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 the song much stronger.
A couple of sentences given as marketing material for Herm must be read to understand this music completely. “Herm is the product of a short-lived relationship in the late 70’s between Her and Him. He wrote his first song at the age of eight, about alcohol addiction…Heads was the first single to be taken from his debut album ‘Monsters’, as Herm tried to sneak it’s imagery of cannibalism and animal lust onto mainstream radio…”
“The Way” is appropriately dark, in spite of being up-tempo. The band is composed of Connolly – vocals, guitar, piano; Hugh – guitar, vocals; Arunas – bass; Keith – guitar, keyboard, vocals; Aengus – drums. Not surprisingly, the newest offering is entitled Monsters. Images of people with animal heads are not extremely new as an overall theme. But this does work with the atmosphere created by Herm’s music. A quick listen to “Rearrange” will explain some of the fear, confusion and terror that live somewhere in Connolly’s head. His take on society’s effects on the individual hit the mark.
Tags: indie, independent music, indie music, herm, music
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 pop music moves in a Monkees-Brady Bunch sort of way. (Comparisons to early Dave Clark Five tunes would be going too far.) “Take a Look” is a sugary, advice song with moments of young talent shining through.
“Catchy” is a nice way to describe the tune “The Things We’ve Chased.” The guitar hook in the background helps hold the song together. This group chose to name one of their tunes “Time.” They might have left that to The Chambers Brothers, who had a much better handle on what passage of time means. But that is only a matter of time (pun intended).
Band members are: Larry Cardinal – rhythm guitar, vocals; Mark Spurlock – lead guitar; Sam Perren – bass, vocals; Mike Thompson – drums. We’re not sure where they will be playing live, outside of a few Athens-area gigs. But the young and very-young-at-heart should get a kick out of this.
Tags: music, independent music, indie music, indie, doctor squid
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.
Band members India and B. Rhyan have scheduled their new album release for early October and have included a track featuring Grammy-Award winning Cee-Knowledge (aka Doodlebug from Digable Planets). “Soup Du Jour” featuring Cee-Knowledge is a mixture of cool-walking music and jazz-for-the-new-century. As a friend once said, “Seriously good stuff.”
“Everywhere” continues the quality electro-jazz feel. Be advised: Listen closely to the lyrics and the vocals. This is a bit difficult with the music tapping away in your head. It’s tempting to begin comparisons to similar efforts from the past, but it’s probably best to let Astronauts of Antiquity stand on their own. The “Getting Better” video adds one extra ingredient to the Astronauts of Antiquity recipe but it’s too hard to describe. Just check it out. This may be the best introduction to the group for newcomers. Somehow, I get the idea that a live performance from this group would be the best way to experience their music.
Tags: independent music, music, astronauts of antiquity, indie, indie music
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 the same level of quality.
Here’s a statement that would be hard to refute, since it’s the truth – “40 Sons and Daughters (www.myspace.com/40snd) were chosen as Canada’s best independent band in the 2008 Bodog Battle of the Bands!” According to PR information, there were 7,000 Canadian bands entered in the contest. Bodog Entertainment adds, “This Ontario band has it all – talent, passion, polish and charisma. We can’t wait to see what this band full of fresh young music talent has in store as Canada’s Bodog Battle Champion.”
The group members are: Mike Repic – lead vocals/rhythm guitar;
Mike Szpakowski – lead guitar/vocals; Graeme Hawkins – bass/vocals; Cristiano “ANIMAL” Andreatta – drums. After forming in 2004, this group captured several other honors (2006 and 2007 “band of the year” titles). Don’t put this band in the “metal” category. Hard-rock is sufficient. They kick off their tour on June 26 in the hometown.
I listened to them once and I’d do it again.
40 Sons and Daughters on MySpace
Tags: indie, indie music, independent music, music, 40 sons and daughters
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 complexity. But her picking style and conversational tone are easy to listen to. It’s also quite easy to see that she brings much of the Alanis Morissette and Natalie Merchant influence to her recording.
There is a serious side with Maddie Rosene that is tempered with a mischievous/humorous edge. “Love Me Like You Do” even suggests some of the Joni Mitchell style (though it would hard for anyone to match the magical weirdness of that legendary singer).
Start listening to “Pretty Picture” with an open mind and open ears. This is coffee-house folk, much better than some similar music going around college campuses several decades ago. If you are in the mood for a relaxing, sweet evening of coffee and wine in a dimly lit room, look for this name on the marquee. You may also catch her sitting in the park, warbling away.
Tags: independent music, indie music, music, maddie rosene, indie
