The tracks are littered with infectious tunes and instruments, including the steel pan, bass, piano, drums, congas, sax, trumpet, cello, clarinet, and violin. The group enlists numerous jazz lines and Latin fusions that take on a lively life of their own. There are eleven tunes, but only two tracks include vocals: "Nature Boy" and "Minor Details." The Afro-Cuban elements are evident throughout. However, anyone with an interest in classic, Latin jazz music will love Afro Bop Alliance's Angel Eyes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: See-I's 'Knowledge Shine Bright'

See-I
Knowledge Shine Bright
Fort Knox Recordings

Washington, DC's Afro-funk band, See-I, releases a new album that continues in their funk, house, trance, hip hop, and rock paths with Knowledge Shine Bright. The opening anthem, "Never Give Up," is a reggae, funk, and rock-infused medley of luscious sounds and catchy melodies with punchy horns, jingly guitars, and reggae vocals. A dozen tracks round out the album with classic funk rhythms, hip-hop grooves, and urban styles that combine electronica with jazzy horns. The entire collection of songs are especially likable, which is probably due to the catchy and infectious melodies. At any rate, See-I is not afraid of experimenting or mixing styles, instruments, or grooves. Get your soul filled with 'Knowledge', so it can 'Shine Bright.' ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Christos DC's 'Long Road'

Christos DC
Long Road
Honest Music

Washington DC-native, Christos DC, releases a new album steeped in Jamaican reggae, R&B, and urban grooves that are ready to excite listeners seeking for something more. The new fourteen-track release features some down-tempo grooves, jazzy bass-lines, and hip-hop inspired elements for a truly contemporary recording. Christos DC's varied instrumental accompaniment and laid-back vocals provides a rich musical product that should win over everyone that listens to it. The groove-induced hooks of "Lovely Lady," "Just Talk To Me," "Another Day," and many others, solidifies Christos DC's mark on the musical world in a very positive light. The vocals are akin to Jack Johnson and John Mayer with more of a reggae voice throughout. At any rate, Long Road is a great musical journey that begins and ends with Christos DC. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Thomas Blondet's 'Futureworld'

Thomas Blondet
Futureworld
Rhythm & Culture Music

Washington, DC-based DJ, producer, and global connoisseur, Thomas Blondet, brings us a rich, cinematic, and dance-laden collection of multicultural rhythms, melodies, and works of art. The globally-infused music brings together Indian, Balkan, Latin, and Caribbean influences with traditional vocals and stirring melodies that are awe-inspiring, pulsating, and unforgettable. This is not your typical heart-pounding dance repertoire. Instead, the music is more laid-back with a fusion of trip hop and lounge music coming to the forefront. Most of the tracks include featured musicians, such as Tina M, Monsoon, Carol C., Leyla Chatti, Kiran Gandhi, Filip Novosel,and Subatomic Sound System. The musical terrain traverses a range of styles and multicultural influences, but the music cinematic and dance elements are not to be missed. Futureworld should be heard by everyone in the presentworld. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Naomi Wachira's Kenyan Roots On Her New Self-Titled Release

Naomi Wachira
Naomi Wachira
Hearth Music

Kenyan-raised and Seattle-based, Naomi Wachira brings us a soulful, bluesy, Afro-pop release with folksy guitar accompaniment and limited percussion. The release is a strong vocal production with gospel roots and vocal harmonies. The lilting guitars are great accompaniment with the vocals. The percussion is limited, which is not a big negative overall. The mature, soulful vocals awaken the spirit and entrance the listener with a talented sound emanating from all of the tracks. A few songs are mostly vocal without any additional accompaniment. There is a classy feel to some of the songs, which seem to evoke singer-standard compositions of the 1930's to the 1950's. At any rate, Naomi knows how to inspire listeners with her voice. Fans of female vocal music from Kenya, by way of the USA, will love it. All of the songs are in English. ~ 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: Aradia's 'Possibilities: Light'

Aradia
Possibilities: Light
Self-Release

Seattle-based and New York-born, Aradia combines the best of dance, electronica, trip-hop, and pop with edgy rock arrangements and experimental sounds. The blurby and dance-driven, "Trouble," provides a nice vocal accompaniment with groovy sounds and keyboard arrangements. The music is akin to a trance-induced Madonna with a little Hooverphonic. The vocals are mostly without fault, but a little direct. "Today" contains a great symphonic keyboard base and a swishy percussion beat, as Aradia's sweet vocals evoke an engaging medley of sounds akin to Leona Naess or Beth Orton. "On Fire" is an edgy, dance tune akin to the earlier work of the band Garbage. The dance music is creative and different overall. One can think of various pop artists that dip into dance music, but few know how to master the genre and still keep an audience excited about long after the song ends. Luckily, Aradia inspires this type of dance music with longevity and emotion. The 'possibilities' are endless when Aradia is in charge. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Alific's 'Echoes From The Soul'

Alific
Echoes From The Soul
Rootfire

Alific (aka Brendan Dane) combines down-tempo electronica with world reggae beats for an unforgettable musical journey on Echoes From The Soul. Alific collaborates with KBong, Lenny Kurlou, Stick Figure, Mateo Monk, Haile Supreme, and even Frank Mitchell Jr. of Thievery Corporation-fame. This is a DJ's paradise with urban grooves, world fusion, catchy loops, and vibrant percussion with fluid vocals and atmospheric embellishments. There are fourteen tunes with great instrumental set-ups and world grooves with English vocals on most tracks. Alific's impressive nightclub resume stems from experience in both California and Washington, D.C.. The dub and reggae sounds resonate with such splendor and grandeur throughout. Electronic, dub, reggae, and upbeat down-tempo lovers will find happiness in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Solveig and Stevie's 'Zombie Lover'

Solveig and Stevie
Zombie Lover
Crystal Lake Records

Washington-based, Solveig & Stevie are Solveig Whittle and Stevie Adamek.  Solveig is the lead vocalist and lyricist, while Stevie is a musician with producer credits.  Zombie Lover is an album with seven songs that contain mostly Solveig’s vocals throughout.  The music represents pop and rock concoctions that contain a good degree of electronic, folk, dance, and alternative elements. There are guitars, drums, electronic programming, bass, and flutes that fill in the melodies. "Zombie Lover” opens with a grungy bass intro and heady rhythm section with a dark groove and female vocals that are rather light, yet authoritative.  The rolling guitars, percussion, and poetic vocals create an Evanescence-meets-Cranberries brew with a soulful folk vein.  The rock grooves are reminiscent of Jace Everett, too.  At any rate, the music is very moving, mysterious, and memorable. “Creation” opens with a light guitar tone and electronic blurbs and echoing, female vocals that are soft, soulful, and pop-focused.  The background swishes and atmospheric adornments lend an almost New Age feel to the music.  Solveig’s female vocals are sweet and clear, which are surprisingly reminiscent of Native American singer/songwriter, Annie Humphrey-Jimenez.  The miscellaneous background sounds of water, animals, and rocks probably connote the creation of the world.  The environmental noises coalesce perfectly with the New Age flutes, electronic embellishments, and Solveig’s angelic voice.  The keyboard adds a few soft touches to the music with a slight dance or pop theme straight out of the 1980’s.  However, the song is still rather futuristic and modern. “Keep Your Eyes On Your Heart” begins with a few guitar strums and tambourine-like sounds. A blend of mixed vocals produced in a folksy setting resembles a power-pop anthem.  The combination of vocals and guitars creates a full sound with lots of texture and catchy hooks.  The guitars and vocals are accompanied by punchy bass and an electronic shower of futuristic, industrial sounds that are choppy, heady, and punchy.  The combination of folk vocals and heady electronic embellishments are not very typical in today’s music, but it seems to work for Solveig & Stevie.  The songs ends with a mix of industrial sounds that are metallic and electronic. “I Just Can’t Breathe” opens with lilting guitar and electronic swishes, echoes, and a rap medley. The rap music breaks up the folk or electronic monotony, but all genres mentioned above are represented here.  Solveig & Stevie shows that pop, folk, alternative, electronic, dance, rap, and hip hop are not too difficult to work with.  There are symphonic vocals and arrangements that are catchy and unforgettable.  The swishy rap instrumental combines a little dance, chiptune, pop, electronica, and urban grooves with crystal clear vocals for a magical outcome that is not annoying, deleterious, or unnecessary. “Fire” begins with a few brisk, guitar strums that incorporate a little tambourine-like sounds and grungy, metallic, and industrial adornments.  The vocals are rather pop-based, but the music seems to evoke a little 1980’s vibe with modern electronica.  The playful vocals and edgy arrangements are rather fresh and unique without resorting to banal doldrums.  Once again, Solveig & Stevie create an unusual, but exciting song with lively flutes, piano, keyboards, bass, guitars, drums, and infectious grooves. Zombie Lover represents a diverse array of songs with different genre-defying tunes that incorporate a number of instruments, arrangements, and sounds for an interesting listen.  All of the songs are worthy of airplay, despite a somewhat incongruent mix of genres and sounds. Solveig & Stevie find a way to make it all work without sacrificing melody, rhythm, and quality. This is a top recording for fans of Americana folk/rock or bands such as Evanescence, Cranberries, Nina Gordon, and Jace Everett. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Empresarios' 'El Sonido Magico'

Empresarios
El Sonido Magico
Fort Knox

Washington, DC's Empresarios know how to rock the world with tropical beats, electronic horns, languid melodies, and dance-floor dubs better than any group out there. The blazing horns, sparkling keys, airy flutes, urban beats, and thick percussion signal a great recording from each repeated listen. The gritty beats and in-your-face-lyrics are Spanish and fiery to the touch. There are thirteen upbeat tracks to feast on. There are salsa, dub, cumbia, house, trance, reggae, rock, electronica, and urban music styles represented here. Fans of contemporary Latin downtempo and Latin-beat music will love Empresarios' latest recording. I'm impressed with Empresarios. You will be, too. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Elijah Tucker's 'Saturn'

Elijah Tucker
Saturn
Self-Release

The Washington, DC-raised and Brooklyn, NY-based singer and guitarist, Elijah Tucker, releases a groovy set of bluesy, jazzy, and rock-pop songs. The contemporary wanderings are rooted in folk styles without going into a sort of dance, electronic, or hard rock path. The bluesy, funked up "Crazy Things," is a gritty, blurby guitar tune that contains wailing horns and reverberating B3 sounds. "If I Only Had A Brain" is a slow, bluesy tune that pays homage to the tune with the same name from The Wizard Of Oz film. "Gimme Gimme" is throwback to the 1950s or 60s with hand-clap percussion and rootsy guitar with a few sparkling piano notes. The tune would be a perfect fit for the 1998 film, That Thing You Do. "O Pain! Piano" is a piano, guitar and percussion-driven bluesy tune with a little Owsley, Beatles, and Oasis thrown in. Saturn is a little bluesy, jazzy, folksy, and rock-inspired. There is nothing wrong with this release. It may be a cliche, but Saturn is really out of this world--in a down home bluesy sort of way. ~ Matthew Forss

DVD Review: Soul Resonance - A Cross-Cultural Celebration of Zimbabwean Music

Soul Resonance - A Cross Cultural Celebration of Zimbabwean Music
By Douglas and Laurel Epps, narrated by Taj Mahal
83 Min.
[DVD]
Sacred Path Explorations

The opening sequences of the film include a few interview snippets with marimba musicians and various marimba (balafon) performances across the USA. Taj Mahal narrates the origins of Zimbabwean music with still images of maps, instruments, and people. The mbira origins were explored, as well as input from ethnomusicologist Robert Kauffman, musician Stella Chiweshe, the late-Ernest Brown, and Erica Azim. The development of British culture throughout the country threatened the indigenous music traditions of Zimbabwe, which was then preserved by Robert Sibson, who started the Kwanongoma College of Music. Zimbabwean music stars, Dumi Maraire, Thomas Mapfumo, and others are discussed. The rise of the marimba ensembles in America began with Dumi Maraire in the late 1960s. The rise of Shona music with mbira and marimba began in Seattle, Washington with the Minanzi Marimba Ensemble led by Dumi in the 1970s. During the 1980s, the spread of shona music traveled south through Oregon, while inspiring many communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. The website Dandemutande was created in the early 1990s in order to join others around the world with an interest in Zimbabwean music. Also in the early 1990s, the shona music sound spread eastward to other areas in the West. The final scenes of the film showcase a few different ensembles from various communities and schools with final thoughts by a few musicians and teachers. This a perfect film to expose world music fans to the wonderful world of Zimbabwean music in Africa and in the USA. However, this is primarily a traditional music production that surveys Shona music in the USA and not the guitar traditions popularized by many performers since the 1970s in Zimbabwe, including notable guitarist and singer, Oliver Mtukudzi. On that note, Soul Resonance is still a good buy for Shona music fans. ~ Matthew Forss