Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Two Left Feet - Two Left Feet
Two Left FeetTwo Left Feet
Label: Skilletone Records
Self indulgent indie pop rock with a humorous flair. I suspect they put on quite a show for the throngs who appreciate their oft Weezer-esque droll lyrical delivery and sarcastic wit. Sadly, I was not enamored.
• Two Left Feet WebsiteWe Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year - We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New YearWe Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment
12 classic holiday tracks respun into riffed up xmas anthems by select metal all stars from bands including Anthrax, Judas Priest, Toto, Styx, Ratt, Dio and Black Sabbath. Something is both heartening and horrible as Lemmy gargles the lyrics to “Run Rudolph Run” and Geoff Tate warbles out “Silver Bells” while Chuck Billy growls a decidedly NOT “Silent Night.”
• We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year WebsiteFaces Of March - Confessions
Faces Of MarchConfessions
Label: Kurfew Records
Even though this female fronted gothic tinged power metal outfit sways a bit heavy on the commercial side for me, they throw down some catchy tunes, decent ballads and a tight vision of their future. Onward!
• Faces Of March WebsiteTelevangelist And The Architect - There’s A Song In There Somewhere
Televangelist And The ArchitectThere’s A Song In There Somewhere
Label: Undetected Plagiarism
Rampant with artistic flair, these slightly droll folk rockers force out a slurry of simple yet downtrodden melodies and meandering story lines for us to follow.
• The Televangelist And The Architect WebsiteFrom The Inside - Visions
From The InsideVisions
Label: Blistering Records
Heavily influenced by his recent acoustic slot opening for Journey, this studio brainchild of Danny Vaughn (ex-Tyketto) is overflowing with well written, well produced, radio friendly, melodic rock.
• From The Inside Website • From The Inside WikiJoe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate - Seventy Five (75)
Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul SyndicateSeventy Five (75)
Label: Heads Up
Deep reaching double live disc recorded in Lugano, Switzerland culminating the 75 year career of Joe Zawinal who passed on Sept 11, 2007. This world music with a smooth, intricate and innovative jazz backbone also highlights a wide variety of performers and instruments with wide reaching influences.
• Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate Website • Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate WikiLarkin Grimm - Parplar
Larkin GrimmParplar
Label: Young God Records
Elements of folk, electronica and ultra eclecticism race like wildfire to stoke the pyres of originality and imagination with astounding results. Her ribald lyrical whit slaps the listeners as sharply a whip and the rhythms worm deliciously into your brain. A real wild one!
APPEARING LIVE 2/17 at The Frequency in Madison; 2/19 at Stonefly Brewery in Milwaukee; 2/20 at Turf Club in St. Paul, MN.
• Larkin Grimm Website • Larkin Grimm WikiSugar Red Drive - Sugar Red Drive
Sugar Red DriveSugar Red Drive
Label: Self Released
As this young band heartily strives to dip into the commercial hard rock pop mélange, they have fashioning a non descript sound featuring post Seattle style vocal crooning and an unimpressive set of sappy rhythms and grooves that get gummed up with overproduction and lack of originality. Sugar overdose?
• Sugar Red Drive WebsiteAl Conti - Scheherazade
Al ContiScheherazade
Label: Shadowside Music
Utilizing the legendary tales of 1001 Arabian nights is a sure bet for a theme and Conti supports the legends with ambient Middle Eastern musical structures while embellishing his work with exotic instruments and captivating arrangements. Escape to another world.
• Al Conti Website • Al Conti WikiBurn Sand Burn - Not In Reverse
Burn Sand BurnNot In Reverse
Label: Gary the “Landlord” Records
This 3 piece spawn of Denver, CO gleefully cranks out spunky punk/post punk utterances that twirl tales of melodic indie pop platitudes into a vision of an energetic now.
Julie The Band - An Act Of Communication
Julie The BandAn Act Of Communication
Label: Baby Bird Records
Effervescent and artsy alt-rock that floats from the extremes of lush etheric choir vocals to abrupt post-punk skewered beats. A horn section adds depth and flavor to this eclectic mix.
• Julie The Band WebsiteLuna Mortis - The Absence
Luna MortisThe Absence
Label: Century Media
Displaying a polished melodic thrash attack, this Madison quintet marks the major metal scene in a big way! Fronted by a metal maiden and cajoling intricate yet cohesive fretboards furies into the neckwrecking percussion finds solid grounding here.
• Luna Mortis WikiView More
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