CD Review: Susan Cattaneo's 'Haunted Heart'

Susan Cattaneo
Haunted Heart
Jersey Girl Music

With ties to Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Nashville, Susan Cattaneo is at home with the pop-country constructions of melody and rhythm on her latest release, Haunted Heart. Susan's vocals are reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and Shawn Colvin. The singer-songwriter vein is eloquently captured on many of the tunes, including "Lies Between Lovers," "Abide," "Haunted Heart," "John Brown," "Ingenue," and many others. The sweet vocals and drifting melody of "Haunted Heart" is relatively slow, jazzy, and folksy. The song evokes a quieter time of reflection and relaxing set in a 60's or 70's context. "Worth The Whiskey" opens with a steely guitar medley and thick, groovy sound structure that brings out the bluesy, Southern elements of her music. "Done Better" is a piano tune with a ballad-esque set-up and delivery. The drum, bass, and guitar mix is rather folksy overall. The power of lyrics that tell stories and great music to match are very difficult to accomplish, but Susan Cattaneo has no problems creating a fulfilling result. Fifteen tracks round out the album. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: 10 Ft. Ganja Plant's 'Skycatcher'

10 Ft. Ganja Plant
Skycatcher
Roir

New England's reggae and roots-inspired group, 10 Ft. Ganja Plant, is definitely aware of how to make killer grooves and Jamaican-infused vocal medleys. The instrumental opener, "In The Garden," is a funky, spacey, and meandering tune that gently entrances and ensnares the listener to listen to more. "The reggae tune, "It's True," is a classic song with funky and reggae beats in a contemporary format. The reggae sounds continue on "Collect The Trophy," "State Of Man," "Sounding Zone," and "Where Do You Want To Be." There is an element of bluesy grooves to some of the songs. The music is rather organic and free from electronic distractions. Anyone interested in contemporary reggae sounds will love Skycatcher. Negatives? Not here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Steph Barrak's 'Words To Break Your Heart By'

Steph Barrak
Words To Break Your Heart By
Self-Release

Boston, MA-based singer and songwriter, Steph Barrak, creates spirited contemporary pop songs on this new eleven-track album, Words To Break Your Heart By. The gritty and warm guitar melodies of "Fossil Tears" contains heartfelt lyrics and folksy rhythms. "Married A Robber" provides a scintillating guitar melody with vocals indicative of Leigh Nash or early Shawn Colvin. "The Way You Make Me Smile" is a choppy tune with infectious pop hooks and smokey vocals accompanied by percussion and twangy rhythms. "Natural Progression" is an uppity tune with a steady guitar and percussion beat that is alternative from the onset to the end. "Painted Face" contains echoing guitars and an upbeat melody with highly-infectious vocals. "Connecticut" opens with another upbeat melody and soaring vocals that take a backseat on some lines, while the percussion takes over. Overall, fans of alternative pop and folk will love the music of Steph Barrak. Think Beth Orton meets Leigh Nash meets Shawn Colvin meets Suzanne Vega. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Art Decade's 'Western Sunrise'

Art Decade
Western Sunrise
Eldest Only Recordings

The progressive/experimental rock music of Boston's Art Decade is something that is turning the world of contemporary music upside-down. The plethora of sounds, stemming mainly from punk/classical/rock avenues of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, contain a heady mix of soaring vocals, wailing guitars, brashy strings, and pulsating rhythms. They admit influences as diverse as David Bowie, Radiohead, The Mars Volta, and The Muse. Art Decade's instrumental repertoire consists of strings, durms, bass, and guitars. The powerful strings and static-driven guitars provides a sense of urgency that is musical and magical. "A Lie" is a loud, string-based medley with electronic vocals performed in an exciting manner with a bit of a dance beat. "Western Sunrise" contains lively strings and a patriotic melody in-between the vocal parts. "Breeze" contains spacious, guitar echoes, and scintillating strings with airy vocals. "Steam Punk Sticker War" is a thrashy mix of futuristic punk with a dose of acoustic metal that is very good. "Kids and Kings" adds a little punk to the table with vocals similar in style to McFly and similar groups. Whatever you call it, Art Decade is nothing short of a work of 'art'. ~ Matthew Forss