The snow continues to fall in Missoula, and we’re expecting 3-4 inches today, which will ensure our “White Christmas” status for this year. Looking forward to catching Keaton Simons’ “Eve of the Eve” show tomorrow night on StageIt for the fifth year in a row. Hope you all have a very merry Christmas. Enjoy these five reviews and check out the artists.
Artist Name: Chara Sands
Album Name: Part One
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative/Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. Mourning Light; 2. Andy’s Diner; 3. Parfum; 4. Bhappy Bjoyous; 5. Tight, That’s What U Say; 6. All Eyes on U; 7. H.L.H.I.B.O.; 8. Somewhere I Rave
Publicist: Stephanie Gotch
Review: Chara Sands has a sound that is impossible to pigeonhole. They combine elements of alternative, pop, soul, R&B and house to create their own unique sound. Unfortunately, the tunes are not radio friendly, but might find a home on college radio or as part of the latest DJ mix. There is obvious creativeness involved in the songs. However, from a commercial standpoint, there is not much demand for this type of music.
Recommendation: Unless you like to experiment with your music, this one is probably not for you.
Artist Name: Tracy Bonham
Album Name: Modern Burdens
Label: Schoolkids Records
Genre: Alternative Rock
Track Listing: 1. Mother Mother; 2. Navy Bean; 3. Tell it to the Sky (ft. Nicole Atkins); 4. Kisses (ft. Rachel Yamagata); 5. Brain Crack (ft. Kathryn Calder); 6. The One; 7. One Hit Wonder; 8. Sharks Can’t Sleep (ft. Tanya Donelly); 9. Bulldog; 10. Every Breath (ft. Kay Hanley); 11. 30 Seconds (ft. Angie Hart); 12. The Real (ft. Sadie Dupuis); 13. Free
Publicist: Schoolkids Records
Review: With a voice that’s a cross between Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse, Tracy Bonham packs a powerful punch with this latest batch of tunes, which also feature some of the best of her peers on seven of the tracks. These songs have a decidedly dark feel, which could make them great placements for television and film, especially “Brain Crack,” which features Kathryn Calder, and “Every Breath,” which features Kay Hanley. While her sound is definitely not mainstream, it should appeal to a multitude of today’s young people. The closing track, “Free,” is a rousing rock song that is quite radio friendly. It is the perfect way to end this amazing album.
Recommendation: This one is worth the risk. We believe she has the chops to continue to make interesting tunes, so grab a copy.
Artist Name: Happy Abandon
Album Name: Facepaint
Label: Schoolkids Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Ivory Bound; 2. Beneath our Feet; 3. Love Like Language; 4. Take Me; 5. Severed Seams; 6. Choice; 7. If I Stare; 8. Stop Taking Care of Me; 9. Heavy Lines; 10. Cursed or Worse
Publicist: Schoolkids Records
Review: What a refreshing sound. We are extremely impressed with the lads from Happy Abandon. They musicianship is first rate, their harmonies are heavenly, and their songs are smooth, easy-going and full of life. These guys are one of the best discoveries we have had in quite a while, and we can hardly wait to see what comes next. The entire album is enjoyable, but we truly liked “Beneath our Feet,” “Love Like Language,” “Take Me,” “Severed Seams,” and “Stop Taking Care of Me.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: Alastair Greene
Album Name: Dream Train
Label: Rip Cat Records
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Dream Train; 2. Big Bad Wolf; 3. Nome Zayne; 4. Another Lie; 5. Song for Rufus; 6. Im the Taker; 7. Daredevil; 8. Grateful Swagger; 9. Rain Stomp; 10. Demons Down; 11. Iowa; 12. Down to Memphis; 13. Lucky 13
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: If Jimi Hendrix played blues guitar with the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, the result would be Alastair Greene. His amazing rocking blues guitar riffs with southern rock accompaniment are the perfect marriage of those three genres. From the first note of the title track, the listener is put on notice that this is not your typical blues album – this is Southern Blues Rock! The second track sounds more traditional Muddy Waters, with just that southern rock edginess thrown in for good measure. “Another Lie” is laid back and groovy, while he shows off his finger picking skills on “Song for Rufus.” In fact, Greene could put on a clinic on playing guitar just from the songs on this album, all of which are amazing. Put this one on repeat and Party On!
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – Get this one now!
Artist Name: Historian
Album Name: Expanse
Label: Self-released
Genre: Space Rock/Psychedelica
Track Listing: 1. Small Compromise; 2. My Last Call; 3. Here and Then; 4. Atlantis; 5. Ready to Drive; 6. I Need a Future; 7. The Truth; 8. Stars; 9. Envelope; 10. Thrown on the Road
Publicist: Working Brilliantly
Review: With airy and spacious strings, and vocals that soar, the music of Historian is truly space rock in the sense that it paints a picture of the vastness of space while keeping the listener’s feet on the ground with solid lyrical content that keeps them engaged and connected to the music. This is an album to be experienced – put it on, sit back with a nice glass of wine, and just bask in the music. The music will relax you and help you chill – just don’t listen while driving! Best tracks include “Atlantis,” “Ready to Drive,” “The Truth,” “Stars,” and “Envelope.”
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a good chill musical background, then this is your album.