Indie Update

Being greeted by a flying insect and the electronic atmosphere of "Intro" (Songs From the Glasshouse) puts the listener right where he/she needs to be to enjoy some of the "rock, ambient, electronica" of The Panic Division.

New listeners can samle "Here We Go" or "Day You Left" to get some idea of how this works. Colton Holliday (vocals, guitar, keys) joined forces with Daniel Stanush (guitar, Rhodes, keys), Tavis Wilson (bass, keys), Jesse Garcia (drums) and Diego Chavez (electronics, programming) to create what could serve as excellent club dance music as well as pleasant ambient music. This CD was introduced in August of 2007.

This is not music that is heavy on philosophy, though lyrics do drive some of the work of The Panic Division. The group also pays some attention to musical dynamics and song structure, so these tunes aren’t just rhythm tracks. This is certainly true of "Day You Left." Nice keyboard finish.

Look for the group in California, Arizona, Washington and other points west, as The Panic Division moves about from their San Antonio base. There is some word going about that Daniel Stanush is not part of the mix anymore. I guess it’s best to take that at face value. Let’s see what happens from here.

The Panic Division on MySpace

Tags: The Panic Division, indie, independent music, music, indie music

What do you get when you tie Sunday morning and alternative rock together, in a Web search or in real life? It may be your fate to get some words and phrases such as "The Velvet Underground" and "ska" thrown your way.

The questions are: What is appropriate for "alternative seekers" on a Sunday morning? What is comfortable for those same listeners? Discussions with rock aficionados in the past have uncovered some interesting theories on this subject. Many among the classic-rock set  feel they can live best with bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Allman Brothers Band on Saturday night, but must have The Moody Blues or great folk rock such as Joni Mitchell on Sunday morning. It’s a headache thing, really.

A quick trip to www.last.fm brought up a California group called No Doubt that even includes the phrase "Sunday Morning" in its music. According to this Web site (the social music revolution) No Doubt compares favourably to Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Pink and Alanis Morissette. Not all bad, but maybe a bit too soft for many alternative listeners.

At blogcritics.org, visitors may find references to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Woodstock ‘94 and Nine Inch Nails. Perhaps that’s a bit closer to the coffee and Red Bull type of music you are looking for.

In closing, let’s look at www.bartoy.blogspot.com for some "Sunday morning coffee with Uncle Tupelo." Maybe that’s more to your taste. No matter where you travel for your morning after music, don’t let the music die just because it’s not Saturday night.

Tags: indie music, music, indie, Sunday Morning Coming Down, independent music

So, how does a girl sing and sound so much like Sheryl Crowe?

It has to be coincidence with Sarah Hethcoat. Probably nothing more. "Everybody Wants" is a good beginning pop tune, certainly not a heavyweight contribution to modern music, but this girl will probably move on to become a major entertainer (with the right help). "Love Me Then" takes the Crowe comparison off track a bit, especially when the music slides to that minor chord. A smooth song.

The listener gets a taste of the real musical talent of Sarah with "Love Trap." (First time listener comment: This is the song I would choose if I were Sarah or one of her confidants.) Choose for what? Pick this one to show to the musical world. A bit different and quite enjoyable. "Gone" provides a brief look at the Sarah Hethcoat keyboard ability. First indications are that Sarah is an accomplished pianist, which certainly doesn’t get in the way when it is time to write songs. Adding voice training for professional-level musical theater doesn’t hurt either.

Get a taste of Sarah at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, or in Los Angeles (late April, early May). She will even put you on the guest list for her birthday if you email with sincere intention.

Sarah on MySpace

Tags: indie, indie music, music, Sarah, independent music

Well, isn’t that special! It takes confidence, and talent, to try a cover of one of rock’s legendary, high-quality rock bands – The Moody Blues.

Midnight Movies takes a stab at "Nights In White Satin" (Nights EP 2008 New Line Records). The chorus vocals are fine, the flute is just about as good as the original. Ray Thomas is hard to beat though, considering he played this flute solo decades ago. This is definitely psychedelic revisited. With that said, there seems to be some work left to be done on this cover tune. But thanks for giving it a try, Midnight Movies.

Some will enjoy the beginning of, and the energy of, "Should Have Known" from the same collection. Do we hear some of the Grace Slick style in this tune? The former Jefferson Airplane singer would be happy to hear someone giving it a try again. One thing for sure: Midnight Movies has separated itself from the majority of other 21^st century indie groups with this sound

"Souvenirs" (Lion the Girl 2007 New Line Records) is much more "pop" than some of the group’s other tunes. But it still fits, with its combination of dreamy keyboard sounds and crisp rhythm. "Twenty Four Hour Dream" from 2007 might draw another segment of the population.

The band is: Gena Olivier – vocals, organ, drums; Larry Schemel – guitar; Sandra Vu – drums, flute, vocals, keyboard; Ryan Wood – bass, keyboards, guitar. Personal note - I disagree with a couple of reviewers though. This ain’t punk. Nor is it decidedly new.

 Midnight Movies On MySpace

Tags: independent music, music, indie, Midnight Movies, indie music

The audiences in Greenwich Village (The Big Apple) should enjoy the smoothness of Laura Cheadle’s presentation. She starts a string of six engagements at The Baggot Inn and also plays select spots in Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Cheadle, who lives and works in the Philadelphia area, is a soulful singer whose current work is collected on the CD Falling In. "Midst of Your Mystery" from that collection features the singer’s voice and some excellent background organ. For some reason the slight roughness of the drums and guitar fits with what Cheadle is attempting to portray – lovable funkiness.

"Lay Me Down" is the upbeat rhythm track that helps balance some of the other chocolate-smooth tunes. This song uses some nice "slide down" chord work that will please the more informed musicians among her listeners. Cheadle’s voice may not be remarkable just yet, but she is definitely on the way to that level. Continuing to hook up with top session musicians will help, of course.

Wrapped Up In You" tricks the listener into thinking it is just a cute love song. Then, Cheadle and the musicians slip in a touch of the funk she hangs onto in all of her songs. It will be interesting to watch this young singer to see if she grows from the soul seedling she is now.

Laura Cheadle On MySpace

Tags: music, indie, Laura Cheadle, indie music, independent music