CD Review: Yuca's 'Rebuilding The Fallen Empire'

Yuca
Rebuilding The Fallen Empire
Rising Empire Records

The British Columbia-based band, Yuca, is an anthemic rock and roll group with loud instrumentation and fresh sounds. The anthemic opener, "Skeletal Desires," adds a little brass to the anthemic, Trans-Siberian Orchestra-esque medley. The vocals are emotive and alternative. "Maybe We'll Riot" opens with blurby showers of sparks and brilliant displays of orchestrated slices of rock heaven. The punchy guitars, percussion, and vocals are showy and mesmerizing without an element of false reality. "Give Up My Ghost" begins with a sauntering rock beat and radio-esque voices with a throbbing, yet eerie guitar sound. The vocals kick in and provide a perfect accompaniment to the instrumentation. "Where Are My Soldiers At" is another fine rock anthem with big vocals, big guitars, and big sounds that do not necessarily take a pop path, but the result is still very catchy and memorable. "Sparrow" is a languid, cinematic, and experimental rock track with entrancing sounds and orchestral beats. There are ten tracks in all that prove Yuca knows how to create, compose, and perform beats with a purpose. ~ Matthew Forss     

CD Review: Jody Quine's 'Seven'

Jody Quine
Seven
Self-Release

Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Jody Quine is best known for her vocals in Balligomingo and Sleepthief. Now you can add a solo project to her credit. Seven is a folktronic and electro-acoustic medley of sorts with groovy dance tunes and upbeat melodies. "Tonight" is upbeat and electro-acoustic, which is indicative of some of Madonna's earlier work. "To Be Frank" begins a little slow, but quickly warms up to a contemplative melody and electronic backing that is rather minimal overall. Jody's vocals are the real charm here. There are vocal similarities with Beth Orton and Sinead O'Connor. "Piece Of My Heart" is something straight out of Nina Gordon's vocal repertoire with a piano, guitar, and percussion beat to boot. "I Love You" contains frame drum percussion and a minimalist repertoire of instruments, as the vocals fill the void. "Finch Diving" is a slightly urban tune with cinematic strings, electronic backing, and a heady beat with clear vocals. There are only seven tracks on the album, which may be one reason for the album title. One thing is for certain--Seven is five stars out of five all day long. ~ Matthew Forss