2-CD Review: Da Cruz' 'Disco E Progresso'

Da Cruz   

Disco E Progresso [2 CD]

Boom Jah Records

Brazilian-born and Swiss-based, Da Cruz enlightens listeners with giddy, soul-stirring dance music with equal amounts of dancehall, funk, new wave, samba, electronic, and pop elements. The new album is a two-disc set that is labeled “light” and “dark.” These connotations describe what is going on from a musical perspective in Brazil. The uppity tunes are still enchanting and catchy, despite the title monikers. On the “light” album, the jazzy “Nascer Livre” showcases some great vocals and instrumentation that is very showy and upbeat. The swaying rhythm of a seaside melody on “Din Din” possesses a laidback atmosphere that is timeless and nostalgic. “Tuda Flui” is a funk-inflected tune with light vocals and a jazzy vein. There are eleven tracks on the "light" CD. The "dark" CD contains ten tracks and songs that are more experimental with more jazzy, funk, electronic, and rock elements. The breakbeat sounds of "Cala a Boca" and the dark tones of "Aonde vai" signify a varied mix of music. The music tends to be a little more urban overall. The dark guitars and Garbage-esque arrangements on "Menino mau" showcase a different side of Da Cruz. No matter what side of Da Cruz you experience; you will be pleasantly surprised. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Mental Monky Ballet's 'Breaking The Law'

Mental Monky Ballet
Breaking The Law
Applehead Records

Swedish alt-rock group, Mental Monky Ballet, bridges the vocal and instrumental gap between Blondie and Garbage--and they do it with success all around. "Into The Open" is a swishy, rock-infused medley with reverberating guitars and vibrant female vocals. "Club 27" is a lush, alt-dance tune with classic vocals and a power pop presence that contains a little edge and a setup akin to something by The Killers. "Get Around This" begins with a spacious, atmospheric and progressive intro with delicate vocals and gingerly-played guitars, until the chorus brings in other vocals and a more textured pop sound. "You're More Trouble Than You're Worth" opens with an alternative and progressive rock arrangement that harbors Garbage and Blondie tendencies, but everything comes out okay. The new seven-track EP, Breaking The Law, is a sure hit for fans of the abovementioned musicians and Swedish alt-pop music with English vocals. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Painted On Water's 'Chicago Issue'

Painted On Water
Chicago Issue
Self-Release

Based in Chicago and steeped in Turkish influences, Painted On Water is a duo project from long-time friends and collaborators, Sertab Erener and Demirkan. The new release is a five-track album with rock beats, swirling rhythms, punchy elements, and English vocals by Sertab. There are symphonic rock moments on "Hating You Loving You" and "Why Do You Love Me." The heavier tones do not interrupt the clear vocals. "Despite Ourselves" opens with a melodic and down-tempo introduction, but it is quickly interrupted with loud guitars, swishy percussion, and evocative vocals. "When I Need You The Most" is a punchy rock tune with a Garbage-esque instrumental arrangement and Shirley Manson-esque vocals that add an element of grunge and dance. "A New Me" includes a punchy beat, giddy guitars, funky bass lines, and Sertab's direct and catchy vocal repertoire. The music is engaging with a hard edge that is not too heavy or unnecessary. Fans of American rock music with a does of Turkish flair will find it heartily enjoyable. ~ 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