Attn: Musicians - Where To Send Albums For Review

Please send any and all CDs or LPs (singles or full-lengths) to the address below for review on this blog. 

Matthew Forss
c/o Inside World Music
840 Lorinda Ave.
Omro, WI 54963
USA 

CD Review: Tapebenders' 'Chasing Ghosts'

Tapebenders
Chasing Ghosts
Self-Release

The Milwaukee-based psychedelic rock group, Tapebenders (formerly Elusive Parallelograms), releases an anthology of music previously released on earlier LPs and EPs. The rock music contains a bit of electronica that includes showers of metallic sparks and dreamy sequences that are varied and very deliberate. The concise playing style brings to life the progressive pop side of the music without venturing too far away from psychedelic or rock genres. The gritty "60 MPH" is an instrumental rock gem with vocals resembling Blink 182 and rock riffs not too far away from a punk vein. "Nuclear Man" is another fine electronic tune with big guitars, drums, and keyboards with vocals that are playful and adventurous. The sounds reverberate with spacey electronics and spacious licks. "Absolution" is a rock anthem with fuzzy guitars and psychedelic noises that include a bit of progressive and experimental music that is jingly, memorable, and cinematic. The entire thirteen-track release provides a great picture of what Tapebenders can do. Think of Fractal Cat meets Blink 182 with The Devlins close behind. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Painted Caves' Self-Titled Arab-American Release

Painted Caves
Painted Caves
Primitive Records

Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based, Painted Caves, presents us with an exciting Arab-American release of guitar fusion and world music on their self-titled release. The group is headed by Ali Lubbad on vocals, guitars, trap set, and Arabic percussion, while Mike Kashou plays the oud, bass, percussion, trumpet, piano, and adds background vocals. There are also other musicians on Native American flute, qanun, congas, didgeridoo, and conch shells. Anyone familiar with Wisconsin music will be familiar with the great Paul Cebar on backup vocals. There is an emotive fusion of instruments that come together to form interesting unions that seem to work just fine. The instrumental arrangements possess a little psych/experimental sound indicative of music from the 1970's in parts of the Middle East and South Asia. The tracks are named as cleverly as anything by Dengue Fever, which provides some influence here; especially on "The Behavior Of A Certain Snake," "Paper Tigers," "Man Is Coy Behind Animal Tears," and "Morse Code." Anyone interested in various traditional instruments played in a contemporary setting will love it. Painted Caves emerges as a great work of art! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Spark & Echo's 'Inheritance'

Spark & Echo
Inheritance
Self-Release

Husband-wife duo, Jonathon Roberts and Emily Clare Zempel, are based in New York's South Bronx. The acoustic folk, Christian, and contemporary singers/songwriters produce an uplifting release of eleven songs inspired by Biblical events, themes, and messages with memorable vocals and captivating instrumentation. In fact, the bassoon, ukulele, accordion, and piano are the instruments of choice. The gospel according to Spark & Echo is filled with theatrical piano-tinged tunes with assorted instruments and vocal medleys that are rich with pop-focused qualities. The alternative tunes are quirky, witty, instructional, and intelligent throughout. "Buy Me A Hat" is a funky, heady tune with classy vocals and theatrical musical elements that are swishy, punchy, and carefree. "Inheritance" continues in the funky vein with Ben Folds-esque vocals and vocal deliveries with poetic lyrics and jazzy, classical, and experimental foundations. "How To Be Free" opens with an angelic vocal medley accompanied by accordion, bell-tones, and light percussion. The entire song represents a little down-tempo with some big kirtan-like arrangements that reflect a Christian presence, rather than seeking spiritual guidance from Hindu sources. Overall, the music resembles a mishmash of Squonk Opera, Ben Folds, and Zero 7. This is a solid release of tunes that are applicable for all of the world's inhabitants. Each song is a spiritual release whether you believe it or not. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss