Xombiewoof Magazine: Music Reviews

Showing posts with label Music Reviews. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Indie Pulse: Too Far Gone is a Vinyl Trip worth taking

Opinion Article and Album Reviews by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Reviews of Let’s Move by Tough Stuff and Tough Love by Forth Wanderers

So, here we are again, and as always I have an opinion, so sit back, relax and prepare to be mesmerized.

The indie label scene is all a buzz with excitement, not only has the small press labels become popular without the Hipster element, but some great music is coming out on a daily basis. Through hard work, diligence and great sense in music production, the small indie labels are flourishing, not only in the LP and 45 trade, but cassettes and lathes are hot, but not trendy or fake. This excites me, because labels like Too Far Gone Records can create some great, need to have albums for everyone.

Today I give to you two reviews in one, Too Far Gone Records sent me both Let’s Move by Tough Stuff and Tough Love by Forth Wanderers, these 2 bands are on either end of the experimental spectrum and I believe show some great promise to the music community as well as a great feather in the cap moment for the label. So, here are my thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think as well as suggest a band we should check out.

A bit about Too Far Gone Records, taken directly from their website info page:

“Too Far Gone Records is run by one 21 year old college student that really loves music and the DIY community. The location of the label rotates depending on the school year, mostly being located in Boston, Massachusetts. Any questions/complaints/bad jokes/inquiries/anything should be directed to toofargonerecords@gmail.com and I will answer as soon as I possibly can!” – through messaging, we found out that the industrious leadership of this label not only ran an up and coming source of fantastic music, but moved his entire operation while still meeting order deadlines… some serious dedication to his craft, an a level of honesty the big time labels could learn from.

Now, on to the music!

Album Review of Let’s Move by Tough Stuff by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Tough Stuff is a punk group from Long Beach, CA is the debut album that I feel captures some of the anger and apathy felt by this generation, wrought with lyrics of a straight forward nature, and mature language, show that today’s working class youth are sick and tired of the bullshit!

Not over polished, but raw and full of energy, Let’s Move by Tough Stuff is really reminiscent to me of the early NY Punk Scene I delved in my youth and has a pinch of the quirky fallout of the early live Ramones and NY Dolls, not to say they are revamping the early works, Tough Stuff is purely original, but the sentiment and desire to be unique in their messaging is obvious in this 12 track first work.

I do think however, the mix could have been a bit better, the vocals on the more aggressive tracks did not come through as well as some of the others, and the vocalist has a real talent and should be heard! This is one for the collection and since it is a limited run, 200 black Vinyl and 300 marbled violet Vinyl, this album won’t last on the rack long, it is available at Too Far Gone Records and the bands Bandcamp page.

Album Review of Tough Love by Forth Wanderers by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Forth Wanderers latest release Tough Love is a split release with Seagreen Records and is an album with a light yet haunting appeal. Sounding very much like early Smashing Pumpkins, and with the vocals by Ava Trilling, the group has a unique an ominous feel.

Forth Wanderers, based out of Montclair, NJ has a growing fan base and captures the ears and minds of more with every performance. Their previous release, Mahogany, has had a very large result on the band’s Bandcamp page and with this latest release, Tough Love by Forth Wanderers looks to follow in suit. This is a release limited to only 350 Opaque yellow and 300 translucent green / opaque blue split Vinyl, so this will be a hot to collect item, I would not be surprised if the popularity made the label print up more to satisfy demand.

The songs on this album are immensely introspective and on occasion make me think of Fiona Apple or Tori Amos, winding and hypnotic, not the “Psychedelic” style sound but a dreamy, persuasive, move to the music sound that only a group with phenomenal range can bring to the stage. I would love to see a live album or DVD with proper production come from Forth Wanderers in the near future.

I give both albums “thumbs up”, Forth Wanderers Tough Love is 5 out of 5 and Let’s Move by Tough Stuff a 4.5, only due to the hopes for a better vocal mix, but still so very well worth the pennies you will pay for a great set of albums.

Technorati Tags: Indie,Pulse,Vinyl,Trip,worth,Opinion,Article,Album,Reviews,Joseph,Timmons,Xombiewoof,Magazine,Move,Tough,Stuff,Love,Forth,Wanderers,excitement,Hipster,music,basis,Through,diligence,production,cassettes,Records,albums,bands,spectrum,feather,moment,band,info,college,student,location,Boston,Massachusetts,complaints,leadership,deadlines,dedication

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

A Hollywood Rock Deep Purple Experience

Deep Purple: Live in SoCal

Live Performance Review by Steve Amaon: Contributing Journalist and Entertainment Photographer

Deep Purple made a return trip to southern California this year; I made it out to both shows. The Pacific Amphitheater hosted on August 12 and Fantasy Springs Casino hosted on August 15. Deep Purple have been on a world tour for almost two years in support of their newest CD, Now What?!.

Ian Paice, Roger Glover, Don Airey and Steve Morse were all at the top of their game at both shows. Ian Gillan was in good voice, his silver throated screaming days far behind him, he stilled pulled off excellent versions of classics…old and new. They opened with Highway Star (surprise…NOT!) and got things cooking right off the bat. Excellent sound at both venues and the lighting was top notch as well!

Classic tracks from In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head as well as Perfect Strangers were offered as were tracks from Rapture of the Deep and Now What?! The two standouts from the new cd that I thought really worked were Uncommon Man and Hell To Pay. Steve Morse brought the house down with his stunning instrumental, “Well Dressed Guitar”. Perfect Strangers and Smoke had everyone on their feet….phones in hand…..Hush with some interesting tidbits thrown in and Black Night, were the encore. Excellent musicians performing excellent songs equals a good time!

Full Setlist:

· Highway Star
· Apres Vous
· Hard Lovin’ Man
· Strange Kind Of Woman
· Vincent Price
· Contact Lost
· Uncommon Man
· Well Dressed Guitar
· The Mule
· Lazy
· Hell To Pay
· Perfect Strangers
· Space Truckin’
· Smoke On The Water

Encore:

· Hush
· Black Night

Photo Credits : Steve Amaon

Technorati Tags: Deep,Purple,Live,SoCal,California,Pacific,Amphitheater,August,Fantasy,Springs,Casino,Paice,Roger,Glover,Airey,Steve,Morse,Gillan,versions,classics,Highway,Star,Excellent,venues,Classic,Rock,Fireball,Machine,Head,Perfect,Strangers,Rapture,Uncommon,Hell,Guitar,feet,Hush,tidbits,Black,musicians,songs

Xombiewoof Magazine as of today have gained the support of musical artists Rudy Sarzo, Bumblefoot, Joe Walla, Ronnie North, Parley, Black Valentine, 210ToLowell and many more.

Evolution Guitars, Custom Guitar Manufacturers has graciously added an incentive to this project. not so much a perk, but an added bonus to one lucky sponsor. Evolution Guitars will select at random from one of our sponsors to receive a Custom Guitar for FREE !!! - No Purchase Necessary - all you have to do is sponsor this project! But we have to meet our goal by 75%, so share this, help us get funded and you could possibly get more than expected.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xombiewoof-records-black-winter-compilation/x/6868336#/story

Xombiewoof Magazine started bringing the music loving public reviews, interviews and stories about the musical world 7 years ago, then 1 year ago formed Xombiewoof Records, a small run boutique label to bring unsigned artists into the light of day, it's been great but now we want to do more for the world. We have done many fundraisers with great success to help children's charities, this year we, with the help of some fantastic Musical Artists, we will create the ultimate Heavy Metal Compilation Album!

With the help of Music Instrument companies, Promoters, and the bands themselves, as well as help from big name nationally known artists, we will bring out an arsenal of Heavy Metal Hits, 20 songs in total from 20 bands on 2 Vinyl albums that will get the earth shaking, all in the name of helping children with life threatening illnesses.

Childhood Diseases can occur at any time in a child's life, and often, the families do not have the resources to act in time, we look to change that with Black Winter, our Fundraising Album!

One of the many things we at Xombiewoof Magazine do is support charities that help children; the fact is childhood disease claims the lives of 1 out of every 100 children in America and the rest of the world in fatality and 2 out of every hundred in crippling or painful events that last a lifetime. Xombiewoof Magazine wants to help change that, we want to make it our goal, with your help, to make the future a brighter place for those that have been stricken with illness that, if detected and treated early, don’t have to be a death or living death sentence. So often do you get messages to donate but don’t see any reward, so we have come up with a plan to help them and make it a benefit for you. The “Black Winter Project” is where we get donations through the fundraiser, you get a premium for your donation and once we have produced the album, the proceeds from the album will be given to the charities we support. The premiums or “Perks” range from small gifts to a limited edition copy of the finished album. We have the support of artists all over the United States and several foreign countries that are donating a song to the album, 20 tracks for a 2 record set. You may ask why he title “Black Winter”, well because its METAL!, Heavy Metal is a musical medium with a message of hope, through the expression of the soul and it gets you motivated to do what you believe in, SURVIVE the hardships and be victorious!

The charities we support are St. Jude’s Hospital, The American Cancer Foundation, The Central Coast Diabetes Foundation, The Heartbeat4Kids Program and The Fender Foundation.

Black Winter is planned to be the biggest collection of independent hard rock and metal artists on one 2 record set, gathering music from the US and around the world, with guest artists from nationally known bands lending their talents, Black Winter will be the one to have in your collections. This album will be limited to 2000 copies on Black / White Marbled Vinyl with 8 x 11 mini posters from every band involved and a Black Winter T-Shirt.

Please visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xombiewoof-records-black-winter-compilation/x/6868336#/story and donate today !

Saturday, August 8, 2015

A Crooked Eye through the Looking Glass

Album Review of Crooked Eye Tommy’s new album - Butterflies and Snakes

Produced by Tommy Marsh, Dan Grimm and Tammy Mosby – Plano Road Publishing ASCAP

Reviewed by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Click Image to left to get Album on CDBaby

Crooked Eye Tommy erupted on the Southern California Blues scene in 2013 and has been rockin ever since with the exuberance and zeal the California Coast is known for, a love of music and a love of life. Crooked Eye Tommy has the distinction of not only being Semi-Finalists in the 2014 International Blues Challenge of Memphis Tennessee, but also won the Santa Barbara Blues Society Band Challenge. A close knit group of seasoned performers, Crooked Eye Tommy are, as they see it, Tommy Marsh- Head Lion Tamer and Ocular Alignment Specialist Paddy Marsh- Guitar Vocals and BAD ASS NESS Jimmy Calire- HOLY TOLEDO on The HAMMOND ORGAN & SAX GLADE "Boom Boom" Rasmussen - Bass Guitar a GOGO Tony Cicero- Resident skin slapper and Drum Magician. As you can tell, they come from the old road of musical genius.

Learn how to get your music heard at ReverbNation.com

In regards to the album, Butterflies and Snakes has the sound of the coast, flowing tones and rhythms steeped in Blues / Funk combinations, Jazzy overtones, solid lyrics and reminds me of the stone grooves that were prevalent in the late 60’s / early 70’s Blues – Rock Explosion that fueled bands like Blind Faith, Marshall Tucker, Grateful Dead and others. These hometown heroes of Ventura California have a serious side, “Serious Fun” and they show it on this album and on stage, their live performances have been heavily touted in the music press as being the “First stop on the endless highway of fun”, and in my opinion, the industry could learn a thing or two of what real talent is when listening to Crooked Eye Tommy Butterflies and Snakes.

Butterflies and Snakes, a collection of all original blues tracks, written by Tommy Marsh and powered by an ensemble of master musicians, gets your heart racing and your feet moving, the songs range from somber to celebratory and each features several of the blues styles in each track, never dry or “done before” each is unique when compared to the other album tracks and every song could be a number one hit, but being a hit does not strike me as Crooked Eye Tommy’s goal, but to be, just be the best you could see in a close quarter, crowded smokey dance hall with dance card one hand and a bourbon in the other.

Tracks like Come on In, I Stole The Blues, Tide Pool, After the Burn, Mad and Disgusted and others on this album have brass that is to be admired and respected, as well as the feeling that these men have cut their teeth on the best and the worst that life had to offer, but bit back hard. In the words of Tommy Marsh, “Come on In, You’re always welcome here, Make yourself at Home” among the Butterflies and Snakes.

For More information go to http://crookedeyetommy.com and follow them on Facebook

Technorati Tags: Glass,Album,Review,Butterflies,Snakes,Tommy,Marsh,Grimm,Tammy,Mosby,Plano,Road,ASCAP,Southern,California,Blues,exuberance,zeal,Coast,music,life,distinction,Semi,Finalists,International,Challenge,Memphis,Tennessee,Santa,Barbara,Band,performers,Head,Lion,Tamer,Ocular,Alignment,Specialist,Paddy,Guitar,Vocals,Jimmy,Calire,TOLEDO,HAMMOND,ORGAN,GLADE,Boom,Rasmussen,Bass,GOGO,Tony,Cicero,Resident,Drum,Magician,genius,rhythms,Funk,combinations,Jazzy,overtones,lyrics,Rock,Explosion,bands,Blind,Faith,Marshall,Tucker,Grateful,Dead,hometown,heroes,Ventura,Serious,performances,highway,opinion,industry,talent,Snake,collection,musicians,feet,songs,song,goal,hall,card,Tracks,Come,Stole,Tide,Pool,Burn,brass,Make,Home

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

ACIDIC Creatures–A Musical Fountain of Youth

CD Album Review of Creatures by ACIDIC

Album Produced by John Ryan

Available at http://www.acidicband.com

Album Review by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

I am not usually one to be overly judgmental of bands that have very young members with flashy art covers, I try not to be a “Music Snob”, but in honesty, 9 out of 10 times, the music is just not up to snuff, there may be great emotion, but the content is bland or the music is over sampled, the music scene is filling with so many wanna be bands with stars in their eyes and no talent in their bones.

When it comes to ACIDIC, I am SO WRONG it makes me want to revisit all the reviews I have ever written, and see where I became so jaded.

The album Creatures by ACIDIC is a fantastic romp through the energy of youth, something that can be forgotten and is only experienced by the young in body, spirit and mind. These are four very talented and exuberant young men that have some serious potential to make some big noise on the stage.

CREATURES is ACIDIC’s third collaboration with multi-platinum award-winning producer John Ryan of Chicago Kid Productions (Styx, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers), and the follow-up to previous albums, 2013’s “Copper Man” and 2011’s “Chronic Satisfaction".

ACIDIC are Mike Gossard, Matt Whitaker, Josh Bennett, Max Myrick, and they are already making some waves in the scene, playing literally all over the US and between the local halls and the multiple festivals, leaving behind many satisfied concert goers everywhere.

High powered and spunky rhythms, connected lyrics and music that flows like the perfect wave on a summer’s day, ACIDIC is on a feeding frenzy.

Top Songs in my pick are “Chicago”, “ROLL.X”, “Rad”, “Pop 2”, “Beautiful”, “My Town” and “Miles from Home”.

There is a very spirited anthem in this album, one that shines inside, like the warmth you feel on your face looking into the sun, with your toes in the sand feeling like you could live forever, or walking hand in hand with the one you love, yes, I know overly soppy and way too poetic…. Hell, you listen to Creatures and tell me I’m wrong, I seriously doubt you could.

Anyway, get the album Creatures, crank it up and find a spot for yourself in the eternal summer vacation that life can be!

Follow them on Facebook Here

Technorati Tags: ACIDIC,Creatures,New,Album,Review,High Powered,Rock

Monday, August 3, 2015

A Trio Driven Beyond the Wild Blues

CD Review of the Self-titled Album Bo & The Bluesdrivers

Available on GES Music Label, Their Website and iTunes

Review by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

In the smokey, dark and dimly lit bar rooms where old jukeboxes still reign supreme, and old men sit nursing whiskey & water, removing bad memories one sip at a time is where blues is the rhythm that coaxes the beat of the lonely heart. This is not the type of image one gets when they think of Los Angeles California, one thinks of Hollywood, bright lights and starlets prancing through the hot West Coast nights, but to the contrary, this is where Bo & The Bluesdrivers walk tall in lean & mean city streets, in a town known to eat it’s young.

Bo & the Bluesdrivers have been honing their music together for 10 years now. Meeting at an open jam hosted by Brian “Chewy” James, the group’s bass player and their drummer J.J. Garcia, it was a moment that all three knew things were right. Drummer J.J. Garcia has said, “The band came together both naturally and organically, with no stress or drama……..just making music that we dig”.

These days, they are in demand, performing throughout the West and also as studio musicians, with rhythm section drivers J.J. and Chewy working not only with longtime guitarist/vocalist Bo (aka Shane McMillian), but also on projects, TV, movie, sports appearances (including Super Bowl XLV) and national tours. With Bo & the Bluesdrivers, however, they make the music they want and tell it like it is.

This trio of talented and road worn musicians have more experience packed in their overnight bags than some have even to imagine, and in this wonderful, self-titled album Bo & The Bluesdrivers only has one flaw, it is way too short, leaving the listener wanting more. These 5 songs are the audio equivalent of a five finger sucker punch in a backroom brawl, lays you out flat! The sound is sublime and old school with steady tempo and sure stepped time followed by smoking hot bass and sizzling guitar riffs. Every song a triumph and worth every tear that would find its way to the dance floor.

A veteran of the Florida club scene, Bo’s travels have seen him sitting in with the legendary drummers Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies, Delfonics, Bootsy Collins) and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Artimus Pyle before moving from Florida to L.A. 14 years ago. A world-class guitarist, you can hear his affinity for a variety of genres, from jazz, funk and soul to rock & roll come through loud and clear on such originals as “Out in the Streets,” audience fave “Walkin’ in the Park,” tasty instrumentals like “Sea Song” and “Chillin’” along with well-chosen covers of classics by Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pink Floyd and ZZ Top, among others.

With Bo & The Bluesdrivers, there is honesty in their songs; I am especially fond of “Ass, Gas or Grass” and “Out on the Streets”, firm and perfect storytelling in verse the whimsical charm of the old blues masters. This is an album worth the last fistful of dollars in your back pocket, and it will do you a whole lot better than a 3 finger of Johnny Walker Red

Find out more at their web site http://www.boandthebluesdrivers.com and follow them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BoandtheBluesdrivers

Technorati Tags: Driven,Beyond,Wild,Blues,Self,Bluesdrivers,Available,Music,Label,Website,Review,Joseph,Timmons,Xombiewoof,Magazine,memories,rhythm,Angeles,California,Hollywood,starlets,nights,streets,Brian,Chewy,James,player,drummer,Garcia,moment,band,drama,West,studio,musicians,drivers,vocalist,Shane,McMillian,movie,appearances,Super,Bowl,trio,road,album,flaw,listener,songs,tempo,song,worth,veteran,Florida,drummers,Buddy,Miles,Jimi,Hendrix,Gypsies,Delfonics,Bootsy,Collins,Lynyrd,Skynyrd,Artimus,Pyle,genres,funk,originals,audience,Walkin,Park,Chillin,classics,Stevie,Vaughan,Pink,Floyd,Grass,verse,fistful,dollars,Johnny,Walker,Find,Facebook,BoandtheBluesdrivers,guitarist

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Dokken Back for the Attack at JD Legends

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews

By Mike Ritchie

From the knees down it looked like the packed house crowd in Franklin could have been sifting through the sands of the West Coast beaches under the warm LA summer sun as JD Legends presented the 80’s metal throw down sponsored by Harley Davidson. Saturday July 11 brought the legendary sunset strip action of Dokken with East Coast players Firehouse and Trixter.

Though commonly linked and lumped into the glam/hair metal category showed that whatever label is bestowed they’re still going strong, outlasting countless others and contemporaries that all tried to ‘make it’ back in the day. Though technically, the first two acts came to prominence in the early 90’s. They played their respective classics, favorites and new material that will remain timeless, proving that the music of the 80/90’s rock scene remains popular, vital and never truly went away.

New Jersey’s Trixter had their first run from the early 80’s to mid-nineties with MTV airtime on Headbangers Ball. After glam temporarily went out and grunge even more temporarily came in, (one of the few ‘hair’ bands that made flannel look fun) they broke up, reuniting in 2008. They opened for Dokken and Firehouse in the early days and for Scorpions and Poison on their first arena run. A second record Hear! followed but failed to catch on in the US with grunge in full swing. After the breakup/reunion New Audio Machine came in 2012 then Human Era this year and they’ve continued to tour since. If nothing else proving their staying power.

They broke out a cut from the machine, showing their still bad boys with a “Heart of Steel.” They were on MTV when it was still cool, making them “One in a Million.” The next tune was a little fast paced and loud for grandma’s chair so they invited certain crowd members on the “Rockin Horse.” Going back to the beginning they stood center stage in the “Line of Fire.”

Motley Crue has their anthem for the working girl but Trixter have theirs for the women that slay and play with ink. “Tattoos and Misery” is the greatest pain and pleasure combo on the market. They went back to ’92 on the “Road of 1000 Dreams” and ended with the Headbangers Ball garage/backroads introduction “Give it to me Good.” More of Trixter at http://www.trixterrocks.com

The original flame that started mid-80’s in Charlotte, exploded in the late 80’s-early 90’s and basically hasn’t stopped since, even outliving MTV’s glory days. The band that was ‘aqua net sprayed’ into the outskirts of the glam/hair scene and won Favorite Heavy Metal/ Hard Rock Artist in 1992 over grunge titans Nirvana and Alice in Chains have continued making new music with extended popularity overseas. They’ve cranked out eight records since 1990 and played a gambit of material acknowledging the early years with healthy doses while proving they’re not ‘nostalgia.’ The Firehouse was ready to sound off.

They set the place ablaze with some hose twisting “Shake & Tumble,” playing the loudest Dear John letter ever, that’s “All She Wrote.” “You’re too Bad” to Hold Your Fire. The tribal drums and arena cry that introduced the world to “Rock on the Radio” Firehouse style hit the speakers. Since 80’s rules applied that night with every hard rock thumper they needed a tender ballad follow up. Cue the keys and the bad boy soft side “When I look into your Eyes.”

“Mama didn’t raise no Fool,” taking the first page from chapter 3 she told you “Love is a Dangerous Thing.” Keyboard synth and acoustics ushered in “Hold Your Fire.” The lovely brunette with the smoking house match suggested “Don’t Walk Away.” With half a decade from formation to success, they’re a self-proclaimed “Overnight Sensation.”

The satin sheets breathed from the synth, as sterling acoustics accompanied the waving hands, smiling faces and dancing bodies. As one of the last power ballads to be used on mix tapes proclaimed, I’ve finally found the “Love of a Lifetime.” They “Reach for the Sky” one more time saving the last shot for their video introduction “Don’t Treat Me Bad.” More at http://www.firehousemusic.com

Unfortunately a rushed schedule/technical difficulty reared its head multiple times during Dokken’s set, affecting the sound, band delivery and his voice on certain songs. They coped, performing through the various issues, apologizing several times as the show must go on. Though they stopped mid-tune on the “Tooth and Nail” encore from equipment problems they played many of their catalogue hits and staples.

From the sunset strip came “The Kiss of Death” as Dokken dressed in black and sunglasses brought back the classic 80’s, 90’s and beyond. They played and plunged “Into the Fire” as guitarist Jon Levine tore/shredded through the long haired history books with the spirit and energy of Randy Rhoads. They spit more Tooth and Nail on “You just got Lucky.” Dokken grinned, “See if you remember this one.” The glove tapped our ear taking a nightmarish trip back to Springwood as Millard Drive became Elm Street and the “Dream Warriors” came back.

They broke out the chains then got a little bit Dysfunctional on “Too High to Fly.” Paris burned bright in the night sky. With a chill of the cymbals the slow, somber chords played out as the stage went cold emotional blue and lighters, cell phones and camera’s lit up ‘the beach’ for the arena anthem. The crowd sang along happy to be “Alone Again” in the moment.

They took a few more turns from Under Lock and Key. The symbolic rain fell on the hot clear night during “In my Dreams.” Then the long flat-bed semi pulled out for a nostalgic trip down Sunset Strip and the boulevard of broken dreams on “It’s not Love,” sandwiching in a Free classic for the old-schoolers.

More Dokken at http://www.dokkencentral.com

JD Legends : http://www.facebook.com/jdlegendsconcerts

All images by Mike Ritchie

Read more from the pit articles and reviews by Mike Ritchie on his web site www.coveringthescene.com

Technorati Tags: Dokken,Back,Attack,Legends,From,Music,Reviews,Mike,Ritchie,knees,Franklin,West,Coast,beaches,Harley,Davidson,sunset,action,East,players,Firehouse,Trixter,Though,hair,category,contemporaries,prominence,classics,favorites,Jersey,airtime,Headbangers,Ball,grunge,bands,Scorpions,Poison,arena,Hear,breakup,reunion,Audio,Machine,Human,boys,Heart,Steel,Million,grandma,Rockin,Horse,Line,Fire,Motley,Crue,anthem,girl,women,Tattoos,Misery,Road,Dreams,Give,Charlotte,glory,band,outskirts,Favorite,Heavy,Metal,Hard,Rock,Artist,titans,Nirvana,Alice,Chains,gambit,nostalgia,Shake,Tumble,Dear,John,letter,Wrote,Hold,Radio,speakers,ballad,Eyes,Mama,Fool,chapter,Love,Dangerous,Keyboard,acoustics,Walk,Away,decade,formation,self,Sensation,sheets,ballads,Lifetime,Reach,Treat,songs,Tooth,Nail,equipment,Kiss,Death,sunglasses,Into,Levine,history,energy,Randy,Rhoads,Lucky,Springwood,Millard,Drive,Street,Dream,Warriors,Dysfunctional,High,Paris,chords,cell,beach,Again,moment,Under,Lock,Strip,boulevard,Free,Read,glam,synth

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Something so right in a World Gone Wrong

Music Review of Black Valentine’s recent release World Gone Wrong

Available online at CDBaby, iTunes and Amazon

Music Review by Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

Find Black Valentine Online and on Facebook

World Gone Wrong is not just another Metal album of belligerent rants and dark demonic haze, nor is Black Valentine just another Metal band. The Black Valentine sound has a dynamic range and depth that can pack a venue in a blink and get the heart pumping. With a street cred that already has them in the public eye, they stand poised to make the music scene vibrant once more, serious art here no poser action, one word to describe Black Valentine… “REAL”!

Black Valentine has been through the mire of the Hollywood music scene, paid their dues and has risen to the top of the indie metal scene with a kick ass take no prisoners approach, through it all they have the sound that is proof of their enigmatic and haunting presence and a sound that beckons and holds you steady. Black Valentine is Jeff Knemeyer, Frank Yanno, Chris Colovas and Jesse Wolff , all highly talented artists, yet together a powerhouse that demands respect.

Black Valentine is a true testament of perseverance, hard work, and dedication and the countless hours of writing and rehearsing has paid off on their debut album, World Gone Wrong. Drenched in attitude, these 13 tracks inject what has been missing from today’s rock scene. Emotions on the record range from aggression and anger to hurt and pain, from frustration and discontent to determination and resolve on diverse topics such as politics, the economy, religious corruption, and personal daily struggles. Each track literally screams what most of us have felt and thought - wrapped up in perfectly accessible and catchy Songs delivered with exceptional musicianship.

My favorite tracks on this epic collection are World Gone Wrong, Salvation Game, Sands of Time, Masquerade, Black Valentine and Breathe. I would like to say the entire album has a conquering presence, but these tracks stand out the most and offer a full look at the bands ability to go from one end of a music spectrum to the other with a flawless glide.

Check out this video for Masquerade and you will see and hear what I mean when I say glorious!

You can find Black Valentine at CdBaby, Amazon, iTunes and all the best online services, but you have to see them live, a true don’t miss experience!

Happy Black Valentine’s Day !

Technorati Tags: World,Wrong,Metal,album,Black,Valentine,band,depth,venue,street,music,poser,action,REAL,mire,Hollywood,dues,prisoners,presence,Jeff,Knemeyer,Frank,Yanno,Chris,Colovas,Jesse,Wolff,artists,powerhouse,testament,perseverance,dedication,hours,debut,attitude,Emotions,aggression,frustration,discontent,determination,topics,politics,corruption,Songs

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Operation: Giving Back Christmas Gets Pink Velvet Krushed

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews

By Mike Ritchie

Publishers Note: Due to Holiday Deadlines this article was published late: Original Date for Publishing was 12/20/2015

On Saturday December 13th The Old Crow Bar in Middletown hosted a special benefit for two families of the Heavy Metal Church of Christ in need over the holiday season. All bands, contributors and supporters volunteered their time and talents (many driving a distance) to help out making sure the families had necessities and the combined seven children, infant to mid-teen, had goodies and toys from Santa under the tree. The Skull Dollz also made an appearance for photo ops and other assorted good natured skullduggery. A donation bin was also previously set up to collect items all of which along with show proceeds will be given to the family on the 23rd.

The owners and staff of the Old Crow were generous with the event, assisting organizer Teri Spence with the offered buffet and setup. Spence also expressed sincere gratitude to Steven Van Skoyck and Tiffany Zulock Van Skoyck, Jessica Tinch, Allen Phyllis, Ann Mason, Ericka McGowan and Michael Anspach along with Rachel Smith, Chrystal Kay, Angie Johnson Castle and Samantha Noble Baumgartner from the Dollz for their hard work and assistance. Tim Guilfoyle from Queen City Drums and Wildman Walker were also in attendance to help support.

Raffled items included numerous gift cards from PF Chang’s, First Watch Restaurant, Frickers, Godfathers Pizza, Chipotle, Rose Retro Rock Shop, assorted metal CD’s, jewelry custom made by Spence and stem wear from BJ’s Brewhouse. The two most popular items of the night were autographed memorabilia/merch personally donated from Straight Line Stitch and Jerry Only of The Misfits.

Cody Ridenour opened with a one man acoustic jam, sharing the spotlight with his lovely wife Chelsea a few songs in. Almost all originals from the Germantown by way of St. Petersburg Florida solo guitarist. Starting with original “Today We Pray” followed by “How Long”, he played and sang with passion pulling unexpected power out of the ‘unplugged’ strings. Thinking ahead he one-upped the crowd and played some Skynyrd with the “Simple Man”. He finished with the impassioned “Cyanide” (You’ve Wrecked Me) ending with a co-written duet with his wife on “Broken Hearted.”

Casey and the Nobodies were next, as the one man jam trend continued. Known for acoustic blues, rock and classic country Casey took over the stage starting with original “Knock on My Door” followed by Alice’s sweet song of war and the “Rooster”. Another of Casey’s originals said “Gotta Get Out” and Chris Isaak said it was a “Wicked Game” to play, to make the video feel that way. The king of pop comes clean about “Billie Jean” sort of, she’s just a girl, alas we’ll never know if he’s the father. The Black Crows still talk to angels and Neil Young is ageless and timeless rocking his crazy horse in the free world.

All the Children made the 3 ½ hour drive from Morehead KY to help the cause. Playing a set of original alternative rock with a few covers they jammed out “Free Slave”. Alex Clare got a shout out on “Too Close” then made a statement with “We Are One”, the first tune played off their demo. There’s a “Man Overboard” as water engulfs the lungs played with early Nirvana attitude, before the baby went swimming. EP opener “Battle Cry” was next followed by the catchy bounce of “Prepare for War”. Alternative Aussies Silver Chair got some rare love on the lesser known “Pure Massacre” off Frogstomp. They finished with the honkey-tonked electric sound of “Airlock” with a touch of a space odyssey.

Cincinnati’s Shadow of Shepherd is a three brother alternative rock trio. Opening with a one-two “alt” punch they decided to “Send the Pain Below” with Chevelle and Wonder What’s Next opener “Family System”. They switched genre’s slightly with “Somewhere in the Sky” by Kutless. They played original “Fight” then switched feet with Switchfoot on “Meant to Live”. They let their light “Shine” down with some Collective Soul finishing with original “I am Alive”.

All right ladies pay attention and guys, listen up - Rock Candy was here and they took all the good little boys to school. The all- female trio from Cincinnati kicked out some sweet tunes starting right up your alley with one of the classiest lady rebels of early 80’s rock and 2015 RNR Hall of Fame Inductee Miss Joan Jett. Yeah, we’ve all been there cause I “Hate Myself for Loving You”.

They pulled out a youthful Sammy Hagar and some of his “Rock Candy”, not in a three lock box. They went old 80’s LA back to the Hollywood Sunset with a young, hungry Crue that’s “Too Fast for Love.” He toured with them in ’83 but for tonight Ozzy’s riding solo on the “Crazy Train”. They got humble playing the “Fool for a Pretty Face”, we’ve all been hurt by love. They finished with an all-girl original “Calling all Girls”.

Coming from Milford Ohio, Dear Agony “smoked” the stage playing a set of originals and covers. Only being together as a band for a couple months they played with experience from their previous stint as Arcadia Backfire. They were kinda like “Whatever” with Godsmack, shared their “Epiphany” with Staind and staged an electric sit down “to get to know everyone’ like “Nothing Else Matters” according to Hetfield. Two of the five originals played included the smooth rocking “Face the Day” and the more emotionally charged “Survive”.

Dayton’s new and improved for the next generation ClockWork Soul was next with the killer eyes and growl of Mystie Rose. One could and probably would think to see them all on stage that they’re a bit “Out There”. Rose speaks the voice of experience about bad relationships.

Make sure the person shares the same feelings you do or you’re living in a “Masquerade”. They play with the BulletBoys and declare, they’ll come back to you “When Pigs Fly”.

Pink Velvet Krush is a modern day throwback to the decadent 80’s glam and sleaze under the blazing LA sunset. Reminiscent of Faster Pussycat and LA Guns, with former members of Bullet Boys, Pretty Boy Floyd, Britney Fox, Steelheart, Dust N’ Bones and Vaudeville, it’s a mass super-group of hair-sprayed experience still swimming in the Aqua Net. They can talk about the Head Bangers Ball days because they lived it, bringing an 80’s arena show style and delivery to the club stage in the vein of Motley Crue with guitar mannerisms of Tipton and Downing.

Doug Savage keeps the frontman flame alive with everything we fondly remember from the days of decadence with a finger point or raised fist. The Krush started with “Nothin’ to Lose”. Metallica said “Misery Loves Company” on the black album but PVK’s saying it now. They slowed it down a little bringing the symbolic lighters up feeding their lonesome, twisted “Obsession”.

The dirty blues blasted rocker “F.S.O.A” (Fifty Shades of Anything) chugged along, accompanied by the more serious, life on the road retro feel of “You Take My Life”.

Ladies, Savage and the boys wanna make you “Scream”!

That good ole’ damn “Ball and Chain” came out swinging, kicking out the blues and they got two bullets, “One Shot” left to shoot to thrill. They ended the originals with EP title track “Break These Chains”, then asked if anybody was in the mood for some classic ‘hair’ metal.

They decided to break all the rules at the Girlschool with Britney Fox, and then got Smooth Up in ya with the BulletBoys because there were no Congo drums for St. Christopher. They finished with that lovely lady who just can’t go living after midnight as she cries “Somebody Save Me”.

Those still interested in donating to the families may contact Teri Spence at tattedpixie72@gmail.com , Happy Holidays everyone!

www.heavymetalchurch.com