Around Hear Page 2
Tempering their jittery new wave urgings with a solid pop sensibility tweaked by an ever-so-slight emo turn gives July Fourth‘s five-song Curtain Of Stars a richness that belies the band’s power trio line-up. Solid drumming keeps these guys’ faces from falling into their shoes or getting too sloggy-proggy for their own good, such that the second and third cuts score convincingly, and the final track solidly hooks the listener for good. (www.fourthofjulymusic.net)
– David C. Eldredge
Local ensemble The Aaron Koppel Quartet brims with energy on its debut release, The Wild Call Of The Multi-Tasker. Fronted by nimble guitarist Aaron Koppel, the quartet (Matt Nelson on keyboards, Graham Czach on bass, and Robbie Tucker on drums) deftly navigates through seven Koppel-penned mini suites and tackles a 10-plus minute opus (the traditional “The Handsome Cabin Boy”) with a suave silkiness. This collection is a perfect accompaniment to that first at-home dinner date. (www.myspace.com/aaronkoppelmusic)
– Janine Schaults
Mike Mangione‘s Tenebrae features the warm vocals and acoustic/soft electric guitar playing of the aforementioned singer-songwriter, but the recording is more than just the product of a solo indie-folk artist. Eight other musicians, including brother Tom who shares songwriting credits, contributed to the intimate compositions. Highlights among the 12 introspective tracks include “It’s Me, Not You,” which adds cello to the chorus, and “The Killing Floor,” a song that evolves into a glorious, hymn-like instrumental. (www.mikemangione.com)
– Jason Scales
Ecstatic Eyes Glow Glossy – a 10-track CD by Mass Shivers – is a bit disorienting, perhaps on purpose. “Womanizing Metal Studs” and “Mossy Nethers” sound like numbers from a twisted, alternative theater musical, in part because the drums never quite get beyond rudimentary beats, and the nonsensical lyrics are repetitious and stiffly delivered. “Because The Sun” and “Tense & Anxious” come closest to rocking, while the three-part “Quinine Peninsula,” out of order on the album for no apparent reason, seems like an excuse to explore some feedback. (www.sickroomrecords.com)
– Jason Scales
Some listeners would undoubtedly be turned off by Matlock‘s not-so-politically correct raps, yet his uninhibited approach also makes this Rolling Meadows rhymer’s long-awaited new LP, Moonshine, such a magnetic release. He has no reservation in copping to his kleptomania and overall scummy tendencies, and he does so with gusto. But Matlock is at his best when rapping like a bluesman over rock-sampled beats about his lifelong strife as heard on the outstanding title track. (www.myspace.com/matlockhatesyou)
– Max Herman
If you play straight-up rock, how do you stand out from the gaggle of bands out there? You could do worse than The Millions‘ recipe. Disrespectfully Yours is a slick, loudly produced album with supremely catchy hooks fleshed out in radio-friendly rock songs. “We’re Through” and “Stay Down” epitomize old-school rock with their grainy power chords and searing licks, and the chunky vibe and frantic fretwork on “Give Up” provide ample rewards. (www.millionsrock.com)
– Patrick Conlan
Joliet trio My Big Beautiful took a different approach on their second full-length release, The Way Things Are: The Soundtrack To My Life Vol. 1, by singling out one songwriter of the bunch to contribute material to the entire affair, instead of sharing writing credits. Guitarist and vocalist Steev Custer takes listeners on a journey through 10 bouncy tracks, pinpointing different touchstones in his life. “People, Places And Things” is a love letter with a kick, while the four-letter-word infused “The Strongest Signal” gets a little help from actor Samuel L. Jackson. “The Triumphant Return Of The Kid With The Misspelled Name” doesn’t match the regal title, but is a catchy romp that sets the stage for the rest of Custer’s memories in the key of punk. (www.mybigbeautiful.com)
– Janine Schaults
On Otherworld‘s latest EP, 24 Hour Sun, frontman Mark Hendryx is obviously infatuated with the late Michael Hutchence and occasionally Bono, though his limited range can’t properly pay tribute to either. “Alleluia My Love” and “I Just Want To Say Hello” fall considerably short of connecting with the same passion as INXS’ most famous frontman, while “I Really Want To Know” suffers from under-produced electronics placed in the mix of jarring guitars. (www.myspace.com/otherworld1)
– Andy Argyrakis
Recorded in 1972, subsequently shelved, then long thought to be lost, the eight new-found funk nuggets on Pieces Of Peace‘s self-titled album are a welcome blast from the past. Marvelous vocals and keyboards imbue “Pollution” with a magical, hopeful air, even as rollicking horns and conga drums turn “Peace And Blessings” into a fun, freestyle jazz jam. It’s a captivating relic that wonderfully reflects the era’s energetic creativity and confidence. (www.quannum.com)
– Jeff Berkwits
Category: Around Hear
