CD Review: Atlas Jungle's 'From The Dirt'

Atlas Jungle
From The Dirt
Self-Release

The Guilford, Connecticut tribal, funk, new age, psychedelic rock group, Atlas Jungle, releases an innovative five-track EP that includes both vocal and instrumental gems. The spacey, funky, and psych-laden, "Space Being," contains some atmospheric washes, electronic pulses, and smooth grooves for one heck of a ride. "The Cave" contains heady rock beats, light vocals, and gritty guitar work matched with electronic pulsations for a space-meets-South journey. "Goa Nights" opens with a little slap bass that heads right into a groovy, sultry, and funk-laden concoction with glittery electronica adornments and excellent percussion arrangements. There are even sitar-like sounds near the end of the song, which makes sense, since Goa is actually a state in Western India. The end of the song contains airy, yet punchy, flute renderings that could have been produced by a didgeridoo. "Pythagoras" is another great psych and funk journey with a slight Southern rock vein. The jaunty mix is has a world flair with sounds similar to an Australian origin. Some parts of the song are a more amped-up type of background music similar in style to a YouTube video demonstrating the Australian-made OzTent. "Snow Cat" is a vocal tune with buzz-laden sounds, heady rhythms, and a meandering beat that brings in rock, psych, and funk in equal proportions. If you haven't been convinced yet; you will. From The Dirt is definitely a highly organic experience. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chaser Eight's 'At The 426'

Chaser Eight
At The 426
Self-Release

Chaser Eight, a Connecticut-based band, follows up with a new EP that continues to explore honest, wholesome, and meaningful vocals and catchy melodies. The entire project was recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced at 426 Studios. "One Love" opens with an acoustic guitar and the sweet, emotive vocals of AUDRA. There are symphonic strings that accompany the vocals and guitar throughout. Drum percussion and jazzy sounds kick in mid-song. The last few moments of the song merge into a rock guitar frenzy that does not last too long. "Run, Run" is a more rock-centered tune with female vocals and an upbeat guitar tune that is grungy and attitude-driven. "Without Love" is a previously-released track that takes on a blurby, electronic, and swishy tune. There are down-tempo, electronica elements that provide a more mysterious and experimental approach. "Heart To Heart" and "Never Enough" are both similar in terms of pop/rock beats and tempos. The earthy sounds are genuine and very moving. Nothing is off-key or off-kilter here. ~ Matthew Forss     

CD Review: Brian Larney's 'At The Starting Line'

Brian Larney
At The Starting Line
Nunya Records

Connecticut-based singer, guitarist, and composer, Brian Larney, takes the spotlight on At The Starting Line. The folk music-based material contains a bit of Southern rock, contemporary pop, and nostalgic Americana. The eleven song release contains catchy melodies and rhythmic textures that are pure pop gold. The pop/rock anthem, "Closed Door," is a perfect song with a little Southern rock influences and lush harmonies. "Solace" is a little classic ditty with jangly guitars and an uppity tune that is highly-reminiscent of the late-Owsley. "Never Argue With The Devil" opens with jingly guitar lines and soft vocals in the vein of Fountains Of Wayne and the late-Owsley. "You Me And Allison" is an upbeat, jingly, pop-focused tune with swishy percussion and full guitar sounds. The classic folk tunes are more rock-inspired than folk, but there is an element of nostalgia inherent in similar songs from America's folk explosion in 1960's and 70's. Still, Brian puts a more modern spin on the music with a little Southern rock and contemporary folk. Each song gives us something to remember and that is definitely a positive quality. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Darryl Gregory's 'Big Texas Sky'

Darryl Gregory
Big Texas Sky
Emptyhead Musikwerks

Darryl Gregory's home-base in Connecticut is not the usual place for creating alternative country music. However, Darryl succeeds with his latest release, Big Texas Sky, and doesn't let his New England base affect his Texas roots. The release is rather short, but it contains seven diverse alternative country, pop, or folk compositions for a total of thirty-two minutes. The bluesy-rock song, "Prayer & Hallelujah," is steeped in Southern guitar stylings--the 'gospel' of the musical South. The pensive piano ramblings of "Aunt Jean's Piano" contains a loving, devotional sound with vocals from Michel Rae Driscoll and Jim Allyn on fiddle and mandolin. Darryl's contribution is not limited to vocals and guitars--the drums and piano are also played. "Workin' Man" contains a steel or ironworker sound of hammering with a gritty, muffled vocal track amidst a bluesy background. Overall, Darryl aims high with Big Texas Sky and leaves a few good songs for us to soak up. ~ Matthew Forss