CD Review: Kicklighter's 'The Fantastic Thinking Machine'

Kicklighter
The Fantastic Thinking Machine
Self-Release

Kicklighter is formed by Everett Young, a guitarist, pianist, and political psychologist, that incorporates pop hooks, acoustic, easy listening, and folk-rock rhythms and melodies that explore various topics. The Tallahassee, Florida-based musician, takes a down-tempo and jazzy vein on "The Sultan Of Brunei." "Until You See The Sun" begins with a spacey and ambient wash that fuses contemporary percussion and new wave sounds in an engaging structure that is sure to satisfy. "Kid" is a folksy ballad with great vocals and a catchy, pop hook. "The Professor" takes an academic approach to songwriting and arranging with a laid-back composition and classic vocals with equally-fascinating instrumentation. Overall, the album spans eleven tracks around fifty-minutes. The vocals and some instrumentation is akin to Fractal Cat, The Gufs, Mysteries Of Life, and Owsley. The new wave, folk, ballad, and pop influences are rarely observed in today's music. The vocals are clear and appropriate throughout. The music is never rushed or contrived. Fans of great contemporary music with a historic edge will love Kicklighter's new release. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: True Nature's 'You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud'

True Nature
You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud
True Nature/Fire Sign Records

The New York City-based power pop and alternative rock group, True Nature, brings us an excellent album of alternative tunes with vocals akin to The Gufs and Nickelback. The instrumental arrangements are not too far off either. The six-track album contains one track that is a short introduction to "My Freedom Lies Behind The Sun." The alternative rock song is pure Nickelback with The Gufs guitar work. The title track, "You Shouldn't Have To Shout So Loud," contains jingly and grungy guitar work with vocals not too dissimilar from Pearl Jam and Nickelback. "Only Love" is a classic rock tune with pop and alternative greatness that only can be achieved by the best groups. Fortunately, True Nature is one of the good guys with good vocals, arrangements, and catchy rhythms. Fans of the aforementioned groups will be happy to add True Nature to their audio library. After all, it's only natural. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Scott Krokoff's 'Realizations & Declarations Vol. 1'

Scott Krokoff
Realizations & Declarations Vol. 1
Hypochondriac Records

New York lawyer and singer, Scott Krokoff, takes a lawful approach to upbeat folk rock/pop songs on his latest release, Realizations & Declarations Vol. 1. The folk music is pop-driven with catchy rhythms and melodies, and roots-driven with throbbing B3-type sounds. "What The Hell" starts out with a light guitar tune that is joined with drums, bass, and Scott's folksy vocals. The reverberating sounds are iconic and giddy. "Closed" contains a good, roots-driven tune with good rock progression and alt-folk goodness. "I Know Your Story" is an upbeat song with clear vocals and pop hooks that will grab you and never let go. "A Better Life" is a more acoustic-driven song early on, but the tune picks up a more rock vein with B3 sounds and an electric guitar. There are eight tracks in all, but "What The Hell" appears twice: as an acoustic and standard track. All of the songs emanate a sense of folk/rock with good clear vocals and infectious hooks. Think of The Gufs meets Venice and The Mysteries Of Life. ~ Matthew Forss