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: 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  

CD Review: Solveig and Stevie's 'Zombie Lover'

Solveig and Stevie
Zombie Lover
Crystal Lake Records

Washington-based, Solveig & Stevie are Solveig Whittle and Stevie Adamek.  Solveig is the lead vocalist and lyricist, while Stevie is a musician with producer credits.  Zombie Lover is an album with seven songs that contain mostly Solveig’s vocals throughout.  The music represents pop and rock concoctions that contain a good degree of electronic, folk, dance, and alternative elements. There are guitars, drums, electronic programming, bass, and flutes that fill in the melodies. "Zombie Lover” opens with a grungy bass intro and heady rhythm section with a dark groove and female vocals that are rather light, yet authoritative.  The rolling guitars, percussion, and poetic vocals create an Evanescence-meets-Cranberries brew with a soulful folk vein.  The rock grooves are reminiscent of Jace Everett, too.  At any rate, the music is very moving, mysterious, and memorable. “Creation” opens with a light guitar tone and electronic blurbs and echoing, female vocals that are soft, soulful, and pop-focused.  The background swishes and atmospheric adornments lend an almost New Age feel to the music.  Solveig’s female vocals are sweet and clear, which are surprisingly reminiscent of Native American singer/songwriter, Annie Humphrey-Jimenez.  The miscellaneous background sounds of water, animals, and rocks probably connote the creation of the world.  The environmental noises coalesce perfectly with the New Age flutes, electronic embellishments, and Solveig’s angelic voice.  The keyboard adds a few soft touches to the music with a slight dance or pop theme straight out of the 1980’s.  However, the song is still rather futuristic and modern. “Keep Your Eyes On Your Heart” begins with a few guitar strums and tambourine-like sounds. A blend of mixed vocals produced in a folksy setting resembles a power-pop anthem.  The combination of vocals and guitars creates a full sound with lots of texture and catchy hooks.  The guitars and vocals are accompanied by punchy bass and an electronic shower of futuristic, industrial sounds that are choppy, heady, and punchy.  The combination of folk vocals and heady electronic embellishments are not very typical in today’s music, but it seems to work for Solveig & Stevie.  The songs ends with a mix of industrial sounds that are metallic and electronic. “I Just Can’t Breathe” opens with lilting guitar and electronic swishes, echoes, and a rap medley. The rap music breaks up the folk or electronic monotony, but all genres mentioned above are represented here.  Solveig & Stevie shows that pop, folk, alternative, electronic, dance, rap, and hip hop are not too difficult to work with.  There are symphonic vocals and arrangements that are catchy and unforgettable.  The swishy rap instrumental combines a little dance, chiptune, pop, electronica, and urban grooves with crystal clear vocals for a magical outcome that is not annoying, deleterious, or unnecessary. “Fire” begins with a few brisk, guitar strums that incorporate a little tambourine-like sounds and grungy, metallic, and industrial adornments.  The vocals are rather pop-based, but the music seems to evoke a little 1980’s vibe with modern electronica.  The playful vocals and edgy arrangements are rather fresh and unique without resorting to banal doldrums.  Once again, Solveig & Stevie create an unusual, but exciting song with lively flutes, piano, keyboards, bass, guitars, drums, and infectious grooves. Zombie Lover represents a diverse array of songs with different genre-defying tunes that incorporate a number of instruments, arrangements, and sounds for an interesting listen.  All of the songs are worthy of airplay, despite a somewhat incongruent mix of genres and sounds. Solveig & Stevie find a way to make it all work without sacrificing melody, rhythm, and quality. This is a top recording for fans of Americana folk/rock or bands such as Evanescence, Cranberries, Nina Gordon, and Jace Everett. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Lisa Eastman's 'Jubilee'

Lisa Eastman
Jubilee
Self-Release

Lisa Eastman's new release, Jubilee, is a catchy, symphonic, and magical production that creates a sense of warmth, fun, and reflection. The Hebrew-inspired songs are all in English. The music is rather reflective of Celtic Woman with vocals like Nina Gordon and Susan Aglukark. There are additional vocals that reinforce the new age presence of the production. The lilting piano, booming percussion, and symphonic strings with keyboards makes the entire release shine with happiness. There are fourteen songs in all, which are rather diverse. However, each song gives us something new with more contemporary dance, as on "Road To Me," or more quiet reflection, as on "Storm." Lisa's floating vocals are heavenly, clear, and penetrating. This is not your average pop/rock release. In fact, Lisa presents such a fascinating combination of melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation that make every song entertaining. Anyone interested in good music will love it. The album is based on a year of emancipation and restoration provided by ancient Hebrew law to be kept every fifty years by the emancipation of Hebrew slaves for a season of celebration. Celebrate today with Lisa's remarkable Jubilee. ~ Matthew Forss