CD Review: Candice Russell's 'So Much More'

Candice Russell
So Much More
Reflect Records

Oregon-based singer and guitarist, Candice Russell, evokes images of a sweet pop princess that knows how to sing and perform. The catchy guitar-based songs are all written by Candice, along with Aaron Russell and Dave Lubben. The pop songs include keys, piano, strings, guitars, drums, and bass. The music is upbeat and Candice's vocals are fairly indicative of Kelly Clarkson with a touch of JoJo. The pop/rock creations are driven by Candice's keen sense of songwriting and ear for strong melodies and moving stories. The upbeat, "Good Luck With That" and "Escape" are perfect pop/rock anthems with catchy hooks and sweet vocals throughout. "My Friend" contains lush melodies and a mix of instruments that still evokes a pop infectious presence. "Remember" is a touching anthem for all abused women everywhere; especially for a Cambodian friend, named Nhu, who was sold into sex slavery. "Someday" is a lush guitar tune with anthemic sound and spot-on vocals. All in all, the ten songs are perfect listening pleasures. Fans of contemporary female pop and rock music will love Candice Russell. Find out why there is 'so much more' to Candice today! ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Matthew Heller's 'Invitation'

Matthew Heller
Invitation
Self-Release

The Oregon-based, alt-folk singer/songwriter, Matthew Heller, creates a gritty and grungy world of music that is inspired by the things around him. The music of "Space Girl" creates a mix of Americana and Nirvana with ample room for improvisation. The radio-like voicings of "Shake It" are mainly based on alternative song stylings with some Western and country punk infusions. Think Owsley meets Jace Everett. "Mercy" begins with a light guitar opening and some percussion. The folk and country-inspired tune saunters along with grace and a full sound reminiscent of a more laidback Oasis. "Another Dose" begins with a punk-driven drum opener that picks up speed with an Oasis-like beat and radio-like vocals. "Drone Strike" begins with a squawky guitar sound and rock percussion that is more psych-punk than alt-folk. Invitation is an album that contains upbeat rock songs interspersed with a nice dose of folk or Americana elements for an enjoyable journey of one's soul. Think of Xavier Rudd, Nirvana, Oasis, and Jace Everett all rolled into one. Invitation is something that cannot be turned down--you have to turn it up! ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Pandit Rajeev Taranath's 'Swar-Kalyan'

Pandit Rajeev Taranath
Swar-Kalyan
Navras

Swar-Kalyan is a live recording from two different locations: Raga Yaman Kalyan at the Theatre de la Ville in Paris in 2008 and Raga Mishra Kirwani and Raga Sindhu Bhairavi at the University of Oregon in 2003. Pandit Rajeev Taranath is a leading sarod player from India. The sarod is an unfretted string instrument with metal, plucked strings. Taranath is joined by tabla player, Abhiman Kaushal. The reflective, meditative, and captivating compositions are timeless, professional, and authentic. The music is raw, unplugged, and historical. This is perfect for relaxing, unwinding, and understanding the complexities of Hindustani music. A must-have for sarod fans. Liner notes are included for this instrumental, one-hour release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eyvind Kang's 'The Narrow Garden'

Eyvind Kang
The Narrow Garden
Ipecac

The Northwest, USA-based composer, performer, and musician extraordinaire, Eyvind Kang, celebrates classical, Middle Eastern, and avant-garde/jazz rhythms and melodies with his latest release, The Narrow Garden. Eyvind is also an accomplished erhu player, violinist, and tuba player. Neo-classical upbringing aside, Eyvind creates beautiful palettes of aural color that emanate from the album with ease and grace. In fact, an angelic undertone is featured on "Pure Nothing," which contains female choral sounds and neo-classical and new age leanings not completely unlike the music of Enya. On "Forest Sama'i," Eyvind tackles Middle Eastern and Persian musicalities, which seem right at home on this album. The quirky, avant-garde masterpiece, "Usnea," showcases Eyvind's knack for creating intricate, unusual, and diverse compositions. In this case, the song wanders dangerously close to experimental realms with strings, flutes, and metallic embellishments without electronic accompaniment. The operatic vocals of "Mineralia" and the cinematic, neo-classical/ambient nature of "The Narrow Garden," evokes the works of Steve Roach, Brian Eno, Enya, Vangelis, and others to be named in the future. The Narrow Garden seems right at home straddling the musical worlds of neo-classical, Middle Eastern, spiritual, avant-garde, experimental, and new age. ~ Matthew Forss