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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 : v2.4 : RPM, Cage9, The Unkown Project & Indie 500.
Artist: RPM
Album: Irrational Anthem
If rebelliousness could be summed up in any one record, RPM may have brought it all together in her debut release "Irrational Anthem." RPM isn't short of opinion or catchy melodies. Lyrics like "If I had a rock band, then you'd understand why I'm so annoyed" & "If I'm going to hell, you're going there too" pretty much sum up this records anxiety. The music pushes and pulls with the same emotional energy drive that sits between 90's rock and an edgy pop. RPM has the punk spirit in a rock band with hooks. If you're interested in finding something different, "Irrational Anthem" qualifies! The first track, "Goddamnit," kicks of this record with a great hook and it's followed by 10 more tunes that will at that least make you go back to figure out what she has to say.
Bottom Line: I feel unstable after listening to this album, but the straight forward lyric style and blunt writing makes this record work for me. The recording quality and musicianship won't let you down and it was great fun reading her "un-thank" you notes in her CD insert. Worth checking out.
Find out more about band @ http://www.thekolab.com
Artist: Cage9
Album: The Onyx Inch EP
It's hard not to like Cage9's "The Onyx Inch EP." The bands quick and straightforward 5-song EP doesn't miss a beat and takes you down a really comfortable alternative rock road that won't disappoint. Cage9's strong guitars and solid songwriting stand out against tight rhythm section. Evan's voice is warm and sits right in with bands 3 Doors Down. Track 4, "Tree Climber," probably the most produced track on the EP is also one of the more catchy tunes and would be my first recommendation to acquainting a new listener to Cage9. If you're looking for a ballad, look somewhere else, this EP is all about what Cage9 does best, rock.
Pesky comments: Unfortunately, Cage9 doesn't take me down any new roads with their sound, but I love the alternative rock vibe and it's always great to hear a new rock band with solid songwriting. I'm a fan! If you want to get a start on Cage9, check out "Tree Climber" and "Compromise."
Find out more about band @ http://www.
Artist: The Unknown Project
Album: Self Titled
All scenes alert… The Unknown Project blends together the modern electronic rock with a taste of the 80's and it sticks. In LA there's a handful of bands that even attempt the electronic rock genre with this approach, and less that do it well, these guys pull it off. It's a little less electronic and a bit more soft rock, a great blend. Reminiscent of how a group like Gravity Willing blended the keyboards into their sound, and just transparent enough to support the music and not distract. The Unknown Project knows how to write a song and drive home the hook.
Opinionated Ranting: I really enjoyed listening to The Unknown Project; they've got a great sound, but I wanted it to jump out at me a little more. It's rumored that they're already in the studio recording the follow up, something to look forward to.
Find out more about band @ http://www..com
Artist: Indy 500
Album: 4 Song Demo
This little ditty starts off with "Lick," a tune that sets the pace for this 4-song number. I was expecting track 2, "Talk Dirty To Me," was going to be a Poison cover, it wasn't, thank g-d! This band is owning up to the early 80's, but there's no denying there's a lot of sexual tension popping out of these tunes. Think "Wise Round Baby," if Hillary Clinton slapped a big fat sticker on this demo. Unfortunately, Indy 500 just doesn't have the song development or the quality recording yet, but you can hear them going for that local vibe of bands like Sour. Indy 500 describes themselves well, "an erotic electro funk disco trash band," which doesn't say much while saying a lot.
The Very Bottom Line:
Paula (Vocalist) doesn't sell this recording to the listener; you can tell that there's much more to offer from Indy 500. The music is young, young enough that making comparisons is unfair.
Find out more about band @ http://www.indy5.net
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