Boyce Avenue
Occasionally, someone points you in a certain direction and you find yourself listening to a group that is wise beyond its years. Such is the case with Boyce Avenue, based in Florida. With a foundation going back to 2000, when these fellows were teenagers, Boyce Avenue has established itself as one of the premier young bands in the U.S. With a lineup composed of Alejandro Manzano: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano; Fabian Manzano: Guitar, Background Vocals; Daniel Manzano: Bass, Background Vocals; Stephen Hatker: Drums, Percussion, the team puts out crisp guitar chords and some biting lead on “Tonight” from All You’re Meant ...
The Cast Before The Break
Here's what some are saying, "Rarely does a simple acoustic project turn into something as ambitious as Oneonta, New York's THE CAST BEFORE THE BREAK." The bio written by Dave Graupman (written well, I might add) explains, "TJ Foster started the group as an outlet to explore new facets of his music, but with the addition of guitarists Jeremy Carter and Jordan Stewart, bassist John Cannon and drummer/producer Ben Hemingway, a much more developed sound emerged." "Understanding the Universe" from As Your Shoulders Turn On You starts with some nice, easy keyboard (for which I am a sucker) but then ...
Stephanie Rivers
This is jazz, and it's soul, cleanly produced and smoothly sung. Rivers offers an interesting mix of rhythms in "Fairy Tales" from the Play Things EP (2008). According to her own marketing information, on the Stephanie Rivers Web site, she hails from Tulsa Oklahoma. Apparently she was a child entertainer, singing in and around Tulsa, in just about every venue you can imagine. She lists legends such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin among her influences, along with more recent but equally talented singers such as Ani DiFranco, Lauren Hill and Mariah Carey. For some reason, it seems those performers who take ...
Marching Band
This indie/pop band is certainly pop, but it sounds like fun music. Here's their MySpace info, in short form: Based in Linköping, Sweden. In 2008, their first full-length album Spark Large was recorded and highlights the bands one-of-a-kind indie pop sound. While the group does use the mainstay rock sounds of guitars, drums and bass guitar, they also employ an array of more eccentric musical instruments for a indie/pop band, such as xylophone, marimba, banjo, vibraphone and unique vocal harmonies. Marching Band is Erik Sunbring and Jacob Lind from Linkoping, Sweden. According to this dynamic duo, all they need are ...
Latest Indie Music Reviews
Herm
There is some obvious attempt at shock value with Herm’s graphics and video. However, the young performer (Kevin Connolly) from Ireland also presents some creativity in his music, apart from the visual messages he sends out. This listener likes the sound of “Heads,” primarily because it sounds so innocent and “pop.” But the intended contrast between the sound and the lyrical message makes... [Read more]
Doctor Squid
Band member Mark Spurlock describes Doctor Squid’s music as “ridiculously catchy pop/rock” from Athens, Georgia. He adds that some fans have compared Squid music to “early Weezer.” Don’t know about that, but he hit the first part right on the proverbial head. A listening experience that begins with “On My Way” confirms Spurlock’s assessment. The tune is not strong lyrically but the... [Read more]
Astronauts of Antiquity
Billed as “music for the solar system,” the group is appropriately named Astronauts of Antiquity. Someone who has not heard music from this band might wonder if the implied universal view is recreated in music. This listener found the astronauts flying rather well in the “urban-electro-organica” space. The style may not be the choice of a majority, but it will find a sufficient number of listeners.... [Read more]
40 Sons and Daughters
How many? Actually, the name of this alternative-rock group from Hamilton, Ontario isn’t all that significant once the listener gets into a song or two. 40 Sons and Daughters puts out some quality rock-and-roll. “My Perfect Enemy” has all that is needed to capture the ears and wallets of the young and energetic listeners. “The Only Witness” and “I’d Do It Again” are presented with... [Read more]
Maddie Rosene
It’s hard not to like a young woman who has put several years into writing and singing her own songs, mostly using just an acoustic guitar. Her MySpace tunes, such as “Short and Sweet” definitely have a 1960s folk feel, especially with vocal clarity that naturally comes with youth. “He Loves Me Not,” like many of Rosene’s songs, doesn’t crack the earth with its lyrics or with musical... [Read more]
