Review: South of Heaven – ..a beautiful winter..

South of Heaven – ..a beautiful winter..
December 28, 2010

This relatively unknown band from Arnhem in the Netherlands recently released a new album called “..a beautiful winter..” The band describes the CD as a collection of songs influenced by different styles in rock, blues, soul and punk. And that’s only the start of it.

First of all the songs are all written very well and the band is able to change in tempo, in loudness and by that they manage to keep the songs to sound fresh and exciting. Together with a slick production, the album doesn’t fall together like one big blur, but all the songs get a chance to stand out. From the more paced down opener Room In Your Life to the pointy Internet Pornography, the alternative rock song Love and the radio-friendly Blue Dress to the beautiful melodic closer Amsterdam, every song is convincing and impressive.

The vocals are very present throughout the album and on every song they are of the highest quality. Vocalist Richard Huijzer (ex-Fedchenka) is able to change in pitch and intensity seemingly without ease and Chris Gerretsen’s (also ex-Fedchenka) guitar work is outstanding. Together with a perfectly balanced rhythm section this collective of musicians has the talent and experience to figure out what they want and execute it in a way that deserves recognition and applause.

“..a beautiful winter..” is a very good album and begs the question how long it will take for this band to break through. Cause that just has to be a matter of time. The quality and talent is there, the album’s produced well, the musicians have performance experience and many of the songs are fit for radio. All I see is pluses. Audiences of the world, listen up, South of Heaven is ready to rock your eardrums.

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Review: Kasey Anderson & The Honkies – Heart of a Dog

Kasey Anderson & The Honkies – Heart of a Dog
February 15, 2011

With “Heart of a Dog”, Kasey Anderson & The Honkies deliver an album that combines the flair of southern rock & roll with the honesty and careful songwriting of roots music.

The gritty opener The Wrong Light immediately sets the tone for an album that offers energy, honesty, raw emotion and a whole lot of music. Sometimes the song are raw and gritty like the opener, but that ‘s not all the band has to offer, though I must say there’s a certain rawness to the whole thing, also production-wise. And this time, that’s a good thing, it’s a keep-it-real thing.

Mercy is more melodic and has a real rock & roll thing going on with some decent riffs and a classic rhythm basis. But there’s also a powerful uptempo anthem (Exit Ghost), an impressive, more ballad-like song (Your Side of Town) on the album.

But when this band shines brightest is on the uptempo alt-country/rock & roll songs like Sirens And Thunder, My Baby’s A Wrecking Ball and Save It For Later which is honest, down-to-earth American rock & roll in the likes of which The Boss himself once started out.

“Heart of a Dog” is a complete, versatile and impressive album. Kasey Anderson & The Honkies don’t try to do something revolutionary, they just stay true to themselves, making honest music and delivering it with passion and conviction. And they do it very well. Therefore this album is a must listen for fans of honest rock & roll, alt-country and rootsrock.

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Review: Fearless Vampire Killers – In Grandomina [EP]

Fearless Vampire Killers – In Grandomina [EP]
December 16, 2010

Fearless Vampire Killers is a band from London trying to ride along on the success of bands like My Chemical Romance, The Used and HIM. And while the “In Grandomina” EP features a couple songs with catchy hooks the songs lack depth and substance to really convince.

Even at first listen, a song like Faces In The Dirt sounds like something of MCR’s “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge”. The single Palace In Flames sounds quite promising with more suspense in the build up but after a few listens it gets quite pretentious and it gets in the way of the song.

The instrumental interval is no more than just that and the self-titled closer is a track you easily forget. The best track on the EP is without a doubt Don Teriesto which shows creativity and originality. On basis of this track alone I give Fearless Vampire Killers the benefit of the doubt.

Because they execute the songs well, it’s just that the songs themselves aren’t strong enough to warrant a feeling of enormous excitement, except for Don Teriesto. The fantasy world of Grandomina that is portrayed in the songs corresponds with a fictional story the band’s lead singer sells as a package with the EP. I’m sure this is a good fit but I judged the music on its own merits.

So yeah, there’s definitely a talent in this group, but they need to find a sound that is more original, a sound that is more of their own than of the bands in the same genre/the bands that influence them. If they manage to do that, and their songwriting can grow along with that, there is a real future for them. If they can’t manage to do that, it’ll be a long, hard road.

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Review: Fauxbois – Carry On

Fauxbois – Carry On
May 18, 2010

Fauxbois is an interesting band. You can’t really call the music on their debut “Carry On” typical, nor can you call it mindblowing. The songwriting however is carefully constructed and the album varies heavily in tempo and intensity as well as in complexity.

“Carry On” starts off with a mid-tempo folky rocker, Hearts A Radio that is a fairly decent song but doesn’t pry open too many hearts yet. In the next song, Start Of My Slip, you can hear some of the songwriting power this band possesses. With purposely repetitive lyrics the song manages not to become boring. Due to the interaction between lyrics and musical arrangement the focus shifts towards one or the other so much that it doesn’t distract from the other but brings out the best of both.

Remember February is one of the songs that stuck with me after listening to the album a couple of times. The vocals are better than on most of the tracks and the guitar arrangement gives this song a key signature sound.

 

Other songs that are worth mentioning are Neptune, Ghosts And Fireflies and Dry Into Dust, the latter of which is more uptempo and gives the album a little more spirit, which was necessary at this point as we were stuck in midtempo for too long.

Overall it’s a decent album with good songwriting and carefully composed arrangements. Musically it’s all fine but vocally most of the tracks are subpar. But this is a minor flaw you can easily overcome as it doesn’t distract from the songs too much. The interaction between the different parts of the song works so well that it’s just a technicality.

“Carry On”, for a debut is fine, but to say that it guarantees a long and blossoming career for Fauxbois, I wouldn’t be too confident to go out on a limb and predict that. I’d say it’s a careful first step towards recognition but a lot of hard work remains to be done to reach the edges of the spotlights of stardom.

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Review: Sara Jackson-Holman – When You Dream

Sara Jackson-Holman – When You Dream
May 18, 2010

While “When You Dream” is only a debut album, Sara Jackson-Holman immediately leaves a mark. There are certainly obvious influences from Irish and British contemporaries (Damien Rice, Norah Jones, Lily Allen) but Jackson-Holman manages not to sound like them, just similar.

With creative songwriting and outstanding vocal athleticism she manages to go in many directions without straying too far from the core of what she’s about musically. From the opener Come Back To Me she has a sort of playful sense in her vocals that works like a worm on a hook. And by the time you hear the first track’s last note it has reeled you in.

Lead single Into The Blue (which you may have heard on ABC’s ‘Castle’) is a rich and well-written piano song that switches in intensity. The piano melody is lush and recognizable and Jackson-Holman’s vocals are full of emotion. And through the album she keeps switching between more emotionally invested songs (the Damien Rice-like When You Dream, the serene California Gold Rush and the honest Train Ride.) and songs that come off more quirky like Cellophane or Let Me In.

I’ve heard from others that they feel her vocals aren’t always strong enough to carry the weight of the songs but I disagree completely. Sara Jackson-Holman has a distinct vocal sound but she can twist it in so many different directions that it can, in no way, be seen as weak. In fact, I think she’s a very gifted vocalist and on top of that she’s a good pianist. Making use of classical compositions and classical influences in her piano playing and song arrangements she is able to connect flavors from the past with a current sound that is not just of a high standard but also very exciting.

“When You Dream” is a remarkable debut album and if her sudden success is any indication, Sara Jackson-Holman is going to be a household name faster than you can pronounce it. This is good stuff. Very good!

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Review: Sara Jackson-Holman – A Very Merry EP

Sara Jackson-Holman – A Very Merry EP
December 2010

First heard of Sara Jackson-Holman while listening to her song Into The Blue on Castle’s season finale in may. Later on I get an e-mail on if I’m interested in reviewing her album an holiday EP. Obviously I am. Sometimes you come across raw talent that you don’t need any convincing for to listen to.

Sara Jackson-Holman is such a talent. Influences like Damien Rice and Feist easily come to mind and other reviewers have drawn comparisons with Adele and Amy Winehouse. Not unsurprisingly, even though I still think Damien Rice may be one of the strongest influences in her songwriting, which is why I draw a comparison to aspiring artist Amy Kuney. Both have a clear, high voice with a smooth, almost jazzy undertone.

Jackson-Holman’s vocals make the songs vibrant and current. She breathes new life into old Christmas classics like Carol of the Bells and Angels We Have Heard On High. You will all recognize the songs yet they will sound anew and fresh. It’s worth your buck, especially as you support a good cause. Go to her bandcamp page to listen and purchase.

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Song review: Brian Jarvis – On & On

Brian Jarvis – On & On
2010

Brian Jarvis and band make a blend of easy to listen to, ready for radio, easy to market pop/rock. On & On is one of those songs that fit right in with a million other songs you can hear every day. Is it a good song? Yes it is a good song. Does it really stand out? Yes and no. The quality of the performance is actually very high and the production’s fairly decent as well. But the songwriting doesn’t stand out as much. At times it’s predictable and could use a little more imagination. Lyrically it’s okay but nothing exceptional.

I may sound rather critical in my comments but in fact I actually enjoy this song quite a lot. It’s pleasant and it makes you smile. It’s just nothing extraordinary. But it does easily stick in your head and has a certain commercial quality to it that would make it easy to push it forward once radio picks up on it.

For mainstream radio pop/rock fans this is a band that will fit right into your collection of music. I’ve seen comparisons with Sister Hazel, Honestly, Gin Blossoms. But I don’t think Brian Jarvis is quite that far yet. There are certainly similarities in the sound and I would put them all in the same general corner of the genre but where the previously mentioned bands were able to bring something exciting to the songwriting, Brian Jarvis is still looking for that last step to make to compete in the big leagues.

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Review: Mofodishu – Rhythm is for Gals

Mofodishu – Rhythm is for Gals
October 2010

There is no easy way to describe what MOFODiSHU does. They describe themselves as a noise/drone/ambient/improv/jazz-trio. Not sure if that’s what I’d use to describe them, but since I have nothing better to go with, lets stick with it.

“Rhythm is for Gals” is the band’s sophomore release and features 4 tracks. The combination of Ross on the knobs, Noordzy on the reeds and Karl doing various other things (vocals and guitar among others) is a constant match (and sometimes mismatch) of sounds that over the whole sounds (deliberately) chaotic.

While this genre is an acquired taste in itself, MOFODiSHU is an acquired taste within the genre. Influences from acts like Wolf Eyes and Merzbow aren’t farfetched and  one could easily put the band in the same range of the genre, but MOFODiSHU does really create a sound of its own.

There’s no denying that what they do flows over in originality. And that is the band’s strongest point. Their originality. The way they combine and edit their compositions (or should I maybe say non-compositions, cause at times it seems so improv/experimental, even random that it can hardly be composed) becomes interesting. Where at times artists in the ambient/noise/drone category are able to make their music quite accessible, MOFODiSHU doesn’t quite achieve that.

So while “Rhythm is for Gals” is technically and in originality a reasonably strong package it is not likely to branch out very far. Which is kind of a shame because there is something there. Don’t expect a lot of melody, or harmony for that matter. Don’t expect easy listening. Don’t even expect songs or filmesque music. Basically, don’t expect anything, just let it happen. You’ll either be intrigued or you’ll hate it. But it definitely won’t leave you opinion-less. Which, in itself, seems an accomplishment.

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Review: John Hill – John Hill [EP]

John Hill – John Hill [EP]
October 25, 2010

Meet John Hill, an acoustic folk/rock act from the Netherlands. If you have never heard of him until now, there’s a good reason for it. The “John Hill” EP is his first release. The feel of his music has been compared to masters like Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens for example.

Inner Ear Media was approached to shine its light over this debut EP. And after a good number of listens I came to the conclusion that this is very solid singer/songwriter material. I wouldn’t go as far as to compare it to Dylan or Stevens right off the bat, but I do admit there’s a genuinity to the music that reminds you of forgotten musical eras. Hilgenkamp’s vocals are pure and honest and they envoke emotion, not only in himself and his music, but also in the imagination of the listener.

This is quite an accomplishment, because for singer/songwriters it is essential to make that personal connection with the listener, one way or another. Hannes Hilgenkamp, under the John Hill moniker does this in its purest, most honest way and, in a way, he invites the listener to accompany him in his music.

On the opener Does It Still Hurt the empathic vocals reach across, right into your heart. The storytelling presentation of the song gives the song even more credit. The more uptempo Sailin Home is a track that is pleasant to listen to and would have a decent chance on the regional and smaller radio stations in the country. Easy Prey is a little edgier and is just an extremely well-executed song. The final two songs, Hidin From Me and Decency are also of a very high quality. Especially the closer (Decency) is very subtle and comes across very personal. Additions from Florien Hilgenkamp (classical vocals) and Serge Bredewold (former bass player for Twarres and 16Down) shows he selects musical partners that can meet the high standard he set with his tracks.

Hilgenkamp proves to be not only a very accomplished songwriter as his songs are musically and lyrically relevant and accessible. He doesn’t dabble into easily available rhymes and shameless variations on melodies that have been used a million times, no he truly writes songs that don’t just sound fresh and original, they actually are fresh and original. He also proves he’s a true balladeer in the way he personalizes the song and enables the listener to do exactly the same. He brings across the story and makes an actual connection to those who open their hearts to these songs. It may only be a debut EP but it sounds like this man has been writing and performing songs for decades. He surely knows his stuff.

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Review: Massy Ferguson – Hard Water

Massy Ferguson – Hard Water
October 19, 2010

For those of you who enjoy the southern charm in music, a strong mix of ballsy southern rock and the gentle rootsy/americana influenced storytelling, from now on you can just as well find it in the Northwest. Massy Ferguson, hailing from Seattle is not the next grunge sensation, no, they don’t play grunge, but they might well be one of the newest sensations in country-rock music.

All through the past 6 decades there have been huge acts in this genre. The heydays may have been in the late 60s to mid 80s, but still the music has a huge following. And with their sophomore album, “Hard Water”, Massy Ferguson is bound to tap into that following. With an Eagles-like flair and sometimes the grit of Springsteen they release an album in the tradition of Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks. It doesn’t quite reach that level yet, but the band is starting to get awefully close.

“Hard Water” features 10 altcountry songs that are very pleasant to listen to and show a lot of musicality. There’s a certain honesty in this album that helps it flourish. Combined with the strong melodies and the passionate performance makes it a very strong release.

Standout songs are Freedom Country, Wenatchee Eyes & Dreams of St. Petersburg, but the whole album deserves a listen. Massy Ferguson is a band to watch. Their debut album may not have been top of the bill yet, but this second one surely belongs up there. And if they continue to evolve with this pace, there’s no telling where their story ends. One of the best albums in the genre in 2010.

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