|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
Atlanta based trio Fabrik (they have been reduced from a quintet) featuring female vocalist Adriane has a style of mixed genres all put together in a modern rock package,think a piece of 80?s rock a la Pat Benatar,another piece of modern punkpop and a 3rd piece of traditional christian pop.
I hear influences from varied backgrounds but Fabrik manages to tie them up together in a tastefully arranged way.
It?s not as polished and overproduced like many christian cd?s are today,mainly because of the low budget this band had recording "Fall of the romantic empire" but I also think the main reason behind their rootsy sound is that they know these songs sounds best with a "live" feel to them.
Not all the melodies sounds 100% and perhaps 2-3 songs could?ve been left out with this album being stripped down to an EP but they have potential - maybe a fame producer like Monroe Jones (Building 429) can refine this rough diamond.
Highlights:Hollow,Altar ego |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
|
This Anglo-Swiss outfit Face Face is back with a brand new album,they re-released their Childhood Dreams (1995) remastered in 2000 and with Purple Cross an album called Eyes Of The Mirror back in 2001.
So now George Miller (guitars,keys,vocals), Macel Ammann (drums), ex-Wishbone Ash/Phenomena singer Mervyn Spence and D.D. Matter are back with Face Face and delivers a nice AOR album with a few average tracks.
The production is Ok but I think the drumsound could have been more powerful but nothing that will disturb you in any way. I think they have a personal sound that?s hard to compare with others but if you imagine Radioactive mixed with Dan Lucas plus the vocalparts that reminds of Lucifer?s Friend.
So if you blend those elements you get Face Face,but this is not as strong as those mentioned acts - however there sure are moments worth checking out.
The first half of the album is very strong with tracks like "Lights Of New York", "Walking On Sunshine", "Don?t Stop" and "True Love".
The 2nd half is not as strong but the song "Close Your Eyes" is a great AOR-song with a strong chorus,this is an album with 5 good songs and 5 more average ones that fails a bit.
Nice album that will please those that owns Childhood Dreams and Eyes Of The Mirror in their collection and if you?re out looking for new AOR bands then check out Face Face.
Nothing sensational but there are plenty of nice moments on Bridge To Nowhere. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Their hometown is Gavle,Sweden where the best
hockey team in the country is based-BRYN?S IF! and
they have worked with the highly respected producer Pelle Seather(A.C.T) plus they?ve got a female vocalist that has
a strong emotional voice a little bit like Linda Perry
(4 non blondes),this new Swedish modern rock band FACEQUAKE has everything to win in the future to come.
In these times where many bands will ride the
commercial wave of a successful trend,it?s always nice to hear something that doesn?t sound like a 100
other bands,Facequake mixes pop a la Sixpence none the richer and rougher rock like Foo Fighters in the single track "Shoeshine".
Also the 2nd track "Changed my mind" is a real strong tune where
songwriter/guitarist Martin H?llkvist shows what a
competent composer he is,the band has their roots in the Grunge genre and it shows a bit in the music but only a little because these two songs are more dynamic and melodic pop based.
With a debut album coming out this fall,it?s time you get to know this band?s elegant performed rock......it?s not often I write something special about a drummer but Tony
Elfving?s hammering is far out the coolest thing on
this single-just listen to that bassdrumpedal working! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It?s Monday Sept.20-2004 and a customer comes in to the record store with a real thirst for something new,fresh and original.This music lover walks over to the shop assistant and asks if there are any new releases that feels special and are recommendable.
-Look at our Top 20 best selling albums on that wall. the S.A says,but ML (music lover) have seen that wall with the same albumcovers month after month and it ain?t what ML is looking for.
-I can listen to those on the radio everyday if I want to,no I want something that rocks but still is melodic and doesn?t sound like everything else! ML points out to the S.A,-well wait,I recieved a new album today that sounded just like what you?re looking for. S.A says with a smile,it?s a new Swedish band called FACEQUAKE and their debut album is like a big package of smoking rock and pop melodies delivered with a personal sound.
This was exactly what ML was searching for and responds quickly,-Wow,is it any good?!....and without hesitation the S.A answers -I won?t be surprised if you see Dave Grohl wear a t-shirt with their name on it soon.
ML went home with a copy of Facequake?s debut and lived happy ever after..............that was the end of a story that could happen to anyone out there coz it?s not fiction,the album?s real and is just as good.
Did you like User?s splendid album last year and also has Foo Fighters spinning in your stereo once in a while?!,then stop right there and add another great band in your collection.
I reviewed their first single "Shoeshine" a year ago which was a fine pop/rock tune in the best Sixpence none the richer,4 non blondes and Foo Fighters manner.
If you just keep the FF vibes,add an intro that smells Def Leppard and you?ll have the new single "Got what you lost",when I hear female vocalist Sara Kreft sing I come to think about Stevie Nicks and Belinda Carlisle coz they all have the same vibrato.
The 2nd track "Soldier" really could be a song written by Dave Grohl,it?s one of my faves on this strong album........"Evil?s better" is another fave with splendid axework from songwriter Martin Hallqvist.
6.0 on the richter scale,we got a huge Facequake upon us! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of several Swedish acts that are new to me, is FACESHIFT. This band is formed around former band ETERNAL OATH, and one of the members was also a member of MÖRK GRYNING. Anyway, they´re into melodic hard rock with one foot in goth/rock. FACESHIFT play melodic hard rock with some doom and dark elements. One quite unusual thing though: the vocalist Timo Houvinen´s voice is considerably lower in the vocal range than the average hard rock singer. And I find it refreshening! It´s actually nice to be able to listen to a voice that is completely without the tense that´s often the case for higher pitched singers. Well, onto the music. The opening song "Reality/Fatality" is melodic hard rock with doomy melodies, whilst "My own demise" shows more of a melancholic side where I´d say they create a sound as if hard rock meets THE MISSION. Also, hear the nice RUSH:ish guitar sound (only a bit rougher) in "Live the lie". This song also bears some IROn MAIDEN melodies. To mix it up, "The dark
domain" has got a more modern sound to it; more raw edged guitars is probably the main reason to why it sounds "modern", although some rather soft keyboards are thrown in as well. Then the melancholy is back in "Chokehold", sounding as U2 would wo if they tried hard rock. This is quite a good CD, mainly because it´s slightly unique. Houvinen´s lead voice is a little out of tune on a few tones, but it´s not like this will bother you. Cool! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I don’t know how they do it, but the folks over at Vagrant Records seem to keep finding some of the most brutal, intense, hardcore bands out there. FACT is no exception here! Hailing all the way from Japan, these guys are quickly making a name for themselves in North America with their first single “Fact Of Life”. This song alone is reason enough to check out this band.
Aside from that song which is probably the most “radio friendly” FACT”s debut is extremely brutal and hard hitting. Each song is filled with some grueling screams and growls between incredible melodic vocals. Musically the band can sound anywhere from Lamb of God to Linkin Park with some elements of dance music and electronica thrown in the mix.
Where people may find a fault in the band’s sound is the vocals. You can’t blame them but you are going to tell they aren’t English (who am I to judge, I can hardly speak one language while these guys sing in their second language) especially in slower songs such as “Lights of Vein”, “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” and “45 days”. These songs still sound amazing and the entire CD has so much to offer, sometimes it might seem like too much. Personally I felt like I was listening to a band who didn’t know exactly what direction they were taking at times, but those moments where few and far between on this CD. It is still a great debut from these guys and I can’t wait to see what is in store for FACT. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FACT has returned after their highly regarded self titled US release, well almost. In The Blink Of An Eye is the bands newest Japanese-only release. The first thing that most listeners will notice is that FACT has really refined their sound. Unlike their debut, the band knew exactly what direction they were going on this release. They dropped the majority of the hardcore screams and techno loops and replaced them with an overall hard rock sound that suites them much better. Fans of the hardcore sound may be disappointed that it took a backseat on this album, but it was for the best. This album is not plagued by the same inconsistencies thanks to the limited use of screaming. Hiro’s vocals may sound overproduced to some but there were only a few times where I really noticed the auto tune effect. It actually sounds less prevalent on this release than their debut. What really made this album a step up from the debut are the songs themselves. They have been cut down into short catchy tracks with melodic choruses that will appeal to a wide audience, especially “Slip Of The Lip”. You will easily hear why this song is their first single from the album. FACT still suffer from a language barrier that is being broken over time. Some songs are hard to decipher due to the broken English that these young Japanese men are still learning. Over time things will change but right now it adds in impressive novelty to their music that I really enjoy. Overall I was pleasantly surprised with this album and was excited to see the bands progression in just a few short months. Although the album is not as intense as their debut it took them in the right direction. Some old fans may be disappointed by the release but new fans will be following these guys in droves. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| I´ve been listening quite a lot to the Minneapolis based modern rock band Fades Away´s 2nd album "Perceptions", this is edgy active rock in the same league as Decyfer Down, Disciple and Red. They might not have the same big production as Red but they definitely got the songs. The best tracks are "Home", "Right now" and "Perceptions". This band rocks! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What kind of information do you need to buy an album?
Is it enough with producer,record label and similiarities to other acts? - well what do you say about this band from Oklahoma that are label pals with Upside,has opened for Cold,American Head Charge,Ra,Soil and more plus recorded this EP with producer Eric Delegard (Unloco,Edgewater,Element Eighty)!
I think you get a pretty good idea of how they sound like,we?re not talkin about soft pop or indie rock here,ohno these numetal fellas knows their thing and what kinda sound barrier that is needed to create the right "In your face" metal for their own songs.
Their debut EP contains 6 songs and ok,not all of them are killers but none ain?t exactly bad either so if you want a little metal-earthquake in your life,play songs
like "The expectation" and "The red room" real loud and forget about bills and stuff for a moment.
HIGHLIGHTS:The expectation,The red room |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The second EP from Oklahoma based Failsafe is just like the first EP "Detatchment ring" from 2004,a solid piece of work with agressive hardcore influenced numetal in the same vein as The Used,Eighteen Visions and Finch.
Still,very melodic and the powerful production makes this an enjoyable ride but unfortunately this type of music doesn?t feel as new and fresh as it did a few years ago.
There?s a limit to how much this genre can develop,as for now - I see no evolution at all with bands like Failsafe that are standing on the same spot with a sound that has limits.
I?m glad that they have included the song "Veritas" that was posted at purevolume back in 2004 but wasn?t on their first release,"My letter" and "Delete the dream" are two other highlights from this 6 track EP.
Good stuff but not that original. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Failure are one of the most important bands of the 90?s, they have influenced more bands than people can imagine - I bet Dave Grohl found his winning formula with Foo Fighters while picking a few ideas from Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards of Failure.
"Essentials" is a collection of songs taken from their 3 albums "Comfort" (1992), "Magnified" (1994) and "Fantastic planet" (1996) plus complete demos for their second album "Magnified" as well as 3 rare 7inch singles "Dipped in anger", "Count my eyes" and "Comfort".
Super Ken (as we like to call him at melodic.net) later released albums under the name ON with "Lunchbox thermos" (1999), "Shifting skin" (2000) and "make Believe" (2002) plus the much beloved Year of the Rabbit album from 2003.
If you own a copy of that album, you will hear on this double disc collection where YOTR comes from soundwise, Ken and Greg must be huge fans of King Crimson and Rush because Failure is a musical adventure into progland but in a modern and poetic way.
Truly a great collection dear friends! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Ground is the band feat. Harem Scarem guitarist Pete Lesperance and ex.Our Lady Peace guitarist Mike Turner, helping out on drums is Creighton Doane (Harem Scarem) and Pete has taken care of the lead vocal duties with a real good result.
This is pretty much the same album as Pete?s solo album "Down in it" from 2004, they have a rougher sound on the Fair Ground album compared to the lighter powerpop sound of the 2004 version.
You could say it?s one step closer to the Harem Scarem rock but not that hard, I?m glad Pete and Mike added more guitars and turned it up in the mix because this album sounds better than Pete?s solo effort that also was a solid piece of work in my opinion.
"What are you waiting for?" is the only new track on the album but it?s a catchy midtempo tune that works real fine among the modern rock stuff you?re getting within these 10 songs.
They have chosen "Boy without a clue" as the first single to radio but I would rather go with the title track "Down in it" instead because the chorus is stronger.
I wonder why Pete and Mike left out "Scars" which is one of the best songs here, I know it was meant to end up on this record but they decided to leave it out on the final release.
You can purchase Fair Ground at cdbaby.com now, do it - it?s that good! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHORTCUT
Location:Dallas,USA
Will appeal to fans of:Radiohead,A Perfect Circle,Cave in,Brazil
Members:Andrew Sudderth-Vocals,Cliff Campbell-Guitars,
Matt Langley-Keyb,Brett Stowers-Drums,Nathin Seals-Bass
Discography:The carbon copy silver lining,Inter.funda.stifle
COMMENTS:You either love or hate Andrew Sudderth?s vibrato vocals,he sings in a remarkable way but I think it?s just what makes Fair to Midland so thrilling to listen to.
This is a band that does the unexpected with their avant-garde EMO rock and what you do ? don?t compare them to any other band coz they have a unique sound.
One second they burst out in the heaviest metal just to calm down to atmospheric pop,this quintet also has a touch of progressive vibes as well as bombastic Arena rock.
As you see,it?s almost impossible to say one band these guys sound like?????..and how cool is that! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After 2 indie albums, the excellent Dallas based alternative progrockband Fair To Midland signed with Serj Tankian?s (System of a down) label.
This band has a sound of their own, quite unique that you should hear for yourselves - their 4 track debut EP for their new label contains 2 new studio tracks where "Orphan anthem 86" is the real pearl here plus 2 live versions of "Seafarer?s knot" & "Abigail".
The sound of the live tracks is only ok, I wished they could?ve released more studio material but I guess we just have to wait for the new album.
For fans of Slow Motion Reign, Sunny Day Real Estate and It Bites. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fair To Midland... phew... is that a cool band or what!!??!?! Signed to Strike label, run by System of a Down´s Serj Tankian, and you can understand why he picked them up. Musically this band have a totally own way of being. There are tons of influences, but they have cooked a well tasting soap out of them... Metal a´la Tool, prog a´la Mars Volta, Coheed And Cambria and Porcupine Tree, soft prog a´la Mute Math, Blue October and Dredg with a huge epic EMO - touch on the top. Phew!! And yeah - I didn´t tell you... The production signed by the master himself - David Bottrill. WHAT A SOUND!! Just listen to the opening track "Dance of the Manatee", third out "Vice/Verca" which is a softer story with a tremendous refrain, The Wife, The Kids, And the White Picket Fence which is absolutely fabulous (just listen to the last minute of the song!!) and "A Seafarers Knot" which is a wet dream for all proglovers. And that are just four of them. I need to mention the singer Darroh Suddereth as well. The guy range between alt rock to classic rock vocals, down into the menacing growl of metalcore and then up to the highest tones like nothing have happened... Amazing! Here is an album that delivers four and a half bright shining stars. Monster stuff. EASILY top 5 this year. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that?
The Who were originally called The Detours, then changed their name to The Who after a suggestion by Townsend´s friend Richard Barnes. Their first manager, Pete Meaden, renamed them The High Numbers, and they released one unsuccessful single, Zoot Suit, under that name. When EMI dropped them the band sacked Pete Meaden and went back to being called The Who.
It is said another possible reason was because of Peter Townshend´s grandmother, who would always refer to popular bands as "The Who?" mainly because of hard hearing.
|
|
latest reviews
|
|
|
|
|
|
