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

2/13/2017

Progressive Rock Ensemble APE SHIFTER To Release Self-Titled Debut Album “Ape Shifter”


It was a cold, dark day when the fire burned high and the simian shadow raised his hand through the smoke in solemn praise and exclaimed, “It is time for instrumental rock!”

Germany – Progressive Rock ensemble APE SHIFTER will be releasing their self-titled debut album in March 2017! APE SHIFTER is all instrumental and reaches from rockin' 70's riffs played with punk rock ferocity to creeping metal grooves. Intense Simian Instrumental Rock from the nasty pits of the Hellabrunn Zoo.

Born on Friday the 13th in Washington, D.C. and raised in Laurel, Maryland, Jeff Aug is a cool underground guitarist who lives at the foothills of the Alps in Southern Germany for the last 18 years.  He has toured with Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Johnny A., Albert Lee, and has performed shows with Jawbox, Shudder To Think, and Ice-T & Bodycount with his old band.  He's worked with John Stabb from Government Issue, has been touring and recording with Anne Clark for the last 10+ years, and has been touring as a solo guitarist for the last 20+ years. Jeff can also be heard on the Atari Teenage Riot album “Is This Hyperreal?” (Dim Mak Records / Digital Hardcore Records). Jeff is also a Guinness™ world record holder setting the world record for the “most concerts performed in different countries in 24 hours” twice (2009, 2012)!

Progressive, loud instrumental rock; that's how APE SHIFTER describes their sound. APE SHIFTER brings you the perfect combination of melody intertwined with fat 70's riffs and punk rock ferocity.

After 3 albums with his rock band Sorry About Your Daughter, 1 album with his punk band Banana Peel Buzz, 8 instrumental acoustic guitar albums, 3 albums & 1 DVD with Anne Clark, guest appearances with ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, 2 Guinness(TM) world records, and a #1 album on the iTunes Acoustic Music Charts in the U.S., Jeff Aug gives you his new instrumental rock band: APE SHIFTER!

Featuring:
Jeff Aug: guitar
Florian Walter: bass
Kurty Münch: drums

APE SHIFTER Live Video Clip:


APE SHIFTER “Brain-O-Mat” (rough mix):

APE SHIFTER “Sakrotani”:


APE SHIFTER's self-titled debut album is available via iTunes, Amazon and at www.ape-shifter.com

Artist:  Ape Shifter
Album Title:  Ape Shifter
Label:  Brainstorm Records    
Catalogue Number:  BS0401639          
LC Number:  11050    
Barcode / EAN:  40 27791 00810 3            

Tracklist:

01 Uhluhtc  03:33
02 Revolution Summer  03:10
03 Desert Rock  03:27
04 Dopamatic  04:27
05 Hot Rod 02:34
06 Verdammt  03:54
07 Dead Tuna Boogie  02:58
08 Ratchet Attack  05:08
09 Sakrotani   03:13
10 Brain-O-Mat  03:47
11 Superhero Helden  02:30

Recorded on 09./10.July 2016 by Jürgen Schlachter at 36music in Leipheim, Germany.
Mixed in Winter 2016 by Alec Empire at The Hellish Vortex Studios in Berlin, Germany.
Mastered by Calyx in Berlin, Germany.
Artwork & layout graphics by Chris Lakriz.
Cover photo by Peter Travers.
This album was recorded live in the studio. There are no overdubs or “punch-ins.”
All compositions by Jeff Aug and published by Protozoa Music.

Ape Shifter and Jeff Aug use Hughes & Kettner amplification, Hipshot accessories, D´Addario strings, Planet Waves cables, and Dunlop picks & guitar accessories.  Ape Shifter wear RatRax.

APE SHIFTER Tour Dates:
Presented by GUITAR Magazine
27.01.2017 DE-Leipzig, Naumanns im Felsenkeller (with Shotgun Valium)
28.01.2017 DE-Dessau, Cadillac (with Jeff Aug solo performance)
03.03.2017 DE-Weikersheim, Club W71
04.03.2017 DE-Immenstadt, Rainbow (official album release concert!)
09.03.2017 DE-Karlsruhe, KoHi
10.03.2017 NL-Tilburg, Little Devil*
11.03.2017 NL-Landgraaf, Oefenbunker*
12.03.2016 DE-Düsseldorf, Pitcher*
17.03.2017 DE-Reutlingen, Franz.K (as support for WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE!)
27.04.2017 DE-Burgkunstadt, TECnet
28.04.2017 DE-Schwerin, Speicher
29.04.2017 DE-Erfurt, Museumskeller HsD (w/ Shotgun Valium)
30.04.2017 DE-Berlin, Supamolly  (special guest:  JUD)
*with special guest Chris Haskett's Amplified Ambition (Rollins Band guitarist!)

Artist Management & Booking by MAXIMUM Booking: info@MAXIMUMBooking.com

For more information:
www.ape-shifter-com
www.facebook.com/apeshifter/

Bandcamp: https://apeshifter.bandcamp.com/album/ape-shifter

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Album copies for promotion and review available upon request. Artist is available for interviews. All press inquiries to Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

Progressive Rock Ensemble APE SHIFTER To Release Self-Titled Debut Album “Ape Shifter”


It was a cold, dark day when the fire burned high and the simian shadow raised his hand through the smoke in solemn praise and exclaimed, “It is time for instrumental rock!”

Germany – Progressive Rock ensemble APE SHIFTER will be releasing their self-titled debut album in March 2017! APE SHIFTER is all instrumental and reaches from rockin' 70's riffs played with punk rock ferocity to creeping metal grooves. Intense Simian Instrumental Rock from the nasty pits of the Hellabrunn Zoo.

Born on Friday the 13th in Washington, D.C. and raised in Laurel, Maryland, Jeff Aug is a cool underground guitarist who lives at the foothills of the Alps in Southern Germany for the last 18 years.  He has toured with Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Johnny A., Albert Lee, and has performed shows with Jawbox, Shudder To Think, and Ice-T & Bodycount with his old band.  He's worked with John Stabb from Government Issue, has been touring and recording with Anne Clark for the last 10+ years, and has been touring as a solo guitarist for the last 20+ years. Jeff can also be heard on the Atari Teenage Riot album “Is This Hyperreal?” (Dim Mak Records / Digital Hardcore Records). Jeff is also a Guinness™ world record holder setting the world record for the “most concerts performed in different countries in 24 hours” twice (2009, 2012)!

Progressive, loud instrumental rock; that's how APE SHIFTER describes their sound. APE SHIFTER brings you the perfect combination of melody intertwined with fat 70's riffs and punk rock ferocity.

After 3 albums with his rock band Sorry About Your Daughter, 1 album with his punk band Banana Peel Buzz, 8 instrumental acoustic guitar albums, 3 albums & 1 DVD with Anne Clark, guest appearances with ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, 2 Guinness(TM) world records, and a #1 album on the iTunes Acoustic Music Charts in the U.S., Jeff Aug gives you his new instrumental rock band: APE SHIFTER!

Featuring:
Jeff Aug: guitar
Florian Walter: bass
Kurty Münch: drums

APE SHIFTER Live Video Clip:


APE SHIFTER “Brain-O-Mat” (rough mix):

APE SHIFTER “Sakrotani”:


APE SHIFTER's self-titled debut album is available via iTunes, Amazon and at www.ape-shifter.com

Artist:  Ape Shifter
Album Title:  Ape Shifter
Label:  Brainstorm Records    
Catalogue Number:  BS0401639          
LC Number:  11050    
Barcode / EAN:  40 27791 00810 3            

Tracklist:

01 Uhluhtc  03:33
02 Revolution Summer  03:10
03 Desert Rock  03:27
04 Dopamatic  04:27
05 Hot Rod 02:34
06 Verdammt  03:54
07 Dead Tuna Boogie  02:58
08 Ratchet Attack  05:08
09 Sakrotani   03:13
10 Brain-O-Mat  03:47
11 Superhero Helden  02:30

Recorded on 09./10.July 2016 by Jürgen Schlachter at 36music in Leipheim, Germany.
Mixed in Winter 2016 by Alec Empire at The Hellish Vortex Studios in Berlin, Germany.
Mastered by Calyx in Berlin, Germany.
Artwork & layout graphics by Chris Lakriz.
Cover photo by Peter Travers.
This album was recorded live in the studio. There are no overdubs or “punch-ins.”
All compositions by Jeff Aug and published by Protozoa Music.

Ape Shifter and Jeff Aug use Hughes & Kettner amplification, Hipshot accessories, D´Addario strings, Planet Waves cables, and Dunlop picks & guitar accessories.  Ape Shifter wear RatRax.

APE SHIFTER Tour Dates:
Presented by GUITAR Magazine
27.01.2017 DE-Leipzig, Naumanns im Felsenkeller (with Shotgun Valium)
28.01.2017 DE-Dessau, Cadillac (with Jeff Aug solo performance)
03.03.2017 DE-Weikersheim, Club W71
04.03.2017 DE-Immenstadt, Rainbow (official album release concert!)
09.03.2017 DE-Karlsruhe, KoHi
10.03.2017 NL-Tilburg, Little Devil*
11.03.2017 NL-Landgraaf, Oefenbunker*
12.03.2016 DE-Düsseldorf, Pitcher*
17.03.2017 DE-Reutlingen, Franz.K (as support for WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE!)
27.04.2017 DE-Burgkunstadt, TECnet
28.04.2017 DE-Schwerin, Speicher
29.04.2017 DE-Erfurt, Museumskeller HsD (w/ Shotgun Valium)
30.04.2017 DE-Berlin, Supamolly  (special guest:  JUD)
*with special guest Chris Haskett's Amplified Ambition (Rollins Band guitarist!)

Artist Management & Booking by MAXIMUM Booking: info@MAXIMUMBooking.com

For more information:
www.ape-shifter-com
www.facebook.com/apeshifter/

Bandcamp: https://apeshifter.bandcamp.com/album/ape-shifter

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Album copies for promotion and review available upon request. Artist is available for interviews. All press inquiries to Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

1/05/2017

Instrumental Classical-New Age Review: Summer Swee-Singh & the Crazy 88-Self Titled

Release Date: June 21, 2016
Label: Independent

Summer Swee-Singh is veteran performer that presents a polished sound in each track on her latest self-titled release Summer Swee-Singh & the Crazy 88.

Her sound resonates with a self-assurance and gracefulness that instantly attracts you and vitalizes your senses, or revitalizes, whatever your need may be. For me it usually is the batteries that need to be recharged in most cases. It always is a good time to listen to music like this for that reason alone.

Summer reminds me of a proud and confident solo pianist that takes the stage and holds the audience in complete silence and awe until she stops playing. It is only then when the audience releases its energy with a loud roar of approval. The music is simplistic and it holds you spellbound like a religious ceremony, the people come to the church of music to pay tribute to the one who is the object of their affection. That may sound just a bit over top however it is only an analogy, a thought or parallel if you will.

Some of the tracks are heavily influenced by classical that develop into new age and others have bits of rolling piano that sound more like a movie soundtrack injected with elements of jazz such as “Apples and Tea.” Then there are stunning and colorful compositions like “Berkeley.” Anyone who knows music can figure out from whence the title of that track came. 

For my ears and overall experience the way this music was recorded, its eclectic and simplistic style, all fit together like a puzzle you know by heart. All the pieces just fall right into place. Everything you are hearing was meant for you the very moment you are hearing it. It made me feel that way. It is all as pure as a hot spring or freshy fallen snow at the highest peak of a mountain. It is musical perfection in progress, I would not change a thing.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 5, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks: 
01. Hello, My Name Is Summer
02. Berkeley
03. JFN
04. Samina
05. Selina & Dil
06. Mikael (For Irina & Sarkis)
07. Alexandra y Servando
08. Seabird (For Brittaney)
09. Apples and Tea
10. 27


8/24/2016

Hard Driving Rock Debut CD By Neon Alley Feat. Guitarist / Vocalist David Vaccaro To Be Released


Boston, MA - Known for (what the band likes to call) Modern Classic Rock, Neon Alley takes you back to an era when Rock wasn’t about making a quick buck, but about songs written and performed from the heart.

BAND: David Vaccaro – Lead vocals, guitars, keyboards. Mike McDonald – Bass, Vocals. Scott Marion – Drums & percussion

BACKGROUND: David Vaccaro’s story in music has a rare upward sweep. Vaccaro has journeyed from hardscrabble Boston club dates to the 90’s music scene of Los Angeles and creative collaborations with some of melodic rock’s platinum selling vocalists. With the self-titled debut album of his new band Neon Alley (out on DMV Music), Vaccaro revisits that visceral soulfulness of his early days. This collection of originals including a cleverly re-imagined cover is perfectly crafted for sweat-soaked live performances.

And Neon Alley has been doing just that, sweat-soaked live performances in clubs in and around Central Massachusetts, working their live show and earning a reputation as one of the best live bands in the area.

David’s previous CD releases under the band name V-Project include Lost Demos and New Machine.

Lost Demos, for the most part an acoustic rock CD, features collaborations and vocals by Robin McAuley (Grand Prix, McAuley Schenker Group, Survivor, Raiding The Rock Vault), James Christian (House of Lords), Christopher Post (Dillinger) and Dennis Gresham.

V-Project’s Lost Demos garnered glowing reviews (see insert) from magazines and blogs in both the U.S. and Europe.

Vaccaro soon began work on his second CD that would be titled New Machine.

With Robin McAuley once again lending his distinctive vocal edge to four of the CD’s tracks, New Machine was a decidedly more amped up affair. A big step forward as well for Vaccaro as he is featured for the first time on five of the CD’s tracks in a lead vocal capacity, making over half of the CD, a one man show.

Reviews of V-Project’s New Machine were very positive, with the tracks You Don’t Care and Disclaimer receiving significant airplay on secondary radio markets around the US and on internet podcast radio shows.

NEON ALLEY: With his new 3-piece power trio–Neon Alley, Vaccaro is poised to give fans a neon blast of guitar-driven modern classic rock. In support of the new CD release the band has teamed up with Boston film Director Vladimir Minuty to create videos for the first two singles That’s How It Is and I Only Want To Be With You.

Previous Release: V-Project - Lost Demos
(DMV Music)

“The overall outcome of the album is astounding.....Lost Demos one of the finest albums of the year from this region or any other.” (Metronome Magazine, Boston)

“From the start, I was hit by “Only Friend”, written by McAuley/Vaccaro/Post. It’s universally relatable lyrics of gratitude, contrasting harmonies, percussion and Latin style guitar make this one a keeper. “The Good Times”, with its beautifully inviting guitar opening, is also impossible to resist.” (Carol Anne Szel for Inside Connection Magazine)

“These numbers aren’t your usual melodic rock that you’ve heard a thousand times already over the last 15 or so years – instead they are of an electric/acoustic relaxing quality that originally turned you on to the incredible material found on albums like Led Zeppelin 3 and 4 but brought more up to date without losing that bright, glowing, atmospheric style that new technology seems to kill these days.” (MetalliVille Webzine, Sheffield, England)

“A good collection of ballad and mid tempo pop rockers, made even better by some outstanding vocalists.” (Melodicrock.com, Australia)

Previous Release: V-Project - New Machine
(DMV Music)

“Solid and unassuming, yet deceptively addictive, this is a hard rock album worth hearing.” (Metalstorm Magazine)

“I like this CD very much, especially ”Somebody Like You” and “ You Don’t Care”. The production is good and the guitar playing great.” (Music Producer Tom Werman - Producer of 23 gold and platinum rock albums. Artists include: Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Molly Hatchet, Blue Oyster Cult, Twisted Sister, and more...)

“The New Machine works! These are great tunes for a backyard barbecue!” (Home of Rock, Das Rock Magazine, Germany)

“All the songs are great with at least half going into immediate rotation on my playlist.” (24Rock.net)

“I think Vaccaro has hit pay dirt with the fittingly titled New Machine. Go ahead take a ride, you’ll love it.” (Metronome Magazine, Boston)

To purchase Neon Alley's debut CD: http://shop.bandwear.com/collections/dmv-music-shop/products/cd_dmvm001

For more information:
DMVMusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/NeonAlley/ 

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

5/30/2015

Rock Review: Points North-Self Titled

Release Date: 21stApril 2015
Label:  Magna Carta Records

Points North is a band that has just released their second, and self-titled album, following on from their debut album released in 2012, Road Less Traveled.

Influences for the band comes from the likes of Rush and Joe Satriani, and although I really dislike trying to put bands styles into little boxes, the best description of Points North sound would be melodic guitar driven rock. Album No1 was an instrumental album, but Points North have stepped up to the mic with album No 2 and added some vocals.

The band is a 3 piece outfit comprising Eric Barnett (guitars), Uriah Duffy (bass) and Kevin Aiello (drums) who are all experienced musicians and between them have tutored, been session musicians, played in a well-known band (Whitesnake) and shared the stage with Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Etta James.

Points North, the album, contains 11 tracks and has around 53 minutes of music on offer. The longest and shortest tracks on the album are “Turning Point” and “Child’s Play,” lasting 7:15 minutes and 3:25 minutes respectively. 

The opening, well titled, track, “Ignition” (3:58), blast out of the speakers from the word “Go” and continues to power along with some slight tempo changes. Guitarist Eric gets to showcase some excellent riffs ably backed up by Uriah and Kevin on bass and drums respectively. At a touch under 4 minutes in length, it certainly does not outstay its welcome and is too soon over. A blistering opening to the album, but as this is a mainly instrumental release can the band maintain this level of listener interest?

“North Star” (4:38) is a more laidback style of track with more of the excellent guitar work by Eric. Latterly in the song there is an amazingly atmospheric passage. “Child’s Play” (5:18), “Sky Punch” (3:26) and “Rites of Passage” (5:26) are all tracks that combine the heavy driving edge of rock, tinged at times with some extremely melodic atmospheric passages.

“Colorblind” (3:53) sees the band venturing into the vocal side of things and although passable, the vocals are not earth-shattering. The music follows the path of previous tracks and I don’t feel that the lyrics add another dimension to the music.

Next up, “Harlequin” (5:08) is an almost folky, jazz influenced track which again highlights the skills of this tight unit of musicians.

The final quartet of tracks, “Turning Point” (7:15), “Red Eye” (4:42), “Foxes and Cougars” (5:19) and “Killer Pounder” (3:43) hold no surprises after what has already gone, but the band vary the “heaviness” within and between tracks to maintain the interest.

Points North is an extremely enjoyable rock album which, having posed the question about interest levels and instrumentals earlier in the review, successfully navigates through the minefield and maintains the listeners’ attention. Enjoyable as Points Northis however, it doesn’t have that spark that lifts it to a greater level. Good solid rock, played by enthusiastic, skilled and experienced musicians is a worthwhile listen and should get many rock fans parting with some money to add Points North by Points North to their collections.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks:  Northstar, Rites Of Passage, Harlequin

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

May 30, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Tracks: 
Ignition
North Star
Child’s Play
Sky Punch
Rites Of Passage
Colorblind
Harlequin
Turning Point
Red Eye
Foxes and Cougars
Killer Pounder


6/20/2014

Progressive Rock Feature: Froskull

Nashville's premier progressive rock band, Froskull captures a technical eloquence, a dynamic caprice, and an aggressively cosmopolitan style that defies easy classification.

Froskull's holistic musical style has placed them in the spotlight of Jazz, Fusion, and Rock talk shows. Froskull has shared the stage with a spectrum of artists: from Nashville Country stars Chris Young and Lee Brice to Rock and Roll legend Derek St.Holmes.

Though nothing short of a fastidious progressive rock band, Froskull's wild expressiveness and "pan-genre" feel emote with average listeners while provoking more particular music lovers to lend an ear.



6/19/2014

Progressive Rock Feature: Froskull

Nashville's premier progressive rock band, Froskull captures a technical eloquence, a dynamic caprice, and an aggressively cosmopolitan style that defies easy classification.

Froskull's holistic musical style has placed them in the spotlight of Jazz, Fusion, and Rock talk shows. Froskull has shared the stage with a spectrum of artists: from Nashville Country stars Chris Young and Lee Brice to Rock and Roll legend Derek St.Holmes.

Though nothing short of a fastidious progressive rock band, Froskull's wild expressiveness and "pan-genre" feel emote with average listeners while provoking more particular music lovers to lend an ear.



6/15/2014

NC Americana Acoustic Duo The Everydays Release Highly Anticipated Debut CD


Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of Americana music fans worldwide, the highly anticipated debut CD by The Everyday's has been released! The Everydays, from Black Mountain, North Carolina, is the collaborative effort between singer-songwriters Tim Marsh and David Zoll. Both musicians also maintain membership in several area acts including Chalwa, Asheville Horns and Bayou Diesel. Tim Marsh and David Zoll also perform as solo acts under their respective names. The album was recorded and engineered by J Ferris at Discfunctinonal Family studios in Asheville, NC.

Says David, “This album for us is just a collection of tunes played and recorded in a live, bare-bones style. Some we wrote individually, some together, and some learned and recorded on the spot. That was part of the fun. It started more as just having a good time playing some songs at our friend J Ferris's studio. The more we listened back, the more we thought we might have something. We were really proud of the few co-writes and the arrangements. It started as a demo, then an EP, and eventually we decided to release a ten-track album.”

The Everydays grew from the common musical interests of Marsh and Zoll who first performed together in an electric band featuring Marsh's compositions. A love for acoustic roots music and vocal harmony lead the pair to form The Everydays, turning towards a simpler, more focused sound. The duo's musical influences range from Doc Watson, Clarence White and The Beatles to Simon & Garfunkel, CS&N, and the Grateful Dead.

"Meet The Everydays, the sweeter, subtler side of two local rockers; sincere songs with seventies swagger and timeless musicianship" - Laura Blackley, WNCW Host of Local Color 

"A finely crafted album...moody and textural, showcasing Zoll and Marsh's tasteful and complimentary guitar and vocal stylings." - Alli Marshell, Mountain Xpress

"The Everydays have created satisfyingly sincere songs, sung by soul-siblings with stirring stories to share". -Jonathan Scales, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

The Everydays are currently performing in support of their self-titled debut, which has been receiving substantial airplay on 88.7 WNCW in Spindale, NC. In closing David has this to convey, “Love. Listen. Enjoy the tunes and the delivery. Dynamics. We feel like the real message will be delivered with our next album, which is already in the works.”

Tracks:

1. You Can Leave
2. Waiting
3. So I Leave It To You
4. Sound of the Truth
5. Sadie
6. It's Nothing New
7. Ain't No Change
8. Westside
9. Joanie
10. Time To Go

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Everydays/279595242155033

To purchase 'The Everydays' CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/theeverydays

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

4/26/2014

Rock Review: Red Dragon Cartel-Self Titled

Release Date:January 28, 2014
Label: Frontiers Records

Jake E. Lee is no stranger to the rock game. He made a name for himself in the 80s as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on 1983’s Bark at the Moon and 1986’s The Ultimate Sin. After being fired from Ozzy’s band, he went on to form Badlands with Ray Gillen, which lasted from the late 80s into the early 90s. He released his first solo album in 1996, the well-received A Fine Pink Mist. He stayed relatively quiet going into the new millennium and the years that followed, releasing solo albums in ’05, ’07, and ’08.  However, things could not remain the same forever.

Jake E. Lee is back with a bright new band called Red Dragon Cartel.  Red Dragon Cartel is Jake E. Lee (guitar), Ronnie Mancuso (bass), Darren James Smith (vocals), and Jonas Fairley (drums, backing vocals).  Their self-titled debut also features Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander, Iron Maiden’s original vocalist Paul Di'Anno, Rex Brown from Pantera, Five Finger Death Punch drummer Jeremy Spencer, and In This Moment vocalist Maria Brink.

“Deceived” has Red Dragon Cartel at its best, making it one of the high points of the album. It is a rocking and catchy tune that flows with energy. The life in the song is hard to ignore, not the mention the amazing guitar action that runs throughout the album. “Deceived” is a song that works, while, on the other hand, “Shout It Out” is a song that does not.  It reminds me of 80s rock songs, but it left me thinking that I have heard it all before and lacked the life of the opener. Getting things back in the right direction is the hard hitting “Feeder.”

Next up is the show stealing “Fall from the Sky (Seagull).”  It is the type of song where everything comes together for a magical music moment.  It is the song that leaves an impression and the guitar just takes everything to the next level, rising above all other songs.  “Wasted” is another problematic song because I am not too hot on the gruff sounding vocals. It might grow on others after repeat listens, but not for me.  “Slave” keeps things fresh with its rip-roaring guitar work.  The vocal styling of Maria Brink makes “Big Mouth” worth at least one listen and definitely will have me checking out more of her work.  Heading toward the closure is The Black Sabbath-esque “War Machine” and the fiery, blues-rock “Redeem Me,” which is a pleasant surprise. The mellow “Exquisite Tenderness” is a beautiful song, but the piano track does sound out of place on this rock album.

In the end, I think this will be a divisive album for listeners with people coming away from it with a “love it” or “hate it” type of mentality.  I am sure that not everyone will like the many changes in vocalists and there are some misses on the album.  All in all, I think that Red Dragon Cartel’s debut is a case where the music is able to rise above its faults.  This is only their first album, so it will be interesting to see where they go from here.

3.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Deceived, Fall from the Sky (Seagull)”, Redeem Me

Brian McKinnon

April 26, 2014

Tracks:
01.Deceived
02.Shout It Out
03.Feeder
04.Fall from the Sky (Seagull)
05.Wasted
06.Slave
07.Big Mouth
08.War Machine
09.Redeem Me
10.Exquisite Tenderness


Review Provided By Write A Music Review