A strong beginning with this group, especially if you fire up the CD early in the morning. The collection contains "The Pieces" (Don’t Wake Up 2008), a song of youthful energy that has lyrics that will catch the attention of those in a less-than-happy place (due to relationship problems).

Esme, from down Atlanta way, catches the attention of Alternative Press magazine (www.altpress.com). The review from that publication indicates that this band is "covering all the crucial steps a band on the rise needs to take." This listener would have to agree that the songs from Esme have some nice "hooks" and vocals. "Close Your Eyes" from the same 2008 CD doesn’t separate itself from "The Pieces" however, because the rhythm and pace are so similar. The strength may be in what Alternative Press calls the hook, with "don’t wake up" and "close your eyes." These are the pieces that stick in a listeners mind.

The band does achieve a tight presentation, with crisp drums and closely patterned guitar.

The name, Esme, is generally feminine, according to quick research. But there are many modern, common uses of the word that might reach back to the old language. The word comes from traditional French and means "esteemed" or "loved." This listener is sure that Esme is esteemed by a solid group of fans.

Esme on MySpace

[tags]Esme[/tags]

Apparently, Darci Cash is hard to find, if not impossible to find. One fan blog asks, "What happened to you guys?" The most recent information shows activity in 2007 and several fans calling for the group to come back to their area.

Darci Cash, a Los Angles area band, was primarily based on the musical work of Benjamin Welch, Mack Slevin and Jeff Baird. They released In the Company of Strangers in 2004 with such songs as "In The Corner" and "Where We’re Off To." The latter tune is a soft rocker that carries some of the 60s and 70s English-band sound. It may not thrill the most hardcore of rock fans, but it can be listened to with a knowing smile. On a 2006 demo the band put out "God You Were Sweet." This demo ballad starts softly and slowly and keeps the listener in a peaceful mood.

Even if Darci Cash is no longer living and breathing, readers will appreciate the humor left on their Web site. The band seems to be influenced primarily by "That stuff your parents listen to," which would explain the sound/style. If the group "Sounds like a short circuiting electric bull, it escapes this listener. They were heard on a Japanese label before putting together their own label with a couple of other groups.

Darci Cash on MySpace

[tags]Darci Cash[/tags]

Rock and roll boys, to keep the memory of Coretta Scott alive!

According to Web site information, this group feels like they’re taking crazy pills. In addition, they are not afraid to show their crazily muscular bodies. Such fun!

Oh yes, the music. “Dressed To Kill” (Red Delicious 2007) is fair rock music. The drum work is crisp. The vocals are interesting, though a bit nasal. The guitar work fills and supports, as good guitar work seldom does in other bands. Too many musicians believe the distorted guitar is the most important thing to happen to rock music since……forever. Listen to Elliot Easton of The Cars. He knows how to do this.

“Cross My Fingers” from the same song collection has a solid, almost threatening pace. Good rock ballad. “Jenna” has a breathtaking pace and seems played in a frenzy. (Personal note: I know a couple of young rock fans named Jenna. They would like this band.)

Web information tells us that Josh Albright is the vocalist, Preston Thomason offers the guitar work, Ben Emery puts in bass and Mike McClung plays the authoritative drums. This group comes at us from Spokane, Washington, in the great northwest of these United States.

For something a bit earlier in the Coretta Scott evolution, try “Poison Apple” (Scream & Shout 2005 RISE).

Coretta Scott on MySpace

[tags]Coretta Scott[/tags]

When you are categorized as indie or rock music, the sound might be just about anything. The alternative category does tend to narrow the choices down a bit, as to overall sound, instrument selection, vocal style etc. “Not A Through Street” a demo from this San Diego vocalist and songwriter, would be sufficient introduction to the interesting tunes of Anya Marina. But stopping with that tune would mean the listener misses some very tasty songs.

Marina’s “Try It and Like It” is another demo recording from the singer and acoustic guitar player that is just a bit off center, in a delightful sort of way. “Move You SSSPII” is put together carefully and played carefully, with a minimum of sound at the start. The sharp rhythm track changes that feel about a minute into the tune. A second abrupt change near the end brings to mind the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the lounge bands of the 40s.

Marina carries the guitar and vocals, assisted by a bass player, percussionist and a few other contributors to this unusual sound. The art of this young woman is perhaps best shown in “lake michigan rogue.” She manages to bring some of her writing talent and training into the mix, with solid lyrics. Catch her on the radio or on stage (maybe even on screen).

Anya Marina on MySpace

[tags]Anya Marina[/tags]

Sometimes a listener can tell what a band is about by listening to a title tune. Sometimes that song begins with drums. On occasion that song starts with acoustic guitar or a few keyboard/piano notes.

In the case of ActionReaction, “March On” (3 is the Magic Number 2006) begins with drums setting the beat and the tone. But when you bill a band as “psychedelic” and “soul” in addition to “rock” there must be something different, something more than rhythm energy and clanging electric guitars. So it is with this New Jersey group. The vocals are a bit deeper than one might expect. The melody is nice enough. With ActionReaction, studio production and the stop/start treatment of “March On” are a pleasant surprise.

According to band members this is what the music sounds like: “sound of one hand clapping, ear-piercing sirens, the color orange, 4 stoned hippies at a phish concert,” etc. Good enough.

“Come See My Grave” from the same CD has some of the psychedelic in it, along with something more 21^st century. Numerous fans and friends are asking about another tour and a new album, with most of the inquiries directed to the band in late 2007 and 2008. So the question is: when are you coming back already?

ActionReaction on MySpace

[tags]ActionReaction[/tags]