Around Hear Page 2

Indie stalwart bassist Griffin Rodriguez (a.k.a. Blue Hawaii) and drummer Chris Powell are the braintrust duo behind Icy Demons. Their second full-length, Tears Of A Clone, cuts a wide-ranging swath of recorded electronica, pinballing between the insouciance of mid-’70s Zappa, the eternal ambience of Brain Eno, the percussive minimalism of Steve Reich, and all rock reference points between. (www.icydemons.com)
– David C. Eldredge

For a brother and sister duo who started at church youth group meetings, Ivari have come a long way. Emily and Andy Ivari are now writing mature, often acoustic rock songs, one of which received honorable mention in the 2001 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Although their latest EP, Twilight, is catchy, it is also extremely sterile as the duo rarely deviate from standard pop structures. (www.myspace.com/ivarimusic)
– Joe Simek

Let Them Have It is definitely an appropriate title for the first full-length from South Side stalwarts Jesus And The Devil. Their take-no-prisoners punk approach is forceful but not overpowering, allowing listeners to grasp the considered lyrics of songs like “Hostage” and “Burn Thy Love” while at the same time being barraged with a fierce guitar/drum/bass fusillade. It’s a solid 13-song set. (www.jesusandthedevil.com)
– Jeff Berkwits

While his theater credits in Forever Plaid and God And Country – plus vocal coaching on the touring edition of The Lion King – are impressive, Ben Johnson‘s self-titled debut is less than stellar. Despite obvious vocal training, he makes the mistake of trying to combine the pop splendor of Elton John and the artistic leanings of Tori Amos with the booming delivery of Broadway, failing to properly serve either side of his personality. (www.benjohnsonmusic.com)
– Andy Argyrakis

Chicago rapper Verbal Kent survives a slashed throat on Move With The Walls, a bloody sophomore narrative that makes Kanye West’s near-lifer album sound like a pin prick. A combination of raw-dog DMX and misanthropic Necro stylings, these torturous stories are dirtier than the dusty beats beneath. He should curb the homophobia and clean his vinyl next time for an even sharper statement. (www.verbalkent.com)
– Mike Meyer

Though it’s easy to appreciate their enthusiasm and affection for the beloved genre of metal, much of The Lifeline’s For All Who Triumph is rather cliché and uninspired. Even with the infusion of a little pop punk on tracks like “I-90” and “Resolution,” their lack of original thought dominates what is ultimately a flavorless album. (thelifelinemu sic@yahoo.com)
– Dean Ramos

Approximating a sort of supergroup of styles, Marazene mesh three of Chicago’s biggest acts into an unholy conflagration on MachiNation. Taking cues from Ministry, Smashing Pumpkins, and Disturbed, Marazene chisel a pulse-pounding, guitarlaced grind that’s simultaneously organic and mechanical. The apocalyptic fury of the title track is unrelenting and stands as a proud torchbearer of Chicago’s industrial roots. (www.marazene.com)
– Patrick Conlan

Recalling the inimitable ambiance of a smoky, late-night jazz lounge, Shawn Maxwell and his talented quartet shine on their debut disc. “Iynes Crayons” is an intoxicatingly tranquil tune enlivened by a terrific trombone solo, and “Lunch-Box” closes the proceedings with a great boogie-woogie-inspired beat. Showcasing Maxwell’s consummate woodwind prowess, all 10 tracks on the aptly titled Originals evoke a classic jazz air while simultaneously sounding imaginative and fresh. (www.shawnmaxwell.com)
– Jeff Berkwits

Leigh Evin McCullough does singer-songwriter material in both light and dark flavors, augmenting her voice and acoustic guitar with her band The Low Down. Her debut CD, Workin’, is full of her and the band strumming and singing their way through her vaguely Etheridge-esque songs. McCullough tends to sing just a bit over her head at times, but most fans of this sort of folk/rock fare probably won’t mind. (www.myspace.com/leighevinmccullough)
– Mike O’Cull

Medicine Hat ably displays its classic rock inspired, jam band flavored rock on State Of The Union, the band’s third independently recorded album in as many years. No classic rock stone goes unturned, with echoes of Bob Seger on “Ticket To Mexico” and well-calculated slide-guitar and harmonic highlights on the ballad “Chimborazo.” A wholesome, American vibe in musical style and sound prevails throughout. (www.medicinehatband.net)
– Jason Scales

Homegrown Chicago R&B songstress Mica sings it sweet and lovely on her recent five-song demo. She is an understated and graceful vocalist, and her voice has a quality that pulls listeners in, hoping to hear more. Spin “Keep It Movin'” and “Take It Slow” for a taste of some true South Side talent. (www.myspace.com/oldandnew)
– Mike O’Cull

The playful Microchimp take their tinkering, collegiate charm outside the classroom on Vis-A-Vis, a collision of over-educated humor and moderately heavy indie rock. “Maggie” unveils Chicago roots with Seam-influenced arpeggios and flowing post rock passages. The silly lead guitar and vocals of “Dig And Play” bounce up, up, and away like The Flaming Lips when the chorus hits. If they ditched the ape mascot and motif, they could pass for something more serious. (www.microchimpmusic.com)
– Mike Meyer

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Category: Around Hear