Even more CD reviews!
Wednesday 12 March @ 11:24:59 |
 by Paul Dickinson
The Paybacks Knock Loud
Matthew Fox Pilgrim
Atom and his Package Attention Attention Blah, Blah, Blah
Scotty G’s Soul Sonic Revolution Orchestra [Self-titled]
The Paybacks
Knock Loud
Get Hip Records
These rockers hail from Detroit and they sound like it. (Yeah, I mean that as a compliment.) Vocalist and guitarist Wendy Case has a throaty howl that crams all the licks, kicks and tricks of rock insanity in a wicked concoction of anthemic rage. The best track is “If I fell,” on which the power rock melds with sweet melodies and ringing hypnotic leads. This band is proof-positive that the basic elements of two aggressive guitarists, one great singer, and a killer rhythm section can still deliver compelling music.
Matthew Fox
Pilgrim
[Independent]
Mr. Fox takes the title of this release to heart, reaching deep into the well of folk music to make a record that is bluesy, eclectic, and amazingly delicate in its interpretation and execution. With guest appearances by Peter Ostroushko, Dakota Dave Hull and Kari Larson, Fox gets his music (a mix of originals and traditional compositions) to soar to new heights. Mandolins, fiddles and guitars, with the aid of the occasional thumping bass and drums, weave a tapestry of sophisticated sounds that create a special sort of roar. His voice resonates with an authenticity that brings everything to life in vivid living color, making this the perfect record to warm up a frozen world.
Atom and his Package
Attention Attention Blah, Blah, Blah
Hopeless Records
Launched from Philadelphia, this slightly twisted, hyperactive punk-pop missile attack explodes right on target. The beats churn, the synths wail, a dude screams into a cheap microphone and the world is once again aflame. All kinds of subjects, ranging from international politics to the absolute joy of bicycle riding, come alive on this CD. The soothing, top-secret therapy of distorted bar chords make me feel oh so human-human enough to feel the animal within me. Kudos to these maniacs for dragging us, the listening public, out of our slumber with these 13 jagged gems. Get your copy today.
Scotty G’s Soul Sonic Revolution Orchestra
[Self-titled]
[Independent]
Gritty funk and hard rock collide in this long-anticipated debut by one of the most dynamic live acts in town. As lead vocalist, Scotty G growls and hurls staccato raps through these 10 high-powered cuts that feature squealing and roaring guitars, turntable scratching, pounding beats, and rock-steady percussion. Scotty G and crew take the “sonic” pretty damn seriously, using every frequency available to blast out their musical territory. His vocal presence is what unites the smooth stylings and rough angles of this record to build a unique wall of sound that won’t fall down. I’m excited and a little afraid about Scotty G’s next audio manuever. Will it be covered under the “Orange Alert”?
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