Archive for the 'Alternative' Category

• Band / Artist : Northern Room – mySpace
• Genre : Alternative / Rock / Ambient
• Sample Track Download : We’re on Fire
• Buy CD : Band Store
• Buy Digital Download : N/A
• Rating : 8 out of 10

I received both the Last Embrace and Only Seconds EPs a few weeks ago and have to admit I was in a bit of a dilemma. When approaching a new band, I like having the opportunity of listening to earlier releases, as well as the latest one, to give me an indication of how the band has developed. Unfortunately sometimes it’s hard for me to not review both at the same time. While pondering this, I heard back from the band that they’d just released a new deluxe version of Last Embrace, which in effect combined both of the EPs, added some live acoustic songs and a bonus track, making to all intents and purposes a full album. This solved my dilemma and also gave me the opportunity of hearing even more tracks from this excellent band.

The album opens up with “We’re on Fire”, which very much defines the Northern Room sound, sounding at times a cross between Indie Launchpad favourites Black Labs, and Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers. There’s a real sense of a band who are extremely comfortable playing together and also a real confidence that shines through. This is a cracking track to begin the album with. This sound carries over into “For All These Years” and although the sound is familiar, it’s a sound that really gels well with me and is carried over the next two tracks “Galaxy” and “Dutch Radio”. “Stars of God” slows things down somewhat and really gives the lead vocals a chance to shine. There’s also a wonderful orchestral arrangement that floats in and out to dramatic effect. This track for me is just sheer magic.

“Last Embrace” the title track, actually features twice, once as a studio cut and one as a live cut. Again, I’m not sure if it’s me being a finicky git, or whether my expectations are unrealistic, but I always like a title track to be a kind of backbone for the rest of the tracks to lean on. While “Last Embrace” is a pleasant track, it’s not that killer track that I like to find. “We’re on Fire” would have been a much better track, but I can understand the title, wouldn’t really sit well as an album/extended EP title. “Waiting” and “Let Me Out” are similar kinds of tracks and though I hate to say it, they feel very much like filler tracks. However putting it into context they are still very good tracks, but it probably has a lot to do with the running order of the tracks. The album opens very strongly and I think this makes it harder for the later tracks.

The album begins to turn around again with “Everyday”, but dips again a little with “This Wreckage”, which feels very lacadasical and rambling. With the studio tracks now over, the album takes a slight change of direction with 3 live, acoustic tracks. “Last Embrace” is the live version of the title track and even live, it does little to change my opinion. It does however show the bands musical prowess and sounds exceptionally good, for live material. “A Witness” is a live track that has no accompanying studio version. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric track, which while could be considered a bit of a rambling track, at least musically, but when the vocals kick in, it takes the track in a whole new direction. Again for live material, this is very nicely done. “We’re on Fire” closes the live tracks, as it opened the studio tracks, and the live version is every bit as good. It has a very different feel to it, being more laid back, rather than the rock flavoured original, but it’s every bit as good, if not better.

Closing off the album is “Home”, a gargantuan 11 minute track, that I thought may have been added just to pad the album out. Upon listening however, this thought simply evaporated. Fairly conventional to begin with, but at around the 4 minute mark, the track goes off in a dreamy, ambient direction, that really reminded me of the best in repetition. I always feel I have to add, here I mean repetition in the best sense of the word. Think of the organ segment in the Who’s, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, or Pink Floyd’s, Echos. Truly outstanding.

Conclusion : Whilst I loved the individual EPs, together as an album with all the extras, it’s a fantastic body of work that I’m sure will capture the attention of a legion of new fans, while providing enough new and interesting stuff for existing fans who have already bought the previous 2 EPs.

• Band / Artist : 3 Blind Mice – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Rock / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

Good Grief. You can say that again. I bet 3 Blind Mice are glad to have this album finally in the can, as it’s had a gestation period more akin to that of an elephant. That however is by the by, as once again they are triumphant in releasing a cracking album, which we’ve pretty much come to expect. According to iTunes, this album came out at the end of 2006, so I’m nearly a full year behind the curve, but some things are worth waiting for.

Although I’m often chomping at the bit to review new releases from artists who I’ve previously reviewed, I still like to take the time to really let an album sink in with me before reviewing it. Although I’ve had this album a month or so, I hadn’t really had a good chance to listen to it until last week. It was yesterday however when I started to cosy up to it and really feel like it had got under my skin.

After work last night, I took the opportunity to finish off Christmas shopping for my wife. The snow had been coming down since about 4pm, so by the time I left work at 5:30pm, there was enough snow on the car for it to take me a few minutes to clear it. Just before pulling away, I put this album on the car stereo and it became my sole companion for the rest of the night.

The first track “Your Face is Not Enough” really greets you like an old friend. Those harmonies are unmistakable and I pulled out of the parking lot, with a warm glow and a big smile on my face. “Dead Penguin” is the track that follows and while I still haven’t warmed to this track, it does provide another dimension to this album. “Kolysanka” has the feel of a Russian folk song. It’s slow and deliberate and filled with lush harmonies and what sounds like a balalaika, at least I think that’s what I think it is anyway.

“Derek Malone” has to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. It has all the qualities we have come to love on the Beatle’s, Penny Lane, with a narrative that flows effortlessly with the musical accompaniment. For anyone subscribed to PW Fenton’s, Digital Flotsam podcast, “The Word” will sound very familiar, having been used as the theme track for a good couple of years now. “I’m So Tired” is probably my least favorite track on the album, I just keep feeling like the track is barking at me, if that makes any sense. “The Breaking” provides a nice foil to the previous track, calming, soothing and washing over like the soothing waves of a warm sea on a summers day.

If there’s one thing that really impresses me about 3 Blind Mice, it’s that while their tracks all sound very familiar, leaving no doubt who there are by, they also have a real diversity. “The King’s Shilling” shows this to the full, a Christmas song, without fanfare, frills or gimmicky sleigh bells. At just over 2 minutes, it’s a little on the short side, but excellent nonetheless.

This is another one of those albums where I can just go on and on, telling you how good it is. Better than that, you can go buy a copy and discover how good it is for yourself. If you’re already a fan, you will need no prodding, to add this to your collection. If you are new to 3 Blind Mice, this is an excellent introduction, which still leaves you 3 other albums to pick up.

Conclusion : Simply a wonderful example of everything that’s right in todays indie music. Great music, inventive and interesting lyrics, resulting in another must have album.

• Band / Artist : Amy LaCour – mySpace
• Genre : Soul / Alternative / Pop
• Sample Track Download : Fools Road
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

Soulful and sweet, is probably best how to describe the voice of Amy LaCour. There’s also a hint of something a bit deeper, something a bit darker. This EP reminds me a bit of Alicia Keys, without all the vocal gymnastics.

Opening with the title track, well title track of sorts, as the spelling is different, “Bittersweet”. Not sure if this is intended or an oversight, but I can’t help mull it over, each time I put the CD on. The Alicia Keys sounds is more evident on “One Man’s Stone”, but more for the piano accompaniment, than the vocals. It’s probably my favourite track on this 5 track EP.

“I’m the One”, has a fairly sombre mood, but though the music is downbeat, the vocals soar like a bird. “Fools Road” feels like a more complete song and I start hearing hints of Aretha Franklyn, bold and confidence abounding. The final track is “Fall”, which really seals things nicely and brings the EP to a nice close.

Throughout the EP, Amy’s voice is strong and sweet, but I can’t help but feel, there lies a diva beneath. I’d love to hear Amy really let loose, just to see what it would sound like.

Conclusion : A real relaxing EP and one that fulfills that 5pm need for something to unwind to.

• Band / Artist : Nica Brooke – mySpace
• Genre : Soul / Alternative / Jazz
• Sample Track Download : Old Dog, New Tricks
• Buy CD : Pending
• Buy Digital Download : Artist’s Store
• Rating : 9.5 out of 10

I love it when an artist gets in contact and asks to be considered for review. Actually with the advent of mySpace this usually isn’t quite the way it happens. Many people ask to be added to the Indie Launchpad friends list, but I’m actually pretty strict in only allowing people and companies that I have a special relationship with, or bands/artists that have been reviewed. When Nica asked to be submitted to the Indie Launchpad friends list, I checked out her mySpace music and asked her if she’d like to submit her EP for review.

As is sometimes the way, something throws a spanner in the works and while I had a review in the bag for the EP, Nica held the EP back from release, instead to release it as an 11 track album. This however doesn’t happen overnight. Indeed from the submission of the original EP, to the release of this review of the album, I think nearly a year has passed. When it comes to good music though, as was the case with the EP, I’m like a like an elephant that never forgets. I’d drop Nica the occasional email just to check in and then finally she told me the album was ready, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

Nica has that wonderful bluesy, almost bohemian sound that is just a sheer joy to listen to. Of the eleven tracks on the album, there is something quite different on each, while sharing that common vibe. I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve stated my love for some female artists and that’s the music I’m talking about here. One of the things that clinches it for me, is an artists ability to caress the soul. Yes I know that sounds unbelievable poncy, but I can’t really define it any better than that. When I listen to Nica’s voice, it’s almost like she’s singing to an audience of one, me. It’s not just the vocals however, it’s the whole package of music and vocals.

Opening with the old standard “My Heart Belongs to Daddy”, it’s surely never sounded so good and so sassy. The production of this and the majority of the album has that real 40’s feel, but with a tinge of modern day magic. This is every evident in the second track “Get Back”. My favorite track on the EP is “Head in the Sand”, with that wondrous hypnotic drum beat. It’s funny, this tracks reminds me of one of those Bob Hope and Bing Crosby “Road to…: movies, where some siren is trying to seduce them with a song. Terrific stuff.

“Old Dog, New Tricks”, has a more jazz flavor and is my least favorite track, but let me put that into context. It’s like asking Bill Gates, which is the least favorite car in his garage. You know they’re all going to be brilliant cars in their own right. The EP rounds off with the tranquil and mysterious “Transitioning”, with some wonderful Flute accompaniment, I think it is.

Conclusion : Yes very good. OK maybe I restrained my self too much there. Absolutely fantastic is more like it. Certainly up there as one of my top 3 female vocalists, so far this year.

• Band / Artist : Morgan – mySpace
• Genre : Classical / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : Kiss is in the Chemical
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8.5 out of 10

I have to be honest. I heard one track from the album via the Dark Compass podcast and thought, “That’s an interesting sound”. When I got the album in, I don’t think I was quite prepared for what unraveled from my CD player. Actually that’s probably an understatement. When I put the album on, I think my shy reserved side, had a stroke and my darker side got a bit overloaded. This certainly isn’t an album, you put on for light relief, or maybe it is, depending on what floats your boat.

Consequently, unreasonably or not, the CD dropped down in the review pecking order, not because it wasn’t good, but rather I wasn’t quite ready to review it. A good while passed and I found myself listening to the album again with fresh ears. As sometimes happens, with an album that jars me first time around, this time around I was ready, almost eager to get my teeth into it and it’s almost like my aural senses have been reborn.

I’m sure anyone who is familiar with Morgan’s work, will understand some people will find it aloof, almost unapproachable. I’m sure a lot of this is down to the almost dramastic (a word I made up, many moons ago, when I combined dramatic with drastic), theatrical underpinnings. At time it reminds me a lot of Kate Bush, but here there is a much darker side. This darker side feels very sexual, almost ritualistic. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an album for perverts, only that it has a very adult feel to it.

The album opens with “The King”, which probably isn’t the lightest way to open an album, but second time around, I found my self being drawn in, no not drawn in, more like dragged, but with my aural fingers letting go, without much of a fight. “La Mer Enchante” begins with the most gorgeous, operatic vocals. This is probably the track that should have opened the album. “Nice Day” is an interesting track, with a real sense of almost fragile sanity. Deliciously fractured.

The later half of the album, is a lot more relaxed, but it still has a quantifiably dark edge. The album rounds off with “Sonnet” a weighty 7 minutes, or there abouts.

This is an album that drags you in, roughs you up and then casts you aside, but you can’t help coming back for more. Delicious.

Conclusion : This is a difficult album to recommend. Not that I don’t whole heartedly love it, but it’s one that may take you a while to really appreciate. Well worth it though.

• Band / Artist : Dorothy Scott – mySpace
• Genre : Acoustic / Alternative / Pop
• Sample Track Download : Heartbeat
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

This review is actually based on the original 6 track EP, that was not, as far as I know released , but which subsequently morphed into a full album. So while I haven’t heard the final 11 track album in it’s entirety, I have no qualms recommending it, based on the 6 tracks listened to.

This album has an especially significant meaning to me, as it was the first thing I listened to after my son was born. I can remember driving back from the hospital and popping this CD into the car stereo and just being swept away by Dorothy’s amazing voice. “Alma’s Song” was the first track to greet me and is probably my favorite on the album. It still reminds me of that car journey home. It has all the hallmarks of a timeless classic. The melody is simple, the words are heartfelt. The words and music are just magical. There’s a very ethereal quality to the track, which just adds to the whole experience.

“Peace Within” is more in keeping with the rest of the album, with an interesting mix of influences, from folk and blues, to Soul with a hint of reggae. It was when I got to “Waterboy”, that I was suddenly reminded of an artist, I hadn’t thought about in many years, Jennifer Warnes. The similarity isn’t striking, more subtle. This track is also somewhat of the odd one out, as it’s the only one not to break the 5 minute mark, managing to last a paltry, ha, three minutes, 14 seconds.

“Pass It On” the title track provides a wonderful stage for Dorothy’s voice and indeed further shows the accompaniment to be absolutely first class. “Heartbeat”, musically reminds me a bit of the Scottish band Finniston, with it’s primarily acoustic guitar sound. It’s a rambling , slow paced track that leads nicely into the final track “Ride These Waves”, a beautiful track to end an amazing album.

Conclusion : An incredible album, from a lady who I’m absolutely delighted to have found. Female vocalists have a special place in my musical psyche, with Dorothy Scott filling one of the very top positions.

• Band / Artist : OK Cobra – mySpace
• Genre : Hip Hop / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : URBNET
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

Hip hop, rap and reggae are not the usual fare in my CD player, so it generally has to be something fairly special to get me interested enough to want to play. I heard OK Cobra many, many months ago on the CBC Radio 3 podcast. I got the album in and just as I was about to review the album, I sent the band an email to confirm a few things. Anyway, the band let me know that they’d signed to a record label and that a review should hold off until the album was available in the usual places. So hold off I did and promptly forgot about the album. Upon looking through some unread email, I found one from URBNET, the record label and wouldn’t you know it, there was OK Cobra and that proved enough of a jolt, to get me to dust of the album to finally get the review out of the door.

As I’ve said many times, I don’t know my hip hop from my elbow, but I do know good music. Fast paced lyrics, fused with drum, bass and many other audio elements like audio sound bites keep you aurally stimulated. Yes among the stimulus are a few of the more colorful words, but that is very much in the culture of this style of music, so goes by pretty much unnoticed.

The first track “Intro” gently draws you into the album and then comes the bitch slap with “Time Flies”, an assault on the senses, but a pleasant one at that. “Child in Rhyme” is the track for me that defines the overall sound of the band and one that is just a joy to listen to. It’s repetitious, mellow sound bed is in stark contrast to the lyrics and lyric delivery, but it really works well.

With 13 tracks there is much to like, even if this genre of music isn’t your usual cup of tea. Certainly a band that can introduce hip hop to a whole new legion of fans, as De La Soul did, in their own inventive way before them.

Conclusion : However you want to define the genre of this music, it’s inventive, engaging and very listenable.

• Band / Artist : Black Lab – mySpace
• Genre : Alternative / Rock / Pop
• Sample Track Download : The Real You
• Buy CD : Band Store
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 9 out of 10

As far as bands that have made a huge impact on the podcasting scene, there aren’t many bands that have the recognition of Paul Durham’s, Black Lab. With the recent BumRush the Charts experiment, where they tried to earn a place as the number 1 selling band on iTunes, where once they were popular, they are now pretty much a podcasting household name.

Popularity isn’t just about gaining awareness, it’s also about being able to write and execute great songs, something Black Lab have been able to do consistently. Their previous album See the Sun was awarded 9 out of 10 on Indie Launchpad, with it’s mix of great lyrics, music and the great voice of Paul Durham. Passion Leaves a Trace, builds further on this and delivers an amazing album, with some cracking songs.

This 14 track CD opens with the song “Mine Again” which was used in the BumRush experiment. In my opinion they couldn’t have selected a better track and it’s probably the reason they went from iTunes obscurity, to something like 92nd position. So whilst it’s still a way off number one, it’s still an incredible achievement, considering the sheer number of tracks it was competing against. “Mine Again” is probably one of the best examples of the Black Lab sound and it’s certainly a distinctive sound, that you’d be hard pressed not to pick out, if it were played on the radio. “Ghost in Your Mind” is more a ballad, with Paul delivering more labored, emotive vocals. The music however is still pure Black Lab.

I can’t praise this album enough. I was going to pretty much do a track, by track review, but I can feel myself going into sycophant mode, so I’m heading myself off at the path. Suffice to say, if you like intelligent, well crafted rock, with a tinge of emotion and heart, do yourself a favor and go purchase this album immediately.

Conclusion : It’s when you come across bands like this, that you realise how jaded and at times idiotic major record companies can be. This is the kind of music that people want to listen to, but instead the major labels want to sink their promotional budgets on the latest teen sensation, who they will use, abuse and finally cast aside, as soon as they’ve juiced every ounce of marketability from them. I want to be into the artists I love for the long haul. Black Lab have their destiny in their hands and my support all the way.

• Band / Artist : Christian Hansen – mySpace
• Genre : Alternative / Acoustic / Rock
• Sample Track Download : West Coast Housewives
• Buy CD : CD Baby
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8 out of 10

Will the sheer volume of CD’s that come into Indie Launchpad, it’s perhaps not surprising that some of them slip between the cracks. Some times the cracks have more to do with the chasms in my brain, but eventually they are uncovered, as was the case with this release from Edmonton, Canada based Christian Hansen.

Upon hearing the first track “Satellite Headstone”, I knew this was going to something special, appealing greatly to my love of acoustic/folk rock. It was however the second track “Habadasher’s Wife” that blew me away with both it’s simplicity and just wonderfully unique lyrics. Christian has a vocal style very similar to a band recently featured on the Indie Launchpad podcast, Jay Jay and the Pistolets. There’s a brash confidence that just exudes from the vocal delivery. The wonderful roll of excellent tracks continued with “West Coast Housewives”, which has the same vocal style, but this time underpinned with a more pop style of musical accompaniment. Actually I have to admit, that this song reminds me of A Ha’s, “Take on Me”. “Wedding Gun” is a much more relaxed track and comes as a welcome breather, after the first three amazing tracks.

The later half of the 9 track album, doesn’t fare so well. It’s not that the remaining tracks are bad, but as is often the case, there seems to be a break in the continuity of the album. It almost feels like the second half of the album has been spliced with the first. It’s almost like this album should have been released as two EPs.

Conclusion : There’s no doubting the amazing talent Christian has. If the whole album had followed in a similar vain to the first half, this would have been an absolutely amazing album. As it is, it’s still a treat to listen to. I’m looking forward to seeing the direction of the next album.

• Band / Artist : Adrienne Pierce – mySpace
• Genre : Pop / Alternative
• Sample Track Download : N/A
• Buy CD : Nettwerk Store
• Buy Digital Download : iTunes
• Rating : 8.5 out of 10

When I reviewed Adrienne’s last release, the EP Hors D’Ouvres, My only real complaint was, there wasn’t more of it. Fast forward 6 months and finally I have my hands on a full length, 13 track album and it’s like being a child at Easter, knowing there’s tons of chocolate ahead. The chocolate here is a stunning collection of songs, coming from an absolutely amazing talent. I’ve mentioned before the similarity between the voices of Adrienne and Leigh Nash’s, but there’s no mistaking the difference between them.

The album opens with “Beautiful”, which while not the strongest track on the album, is certainly good opener. “Downside of Love” has some great harmonies and is a fairly slow, purposeful track. “Better Year” is a great album track, but doesn’t have that “x” factor. “Fools Gold” was also on the previously reviewed EP and is just a stunning track, allowing her to really shine. “I Don’t Know” and “Laundry and Dishes” are also two examples of what is oh so right, about this CD. Both are distinctly different tracks, but both are unmistakably Adrienne.

Many albums tend to start strong, waver towards the middle and finish up with a melancholic or thoughtful track. With this album, it’s solid gold throughout. Adrienne has a wonderful style to both her vocals and lyrics. The music is like a canvas from which she projects her stories and it’s just an absolute pleasure to listen to. Upon trying to determine my favorites from this album, I have to admit that they’ve changed a few times since receiving this album, but definite strong contenders have to be, “Downside of Love”, the previously reviewed EP track, “Fools Gold” and “Lost and Found”

Conclusion : Certainly one of the top independent female artists and an artist that will no doubt gain the recognition she deserves.