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CD Reviews are the opinions of our writers. Personal taste may vary. You can find out more about the artists in the artist section by clicking here!
CD SHORTS : v2.3 : The Kolab, Nimbus, Terami Hirsch & Jacob
Artist: The Kolab
Album: Thieves of Change
Proving once again that innovation is still possible, the Linkin Park influence has progressed with "The Kolab." The Kolab's self-released "Thieves of Change" is a unique blend of modern techno meets rock, with a serious twist of the 80s. We're talking about music like Depeche Mode and Talking Heads. A little milder than the hard rock edge that you'll find with most of the up and coming groups, The Kolab still has that rock/rap vibe, but more upbeat, more melodic, and with more singing. This is a definite must checkout. The album is well-produced and fun to listen to. The Kolab has a definitive style, but a few tracks go a little more towards dance music than the rest. Their style will appeal to a lot of different scenes - if you're into dance music, 80s rock, or the new techno rock sound, you'll want to check this out and see if it's your thing.
Bottom Line: Put this in the CD player and you're likely to keep it there awhile. Track 3, "Sugarpot," is one of my personal favorites, but there's a sound here that you won't find anywhere else, and that makes it one of my favorite finds. Well produced.
Find out more about band @ http://www.thekolab.com
Artist: Nimbus
Album: 4 Song Demo
Most people on the scene have probably heard about Nimbus, the 4-piece alternative rock group. For over a year now the group has been working hard, playing a lot of shows, and consistently building a burgeoning fan base. Their latest 4-song CD is merely a sample of the full-length self-release the band is working on. What's great about Nimbus's recording is that it's a great representation of what the group does live! The first track, "Let It Go," is signature to their sound: aggressive, bass-driven, with Tim Deschaine's vocals riding over the track. Tim's voice is high, breathy, airy and quite unique. His lyrics are really positive, at times motivational. Melody is the first word that comes to mind, and they don't sound like everyone else! You'll get into Nimbus if you're into local bands like Virgil and All Rise. Worth checking out, worth seeing live.
Pesky comments: The forth track, The Banjo Song (I'm not sure what it's called), is a favorite. "Let it Go" is vital to their sound. A little better production value could put them over the top. Tim's voice will be the turning point for most listeners; you'll either love it or hate it.
Find out more about band @ http://www.nimbusmusic.net
Artist: TERAMIhirsch
Album: 3 of X
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to write about this CD, it was given to me, I believe as a pre-listen, but I want to tell people about Terami Hirsch (pronounced like Jeremy with a T). The music is unique, and blends very unblended-before styles, that, the likes of Tori Amos and the Electronica Scene. Now I know that sounds strange… but it's true. Now thank g-d that Terami doesn't sound like Tori or it would be hard to get away from the female piano player vibe, but Terami has a very subtle voice that flips back and forth from ruff honesty to a really pretty melodic landscape. Undoubtedly my favorite aspect of Terami's music is the meld of styles, adding movement to a format that is usually no more than a piano and vocal. Track 1, "Astronaut," is my favorite on this selection in that it appeals the most to my need for structure, because at times the structure of Terami's music seems lost in the presentation. I personally can't wait to hear more of Terami's new music. Her album, Entropy 29, should be available about now and should be worth checking out.
Bottom Line: Terami is an artist to check out now; and wait to see what's next! There's something very interesting happening here, and Terami may well be the progressive "girl with a piano" that shouldn't be overlooked.
Find out more about band @ http://www.terami.com
Artist: Jacob
Album: Hidden In Plain View
It takes a second to get that little extra something out of Jacob's "Hidden in Plain View," but there's something there. In the singer/songwriter vein, Jacob's approach is along the lines of a Jack Johnson or a John Mayer (less commercial), with an even more upbeat approach. Whether you get caught on Jacob's voice or the grooving rhythms, this is a CD you can listen to without disappointment. The songs develop into lush canvases, with what seem to be very personal expressions of experiences and hopes. Track 8, "It's Not Enough Anymore," is an eclectic tune that stands out, maybe as the most commercial and the most interesting track on the record, with lyrics like, "however interesting your kiss is, I know how empty this abyss is… it's not enough anymore." Track 10, a theatrical style ballad, "Bring Your Love To Me," is that ballad you expect to find on a record of this nature, and for the avid listener, you might just want to skip right to track 8 then 10 and you'll get that fix you need to swallow the style and approach of Jacob's sound.
The Critics Critique: If you're an avid listener of the singer/songwriter scene, and enjoy your music upbeat, feeling positive and leaving you sitting right side up, check out this album. You can feel the personal approach, which leaves something special… some songs borderline on sentimental with a tendency towards sappy.
Find out more about band @ http://www.findjacob.com
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