Review: Silence The Feedback- No Flow EP (2011)

Band: Silence The Feedback

Release: No Flow EP

Genre: Hard Rock

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/silencethefeedback

Tracklist:

1. I Bleed

2. Within These Arms

3. Hole

4. Structures

5. Crash Course

6. Time

Review: 2.3/10

Silence The Feedback is a hard rock band from New York. The lack of originality is astounding here. No Flow EP is one of the most boring albums I’ve heard all year. With the garbage music and the run of the mill lyrics, I can only compare them to a mix of Rage Against The Machine, Seether and [Insert name of one hit wonder early 2000’s metal band here] with all talent squeezed out.

The beginning has a promising industrial-like intro, but it spends to mediocre by the book metal where they re0use the same riffs over and over and over again, trying to get them to be a catchy radio riff. This sounds like one of those small town rock bands that try to make it big by using rehashed material. The guitar solo is decent, but by no means impressive. The rhythm guitar is the lamest thing on this song, having no type of virtuosity whatsoever. “I bleed you / bleed me slow / yeah yeah yeah yeah” is the hook to this song. You see where I’m going with this?

In a weird attempt to emulate earlier CKY with some Seether mixing up the pot, “Hole” delivers. Using a certain fuzzy bass tone that has helped make CKY’s sound instantly recognizable, this song screams rip off all over. Chock full of open chord filler material and trying-to-hard singing, I was really disappointed by this. They shamelessly link random generic bridge 1-chorus-bridge 2-chorus-bridge 1 material and Alice In Chains-ish background wails gives away to a clap build up that not even twelve year olds would be entertained by spell the doom for this EP. The song is about someone losing themselves and becoming their own worst enemy, these are lyrics that had been done all before. There is no sense of originality and personal experience felt through the emotions of the singer.

The song “Crash Course” sounds like a run of the mill Burnout video game soundtrack song that never made it to the game. What I mean by that is, again, the lack of originality, is felt through the singers bland voice and the instruments aimless chugging that almost put me to sleep. Quite possibly the worst track on the album. “Were on a crash course to heaven” suggests the mediocrity.

This is just crap. Not worth your time, unless you’re a cigarillo smoking brainless jock. Have fun committing ear suicide.

Review: The Nick Johnston Band- Public Display Of Infection (2011)

Band: The Nick Johnston Band

Release: Public Display Of Infection

Genre: Instrumental Rock

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nick-Johnston-Band/120261011353887

Tracklist:

1. The Uncomfortable Relationship Of Gawker And Gawkee

2. Blackeye

3. Public Display Of Infection

4. Bulletproof

5. Wander (Feat. Zack Ordway)

6. Night Of The Living Dance

7. Devil's Dancing Shoes

8. Blue Blood

9. Moon Waltz

10. Drive It Like It's Stolen

Review: 8.3/10

Sometimes, I really need a change of pace. All of this metal and –core music has my ears ringing of breakdowns and blast beats. Luckily, Zack Ordway forwarded this guy to me by the name of Nick Johnston and quickly sent out a copy of his brand new rock instrumental album Public Display Of Infection. It’s been a while since I heard some good rock music, and this filled that void for me.

The first track that caught my attention was “Blackeye.” Starting out with steady light drumming (drums on this whole record brought to you by Travis Orbin, Of Legends and ex-Periphery), the guitars soon kick in and provide a catchy electric guitar noodling coupled with acoustic rhythm guitar. If there would be one track on this entire album to have added vocals, this would be the one. It’s full of guitar chords that could stand out to the test of time and have some possibility of becoming a rock radio hit.

It’s a damn shame that the vast majority of people who like instrumental rock tend to be around the 40 to 60 years old range, cause if more younger people my age were to get back into it, we could see a drastic change in the way music is made. The track “Public Display Of Infection” is a really laid back kind of track with some surf influence thrown in. There’s nothing too flashy here, and that keeps the charm of being a fun and simple rock track. Although by no means should you interpret that as guitars that aren’t worth checking out.

In a throwback to the 1980’s, “Bulletproof” helps bring that vibe. With the kind of fuzzy tone not too much unlike ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man,” Nick gives the listener yet another track to be remembered by those who actually hear it. He keeps a steady melody along with rocking drums that also incorporate that era’s drumming as well. “Wander” is yet another switch of musical virtuosity. The guitars on this one sound like a by-product of hours of experimentation to recorded acoustic rhythm guitar and drums. This one starts off awesome, and only gets better when Zack Ordway provides a bad-ass guest solo.

Soon to be a Halloween dance staple: “Night Of The Living Dance.” It’s a great song to open that FUCKING PIT… of others who want to dance on the floor and have a good time.

For a more epic instrumental along the lines of Eric Johnson status, start with “Blue Blood.” It’s much like the song “Wander,” but with a more stadium rock feel to it.

If you are a fan of rock instrumentalists like Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Jeff Beck, then this is for you. Full of catchy guitar riffs, Travis Orbin, and plenty of different musical influences that vary from track to track help keep this album as the only rock instrumental mainstay on my iPod for years to come. Add him on Facebook Here, where news of where to buy this excellent album will be coming soon.

Review: Various Artists- A Tribute To Alkaline Trio (2011)

Band: Various Artists

Release: A Tribute To Alkaline Trio

Genre: Pop Punk/Rock

Label: Pacific Ridge Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pacificridgerecords

Tracklist:

1. Spontaneo – Clavicle
2. Bright and Early – Stupid Kid
3. Punchline – Madam Me
4. Allister – My Little Needle
5. And Then There Were None – If You Had A Bad Time
6. The Lion Faced Boy – You’re Dead
7. The Material – Bleeder
8. Joe Wilson – Goodbye Forever
9. I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business – Southern Rock
10. The Promise Hero – Sorry About That
11. The SpacePimps – Jaked On Green Beers
12. Jonah Matranga – I’m Dying Tomorrow
13. Rob Huddleston (of Ann Beretta) – Help Me
14. Into It. Over It. – Message From Kathlene
15. My Arcadia – Maybe I’ll Catch Fire
16. When We Team Up – WarBrain
17. Hold For Swank – My Standard Break From Life
18. Weatherstar – Radio
19. Barely Blind – Nose Over Tail
20. The Catastrophe – Tuck Me In
21. Floral Terrace – This Could Be Love
22. August Premier – Sun Dials
23. Jesse Ponnock – All On Black
24. United Federation of Planets – Exploding Boy
25. Rattlesnake Gunfight – Another Innocent Girl
26. Promise of Redemption – Take Lots With Alcohol
27. Ramona – You’ve Got So Far To Go
28. Koji – She Took Him To The Lake
29. The Story Changes – San Francisco
30. The Icarus Account – 97
31. Still Rings True – My Friend Peter
32. The Composure – Sleepyhead
33. Time & Distance – I Lied My Face Off
34. Future Idiots – Sadie
35. In Bloom – Keep em Coming
36. Straight Outta Junior High – Fuck You Aurora
37. Washington Square Park – Cop

Review: 8.7/10

Most tribute albums that are put together like this: Make it of a well known artist, toss on a few really well known and current bands, and toss on some bands no one has ever heard of before in hopes that they get more attention. The good thing about this two disc extensive tribute is that I don’t get that sort of marketing vibe at all. This is definitely the epitome of all Alkaline Trio tributes, with bands such as The Wonder Years, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Into It. Over It., and The Lion Faced Boy, along with a whopping thirty five other bands all contributing to preserving the legacy that is Alkaline Trio. It covers all periods of the band’s career, except for the latest studio album This Addiction.

I had just learned of The Lion Faced Boy two days before I started this review, and this is a band I’m very impressed with. They covered the song “You’re Dead” and they play it true to the original, without changing the arrangement of the song at all, which is something that I can’t stand to hear. This is one of shining points on this whole tribute, as Rob’s vocals just sound… so right for this.

I was surprised to see The Material on this tribute. If there are other female covers of AT I don’t know about them, but this is the first I’ve heard. On their cover of “Bleeder,” Colleen’s voice draws your complete attention into the song over subtle bass before it heads straight into crisp and clear pop punk territory with basic drumming and guitars that stay true throughout the song. Colleen’s voice has improved a hundred fold since the last time I listened to this band (which was on their ep back 2007, though I could be wrong about the year).

Spontaneo’s opening cover of “Clavicle” is quaint at best. The vocalist really rings into my ears and is set too sharp (though that was probably at fault of the mixer) and the guitars sound a tad messy, though it’s not a really bad cover. The best part is at the end when the vocalist projects his voice more outward and leaves off on a real powerful impression.

I had the pleasure in reviewing The Story Changes latest EP This Is Your Moment (which you can read on my site Here) and it really made me a big fan. So when I heard they were going to be on this tribute, it gave me more of an insight that this was going to be a tribute album to remember. Although this is certainly not the best song on the tribute, it is another excellent example of the band staying true to the original. The tempo is set slightly higher and the guitars are deeper, but other than that I was pleased at how well it turned out.

Definitely goes down in my list as the best tribute album of the year. Now for my confession: I never was a huge fan of Alkaline Trio. I don’t own any of their albums on my iPod, but I don’t dislike them either. They just never stuck out for me. This tribute had me re-thinking that however, and I plan on buying “Goddamnit” very soon.

Stream and download the full 39 track album here through Pacific Ridge Records: http://pacificridgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-tribute-to-alkaline-trio

Review: The Drizzle- The City Is Bleeding EP (2011)

Band: The Drizzle

Release: The City Is Bleeding EP

Genre: Rock/Indie

Label: Play Recordings

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Drizzle/137383529660919

Tracklist:

1. Breathe

2. City Is Bleeding

3. Cold

4. Fake Love

5. Years Of Falling

Review: 4.8/10

Well, you can’t win them all… So is the case of The Drizzle’s debut EP The City Is Bleeding. With a droning attempt at a melodic approach, they fail. All aspects actually have talent, it’s just that said talent is thrown together and sounds like a jumbled mess. The vocalist definitely should work a little bit and find his actual tone instead of switching between monotone dull singing and trying to do too much too soon. If you listen to the song “Breathe,” you can hear for yourself. Little parts of the singing sound god, but most come off as lacking.

When the vocals come out great, the instruments turn around and fuck it up, such as the case of “City Is Bleeding.” I liked the vocals and I think they would have matched a indie sort of background, not the horrible attempt at rock they tried here. The guitars are minimalistic and boring and a drum machine could do a better job. Again, the singer should really build more off of this tone and expand.

“Cold” is the first decent song on the EP. A little bit of an electronic sound is thrown in, and they achieve the indie part I was griping about in the previous song. All I can say is that this song can use a little bit fine tuning and a good producer and they can go places.

All in all, not a very impressive EP. Though I will keep my eye open for their future projects because over time they might make a comeback worthy of a good score.

Review: The Story Changes- This Is Your Moment EP (2011)

Band: The Story Changes

Release: This Is Your Moment EP

Genre: Rock

Members: Mark and Poppy

Label: Future Destination

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thestorychanges

Tracklist:
1. Tidal Wave
2. How Long
3. Nights Collide
4. Breed (Nirvana Cover)

Review: 9.2/10

The Story Changes is a rock band from Ohio that is slowly making waves in the music scene today. I heard of them only barely before they hit me up to review their latest EP “This Is Your Moment,” and must I say I was surprised by it. I hate to say this, but I say this with the best of intentions, that they are ready to get blown up on the radio now.

Right off the bat, “Tidal Wave” is the single. It’s got retro 90’s rock written all over it and proves it’s instant timelessness. The lyrics are very catchy, the music is pulled off without a hitch, and might induce singing along and fangirls becoming obsessive over them.

“How Long” is a slower song that will woo girls all around the world. The musicianship is very tight and they put a little pop punk influence in the song without fully going into either genre. Although there’s nothing too flashy here, like I said before, they are very radio friendly. You don’t need to be the greatest technical band to be noticed in this world today.

“Breed…” yes they cover Nirvana here, and they pull it off so fucking well. They don’t change a thing and keep true to the original song. They don’t sacrifice any of the speed either and keep up to tempo. The only band I know of off the top of my head that has successfully pulled off a Nirvana cover was Machine Head.

Overall, I really like this EP, despite my hate of the radio. I know that these guys have the potential to headline stadiums all around the world someday. Sign them now, if you please.

Interview: Dan of Shake It Up

Interview @ 4/9/2011

"Like" Shake It Up here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shake-It-Up/155984547752109

Shake It Up is a band you will hear about in the near future. Although he only has 1 song made as of this interview, you can tell he knows what he's doing. With his powerful and stage grabbing voice, one can only imagine how far he can go. Catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and (at some parts) heavy hitting, his debut song The Tide is one that I can see on the radio (labels take note ;)). I decided to have this interview with the man behind Shake It Up before he blows up and becomes too busy for one.

1. So how did Shake It Up form? What can you tell people about your band that haven't heard you yet?

D: The Idea of Shake It Up formed in late 2009 about a year after my other band broke up. I took that time to really step aside from the music scene and wait until my heart was back in it. Even though the idea came about for the band earlier, I didn't start writing "The Tide" until June of 2010. 

2. Is it all yourself or do you have other people play instruments or fill in live?

D: Shake It Up in and of itself is just me. However, I do have other studio musicians. Personally, I only play bass, so all of the songs are written completely off of that. Whenever I come into the studio, I make sure to have at least the skeleton in mind of how I want the guitars to sound and what I want them to do, as well as what the drum parts are. My brother Nick is also a big part of Shake It Up, he is an amazing drummer and really helps me get what's in my head drum-wise into something that transfers into the studio. 

Another guy I have to give big-ups to is one of my best friends, Nate. He plays guitar on all of the upcoming songs and we feed off of each other amazingly. 

As for live performances, I do not have any lined up, but if and when I do, I will most likely call on the people listed above. 

3. What are some of your musical influences? 

D: Oh man, I have way too many. I would have to say- Chasing Victory, Person L, Oceana, Underoath, Mae, and As Cities Burn are all pretty huge for me right now.  

4. For only having one song it seems like you know what you're doing. Have you played in any other bands before?

D: First off, thank you.

I have played in other bands before. I had my beginning years in a high school punk band, and then spent some of my greatest couple years of music in a band called Nihilio. Nihilio was by far my most memorable and most influential band that I have ever been in to date. I had other smaller amounts of time in small bands sprinkled in between those as well. 

5. Is there any upcoming releases? 

D: Yes! I am so glad you asked. 

I will be releasing my debut EP this summer. 

6. What other sort of hobbies do you have other than making music? Any other projects you want your fans to know about?

D: I am very much into basketball. People never believe me, but I love playing and initially, I thought my future would just be playing college ball. I'm also just an all-around music nerd. I love finding out anything and everything about artists, and going back to hear what previous records and EPs sounded like in order to experience their progression. 

7. What is your biggest inspiration to go out and play?

D: First of all, my faith and my calling to just go and love on anyone and everyone. That is huge for me, and I just love being there for people and doing whatever I can for them. 

My wife, she is so supportive and loving of me.

Just my all around drive to make music and share it with others. 

8. Where do you see yourself in about 5 years?

D: Hopefully with several records out whether it be independently or through a label, and performing wherever I can, all around the world. 

9. Are there any live shows/ tours coming up?

D: Not at the moment

10. Any last words for your fans?

D: Do what you love, not what people think you should love. 

And by no means should you ever let fear hold you back, if you are feeling a song, I mean really feeling a song, but you are afraid of what people will say about it, just write it/record it/release it or whatever. If that song is really coming from inside you, then that song is right for this moment in your life. 

*Against the tide*