Issues: Issue 228 - December 2007
Local Reviews: The John Whites
There’s a simplicity and sincerity about The John Whites that speaks volumes about them. Their sound is far more mature than their ages would lead you to believe, especially on a debut. An album you can’t seem to put a definitive label on, Sing Their Songs is more akin to White Stripe’s experimental “Icky Thump” than the genre-confused groups of today. … read more
Local Reviews: Katagory V
Katagory V is definitely moving up in the world with their latest Hymns of Dissension. The album is received worldwide distribution, with a U.S. and European version of the album. It’s pleasing to know that a classic/prog metal band from Utah is being heard around the world. … read more
Local Reviews: TheKnoItAlls
They got the top down, they are hydroplaning, they rock and talk strong with their egos packed in a punch. If you are familiar with last years release, Kiss The Ring, then get ready for this: Mixtape 1 – A Prelude To Kiss The Ring. … read more
Local Reviews: The Lionelle
For The Lionelle, the album cover art-a seemingly random cacophany of glitter, watercolor and ink-is the perfect introduction to the group. Like a darker Modest Mouse, The Lionelle starts out of the gate with eerie chords that seem Danny Elfman inspired. … read more
Local Reviews: Melodramus
I confess, it took more than once through the album, but the Melodramus have officially won me over. Born from the school of ‘melodic metal,’ the group opts for singing over screaming and wins every time. … read more
Local Reviews: Mesa Drive
Mesa Drive could easily be Maroon 5’s long lost brother; their bigger, older brother in college who is and forever will be infinitely cooler. The band’s premiere album, Take What You Want, combines catchy melodies with jazzy bass riffs. … read more
Local Reviews: Mindstate
This record’s best attribute is Dusk’s organic chorus crafting. He has a proclivity for writing a great hook. A noticeable trend is that he connects most closely with songs he builds entirely himself, tracks like “Lead Life” and “Drat.” The former is a deftly sampled classical beat and has the best chorus on the album, a rap/sung Brother Ali cadence that sounds easy and natural–like it was grafted from the beat. … read more
Local Reviews: Nolens Volens
This is, like, the second or third album Nolens Volens has released this year and it doesn’t look like he is going to stop, unfortunately. All joking aside, if you have been following Andrew Glassett’s musical journey, you will have invariably noticed that this CD is a departure from his earlier, pounding club hits. … read more
Local Reviews: Pink Lightnin’
Anybody who was at September’s Localized knows that these guys fuckin’ rock harder than a rocking chair on crack. They managed to capture this on CD somehow and made it possible to listen to it over and over and over. … read more
Local Reviews: Saint Sebastian’s School for Wicked Girls
Who is this band? Where are they from? What wickedness could they have possibly committed sending four dudes to an all girls’ school? … read more