May 17, 2012

Kava Kava

Kava KavaKava Kava has found a foothold in a musical world dominated by upbeat, electro pace and talking vocals. While such tunes as “Clarity” are not different from many others in genre, the intensity and professionalism are definitely worth checking out. The group states in its Web information “Turbo charged rocked out and funked up live dance act from the UK.”

No argument from this vantage point. Kava Kava is cleanly presented by Midnight Swimming Digital Vinyl. Forwards was released digitally in June and will also be available on vinyl. The band and the producers have done a remarkable job with “Tic.” Some may find it a great tune for driving across the countryside on a bright afternoon. Others may want to crank this one up later in the evening, with a favorite beverage close by.

Band members based in Yorkshire are: singer Pat Fulgoni with Matt Bond-guitar, Martin Chung-bass, Chris Corrigan-drums, Steve Davies and Ian Bailey-horn section … vocals, guitars, electronica, brass, strings and beats. Kava Kava music used on several U.S. TV shows has paved the way for the current CD, now available in the U.S. If you like “dark funk” and a taste of “psychedelia” get your hands on Kava Kava, listened to the title tune and move on to other tasty treats.

Kava Kava On MySpace

[tags]kava kava[/tags]

I M Munroe

I M MunroeAt first take, I M Munroe is not easy to grasp. This is certainly pop and alternative acoustic music. It’s presented with little dressing, especially on “One More Day.” The simple percussion and melody line are pleasing but not complex. The duo from Canada released “Fool” as a single a few months back and this tune found some interest around the globe. According to the I M Munroe PR folks “Fool” got airplay in England, Russia, Australia and the United States, in addition to the home country of Canada.

The worldwide tune shows a bit more energy, with heavier percussion and stronger vocals. The instrumentation adds a lot to the song, so it’s not difficult to understand that listeners wanted this one in their ears. Mixed vocals and harmony seem to be musical strengths for the pair. It will be interesting to see how I M Munroe progresses as the lyric writing grows to match the ambitions. Brothers Mark and Ian Munroe have a good start.

“I Am Here” is due out August 2009, according to the Web information. The sample tune by this name on MySpace adds another level to what the duo is trying to do. “Fool” is available for listening and download at: www.soundcloud.com/immunroe
Find out more about I M Munroe at: www.myspace.com/immunroe or www.immunroe.com

I M Munroe on MySpace

[tags]i m munroe[/tags]

Terribly Empty Pockets

Terribly Empty PocketsThere’s no snap or crackle with this Columbus, Ohio group. It’s all pop. If you don’t believe the reviews, just ask the band members or listen to “Tiny View.” This is energetic music, which should sit well with listeners who are young and into those yellow smiling faces. (!!!???) These folks can play and sing a bit, however, so that’s good, right?

The band name is fine. There is probably no better way to tell the story of Indie music than to say individuals who are devoted to this task will probably live with terribly empty pockets. Members are, as presented on the Web: Mr Josh Holt, Ms Sarah BB, Mr Ben Colburn, Mr Ryan Jewell and Mr Justin Riley. They’ve been around awhile. Terribly Empty Pockets has come up with four CDs in the last four or five years.

“Sweet When You Were Young” is a good song, though it doesn’t give the listener anything significantly different from several others in the collection. This listener is partial to “Sexy World” the title tune of the Sexy World CD. They currently have Cat Mountain available on Nettwerk Records.

Here’s what Terribly Empthy Pockets has to say for and about itself:
“We’re really fun.”
“Indie pop band that drags about the U.S./Canadian border.”
“Smiley face dance party.”

The most telling quote, however, might be this: “You know what sucks about being an Indie band? We got signed to Nettwerk Records but even once you’re signed to a bigger Indie label it’s all DIY (do it yourself) because the economy is in the tank, and music isn’t much of a business these days.”

Terribly Empty Pockets on MySpace

[tags]terribly empty pockets[/tags]

Sonya Kahn

Sonya KahnCan a song actually unite widely dispersed people into a community?
Of course it can. It’s been done many times over the past 40 or 50 years, especially during the 1960s and early 1970s, when an entire generation around the globe was connected by songs. Sonya Kahn has put her focused on something like this, using “Lonely Road,” which she and others have billed as Kahn’s “breakout ballad.”
Apparently a lot of listeners have found something in this tune that touches them during lonely and financially difficult times. It doesn’t hurt that Kahn sings with a powerful voice and is supported by a nice orchestration.
Apart from the quality of the production and Kahn’s musical ability, there is this: “So many people are jobless or are feeling the pinch of the economy. Some are scared, but most feel lonely and alone. Some are going through major life changes because of these tough times. The reason I wrote this song is because I know there are days we all feel lonely but the song is ultimately about hope, determination and how you can make it on your own no matter what,” explains Kahn who has no need to feel lonely with over 880,000 views on www.myspace.com/sonyakahn
Kahn is known in some circles for her skill with classical piano. She does a remarkable job with Chopin and other classics. She has a musical-arts doctorate and appears on her own label, Mozarta Muzik. “Lonely Road” is on Kahn’s latest recording New Beginning. Give this girl a listen.

Sonya Kahn on MySpace

[tags]sonya kahn[/tags]

Numerics

NumericsWinning any of the several music-industry awards generally puts a band or singer a bit above some of the others who are working toward recognition. This seems to be the case with Numerics, which won “gold” at the Hermes festivities recently. The Hermes Creative Awards are presented by a group connected to the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, which was founded in 1995.

Numerics is a Nashville-based group that produced “Precious Time,” a debut music video. The video is certainly professionally recorded and produced. It features bass playing and guitar playing by the two main characters in this Indie rock effort, Parrish and Lloyd. The tune is energetic and features crisp drumming, along with some buzzing guitar licks.

Numerics’ Lloyd said of the award, “We are glad to get a Hermes because it acknowledges forward thinking and the use of new media to connect with your audience. As a new band, the Internet is the best way for us to get the word out, and this is recognition that we’re on the right track.” According to information from the duo the CD Proud to Be a Numerican is due out this summer. It will quite interesting to hear what else Numerics can come up with, after this auspicious beginning.

Numerics on MySpace

[tags]numerics[/tags]