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| .end of story is a Texas based hard rock band led by guitarist/vocalist Skot Reed, their debut EP came out in 2000 and recorded one more album before their 3rd and latest album "The sonic blueprint" from 2009. This is an interesting album of progressive hard rock and grunge tendencies, it´s a real tight performance from the band and the technical guitar work is awesome. But the lack of power in the production drags down the rating a bit from 4 stars to 3, The King´s X-like "Full circle" is one of the highlights along with "Catching on" that features a fantastic riff. For fans of Slave to the system, Skywynd and Alice in Chains |
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Biography:
8 STOPS 7, a Ventura, California-based band, was formed in 1997 by singer Evan Sula-Goff, guitarist Seth Watson, bassist Alex Viveros, and percussionist Adam Powell.
The band later blended guitarist Aaron Johnson and bassist Paul Wickstrom into their current line-up replacing Watson and Viveros respectively.
With their first major label release of In Moderation on Reprise Records in 1999, 8 STOPS 7 sold more than 150,000 copies, produced two full length videos, performed at multiple venues in excess of 15,000 fans with their explosive stage show, and charted in the Billboard top 20 with 2 different singles in late 2000 through 2001.
The self produced and distributed 2004 effort "Bend" is available at : www.8stops7fanclub.com -
Comments:This band might not have the same budget on this independent release but they can still write good songs and sure gives their fans value for their money coz this album contains 15 tracks with the running time of 1 hour and it?s good all through.
Truly worth checking out if you?re into Nickelback, Incubus, Creed and similar bands - the production is ok so don?t be scared just because they haven?t spent $100.000 on it.
Rock away to "A waking contradiction"! |
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| Who said postgrunge was dead? When bands like 8 Stops 7 continue to release newmusic even though it was7 years since last one with "Bend" in 2004. The new album "Fables" was recorded with help from their fans through Pledge Music, it´s a good way to support your favorite bands. It feels like 8 Stops 7 are rocking a bit harder on "Fables" compared to the previous album but perhaps I´m wrong, it was sometime ago I listened to that album. I really like songs like "The mark", "22 38" and the single "The sting", great guitar driven rock. But there are also moments that feels rather average like "The patriot" when you can go and get some popcorn if you hear that song in concert. Anyhow, this will appeal to fans of 12 Stones, Creed and Live. |
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Italy has always been more of a powermetal country than a big place for AOR music but ever since the label Frontiers Records started, it´s gotten better where bands like Khymera, Myland, Edge of Forever, Markonee and Prime Suspect has released good AOR albums. So with the suitable name 8-is (Eightees), this Italian trio shows AOR is still growing down in the land of Football and Pasta with their debut album "Frame of us". The band features Marcello Catalano - Vocals, Franco Casini - Drums and Lorenzo Milone - Guitars together with additional musicians Andrea Casali - Bass and Emanuele Casali - Keyboards.
They open with the album´s weakest track "Everlasting love" which is rather peculiar but I guess they liked it best, 2nd track "I´ll be there" is much more enjoyable that is a strong David Foster-like ballad. "Lady" follows that is more of a syrup pop/AOR song and I don´t care for it at all. 4th out is "The final curtain" and now the band gets more serious with a traditional AOR sound with pompous keyboards, great stuff! Then we get the westcoast rocker "Fallin´ in your eyes" that is a nice rhythmic song and this is also where the album gets better, it is followed by another ballad "On and on" where the piano bring thoughts to Randy Goodrum and I surrender totally. Thumbs up for the great vocal performance on this song from Marcello.
Next out is "If you turn around" that sounds like something Richard Marx could´ve written, I like the westcoast vibes on this one. They turn up the tempo in track 8 "In my life" which is a solid AOR song with a "na-na-na" chorus, we´re getting close to the end of the album with the westcoast ballad "Back to you" that has Jay Graydon written all over it. Marcello might not sing as good Tommy Funderburk but he does a decent job on this song, "Frame of us" ends with another soft ballad "Tomorrow comes tonite" that grows for each time I hear it. They´ve got potential even though the album started a bit uneven. |
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Last year 8084 (Eight-Oh-Eight-Four) released their comeback album,this 80s AOR band released a couple of albums back in the 80s and who doesn?t remember their fantastic song "Too Late For Love" written together with Aldo Nova that was a pure classic 80s AOR-song.
So now Randy Smith and Co are back with a new album and sound - yes, the sound is totally different what we?re used to hear from this band.
Now they play acoustic pop/rock in the veins of The Rembrandts but they don?t have as strong songs.
Randy Smith has a very strong voice that suits this approach of pop/rock more,they have changed the sound too and they sound very tight.
So it?s a shame that there are not enough strong songs to lift up this album to higher grounds,the more rocking tracks on the album are the ones that stands out more.
Just listen to the up-tempo guitardriven "I Know" that rocks really nice and lifts this album in a nice way, too bad that this is the only one with a punch in it.
"When I Think Of You" is a wonderful acoustic ballad that really hooked me up with nice melodies.
This is an album that don?t go all the way but if you?re into pop,done in a similar way as The Rembrandts - then give these guys a chance and you might like it.
But if you own some of their earlier albums and liked it then you can forget about this new one. |
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| Here is a nice single with Aaron Ellis that you can download from his site http://www.aaronellismusic.com/ and I suggest you do that if you like modern rock with flirts of AOR. A very well produced song with a really good singer. Recommended. |
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This is a cool album, it´s not everyday that you get to hear new music like Aaron English 2nd album "The marriage between the sun and the moon".
Aaron is inspired by varied musical cultures in the world such as the middle east, West Africa and Europe - his sound bring thoughts to artists like Sting, Peter Gabriel and Larry Gowan.
We´re talking quirky, different and very clever pop with a progressive touch - I love the way Aaron mixes African rhythms with oriental melodies and English pop.
His cover of The Police hit "Message in a bottle" is lovely, the title track is another pearl on this adventurous album.
Not all songs move me but I want to point out 2 songs that does, "Like smoke" and "Crossing the desert, crossing the sea" gets all my attention for sure.
Interesting music! |
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| Ali Eskandarian was born a few months before the climax of the Iranian revolution September 11th 1978 in Pensacola Florida where his father was being trained by the Americans. Upon the completion of the training Ali and his family returned to Tehran, Iran´s capital and the family hometown. After the war was over and the Ayatollah Khomeini died (1989) the family moved to Aachen, Germany and were granted political asylum by the German government. After nearly 2 years in Germany the family were granted political asylum by the US government and moved to Dallas, Texas where Ali went to High School and College. So we can thank the Ayatollah for giving us Ali´s music cause this album is a good one. If I should tryto explain the music I can tell you that the man is infuenced by Bob Dylan, Neil Young and an acoutic version of Tom Petty. And he is doin´ it fine. One example is "Black Tar Man" which is absolutely marvellous with such strong lyrics. And there are more. Check this man up if you like the names I just mentioned. |
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The Canadian duo E-Twinz feat:Carmon Leeson and Season Bovey has recorded a real uplifting 6 track EP that brings back good ol? memories how the marvelous records from Treblecharger,Marvelous 3,SR 71 and American Hi-Fi used to sound like.
I?m talking about modern rock oriented powerpop where every single one of these 5 songs could end up as a radio hit (I don?t include the short interlude of "Musicbox" coz it?s only 10 seconds long).
I wonder if Cheap Trick knows how many bands they have influenced through the years?! Well,ok then - E-Twinz must have listened a bit to the popular punkpop genre as well but only a little.
Thumbs up on the production that can match any major label release out there,if you want edgy guitars and energetic songs - don?t look any further!
BUY OR DIE! |
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| Eagleheart from the Czech Republic is considered to be one of the most promising new forces in the current power metal scene, their debut "Moments in life" (2008) gained an excellent response from fans and critics alike. Now 3 years later, their long awaited 2nd album "DreamTherapy" is released in November on Scarlet Records and it´s produced by Roland Grapow (ex.Helloween). The sound is bombastic and heavy but still very melodic, Eagleheart is influenced by Masterplan, Accept, Yngwie Malmsteen and Kamelot. I think they sound a bit like Royal Hunt meets Jorn Lande, the album is loaded with powerful riffs and classic heavy metal intron. The choruses may be filled with cliche´s but it works with this type of music, why fix something that ain´t broken? Highlights : Burned by the sun, Shades of nothing |
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The opener "No more walks in the wood" sets the standard when EAGLES release their first full-length album in 28 years. It´s easy to understand why these guys have been so popular, since the singing is far better than anything you could ask for. And singing it is - this first track is almost an á capella song, except for an acoustic guitar that plings a bit in the background. The harmony vocals are so timed, so exact and so perfect that it´s almost unbelievable. EAGLES is one of few bands in the world who can combine rock, country, westcoast and r´n´b into a heavenly potion.
OK, just a short rewind here. It would be unfair if I didn´t introduce the EAGLES guys before I go
on with the review. Today there are four guys left from the old line-ups: Glenn Frey (g, k, b, v), Don Henley (dr, perc, g, v), Joe Walsh (g, k, v) and Timothy B Shmit (b, v). Don Henley and Glen Frey were in the very first line-up of EAGLES, accompanied by Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. In 1974 Don Felder was added to the band, and at this point EAGLES also started to find the music style that they are still doing successfully today. However, album-wise there´s been a long wait between the "The Long Run" album in 1979 up ´til today´s long awaited "Long Road Out Of Eden".
Was it worth the wait? Well, I could write several pages about it, but in short: heck yeah! I placed this CD on the Top 10 of 2007, so you can imagine the rest. Don Henley & the other guys are great musicians, lovely songwriters so just buy this double-CD if you like wonderful melodies. Too many ballads? Well, not to me. I understand that some people will say there are way too many sleeping pills, but hey - as a counterpart to all the rough stuff in the music world, I´d say this is a perfect harmonizer.
A little about each song:
"No more walks in the wood" (see above)
"How long"
One of the more country-tinged rockers on this album. I always favour the westcoast sound, but I
must admit EAGLES do this type of country/rock better than anyone.
"Busy being fabulous"
Here´s a half tempo tune, typical for EAGLES. Kind of BRUCE HORNSBY & THE RANGE style, if you need a comparison. Not that HORNSBY wasn´t influenced by EAGLES to begin with... A wonderful song, all the same. The guitar sound quite in the Mark Knopfler vein, and oh those lovely harmony vocals!
"What do I do with my heart"
EAGLES answer to BERLIN "Take my breath away"? Only a bit more westcoast/contry spiced of course.
The arrangement with nice maj7 chords (and so on) gives westcoast lovers a fave track. Yummy!
"Guilty of the crime"
Another country rocker, which is actually rather boring. Simple and pretty uneventful. It´s just too much rock´n´roll, let alone in a flawless performance.
"I don´t want to hear any more"
Jeez, the semi-ballads are without a doubt the strongest side of EAGLES. This tune proves it, and it´s easily one of the best songs on this double-album. Late DOOBIE BROTHERS wouldn´t be an unfair comparison. It even reminds me of the excellent "Garage demos" (the soft one) by VENICE.
"Waiting in the weeds"
Another softie, a full-blooded ballad with an almost sneaking, careful production. I mean, the instruments are like playing in a "pssst, don´t wake up the baby" kind of way. In a rather simple arrangement, the vocals lift it up (especially Henley´s contributions in the end).
"No more cloudy days"
A major key dominated tune, at least in the verse. This one´s also a cool, mild song, with some top class backing vocals with maj7´s like an extra layer of cheese on a sandwich. This song could´ve been more variated, but it´s still really good.
"Fast company"
Here´s a fresh song, for being EAGLES. A 2-beat structure song, with groove and r´n´b in a BILL CHAMPLIN or SONS OF CHAMPLIN uniform. It´s a goodie, although using only one theme that goes over and over. Why? This could have been a killer with one or two extra parts.
"Do something"
Ballad time again, with a very acoustic background. It´s more of a country ballad, thanks
to some steel guitar and country styled rhythm guitar. I am sure all fans of the country tinged EAGLES side will love this, since it is a very nice song with its fragile verse production and the more full-grown chorus part.
"You are not alone"
Ending disc one, this one is a pretty anonymous semi-ballad.
"Long road out of Eden"
Holy macaronies. A masterpiece has been born, and it´s the majestic title track of this CD. In its more than 10 minutes´ length, this song has got everything. An oriental intro sneak starts the song, followed by a Rhodes sounding electric piano that warms up before the verse begins. The EAGLES are better than ever in this song. It has got balladry, pop, rock and westcoast, tumbling with each other either together on separately. Solos are played with such feeling that would make even Gary Moore happy!
"I dreamed there was no war"
This one´s just a very short instrumental track, with a soulful and soft electric guitar melody leading the way.
"Somebody"
Finally another song in up-tempo. I know I prefer EAGLES´ ballads, but I admit it´s hard to tell them apart after a while. This song on the other hand will be really nice for fans of for example CHRIS REA or DIRE STRAITS. Lovely melodic rock/r´n´b! Need I mention the harmony vocals are top notch?
"Frail grasp on the big picture"
Here´s a song a bit like "Fast company" but a lot better! The song structure is more "normal" here, with a distinctive verse, bridge and chorus. The guitar solo is a killer and the very soft organ/vocal part after 3 minutes is a goosebump creator. Another one of my top favourites of the CD.
"Last good time in town"
Westcoast/groove in mid-tempo that makes me think of BOZ SCAGGS! (It´s really been a while since I mentioned Mr. Scaggs as a comparison...). This one´s also something for those of you who enjoy STEELY DAN, MONKEY HOUSE or KEVIN McCOURT.
"I love to watch a woman dance"
A campfire softie, with accordion and all. Not my favourite, mainly because of the mentioned accordion. ´Cause the song it beautiful.
"Business as usual"
One of few songs with more crispy guitars and a drum groove with attitude. Rather a mellow oriented song with a melancholic sound, but it´s a really nice one.
"Center of the universe"
If I´d pick the top six songs on this CD, this song would be on it. We´re talking a very soft tune again, and a minor key dominated one. But they´re so good at adding their souls in the melodies - especially in semi-ballads. The acoustic guitar solo is worth credit here.
"It´s your world now"
Light Mexican flavoured softie (you know, kind of that "That´s Amore" song that... Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra or whoever, was singing). A nice and unexpected ending of a great album. |
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Christer Örtefors normally plays bass in Freak Kitchen. Not here though, here he sings, plays guitar and is the main songwriter. The result: Eaglestrike delivers an album consisting of 12 rock songs. There are obvious differences between the both bands as this is more straight-forward rock than FK, there are less exotic rhythms and jazz influences here. On more than one occasion I get vibes from Monster Magnet, especially when it comes to the vocals. There are also some hints towards Ozzy on the high pitch part of the singing. Compared to FK this may feel a bit simple but sometimes you want something that you put on and that you can listen to immediately. If you are into old-school rock and roll there are plenty to find here, nice riffs and some cool solos, many songs to tap your foot to. I still think that FK fans will check this out and I see no reason why they should not. One thing I feel I must mention is that the tempo of this album is pretty low overall, so punk rockers, be aware! Best songs are "Path of Destruction", "Walk In My Shoes" and "Left Out In the Cold". Overall, this album is worth checking out.
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Whenever there comes along a band that has King?s X as a big influence of their sound,noone could be happier than me coz I adore bands like Atomic Opera,Galactic Cowboys and Earth to Andy.
This new Australian band called Early Warning System has a similar sound to these bands which I?d like to call Autumn rockers coz the music is moody and colorful just like autumn.
EWS?s debut EP "Overworld" contains 5 really good tracks with a good variation in tempo and harmonies,well crafted songs and excellent musicianship.
A cool fact is that King?s X axeman Ty Tabor has mastered this EP in his own studio.
Heads up!
(This is not the original cd artwork.) |
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| This is a real knock-out album folks! This is very massive album and sometimes to aggressive for my taste. Their music is very influenced by the early 90s grungers Alice in chains but with a more metallic sound. For those who has any album with Tool you will hear a lot of familiarities. This is more alternative metal in my ears than numetal cause we got a heavier sound an no death-metal screams ala Stereomud. Actually we got a very nice singer in Will martin who has great voice for this type of aggressive modern rock. This type of metal is quite popular these days and with cool video and some playing on MTV this rockers can be quite successful I think. The fifth one "Ordinary girl" is the strongest and the one with most hit potential on the album. But "Get away" and "This world" are two other nice ones with fat guitars and super-weight heavy sounds. Just listen to "Asleep, I lie" and I sure that you will head bang at once. Add then a couple of quite boring ones and we have an album that is too heavy for most of the melodic modern rockers out there in cyber space. But if you feel that Fuel is to wimpy or if you have a neighbour that you wanna argue with. This is definitely a record for you. I think that this album grows! |
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June 29th is the date when the follow up album to "Letting go" (2002) from numetal quartet Earshot is being released,it?s simply titled "Two" and sounds pretty much like the debut so their fans are getting what they want but in the same time it?s very predictable.
You could call their music mainstream numetal because we?ve heard it so many times before and the singer Will Martin has a way of singing that his voice feels a bit monotone at the end of the record,but the new album isn?t at all bad....it rocks pretty good and really is heavily produced by Johnny K.
The first single "Wait" is one of the best songs on "Two" but also the moody "Nice to feel the sun" stands out sounding a bit different from the rest of the band?s material.
Other songs worth mentioning are the kick ass rocker "Down" and the cool and fine arranged "Goodbye",but mainly the songs feels too ordinary without the big choruses I wanted to hear.
You know what you?re getting for your money but the new Earshot album ain?t no surprise. |
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Did you know that?
The band “311” was named after the “exact time the band formed.”
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latest reviews
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