Eccentric. Experimental. Necessarily independent.

To write that The Stiletto Formal is unusual, would be writing the easy way. It may be more to the point to state that this desert country group (Phoenix) is eclectic. The band members do indeed choose from a number of different styles and influences. In fact, The Stiletto Formal does so with a mix of styles in one song (listen to “Tastes Like Black Licorice” This Is My Boomstick 2006.) This tune definitely is not dancing music!

The Stiletto Formal musical efforts are a joint effort from Kyle Howard, Pat McCarthy, Sunny Davis, Jimi Lamp and Paul Neely, according to the band’s Web information. A second tune that is readily sampled by new listeners is “The Fall of Ambrose Bierce” (This Is My Boomstick 2006). Now, you could dance to this tune, if frenzy is your dancing style. The song may or may not pay homage to the American journalist/satirist who wrote “The Devil’s Dictionary,” among other works.

Fans may be drawn to the special sound and message of this group because they put their influences in the titles of songs. Walt Whitman gets a nod with “I Sing The Body Electric” (This Is My Boomstick 2006). This tune is the most “melodic” of the three mentioned.

Recent shows in California and Utah were cancelled. Catch this band for it’s challenging sound and that haunting violin!

The Stiletto Formal on MySpace

[tags]The Stiletto Formal[/tags]

Maybe this group should be called the Traveling Hanks. But that would be too much like some other collection of good musicians.

However, this California group is starting on an extended, and we mean extended, tour that kicks off in Florida with half a dozen gigs, and moves on to Georgia – Athens, Atlanta etc.  (That’s just in March.) The Hanks move on to North Carolina, Virginia and other locations along the eastern seaboard in early April. From there, it’s on to New York, Pennsylvania, and some New England area dates. Leaving little time to catch their collective breaths, the band plays across the upper Midwest throughout the month of April and finishes up in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas etc. Distance indeed!

As for the music currently played out on CD, "Cinnamon Scars" (Distance 2008) is a song with a good concept and lyrical theme. While not a powerful song musically, there is a solid message here. "Wrath of Poseidon" from the same new CD is a bit more interesting musically, probably because of the rhythm treatment. As with most of The Hanks’ songs, dynamics is key. There is definitely a taste of the great band "Yes" in these songs. Nice work!

[tags]The Hanks[/tags]

First impression? The Fully Down is a fine young band, with clear vocals, youthful energy and fast-moving fingers on the guitar that mark so many groups of the 1990s and the new century. To be honest, there is some extra musical treatment on “Are You Listening” a demo that tops the sample songs for this Ottawa, Ontario band. This sets the group apart, but just slightly.

New listeners will be interested to hear what TFD has to say about “The Art of Being Criminal” another new demo effort. It’s certainly good rock music, though as punk it may be a bit too clean. The musicians may be a bit too talented for what usually passes as punk. Maybe that’s the perfect crime.

As for “What’s The Matter?” this listener and a few others seem to get the idea. I mean, the girls like ‘em. This song does have a few bars of good guitar work, something unlike what is heard in recent days. “Descent Rebellion” (Don’t Get Lost In A Movement) is OK music, energetic music. But really, where’s the rebellion? I’m sorry, but the guitar work about halfway through this tune is just too good to be considered rebellious. In truth, The Fully Down should stretch their talent. It’s there to be stretched.

The Fully Down on MySpace

[tags]The Fully Down[/tags]

This singer/crooner is supported by a lot of different musicians, and it seems this occurs for good reason. First-time listeners may have some difficulty “placing” Mindy Smith in a category, though there may not be too many “first-time listeners.” Smith has been around for nearly a decade and caught the attention of music industry stars long before this.

Personal note: I’m not sure why people insist on categorizing music and art. It’s whatever the performer/musician/artist is doing. That’s the category. This pigeonhole mentality will continue, I know. After all, the bean counters are in control! But I can’t resist adding my efforts to the fray.

Back to the important subject – Mindy Smith. This may be folk music. It may even be something like country, since she is based in Tennessee. But, for the most part, this is just great listening music. “Little Devil” (Long Island Shores 2006 Vanguard Records) is a neat song that expresses the frustration all of us feel when we can’t resist, and fall for, something. The legendary Tom Waits asks, “How can the angels get to sleep, when the devil leaves his porch light on?

The title track from this CD, “Long Island Shores,” is supported primarily by Smith’s fine vocal touch and excellent background violin. Listen! Some Irish/country that is, well, music to the ears. Also recommended – “Out Loud.”

Some listeners may step into “Peace of Mind” from this CD expecting to find that elusive goal. Lose yourself in this tune and for a few minutes, maybe…just maybe.

Mindy Smith on MySpace

[tags]Mindy Smith[/tags]

Wait, there is something different here.

There are, for this writer’s money, a lot of young bands searching and getting close, but not quite hitting the mark. Of course, it’s all personal preference.

However, House of the Heroes has found something, especially with "Code Name Raven" (The End Is Not The End Gotee 2008). Even "Leave You Now" and "Lose Control" from the same CD display a versatility in musicianship that reflects some quality influences.

You see, there is something the same here as well. After all, these young fellows cite The Beatles, Muse, Third Eye Blind, along with Rufus Wainwright, Danny Elfman and the Beach Boys as influences. "Code Name Raven" has some of the tight harmonies and fun background singing that made some of the major names of the 1960s so popular. The title tune "The End Is Not The End" has an interesting combination of Beach Boy harmony, growling guitar and some of the flavor of the young bands that are gathering fans across the U.S. Midwest.

In the band lineup are Tim Skipper – vocals, guitar; Jared Rigsby – guitar, vocals; Colin Rigsby – drums, vocals; AJ Babcock – bass, vocals.

Check this group out in Orlando, Florida or Saint Petersburg, Florida. House of the Heroes will also be in Athens, Georgia and Gainesville, Florida on this tour.

[tags]House of the Heroes[/tags]