epo-555: Dexter Fox
April 29, 2007
epo-555
Dexter Fox
Denmark
http://www.epo-555.dk/eng/
Hailing from Denmark, this gem of a band was exposed at SXSW earlier this year. However, the band name didn’t linger around as it should have. With a better record at home, epo-555 will soon make waves over here, at least once America wakes up and realizes there are some solid tunes over yonder. With politically charged lyrics, melodic indie-pop, and a soothing vocal accompaniment to the electronic dibs and dabbles in each song, how can you not love this record? It’s kind of interesting to hear such poppy uplifting music with such deep, dark lyrics. The song that won me over was “Le Beat’s On Fire” and has been spinning on my Winamp once I hit the letter “E” down the alphabetically sorted MP3s up for download courtesy of SXSW. It wasn’t until I finally heard Dexter Fox in its entirety that I became a true fan rather than just a glorified single-lover. It’s extremely catchy, and the lyrics are intensely political, which is an added bonus (especially since it has nothing to do with all the anti-Republican rock drama over here). It was a perfect summer hit in my car. Bands like this make me wish even more that I lived in Europe solely to enjoy solid packed, sold-out concerts that States folk can only imagine. Other tracks of interest are “Cha Cha When They’re Young”, “L’art Pour La Fart” and “Dakota.” If I had to pick a more local artist to compare these folks to that would light your “oh that’s who they sound like” bell, they’re right up the alley with Stars from Canada. Granted this debut album came out quite a while ago, it’s a great lead-in to get you familiar with what’s to come with their upcoming release, Mafia. Be thankful that I introduced you to them before their sophomore album and tightly packed US venues so that you can be first in line to buy tickets before they sell out. Such elite like myself couldn’t afford the trip to Texas but I bet their show is not one to miss.
by Iris Karasick
Ememvoodoopoka: Dort Jak Brus
April 29, 2007
[excerpt]
Ememvoodoopöká
Dort Jak Brus
Prague[/excerpt]
Ememvoodoopöká
Dort Jak Brus
Prague
http://www.krasnej.net
Okay, to be completely honest up front, you will not understand a single lyric on any track on this entire album. Not because they’re screaming unintelligible lyrics, but that they’re speaking an entirely different language; Czechoslovakian to be specific. But regardless of that minor translation issue, Dort Jak Brus is actually a really awesome record. I wish I had some Czechoslovakian friends to ask them their opinion, or even to translate for me, but if I had to venture a guess as to what they’re singing about, I’d say it’s about love, loss, and/or all those minor little complications within relationships. That, or Jesus. But, the four guys that make up Ememvoodoopöká might have one of the coolest band names to ever cross the Atlantic and the coolest sound to come out of that part of the world. Their tunes are terribly catchy, however, difficult to sing along to without sounding like you’re trying to hock a loogie while singing. The best part is they don’t skimp out on tracks; there are 14 amazing rock-outs to listen to. I don’t know what this would cost out there, but that’s a good deal for US records in terms of song-to-dollar ratio. Really awesome tracks to check out are “Syndikát”, “H?iby”, “Sm?r” and “Kuci” and if I knew what that meant, the songs would totally make more sense. It is rare that you hear of any band emerging from that part of the world, but if there is a band that would make it, it would be these guys. Their music is extremely catchy, I mean really catchy, it’s just too bad I can’t sing along. I’ll go study my Czech history and language and get back to you if I can relate to the lyrics. Meanwhile, I’ll just pretend to be an elitist claiming I have family in Prague, and I can understand everything this record says, of course while enjoying how awesome it is.
by Iris Karasick
Disciples of Groove: Disciples of Groove
April 29, 2007
Disciples of Groove
Disciples of Groove
Vineland, NJ
www.DisciplesOfGroove.net
If you’re looking for some tunes to tickle the funky, fresh, dance jam side of your musical aura, well then stop looking foo’: its right here! There are a lot of progressive funk bands out there, but Disciples of Groove has a nice blend of almost everything in their music, including the crazy blips of dialogue inserted with hip-hop precision and catchy melodies that have you humming along while dancing wherever you choose to listen to your records. For fans of the jazzier side of Jurassic 5 plus for the local folk, The Blue Method. The sax is great! And their lyrics jump from rapping to singing without missing a beat. To make things grayer, they have nice rock out guitar sessions to clarify that this is a progressive funk rock band. Basically, they make sure to cover all facets to appease your musical preference so it’s almost impossible to find something you don’t like in each and every one of their songs. The multi-faceted rhythm section doesn’t hurt either. The lyrics on “Company Policy” are pretty funny, and the song is catchy to boot. The bass and the sax on that track are especially melodic and have their own thing going on, but it works really well for the rest of the song. If you dance on over to their website, you can hit refresh and listen to a different track each time if you’re curious as to what they feed eardrums these days. Plus they have outlets on many other sites where you can snag a listen, but hit up CD Baby to get your own copy. So don’t fret if you’re brainwashed by commercial radio with hip-hop in your head constantly, or even if you’re not conforming and allow the rock to flow more freely from your speakers – be in any musical mood you wish, Disciples of Groove will hit that taste bud and get your booty shakin’.
by Iris Karasick
Deagle: The Waiting Room
April 29, 2007
Deagle
The Waiting Room
New Brunswick, NJ
www.deaglemusic.com
For the fans of heavier Warped Tour music, Deagle is fuel for the masses who love circle pits. Albeit the audio recording itself can be a little clearer, they make up for it with catchy tunes that can bleed through the lack of a prominent drum set. Their presence almost reminds me of how the big bands today sounded when they first started out. Early recordings of The Offspring, Blink 182, et al; Deagle has the potential to blast through the murky waters that is the local music scene and really come out and show their true colors. However, tracks like “Once Again”, “Guidelines of Rejections” are missing something, nothing major, but just that little something that gives great songs that eye-opening edge. “Yesterday’s News” actually has Blink 182 qualities minus the distinct voices that make up the well known group. Deagle is clearly more advanced than The Waiting Room does them justice; time code changes on “The Waiting Room”, harmonies on “Forbidden”, you’d think the seven tracks clearly illustrate who they are. What is amazing though is that it’s just the three of them! The Waiting Room screams “please help me, I need more drums!” but you gotta give them credit, for three guys, it’s pretty full-sounding and otherwise really paints a solid picture of punk rock Philly style. Give these lads a souped up, bad-ass studio to record in and I promise you they will blow you away (if they haven’t already).
by Iris Karasick
The Current: 4 Song Demo
April 29, 2007
The Current takes all alternative music to a new level. Although they only have a four-song demo made, it’s obvious they have tons more hiding in a secret stash somewhere. They combine the likes of many other alternative rock bands with their own creative lyrical and musical spin and just add that new-wave edge to it. Think The Music, The Pumpkins, The Killers and some various spacey Brit-rockers got together and just combined everything they had, except they released it under the moniker The Current and moved to New York. There is a lot of extra instrumentation in their recordings, making them very full bodied and leaving no empty gaps for imagination. Everything is right smack on the plate for you to enjoy in every facet. There is definitely the harder rocking in “Falling” with a definite hint of the band The Music. The lyrics are a little predictable, but that’s okay, because they are sung with a lot of energy which complements the power-driven riffs carrying the song, even during the calmer moments when the song almost becomes an aria of vocal harmonies. “The Counting Song” has real flow to their song construction. Everything is blended so well together that you don’t even realize that some instruments lighten up at different parts of the songs. They really work well together and this particular song clearly demonstrates this band interaction. There is a tiny hint of some Smashing Pumpkins in there, but that’s the inescapable 90s Alternative rock seeping through The Current’s pores. Their self-titled debut demo displays their true ability to perform as a group with strong guitars married with reverbed choruses that really highlight the lead vocals, regardless if you can understand them or not. But most brit-rockers today sing lyrics that you can’t make out, just the words that are elongated over catchy choruses; that’s all that really matters anyway since that’s what the audience will remember. If this was ever to be performed anywhere, it should be accompanied with a heavy light spectacle because its very prominent in their music that it’s a necessary attachment needed to completely absorb the full-bodiedness in The Current’s music.
by Iris Karasick
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
April 29, 2007
Albeit late (record out June 28), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s self titled debut record is still perking ears. And since that time, up until the beginning of October, could you only purchase the album through one website on the Internet. Now, after realizing the huge buzz that has been traveling through the indie scene for months, they have begun to make their album available through other facets of the Internet. Don’t worry; they’re still unsigned. They like the freedom without label restrictions. At first listen, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a circus for your ears, and I am not joking. The first track, which is an introduction, actually sounds like a ringmaster preparing you for what is to come. Using children’s toys, beautiful melodies and vocals that have a surefire uniqueness to them that might take some time getting used to, Clap Your Hands have won the hearts of many. Their shows sell out left and right and recently have been confirmed to headline the New Years Eve bash at Irving Plaza in their hometown (well Brooklyn to be specific) of New York City. Key tracks on this album, which are actually up for download at their website, are “Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood” and “Over and Over Again (Lost and Found).” In a nutshell, you can flat out say they sound like Talking Heads, however, some of their more rocking songs have a hint of early Blur with possibly the coolest band name that has surfaced in years. You can only imagine what their shows are like live since their name clearly indicates what is to be expected. “Let The Cool Goddess Rust Away”, the first music track, really sets the tone of the record: smooth airy guitars, melodies that blend almost too perfectly with the following tracks, and those vocals that knock you off your feet. “In This Home On Ice” is actually one of the better indie rock songs I have heard in a long time. The whiney, unintelligible lyrics are almost perfectly suited with the catchy melody that just has you humming along because you certainly can’t sing along. Check it out; you’ll see what I mean. In short, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah has a lot ahead of them. Namely the fact they are taking their North Eastern tour abroad later this year, have a stellar review in Rolling Stone and a fan-base that has them forced to book second shows at some cities over and over again. Their album isn’t necessarily ground breaking, but it’s a fresh sound that welcomes the repeat button.
by Iris Karasick
Capitol Risk: Sampler, Volume 1
April 29, 2007
Capitol Risk
Sampler, Volume One
Malvern, PA
www.capitolrisk.tk
Well, the boys have grown up a bit, and so has their sound. We featured the guys of Capitol Risk last year and saw some amazing potential. Their latest release, Sampler, Volume One, didn’t disappoint. The guys are just begging to be added to your summer playlists, with tracks that are one part introspection and two parts fun. The band are masters of the youthful, playful sound that will have your toes tapping and get you singing along in no time at all, while still providing substance, catchy melodies, and raw emotion. The CD offers a nice variety, from ballads like “Packing Up My Thoughts” to energy-infused tracks such as “On Your Mark” (which is also a great display of Vince’s vocal range and abilities beyond being just another random emo or screamo “kid”). Capitol Risk has grown both lyrically and musically with Sampler, Volume One, and have proven that they’re not going anywhere but up. Expect these guys to remain a fixture in the Philly-area scene.
by Jennifer Mattern
Baxter House: Please Baxter, Don’t Hurt ‘Em
April 29, 2007
Baxter House
Please Baxter, Don’t Hurt ‘Em
Los Angeles, CA
www.Baxter-House.com
A lot of female-fronted punk or rock outfits rely too heavily on screaming or whining their way through an entire song about being screwed over by this guy or that. Not so with Baxter House’s Please Baxter, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. Instead, Rachel Mintz gives you all the attitude you can handle while, at the same time, she’s caressing your ear drums with a sweet melody. She’ll fool you into thinking she’s an angel and Satan herself all within the same number. Baxter House refuses to be put into a box with any one genre labeling, and instead breaks rules freely as they feel the desire, making Please Baxter, Don’t Hurt ‘Em a rather unique (and I’m rarely willing to use that term) compilation. Mintz almost deserves a spot in The Met for perhaps being the epitome of modern art, between her unconventional work and vinyl performance attire. Baxter House manages to avoid the expected in every way. No Food gives you a good range of what the band, and especially Rachel, can bring to the table, while you can listen to Mintz have an almost introspective conversation with herself in Dissociative Personality Disorder. When you throw in the rest of the EP, Fat Gross Cowboy, Black Skies, MKAO, and Gumdrop Heaven, what you get is an addictive assault on the senses. Imagine Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West all rolled into one, gathering you around in a circle for grown-up story time – that’s Please Baxter, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. Just give in. You don’t really have a choice.
by Jennifer Mattern
Adam Wexler: What I’m All About
April 29, 2007
Adam Wexler
What I’m All About
New York, NY
www.adamwexler.com
If you were worried that John Popper would never again sing after his glorious run with Blues Traveler, well think again! Because he has been secretly disguising himself as Adam Wexler minus the harmonica! That was my initial reaction, honestly. I thought “wow he sure sounds familiar; I wonder why… who could it be?” However, while Adam sounds like the spawn of Popper, the music is more on the lines of radio friendly acoustic pop-ballads. The kicker is the heartfelt lyrics that are mini stories with music as accompaniment, with the title track “What I’m All About” to the EP, being the most popular. With stories about love, finding it and losing it, and about himself, Adam really pours his heart into his music and you can feel it when you listen. A soulful guitar carries every song and is really secondary to the vocals, mainly because they are so meaningful. “All Night Long” about, well, I’m sure you can guess, really captures Adam’s feelings and what he puts into his lyrics. Really, he’s like the male version of Suzanne Vega with his tales, however, he actually sings about things that matter rather than pouring coffee and milk. A lot of what he sings about can be seen as cheesy, mainly because it’s all life, love and all that mushy stuff, but it works well for him. The music is soft and sweet which is clearly no playa hating theme, and his voice, albeit very familiar, is a nice balance to the strings and acoustic guitar. “Moved On,” another obvious title choice, is by far the most melodic track and has the most radio potential if you want to put it that way. It’s really impressive for a guy who has only been playing the guitar for 5 some years. Make sure you take that into account if you’re going to be critical when you listen. The talent flows as well as the stories, with some beautiful catchy heartwarming acoustic pop as underlying tones. So if you’re looking for a nice relaxing evening out at a concert, or a record to make out to, here ya go!
by Iris Karasick
722: We’re Taking Over
April 29, 2007
722
We’re Taking Over
Philadelphia, PA
www.722music.com
When you open up 722′s (seven twenty-two) website, the header states “well balanced rock.” A fair statement to this quirky group – and it’s just like they claim: imagine combining theater with a rock band. We’re Taking Over is definitely one of the more stand out albums in rock, not because it’s better or worse, but that it’s extremely different; one like you’ve never heard before. Listening to just the record most likely does not do 722 justice. The magic is in the performance (meaning you gotta seem ‘em live to appreciate the full beauty)! Either way, We’re Taking Over is experimental rock at its finest, or maybe I’m just a sucker for female leads in rock bands. But don’t run away because the music isn’t one to be heard on the O.C., it’s actually pretty catchy. It isn’t necessarily something where you’d be singing along, but it’s not a headache to listen to either. If you had to compare, 722 can be described as a really early No Doubt, like still in the process of finding their signature sound. However, this is 722 and not ND and they have found their sound and they make it fun for you. I mean, this is their sophomore album! Simple and to the point. “I Quit” is layered quite nicely, actually. It has the rock guitar solo, gentle melody and of course the outstanding three-part harmonies. If you’re looking for a track that you can sing along with, try “Can’t Stand.” That can be in line for an indie hit for sure. I don’t like that description word of “experimental” when categorizing some rock music. It’s one that tends to steer people in the other direction because they’re afraid, because the music doesn’t conform to today’s hit standards. However, given the chance, 722 are actually pretty damn good at what they do. Soft female vocals on top of rock music harmonizing with a male counterpart? How much better does it have to get? For a band that doesn’t have an exact format to fit in, a direct blunt comment about their record is sufficient. It’s really good… And you should scope it out.
by Iris Karasick
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