It’s the final Friday of 2017, and we are bracing for a huge winter storm. Good thing we’ve got five more reviews for you today to help get you ready for NYE. Enjoy them.
Artist Name: Tony Lovato/MEST
Album Name: Broken Down II
Label: Self-released
Genre: Acoustic
Track Listing: 1. Say so Long; 2. Paradise (122nd Highland St.); 3. It’s Over; 4. Burning Bridges; 5. Until I Met You; 6. Chelsea; 7. 3’z my Lucky Number; 8. Another Day; 9. M.D.M.A.; 10. This Time; 11. Opinions; 12. Can’t Take This
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: Tony Lovato is the frontman for Chicago punk rock group MEST. He has released Broken Down II as the second in a series of acoustic albums of the band’s material. They say that the mark of a good rock song is if it sounds as good acoustically as with the full band. If that is the case, then these songs must be masterpieces, because the acoustic versions retain the power of the lyrics and the strength of the musicians behind them. These stripped down arrangements give the songs a style similar to Hanson. The album starts off strong with “Say so Long,” and just takes off from there. There are quite a few F-bombs (especially in “Until I Met You”), but overall the sound is appropriate for most. Best tracks include “Say So Long,” “Burning Bridges,” “Chelsea,” “3’z my Lucky Number,” “M.D.M.A.,” and “This Time.”
Recommendation: This one’s a keeper. We highly recommend you Get it.
Artist Name: The Marías
Album Name: Superclean Vol. 1
Label: Superclean Records
Genre: Jazz/Latin/Soul
Track Listing: 1. I Don’t Know You; 2. Basta Ya; 3. I Like It; 4. Only in my Dreams; 5. Superclean; 6. Déjate Llevar
Publicist: Cosmica Artists
Review: What an awesome and original sound The Marias bring on their debut release. The sound is soulful, jazzy, with a Latin edge that is perfect for that end of the day cocktail while you chill from a long day of work. The sweet lead vocals of Maria are backed by all the other members of the band, creating a funky and jazzy harmony that are only topped by the keys of Edward James. This band should do well in a myriad of radio formats, including R&B/soul, pop and Latin. They deserve serious industry attention. Best tracks include “I Don’t Know You,” “I Like It,” and the title track. In addition, both of the Latin tracks are wonderful.
Recommendation: Take a chance on these guys and Get their debut EP.
Artist Name: Orissa
Album Name: Resurrection
Label: Self-released
Genre: Prog Rock/Metal
Track Listing: 1. Circle X; 2. Tara; 3. Resurrection; 4. Shades of Grey; 5. Dissolution; 6. Primordial; 7. Verse V; 8, Blue Communion
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: On first reflection, the sound is reminiscent of two pioneers of rock – Kansas and Rush, with a heavy influence from Metallica. The guitars do not overwhelm you but rather stimulate and uplift, and fit the lyrical content to a “T.” This new album goes far beyond the band’s metal roots, and is the result of a very successful Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $20,000. The band has obviously spent the money well, as the resulting album is one of the best rock albums of the year. Best tracks include “Tara,” the title track, “”Shades of Grey,” and “Verse V.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Belle Miners
Album Name: Powerful Owl
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk/Pop
Track Listing: 1. 25 Years; 2. Fall in Love with Me; 3. Dance in my Kitchen; 4. Who I Was; 5. Strange World; 6. Stop Sign; 7. Junkyard; 8. Night Flight; 9. Periphery; 10. You, the Birds and I
Publicist: Penney and Logan
Review: Were they not from Canada and Australia, you might mistake their sound for just another of the “Hotel Café” crowd. These three ladies, however, have developed their own quirky folk style on their own both north and south of our border, and their music is the perfect fit for American radio. Their harmonies are seamless, the songs are upbeat, and the American music industry needs to pay attention. The entire album is noteworthy, but we really loved “Dance in my Kitchen,” “Who I Was,” “Strange World,” “Junkyard,” and “You, the Birds and I.”
Recommendation: If you love great harmonies and upbeat music, then definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: The Speedlights
Album Name: Night Driver
Label: Jigsaw Records
Genre: Powerpop
Track Listing: 1. After Tonight; 2. She’s Alright; 3. What’s it Gonna Take; 4. Blame it on the Stereo; 5. She’ll be There; 6. Head in the Clouds; 7. Summer Nights; 8. Out of Sorts; 9. Try to Forget You; 10. Pawn Takes King
Publicist: Beatkid Records
Review: The Speedlights’ sound is reminiscent of Rock of Ages, with a powerful pop/indie rock groove and vocals reminiscent of Tom Petty. Their vintage sound would also work well for placement in television and film, as they truly capture the 80’s new wave/rock feel, sorta like The Cars. The musical score more than makes up for the sometimes wavering vocals, which match their obvious influences. Among the best tracks are “After Tonight,” “What’s it Gonna Take,” “Blame it on the Stereo,” “She’ll be There,” and “Head in the Clouds.”
Recommendation: If you love the music of the 80’s, and powerpop/ new wave rock, then this is the album for you. Go Get it!
