Eclectic Vibes
by Andrew Frey
Queensryche - American Soldier
QueensrycheAmerican Soldier
Label: Rhino Records
Harsh and haunting perspectives of war are discussed, reviewed and examined in the somber gothic progressive metal style that they are known for. As thoughtful and powerful as this release is, I find the most memorable moments also being the most chilling and depressing.
• Queensryche Website • Queensryche WikiMile Marker Zero - Mile Marker Zero
Mile Marker ZeroMile Marker Zero
Label: Self Released
Spinning impressive progressive rock adventures is undeniably the calling for this Connecticut quintet. An eclectic epic soundstream is forged around the lyrics that enjoy the dichotomy of life’s many lessons while thriving on the energy of the experience.
• Mile Marker Zero WebsiteFall Of Troy - In The Unlikely Event
Fall Of TroyIn The Unlikely Event
Label: Equal Vision Records
An unpredictable subterfuge of punk, jazz, noise and progressive rock that has resulted in a surprisingly fresh and interesting offering. The emotional and edgy vocals are mixed only slightly with screemo. This highly charged trio from Mulkilteo, WA is ready to rocket to success.
• The Fall Of Troy Website • The Fall Of Troy WikiLeaves' Eyes - Njord
Leaves' EyesNjord
Label: Napalm Records
Regal and fully manifested gothic operatic metal. The ever entrancing Liv Kristine along with her brethren from the mighty band Atrocity has crafted another musical feast of myth and legend from the Norse land. Orchestrating a new level of fantasy and delight.
• Leaves' Eyes Website • Leaves' Eyes WikiAlo - Man Of The World
AloMan Of The World
Label: Brushfire Records/Universal
Sublimely mellow rock music tumbled with expertly crafted tale telling courtesy of 4 childhood friends. Since it was by Jack Johnson and recorded at his solar powered studio in Hawaii ALO scored the opening slot on Johnson’s summer tour including Alpine Valley 7/24 and River’s Edge 7/25 and I am thrilled more people will get to hear them.
• Alo Website • Alo Facebook • Alo WikiJust A Band - 82
Just A Band82
Label: Akwaaba Music
Mellow moods shift in the glimmering of an emotion with embellishments of contemporary down tempo ethics. These 3 musicians from Kenya were all born in 1982, hence the name. Most songs were constructed and concocted within the influence of 80s synth pop while injected with ethnic grooves.
• Just A Band Website • Just A Band Facebook • Just A Band WikiWes Hamil - White Man Red Road
Wes HamilWhite Man Red Road
Label: Babamuse
Envisioned as a soundtrack for a movie with the same title, Hamil musically introduces us to the award winning culminations of his spirit quests and journeys through Native American ceremonies which ultimately afforded him the opportunity to being a sun dancer. Tribal chants are woven into the guitar driven songs producing a delectably catchy, memorable and enlightening experience.
• Wes Hamil Website • Wes Hamil FacebookThe Pints - First Round
The PintsFirst Round
Label: Self Released
Having played around the Madison area for several years, this jiggy Irish and Celtic loving septet brandishes 13 traditional ditties infused with their own dynamic flings and spills. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, kilt and designated driver!
• The The Pints WebsiteFeufollet - En Couleurs
FeufolletEn Couleurs
Label: Feufollet Records
A progressive Cajun spirit permeates and immediately transports the listener to a different place. Originally a funnel for the creative talents of youthful phenoms, as time has elongated they have become a driving force instead of just a creative influence and as such they have incorporated advantageous aspects of all genres at hand.
• Feufollet WebsitePierre De Gaillande - Bad Reputation
Pierre De GaillandeBad Reputation
Label: Barbes
Georges Brassens was sort of a French Bob Dylan type dark pop bardic icon. Here his music and poetry is evoked, channeled and translated into English via De Gaillande’s tantalizing obsession with the silver tongued poet and musician. The simple rhythms were maintained as original as possible while being fitted for English. Thought provoking, memorable and disturbingly charming.
• Pierre De Gaillande WebsiteDevo - Something For Everybody
DevoSomething For Everybody
Label: Warner Brothers
Outstanding! A triumphant and glorious rebirth of these 1980’s new wave icons. From top to bottom, song after song their quirky signature staccato synth pop rock finds renewed life in the new millennium. The biggest difference is their signature red energy dome hats are now blue! Album details were honed by their online community and the results shine.
• Devo Website • Devo Facebook • Devo WikiMagnifico - Magnification
MagnificoMagnification
Label: Piranha
Provocative, controversial, infectious and flamboyant, this funky pan Euro/Balkan rock delivers chart topping material at home in the former Yugoslavia and Italy, but this is his first global exposure. Magnifico is Robert Peut and he is one suave’ musician from Slovenia slinging memorable sultry and significant rhythmic infections of delight.
• Magnifico WikiView More
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