Rock Review: Jesse Colin Young-Dreamers

Release Date: February 15, 2019

Label: BMG

Website

Before we take a deep dive into this record, I would just like to state that the album artwork on this one is great. It has a very traditional art style to it, and the winged heart instantly makes me think of the Bon Jovi logo. Young also has a nice looking website where you can not only buy his albums, but you can also pick up a pound of 100% Kona coffee. Rock music and Kona coffee? I’d say it’s the perfect equation for a morning on island time.

Now let’s talk about music. Dreamers is the kind of album that is good for listening to dockside, with a cold drink in hand. The songs range from folk-rock to blues-rock, to a 60’s rock. This album is definitely for people who like an older style of rock ‘n’ roll. “One More Time” gets the closest to that classic rock sound. From first listen, it has a similar beginning to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer,” and so it comes full circle.

“Look Over Yonder” has more of a blues root to it. He has incorporated horns and keys into the song, which give it that classic blues sound. It reminds me of the Sonny Boy Williamson II song “Help Me.” Young’s rock vocals give an edgier sound to the otherwise soulful blues rooted song. We also hear this blues-tude in the song “Cruising At Sunset.” The undeniable walking blues bass line kicks in right after the intro. If I had to guess, I would say that “For Orlando” is a tribute to the horrific shooting that occurred at the PULSE nightclub in 2016. With lyrics like “How do we face disaster? Bitterness, what comes after” and “We need to love each other, every sister/brother,” it seems that Young is sending the message that we cannot let another tragedy, like the one that occurred in Orlando, happen ever again.

There are only a few things that I would have changed about the album. In the mixing process, the vocals could have been made clearer and brought forward as the main focus. I think the lyrics are a little difficult to understand, but to be fair, I don’t typically listen to this type of rock music for the lyrics. Some of the songs are kind of slow for being a rock song, and an increased tempo would have given the songs a better groove, in my opinion. A lot of the songs are four to five minutes long, which is pretty long for a standard song in the modern world of production. Lastly, I think the rock songs were stronger than the blues songs on the album, and I would have loved for Young to end with these instead.

There is a good variety of genres and topics covered on the album. If you like rock music, this album is probably going to be up your ally. Or if you are going out for a day on the lake, I would pick up Dreamers, and maybe a pound of coffee, for an enjoyable escape.

Lily Clark – Berklee College of Music Intern

October 13, 2019

Tracks: 
01. Cast A Stone
02. Shape Shifters
03. Walk The Talk
04. For Orlando
05. Take Me To The River
06. They Were Dreamers
07. Cruising At Sunset
08. Lyme Life
09. Here Comes The Night
10. For My Sisters
11. While Texas Is Drowning
12. One More Time
13. On And On
14. Look Over Yonder

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Art Rock/Post PunkReview: The Pull of Autumn-Afterglow

Release Date: July 25, 2019

Label: RBM Records

Website

Less than a year removed from their debut release, The Pull of Autumn is back with Afterglow, a rich infusion of varied post-punk influences that take the listener to new places, feeling all-the-while like they’ve been there before. The Pull of Autumn is a Boston-based collective of members from Throwing Muses, Hood, Seasurfer, Orange Cake Mix, Hood, and Nick and the Bad Seeds. 

Arrangements are lush, and textures are as varied as the band’s contributors. Traces of influence from these artists’ former groups are unashamedly in the forefront. The fusion of talent evokes a vibe from decades ago when the punk rock attitude embraced by skilled musicians gave birth to post-punk and neo-psychedelia and modern new age. 

Reminiscent of Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs, Mark Campbell of the Nails, and David Bowie during his Berlin trilogy, Luke ‘Skyscraper’ James’ vocals are brazened if not melodramatic. On tracks such as “Trouble Time,” “Not Coming Down,” and “Hey America” there feels like an impedance mismatch between James’ vocals and the driving sonic currents flowing below. 

The most compelling parts of Afterglow are the more layered and atmospheric songs where James is not bellowing theatrically to the heavens. These are the tracks with their synth fuzz undertones and layered guitar and piano, which feel like Autumn itself. “Distance,” “They Went Up,” and “Wallow” are lo-fi works of art. “Crack the Red” sounds something from Neutral Milk Hotel while “Sitting by the Window” sounds like a lost track from Love’s “Forever Changes.” 

For me, dropping the needle on any ten seconds of Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures stirs memories from a slice of time when the future felt frightening, yet full of possibilities. Similarly, The Pull of Autumn’s Afterglow emanates eerily into the present, bringing forth reverberations from a bygone age when fearless experimentation combined with post-punk narcissism evoked a haunting trepidation of the future. Through its highs and lows, darkness and light, and twists and turns, the end result of this listening journey is nothing short of exhilaration. 

Tom Endyke-MuzikMan.net Staff

October 16, 2019

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Tracks:
01. Injure the Swallow
02. Trouble Time
03. Distance
04. They Went Up …
05. Haunted by the Rain
06. Coming Down
07. The Stars or The Jungle
08. Crack the Red
09. Sitting by the Window
10. Sacred Ground
11. Equinox
12. Colder House
13. Stained Glass Windows
14. Hey America!
15. Wallow 

Rock Review: Evi Vine-Black // Light // White // Dark

Release Date: February 22, 2019
Label: Independent
Website

Evi Vine is one of those bands that, if you’ve never heard of her and her crew, or aren’t really into the Indie music scene, then listening to them finally makes you feel like you’ve missed out on a whole new universe of music. The album is full throttle, underground rock 'n' roll. That being said, it sends your ears down a mystical journey. It is a great record for someone who is looking to explore their creative talents. I believe in listening to certain records to set a mood to drum up one’s talents or capabilities.

It is only fitting that this album found its way to me in October. With its haunting vocals and dark undertones, Black // Light // White // Dark epitomizes the essence of the Fall setting and spirit of Halloween to follow. What is lacking in minimal vocals and lyrics as a traditional album might have, the band makes up for in taking the listener, transforming them into a character or adventurer as they venture through each track of the short album.

You never know how you may come across something new but, if you are open and willing to take in new sights and sounds, this album will point you in that direction. For any Rock enthusiast, Evi Vine is that band that adds both light and heavy set of tones to their music collection. The overall sound of Evi’s vocals and essence provides that light and bright feeling while the band behind her nails the heavier Rock beats to compare to her competitors like Flyleaf and Evanescence. The album becomes a remarkable masterpiece as it the listener grabs hold of Evi Vine.

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
September 30, 2019
 
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Tracks:
1. I Am the Waves
2. Afterlight
3. Sabbath
4. My Only Son
5. We Are Made of Stars
6. Sad Song, No. 9
 

Folk - Rock Review: Yogi Lang-A Way Out Of Here

Release Date: Nov. 8, 2019
Label: Gentle Art Of Music
Website: www.yogilang.com

It’s a lazy Sunday morning, and Yogi Lang’s newest songs play in the background, as the chores are getting done. This album is something crossed between easy listening music and kickass motivational rock. It’s just a little something to get your head bobbing in the early hours of the day. Lang does a great job of taking the listener on a journey since each track brings something new and exciting to the table. So, wherever you are, turn the volume up, and get ready for A Way Out Of Here.

The first track “Move On” is almost theatrical, at a whopping nine minutes long. From the soft intro to the various music breaks, to the artist “locking the door” at the end, Lang puts on nothing less than a spectacular show. It’s fitting since each song provides a different experience than the previous one.

“Shine On Me” and “Freedom Of The Day” are great tracks for those fall road trips, and have a soft rock sound similar to The Goo Goo Dolls. “Love Is All Around” has a distinct grunge rock sound to it at the beginning, but the vocals weren’t the right fit for the track. The vocals were lacking the energy that that track could have used to take it to the next level. “I’ll Be There For You” is the last track of the album, and it wraps up the “theatrical production” quite nicely. It feels like the end credit track of a movie because of the background vocalists and full orchestral section. There are cool cosmic synth elements that make you feel like you’re in another dimension, which might allude to why the album is titled A Way Out Of Here, but then again, that’s just speculation.

Overall, A Way Out Of Here is a colorful album, combining elements of folksy country and alternative rock. Lang creates a comfortable atmosphere with his smooth vocals and carefree acoustic intros. It’s a rare thing to hear live instruments used on tracks today, but Torsten Weber does an incredible job playing the guitar and gives the tracks an authentic rock sound. It’s refreshing to see an album that incorporates so many genres and doesn’t happen to sound like the same song being played on repeat with different lyrics. In fact, you probably wouldn’t be able to recognize that it was the same artist if you were to blindly listen to two different tracks off the album. So, take a listen to the album. You might even be surprised by what an adventure it will take you on.

Key Tracks Include: “A Way Out Of Here”, “Move On”, “I’ll Be There For You”, and “The Sound Of The Ocean” 

Lily Clark – Berklee College of Music Intern
October 6, 2019

Tracks:  
1. Move On
2. A Way Out Of Here
3. Shine On Me
4. Don’t Confuse Life With A Thought
5. Love Is All Around
6. Freedom Of The Day
7. Early Morning Light
8. The Sound Of The Ocean
9. I’ll Be There For You
 

Rock Review: Suzi Quatro-No Control

Release Date: March 29th, 2019

Label: Steamhammer

Website

Pioneer of the rock n’ roll woman, Suzi Quatro, shows she has no problem diversifying her sound to the present musical climate, almost 50 years after she first broke onto the scene. Her newest album, No Control, is energetic and defiant, boasting thoughtful, inspirational lyrics backed by sublime and rounded instrumentation. The production throughout is so full, with each instrument given space and time to shine, that listening sounds like attending a pristine live set. This release serves as a statement from the 69-year-old; I’m still here and I’ve still got it. 

Over 11 songs, Quatro jumps between hard rock, blues, and country styles. The first track, “No Soul / No Control” is the perfect entrance to the project, throwing the listener straight into the action. Powerful lyrics like “you can’t break me, cause I’m in control” flow over a heavy rock guitar rhythm, reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age’s work on Villains. “Strings” is a masterful, melodic, and funky rock ballad made up of profound lyrics, powerful big brass trumpets, and a blissful, ascending piano.

Upon first listen, “Love isn’t fair” seems like a strange interlude. Sandwiched between two electrifying rock songs, the trumpets and jaunty calypso steel drums create an island, beach-holiday vibe. However, pay attention to its melancholic, country-style lyrics about lost love and this song will grow on you quick. It’s this contradiction which adds to the charm of the song and makes it one of the more enjoyable songs of the collection

On the track “Macho Man” Quatro’s squealing vocals pair terrifically with a thumping guitar beat and manic drumming to create another album highlight, bursting at the seams with energy. “Easy Pickings” lulls the listener gently in, starting slow with soft drum brushes and a warbling harmonica, which then blends seamlessly into a bombastic, crashing masterpiece of heavy rock on the bridge. A tantalizing piano solo near the end of this track serves as the cherry on top for this gorgeously arranged tour de force. 

Throughout the album one is hard-pressed to find anywhere Quatro and co. put a foot wrong, ducking and diving between styles and genres, on one track rocking out, on another providing a feel-good, inspirational bounce. One missed swing could be “Bass Line” however, which is a lackluster track, saved only by Quatro’s quavering bass solo towards the end.

Key Tracks Include: “No Soul / No Control”, “Strings”, “Macho Man” and “Easy Pickings.”

Nicholas Lane-MuzikMan.net Contributor

September 25, 2019

Tracks:
01. No Soul / No Control
02. Going Home
03. Strings
04. Love Isn’t Fair
05. Macho Man
06. Easy Pickings
07. Bass Line
08. Don’t Do Me Wrong
09. Heavy Duty
10. I Can Teach You to Fly
11. Going Down Blues
 

Rock-Punk-New Wave Review: Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue-The Collection

Release Date: October 18, 2019

Label:  Rave On Records

Website

Riding on the punk crest of the new wave movement, Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue released Radioactive, A 12-track blitzkrieg providing enough octane to power a stock car. After shaking up the lineup (G.E. Smith of SNL fame replaced by Mick Ronson of David Bowie fame), the band began recording their second album, Reptiles in Motion. Conflicts between the record company, the studio and the producer put the sessions to rest. Some 40 years later, the recordings are finally seeing the light of day. Combined with Radioactive, this collection provides the ultimate Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue experience. 

The sound borrows from the Ramones and Johnny Thunders, yet adds enough texture and pop affectations to make it more accessible to the masses. Think power punk mixed with power pop. If Radioactive is a blitzkrieg, then Reptiles in Motion is a more deliberate and sustained attack. Make no mistake, Roger C. Reale & Rue Morgue make the most of each song in this collection. There is little time wasted on prolonged notes, extended verses or spaces between stanzas — the 24 tracks average a modest 3:07 in duration. The blistering guitar and angst-ridden lyrics impose their will with skill and brevity, forcing the listener to react. 

It's hard to believe that songs like "Stop & Go" and "Please Believe Me" from Radioactive never hit the mainstream in 1979. We'll leave this mystery up to the documentary makers, but one could easily see these performances blending in between Graham Parker and Cheap Trick on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert or becoming vanguard new wave music videos. The same could be said for songs like "Radioactive" and "No Secrets" on the follow-up, Reptiles in Motion which would have/should have been released in 1980. 

All in all, The Collection does not disappoint, and despite 40 years between Radioactive and Reptiles in Motion, the power still surges, leaving the listener revived and energized. 

Key Tracks Include: “Stop & Go”, “Please Believe Me”, “Kill Me”, “Radioactive”, “No Secrets”, “Rock it to the Kremlin”.

Tom Endyke

September 22, 2019

Tracks:
01. High Society
02. Dear Dad
03. Stop and Go
04. Pain Killer
05. Rescue Me
06. Kill Me
07. Reach for the Sky
08. Madonna’s Last Stand
09. Please Believe Me
10. Close Inspection
11. Inside Outside
12. I Can’t Control Myself
13. She’s Older Now
14. Pros and Cons
15. Radioactive
16. One More Try
17. No Secrets
18. Debutante Ball
19. Make it be Over
20. I’m in Distress
21. Point Blank
22. Back it Up
23. Living in Anger
24. Rock it to the Kremlin

Rock - Metal Review: Howling Giant-The Space Between Worlds

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Label: Blues Funeral Recordings

Website

 

Premiering their debut full-length album The Space Between Worlds, Howling Giant proves they have exactly what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some of Rock N’ Roll’s or better yet, Metal’s biggest contenders like Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, or even Megadeath. Before even reading what the album concept is, you can tell there is a theme that runs through; as though someone is on a journey for victory. 

As you travel through the tracklist, “Ghosts In The Well” is a nice switch-up on the record giving the song a more acoustic vibe, even if it is only temporary. The band does a wonderful job conveying the message of a 9-track journey that almost seems like a video game with some of the track titles. This album is not for the faint of heart, however. It is most certainly is for the veteran Metal lovers because of its heavy tones of vocals and drums. 

The idea of a concept album is great for their first full-length feature. A lot of newer Rock bands have more of a Pop-friendly vibe to them to show themselves as radio-friendly, and like something, the labels (especially the larger labels) can market to the masses. This band revitalizes the fresh-out-of-the-garage-band style that has been largely missed due to the implementation of machines and quick fixes. 

I have little doubt that there wasn’t some technical editing going through the record, as is with most other albums and genres today but, the record flows through the ears like the adventure it tries to display through their sound.

Like me, if you have never heard of Howling Giant, you would probably be interested right of the bat because of their name. Though I am not the biggest Rock or Metal fan of the world, I appreciate real Rock N’ Roll when I hear it. The album is great if you are looking for inspiration with any type of music. If you are trying to solve the latest bad day of your week, or you just need to find an outlet to get oneself through the journey of the day, this record is most definitely for you. Should you not be able to handle the heaviness and emboldening sound of The Space Between Worlds, I suggest you either wake up, or head elsewhere to find what you might deem as “good music."

Gregg Keniston-MuzikMan.net Staff

September 21, 2019

Tracks:
1. Comet Rider
2. Nomad
3. Ghosts in The Wall
4. The River Guide
5. Ice Castle
6. Cybermancer and The Doomsday Express
7. Everlight
8. The Orb
9. Stone Giant

Rock Review: Honey West-Bad Old World

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Label: Readout Records

Website

If you are looking for that sound that gets you in the mood for the Fall season, Bad Old World brings the transition to life. It is a great piece to listen to on a cool, rainy day where you just sit back and relax through the day. Maybe you’re reminiscing about years gone by, or planning for rest of the year ahead but, whatever the case may be; the vibe is nothing short of a good time.

The first couple of notes off the record, make the first track sound like “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day. It sets the tone for the rest of the album puts you in that Fall setting but, replacing punk-rock with a Classic-Rock taste. Ian McDonald and Ted Zurkowski send us on a bit of time travel, back to when looking up at the stars on the girl next door’s rooftop, or the days of just cruising around in your dad’s fixed-up pick-up truck, were the only social norms of that time, rather than staring at a phone the whole time.

In flowing through the tracklist, Bad Old World stays consistent and on a feel-good vibe. “Dementia”, the last track of the album seems to be the only song where the band misses the mark. From “The September Issue” to “Terry & Julie”, each song feels not only sequential, which is necessary for all large bodies of work, but, positive to a degree and as though I am listening to the artists tell of their new journey 20 years later. 

Throughout the whole record, the duo emphasizes the importance of keeping their Classic-Rock image with a modern tone. Unfortunately, if you did not grow up around bands like Foreigner or The Allman Brothers, or your parent did not flood your ears with 80s Rock, this concept may be lost to you. This is a great album for anyone who is looking to see that real music and artistry has not gone by the wayside. So much today, has been replaced with machines and auto-tune control, when people, in reality, want raw and real talent. Who could be better to bring talent to a head than original Rock artists like McDonald and Zurkowski?

Key Tracks Include: “The September Issue”, “Sylvia Strange”, “California”, and “Terry & Julie”

Gregg Keniston-Contributor

September 13, 2019
 
Tracks: 
1. The September Issue
2. Brand New Car
3. Bad Old World
4. She’s Not Your Life
5. Sylvia Strange
6. Generations Man
7. California
8. Sailing
9. A Girl Called Life

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Rock Review: Jason Becker-Triumphant Hearts

Release Date: December 7, 2018

Label: Music Theory Recordings

Website

Jason Becker suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. He was diagnosed in 1989 at 19 years old. He is still cranking out music to this day!

He was and still is a six-string slinger with plenty of energy to create music, his personal testament to the power of music and positive thinking. He never stopped working. I think that is the reason he is still with us today, he never gave up and feels empowered to make music on a very high level regardless of physical limitations.

The man also has a great sense of humor, he released a documentary on his life in 2017 titled I’m Not Dead Yet. In the video I have provided, which runs over 9 minutes, gives a good overview of how people in the music business feel about Becker. Everyone is filled with respect and admiration for this man and for good reason. I actually interviewed Jason in 2001 in regards to the tribute album Warmth In The Wilderness II on Lion Records. At that time, I had asked what he would like to do next and he said “I haven't thought about it lately, but it would either be a symphony or funky and possibly devotional stuff. Whatever there would be lots of guitar on it.” So here we are in 2018 and we are on the heels of the new release Triumphant Hearts. It looks as though those thoughts and expectations have been realized with the new release. It is pretty cool that I go that far back with Jason and I had the opportunity to interview him.

So, guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on Triumphant Hearts. The first song to be released from the album is the 9 minute and 5 second instrumental “Valley of Fire” (check out the video provided). The song features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter, and Ben Woods. That is one phenomenal line up to put together on one track! It works very well for having that many guitar players contribute. Actually, I am surprised it did not go any longer than 9 minutes and 5 seconds and I am sure it could have with all that talent available.

There is a lot of orchestrations in the tracks which makes the listening experience rich and full. Jason composed all the music and he gets his work done by controlling a computer with his eyes. The technology that is available today is truly amazing and because of that we still have the opportunity to hear this amazing artist and his creations.

For all of the rockers out there, be patient when popping the CD in because the first track may give you the wrong idea of what you are about to hear. It is classical music but just wait, things really getting rolling after that. The mix of instrumentals, mainly guitar parts, and tracks with vocals, is just what the doctor ordered for my music tastes. There is a boatload of ear candy on the longer tracks like the aforementioned “Valley of Fire” and “River of Longing” and “Taking Me Back.” There actually is only one track under 4 minutes on the entire album, the curtain closer “You Do It,” which last 55 seconds. 

If you are in the mood for some six-string fireworks and want to hear some of the best guitar players in the world on one release, then Triumphant Hearts is your one-way ticket to musical bliss. Hell, you may be so inspired after hearing this music that you will pick up your own guitar and start playing, and if you don’t have one, go out and buy one!

Jason Becker is an incredible human being with a very talented musical mind. Triumphant Hearts is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 30, 2018

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Tracks:
01. Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
02. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) 07:27
03. Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
04. Once Upon A Melody  
05. We Are One (feat. Steve Knight)  
06. Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
07. Blowin' in the Wind  
08. River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
09. Valley of Fire (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods)
10. River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin)
11. Taking Me Back
12. Tell Me No Lies
13. Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]  
14. You Do It