CD Review: Violette's 'Falling Strong'

Violette
Falling Strong
Self-Release

A native, French chanteuse, Violette brings together warm song of incredible complexity and life with swirling piano melodies and somewhat bluesy, pop song creations on her latest release, Falling Strong. Now based in Brooklyn, Violette does not stray too far from her French song origins. There are classical, jazz, pop, rock, and folk elements throughout. Each song is catchy and beautifully-executed with vocals as sweet as sugar and melodies as fluid as a babbling brook. With vocals akin to Michelle Branch and Norah Jones, Violette knows how to evoke images of love, happiness, and hope with lyrical stories. Fans of piano, pop, rock, ballads, and a few French-lyric songs will love Violette's latest offering. The album is so good it should be 'falling' up the charts! ~ Matthew Forss

Digital Review: War Poets' 'Hot And Cold: American Relationships'

War Poets
Hot And Cold: American Relationships
Self-Release

Minneapolis-based duo, War Poets, is the result of Rex Haberman and Jenny Case forming a voice and guitar group with lyrically-relevant and catchy pop-rock songs. Jenny's vocals are akin to Michelle Branch and Nina Gordon (ex-Veruca Salt), while Rex's vocals are equally-intriguing and reminiscent of Springsteen, The Wallflowers, and R.E.M. The basic pop-rock structures are here on the new six-track, digital EP release, Hot And Cold: American Relationships. "Ones Who Love" is more of a rock-based song with an R.E.M.-type beat and vocalizations with a hint of Bruce Springsteen and The Wallflowers. "Perfect One" contains a classic pop-rock beat with influences from the 1960's, but Rex's voice is timeless and backed by an incredible, catchy melody. "Bits And Pieces" is the only song on the release that features Jenny's lead vocals. The melody is catchy and the vocals very similar to a cross between Michelle Branch and Nina Gordon. Overall, the new release explores some catchy songs with great lyrics and memorable hooks without sounding forced or on-the-nose. Check out Sound Cloud for more info and downloads. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jenn Summers' 'When Life Gives You Lemons'

Jenn Summers
When Life Gives You Lemons
Self-Release

New York-born Jenn Summers is the next big thing to hit the airwaves with pop-driven compositions that contain a little R&B, ukulele, and roots music. Jenn's vocal calisthenics are reminiscent of Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat. "Blue Velveteen" begins the musical set-up with sparkling vocals, pop-driven guitars, and catchy melodies that can only come from a genius like Jenn. "Get Better" contains lively, almost soukous-driven guitars that are not African in origin, but American-inspired roots elements combine with a little folk and island flavor. "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make L.O.V.E." adds some ukulele and handclaps to the mix with Jenn's soulful voice that harkens the playfulness of American pop songs from the 50s or 60s. "This Side Of Free" and "Wake Me Up" are roots-driven, pop concoctions that possess a flavor that is more rock-influenced than folk. Yet, Jenn's harmonic vocal lines and drum-kit percussion lead the way with melodic structures and youthful exuberance in a somewhat Trish Murphy-esque way. "Don't Mind Me" is a classic throwback to the woodblock, piano, and rippling guitars of American pop standards from the 50s or 60s. Morever, the vocal "oohs" and "doos" solidify the classic musical vein. Overall, Jenn's new work is not only top-notch, but it rivals the power-pop impact of Michelle Branch's The Spirit Room (Maverick, 2001). When Life Gives You Lemons is the best new album to come out this year. It's not sour, but you may shed tears of joy. At any rate, you will not be disappointed. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Bree Rose's 'Breakthrough'

Bree Rose
Breakthrough
Iafelice Publishing

The New Jersey-based power punk singer, Bree Rose, is tearing up the charts with a voice that is nothing unlike the talents of Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and Kelly Clarkson. Despite obvious vocal characterizations, Bree Rose is a singer and guitarist with a different type of music and vision. The new music is clearly pop-driven, but there is a good amount of power punk thrown in for a little angst. However, the music is largely contemporary with some electronic embellishments and dance rhythms. "Hands Up" is a dance song with power punk elements, electronic infusions, and crystal clear vocals. "Breakthrough" showcases a bit of power rock elements with Avril-esque vocals and upbeat rhythms. "Wake Of Our Reckoning" is a power ballad with rumbling guitars, electronic echoes, and pop vocals. "Just Until You Bleed" begins with a little piano accompaniment and breathy, angelic vocals amidst a string-infused, electronic brew of musical ingeniousness. A bit of power rock music ends the song. "I'm Not Afraid" opens with an orchestral and electronic introduction that quickly delves into a power punk ballad with static-driven guitars. Breakthrough is a work of pure power punk beauty. ~ Matthew Forss