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Many of these reviews were taken from our sister site, Mononster, and were reviewed by orange entropy records staff-members. This is simply an archive of all reviews relating to orange entropy records. enjoy!
Eric Alexandrakis - I.V. Catatonia CD A most disturbing cd which i find myself listening to over and over again. Big fuzzy rock guitars, effected pianos, loops, and havily processed sounds recorded ingeniusly. Sounds more like the whirlwind dementia of Carla Bley at a Radiohead mixing session for "Kid A". Each cuts sets its own definitions, boundaries and classifications of the sound spectrum. Confused and often scary, complete with over the phone banter and hospital sounds(real hospital sounds, I might mention). There is no conventionality with Eric here, just Eric. Disc of the month, easily. Get in touch at YTmusic1@aol.com, or through his website at www.ericalexandrakis.com (March 2001)
alpha cat - real boy CD (EP) Solid, unrefined folk-rock voice and melodies with polished, easy-going, typical country-rock tinged arrangements, just the safe side of Billy Pilgrim. Proficient at setting their mood. Of note: The first time you heard Wayne Newton or Boy George, didnt you think you were hearing a woman? Nowhere in the promo kit that accompanied this disc did it state the obvious; that lead singer Elizabeth McCullough sounds like a guy. Not Chrissie Hynde sensual, more like the scruffy, young & promising local talent, who is finally getting his act together. Low point: The name 'alpha cat', as well as the album package, is nondescript, inferring nothing more to me than, I suppose, fitting in. Contact: alphacat99@yahoo.com Visit: thealphacat.com - REVIEW BY Norman Clature(August 2001)
Action Figures - fine CD You can call him Eroc, you can call him Ereq, but yuz doesn't have to call him Eric! (yuk-yuk) Hooray! It worked! I printed his name THREE times! And you read it THREE times! Guess I won't soon forget HIS name, EH??? Eric Martin is a multi-instrumentalist, as well as a visual artist, creating photos and collages for this disc. Action Figures' debut album 'fine' is full of techno-industrial urgency, sharing a bed with 70's-style mellow prog-rock, often employing the use of music and dialogue samples. Reminds me of Robert Fripp or The Tape Beatles. High points: The understated soul vocals of Camisha Mitchell, as featured on "Love 2". Eric Martin would do well to capitalize on her voice, which brings an intimate, personal heart to the otherwise cold and mysterious ambient mood-sounds on this disk. As good as Camisha is, the contrast of her voice over the rest of the sounds on this disc, creates a unique whole which is greater than the sum of it's parts. Also worth noting; "Modicum" credits Rosa Lee Parks for contributing surprisingly odd, original monologue. The low point, for me, is eight pointless tracks, each of which are, easily, under a minute, though the disc, itself, is quite full, with 20 tracks total. Contact: ereq@mindspring.com Audio files at: mindspring.com/~ereq/ - REVIEW BY Norman "Dizzy" McLizzie(August 2001)
Brown Sox - Lucky!?@#13!?!? CD Louisiana's own underground answer to the late 90's alternative hard-hitters. Layers of guitar work occasionally keep the overtones flowing in a slightly off-kilter naivity, which in itself is a unique approach to this style of music.(Jan. 2001)
Bent Without Light - Love U 4 Ever CD Dark electro poly-rhythms with loops, samples and miscellaneous sounds strewn overtop. Streams of India blend in nicely with the watery waves of synths and programming. Ambient and explorative in spots. Harsh, abrasive and destructive in others. Spunky, messy, sinister and honest. stvcd7@excite.com (March 2001)
Big Whiskey - Bloated Museum of Treachery CD I'm not totally sure how a lot of other folks might react to this sort of sound, but its something I've been getting into heavily the past year or so. You know, the sort of between 2 AM radio station static-y noise swells driving through the desert. This disc is chock full of marmalade, as far as I'm concerned! Good lofi drummin and pumpin feedback in these garagey recordings of these unsong-songs. Each cut is more frenzied S & M thrash-trash art than the previous. Big Whiskey's world is a grim, confused & noisy canvas of feedback, effects, spit, caveman drums & emptiness. More? (March 2001)
Blume - …Oddway CD It's good to hear some fresh indie-rock and roll from New England. Simple and well-produced songs with great organ and guitar interplay throughout. Very summery songwriting. http://www.blumerules.com(August 2001)
Don Campau and Greg Gray - it's in the air and then it's gone CD Dirty garage home recordings from the Lonely Whistle Catalogue, featuring the supra-watery and echo-y "The Sea", the raw rock and roll-ness of "Stop, Don't Go", the strange melodic art-ness of "Center of the Sun" and the jazz-referential climactic circus of sound "This Precious Moment". Don and Greg's collaborative music is fun, strange and recorded on my kind of budget. Oh, and don't forget to check out info on his home tapers show every other Sunday, broadcasting on KKUP in Northern California. Email Don at campaudj@jps.net (August 2001)
Coven 13 - Book of Shadows CD An independent religious concept album, with rather intricate piano and harpsichord bits scattered amongst the typical big guitars and drums. Nutshell: Heavy metal with nice piano. Sort of an interesting approach to metal, but the niceness of the piano sort of interferes with the angst vocals and loud guitars. This sort of confusion appeals to me, and actually makes the music more listenable. Not really my pleasure, but still cool and respectable. Akashic Records. 203 Washington St., Suite 143, Salem MA 01970(August 2001)
David Neil Cline - Malefic Influence CD David Neil Cline - Malefic Influence CD Sort of like generic hair rock band meets their arena rock godfathers for a set of strong guitar rockers that with enough familiarity that you probably do know these songs, or at least think you do. Slickly produced as well, David Neil Cline does genuine rock. http://davidneilcline.com...Email at inclined@klondyke.net (August 2001)
Drowning Machine - Demo CD Loud and pretty in your face thrashin around in a studio. High energy, distorted screaming and screeching vocals(smacks of Wax Trax, actually) guide a very mechanical, metallic song structure on this three track sampler. Sort of an Anthrax meets live Ministry effect, or maybe it was a Ministry meets live Anthrax effect. Check'em on the web at http://www.zoomnet.net/~grogans/ (Feb. 2001)
Don's Neighbors -Demo CD Fun and nicely arranged indie-pop, featuring loads of ultra cool early 80's sounding synth lines. Nice hooks on this five song E.P. make it sound more authentically 1980's. E-mail at kevinheld@yahoo.com.... http://mp3.com/DonsNeighbors(August 2001)
electric pimps s/t CD Crisp psychedelia from Connecticut. Dry vocals and clean electric guitars lead you falsely into a Hawkwind inspired wah-wah middle eight in the opening(and strongest) track "mellow gliss". "Strawberry blonde" swirls nicely with watery-effected guitars and whispery melodies. Catchy late 60's sounding pop, and appropriately produced in like fashion. electric pimps: slushy78@hotmail.com (Jan. 2001)
Eager By Name - The Heart Of Things CD The U.K.'s Paul Eager checks in with a pretty nifty Mark Knopfler-y set of poppy numbers. Solidly crafted, slickly produced, and earnestly honest sounding.Lighter rock fans of bands like The Eagles, Dire Straits or even Gerry Rafferty/Christopher Cross, should enjoy this one. Some hints of country splattered around too, especially in his guitar prowess. www.eagerbyname.com (Feb. 2001)
Electrochakra CD Mathematical electric-electronica. Drum machine rhythms are explored by electric guitars, basses & synthwork. Dark moods, quirky melodies and combos of sound tweak the listener into a Fillmore-ish Miles at a Canadian rave circa 1994. (March 2001)
Dave Eric CD Fine acousta-rock from Jersey. Musically like a lighter Smiths or even Elliot Smith, or other such indie-folkers. "Don't Do The Crime" opens with a "Hey Bulldog" gone funky riff, but strays far from the Beatle-isms and into Dave Eric's own homegrown style. "Let Go" is a standout track with cool ghostly backing vocals, crazy wah-wah effects and organs. Nice twist on the college sound. (March 2001)
the flow - Q & A Demo(cassette) the cassette i received opens up with a cleverly focused, spaced out hard hitting Chapterhouse meets My Bloody Valentine in a 3 minute pop piece. Strengths lie in tommy lugo's straight ahead vocal conviction and echoed guitar and ivory ticklin'. the dreamy backdrop over "nameless future"(a 4 star song, btw) and extentuous "middle eight" kept my pupils wide. Echo often gets old and tried, but the flow have taken it a step beyond the 1971 Pink Floyd knock-off's. They have a pretty rare ability to combine quality space-pop and lavish surreality and , yes, even white noise to achieve an ecclesiastic-orgiastic frenzy. check out www.flowrock.com(Jan. 2001)
Fustercluck FREE Sampler CD Fustercluck have obviously listened to their respective shares of Devo, Ween and The Firesign Theatre, and it shows. Students should be taught a high school class in weird and fun music,and Fustercluck could teach it; maybe it would loosen the kids up a bit. By law, "Magnetic North" would be a required listen. A deranged Alvin & The Chipmunks on a sugar high watching old videos in their one piece jammies kinda tune- that'll teach the young'ins to follow mass media's trumpeting. Tape speed vocals, echoey & jangly guitars and synths and the occasional odd-percussion-mentrun amuck all over this insane disc. The songs are rather short too, but they sure give you your buck's worth for your dollar. http://hometown.aol.com/vaporineaudio/myhomepage/profile.html (Feb. 2001)
Andy Finn - Letters CD Honest country folk from Northern California, with the warmest gritty voice that you just gotta hear. Pure recording and clean sound really makes this CD's cuts shine. The spoken rant-ness of "Golden Years" is a nice addition to this collection. Nothing fancy here, but that wouldn't fit anyway. Thankfully its just words, guitar and good melodies-by an absolutely killer vocalist. Email at Andyfinn@email.com(August 2001)
Furiously Stiff - Stomp on the Neck of Pop Music CD Strange, lo-fi and curious songs leading off with the cool rantness of "Stamp on the Neck (of Pop Music)". Hip and ridiculous release with a cultural bliss governed by both Dave Thomas' (Pere Ubu and Wendy's). Delightfully entertaining the whole way though, makes me want to stop listening and start recording right now!(August 2001)
David Fesette - David Fesette CD Pleasant three track E.P. chock full of unexpected arrangements and chordal pop changes. Nothing falsely upbeat here, just good guitar grit and the really cool percussioning on "Remember Me". Cool. davidfesette@aol.com(August 2001)
Gary Gates - Heart River CD "Heart River" is a 7 track studio set from Gary Gates groovalicious good ole rockin' group. 70's AM radio sounding hooks, harmonies and hammonds. Extremely tight and loose the whole way through. At times, almost reminiscent of early Dead, especially in Gary's explorative guitar-ness in the opening cut, "Cool and Free". A splash of reggae in "Carry Your Dreams" and the old country sound of "Back Home", all the way through to the cool'n'hip "Pescadero Days". Totally feel good and melodically familiar - like the songs I swear I grew up with. website at GaryGatesBand.com (March 2001)
Rob Garrett - Student of Life CD Acoustic electronic soundscapes, melodic & lo-fi, scatters of Oldfield-ism's abound. "Learning Curve" sees Garrett as more of an avant-garde incidental music composer for 50's Hammer films. At a few points, it gets a little too new-agey for me, but generally more of a haunter, with some genuine hair-raising bits. Email: tetragra@socket.net Web: http://tetragrammaton.art.webjump.com (August 2001)
Jeremy Gloff - Spin Girl Spin CD Rather tame college rock with melodic smacks of early R.E.M. or the Pretenders. Pretty up in your face rhythm guitar tone the whole way though, which is a step in the right direction. "Ice Cream Headache" is my feel good pick here. Riotboy68@yahoo.com... http://geocities.com/jeremygloff(August 2001)
Grounded - Grounded CD Fun, high energy, guitar-driven, sincere, classic nu-punk power pop. The Ramones meet The Offspring. With occasional fuzz-bass and f-word seasoning, this five-piece from South Carolina can only get better. This disc has a good enough production value (sound) for the style, as fans of music for young, wasted rebels will attest. High points: Heavy riffs, good, simple effective melodies. Good singer for the material. Low point: The drums seem to be treated as an instrument which should be all but ignored. It's easy for a guitarist or singer to overlook the solid strength that a good drum presence can give. Contact: grounded@hushmail.com Visit: groundedband.com - REVIEW BY Willy-Ann Slagboom(August 2001)
Hollydrift - Hail The Frozen North CD Analogue blending of sounds out of Wisconsin. The snowy intro serves as the architecture for a bleak, windy world of electronics and found sounds. Haunting, yet nice and friendly. The louder I pumped this one, the more I enjoyed their universe. http://www.angelfire.com/indie/hollydrift(August 2001)
Industry-Krapp - Mood Disorders CD Very dancy, home-made techno-dance instrumentals. Good club music. Scratching samples, spacey. Big sound. Good music to practice your rap to. Played with as much enthusiasm and discovery as the early moog pioneers must have had. Hi point: It's rebellious title hand-scrawled on the cover, and high-school graphics suggest something genuine (at least for now). I wonder what we'd hear if Industry Krapp addressed their opinions about the "industry" through the use of some well-chosen samples. This conveys a sincere, damn-the-torpedoes kind of urgency. Lo point: at times cluttered, noisy. No crescendos, no parts that leave me hungry for them to occur again. Contact: spudchows@webtv.net - REVIEW BY Harrup Hiseynaz(August 2001)
Lou Kramer - Summer Soul CD Nicely crafted pop from Lou Kramer. His "Summer Soul E.P." is littered with tremendous piano and catchy vocal melodies. "Bringing Me Down" is my favorite cut on here, although they all seem like perfect Summer-y Brian Wilson in Steely Dan-mode tunes. Refreshing, and exceptionally fresh pop numbers. (Feb. 2001)
Matt Kimbrell - Matt Kimbrell CD Home produced melodic, half-instrumental rock and roll. And I don't mean the crappy contemporary kind that fills up our twizzle-fried name brand rock charts, but real good rock and roll. A touch of country and a bit of the ole new wave punk make for some outstanding cuts on this set, including the charmingly-hooky "They're Looking For You". www.itsgood.com(August 2001)
Knee Jerk Reaction - Bandwith CD What can I say? These guys are hot! This L.A.-based fivesome raced to the top of the charts as one of the first bands to appear on IMNTV with their "Super Collider" video. THAT song, a mix of Marvin Gaye meets late-stage Devo, is "worth the price of admission", itself! "Bob Johnson's Folks" has a fun, off-key New Zealand groove, ala early Phil Judd-era Split Enz and the sounds of the native Mowri tribes. "Disaster" and "Gear Adrift" are often stuck in my head for days. Although "rock"-based, some tracks feature a mandolin, or a steel guitar, or elude to flutes. Their two retro instrumentals feature samples from President Kennedy, "2001" and "Star Wars". Also included are (I would guess) right-on-the-money "counterfeit" soundtracks from vintage 1950's scientists in the lab educational-film narration, to coincide with their look. With ingredients like this, how could you miss? Lead singer/drummer Dr. David Baker recently e-mailed me a prescription for a second dose of Knee Jerk Reaction, as the group is recording their second album now! contact: kneejerk@usa.net visit:www. kneejerkreaction.com -REVIEW BY Big Imp(August 2001)
Tony Low - Dandelions In The Year Of The Rooster CD 6 track E.P. from former Cheepskate, Tony Low warms you with his melodic songs in a way maybe only Justin Hayward or Bryan MacLean could. "This Country Needs A War" is a brilliant off-beat political folksy number, "Falling Away" is a bubblegummy folk melodic gem, and "No Ambitions" is a love song that you might actually be able to relate to(Finally, someone wrote it how it is!). These songs remind me of aged literature or a well steamed vegetable stir-fry. High quality, and intelligent music! Lowtunes@aol.com (Feb. 2001)
LoveOctopus - Flavoured Air CD Homegrown Norwegian rock'n'roll. "Leaders of the Mansions" harkens back to 60's British psychedelia with an absolute perfect vocal throughout. "Warden" features great vocal guitar interplay, and a killer melodic contradiction in the chorus. LoveOctopus are on to something pretty great here. Morten@loveoctopus.innbooks.com(August 2001)
the lovejoys - 1999 A.D.(cassette) Straight up late 80's college rock, like Smithereens/Rave-Up's meets Joe Jackson's Yale bound nephew. Catchy backing vocals, and well arranged chord structures keep the songs moving in a credible/enjoyable fashion. Toss in a little country-alt twang, and you have something kind of special. goto members.tripod.com/lovejoys(Jan. 2001)
Low Flame - Low Flame CD This is one insane CD, from the soul-hip-hop-funk of "Cocaine" to the melodic alt-pop of "Perfume" to the rocker "Stereo" (featuring GREAT backing vocals) to the electronica-pop of "Harbor" - this disc runs the spectrum of accessible genres and successfully blends styles into one cohesive vision. Evidence of fun in making this record is all over the place in forms of riotous laughter, samples and the mid-CD cartoon track "Turn Over the Record". Howie Statland at his wildly strangest, and enjoying the big fun of recording. Acewho@aol.com(August 2001)
Lord Litter - Litter's Reel All Itty CD (Harsh Reality) With countless styles and apparent influences, it's pretty difficult to figure out where Litter's coming from sometimes, but Germany's underground radio DJ Lord Litter's music is in a world unclassifiable by any one but himself. And it doesn't need to be. I'll listen to 100 Lord Litter albums if he sent'em! From the bizarre Americana of "Pleasin' Lies" to the sheer insanity craziness of "Faktor X" and "Excerpt From A Harsh Reality". Litter showcases his wry lyrical wit on the more tender countrified "Love Song" and melodically soars a la Syd Barrett or Roky Erickson on "Thank You For The Roses". Truly one of the best artists I have ever come across. E-mail at litter.dittmar@berlin.snafu.de (March 2001)
little luann - spaces... CD "little luann" is not particularly little, and not very Luann, either. Four guys from Seattle. 80's goth-pop ala the Cure meets U2, with hefty doses of XTC, REM and Talking Heads, with a little Midnight Oil and DEVO for spice. Soaring, consistent, classic arrangements. Dynamic, powerful music for curious explorers. High Point: The uncredited producer of this material. It has an exceptionally full, clear, vibrant sound. Lo-point: Nondescript cover art, band photo and band name, wasted on this substantial music. These potential 'business cards' don't tell me what they can do. Contact: littleluan@aol.com (notice there is only one "n" in "luann" in e-mail adres.) Visit: littleluann.com - REVIEW BY Big Imp(August 2001)
Love Scream - More Songs About the Reproductive Cycle CD Fun garage-y rock and new wave-y-rootsy in a collegiate sort of way. Good grooves and friendly harmonies, and rockin' musicianship. Familiar in that "I think I saw them at so and so's party." http://www.lovescream.com (August 2001)
More Complete (self-titled CD) Well-produced hard-hitting alterna-rock from Virginia(Tool, Rage style). Songs seem distinct enough, but there is just so much of this sound out there. check out www.morecomplete.com(Jan. 2001)
Psychedelic Encounter by The Magic Words CD Soothing hard psych-pop...a lot of this sort of modernised retro-ish music is fluffily overdone, but The Magic Words have a good sense of reserve. I especially liked "Trim", reminiscent of early 70's underground hard blues-rockers May Blitz blended with thick echoey female vocals. Good Work!(Jan. 2001)
Magellan Deep - Cloudlab CD Cool Electro from New Mexico with a refreshing variety of sounds including short wave radio and vocoder. Good electronic palette and a healthy dose of synthetic paint make this a rather listenable excursion into ambience, Electro-acoustics, and serenity. Email at dkca@qwest.net(August 2001)
Monogroove - Live To 12 CD E.P. Sincere, lo-fi 60's 70's influenced fem-rock quintet from East L.A. Jangly guitars at a backyard beer-party barbecue feel. Sounds a little like like you're privy to a private practice in someone's living room. Hi point: "Let Me Come Into Your Life" grooves! Alanis meets the Archies! Lo point: Tho this was recorded using a 12-track recorder, it sounds like 4. The vulnerable voice of Guylaine Vivarat has yet to be utilized to it's full potentail. Their cover-art could convey their message more pointedly; unfortunately, someone thinks that "someone who has a computer" equals "graphic designer"; a popular notion. Contact: Monogroove P.O. Box 3473 Culver City, CA 90231 or call (310) 838-1060 - REVIEW BY Norm dePlume(August 2001)
The Masticators - Masticate! CD LA's power pop sensations, The Masticators have a damn fine release on their hands here(actually on To M'Lou Music). Front-woman Lisa Mychols leads her troop of pop-makers on an early 70's "mystery machine" tour of melodic of songsmithing. "Never Try" may very well be my pick for song of the year, in which Lisa sounds more like Dusty Springfield or Karen Carpenter, than any of her contemporaries. "He's The One", "He's Coming Out","Radio Police" and "The One I Wanna Love" are fine pop gems. "The Rain" is a melodic, tender acoustic ballad(reminded of early Julie Driscoll, actually!) that showcases the bands versatility. Their sophomoric effort will have many eyes upon it. Mychols@aol.com and Masticators.com (Feb. 2001)
Midnight in a Perfect World CD Live disc from all over the NYC area from these cats. Tite-knit and aggressive rockin' groovin' music. Seemingly schooled in the art of jamming, they flow in and out of sections as you might click through channels on the tube. The tender savvy heavy "Sonations" is the standout cut, showcasing Dave Schichman's wry dry vocal style. www.pileofblack.com (March 2001)
Marianne Nowottny- Afraid Of Me CD A crafty and poetic songstress, but by no means anything like you have ever heard before. Freeform, seemingly improvisational tracks follow Marianne's voice from one level of absurdity and beauty to the next, whether its layer of psychotically wonderful synthesizers or sparse eastern percussion. "Little Harem Girl"(track 3) is the cut that could melt cement. It's so god-damned scary, beautiful, strange and balanced all in one musical pasta salad. Imagine a frenzied Laurie Anderson/Carla Bley kind of dark innocence arranged and conducted by Mr. John Cale for a limited theatrical release of "The Bald Soprano". Truly, a must. (Feb. 2001)
Novalis - 999 CD Cool Euro-wave from Italy. Melodic Britsy sounding jangle-pop. Drum machines add more of an electro-feel, with a neat alloy sounding harshness at times."La Notte" features a killer watery synth intro, a quirky bass pattern and a nice semi-sparse new wavey arrangement throughout. I actually perfer the Italian songs to the English ones, but I'm a fan of lyrical mystery. Get in touch at Novalis.hpage.net or email at gimedici@libero.it (March 2001)
Marianne Nowottny - (Manmade Girl DOUBLE CD) A glorious double set from New York songstress Marianne Nowottny, and equally difficult to put into words what this 18 year old is fashioning here. Soaring vocals over seemingly incapatable and just plain "gone" synthesizers, or sometimes marrying her voice with perfect harmonies of analogue explosions. The manic, heavily sedated circus-ness of "Andre the Giant", the haunting confused majesty of "Cover Your Mirror" and super-sickly piano abrasions in "Fountain of Youth" are just some of the highlights here. Creepy, and all around dangerous music. http://www.abatonbookcompany.com..... Email: abaton@crystal.palace.net (August 2001)
James Richard Oliver - PsychoBilly Joe Bob CD James Richard Oliver's 6 cut E.P. is gloriously gut-drenchin', beer- guzzlin', drivin' my pickup drunk cowpunk at its best. Raw and home-made countrified pluckin' guitar accompany Oliver's slapback vocal in songs like "Lord Of The Flies", "HillBilly Monster In Arkansas", and the bluegrassy "She's A Burnout". Imagine the Cramps, a 4-track, a guy who can play and produce like nobodys business, and more beer than the cast of Cheers could cumulatively consume in a fortnight, and you might have an idea of whats going on here. I tip my hat. Get in touch at illbilly@ellijay.com. (Feb. 2001)
On And Off - All the Necessary Changes CD Single Drony-dream rock cut from "On And Off", with a good high-intensity rhythm section, which helps set up the doom guitars nicely. Cool track, indeed. Email: Automaticoutlaw@yahoo.com(August 2001)
Owen - Three Songs For You CD Jumpy from the get-go on this CD EP, the happy songwriting of Owen reminds of one of those jangly late 80's CMJ sampler CD bands that disappeared before they arrived. Good, quirky, layered guitar sound from start to finish here. http://www.owenband.com(August 2001)
presentperfect - Dispelling the Analog Myth CD presentperfect, purveyors of grimacing minimalism and sweeling reverberators, bring this loop-y feedbackin' soundscape disc. "Winter's Tuesday"'s rhythmic pick-up switching is both melodic and percussive and serves as a good canvas for the alternate pitches and sounds that duck their heads in. "Quiet Decorum" focuses around a wintry cold reverby piano melody, and its subtle overtones, and even some backwards tape-effected piano. "Digital Bath" features some unbelievable textres in rhythm and sound, actually simulating its' title. I can just imagine the copper wire and microchip towel-snap fights. ebernasek@earthlink.net (Feb. 2001)
po' boys w/gobot toyz(Harsh Reality Collection 001) chris phinney is at again. this fine cd combines his electro-collage-mastery with carl howard(although i am not sure where one ends and one begins!) Delicate synthesizers navigate this disc from beginning to end, inter-twining careful pop melodies, Oldfield-ian counterpoint philosphy and textural mood-shifts. True genius work from the late 80's. A must have for fans of everything from Kraftwerk to Throbbing Gristle to Aphex Twin to Wire to Joseph Byrd. harsh reality music po box 241661 memphis tn 30124-1661 untied sticks of amerikkka(Jan. 2001)
The Punsters - Lord Of The Dunce CD True, comedic genius...there is no faking this kind of schtuff, from the whacky theatrical "Morning Edition" auditions to the brilliant Brian Wilson-y "Singing Songs With Stacey". Tim Korzun(Duf Davis, Breetles) is really coming into his own as a producer, adding extra sparks to already fine-tuned crafty melodic pop numbers. They seem to cross every style imaginable style(rock'n'roll to Hip-Hop to Lounge to new wave pop to bar-room sing-alongs). And they sing about Matzo Balls, Batman, Barney, NPR and even Long Division(in the best Steely Dan parody ever). Contact'em at Shekor@bellatlantic.net (Feb. 2001)
Jason Polise - Tales of a Tall Tale CD Serious dementia from the mizarre mind of Jason Polise. Imagine the Beasties on a death-load of PCP on a ferris wheel to hell. Heavy rock instruments and crazy scratching, tape speed vocals, and that's just the opening cut! The CD then ascends into that dangerous classical/free jazz crossover zone. Orchestras, playground sounds and even a sparse crooning female vocal on "Land of the Numb". Genuinely different compositions, especially the whack-sparse-free-jazzetty confusion on the last cut, "Dig". Send more now! (March 2001)
Pantyhose and Powertools #9 Vee Six CD From the underground in San Diego and according to the CD in "Hell's Kitchen" comes some rather bizarre insanity. Great budget beats,fuzz vocals, scattered distorted instruments and found sounds. There's also the wack-est cover of "Love Me Two Times" that you'll ever come across, trust me. So what I'm saying, ultimately, is that this is the REAL DEAL. Probably won't be making any top forty charts on the mainstream anytime soon, but bring me to the discotheque where this is "the sound", and you won't be able to tear me away from the dance floor! Email: sngtatum@msn.com (August 2001)
Pale Boy - Pale Boy CD Ornately arranged CD by Thomas Blomster, with quirky and memorable lyrics by Seth Geltman. "Maybe I'm lost in a town I made out of dirt." The dark and jazzy "Promise Me", with its' infectious crafty off-kilter vocal melody, the sparse orchestral "I Hate You", and the 70's sitcom theme gone-wrong-ness of "Chloe" are the highlights. It's greta to see pop music in a more Bacharachian approach. www.KaleMusic.com(August 2001)
Pantyhose and Powertools #7 Syko More Industrial Folk-tronic music form these Thrill Crazy Americans waiting anxiously to make their music the norm in society. "Eat the Beat", my favorite here, is a delightfully dangerous retreat into one fucked realm of madness. Go there. Email: sngtatum@msn.com(August 2001)
Pantyhose and Powertools #6 Crab Ah, the familiarity of manic San Diego as this 3rd, equally anti-anti as the previous two I have heard, CD starts to track….They seem to have a formula that works, and they stick with it and have enough oomph, gusto and zeal to keep it fresh and ridiculous time and time again. Cheers, lads. Email: sngtatum@msn.com(August 2001)
Reynols - Sampler CD Where do I start with this one? Argentinian hullaballoo-ers Reynols offer this completely genre-less 14 track smapler to the dinner table. Let me be up front on this one, this might be the most frightening band I have ever heard, and that's a good thing. Maybe it's that I have no idea what the words mean. Maybe it's because they blend distorted tape loops with wild fuzzed out basses and street noises. Maybe it's because we're told in school that this is what music shouldn't be. But shouldn't it? It doesn't all have to be what themommy says, does it? Well....Reynols clashes, clamours and bend sounds, loops, live instruments, pumpkins, feedback and voices in a Revolution #9 on kemo kind of way. Except this is real. (Feb. 2001)
Roux'D - Awakening CD) Lo-fi synth arrangements with slightly manic, over-the-top, right-up-front vocals. Like Stevie Wonder's early 70's music run through a Karaoke midi sampler and processor and replacement vocals by Prince's half-bastard cousin's nephew. Definitely a plus. Email at rroux777@hotmail.com(August 2001)
Rubba Toys - Musica Noir CD Real home-produced music from the basements of America. The songs build great rhythm sections out of timely dissonance, great trashy guitars, and quirky awkward vocal attacks (Did I just hear him sing "Penguins have the same color skin too"?). What a great analogue and electronica blend Rubba Toys have. It's just too crazy and bendy not to give a serious thumbs up too. A definite must. Email: Rubbatoys@aol.com(August 2001)
Rockin Pantoons - Demo CD Rocking country from Atlanta with good, clean acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies and crisp drums. Melodic and honest sounding with some cool twists and turns aplenty in the song structures here. Fun music.(August 2001)
Reedy - Reedy CD A mix of post punk rock'n'roll and more recent garage findings, works in a raw sensibility, like the Ramones run through a "nice-blender". Three of the four cuts were recorded in different states, which makes for a variety of fidelity. Email at reedyrocks@webtv.net(August 2001)
Tree People by Nudge Squidfish CD This is what I like to hear. Right when the needle hits the CD. Sheer intelligence mixed with innovative craftsmanship. This is not Fat Boy Slim. This is a most tender Elvis Costello delicately singing, with a heavy vibrato, over simple childrens chord progressions, arranged with a good sense of balance for electric guitars, synthesizers and occasional drum. Thumbs up to Nudge!(Jan. 2001)
Laurie Stuber s/t cassette Slick R & B from the midwest with nice intersperced scratching and sampling/looping. Distinct voice-she might make the mainstream charts-but not really my cup of tea. email: stuber@ameritech.net(Jan. 2001)
Shell - Shell Is Swell CD Marianne Nowottny teams up with Donna Bailey for some incredible sounds and haunting melodies on this Abaton Book Company release. The distorted keyboards in the opener "Guillotine" will either welcome you in to one of the strangest music-worlds you have ever experienced or scare you away, depending of course on how much you love boybands. All kidding aside, once you're in, YOU ARE HOOKED. A rollercoaster listen of weird synth melodies and arrangements, and lyrical alliteration, this disc is both extremely educational and highly recommended if you want something extraordinarily and brilliantly out and off-kilter. Mastering by Elliot Sharp, need I say more? (Feb. 2001)
SparkleJets U.K. - In, Through And Beyond Fifteen golden nuggets of creamy pop-joy, with subtle Cheap Trick, Cars and Replacements influences abound. The chunk and riffy "Above The Clouds", "the comedic super-spiffiness of "Oh Poor Me", the feel good "10 inches" and the gentle romance in the playground of "Thirteen" - all outstanding gems. Then there's the absolutely ragin' chorus of "Listen To Me", easily one of the ten best melodic moments of the year. CrabAppleRecords.com(Feb. 2001)
Suran Song In Stag - Pure Agitator CD Pretty much bass and vocals they said....But easily more dynamic than ninety seven percent of today's alternative music. Suran's heavily processed vocals skate in and out of dementia like few others. This is heavy shit, man. By stripping away the indie excess, these cats have accessed a songwriting/arrangement idealogy that could potentially reset the indie motif appropriately. Honest and intense.(Jan. 2001)
I Love Sparklejets U.K. Tribute CD Okay, first off...huh? Sparkle-who? But listen, seriously, listen to this CD. These songs are good, and the fact that the SparkleJets U.K. have a tribute album is an anomaly in itself. But don't you worry about that. Leave that to the SparkleJets. This CD showcases a raw talent for writing powerful melodic pop songs in a way that few bands could showcase their up and coming talent. Their friends cover their songs. Sound weird? Well, it is. In concept, it's rather intelligent, don't you think? From David Bash's energetic "Welcome" on into the milky pop essence of "Real Nice Time" as performed by the powerpoppian royalty, "The Masticators". This is a fun CD featuring some great, songwriting, interpretations, and what seems like the best concept album in a long time. CrabAppleRecords.com (Feb. 2001)
Solarcade - Demo CD From dreamy and thickly-drenched jangle pop "When She Comes" to the sly folk-rock "Walk Away" to the hard hitting "Surrender", I had figured that Solarcade ran the gamut of "Alternative", in the most general sense. The guitar tone in the final cut on this demo CD, however, made me realize that they may have something more than just good song, they seem to know how to put sound together in layers and combine it with melody. I tip my hats to you guys, well done. Email at Solarcade@mediaone.net(August 2001)
Small Wonder - happy to be small... E.P. CD Cool lo-fo production from Johanna Keith & the Gang on more mature rockin' numbers like "Touching Evil" and the slower "Old Friend". Great guitar-smithing the whole way through - it's refreshing to hears o much undistorted guitar playing. Email at monack@angelfire.com or Visit http://www.grin.net/~jukebox(August 2001)
Screaming Demons - Screaming Demons CD Complete IYF rock with turntables, with some kind of Kim Fowley impersonator singing over the top. Mean sounding throughout, though it does settle nice in some cool space moments (track #9 especially). Scattered weird organs, theremen, drum machines and utter craziness are in no short supply on this wacky CD. Definitely worth a few more spins. Email at: datdaring@aol.com(August 2001)
Smoke - Smoke CD Less explorative work from Howie Statland (see Low Flame review), but still rather catchy melodic pop rock. The whacked out intro and strange chorus of "Euthanasia" reeled me in, in a big way. The touching "Lullaby" which closes the EP isthe standout, thanks to its simplicity and purity. The production has a more classic feel, which helps define its integrity as anti-cookie cutter music. Acewho@aol.com(August 2001)
Peter Spencer - New Hope & Wise Virgins CD Talented veteran folk-singer Peter Spencer serves up a good plentiful mix of old time folk, country & walking blues on his "New Hope and Wise Virgins" CD. The witty and gentle Paul Simon-esque "Casanova's Waltz", the ole countriness of "Sweet Dreams", the quiet and morose "Wolverine" and the sparse melodic timeless sense of "In The Pines". A very subdued(in a good way!) old fashioned storytellin' disc, with lots to say, and some killer slide playin' to boot. Autumnsong.com(March 2001)
Three To Six Inches - As Long As I Don't... CD Solid and tight, semi-drony alternative-pop from New Brunswick, NJ circa 1996. 'Gaslight' revolves around a Wire-esque blunty guitar rhythm met with a Debbie Harry on more prozak vocal. Well produced and innovative.(Jan. 2001)
Tricycle - Tricycle CD Well produced pop alternative punk rock from Tricycle, and they sound like they're having a blast making these recordings, but it just doesn't step out of the norm enough for me to really get into. Tricyclerocks@yahoo.com... http://tricycle.virtualave.net(August 2001)
Trod CD A live set from the Trod-sters withtight musical craftsmanship on all three major rock positions. Matt Langdon's clever bass-ness clearly gels the power trio's songwriting in a more focused direction, with songs titled "The Forbidden Rice Patty", "Zogg Takes A Bath" and "Dingo Pie". Cool lyrics to boot, and neat twisty turns throughout make this a cool live rock record. (March 2001)
Those Beasleys - Nobody Knows I'm On LSD CD Clearly one of the most bizarre arrivals in the Mononster bin. "Nobody Knows I'm on LSD" is loaded with quirks, nicks, noonies and fannies. Strange harmonies, processed drum machines and synths and really absurd rock'n'rolly basses and guitars lay down some of the wildest wide-eyed grooves I've come across yet. "Witchcraft(and Human Sacrifice)" sounds like an explosion of B-horror flix, great messy synth & guitar struttin', and a propulsive ru with it attitude. Clever song structuring and assemblage. Strange, challenging and brilliant. email'em at Revarnieachoo@hotmail.com (March 2001)
Tung - Wet Lie CD Dark female driven in your face borderline naughty rock'n'roll. Raw recording quality and ambiguous innuendoes from Lea Barrows sick mind propels this CD past the marginals of sex-doom-rock. Visit them at www.tung.cc(August 2001)
Tokyo Tramps - Long Way From Home CD Japanese-American indie-rock, which definitely rocks. "Favorite One" is actually more country than rock, which makes it even weirder. Between the classic production sounds and warm vocals, lies a rather tasty recording in spots. Email at yfujii@mindspring.com(August 2001)
V-3 The Other Side Of Darkness Sampler CD Fucking great! Definitive! From the entrancing 'Psychic Dance Hall' to the pre-Beck-ian 'No Willies up The Bun, Hun'!! This virtually unheard of coalition of artistry may very well have defined the indie movement, though it is doubtful that the seminal Belle & Sebastian have ever heard of Nudge Squidfish and the gang. Every song rules. I can't believe my virgin ears! This music apparently dates back to 1968. 32 years of raw, bordering on seminal creativity. Unbelievable. Unbelievable.(Jan. 2001)
Vincenzobuddha CD Vinny Turmo rocks out on all of the traditional rock instruments in a cool ultra lofi manner on this 4 song demo cd. Good fuzz-rockin' and simple arrangements make this a cool focused effort. Again, I have to stress the apparent, and soon to be classic, "run with it" attitude which prevails dominantly on this cd. Keep'em coming Vinny! Get in touch at vincenzobudda@go.com (March 2001)
Violet Skin - Kabuki CD All girl indie rock from the Midwest with a good warm production, a song about Pez, and even delving into slightly weird art-rock-bizarreness in the track "Overflowing". Definitely has me curious to see what's next from these ladies. http://www.violetskin.com....Email: theband@violetskin.com(August 2001)
John Ward - Friday Morning CD Gentle Brit-pop E.P. from John Ward is a refreshing listen amidst a lot of hard, angry music. Has innocence returned to music? John Ward's music might attest to that fact. Kind of un-genre-able, except, maybe innocent/delicate/gentle pop, maybe like a Bruce Hornsby, solo Brian Wilson, Bobby McFerrin and Tug Wilson meeting at the Town & Country Diner for mozzarella sticks.(Jan. 2001)
Wyld Type Hybrid - (Songs From The Book of Ken Jones CD) Modern progressive rock'n'roll from Berkeley, California. Intelligent lyrics and slick tight musicianship are aplenty on this trio's first full-length release. Nothing advanced in the conceptuality of "music", but still quite listenable. Get in touch at mbassm@yahoo.com, or check out there website at http://www.wyldtypehybrid.com (August 2001)
Wreck reactions - Wreck Reactions CD Wreck reactions - Wreck Reactions CD Loud and dirty guitars dominate this disc, fairly cranked in the mix, actually, which I dig, because it helps separate them from a lot of this emo-sounding rock. Not my poison, but interesting enough. www.wreckreactiononline.com(August 2001)
Waterfall - Before The Rising Sun CD The opening cut on this disc, "Queen of the Cosmos", a great East-West crossover track, offers little insight to the rest of the CD. Of all eleven tracks, three are instrumental and have completely distinct sounds, from rocker, to Middle Eastern, to Eno-esque ambience. The vocal cuts on the album are somewhat melodic indie-rock with good moments, but for me the real rush here is the opening cut, and the ambient instrumental "Paths". www.waterfall67.com...Email at info@waterfall67.com(August 2001)
Xplosive Kidd - One Size Fits All CD Mean sounding indie pop from Jersey. The Tool-ish 'If My Bass Were A Shotgun' is a good stab at the contemporary college radio scene, while 'Four Legs' reaches back instrumentally to early 80's alt-rock legends Gang Of Four. Well prepared, and finely tuned college music.(Jan. 2001)
Dan Zimmerman - Great Small CD Great voice and sound. Sparse and strong emotive voice from the folk underground. Stripped down to mostly guitar and Dan's superb vocal(usually registering in the first two octaves on a Baby Grand) with occasional backing vocals, cellos, organs, bells and violins. Several standouts in this collection, including the gripping political "Interior", the sweepingly melodic "The Public" and the dark circus-y fun of "Mirror". Waiting anxiously for his next one. (Feb. 2001)
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