Showing posts with label Self-Titled LP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self-Titled LP. Show all posts

12/13/2023

L.A. Alt-Rock Band Make Believe Friends Releases New Single “INTENTIONS” Along with Their New Album “MAKE BELIEVE FRIENDS”

L.A. based Make Believe Friends drops their latest single and new album on Friday, December 15, 2023.  The new single, “Intentions”, is an upbeat alt-rock style song featuring Mindy Milburn on lead vocals and music by guitarist/keyboardist Laura Espinoza and lyrics by Milburn & Espinoza. Legendary Producer Ed Stasium (Talking Heads, Ramones) provided the full mix and Bernie Godwin (whose father Dito Godwin produced No Doubt), was the recording engineer.

“Intentions” releases in tandem with Make Believe Friends’ first album to be called by the band’s name: “Make Believe Friends”.

The catchy 'Intentions' opens Make Believe Friends' new self-titled debut album, with struggling relationship lyrics in parallel to current world issues. Mindy Milburn powerfully declares, 'I'm walking away' and Laura Espinoza echoes that strength with her fuzz guitar in the bridge. 'Intentions' is followed by seven equally great original compositions and an edgy cover of Blondie's 'Rapture' from this talented group who also perform as the Blondie tribute band, Heart of Blonde. Intentions is in my Top 5 Fabulous Albums of 2023”. - Warren Kurtz, Goldmine

The album contains the following songs:
1) Intentions
2) Haunt Me
3) Scream
4) Rapture (Blondie Cover)
5) Somewhere There Forever (ft. Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons)
6) The Truth
7) Thank the Academy
8) Follow Me to the Sun
9) An Act of Love

About Mindy Milburn:
Mindy has a passion for all performing arts- starting out as a ballet dancer and actress, & eventually finding her voice and passion for songwriting and music. She is also the lead vocalist for the Blondie Tribute Band “Heart of Blonde”. Originally from Cleveland Ohio, she has performed in numerous musical theater productions & indie films and was also a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team.  Mindy made the move to southern California to follow her dream of becoming a recording artist and feels very blessed by the opportunities that have come her way.

About Laura Espinoza:
Laura is a songwriter/guitarist, playwright, and TV producer. She has performed on stage with Luis Maldonado (Train), Terri Nunn (Berlin), Dale Bozzio (Missing Persons) & Prescott Niles (The Knack) and started her career with Matt Sorum (Guns n' Roses). She has recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, Abbey Road, UK and is the host of “The Rock Radio Show” on KBUU-FM, Malibu. Laura is also the recipient of 3 Emmy Awards.

To purchase/listen to the music of Make Believe Friends: https://makebelievefriendsband.com

For more information:
www.MakeBelieveFriendsBand.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makebelievefriendsband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MakeBelieveFriends
Instagram: @Makebelievefriendsband

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/08/2018

Rock Vinyl Review: The Damnation of Adam Blessing-Self-Titled LP (180 Gram-Remastered From Original Source Tapes)

Release Date: March 30, 2018
Label: EXIT STENCIL RECORDINGS LLC

It was 17 years ago when I was introduced to The Damnation of Adam Blessing and their guitar player Jim Quinn. At that time their albums were reissued on the now defunct Akarma Records label. I remember how much I loved their sound. Little did I know that 17 years later I would be listening to the same music remastered from the original source tapes from the UMG vaults. The Akarma releases were recorded from the albums.

I have been staying in touch with Jim over the years. He came knocking on my door again with the good news. He told me these albums now sounded incredible! I am here to tell you he was speaking the truth.

Their self-titled release came out in 1969. If you sat down and listened to this album today you would never know that it was nearly 50 years ago that this music was recorded. Their sound was a blues-based rock with a definitive psychedelic twist. 

The first side of the platter kicks off with the amazing “Cookbook.” The lead singer Adam Blessing (AKA William Constable) reminded me very strongly of how Burton Cummings sounded of the Guess Who. His vocals were robust with a resonating range that stays with you. Their version of “Morning Dew” was absolutely killer as well. Working from strength to strength, the band was a tight knit unit firing on all cylinders.

The second side kicks open the door with a rocking cover of The Monkees “Last Train To Clarksville.” I really appreciated it (purists be damned!). This particular track shined the light on their versatility. Speaking of that…the curtain closer “Lonely,” is filled with some very cool jazz riffs from Mr. Quinn. They took a step away from their defined sound and ventured into another realm - and the result was superb!

The Damnation of Adam Blessing was an excellent band recording an incredibly entertaining debut. If they arrived today their retro sound would have been welcomed with open arms. They would be superstars. The problem with showing up in 1969 was the competition. The other bands that were making it big back then are now legendary. 

Perhaps now is the time we all took notice of an incredible band that flew underneath the radar on a national scope. This newly remastered version on a fine slice of heavy vinyl will impress, I have no doubts.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
March 7, 2018
Founder of:

Review Provided By MuzikMan's Reviews & News

Tracks:
 
Side A:

1. Cookbook
2. Morning Dew
3. Le' Voyage
4. You Don't Love Me
5. Strings and Things


Side B :
6. Last Train To Clarksville
7. Dreams
8. Hold On
9. Lonely