Review of One Pretty Minute's "Addict"

     When David Adams gave me a sneak preview of "Addict", the first thing I said to him was that I could tell how much the band had evolved since their first release, "The System".  After listening to their second offering in its entirety, this feeling was solidified.

     As well as Adams on lead vocals and guitar, One Pretty Minute consists of Jeff Tayama on guitar, Bill Morales on bass and Andy Kuhar on drums.  Their energy on stage is captured in this CD - you can really feel the emotion.

     OPM doesn't pull any punches, rocking right out of the box with the angry bass line followed by a killer guitar lick for "It's Over Now".  The line "It's over now, won't take the best of me" pretty much sums up the entire track!

     You barely have time to catch your breath when "Killswitch" is introduced with "Trying not to follow, trying not to lead, trying to be everything you want me to be."  Who doesn't that line hit home with?  "Hurt You" tries to start out a little more playful but quickly thinks better of it.  David exhibits a different singing style in this song, with the tempo slowing down just a little bit.

     The title track "Addict" showcases each band member's individual talents very well - they all bring it!  The reverb effect at the beginning and throughout the song really makes it stand out, then add lyrics such as "You can run away, I know you're here to stay, you want this, you need this.  So put your faith in me, I control you, I am here to feed the addict", this song rocks and will stick with you!

     "Breathe" and "Carry Me" wrap up "Addict" slowing things down a little bit at times.  OPM doesn't confine itself to a certain label or speed, they play music that speaks to them, and they are doing a pretty good job of making it speak to others as well.

     Every time I catch One Pretty Minute live it's a blast...and they are always out supporting other bands, so please support them:

http://www.facebook.com/1PrettyMinute

 http://www.facebook.com/oneprettyminute

 http://www.reverbnation.com/oneprettyminute

 http://oneprettyminute.com/fr_home.cfm

Review of Skekzi's EP "Sick"

     I started listening to this CD to write my review, but when one is mesmerized to the point of staring into space, the note taking isn't done quite as quickly...so, this took a few days!

     Skekzi, formerly System Slave, features Jeremy on vocals, Chad on lead guitar and synth programming, David on rhythm guitar, Andrew on bass, and Justin, formerly of XFactor1, on drums.  "Sick" is their debut EP.

     "Sicko" gets the party started in killer fashion, with a guitar lick that soon invites everyone else to join!  Jeremy can sing any style, and it starts to come out on track one!  David Adams from "One Pretty Minute" makes a guest appearance as well, as they belt out lyrics such as, "Close my eyes and breathe, sigh of ecstasy".

     "Burn" starts out with an synthesized effect, almost as if birds are chirping, but with a more melancholy tone which soon picks up.  The drumbeat at times is reminiscent of Metallica's "One".  I challenge you to sit still during "The Withering"!  This was used in the EP teaser, with a guitar lead in to almost galloping type drumbeats.  The mood is set during the bridge, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, something lost, something found, something dead, in the ground."

     "Mouth to Mouth" is pretty disturbing if you listen to the words - definitely a love song gone wrong!  It appears to be the voice of a madman singing to his dead love, who he now must bury AGAIN!  "I'll put you right back where I found you, in the dirt the first time that I buried you."  The guitar almost spirals as if someone is slowly going crazy, and at the end the shovel is heard doing the task.  "Leeches" has a lead in almost worthy of being an instrumental on its own, but soon Jeremy starts belting out lyrics almost at the speed of an auctioneer.

     "Sick" is going in my collection without a doubt!  You can keep up with Skekzi at:

http://www.facebook.com/skekzi

http://www.reverbnation.com/skekzi

http://www.skekzi.com/

    

Review of Thee Now Sound at Scarlet & Grey Cafe August 25, 2012

     When Thee Now Sound tears onto the stage, you can't help but ask yourself where the rest of the band is...how quickly you forget that the two members in view - Dustin Rouan on guitar and vocals and Andrew Knopp on drums - complete the entire lineup!

     Thee Now Sound followed One Horse Nation, and rocked right out of the gate with 3 to 1 and The Bark and the Bite, bringing a ton of energy to the stage and lighting up the room.  The originals with a punk feel, but reminiscent of Alice in Chains, continued their entire set, including Day After Execution, 2nd Son, Statistic, Pull Out and Sick.  The night ended with Psy, where I heard a hint of Ted Nugent's "Stranglehold" and Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Want To Be"...so as you can see, it's really hard to pinpoint Thee Now Sound's music into a particular genre.

     The energy kept going the entire set, and the crowd followed suit!  Definitely worth taking the time to go to a show!  Check out their "Up Syndrome" and "Seize Thee Sound" releases, and follow them on facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thee-Now-Sound/129033883839733

http://www.facebook.com/theenowsound

http://www.reverbnation.com/theenowsound

Interview with Members of Riven for Ebony Jeanette PR

My interview with Angel, Mark and Joe from Sacramento, California based band Riven for Ebony Jeanette PR done at the Scarlet and Grey Cafe in Columbus, Ohio, June 27, 2012

Review of 2007 Self Titled "Camshaft" Release

     Camshaft:  A shaft (straight bar for transmitting motion) bearing integral cams (disk or cylinder having an irregular form).  Appropriately on their self titled CD, Braden Patchett (vocals), Mark Finckel (guitars, currently with Krynos), Damian Thompson (bass) and Tony "Crash" Carter (drums, currently with Enemy by Mourning) are decked out in their best Goodwrench Service uniforms - being a NASCAR fan, the late, great Dale Earnhardt immediately comes to mind, but that's beside the point.  The lyrics and the heavy southern rock feel of the music are exactly what you would expect with this image, however there are also some surprises showing their diversity.

     We are introduced to "Dead Cat" with a voice mail message from the police department informing us that the music is too loud.  This song is set in a minor key with a steady drumbeat, but there is nothing melancholy about it.  The pace actually quickens during the lyrics, "Eye spy a spy, I think that eyes believe, why did you try to deceive" suggesting anger within the typically upbeat mood of the song.  "Jumpstart the Joules" is just fun, it has a really catchy beat that sticks with you.  "Run for Your Guns" experiments with unique instrumental effects mimicking guns, and with the lyrics being a blend of the old west meets Mayberry, they fit perfectly. 

     "Empty Brown Bottle" is an instrumental, and I realize this is a bold statement, but I would put this in the category of Metallica's "The Call of Ktulu", Def Leppard's "Switch 625" and Black Sabbath's "E5150".  They did a really good job on this one, cool track.  "High Heat Candygirl" starts out a little like Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" with an awesome drum introduction, but then leads into something more similar to Blackfoot's "Train Train", once again proving that Camshaft doesn't fit into a specific genre, they truly have one of their own. 

     "Even After Days" slows things way down, being a story of honesty gone wrong, leading to the demise of a friendship and working relationship.  Braden really adjusts his vocals to fit the somber tone of the story, and you can almost feel the tension in the room as his band mates follow suit. 

     This 10 track CD isn't available anymore unfortunately, but luckily you can find some of their videos on youtube!  Of course you can see Crash tearing it up with Enemy by Mourning and Mark with Krynos, so definitely check their bands out!

    

Review of Nerd Table Concert at Packrat Comics - May 6, 2012

The most recent Nerd Table show I checked out reminded me yet again why I love and support local music.  Where else does the singer go out into the audience and thank fans individually for coming out and welcome them to the stage right in the middle of the show to assist with CD purchases?

            Nerd Table performed with The Fritz, Seven Book Trilogy and Tank Destroyer for Free Comic Book Day at Packrat Comics in Hilliard.  It was a Saturday afternoon, so unfortunately I couldn’t catch all the bands, but was able to see the entire Nerd Table set.  Everything you would expect to be in place at Free Comic Book day was:  Super heroes walking around, comic creators and stars of the movie “The Christmas Story” on hand to sign autographs, and, what has become a tradition, Nerd Table tearing up the parking lot…oh, and of course me walking off with my free Peanuts comic book (anyone who knows me won’t be surprised by that).

           

Ian Petrella (Randy from A Christmas Story - that is Ralphie's little brother) out showing his support for Nerd Table!

           This was my second Nerd Table show, and it reminded me of what I would expect an underground punk scene to look like.  They are proud of their music and accomplishments, however they don’t take themselves too seriously.  They mosh with each other, if they aren’t on the same page with a song they start over or pick a different one, when Adam accidentally disconnected his microphone while taking his shirt off during “Bloody Tooth” he just plugged it back in while they kept on playing.

            There were kids in attendance so they modified their set list somewhat compared to the first show I saw, including a slightly edited version of, “Please Don’t Rape My Grandma”.  The set list included favorites such as Chicken Farm, Bloody Glove, Floyd the Barber and Talk Show, including their unveiling of “Reagan’s Master Plan”.

            One of the fun highlights was when a boy from the BMX shop made the mistake of gracing the front of the stage area with his presence, soon finding himself dragged right in the middle of the “stage”.  Though traumatized maybe just for a second, he was a good sport, and later wound up with the upper hand when he gave Adam a friendly pinch!

            Hit them up on facebook -   http://www.facebook.com/nerdtablemusic - and check out a show when you can!  You will probably end up walking out with a CD just like I did!



Damn Near Down Interview - April 11, 2012

My interview with Columbus, Ohio based band Damn Near Down on the heels of their "Snakejuice" CD release!

Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire Interview

Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire interview for Ebony Jeanette PR from March 30th, 2012 at The Summit in Columbus, Ohio before their show with Arise the Titan, Fallen Captive, Bless the Child, Our City of Ruins and Bastards!



Arise the Titan Interview March 30, 2012 at The Summit

Arise the Titan Interview for Ebony Jeanette PR March 30, 2012 at The Summit before their show with Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire, Fallen Captive, Bless the Child, Our City of Ruins and Bastards!

Review of Nerd Table's "Chasing the Bronco"

     Nerd Table is a punk / grunge band out of Columbus, Ohio who has a sense of humor, but make no mistake, with Adam Casto on vocals, Nick Nighbert on guitar, Tom Barrett on bass and Michael Flowers on drums, they know how to rock!  While listening, I definitely heard some Beastie Boys influence at times, but they have their own unique edge which I was happy to have the opportunity to check out!  A common theme throughout the first several songs is that of news stories which have dominated the airwaves.

     "Terri Schiavo" is not a song for those who are offended easily, but the intent is to call the media out on gravitating toward certain news stories, grabbing hold of them, and never letting go for months on end!  In this case, a woman in a "vegetative state" who collapsed February 25, 1990, and was finally released from this state through death by starvation between March 18-31, 2005.  The music stuck with me, as the riff reminded me of Iron Maiden's "Charlotte the Harlot" with a SLIGHTLY slower tempo.  The song ends with the sound of a flatline, kind of eerie.  There is a reprise at the end of the album which is a more synthesized version.

     I really liked the beat to "Bloody Glove" - this is in reference to the OJ Simpson murder case, and is where the CD title came from, with the Bronco being OJ's police chase vehicle.  This song tells the story, and points out major court players with lyrics including, "Johnnie Cochran saved the day, Robert Shapiro was the hero...you know you must acquit, that bloody glove won't fit."

     "Take Your Baby Out of the Microwave" talks about the August 30th, 2005 death of poor little Paris by being cooked to death by her mother in a microwave oven..."spinning, spinning, spinning around, put that baby in the ground..."  The tempo decreases during the song, almost to describe the gradual, cruel nature of the torture, and ends in a rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

     "Bloody Tooth" is a tribute to Corey Haim, referring to how low one must be to resort to selling a tooth.  You can hear a distraught Rodleen Getsic expressing her sorrow, which complemented the minor key of the song perfectly.  I had to look up Ron Jeremy to understand "Ron Jeremy's Balls"....once I did it was very clear...porn music sound and sound effects, if you get my drift!  He even does a "cameo"!  "Please Don't Rape My Grandma" is a reference to, in the judge's mind one of the most brutal acts he'd ever seen where the victim survived, the grandma who was raped by a 16 year old, September 22, 2010.  The cymbals and drums are very prominent, adding to the angry effect.

     "Saved" reminded me of Stone Temple Pilots at first, evolving into a folk or Native American feel.  The blended vocals create a completely different sound.  "In This Country" is the unequivocal mosh pit song on the CD.  The Nirvana cover, "Floyd the Barber" reinstates their sense of humor as characters from "The Andy Griffith Show" crop up throughout the lyrics accompanied by a really cool bass line.  "Lonely Again" almost sounds like two completely different songs between the verses and chorus, and includes one of the more distinctive guitar solos which features an echo effect.  The final track, "Noise of Earth" begins its 8.5 minutes with Barack Obama speaking about the death of Osama Bin Laden.  Basically it is musical accompaniment to the information which permeates our lives on a daily basis.  The fade out finale felt like a calm before the storm, as if some sort of catastrophe was about to happen.

     "Chasing the Bronco" is definitely worth picking up.  Nerd Table will have their CD release party at The Tree Bar on March 31, 2012 - here is their facebook link, as well as links to keep up with Nerd Table!

http://www.facebook.com/TreeBarColumbus?sk=wall

http://www.myspace.com/nerdtable

http://www.nerdtableonline.com/

 http://www.facebook.com/nerdtablemusic?sk=wall

     

     

Review of Zeroking's "Kings of Self Destruction"

     “The devil’s callin’ from the bottom of a shot glass”…one of the lines that sets the stage for “Kings of Self Destruction” , the follow up to Zeroking’s 2006 EP, “Sweet Sale of Excess”.
With Andy Haught on lead vocals, Shane Day on guitars and backing vocals, Paul First on bass and backing vocals, and Chris Webb on drums, percussion and backing vocals, “Kings of Self Destruction” is an 80’s metal fan’s dream, without all the glam and hair spray, but those into more current music will be satisfied quite nicely as well!

      Now, typically, when doing a review, the lyrics are helpful, however in this case they weren’t necessary since THEY COULD BE UNDERSTOOD!  Andy wails with the best of them without screaming, converts his voice to different styles, and truly conforms to the mood of each track.
Throughout the CD, hints of acts such as Whitesnake, Krokus, Armored Saint, Guns ‘n Roses and Motley Crue can be heard. The vocals on “Showtime Revolution” are reminiscent of John Bush.  Every track features a mix of prominent guitar solos and perfectly blended bass and drum work.

      Your journey begins with “Dead Rock Star”, which actually, in an edited form, could be a radio hit…no, not pop, just accessible! “Forget Vegas” tells the story of the Russian Roulette game of life in the fast lane.  “Southern Lady, Ex-Godiva” starts out with a fun Southern rock piano piece, but with lines such as “For a gram and a private dance, she’s my fantasy” this is no Southern Belle!  Loved “Stone Cold Bitch”, couldn’t get enough of it!  “Love is Dead” is a duet featuring Stacee Lawson, giving the CD a different dimension and its power ballad.  “Kings of Self Destruction” begins with the presence of a faint drum beat, similar to that of the oldie but goodie “Radar Love”.  “Valentine” exhibits more piano work, very melancholy love song, performed with feeling and passion…”Maybe God was consumed by jealousy.  Maybe that’s why he took you from me.”
Having seen them in concert, I can tell you they are a lot of fun and engage in audience participation.  Follow Zeroking at:

http://www.facebook.com/Zerokingfans

http://www.reverbnation.com/zeroking

http://www.myspace.com/zeroking

Franklin County 5 Interview - September 30, 2011

Interview with the Franklin County 5 for Juggernaut Promotions on September 30, 2011 between sets at Screamin' Willie's - The Alloy Clowns and Dexter Wesley & the New Experience also performed that night!

The Alloy Clowns Rock Band Two Part Interview - 9/30/11

My interview with the Alloy Clowns for Juggernaut Promotions done before their show at Screamin' Willie's on September 30, 2011 with Dexter Wesley & the New Experience and The Franklin County 5!

Dexter Wesley & the New Experience Two Part Interview - 9/30/11

Dexter Wesley & the New Experience two part interview - September 30, 2011 at Screamin' Willie's before their show with The Alloy Clowns and Franklin County 5

Noise Auction Interview - November 9, 2011

Interview I did with Columbus, OH based band Noise Auction at their rehearsal space for Loud and Upfront in Columbus. Thanks Pam for helping with the video recording!

Interview with Zach from It Lies Within and Nick from As They Sleep

 

 

 

 

 

My interview with Zach from It Lies Within and Nick from As They Sleep for Ebony Jeanette PR, during their Alrosa Villa stop at the end of the Entourage Tour in Columbus, Ohio on January 28, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of the Damn Near Down CD "Snakejuice"

               Typically my reviews don’t come with a disclaimer, however in the case of Damn Near Down’s “Snakejuice”, I will make an exception.  When you listen to this CD, it will stick with you throughout the day, when you go to bed, and when you wake up the next morning…and you will be perfectly fine with that!

                 

                There are limited comparisons that can be made between Damn Near Down and other bands.  With Gar Keese on lead vocals, Bill Melton on bass, Dana Green on lead guitar, Bob Blackburn on guitar and vocals, and Tim Gray on drums, they have a very unique sound, all their own.

                

              “T-Boned” appropriately starts the album “2,3,4”.  Immediately the words “very polished” and “perfect synchronicity” come to mind.

                

               “Looking Down” blends Hanoi Rocks and Alice in Chains.  Damn Near Down uses a really cool effect where the drumbeat actually coincides with the guitar licks.  It does have a melancholy feel, with lyrics such as “so sweet the memories, now I can’t believe a word you say”, “It’s alright, I could tell you were lying” and “It’s alright there is no denying, you would let me down again.”

               

              "Snakejuice" is the almost 5 minute long title track which appears to include the sound of a rattlesnake nearing its prey.  There are hints of Egyptian tones, but with lines like “They say lightning never strikes the same place twice my friend” and “We keep scratching lotto tickets like we think we’re gonna’ win”, there is no doubt a modern theme.

               

               “Last Dance in Hollywood” slows things down a little while incorporating a rapping effect.

   “Friendship Ring” showcases Damn Near Down’s unique sound from the first note.  The rhythm section is very prominent, framing the story of safe secrets and staying true to your love no matter what the cost perfectly.

  “Run To You” is a Bryan Adams original.  DND stays true to the original to the point you can sing along, however they make it their own by incorporating sharper guitar licks.

  “Stay Thirsty” can be described as motivational, almost as a cheer or cadence.  The drumbeat is reminiscent of that in a marching band.

  “Mossberg” seems to be driven by some old school metal.  A 12 gauge is referred to as one would expect by the title.  The guitar has a mirror image effect with the vocals.

    Influences are a little more apparent in “Shout at the Rebel”.  Artists such as Faith No More, Kid Rock and dare I say, a little Motley Crue immediately come to mind.  They actually fake the ending of the song to tease their audience, kick it back into full gear momentarily, then stop on a dime.

“Fishnet Pantyhose” provides the finale of the CD on the lightest note of all the tracks.  It begins almost as a folk song, and wraps up with plenty of emotion.

  Damn Near Down will have their CD release party at O’Sheckys, 6240 Busch Blvd., Columbus, on March 10.  Snakejuice is a must add!!  You can also keep up with them on facebook and reverbnation:

http://www.facebook.com/DamnNearDown

http://www.reverbnation.com/damnneardown

              Review of Self Titled "Epik" EP

                Have you ever made plans to go to a show, found out a big ice storm was imminent, knew you shouldn’t head out, but did anyway?  Well, that’s what happened the first time I saw Epik, and it was worth the risk!  Their lineup consists of Tommy Mayberry on lead guitar and lead vocals, Jim Smith on bass guitar and vocals, Danny “Elroy Leroy” B. on drums, and Timmy Diamond on lead guitar.  Luckily, the next time, the weather was a little friendlier, and that’s when they graciously set me up with their EP “Epik”.

                I knew the beginning of the first song “Shred” reminded me of something, and I finally figured out it was classic Dokken…believe me, George Lynch would not mind the comparison.  It opens with a lightning fast guitar solo, with lyrics like, “See my fingers bleed as I rip through the night”… this song rocks!

                “Right now…it’s plain to see, I don’t want you and you don’t want me” is how the angry song “Now” begins.  This would be a good pissed off at your boyfriend or girlfriend song, as several times throughout, “I don’t care” is repeated…somehow I think they are trying to convince themselves more than their listeners, we’ve all been there!

                “Little Dreamer” is a Van Halen cover.  Now, admittedly, I had never heard the original until I listened while writing this review to make a fair comparison (I have friends who will give me a hard time for that one).  Epik’s version is more metal, sounds like it was originally an Iron Maiden song more than Van Halen.  They definitely made it their own.

                “Wyvern” – “a two-legged winged dragon having the hinder part of a serpent with a barbed tail.”  That pretty much sums it up, pay attention to the lyrics, they tell a story.

Next we get to the “love” song, “Perfection”…let’s keep this in perspective, there’s no fluff about it, but what woman wouldn’t want to be serenaded by, “In my eyes, you are perfection”?

                Now, on to some JUDAS PRIEST!!  No bias there at all, right?  There was a lot of Priest influence on the EP, so I wasn’t surprised to see “Desert Plains”.  Epik still made it their own, speeding it up a little bit.  Rob Halford hits some notes that few can, but Tommy was able to work it out in his own style, and did him proud!

                “Can You Feel Me” has a really catchy riff…now mind you, I’m not accusing it of being a dance song, but with lyrics like, “All the girls in the world I keep running back to you”, it will get you moving!

 Here’s how you can check out more from Epik:

http://www.reverbnation.com/epikband

http://www.facebook.com/pages/EPIK/295158710525874