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| A nice cd with melancholic clever pop. Egil Olsen whos the brain behind this CD have a cool voice somewhere between E from Eels, Beck and Jeff Cannata. This EP is worth your attention if you like melancholic acoustic pop. Check it out at cdbaby.com |
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Atlanta based modern rockers Uncrowned has recorded 22 songs on their debut!!!!,what?s the deal????...anyway,don?t be scared coz this ain?t a double cd or one long cd filled with music til the very last minute which we are used to a lot these days with many famous bands. "Simple sick device" is only 53 minutes long and only 14 are actually "real" songs if you get the drift,the others are only intro:s or other kinds of short pieces. Uncrowned delivers nothing new,this is competent and solid tough modern rock with a lotta edge but also so predictable. I like their flirt with industry rock on some of the short songs but then they fall back to the mainstream modern rock on the 3 minute stuff. This album is really good produced but I?m not sure if it?s Rusty Cobb (Sevendust) who did their 3 track demo in 2003,that handled the engineering board on SSD?! Got no info on this cdr I?m afraid.........anyway,it?s a well performed album and sure worth a check up but don?t expect something that will shake your world. |
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I wonder sometimes if a band reads my review and then put all the critisism into something good and only focus on good energy on writing stronger material? But I know it´s not at all in that way even if I wished some bands really did take some of my advices, the Atlanta based hard rock band Uncrowned´s 2005 album "Simple Sick Device" felt like an average piece of work that might impress someone who only listens to a few albums every year.
I wasn´t even going to waste any time on checking out their new digital EP but since I have friends that insists on pushing me into it, I finally took a moment to see how they sounded like on these 5 new tracks. Well, first I want to say that they sound hungry and willing to set any stage on fire with these new tunes and secondly I just want to jump high and shout out a big hooray for the grandiose class these songs hold!
Both Melee and Fuel have used the same album title this year so I guess we just have to wait for at least 2 more before the end of the year but Uncrowned does NOT sound average or mediocre on their new explosive EP. They rock and they rock hard, this is nothing but a KILLER! |
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Under the Flood combine great riffs over melodic vocals to produce one of the better modern rock releases of recent times. Released late in 2006 Under the Flood sound like a slightly heavier 10 Years with a twin guitar attack that enables them to layer one riff over another to great effect. This is particularly noticeable via the albums first track and single In Vain. Featuring a great riff and chorus this would surely be a huge hit given sufficient exposure. While never quite reaching the heights of the opening track there isn´t a bad song to be found on this album. Blown Away really grooves and Signs features more awesome guitar playing that proves this would be a great band to see live. Production is done by Sickshot/Daughtry guitarist Brian Craddock and it´s very impressive. |
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Under The Flood released last year their third album A Different Light. Once again, they have worked with Daughtry guitarist Brian Craddock that has given them a perfect production. The band's pure Modern Rock sound feels very clean, but also got a tougher edge, which gives them a perfect mix.
Stylistically, the band are close to acts like Framing Hanley, Otherwise and Deepfield, in other words as a more hard rock influenced Daughtry.
Is a little surprised that they have not been signed to any label as Century Media or Eleven Seven because they have all the elements to reach really far.
Highlights include: "Fly," "Wait" and "Dreamers", but you will find your own favorites if you are into the tougher side of Modern Rock.
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California based Under the influence of giants writes music that makes you happy, they have a wonderful sound of 70?s disco, R&B and modern soulpop. Many names fly by when I listen to their self titled debut album, I come to think of artists such as Jamiroquai, Maroon 5, Billy Joel, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Squeeze to mention a few. UTIOG plays the modern kind of disco pop where we also find Daniel Powter and Men Women and Children. The opening track "Ah ha" is totally irresistable with it?s odd chorus and the musically ever flowing "In the clouds" will rule the dance floor if they release it as a single. Their debut album is like a well full of harmonies for the ears like the sun is for the flowers, the first single "Mama?s room" is just the start of something big to come for this love spreading band! |
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Under the influence of giants from California has caught many ears in the major label business with their charming soulpop,it?s not so strange since Maroon 5 are so successful. The debut EP "Mama?s room" from this groovy band with the wonderful name Under the influence of giants will take this band out in the big world. It contains 5 songs where 2 are dancepop oriented,2 a little bit more rocking and 1 ballad - a good variation and very well performed,especially vocally. A promising start for a new interesting band,UTIOG should be in your car stereo along with Daniel Powter and James Blunt. |
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U.K band Undercut is a new promising act that very well could be a new star on the modern rock sky,singer Johnny Benn sounds like a mix between Peter Gabriel and Dave Matthews. These British bands are really good at this soaring pop/rock where bands like Coldplay,Travis and Manic Street Preachers are so successful with - so it wasn?t such a hard choice to pick producer for their debut. Namely Ian Grimble who has worked with both Travis and MSP,this Bristol based band Undercut aren?t afraid to use distorted guitars and write uptempo songs so they are a bit more rocking than the famous acts I mentioned. Undercut maybe won?t conquer the world like Keane did but they are too good to be lost in the jungle of rock,the first single "Soul food mother" is not the best track on the album if you have heard it and liked it. The title track "To die for" melts my heart with it?s delightful melodies and the more calm "Seasons" could easily be an unreleased track with Coldplay. Also the new single "Delight" has every chance of taking these lads out in the big world,if this sounds like something for you - then purchase it at amazon.co.uk |
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The number of tracks on Underfed?s debut album says 9 but it?s only 7 real songs,the other 2 are interludes. The running time of this cd is 24 minutes so I think it?s fair to call it an EP but enough with the album vs EP talk,this band is based in Chicago and plays some sort of hardrock influenced numetal with a few rap parts here and there. You can?t accuse ?em for being unique or original coz they sound like a 1000 other bands in the same genre,Underfed deliver well performed numetal without the same budget as the major label productions so the album lacks a bit of power. At the same time I think they?re ok I also believe there?s no longevity at all in their music,this is so nu-sounding that noone will remember them in 10 years. If you feel like spending a few bucks,this cd will probably fill it?s function but don?t go looking for killer tracks coz there are none! |
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| Jeff Pilson?s new project is now out in the shops and it sure sounds a bit differentfrom what we?re used to hear withDokken. He?s working with singer Tommy Henriksen and former members of L.A band Digital Ruin. The style is a bit like Marilyn Manson and Orgy but not as raw! There is a great version of the old hit "Beds are burning" originally made by Australian band Midnight Oil and the tune "Gray" breathes FILTER(a great American numetal band)! The album doesn?t hold all the way and the production is tiresome,after a while I just can?t stand listening to the whole album so I take it off and let my ears rest. Jeff has been a busy guy lately, first his moviestar debut in the cool movie "Rock Star" and doing 2 albums with a solorecord called "War and peace" and Underground Moon that sure is better than Dokken?s latest(I dont like that one). Maybe he should have concentrated on just one to make it real good! Still the album is good though. |
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Seattle based kick ass rockers Underride was formed in 2000 and released their debut "Horsepower kills" in 2002,last year their 2nd effort "Necessary evil" came out and let me tell you - these guys are for real,no bullshitting fake rocknroll here! Turn up the volume and get ready to get your ass kicked by this band?s diesel engine of a rock machine,this is how hard rock should sound more with 2 guitars,drums,bass and a singer with a voice like a bear. Their singer has a voice is similar to Chris Cornell (Audioslave) and it could be a lot worse don?t you think,even the music breathes grunge a la Soundgarden but with a modern hardrock touch with bands like Sloth,Dust for life and Plank 63. Recommendable! |
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| I really love Underride´s powerful hard rock, although they come from Seattle, the hometown of Grunge music, this 5 piece band is more influenced by bands like Motley Crue, Guns N Roses and Tesla. Their strong debut "Necessary evil" came out in 2004 and it was followed by "One of us" in 2008, and last year their latest album "Distorted nation" was released. The digital version was available already in early 2011 while the CD version came out in fall, and it´s a must because it contains 2 more tracks in "Candy girl" and "Road to nowhere". Especially "Candy girl" kicks ass, a great rocker that Motley Crue would be proud of. The new single "Blinded by you" is another highlight along with their blistering cover of Lady Gaga´s "Paparazzi". This band rock! |
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This quintet has staked its career on writing songs that are conceived in the heart and come alive at the ears. Underwhelmed paid its dues moving up the ranks of the tough New York music scene. The band puts out an extraordinary set of music fueled by the Band’s raw energy, then is turbocharged by the emotional exchange between the group and its listener. Their album “Reveal” can be compared to the likes of Nickelback, Hinder, 3 Doors Down and Edgewater.
The band began in 1998, when singer Chris Amplo auditioned for twin brothers Mike Russo (bass) and Chris Russo (drums). Instantly, the UNDERWHELMED sound was born. After a chance meeting at the legendary CBGB, longtime friend of Amplo, guitarist Paul Boyle joined the trio and completed the song writing line-up. The final piece of the puzzle was placed in September 2003, with the addition of lead guitarist Mike Armstrong. Their newest album "Reveal" blends the alternative modern rock radio with mainly harder edges songs mixed with moody, friendly hooks and powerful production. If you close your eyes sometimes you will think this is Chad Kroeger singing. The album rocks hard in the beginning and stays through the whole album until it hits the slower ballad of the album “With You” which is a great addition to the flow of the album.
The title track from the album, “Reveal” could be the next single from the band as it has modern rock radio written all over it and this is the one that reminds me of Edgewater. Singer Chris Amplo has the voice that is very familiar which you can easily get comfortable with. These very catchy tunes will find singing along to in no time. “Freak (Like Me)” has to be the most Nickelback sounding tune of them all but they do show a real original side to them throughout the album. Other favorites include “With You,” “Reveal” and “Never Again.” Trust me this is not the last time you will hear from this band. If they can get past the aforementioned band references, then I think this album will do very well. Good, refreshing modern rock radio. |
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Wisconsin, USA is the home for emo rockers Undying Allegiance, their debut EP "Story of your lives" fell into the hands of producer Tomas Costanza who wanted to work with the band on their new full length album "Don´t panic". They do about everything right with the typical emo style including good songs, a decent image and a competent production. Except the vocals from Ben Piper that I don´t feel match these songs, he feels misplaced and the majority of the songs doesn´t lift at all. It´s such a shame because this could´ve been so much better, perhaps he should focus on acoustic pop rock instead. Emotional vocals is not the easiest thing to handle no matter what you think about the genre itself, just like screamo or growls - if you´re no good at it, let it be. However, the song "Walk away" is really good where Piper manage to maintain on a steady vocal course. For fans of Dopamine and Johnny Panic. |
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Undying Anthem are a hardhitting,energetic and melodic modern rock band out of Minnesota - they?re label pals with Calls from home and Pivitplex and their full length album is expected to come out this spring. The first song I heard with this band was the explosive single "Voices" taken from their upcoming album which can be streamed at www.myspace.com/undyinganthem. If you like what you hear,then you should stop reading here and purchase their 4 track EP from 2004 coz even if that song isn?t included here - this EP contains 4 really good and tough riffrockers with a crispy production. "Safe" is my fave,holy toledo what a brilliant chorus this song has......I come to think of their sound as a mix between Kutless,Pillar and Falling Up. |
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Did you know that?
Everclear named themselves after an alcohol drink that looked like water but had the "secret evil" of alcohol and they though that they were like that.
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latest reviews
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