Around Hear Page 2
Sue Fink is a singer-songwriter with a quirky take on folk’s storytelling tradition. At times she sounds as if she is writing children’s music with her sing-songy melodies and PG subject matter about dogs, fish, and cell phones. Musically, her second album, Damsel In Distress, never charts new territory, but lyrically, she’s quite creative. (www.suefink.com)
– Joseph Simek
Although For Pilots is actually a trio of capable musicians, no less than 18 additional players are credited with everything from backing vocals to accordion to violin on the 10 tracks of Fortunate. The band has a polished folk rock sound that comes alive with a foot-stomping rhythm and bright horns on “Take It Slow,” and gospel-inspired backing vocals enhance the melancholy vibe of “Let It Go With The Wind.” (www.lostinamericamusic.com/forpilots)
– Jason Scales
There are 14 cuts on State And Main, the first solo effort from Francisco Castle (aka Jason Chapman), and while none are polished or accomplished, they’re adequate. The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys (via “Lady Liberty” and “Methodology,” respectively) are obvious influences, yet the lo-fi “garage folk” sound, though clearly embryonic, remains refreshing and original. (www.myspace.com/franciscokastle)
– Jeff Berkwits
Javelinas are a Chicago-based outfit who combine Americana, classic punk and rock, and the singer-songwriter vibe to great effect on Seven Sisters. Fronted by Chris McInnis, the band crank out a sound that recalls what was great about 20th century American music. Comparisons to Social Distortion and Uncle Tupelo can be made, but Javelinas can’t be easily summarized. “Red Shoes” and “SSA” are great tracks, but all the tunes here work. Fans of what we used to call straight-up rock ‘n’ roll will like this one. (www.myspace.com/javelinas)
– Mike O’Cull
Respected theater critic Rob Kendt brings a schizophrenic range of influences to the table on I’m Not Sentimental without letting any one take over. Barry Manilow dances around “Lullaby,” Elvis Costello instigates a punch-up in “Suspicious Parties,” and Lyle Lovett crookedly grins through “Summer Is Coming.” A jazzy hep-cat cover of pop tart Britney Spears’ “Oops I Did It Again” mashed up with The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” incites a good laugh. (www.robkendt.com)
– Janine Schaults
While they may not quite be the timeless tunes the title suggests, Bobby Midnight And The Big Ordeals‘ latest disc, Instant Classics, does present a compelling “best-of” package. “The Rain” captures the act’s at-times exaggerated Bon Jovi guitar grandeur, even as cuts like “Paris Hiltune” blend a sense of humor with solid songwriting. Many of the 22 tracks are melodically simplistic, but in general it’s a respectable retrospective. (www.bobbymidnight.com)
– Jeff Berkwits
Perfectly off-kilter with a twisted pop sensibility, Model Rocket Scientist cram Affordable Audio Healthcare with soulful, electric grooves, terrifically quirky lyrics, and passionate vocals. Driving keyboards and fractured guitar fuel “No Bugs In My Face” while beeping electronics and soaring vocals elevate “Outside.” Some tracks overstay their welcome (“Daydreamer,” “The Clear”), but the playful spirit and precise execution make this a joyful debut. (www.myspace.com/modelrocketscientist)
– Patrick Conlan
My Were They incorporate vintage R.E.M. and Psychedelic Furs into shimmering shoegazer music on their second CD, After They Threw Me In The Water And Before I Drowned. Lead singer/guitarist Michael D.’s haunted vocals evoke Michael Stipe or Richard Butler. The slower songs build enough atmosphere to remain interesting, and My Were They really take off on the high-energy tracks “Sixteen” and “Afterglow.” (www.mywerethey.com)
– Terrence Flamm
Much of the credit for the highly polished mainstream rock on Painkiller Hotel‘s full-length debut, Black Roses, goes to lead singer/guitarist Kevin Presbrey, who co-wrote the songs with guitarist Chris Sevier. Presbrey conveys the heartache of a lost relationship on the midtempo “So Far Away,” and he soars, along with the powerful strumming of lead guitarist/backing vocalist Joel Frieders on the grunge of “Becoming Someone Else.” (www.painkillerhotel.com)
– Terrence Flamm
Pistols At Dawn definitely know their history. The title track of their War Is A Feeling EP alludes to Hitler’s 1933 appointment as German Chancellor, while “Viva Argentina” appears to be an ode to post-“Guerra Sucia” Argentinean democracy. The band’s sound is equally intelligent, with crisp rock performances and solid songwriting. This four-track effort marks the group’s third EP; with such a robust repertoire, a full-length effort should hopefully be on the horizon soon. (www.pistolsatdawnmusic.com)
– Jeff Berkwits
Category: Around Hear
