Review - Hearts Under Fire - Outlines

 

I'll be completely honest. I didn't want to write this review. In fact, I was pretty mad that I had to do it. Those that have followed my promotions at BTG know that I have talked about Hearts Under Fire since their Letters EP. I ranted and raved about how good their follow up ,We've Come Too Far To Live In The Past, was as well. So, here we are after two excellent Eps and a new full length that bests both of those releases and i'm still talking about them on a website dedicated to promoting unsigned and small label bands. Why?

   I guess since this is a review I should tell you that the harmonies in this release are nothing short of amazing. The tracks compliment each other well, giving the album a very cohesive feel while still having enough variety to warrant multiple plays. I could tell you that Mary's vocals have never been better, and quite effectively go from aggressive to soft and emotional without ever missing a beat. I could tell you that "Colours" and "This Can't Be Love" are two of the most addictive songs ever and will be ringing in my head for years to come. I could tell you that this is one of the best albums I've ever heard. I could actually tell you a lot of things, but i'm much too angry to talk anymore about it. The fact that i'm still talking about this band on a small website dedicated to bands that haven't made it yet is quite frankly, ridiculous. 

   Oh yes, we need one of those nifty quotes to put on all the press releases for it to be a full-fledged review. All right then:

"Hearts Under Fire has completed yet another masterpiece. In their first full length release the band showcases their amazing harmonies and skilled song composition. One of the best this year."

   Please, for the love of all that's holy, share the band's videos. Go talk about them to your friends. Post them everywhere. Just give them the credit they deserve. I don't ever want to have to write about this band again. Go follow Hearts Under Fire on Facebook and Twitter.
Score : 10/10

Review - Stef Lang - Rubix

   Rubix is the latest release from Canadian artist Stef Lang. While some of Stef's past ventures have flirted with other genres, Rubix plants itself firmly in the Pop / Dance genre.

   The EP is a brilliant mix of addictive beats woven seamlessly with Stef's vocals. Though the journey is over with a bit too quickly, this is a release that begs to be replayed. Songs like "Give It All To You" and "Run Run Run" are two of my favorite tracks, and will demand a place on your permanent rotation. This is another impressive release from an artist that already has an outstanding resume. If you're a fan of Pop / Dance or just music in general, this is a no-brainer. Pick it up and make sure to follow Stef Lang on Facebook and Twitter.

                      Score: 8.5 

Review - Kylie Odetta - Waiting Game

   Waiting Game is the ten track full length album from singer / songwriter Kylie Odetta. The pop / alternative artist has an allure to her voice that compels you to listen from the opening title track.  The melodies and beat of each track are constructed in a way that enhances the overall listening experience.

 
   The cd showcases Kylie's many different sides. From pop to bluesy, to soulful. It's all here. There is definitely some diversity to the album. "One Day, Some Day"  provides an emotional ballad that lets Kylie showcase her vocals, as does the acoustic song "Bad Addiction" featured in the video below.

   The overall quality of the cd is high, and most songs are catchy enough to keep you listening for the duration. I recommend you give it a go and watch out for this artist going forward. An impressive effort, especially considering the artist is only sixteen years old. Be sure to catch up with Kylie on Facebook and Twitter. 

Review - Julie Gribble - Crimson Sky

   Julie Gribble is a Country / Americana  artist that has a sound reminiscent of classic Country and folk artists. Her style is a throwback to a time when Country music wasn't quite as poppy and as heavily produced. That's the biggest part of the charm with Crimson Sky. The music and lyrics feel authentic and genuine.

   The seven track release has several memorable tracks. The completely honest ex-hating song "Like You" will probably be a favorite of many listeners. There's a really great consistency that exists on this release. Nothing feels manufactured or forced. If you like Country/ Americana/ Folk music, there's really no reason not to check out Crimson Sky. Recommended listening. Be sure to catch up with Julie Gribble on Facebook and Twitter.

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Review - Stitched Up Heart - Skeleton Key

It's been a little while since Stitched Up Heart released their debut three song EP. Though there have been line up changes and numerous delays, i'm glad to say that "Skeleton Key" will probably not only meet fans expectations, but surpass them handily.

Review - Grown Up Avenger Stuff - Sparkleton

Want me to put Grown Up Avenger Stuff in a genre for you? Not going to happen. I don't think it's remotely possible, and I wouldn't want to limit them by giving them a classification anyway. That's precisely what I love about them. What's here in this release is seven tracks full of creativity and originality. It's the perfect rock / punk / dance / soul combo of music. Yes, you read that right.

The diversity really is the thing that stands out here. The excellent vocals wail, scream, and soothe all in the span of one track. The instrumentals enhance and provide a beat that makes Sparkleton a complete package.

Songs like "The Beat" really showcase just how different and effective this band is on all fronts. "Pins" is also a favorite of mine, but it really comes down to your tastes as to what songs will be your favorite. In fact, I challenge you to listen to Sparkleton and not walk away with a favorite track stuck in your head. It's just that good.
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Review - Chasing Jonah - Prelude

 
Every journey in the music industry starts at the bottom of the mountain. It's an uphill struggle filled with years of grueling hours of work , determination, and frustration. The climb for Chasing Jonah has been no different. After releasing their previous EP the band became more of a collaborative project than a set line up. Ashley Dudukovich enlisted the help of several musicians in order to make Chasing Jonah's first full length album a reality. I'm happy to say that the time and effort was not wasted.

Review - Eversay

   Eversay's debut EP might not redefine music or even the pop / rock genre that it resides in. It probably won't change your mind if you already don't like the genre. What it does do right however, is pretty much everything else.

   The five track EP is filled with catchy hooks and melodies. There is plenty of variety as well. "Ending To A New Beginning" and "This Time" provide upbeat tracks that move at a perfect pace to begin the release with. "Forget Me Not" offers a change of scenery as the sole ballad on the release and "Build A Bridge" closes things down on an aggressive note. The band wisely doesn't let any of the tracks linger for too long. The songs pull you in just long enough to get their hooks in you.

   Eversay has created a solid debut that offers up some memorable tracks. I look forward to hearing the maturation of the songwriting as the band progresses. If you like the pop / rock genre this will be a no-brainer for you. Pick up their debut and tell your local venue to book Eversay.

Catch up with the band on Facebook and Twitter.

Review - Sunshine & Bullets - Triangulum Mechanism

   Triangulum Mechanism is the full length offering from Sunshine & Bullets. Weighing in at twenty songs, four of which are intros, makes this the most ambitious release to date in both size and production values.

   The song "Go" was a wise choice for the single and really showcases the amazing production that went into this album. The dual male and female vocals on this track are almost chilling in their delivery. They are really that exceptionally done. Songs like "Go" and "Untold Stories" really show the band on another level. It's the deeper songs like these with multiple layers that have me excited about what this band can truly be in the future.

Review - Lavola - This Book Is My Cowardice

   You remember that group of kids that sat in the back of chemistry class in high school? The ones that didn't want to mix chemical A with chemical B to get the same results as everyone else. The kids that grabbed every chemical they could to form an unknown substance with sometimes brilliant and always unpredictable results. That's Lavola.

Review - Vinyl Theatre - Chromatic

   Chromatic is the latest offering from Wisconsin based indie / electronic band Vinyl Theatre. The five track EP is a unique mixture of several genres. Fans of both rock and pop music should find plenty to like here. The choruses ring loud and lasting as it becomes obvious from the first track that this band knows how to write a hook.

   If you're looking for comparisons I would probably lean toward a dash of The Killers mixed with a bit of Oasis but with a touch of their own personality. The Oasis reference is most prevalent in the chorus of "Drums In My Head", which is one of my favorite tracks. This release is an incredibly addictive and well produced album. Definitely one of the early surprises of 2014.

Review - Neo Geo - Digital DNA

  

 Digital DNA is the new full length release from California based band Neo Geo. The eleven track album has the band embracing the electronic / dance side of their personality a bit more and they seem more than comfortable in doing so. The album still showcases bits of other genres which keeps the track listing fresh for the duration. 

Review - Geri X - White Light

   White Light is the fourteenth release from artist Geri X. Geri is an emotional writer whose lyrics always portray whatever feelings she holds inside at the time of writing. The songs are always honest and the vocals are always something that leave the listener entranced. I've been a fan of her work as a whole.

Review - Nevermind - Wide Eyed

  Wide Eyed is the first offering from UK based electronic band Nevermind. The five track EP creates an overall atmosphere that draws you in from the moment you become engaged with it. Wide Eyed creates an aural landscape that not only feels cohesive enough to never detract you from the experience, but it varies enough from track to track to prevent the EP from becoming tedious and monotonous.

Review - Daybreak Embrace - Mercury

  

  Mercury is the latest release from the South Florida band Daybreak Embrace.  Their 2010 release, Tomorrow Awaits, was a solid rock EP with good hooks that showed a lot of promise. Fans that endured the wait for new material are being treated to a much bigger, bolder, and more refined version of the band in this release. You'll notice the difference in production and quality as soon as the first track begins. It's always good to see bands take the next step with their material and Mercury sounds like an evolutionary step in the right direction.

Review - Emily Kopp - Serendipity Find Me

   Improvement is always a goal for any artist releasing new material. If there actually was an award for most improved on Beneath The Grid it would undoubtedly go to Emily Kopp this year. Some of the songwriting on Serendipity Find Me surpasses her debut EP by leaps and bounds. This is an amazing accomplishment considering the singer / songwriter is only twenty-three years of age.

Review - A Brilliant Lie - Waking Vessels

   The Orlando, Florida based band is back with a new EP. Their debut release, Regarding Harry Lime remains my favorite album that I've ever had the pleasure of reviewing. I had to actually stop listening to the original release and the early demos in order to be able to listen to Waking Vessels objectively. The debut was an amazing blend of instrumentals meshing seamlessly with vocals that echoed real sentiment and emotion. Considering how highly I regarded the debut, I worried that it might be hard to match the level of artistic honesty and songwriting that was so prominent in the first EP.  If you haven't heard their original EP then stop reading right now and give it a listen here.

Review - B.O.A.R. - Landing

   Landing is a six track EP that should appeal to fans of the rock genre. Brothers Of Alien Rock's release features a blend of vocals and instrumentals that excel during the heavier sections. Starting out with guns blazing, "Movin Out" sets the tone for the cd and the tracks "Ring Of Fire" and "Dead Wrong" keep the assault going at full speed.


   Before things get monotonous, the cd shifts gears with the much softer song "Home". The last two tracks, "Homogenized" and "Everybody Dies", both stand on their own and don't retread on familiar ground. A lot of releases in the rock genre tend to fall into a repetitive pattern with their track listings but there is enough diversity and depth here to keep you interested for the duration. The higher points of the cd definitely happen when the gas pedal is on the floor and everything rolls at high speed, however, the few changes of pace still result in quality songs and stop the album from reaching a point of tedium. Put it in and play it loud. Recommended. Be sure to catch up with B.O.A.R. on Facebook.        
                                                               8.0 / 10

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Reviews - Burn After Reading, Autumn Rose, Aural Window, and Waking Heroes

Burn After Reading - Understanding Grey
   It's honestly hard to believe that I was listening to the bands debut when reviewing this cd. The quality of the material on the album would make you believe this band had been putting out music for a long time. Weighing in at eight tracks including the intro, the album quickly ramps up the adrenaline with songs like "Cadence Of The Siren" and "Send My Regards To The Morning". The quality of the songs continue right down to the final track "The River", which is one of my favorites on the album. There really isn't a bad song on the release, my least favorite being oddly enough the single "Punch Drunk".

   The albums greatest strength is that none of the songs feel flat or one dimensional and forced. Every song has multiple layers to it and weaves in and out between moments of screams and softer moments that cut away and keep the album interesting even after multiple plays. That's the biggest compliment I can give Burn After Reading's debut. Even after extended listening for the review, I had to push play just one more time. Highly recommended and one of the best releases I've heard this year. Check out Burn After Reading on Facebook.

   9.0 / 10

Autumn Rose
   The country duo comprised of vocalists Alicia Beale and Rachael Schleicher have released their debut EP with some very solid results. The five track self titled EP starts off with one of the albums stand out tracks. "She Whispers His Name" has a very nice pace to it and gives listeners their first taste of the vocal capabilities on display in this debut.

   From the upbeat "Baby Don't You Let Go" to the ballad "Love Knows My Name", listeners will surely enjoy the album's varied pace. Some of the material might feel a bit familiar to those that are fans of the genre. It doesn't stray too far from conventional country songwriting, but what's here is done with great quality and artistic ability. A good first release from a band you should keep your eye on. Check out Autumn Rose on Facebook.

8.0 / 10

Aural Window - Candlelight EP  
   The Australian band that brought us the Cocoon and Epitropos cd is back with a new release. The Candlight EP contains the two singles that were released on Youtube earlier this year as well as three other tracks. Both "Stones and Sounds" and "An Eye For An Eye" are exceptional in their quality as is the entirety of the cd.

   Starting off with a brisk pace with the first three tracks, the songs manage to draw you in with their addictive and well placed hooks. Things slow down a little on the fourth song, "Mirrors Of You", giving the listener a more emotionally driven track. If you were in love with Aural Window before this release, your crush is only going to get bigger with this EP. While "Ghost Of Light" from their previous release remains my favorite track, the overall quality of this cd as a whole surpasses all of their previous releases. Go pick it up. Check out Aural Window on Facebook.

8.5 / 10

Waking Heroes - One Fight To Fight
 Waking Heroes is a newly formed band rock band from New Jersey. Their debut five track EP One Fight To Fight is somewhat of a throwback in many respects. The cd showcases a style that should appeal to fans of eighties rock while still being relevant enough to deserve a listen from everyone else.  

    The EP starts off pretty strong with the track "Lights On America" which is my favorite track on the album. From there listeners get four more tracks that adhere to the same strengths and weaknesses that are noticeable from the start. The vocals and instrumentals are all solid and do a nice job of complementing one another, but the issue I had with the EP was that I felt some of the songs were a bit too simplistic and repetitive. It wasn't so bad that it was a deal killer and I definitely think with more time together better songs will be crafted with the talent on hand. If you really like the opening track I think you will stick around and give this release some time in your music rotation.  A solid band with enough talent on deck to create something special in the near future. Keep them on your radar. Check out Waking Heroes on Facebook.

  7.0 / 10

Review - Paramore

    It's been a while since the release of Paramore's Brand New Eyes. Since that time the band has endured inner turmoil and the parting of two of its members in a much publicized and scrutinized break up. The remaining members Hayley Williams, Jeremy Davis, and Taylor York have continued on as a three piece band and finally have a new self-titled album to offer their fans.

   At seventeen songs the album seems pretty massive, although a few of the songs are interludes that are under a minute and thirty seconds long. These short songs all feature the ukulele and seem to be an outlet for some lyrical aggression. The song "Moving On" especially puts the jabs out there with lines like "Let em spill their guts cause one day they're gonna slip on em".