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Las Vegas-based Imagine Dragons really had a rocket career with their first album, Night Visions. The album was certified platinum in Canada, United States, and United Kingdom as of June 2013 so things have happened really fast for the band.
It's easy to get a little extra critical when things are going very well for a band, but mostly I think there is some justice. In this case, there is no doubt as this is a band out of the ordinary with great melodies in a unique package. It seems that they took pop music to a level with tracks like "Radioactive," "Demons" and "Bleeding Out." that to me is innovatory for this genre.
However Night Visions requites several listening, as is not an album that sits directly. It's very diverse with tracks near Awolnation, but even The Fray and Coldplay. So it becomes somewhat shattered, but as a whole this is a very charming and well-crafted album that is must have if you’re into pop/rock.
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From Los Angels come Angels Landing that is a new very interesting Modern Rock act. If you like melodic and big rock like Abused Romance, Sr-71, Neve and Quitedrive then this band to check for sure.
This Ep contains six strong tracks and opens very impressive with the first single "Reset". Really like the riff in this song that if it gets a fair chance would become a radio hit this summer. Other equally strong tracks are "Magnetic" and "Once In A Lifetime", which shows the best side of this kind of classic Modern Rock.
Really hope the band gets attention with this EP as I really want more. It's clearly tough to stick out in today's music climate, but believe in Angels Landing and they would really fit very well in any type of Teen Movie.
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Stardog Champion is a new cool projket with Nick Coyle (Lifer and Drama Club), and guitarist Aaron Fink, bassist Mark Klepaski (Breaking Benjamin), and drummer Josh Karis originally from Leroy Justice. Musically this band is clearly softer than their previous projects as there are no traces of numetal on this Ep. Instead, we got five strong tracks in a straightforward and uncomplicated Modern Rock format. Imagine Foo Fighters, but in a bit more commercial version like Lynam and Oleander and we’re quite close.
The quality of the songs is really high here too, where track the "Aphrodite" and "Nothing to Lose" stands out. But the other three are on the same level so really hope we can get a full album this year!
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Underlining the Swedish dominance within the westcoast rock genre, we find another act well worth checking up. The name is KILIMANJARO and it’s a duo consisting of EMMANUEL SANDSTRÖM (guitar, lead vocal) and ANDREAS TILLBORG (keyboards). They are helped out by fine guesting musicians such as RONNY JOHANSSON on bass (see review of his solo album at melodic.net), drummer and producer ANDERS KÖLLERFORS and backing vocalist JOHAN PIHLEKE.
First of all it has to be stated that the music on the CD is not pure westcoast, but more like a mix of soft AOR, westcoast and a touch of r’n’b or even soul/funk at times. But all in all it’s easy to place it in the westcoast genre. The album kicks off with the title track “Open your heart” which is very KING OF HEARTS sounding, if you imagine their debut. Lightweight AOR with a slight rock edge, also including a very good guitar solo by Sandström. “Fine line” is one of the best songs here, bringing some MAXUS or TOTO ingredients, nearly ripping them off but getting away with it.
Those of you who have listened to the fine solo albums by JOHN KEANE need to listen to “The end of time”, and the rather acoustically based “Don’t be afraid” reminds me of JAMES TAYLOR. I also want to mention “Turn it around”, with nice shiftings between funk and soft parts shows how dynamic these guys are. Lyrics include obvious Christian messages and all musicians are very good players. Sandström’s voice is maybe not fully suitable for lead vocal singing, but it works well enough. By the way, Tillborg actually sings on the final song, the nice soft westcoaster “Standing in the rain”.
This is a more than decent debut CD and it will be so interesting to follow these guys in the future. Go(o)d work, guys! |
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Dum Dums was short-lived British band. They released one album called It Goes Without Saying in 2000 and supported Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium. But nothing really happened with the band so they disbanded the following year.
After it has been very quiet about the members until last year when front man Josy Doyle released his solo debut Josh Doyle LP. Ok, he has released a couple Ep's past on its own, but it is with this John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Jane's Addiction) produced he really got another chance.
If you like singer songwriter pop / rock like James Blunt, this is an album you should check definately. Tracks like first single "Solarstorms" is nothing more than pop magic as well as the more folk-inspired "Everyone's Alone" and "Bird Of Prey". Very good album!
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If Bon Jovi is one of the greatest rock bands of all time and even today is there no doubt about. One big reason for that is that the band has followed with the musical climate like the country flirting in recent time Lost Highway, but also in the AOR heydays with Slippery When Wet.
What About Now is their twelfth studio album in line and is a very safe release. The band continues to play pop / rock in an arena format with great melodies and catchy choruses. The band feels these days musically pretty similar to Goo Goo Dolls, but with a clear working-class rock edge. Would have loved to see that Jon and the others had returned the cleaner rock style as on Keep The Faith and These Days but is at the same time glad that What About Now is not as pop-oriented as the weak, but successful, Crush.
Tracks that stand out are "What About Now," "Pictures Of You" and "That's What The Water Made Me" that should give the band a lot of radio time. But could mention several other tracks as this is a very smooth and thorough record that most fans will receive well.
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According to the bio, this is the 5th album to date with American SUSAN JAMES. Stylewise it’s not easy to just mention one genre here, but the main part of the album is about country-tinged rock. This is quality and good songs, which is the most important thing.
“Agua Dulce Tears” actually brings a slight VENICE feeling, if you think of their later career. I also need to mention “U-haul in the driveway” with its strong melodic chorus. This song might even be appreciated by fans of lightweight AOR, and rock/AOR with a touch of country. Susan’s voice reminds me a bit of ANNIE LENNOX at times. It’s a nice variation on this CD, with everything from soft tunes to uptempo stuff. Recommended for all fans of lightweight rock with one foot in country.
The production, signed Ryan Ulyate (TOM PETTY, GEORGE HARRISON and others) is really good and the list of musicians includes NEAL CASAL on guitars, the solid drummer JOHN HEFFINGTON and many more. However, only eight songs in total is a far too low number of tunes. |
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You really don’t know what you’re in for with an artist like VICTORIA VOX, who handles ukulele, keyboards, trumpet and lead vocals. And it doesn’t get clearer with additional players on bass, drums, percussion, tiple (!), violin, viola and cello… Well, in short this is soft pop spiced up by folk vibes and the occasional country hint.
Check out “Let it go” which is the most commercial song, with a slight DIXIE CHICKS feel to it. There’s also the lovely soft ballad “Crazy love” with wide strings backing it up. Everything is not exactly easy listening here – you’ll know what I mean when you try “Out the back door” which is a bit odd, to be honest. But all in all a good CD. |
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After the departure of founding member/keyboardist Scott Jason, it was hard to tell just what would be the next step for Bay Area rockers, Thriving Ivory. Their 2010 release "Through Yourself & Back Again" was an exceptional album full of hook-filled piano rock, lead by the always impressive and unique lead vocals of Clayton Stroope. With tracks like "On Your Side" and "Where We Belong" the album seemed to pick up right where the band left off on older hits like "Angels On The Moon" and "Twilight".
So when the band announced that they would be continuing without Scott and under the new name of Midnight Cinema, complete with a more guitar focused sound, ill admit I was a bit worried. I had grown to love the unique piano-driven sound that was nearly perfected on the last album and feared that the band would lose some of its uniqueness that set them apart from other bands in the same genre. Well, I'm thrilled to say that my worry has vanished immediately upon listening to Midnight Cinema's self-titled EP.
The 5-track EP is a perfect introduction to the "new" sound of the band, while still maintaining all of the integrity that older Thriving Ivory fans have grown to expect. "Crazy Beautiful" is a perfect opening track with a very solid hook, probably most reminiscent of the tracks from "Through Yourself & Back Again" with a bit more of a pop influence. "Hurricane", the first track officially released from the EP, is a masterfully written mid-tempo song, complete with a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days.
Track #3 ,"Heavy", is a piano based pop masterpiece written by Derek Fuhrmann of former band The Crash Motive. I was thrilled to see that the band had begun writing with Derek, as I was always a huge fan of his work. With this new arrangement and the addition of Clayton's vocals and the power that they bring, the song reaches new heights and is certainly a stand-out on the EP. I've said it once and ill say it again - "Heavy" is a hit song waiting to happen.
"Holding My Breathe", the second single to be released from the EP, is a piano based ballad similar to "Heavy". I thoroughly enjoy most of the song (the pre-choruses and bridge are highly memorable and a testament to the bands excellent songwriting skills), but feel as though the chorus is lacking a certain "punch" that holds the track back from being truly noteworthy.
The EP ends with another stand-out track, "Burn Me Down". Perhaps the album's most unique track, a combination of chugging guitars over an acoustic base lead the way to an explosive anthematic chorus. Stroope's lyrics have always been a highlight on past albums, and this song is evidence that this EP is no different, with every line popping with the beauty of elegant poetry.
With the release of this solid EP, 2013 looks like it could, and should, be quite a year for this incredibly talented band. Time will tell whether Midnight Cinema will live up to the legacy that their former band had built for themselves, but with this EP, they're certainly more than a few steps closer. Highly recommended !
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Red Nova is a trio from Sweden that has released a very good debut album. They have worked with producer Henrik Edenhed (Robyn, The Sounds, Dead By April) that has helped them out in a great way. The album sounds very tight and well produced. Red Nova delivers a nice mixture of melodic rock with orchestral piano pop with touches of modern rock and great vocal harmonies. The start off the album is brilliant where they remind very much of Elliot Minor in places. Just listen to the fantastic songs T-Rex and Dandelion Child (stunning pianosound) that are brilliant orchestral pop/rock with wonderful melodies. There´s also hints of The Rasmus and Sunrise Avenue heard on the album. Three Seconds is great upbeat piano pop/rocker with a catchy chorus that shouts radio all the way. The song variation is great on the album just listen to Seven Days where the chorus has Fall Out Boy written all over it. Singer Par Eriksson sings damn good and gives the songs an extra touch. Appearances Are Deceptive is slightly daker with heavy riffs but yet very melodic and the chorus is nice. Puzzle is a calm and laid-back song with nice melodies and the piano sounds is lovley and lifts up this song. Red Nova has recorded a strong debut album and if your into those mentioned band then this is really a band worth checking out. This was a pleasant surprise for sure and this is an album I´ve played a lot lately. Great work guys and looking forward to hear more of you in the future. Strongly recommended
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Swedish April Divine has shown through its two previous albums Chapter One and Redemption that they belong to the elite in Sweden when it comes to Modern Rock. This have, among other things resulted that they toured with Staind and Alter Bridge, which is very impressive fi you’ll ask me.
The band is now back and this with this six-track EP called III. Once again we get high quality hard rock with big melodies and great choruses in their typical style. This time it feels like they brushed off some of the post-grunge influences and moved towards a more direct sound, not quite far from bands like Papa Roach and Sixx: AM Prefer the kind of rock and tracks like "Old N Grey", "221" and "The Heat" are all among the best band has delivered.
A very strong Ep and a must to check out if you like this kind of modern hard rock!
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Was very impressed with Alice In Chains comeback album Black Gives Way to Blue. With its razor sharp and massive production it made a strong impression in 2009. The band is now back with the sequel The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, which is following the same track with some heavy Black Sabbath-like metal.
Does not think that this album is as strong as its predecessor when it's something more lightweight. Of course, it’s not a commercial and soft album, but find that Black Gives Way to Blue was a step sharper when it comes to sound and production.
When it comes to songs Alice In Chains once again is of very high class. First half with tracks like "Hollow" and "Stone" is nothing short of world class and the band can hardly get better than that. However, it drops it in the second half with a number of tracks that doesn’t make any bigger impression unfortunately.
Something that is also clear is that William DuVall does not have the same power in the voice that Layne Staley had. William sings well and is the right choice clearly, but he lacks the rawness that Lance had and that took the band to an extraordinary level.
However The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here is overall a good and stable record, but will not count it as one of their best.
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Projected is an American rock supergroup consisting of Sevendust members John Connolly and Vinnie Hornsby, Alter Bridge and Creed drummer Scott Phillips, and former Submersed guitarist Eric Friedman. A very impressive lineup of course considering when thinking about the albums they have been involved in.
This debut had a few years ago given them a major label deal, but was released Independent September 2012. And it sounds like you might think in tougher Modern Rock with clear influences numetal influences not quite far from Sevendust, Submursed and Call Me No One. However, these guys are something more emotional, like a heavier and more straightforward A Perfect Circle.
When it comes to songs Human is of good class with really strong tracks such as "Hello", "Alive" and "Watch It Burn" where they delivers impressive weight rock. The rest of the record follows the same track and overall it is a Human stable and competent album definitely worth checking out.
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Through their amazing records Dreams, Real Life and Truth Of The World, Evermore is a favorite band. Think they have managed to find their own exciting style of pop with cool progressive elements.
The band released it in October 2012 this album Follow The Sun that differs so slightly from the previous ones. It is much more straightforward in its format and no trace is left of the progressive talent they had. A little sad, as it was that what made the band unique in the genre, and also gave it a major label deal. Follow The Sun, however, is not a bad album, but offers a warm and catchy pop like Swirl 360, which of course is nice. But that said, they have lost some of its identity, however, I hope to come back on the next album.
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Device formed by David Draiman, front man of Disturbed and Geno Lenardo, former guitarist of Filter is new intresting project. After Disturbed went on hiatus in late 2011, the band has been working on this debut, released on Warner Records. Being a huge fan of their previous bands the expectations was of course no other than high when I started listening to this record. Thinks however to be honest that it's not as good as I had hoped. It's a nice album absolutely, but it sounds very, very much like Disturbed, which is a bit disappointing. Had hoped they would try something different and perhaps be more experimental.
When it comes to songs, it’s a solid album filled with big rockers from start to end. "Close My Eyes Forever" where Lzzy Hale from Halestorm guests is a pure hit like the edgier “Penance" and "Opinion".
Overall a little disappointed, but still a nice Modern Rock record like a more radio-friendly Disturbed.
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Did you know that?
The Goo Goo Dolls initially consisted of John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar), Robby Takac (vocals, bass guitar) and George Tutuska (drums, percussion). While Takac and Tutuska had been long-time friends in school, Rzeznik was playing in the band The Beaumonts, with Takac’s cousin. The three founded the band under the name "Sex Maggots". However, when a club owner booked the band, he requested they change the name, as the local newspaper could not print their current name. The trio picked the current name out of a True Detective ad for a toy called a Goo Goo Doll.
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