OURS – Distorted Lullabies CD Review

Gloomy. Dreary. Somber. Melancholy. Genius. These are all words that come to mind after listening to Ours‘ debut CD, Distorted Lullabies (DreamWorks). The first listen is the toughest, as the sound is like none other out there today. But like the prick of a heroin needle, it is followed by an unbelievably addictive sensation. The …

Wiredshut – Mini Review

Wiredshut has posted a new MP3 on mp3.com called ‘Gonorrhea‘. It’s a little different than previous Wiredshut tunes, but you have to expect that with the lineup changes that Wiredshut has had (three of the members of the band have left (vocals, bass and keys) and two more were added (Skott on bass and Matt …

OLEANDER – Unwind CD Review

In today’s infinitely diverse musical landscape, one may wonder where good ‘ol arena rock fits in. Oleander’s sophomore release, Unwind (Republic/Universal), is evidence that this genre of music is still very much alive, and an important part of the musical scene. Soon after grunge became nothing more than a moment in music history, progressive rock, …

8 DEGREES – A Series of Moments CD Review

Just when you think that the rap-metal genre couldn’t possibly be taken to another level, in come six guys from, of all places, Topeka, Kansas. The band is called 8 Degrees, and they are currently based in Southern California, hoping to land a record deal. Their second independent release, titled A Series of Moments, is …

FRACTIONAL IMPORTANCE – Visions CD Review

Fractional Importance were the beginning for me. This band was the inspiration behind my passion for covering the Los Angeles music scene. The first time I saw Fractional play at the Coconut Teaszer, (I think it was?) I was given a demo that gave me a taste and a tease of their in-studio work. It …

Sinomatic – Self Titled – CD Review

Sinomatic comes to you directly from their home base in Youngstown, Ohio. The roots began to form in the late `80s when Ken Cooper (vocalist) and Rick Deak (lead guitarist, backing vocals) met at a local record store. The two instantly connected and eventually began to tour the east coast under the band name Strange …

Godhead – 2000 Years of Human Error – CD Review

Trent Reznor helps Marilyn Manson break into the music scene… a few years later Manson helps NIN? Well not quite, but perhaps in a sense. Godhead is the first group signed to Marilyn’s PostHuman Records. Godhead‘s debut, 2000 Years of Human Error, has that same familiar industrialized sensation, as do earlier works from NIN (The …

MELVINS – Electroretard CD Review

Since forming in Aberdeen, Washington in the eighties, the Melvins have been famous for being different. But their latest outing, Electroretard (Man’s Ruin Records), is perhaps their most experimental and diverse yet. Each of the songs sounds so unique, it is as if they are written and performed by different artists. The good news is …

Halfcocked – The Last Star CD Review

What is it that they say? Behind every good man is a good woman? Well, in this case, it’s a woman up front, but the boys are playing really nice with the girls. And while they play, they’re getting down and dirty for all of us to watch, listen to, and enjoy. Have I got …