Indie Update » Reviews

Tahni Handal

InBlaze — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:13:11 +0000

Before we sampled the most recent work from Tahni Handal, and before we comment on what our feelings and thoughts are, it’s important to say: Austin is an amazing, fertile soil for musicians. Most people know this but many may not truly appreciate why it’s the leading city for live music, as well as the starting point for dozens of creativity singers and songwriters.
Good company for Tahni Handal!!
Listeners have come to anticipate rock and soul from an area of the nation that seems to inject a tiny bit of country flavor into all music. In fact it’s hard to put a label on Austin music and make it stick. It’s just Austin music! Bite into the screaming guitars and Handal voice on “Roll the Dice.” That voice has been called “thick” and “haunting,” both great adjectives for her.
“Take a Look” might be a favorite on To Kiss You. Some of the attraction might attributed to a love for the blues and for Bonnie Raitt, not to mention Lucinda Williams, Stevie Ray Vaughn and all the others on Handal’s list of influences.
Here’s what she adds as a comment at the end of the list: “I hate to even start this list because so many greats (and not-so-greats) have provided inspiration and paved the way. I hope some of these primary influences reveal themselves in my music.”
Her piano background and guitar experience are part of who she is. Don’t depend on the words of a reviewer. This is her third CD. Buy it and listen!!

Tahni Handal on MySpace

Tags: tahni handal, independent music, indie, music, indie music

StickLips

InBlaze — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:53:31 +0000

This reviewer is a sucker for good band names, so this one definitely attracted our attention. However, a lifetime of music experience also keeps our head on straight so that the good name must be supported quality music from talented players.
StickLips has released a CD that is self-described as “a mix of folk, noise, pop and acid.” Yet, on the band’s MySpace page, the music is billed as “Jungle, Neo-soul, Screamo.” Those who haven’t heard this music might be tempted to ask, “Which is it or What is it?”
The musicians would have a difficult time convincing a listener that they are jungle or scream with “Our Shoving Leopard.” This tune is certainly strengthened by the “haunting vocals” of Johanna Warren. No argument with that assessment from the band itself. The sound effects employed on the tune add a bit of mystery to the group’s reputation.
Experiencing “We’ll Have the Hags Flung Out” won’t take the listener too far from the emotions of the song mentioned previously. Comfortable percussion supports the plaintive vocals of this song. “Fighting a Liar” begins with excellent musical touch and the consistent Warren vocals. There is some instrumental talent here that should be noted by serious music fans.
So what is the story with StickLips? I suppose I’ll have to give in to the obvious misdirection. This ain’t jungle or screamo. I get it now!

StickLips on MySpace

Tags: indie music, sticklips, music, indie, independent music

Landon Pigg

InBlaze — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:34:52 +0000

This young performer has impressive credentials already, with a song that’s part of one of the major television advertising (“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” featured in AT&T commercials) and an appearance in the new movie “Whip It” which stars Drew Barrymore. The song from the commercial is a fine tune, no doubt.
With that type of experience on the resume’ why would you want to pursue a separate music career? The answer would be that he probably loves songwriting and performing music above all else.
Before we dig into a tune or two from Landon Pigg hear what “they” say about him around the country: “Random instrument players take note. Landon has been pulling fans with instruments out of the crowd to join him onstage. So you know what this means…grab a ticket for Landon Pigg’s next show, and come ready to play with your slide whistles, accordions, triangles, saws, and what-have-yous in hand.
For some of the latest music from Landon Pigg, find a copy of The Boy Who Never.
“High Times” and “Can’t Let Go” are cut from different cloth, with the first being a pop-flavored song that brings back memories. The second has a different pace but the vocals don’t seem to quite keep up. It’s a good tune, not great.
One thing is sure in Pigg’s life, he’s already caught the attention of the right folks. He’s based in Nashville, Tennessee but I have a feeling Hollywood will be calling. He’s too cute for that not to happen.

Landon Pigg on MySpace

Tags: music, indie, independent music, indie music, landon pigg

James Kasper

InBlaze — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:51:14 +0000

With a few awards on his mantel and the enthusiastic support of Canadian fans, James Kasper is in prime position to continue his thriving singer-songwriter career. He follows his 2007 collection The Old Fashioned Way with a second CD small town gods & devils.
Intended to “show a darker, edgier Kasper” the new CD is billed as “roots” and “folk-noir.”
In the opinion of some music fans, the United States and North America need serious, well-constructed music in this genre. Kasper seems to provide some of that. “Breezy” has a couple of strengths – harmonica and an almost “southern” mystery. The tune’s pace builds toward the end, which may or may not be a good idea. The individual listener will decide.
“This Town” has a curious beginning that gets the listener’s attention. The lyrics get stronger as the song builds to conclusion. “Liam’s Lullaby” draws on the age-old flavor of Irish/Welsh history for its fire-warmed, living-room atmosphere and chiming music. It’s an adorable little tune.
“One Dead and Counting” goes a bit beyond its ominous title with a couple studio tricks (you’ll get them!) and then brings to mind a song by the late Warren Zevon. The “breathy” spoken vocal is a bit different than Zevon, however, with its European folk flavor.
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Kasper is a pro.

James Kasper on MySpace

Tags: indie, independent music, indie music, james kasper, music

Bi-Polar Bear

InBlaze — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:39:04 +0000

With a witty moniker like Bi-Polar Bear some might expect a quirky, even off-the-wall sound. This reviewer didn’t quite know what to expect from the group and Today I Found Happy.
Of course, the fans of this Brooklyn-based group know that they should attach such labels as “Indie” and “Hip Hop” to the group. Self-described as sounding “somewhat” like Atmosphere and working with Blue Sky Black Death on a new project, Bi-Polar Bear is at least putting out the effort to gain attention in the music industry.
One smart, up-to-date thing the band is doing is offering a free album download, an offer that is clearly marked on their MySpace samples. “Test Your Might” offers the professional production expected from a group on its second CD. The pace and vocals are tight enough to draw any Hip Hop fan. This tune and others indicate that Bi-Polar Bear and the genre have traveled a comfortable distance from B.I.G. and others, meaning that the quality and truth are maintained but the flavor is slightly different.
Check out “NPFJ” for the smoothness and soul that also pour from this east-coast group. “Good Moanin’” also gives the listener something slightly off-center (horns!?).

Bi-Polar Bear on MySpace

Tags: independent music, music, indie, bi-polar bear, indie music

Stefanie Jane

InBlaze — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:45:53 +0000

Information about this young performer urges us to be prepared for “an inspirational journey.” Some of the words used to describe Stefanie Jane’s life are: “assault,” “abuse,” “healing” and “love.” The trip from the first two, through the second to the last (love) is what See Me Change is about.

Billed as “rock,” “Southern rock” and “rockabilly” the music of Stefanie Jane certainly fits this bill. Crisp rhythm and rockabilly style guitar support a strong, young voice that only lacks a bit of experience to really stand out. The lyrics of “Time Keeps Tick’ en” aren’t the strongest poetry to be heard in this genre but they show that she is searching for answers in a sincere way.

“Scapegoat” tells the story of this Plano, Texas woman upfront, with few ideas held back. The musicians provide some down-home feel that works in this tune. She says, “I’m raising awareness to sexual abuse. It’s my mission to stop the shame associated with being a victim. It’s time to raise ourselves up, look at tomorrow and stop dwelling on the past. 50% of all music sales go directly to R.A.I.N.N. and Stop It Now organizations.”

She moved to Dallas to pursue her music, spreading the word – “change rocks!”

Stefanie Jane on MySpace

Tags: stefanie jane, independent music, indie, indie music, music

Marcy Priest

InBlaze — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:07:40 +0000

Top-level production and song selection should make Marcy Priest’s debut album Awake a favorite among those who prefer something like easy listening. But the voice of this young singer shouldn’t be dismissed as having no message, as having only entertainment value.

Listen to “Grace” to get a feel for what she is doing with her music. “Runaway Train” was nominated for an Independent Singer-Songwriters Association award as a pop song. However, there is some jazz feel to a few of her songs. The term “Beatlesque” has been tossed about in reference to one or two of Priest’s songs. This listener hears a bit of that in “Enough,” along with a bit of jazz styling in the vocals.

She calls Oklahoma City home and recently appeared at a number of venues in that area. She will be at Othello’s in Norman on Oct. 31 and at the UCO Jazz Club in January. Area music fans might want to venture out to hear what should be a very professional show from a young singer her is blessed with a clear and powerful voice.

Priest also applies her keyboard skills on piano and Wurlitzer and is capably backed by Bryan Jackson on guitar, Fred Hanradt on bass, Brad Stone on keys and Brent Burgess on drums.

Marcy Priest on MySpace

Tags: indie music, indie, marcy priest, music, independent music

Spore

InBlaze — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:23:32 +0000

Venturing a bit to the sidelines, we look at Spore from EA games. Here’s what the PR content says about it:

”Populate the Spore universe with a simple-to-create animated creature which EA will put on leading digital networks for audience voting.”

Spore, a video game created by Will Wright (The Sims and Sim City), welcomed about 50 celebrities to the break-out contest. Among the “names” were: David Lynch, Elijah Wood, Richard Branson and Mark Cuban. Some of the folks from the Digg Web site were involved as well.

Currently, visitors to the Spore site are greeted by a menu that allows communication in a number of languages. Spore is not only designed to be compatible with PC and Mac, the Web site offers it to phone and iPod owners as well. Visitors to the site can give the “Creature Creator” a try simply by going to the page that offers PC and Mac versions. Download times vary from 5 minutes to 19 minutes, depending on system capability.

What is Spore? The answer might be best answered by quoting the site’s description: “Create and guide your creature through five stages of evolution.” Games currently available include Spore, Galactic Adventures, Spore Creature Creator, Creepy & Cute Parts Pack, Spore Creatures, Spore Origins, Spore Hero and Spore Hero Arena. Prices for original Spore range from $35 to $50 at retail stores.

Spore on MySpace

Tags: indie music, spore, independent music, indie, music

Fallen Martyr

InBlaze — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:26:29 +0000

Be ready for metal and volume when you listen to Fallen Martyr. In trying to separate themselves from others in the genre, the members of the group started with the philosophy that ““Metal is starting to sound the same now-a-days. I don’t want to define a genre. I want to start my own. That’s how I’ve always felt.” Those words are from one of the founding members, Gabriel.

“The Man Becomes the Prophet” is certainly about screaming guitars, rapid-fire drums and the almost-vocal growl at the start. But the lyrics become clear as the song progresses, telling a disturbing yet inspiring story. “Reverse Metamorphosis” has the same energy with harmony on guitar that shows nice musicianship. The concept of the title is very interesting.

The Six Roots of True Will should be a favorite among metal and “growl” fans. Certainly, the drumming and guitars fit with what this listener has heard in a couple of venues around the country. The samples on the band’s Web site have gathered thousands of plays, not surprising considering the explosion of metal/growl popularity in the past couple of years.

“All In” lends credence to the PR statement from the band, Fallen Martyr is “a band without inhibitions, freely melting the forms of metal into artwork that cannot be
replicated or replayed in less than five minutes on the stage.”

Fallen Martyr on MySpace

Tags: indie, fallen martyr, independent music, indie music, music

Matt Graham

InBlaze — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:32:14 +0000

This young fellow is a folk singer from Austin, Texas. But is that it, really? His music has a youthful energy that could fit the pop genre. Some of the information about Graham and his early musical efforts in the way: home/backtolife use the term “soul.” But don’t expect to hear traditional soul music with this singer.
All of his Web titles are in lower case so we’re going to stay with that for now. “the train dancer” could be considered roots music and the background horns do provide some “soul.” All things considered, this is a neat little song. “a horse named faith” is definitely a folk song, but Graham adds an interesting ingredient – horns, again. This changes things slightly, so that his billing as folk/soul just might work. The result is rather easy on the ears.
The most interesting fact about Graham and his introduction to the world of music was that the collection of music on CD was introduced at a gallery opening. According to Graham, “I didn’t make liner notes. I did have friends listen to demos and create album art. Their work is currently on display at gallery 5619 here in Austin.”
The music is produced by: Matt – vocals, guitars, banjos, trumpets; Susan – angelsounds; Keiko – cello; Michael – bass, vocals.

Matt Graham on MySpace

Tags: matt graham, indie music, independent music, indie, music