A little over a year ago at JAXX Nightclub in Northern Virginia, I stumbled upon the band BRAVE almost by accident. But it was the best accident I have ever been a part of. A year prior, the band had just changed its name from ARISE FROM THORNS to BRAVE. And the debut recording under Brave, a 5 song EP titled "Waste Deep In Dark Waters" left me drooling for more. (A review of the EP will be posted later on) Two years later, their first full length album "Searching For The Sun" and it is nothing short of spectacular! Lead singer, Michelle Loose (pronounced lew-zay I believe) has a hauntingly beautiful voice that flows gracefully thru out the CD. Slightly reminiscent of Tori Amos, but more disciplined and more intense. And her voice is perfectly paired with the searing guitar work of her brother, and band co-founder, Scott Loose. Scott dives into his bag of tricks and not only pulls out killer chops with his classical training and progressive metal influences, but he shows great creative composition work on songs like the opening tracks "Escape", and "I Believe". Scott doesnt overplay at all, which can be a downfall for alot of progressive rock bands. The color of his sound constantly changes with the mood swings of the songs, and you combine that sound with the lead voice of Michelle, and you have a beautiful work of art. Ahhh.. but, the canvas isnt dry yet. Adding the lovely dark colors to this masterpiece are drummer, and co-founder, Trevor Schrotz and bassist Chris Welborn. Those two are constantly locked together and provide the delicate thunder behind "Searching For The Sun". Check out "Bleed Into Me", and "Falling Into Bliss". Trevor is an explosive drummer that definitely has some some fusion jazz running thru his veins. (I just recently had the pleasure of hanging out with him a bit at a Bill Bruford show) Chris keeps his radar locked dead on Trevor, and together they have created a color like no other to add to the canvas. The gorgeous display of keyboards added to "Searching For The Sun" were provided by Michelle, and the latest member of BRAVE, Juan Somarriba. The tone and atmosphere float beautifully behind "Searching For The Sun" with this new addition. And before I end this, I mention track four, titled "Trapped Inside". It was first heard by me at a Brave "rehearsal" in April, Easter Sunday. This is their stand out song for me. By far, my favorite piece. This song totally rocks. So many musical styles are sewn together in this song, and it blends perfectly. I will never, EVER, get tired of this song!!! Ok.. had to get that out!! In conclusion, "Searching For The SUN" is a masterpiece. A progressive rock band that can appeal to every music listener and not just musicians. And unlike most bands of the same genre, they have alot of radio friendly songs without compromise. This is a great, hard working band that loves to sweat in the studio as well as in concert. I can only wish the best for them and I hope the rest of the music world gets a chance to experience the world of BRAVE. Kudos to the label Dark Symphonies for this release. Please check out the BRAVE web site at www.bravemusic.com and snag a copy of "Searching For The Sun", and keep an eye on their shows. Its one you dont want to miss.
WORK IN PROGRESS!!!!!!
WORK IN PROGRESS!!!!!!
The Zero StateThe Complete Teflon Diva!Arthur Loves Plastic is a femme version of Whitetown. Bev Stanton, the brainchild of ALP, produces this music in the basement of her Wheaton, Maryland home. Lots of loops, sampled media, and a tongue-in-cheek attitude prevail. With the first ALP release, "The Zero State", the tone is set with the seductive grooves of the opening track, "I Love You" Funky beats, and jams are to follow for the next 60 plus minutes with tracks like "Souvenir", "104th", and "Urges". With all the techno music that comes shooting out from everywhere nowadays, the music of ALP is definitely a unique sound. ALP avoids being mired in the techno trap of repetitiveness through the use of tight arrangements and vocals by folksinger (yes folksinger) Lisa Moscatiello. In ALP's latest release, "The Complete Teflon Diva" Moscatiello adds a very expressive element to the mix, with vocals reminiscent of Annie Lennox and Chrissie Hynde. Highlighted tracks here are "No Love", "Fear Your God", "This Rhythm Is Mine", and "Heil Mary". For more info on ALP's other releases, check out their web page at http://people.delphi.com/beverleys.
Get Some!
One of my favorite CD's to come out this year, locally or nationally, is Orange Whip. Their debut CD, "Get Some!", has an ear flavor all its own. The backbone rhythm section of Barry Sherard (drums and percussion), and Tom Kirk (bass), along with instrumentation from lead guitarist, Jason Robling, and vocals from lead singer/guitarist, Brandon Sengstack are so tight, you throw them a lump of coal, and they deliver a diamond. The diamond is this gem of a CD. The opening track, and my personal favorite, "Wax" gives you just a taste of how funky they wanna be, and an idea of what you'll hear at one of their shows: a killer beat created by Barry, complimented by Tom, with a blistering solo by Jason in the middle. The rest of "Get Some!" dips into several different styles, including reggae, ska, and a hybrid R & B sound ... cool and mellow.
Forbidden Planet
Review coming soon...
Live at Fagers Island
Review coming soon...
Electric Child Freakshow
Review coming soon...
Novakane
This 5 song demo shows the birth, and the promise of an excellent up and coming band from the Montgomery County, Maryland area. Well produced by drummer Avi , this CD is rich with melodic power chords from Efi and Mitch, and a thunderess rhythm section from bassist Joey, and Avi. But, what is rare to find, and can be found on this disc, is a heavy rock band with someone that can sing. And Mitch has an excellent voice. Doesnt scream at the top of his lungs..pure natural voice. The first track, "Fight", is an excellent example. Voice is a mix of Eddie Vedder, and Scott Weiland. Not too deep, but has alot of throat to it. "Thank You Drive Thru", my other favorite cut, has some great guitar riffs, and reminds me of an Alice in Chains piece, "Again". All in all, this is a great debut cd. I cant really classify them as a heavy metal band, and I refuse to use the term "alternative", since that's a stupid term for music, and they would fall into that anyways. They are just a good hard rock and roll band, and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future. And hopefully soon, a few shows. And band photo will be posted on the "Photo Archives" of this page shortly. To reach the band, they can be emailed at novakane@aol.com, and check out their in progress web page at The Official Novakane Web Site
A String Cheese Incident
Every few trips to the record store, I like to try something completly new and different to me. Usually, if Im at Tower Records, I go straight to the listening booths because they are always filled with unknown artists, and local bands. This one was a great find for me. Before popping in the CD at the store, I read the little notes about the band, and what caught my eye was that it said, "This was a live cd from a truly live band". I think any band, that has only been heard of from their area, and can release a live CD nationally, must be really good. So, I quickly hit play, and was totally blown away by rockin' band from Colorado. "A String Cheese Incident", the self titled CD, is full of all the energy of a great live band. If you've seen Blues Traveler, or Dave Matthews Band, you'll know what I mean. The music is taken from all styles. Country-western, blended with some funk and jazz, mixed with a little cajun flavor, and some good old rock and roll, and throw in a little Latin Style, and you have one of the most original, fun bands I've ever heard. The musicianship in this band is top notch. Michael Kang, has a hefty load playing the violin, and mandolin. The groove is always running at full octane with drummer Michael Travis, and bassist Keith Moseley. Never in the background is Kyle Hollingsworth on keyboards, and also you'll catch him on a tune or few on the accordian. And, some great acoustic guitar by Bill Nershi. I can't pick one song on this disc to really talk about. From start to finish, this cd is an A+, an 11 on a scale of 10. I will say that what they have done to Aerosmiths' "Walk This Way", is classic. I've played this version for several friends of mine, and are totally awed by it. The friends that are in bands keep saying, "What a great idea. Why did'nt we think of that?" In checking out the web page, A String Cheese Incident does get around. I see they are coming to the Bayou in Washington DC on April 21st, so consider me there with a review to follow. I debated back and forth where to place this review..in National, or Local. Ive decided to keep them in local, until I make a section for more artist outside of my MD/DC/VA area that aren't signed to one of the major labels in the music business. And, by any chance, if any one of the major label reps are reading this..hit the stores and buy this CD now, then hop on a plane to Colorado, and sign this band! I think the rest of the music world needs to know what Colorado has tucked away in between the Rockies.
