The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 8, 2008

Artist: AKissForJersey
Album: Victims
Label: Tragic Hero Records
Rating:

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Tragic Hero Records recording artist, AKissForJersey have had a busy couple of years. First with the release of their debut album, Keep Your Head Above Water in August of 2006, then with the re-release of their debut with added acoustic tracks in late 2007. The re-release is an impressive feat for such a young band. While I wasn’t impressed with Keep Your Head Above Water as a whole, I did notice some promise in AKissForJersey’s potential. In 2008 we are rewarded with AKissForJersey’s sophomore release, Victims. An album that builds upon the memorable moments of their debut, but then goes above and beyond to become one of the best post-hardcore releases of 2008 so far.

Victims is an impressive release, not only because of how it builds and improves on Keep Your Head Above Water, but because it showcases one of the best rock voices I’ve heard in recent years. Zach’s vocals are so impressive, I’m willing to put him on my list next to Craig Owens and Anthony Green. Not many vocalists in today’s scene can showcase the range and distinct tone that Zach’s vocals bring to the table here. Also, Zach’s lyrics should be noted as well. They are bold, yet poetic and never come across as shallow or preachy. He really has a way with words and lays his faith in God out in the open in a completely intimate and honest fashion.

Musically, Victims is a more complete sounding album. Listening to the album straight through, you feel like you have been taken through a story, or an experience. Everything flows together very nicely. It doesn’t feel like a collection of songs were just through together. Halfway through the album is a nice interlude where a preacher is reading a passage from Matthew 7:14 - 7:27 set to some haunting, yet powerful music. This interlude is both powerful and thought provoking.

A gigantic step of from their debut, AKissForJersey have released one of the great rock albums of 2008. This is a band that is gaining momentum and is a band to watch. With the release of Victims, AKissForJersey have placed themselves firmly on the map. Things can only get better from here.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Devices”

“The Flood”

“A Tree and it’s Fruit”

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 1, 2008

Artist: Jason Yudoff
Album: Tragic Hero
Label: Scratched Vinyl

Rating:

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Let’s set the record straight. I’m not a huge fan of pop rock. You know, the guy “trying” to be rock and roll, but perfectly groomed and surrounded by supermodels. That’s just not the image nor the musical style I gravitate toward. That being said, I approached Jason Yudoff’s new album, Tragic Hero with upmost objectivity. It’s an easy album for a guy like to to write off after the first listen, but if you’re someone who likes things a little more “mainstream” sounding, Tragic Hero is a better choice than most of your choices. At least he doesn’t sound like Nickelback.

Jason Yudoff draws from influences such as funk, jazz and pop. His piano driven, sugar soaked pop songs have more meat on them than most of what I’ve heard from the genre. Lyrically, the album’s themes are the generic love songs you hear on radio or TV today. Nothing too deep, but relationships are something we all can connect with. This isn’t an album trying to be provocative or deep in any way. It’s goal is to reach the broadest audience possible, and I think it succeeds on that level.

There is an honesty to Jason’s songwriting that I see translating well to a live show. Each song has a piano driven backbone, and prove to be songs that can be stripped down and performed. Also, the Funk/Jazz element needs to be addressed. I think it’s the element that works the best and brings a freshness to each song. There is an underlying groove to some the up-tempo songs that can get your head bobbing no matter how cynical of a listener you may be.

Ultimately, Tragic Hero is a mixed bag. There are elements that were surprisingly good (the piano and funk elements), but there are also many cheesy cringe-inducing elements (some of the lyrics are unintentionally hysterical, check out Side By Side). Jason Yudoff is an artist worth checking out if your into the genre categories he fits in, but as a whole, Tragic Hero is a semi-solid effort with nothing really new or compelling being offered up.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Good Enough”

“Get Up”

“You Should Be My Girl”

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 29, 2008

Artist: Chris Garneau
Album: Music For Tourists
Label: Absolutely Kosher

Rating:

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Many singer/songwriters are hit or miss, and I feel like I’m not seeing eye to eye with a lot of my trendier friends. Sufjan Stevens is great, but get’s a bit boring for me. Damien Jurado doesn’t get many re-visits from me and Damien Rice has some gold tracks, but the albums have always felt lacking to me. With all that said, I do have some love set aside for singer/songwriters. In fact Denison Witmer is constantly playing on my iPod.

With all that said, I recently discovered a singer/songwriter with an album that has earned multiple listens and appreciation from myself before sitting down to write this review. Chris Garneau is fairly new on the scene and his debut full length, Music For Tourists, is an album that deserves to be more known than it is at this moment.

What makes Music For Tourists so interesting is not necessarily the style. We’ve all heard this style before in many variations. The songwriting is solid and, in most cases, better than a lot of his contemporaries. What Chris Garneau brings to the table that pushes Music For Tourists above the usual fare is his unique vocals and sometimes phrasing. It’s hard to put down in words, and is almost something you have to hear for yourself. Chris has a unique, hushed singing voice that sometimes will dip to a whisper. This makes for an interesting and relaxing listen. Coupled together with various Cello and Piano arrangements, Chris Garneau has created an extremely distinctive sound. Something some of these other singer/songwriters haven’t done. When you hear Chris Garneau, you know it’s Chris Garneau.

Released in early 2007, I’m a bit late in getting this review out, but Music For Tourists is an album that will continue to get repeat listens from me. It is a refreshing and rich album that will hopefully be a defining album in Chris Garneau’s budding career.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Relief”

“Baby’s Romance”

“We Don’t Try

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The Indie Review
By Allie Berg
May 29, 2008

Artist: Running Red Lights
Album: Enter the Tide
Label: Unsigned
Rating:

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Back in 2005 a band formed in Trenton (yay Jersey!) with little written material, equipment, or instruments. Three years later, Mike Lemezis, Anthony Gagliano,Brian Peak, and Greg Townsend, better know as Running Red Lights, released their first full length album, Enter the Tide.

After listening to Enter the Tide, something completely stood out to me. Running Red Lights reminds me of a little black dress. While other trends and styles may come and go; whether it be music or fashion, there are some things that are just classic and don’t go out of style. The music heard in Enter the Tide sounds classic to me. Regardless of what you’re in the mood to listen to; fast or slow, heavy instruments or smart lyrics, there is a track on here for you.

Enter the Tide remains consistent throughout the entire album; not once did it get boring. A perfect balance was achieved in planning the order of the tracks. The smart, mature lyrics provided a sense of maturity among the band. The track entitled, “Addiction”, deals with a sensitive, emotional topic. Written about a friend who passed away from a drug problem, Running Red Lights turns their thoughts and feelings into lyrics.

Besides their moving lyrics, Enter the Tide is filled with stellar guitar riffs. Guitarists Mike Lemezis and Greg Townsend have true talents. It’s refreshing to hear music that isn’t just the same three chords repeated. So if you’re into music that’s not just the flavor of the week, you’ll really dig this.

Stand Out Tracks:

Last Call

Someday

Addiction

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 20, 2008

Artist: Bomb the Music Industry
Album: Get Warmer
Label: Asian Man Records/Quote Unquote Records

Rating:

FREE DOWNLOAD (Or support the band by purchasing it, see links below)

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Bomb the Music Industry is one of the most interesting music projects out today. Formed by chief songwriter Jeff Rosenstock (The Arrogant Sons of Bitches) in 2004, Bomb the Music Industry has released 4 DIY albums. Each album has been (and still is) FREE with the option to donate to the band. Another interesting factor is Jeff is joined on each album by a staggering number of collaborators, making Bomb the Music Industry more of a “Musical Collective” than an actual band. Kind of like a harmless musical version of The Borg.

The latest release, Get Warmer shows that free albums don’t mean shitty albums. With a proper CD pressing by Asian Man Records and the free (donations welcomed) digital release by Bomb the Music Industry’s own label, Quote Unquote Records , Get Warmer is an album that needs to be heard and is an album worth owning in the tangible form.

Bomb the Music Industry is a band that understands the DIY ethic. Get Warmer is an album produced without investors or record labels getting in the way of the creative process. These are 12 songs of straight Punk Rock energy and attitude with a tinge of Ska (yes, ska is not dead). What makes this album work, is the rawness and the fact that each song stands on it’s own. The combination of guitars, 100-mile-minute drums, frantic bass lines, keys and horns make Get Warmer one of the most fun listens I’ve had this year.

My only regret is not discovering Bomb the Music Industry sooner. Get Warmer was released in 2007, and I’m looking forward what 2008 has to bring.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Unlimited Breadsticks, Soup and Salad Days”

“Depression is No Fun”

“Never Trust a Man Without a Horribly Embarassing Secret”

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 17, 2008

Artist: Phantom Planet
Album: Raise the Dead
Label: Fueled by Ramen

Rating:

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With 3 Major Label full length releases under their belts, Phantom Planet finds themselves on pseudo-Indie label Fueled by Ramen for their most recent release. Known for consistently strong albums, Phantom Planet have outdone themselves with this new installment, Raise the Dead.

Combining the raw Rock approach of their last Self Titled album, and the poppiness of The Guest and Phantom Planet is Missing, Raise the Dead hit all the right marks and feels both familiar and fresh. Phantom Planet have shown that they can mature without changing their sound dramatically.

Musically, most every song is a gem here. There seems to be a lot of thought and care to produce an album with as little filler as possible. Each song has it’s strong points and makes Raise the Dead will be the first Phantom Planet album to get repeat visits from me. Alex Greenwald’s vocals have never been better and he shows more range and diversity than ever before. Jeff Conrad shows that Jason Schwartzman is a better actor than drummer. The drums on this album are head and shoulders above all previous albums (Jeff replaced Jason halfway through recording the Self Titled album). Sam Farrar and Darren Robinson both deliver on the bass, guitar and also contribute with some great background vocals.

If you’ve shrugged Phantom Planet off in the past, Raise the Dead gives you a reason to check them out. Phantom Planet have not only showed staying power with this being their 4th studio album, but they’ve also shown us they have a lot great tunes left in them.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Raise The Dead”

“Do The Panic”

“Dropped”

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 16, 2008

Artist: Polar Bear Club
Album: Sometimes Things Just Disappear
Label: Red Leader Records

Rating:

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Sometimes you want to ditch the “over production wonderland” of today’s music and hear what you’re going to get at a dirty, sweaty, stuffy live show. So many bands today are supported live by pre-recorded tracks and synth just so they don’t look like total jackasses live. Welcome my Saviors, Polar Bear Club with their debut full length Sometimes Things Just Disappear.

Polar Bear Club draw minor influences from bands like Hot Water Music and Lifetime, resulting in some of the most exciting songs I’ve heard this year. There’s no over produced vocals here, Jimmy Stadt’s voice is perfectly imperfect. His gruff voice adds the perfect touch to the music and isn’t over dominant, letting the clean background vocals add depth to each song. I absolutely love the vocals on this album.

Musically, the other members deliver on all fronts. There is a post-punk edge here, with a combination of clean guitar and distortion. I really enjoy the balance of the production as well. This is one of the few albums that will translate from album to live performance. A quality that more and more albums are lacking. This is what makes Polar Bear Club so special. They remind me of all the bands I’ve fallen in love with throughout the years. Bands that can translate their raw energy and passion and energy into an album are the ones who have staying power.

Sometimes Things Just Disappear captures the rawness and passion of Polar Bear Club. So, buy the CD, learn the lyrics and get to that small, dark, stuffy bar and scream the lyrics along with everyone else in the room. I know I’ll be there.

Stand Out Tracks

“Hollow Place”

“Burned Out In a Jar”

“Our Ballads”

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The Indie Review
By Allie Berg
May 15, 2008

Artist: Driver F
Album: Chase the White Whale
Label: Unsigned
Rating:

Why aren’t this guys big, big stars already? Can someone answer me that? Please?

Hailing from Austin, TX, Driver F is getting ready to bust into the music scene in a huge way. After spending most of 2007 writing and recording, Driver F has finally released their first full-length album, Chase the White Whale. The album is filled with multiple potential hits, strong instrumentals, and incredibly catchy lyrics and beats.

While much of today’s popular music sounds alike and doesn’t have a lot of unique qualities, Driver F breaks away from that norm. These guys, while still fitting into the “scene”, have their own style and sound. Each track on the album has extreme hit potential, especially the second track; Temple of Doom.

The singing on this album is also on point. It’s clear, annunciated, and allows the listener to understand the words and sing along with ease. The screaming is limited, but appropriate when used; for example towards the end of I Have Better Things To Do Tonight Than Die. Lyrics are meaningful to the band and the listener, by providing a textual sense of the bands’ struggle over the past few years. While dark at times; the lyrics provide the sense of hope that they will overcome whatever is thrown at them and succeed, and in my opinion, they are doing a pretty damn good job.

Take your lives, Make your legends, Pass them on, pass them on, Open my eyes, Tear my throat, We carry on, we sing our song.

While Chase the White Whale is Driver F’s first full length, I think these guys will be putting out many more albums and achieving great success. I would imagine they put on a great live show as well. According to their MySpace, a national tour is scheduled for this summer in support of the new album and my advice would be check them out!

..And maybe even say hi to me, I’ll be there!

Stand Out Tracks:

Two Words, Mr. President: Plausible Deniability

Temple of Doom

Bury Me With My Money

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The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 1, 2008

Artist: Moving Mountains
Album: Pneuma
Label: Deep Elm Records

Rating:

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Once every few years an album comes along and defies all expectations and inspires the inner musician/artist in me. The last album that had the biggest impact on me creatively was The Appleseed Cast’s 2 album set Low Level Owl I & Low Level Owl II. These are albums I still listen to on a regular basis and nothing has ever come close to the genius of those albums. Until now. Moving Mountains debut: Pneuma is an album that stretches itself more artistically than anything that has come along in the past 8 years.

What makes Pneuma so great is how the album flows together as a whole album. You have no standout radio singles here. Moving Mountains have created a musical movement with Pneuma. Each song relies on and builds from the previous, creating an experience that seems to be left out of most albums today. Like Sigur Ros, Moving Mountains aren’t afraid to take the minimalist approach and let songs simply exist. There is no formula here, just honest, pure and passionate songwriting.

Moving Mountains have burst onto the music scene with a brilliant debut. Pneuma exists on a higher plain than anything I’ve heard in quite a long time. This is an album that will transcend time and genres and proves that you don’t have to stick to formula or trends to have a successful release.

Stand Out Tracks

“8105”

“Cover The Roots / Lower The Stems”

“Alastika”

 

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