Artist: TwentyFour64
Album: Necessity To Know (Remixes & B-Sides)
Label: None
Released on: March 16, 2010

Review

Recently TwentyFour64 re-designed their MySpace page with new graphics, new pictures, and of course they added new music. The band just released a Free EP composed of remixes, acoustics, b-sides and one new song.

The EP opens up with the band’s first single “We Are Taking Over”. This song has already been remixed once. It was first featured on their debut album Know Me, but it had quite a long introduction, so they radio edited it. The band has continually pushed this song for radio play. It’s a great song, but not their best in my opinion. “Forgot to Breathe” is the only new song on the EP, but it could have easily been part of Know Me. This is a great song, and it kind of shows the direction the band will be taking with their new album, focusing more on rock rhythms and less on their Jazz/R&B sound. Next is “Necessity To Know”. This song was also part of Know Me but it was called “Our Necessity”. This is not really much of a remix, but just a better recording of the same song. Both “Free & Captured” and “Embers” seem to be acoustic versions. I really enjoy the acoustic guitars on “Free & Captured”. “Embers” was first featured on Know Me as a bonus track. The name of this song also changed a bit, as it used to be called “Secret Embers”. The last two tracks “A Season” and “Fields on Fire” are the ones that have really been remixed. “A Season” has been layered with a new ambient sound, while “Fields on Fire” has a complete new sound filled with techno/dance beats.

“Know Me” was an excellent album, but its recording quality was low. You will notice an incredible difference on the recording when you listen to this EP. It seems as though their songs came to life. Now you can clearly hear each instrument, especially on the acoustic version of Free & Captured and Embers. Perhaps the only flaw in this album is the omission of “Make My Day” which was by far their best song on Know Me.

Here are 3 reasons you should download TwentyFour64’s new EP:

1. It’s FREE!
2. It’s good music!
3. The recording quality is excellent!

Download Necessity To Know.

Artist: Poema
Album: Sing It Now
Label: Tooth & Nail
To Be Released: March 23, 2010

Review

Poema is the proof that Tooth & Nail Records is always looking into expanding their roster’s variety. The label that started out with rock bands now offers a little of everything. Poema is the label’s latest addition. Sing It Now the band’s first EP is a blend of acoustic/pop sometimes fused with a bit of country. Poema’s music is quite delightful. Elle & Shealeen voices sound great with the acoustic guitars as accompaniment. It’s easy to see why T&N would want to invest in their careers, especially now that this genre of music is expanding.

Catchy choruses, soothing guitars, some basic drumming, and the occasional use of other string instruments is pretty much what you will find on every track on Sing It Now. They almost sound like a mix between Colbie Caillat and Taylor Swift. The dual vocals also contributes to the overall listening experience. Elle & Shealeen center their lyrics around girl/boy love stories, without getting into much detail. “City Boy” and “Blue Sweater” are two songs that really stand out.

Though Sing It Now sounds great, there’s some room left for improvements. The lack of originality is what weighs most against them. This genre of music is saturated with bands nowadays. And while their voices are perfect, Elle & Shealeen could push it much further. Pop music fans will be pleased with their sound, but Tooth & Nail fans that are used to indie bands might be a little disappointed.

Overall I’m very surprised with Poema’s Sing it Now EP. It has it’s small flaws, but it’s very pleasant to my ears. I didn’t know what to expect when I first heard them, but I definitely enjoy it.

Artist: Jeff Martin and Steven Padin
Album: The First Joke & Other Matters
Label: none
Released: January 19, 2010

Review

The First Joke & Other Matters is the creation of Jeff Martin and Steven Padin, who were members of the indie rock band This Day & Age (no longer together). The first impression is that both bands sound alike, after all the vocals are the same. However, unlike songs from This Day & Age, The First Joke & Other Matters is a collection of 10 incredibly soothing songs. The whole album carries an acoustic feel. Most songs on The First Joke & Other Matters have a similar tone, but that only contributes to the album’s atmosphere that involves you. Jeff Martin and Steven Padin have been making music together for over 8 years, which really contributes to their music as whole. Contrary to new bands, they know exactly what they are doing and in which direction they are taking their music. The fact that the album was 100% independently produced, also gives them total control over the way they present each song.

The First Joke & Other Matters is an excellent album. Fans of bands such as Deas Vail will find The First Joke & Other Matters to be delightful. Fans of This Day & Age will be glad to see Martin and Padin back together.

Artist: Feet Feet Feet Parachute
Album: Semi Colon Smile EP
Label: None
Released on: February 2, 2010

Review

Semi Colon Smile is the side project of Jason De La Torre and Trevor Faris. They are both part of the band We Shot The Moon. The EP has 5 tracks. It opens with “Semi Colon Smile” a slow paced song, driven by Jason’s scratchy vocals. “Making Bracelets and Make Believe” is the best song on the whole EP. Here both Jason and Trevor sing, almost screaming “if it’s all you ever wanted, why do you feel so afraid tonight?”. Their vocals sound incredible together. You can really feel the intensity of their voices on the last two tracks “Does Any of This Really Matter?”, and “Kind of Like You’re Breaking My Heart”. It really seems that the bands pours out their best on each song.

Semi Colon Smile is a great EP, and unfortunately it might have been overlooked. I was afraid they would ended up sounding a lot like We Shot The Moon because De la Torre and Faris have played together for a while, but the sound is quite refreshing. You can pick up a copy of Semi Colon Smile on Amazon Mp3 for only $4.95.

Artist: Todd Aldous
Album: Lovesick Automatic
Label: Unsigned
Released: 2009

Review

The 6 song EP by Todd Aldous carries some heavy weight to it. It opens with “Spaceships”, a dreamy track that moves to a great yet subtle little groove and easily transitions from one hook to the next. The scratchy, soft voice of Aldous reminds me of Bruce Springstein’s earlier acoustic work. The next two tracks, “8 Minutes From Meltdown” & “A Beautiful Storm” spark a bit more of a rock sound, and definitely shows more of a mainstream edge. Todd’s range begins to really show itself with the slow ethereal sounds of “Drifting”, a 4 Non Blondes remake, and “This”, a powerful little live track featuring only his acoustic guitar to support the sad drowning vocals. If those didn’t prove range, then let track 6 smack you in the face; “Crazy Like Hell” will leave you asking yourself, “What the hell just happened?”

And as the EP closes you realize you’ve just been taken on a 21 minute journey that evokes just about every emotion you could smash into 6 songs. There is certainly a woman behind these lyrics. And no ugly girl makes someone want to write like this, so let’s just assume she’s really hot. It will make your listening experience that much better. Overall, a diamond in the rough. Check out “Lovesick Automatic” in its entirety at http://www.myspace.com/toddaldous

Artist: Lucy Schwartz
Album: Help Me! Help Me!
Label: None
Released on: January 26, 2010

Review

Here are a few things you should know about Lucy Schwartz; She managed to get her music on movies and several TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, and Private Practice. She has worked with producers such as Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Coconut Records), Barrie Maguire (The Wallflowers, Amos Lee), d.Fly Schwartz (Arrested Development, Deadwood). She has a voice that most indie/folk artists work hard to achieve. She has no label, and she is only 20 years old. That’s all the buzz concerning her new EP entitled Help Me! Help Me!, but there’s a lot more to her music than just the buzz.

Help Me! Help Me! is a collection of five songs that showcases Schwartz’ song-writing abilities and music craftsmanship. While her voice can be compared to the likes of Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles, her music leans towards a soft bluesy sound accompanied by raw folk instrumentals. Her songs are simple, heavily relying on piano key strokes and an occasional horn, or harmonica. The album opens up with “Help Me! Help Me!” a playful song that lightens the mood and overshadows her heavyhearted lyrics. “Those Days” says what most of us feel at times. Its bluesy feel with a hint of the harmonica draws you in making you want to listen more. Softly played and wistful, “Gravity”, lulls you into a pensive atmosphere. “Gravity” has been recently featured on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. “Gone Away” is the slowest song on the album. Here, the music reflects the somberness of the lyrics. Lucy Schwartz ends Help Me! Help Me! with the cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”, a song which holds alot of meaning in itself.

Lucy Schwartz’ Help Me! Help Me! is an admirable start for what will hopefully be a long career.

Artist: Fireflight
Album: For Those Who Wait
Label: Flicker / Sony Music / Essential Records
Released on: February 9, 2010

Review

In 2006 Fireflight released their debut album The Healing of Harms which had some great songs like “It’s You”, “You Decide” and “Liar”. There weren’t too many bands in the Christian circle for them to compete with, so they ended up on the top of several charts pretty quickly. From there on, the band has released Unbreakable and now For Those Who Wait.

For Those Who Wait is a step up from their last album. It seems that band spent a lot more time experimenting with their music. So every now and then you will hear some string instruments and other sounds on the background. You will also get to hear Justin Cox’s back vocals like in previous albums. For Those Who Wait has some good songs such as “Fire In My Eyes”, “What I’ve Become and the album titled song “For Those Who Wait”. The album also features “Name” and “Recovery Begins” a couple of slow songs that help diversify the overall familiarity of the album.

The down side of For Those Who Wait is not a specific song, but just the fact that most of the songs sound a lot a like one another. So after the first 5 tracks have played you will want to move on to something else and take a break. Fans of previous albums will be very familiar with their sound and will most likely enjoy it. New listeners might want to just download a few songs, and if you are not familiar with their debut album The Healing of Harms I would recommend the song “Liar” which so far is the best I have heard from Fireflight.

Artist: Number One Gun
Album: To The Secrets And Knowledge
Label: Tooth & Nail
Released on: January 26, 2010

This album is being sold on Amazon Mp3 for only $5.99.

Review

Number One Gun is back! To To The Secrets & Knowledge is the bands’ second studio release since the band dismantled in 2006, and almost ceased to exist. Thankfully, Jeff Schneeweis, continued to create music resurrecting Number One Gun in 2008 with the release of The North Pole Project. Now Jeff Schneeweis is back with yet another outstanding record, proving that his “one man band” still has a lot more to offer.

Full-time producer, Schneeweis, is the man/genius behind every instrument played, every song written, every song tracked, and the producer of To The Secrets & Knowledge. The result of his dedication and talent is a full-fledged album powered by meaningful lyrics, and hooky choruses. To The Secrets & Knowledge is composed of nine new tracks and a cover of the song “Don’t Stop Believing” (originally recorded by Journey). Continuing the formula that worked so well in The North Pole Project, To The Secrets & Knowledge features a mix of indie rock with a few ballads. Though both albums sound similar, the creative process behind each song is unique. On a (successful) attempt to push his limits as a producer and as a musician, Schneeweis recorded each song entirely before moving to the next track. The same was done with the instrumentals and vocals.

To The Secrets & Knowledge starts big from track one. Schneeweis will take you on an incredible journey from catchy tunes in songs like “The Victory” to the amazing instrumental track in “Look To Pass”. While “Forest” is one of the best songs on the album, songs like “Noise” and “The People” are the ones that really display Schneeweis talents to communicate a change of moods. “Big Machines” and ” Hey Stranger” definitely have a familiar sound, and will keep both old fans and new followers pleased. Perhaps the only song that doesn’t fit the album is the cover of “Don’t Stop Believing”. The song sounds great, but the 80’s sound doesn’t quite mach the previous nine tracks.

To The Secrets & Knowledge is an album to own on its entirety. Once again Jeff Schneeweis has done an incredible job recording this album.

Artist: Addison Road
Album: Addison Road
Label: INO Records
Released: March 18, 2008

Review

A few lucky bands get signed right off the bat, and make it big from night to day. But most bands take the road commonly traveled, and have to work hard if they want to stay on the road. And trying to stay on the road is what Addison Road has been working on since day 1. Previously from being signed to INO Records the band released three indie albums and one EP.

- Not What You Think (2002)
- Breaking Beautifully (2003)
- Always Loved You: EP (2005)
- Some Kind Of Spark (2006)

So much hard work finally paid off, and in March of 2008 Addison Road released their self-titled album, which so far is their best effort. Addison Road is what you would get if you could mix the pop/rock melodies of BarlowGirl and the musical creativity, and edgy sound of Superchick.

Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Sanctus Real, Mandisa) and led by the vocals of Jenny Simmons the album starts off nicely with “This Could Be Our Day”, a pop/rock anthem that encourages listeners to make the most of every minute. “All That Matters” is the band’s hit single that has made a lot of noise throughout the radio waves. This song has a familiar beat, something you’ve heard before on a TobyMac album, or Superchick’s “Beauty From Pain”. The album continues with other more-pop-than-rock tunes like “Sticking With You” and “Start Over Again”, that lack a little bit of originality, but ought to please the younger crowd. Addison Road also has it’s slow but good moments with “Hope Now” and “Run”.

Most songs on this album are radio friendly, and easy to listen, but there are a couple of tracks that aren’t as ordinary; “Always Love” is possibly the best track in the whole album. The lyrics are simple and yet so true. “Always love, hate will get you every time”. “What Do I Know Of Holy” closes the album beautifully. Here the electric guitars and hard drum beats are put aside, giving space to a nice and soft piano and violin sound that perfectly follows Jenny’s honest singing. “What do I know of you who spoke me into motion. Where have I even stood but the shore along your ocean?”

All around Addison Road is an excellent album. There’re a few flaws, but they’re mostly overshadowed by their commitment to playing good music.

*More than a band, Addison Road is an active sponsor of the MochaClub.org. Check it out!

Artist: Manafest
Album: Citizens Activ
Label: BEC Recordings
Released: June 24, 2008

Review

Chris Greenwood knows what it takes to get hearts pumping, beats pulsing and people rockin’ out. Greenwood, better known as Manafest, has once again delivered an album that is fun, catchy and filled with great rhythms. Manafest, who hails from Canada sounds like a blend between KJ-52, Enimem (without all the junk) and tobyMac. His third release is called Citizens Activ (BEC Recordings). “The record is about people taking action in their own lives. We need to be inspired and active in chasing our dreams”, Manafest explains. Manafest worked with producer Adam Messinger (New Kids on the Block, Eva Avila) to create eleven tracks that can connect with the listener and stir the passion inside of them to make a start in their lives. The new record is a great blend of rap, pop, rock and gospel sounds.

Manafest wastes no time to get you to groove, in the first track “4-3-2-1″ he starts off with a hip-hop sound and simple lyrics to hook you in. His voice sounds strikingly similar to Enimem but you soon forget that as you hear the beat and start your head bobbing. In his single “So Beautiful” he teams up with Trevor McNevan (Thousand Foot Krutch) to produce a song saturated with rock and a positive message. According to Manafest, “The song speaks of the struggle and hard work you put into something, and getting to finally see the beautiful outcome. A lot of times you need to look inward to see the big picture.” Songs like “Steppin’ Out” and the club anthem “Top of the World” show Manafest’s talent of blending non-stop high energy, danceable tunes with a little rock mixed in and fast lyrics. “Good Day” and “Free” are a little slower with a slight R&B sound. “Good Day” talks about having a positive outlook on each day no matter what life throws at you and “Free” mixes in electronic sounds while telling listeners that they are “Free to live, free to love, free to get up, free to get out and get up and move on…”. “Lean on Me” is a painfully honest song about taking that step to rely on someone to be your friend when you need it most. Manafest closes out the record with a positive note in “Live On” which tells a summary of his life, saying “I know I can move on, I still believe it, live on!! I know I can be strong, Come on and sing it, live on!”

Manafest’s Citizens Activ is a well produced, commercially appealing record that is jam-packed with good material. In certain places the album is weak lyrically; filled with clichés, gimmicky phrases and over simplifications like in “Break Up”. But in general, he is able to relate his life to others in a simple way with a good message and great beats. “I’ve learned to take real life experiences and have tried to create songs that paint realistic and common themes of people. I want the listener to feel like it is them in the song.” The tracks on this will certainly make you get up off the couch and hopefully ignite the fire to get you to move to make a change for the better.