Review: J. Cole - Friday Night Lights (Mixtape)

J. Cole has a track on his new mix tape entitled “Blow Up”. Cole predicts the success of his rapping with his punch line, “Bitch I’m about to blow up.” Well to no surprise, one of the lower key rappers is doing just that. Friday Night Lights is J. Cole’s latest attempt to intrude your headphones and keep us hungry fans full until his debut album, Cole World.

I cannot understand what is more impressive. Is it that J. Cole has a talent for making a bunch of words flow so effortless? Or is that he produced almost every single song on Friday Night Lights? A combination will give the occasional listener a reason to sit back and enjoy a classic.

Friday Night Lights begins with a ballad of piano and Cole’s voice echoing as he eases the listener into taking the bait. He explains how this mix tape is where he will make a name for himself. Cole teases the listener into the true track, “Too Deep For The Intro”. The track’s name explains it enough. Cole introduces us to a new blend of rap. A track full of comparisons from Nas to the new age flow, Cole sums up his effort with the closer, “if they don’t know your dreams, than they cant shoot em down”.

An element of J. Cole’s latest effort that sticks out is the lack of guest appearances, which is a huge positive. With the help of DC Based rapper Wale, Cole and Wale meet again on “You Got It”. The track features an upbeat punch with a mix of distant drums and Cole’s signature piano touches. He does not stop there. J. Cole adds Young Money heavyweight Drake on the track “In The Morning”. With both rappers having their ways with words, they explain a fictional story of love and making a one night stand last longer.

Here comes the time in the review where I need to pick a favorite song. Here’s the problem: there are too many songs that I favor. However one of the realist songs I’ve heard in quite sometime sticks out more than the others. “The Autograph” is strictly Jermaine Cole going off. This track features one of those feel good anthems, where Cole narrates his success and where he is in the world. In a very close second, “Home For The Holidays” is your classic 1970’s instrumental. The thing with J.Cole is that it does not matter what instrumental he’s rapping on, he will make it his own and do it better than anybody else in the game.

J.Cole leaves Friday Night Lights with the simply named track, “Farewell”, his final ode telling the listener where he stands in the world of rap. If you ask me, he’ll be here for a while. Friday Night Lights will go down as one of the top mix tapes of 2010. And it’s not too early to call it the top mix tape of the century.

Score: 94%

New Reviews @ The Hood Nerd

I've posted a few new reviews over at The Hood Nerd. I'd appreciate any feedback anyone has. I'm still going to post some reviews over here that don't really fit THN. Thanks everyone!

Mike Posner - 31 Minutes To Takeover

Curren$y - Pilot Talk

Freddie Gibbs - Str8 Killa [EP]

New Writings @ The Hood Nerd

I've found a space where I can be comfortable. I'm co-writing for the webzine called The Hood Nerd. I believe in what Jay is doing and hopefully I can lend some ideas to him. We posted my first review, which is Curren$y's Pilot Talk. Check it out here!

Review: Curren$y - Pilot Talk

Curren$y - Pilot Talk

Evolution has occurred since the early days of Earth. From monkeys to humans (though that is disputed), to pre-historic dinosaurs to lizards today, evolution is all around us. But for some reason, none of this intrigues me. The evolution of southern bad ass Curren$y is more appealing. While holding the title of “Spitta”, Curren$y has taken his rapping career into a different relm of ‘respect’. First he was covered by the shadows of Young Money Entertainment, now he’s finally able to shine with his Roc-A-Fella swagger and he’s debut album to the mainstream, Pilot Talk.

For one, I’m not a huge fan of seeing a lot of guest appearances on an album. However, Pilot Talk is an exception. Curren$y features the likes of Snoop Dog, Mos Def, Jay Electronica and more. With each artist representing a different side of Hip-Hop, the album really takes its own and shows where Hip-Hop/Rap should be going. And you can’t forget the production of Ski Beatz, who everyone is a fan of.

Curren$y displays different sides of his rapping abilities. Take for instance track number two, “Audio Dope II”. Spitta accompanies the elevator themed instrumental with some of that southern bad ass I was talking about. The combination of the Curren$y’s smooth, calm flow with the addition of the rasta background demonstrates his true ability as a performer. He flows that up with “King Kong”, the original single for Pilot Talk. Here, Curren$y discusses how he’s higher up in the world than King Kong...or any person for that matter. The club banger even has some lyrics for your brain to ponder. "On the ground I am like a quarterback attackin defensive line men homie who gon block em."

What Curren$y lacks in his previous works is difference int he meaning of songs. You have him and Wiz Khalfia rap about weed for a whole mixtape and it seems that is all they want to do. Do we have a problem with that? Not when the tracks are great. For instance, “The Hangover”, which features Mickey Rocks. Depending on what kind of Hip-Hop your ear likes, the is one for the record books. If there is a sound I can see Curren$y being comfortable with, it’s defiantly the laid back, burn an l sound that is illustrated throughout this track. The story behind this track is pretty much about partying and living life on the edge, which Curren$y does everyday.

We cannot forget about the other standout track off the record. “The Day”, which features Mos Def and Jay Electronica, is something for fans to get amped for. Center Edge Territory, which is the group name of the three, have five more songs that are awaiting the opportunity to our ears. Curren$y wisely invites New Orleans native Jay Elec to jump on this track and as expect, Jay Electronica steals the show on the track. While Jay Electronica has stayed quiet this year thus far, he delivers some of the most power fullest bars we’ve heard this year. “I pray my heart is DMC and Reverend Run enough / 'Cause I’ma throw my number up / I’ma throw some chicken bones and feathers on a hundred bucks / And summon up the thunder what / The voodoo man is coming, bruh / You can’t see the forest for trees / It's okay, I got my jigsaw and my lumber truck / Tell them boys that their run is up.”

Pilot Talk is concluded with two previously released tracks, “Address” and “Life Under The Scope”. Stalley lends a few bars in “Address” and with the addition of Ski Beatz on the track, it’s a track to be talked about...or at least played twice. And how about ending a great album with yet another laid back track with “Life Under The Scope”, where Spitta discusses how the life of the famous really is.

Evolution is something that will always be argued about. However, the evolution of Curren$y from being an unappreciated pothead to on top of every major blog is something that most won’t mind. Pilot Talk is a great example of how patience is always worth it in the long run. Whether your a fan of Curren$y’s weed tunes (Breakfast, Chilled Coughee, The Hangover) or the new outlook on life (The Day, King Kong), he brings something for every Hip Hop fan to listen to. After all, we still talk about monkeys turning into humans, right?

Rating: 84%

Review: Rugz D. Bewler - Bewler's Day Off

Rugz D. Bewler - Bewler’s Day Off

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meet Bewler’s Day Off. The name’s are similar, but that’s where it ends. Meet Rugz D. Bewler, New York based Rapper. Coming up through the NYC, you have to make a name for yourself. Pretty much, if you’re beats and rhymes sound the same as some else, then you’re going to be in the shadow. So how does one get noticed? Ask Rugz D. Bewler.

With the releasing of the mixtape, Bewler’s Day Off, we are graced with groovy disco dance beats (“Don’t Dance”), doing exactly what we thought: partying. We even have some romance throughout the mixtape (“Love” & “Sexy Time”). But every recording artist needs a song freestyle over a british cutie. Bewler does just that with his freestyle over Lily Allen’s “Oh My God”. While the song is mainly dominated by Allen, Bewler donates a few bars for our listening pleasure. Rugz doesn’t stop there.

The tool he uses on this record that other artists don’t do is: showing different emotions in different songs. Sure, you can have concept mixtapes (aka: stories) or just similar sounding mixtapes (aka: Jay Rock, Drake, etc…). Rugz D. Bewler delivers with the help of Skotch Davis and former basketball great Stalley (“Bend Her Over [Life’s A Bitch]”). Throughout the song, you hear the chorus, “Life’s a bitch and I’m gonna bend her over.” The line might not mean much, but it shows the extended emotions used to complete Bewler’s Day Off.

I could go on more about the mixtape, but why be the spoiler? Bewler’s Day Off is something to listen to the next time you’re looking for something new and different. As my ears listened, my heart loved. Download Rugz D. Bewler’s “Bewler’s Day Off”.

Rating: 8.0

Worth Listening: “Cobra Kai”, “Oh My God”, “Love”

Rugz D. Bewler - Bewler's Day Off [DatPiff]

Review: Mark Rose - Separate

Mark Rose - Separate

With music nowadays, peoples perspectives of what they want to play change drastically. Mark Rose, formally the lead singer of the Chicago based band Spitalfield, once played pop-punk in front of small loaded venues. He then released The Greatest Lakes EP, which showcased his incredible talent of captivating listeners with his soothing summer voice.

However, with his latest release, Rose takes his music into a different direction. We still have the adoring acoustics with relaxing voice, but it’s a bit different this time. ‘I Don’t Know How to Not Love You’ is the introduction to Separate. To some, you’ll love it thinking, “what a genius way to open an album.” However, Mark Rose sells himself short with this track. It reminds me of a Phil Collins song mixed with German Gestapo alarms from World War II. “Standing” follows right after, with the sounds that Rose should accomplish. The track displays his soft sound, the combination peaceful guitar riffs and 1980’s guitar sounds.

If there is a time during the EP where I can see Rose topping the charts, it would be with track four, “Make This Move”. The track showcases Rose’s guitar abilities as well as the combination of embedding the soft vocals with claps and an upbeat pace. The lyrical outlook is splendid as well. “I won’t mind/we never say forever/Give me time/I can prove to you/I was meant to make this move.”

Lets just hope the cards workout this time. Mark Rose is a deserving musician, producing everything on his own and not ripping off other artists. With Separate, he creates the perfect blend of calm and chilling, something most artists can’t pull off. The next year will be interesting regarding Rose, as this will now mean he’s put two EP’s in my top EP’s of the year.

Rating: 7.5

Review: Steel Train - Steel Train

Steel Train - Steel Train

Combos. The famed snack distributed by Mars Incorporated. Since the mid 1970s, Americans have been blessed with the filling bite size snack. Whether it’s the Cheddar Cheese Cracker or Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, we all have loved it. The reason we love these un-healthy snacks is due to the weird combination. A filling center of your choice with a cracker stretching around it, making it appear as dog food.

New Jersey/New York’s Steel Train is something similar to a Combo. It’s a filling arrangement of music, pleasing the ear with Pop rock roots, embellishing that with dark words wrapped up with a crazed attitude. After the releasing of the 2007 album Trampoline, the animals give us their latest effort.

The self-titled album is a record illustrating different sides and colors. “Bullet”, the introduction to the album, can be taken into different accounts. Singer/Guitarist Jack Antonoff said the song is about his sister and how they’ve been through a lot throughout their lives. In my retrospect, I take it as a relationship. A dysfunctional one.

The five piece suit tell the tale of loved ones that aren’t working out anymore through ‘You And I Undercover’. Antonoff hints to the listener how, “All I want is a soldier, hand and hand with you”, saying how he needs someone to be there for her since he cannot anymore. You can move onto the track ‘Touch Me Bad’. The name suggests other things. And while the track is a crazed wrecking train mixed with poppy hooks and humming choruses, Antonoff describes the rough times he endured in the past.

There’s a fair portion of the album I didn’t discuss because I want you to be the judge. If you’re looking for smack in the face indie-pop, you’ve found it. If you’re looking for something different from the mainstream, you’ve found it. If you’re looking for your album of the year, you’ve found it.

Rating: 9.5

Track by Track: Beach House- Teen Dream

The Track by Track series is back. For those who are new, this is where I listen to an album on it's first listen and record my thoughts on individual songs. Lets start the 2010 segment off with Baltimore, Maryland's Beach House, who just released their third impressive record Teen Dream.

Yeah, the album art is white. And it's different.

Tracklist:

1. Zebra: When bands/artists start tracks off with a 'sleeper', some of us might automatically put off the record right away. What happens when Beach House embeds 1980's era keys with crashing symbols and soft, pinching vocals? The first track Zebra.

2. Silver Soul: To be honest, I'm not much of a fan of Silver Soul. Vocalist Victoria Legrand does her best to give her rendition of a Smiths rip off. Has strong points again with the symbols and the little duet between Legrand and Alex Scally.

3. Norway: The single and so far my favorite track of 2010. What makes the duo that is Beach House so creative and distances itself from other indie bands is this song. Mixing again beautiful guitar riffs with calm and cool voices. The song in my opinion is a similar story to Disney's 'Snow White'.

Seven figures leap the hungry mouths The beast, he comes to you He's a hunter for a lonely heart In the season of the sun

4. Walk In The Park: A beautiful follow to such a powerful song. The song demonstrates the dreary side of Victoria Legrand. In the lyrics, there's various thoughts of giving up from whoever the song is about. "In and out of my life, you would slip from my mind". A lyric that can be used by anyone if the situation presents itself.

5. Used To Be: An upbeat number, one of the only songs that break the pattern of slow numbers. It's a decent tune in it's respect.

6. Lover Of Mine: If you could compare Beach House to anyone, I'd say proudly they remind me of Tears for Fears. A duo themselves, Tear for Fears play a similar mood that Beach House performs. This song ties back to 'Norway'. Let your ears have the pleasure, not my words.

7. Better Times: Jam

8. 10 Mile Stereo: Another Jam and a half. In competition for song of the year.

9. Real Love: A slow number. The name says it all. Interesting piece with interesting concepts.

10. Take Care: Fitting name for the final track, eh? A ballad that speaks about taking care of someone that means a whole lot to you. An uplifting track that really gives a genre a lot of hope.

Score: 9/10

Review: Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson- Break Up

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson- Break Up

What's the definition of an actor/actress? In our eyes, we only think they are good for acting like something else for our enjoyment. One sees how Robin Williams can play a serious role (Good Will Hunting) and how some can play goofy roles, like Will Smith (Men in Black). However, as time roles, we see many movie screen stars create music. Most notably Zooey Deschanel and Scarlett Johansson.

Johansson released her debut album in 2007, entitled Anywhere I Lay My Head. To say the least, the album didn't even meet par. It was terrible. The Tom Waits covers that she killed plus the over-production on her beautiful voice. But that didn't stop her. Recently, she teamed up with indie-god Pete Yorn and the both of them released Break Up.

I'm going to let everyone else be the judge of this album. For me, it's played every Sunday. Give it a listen sometime, you won't be disappointed.

Standout Tracks: “Wear and Tear” and “Shampoo”

Download: Show Tufli – Period (2010)

I'm going to be short and sweet right here: Show Tufli goes off on "Period". This seven song mixtape features Charles Hamilton and the hot spitta Vado. Overall, the tape is pretty dope. Contains some powerful rap for those L-rides and whatever you guys do with your lives...

1. Hot
2. Do What She Wanna
3. Whatever I Like
4. Like Won’t Go
5. Sweet Affection
6. Sense Ability w/ Charles Hamilton
7. Star f. Vado

download: sendspace

Download: Mickey Factz- thedarkphoenix: ALPHA (2010)

Yeah I'm back. After a well needed break, I'm back. Just like Charles Hamilton and now Mickey Factz. True: we all don't really know who Mickey Factz is. He's appeared in a few songs and whatnot. He released his mixtape, "The Leak Vol. 2: The Inspiration" which featured artists such as Drake, The Cool Kids, and Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. For the past month or so, Factz has been brewing a storm for his new EP/Mixtape "thedarkphoenix: ALPHA". The tape contains Mickey doing his thing on a slew of songs by the group Phoenix.

To say the least, this EP is pure dope. Factz's goes hard on every track. Below is a download link as well a little description of each song by Mickey himself.

download: mediafire

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1. Sunrise

With all of my projects, I let all of my emotions and feelings out on one song. Just me writing as much as I possibly can and letting the feel of the beat dictate my tone. At the time of me painting this record, I wanted to have a feeling of overcoming. In hindsight that’s what the sun does everyday, overcome the night. I used the sun as a metaphor to convey these emotions.

[Color/s: Red, Blue & Green]

2. Amnesia

A lot of people forget that I can actually rap. I get that feeling a lot. All the time. So with how I approach my freestyles, I try to spit over instrumentals and loops that nobody would dare use. Justice is one of my favorite groups and “Let There Be Light” is one of my favorite records from them. So I did what I did best: Paint.

[Color/s: Green]

3. Turn It Up

A preview of what’s to come in 2010. This song is featured on DJ Amplive’s project dropping this year. Enjoy it while you can.

[Color/s: Red & Green]

4. Still I Rise

Whatever happened to the anthems? What happened to the songs to help us get through struggles? I’ve felt down at times. I’ve hit rock bottom. I’ve lost my mind a couple of times that I can remember. However, through it all, still I rise. Maya Angelou’s famous poem is a prophetic message for me in my life. Nothing will or can tear me down as long as I’m breathing. And if I can believe that, so should you.

[Color/s: Blue & Green]

5. Ashes

In the midst of enjoying life, there is pain. During the recording process, that’s exactly what I felt. I know how to place my life in records very well. For example, when certain people get depressed, they smoke. Its like an extension of sighing almost. I named the song ashes to remind us that when we go through certain things, the unnecessary things, then it’s time to dump those ashes. Ashes fall off the end of a cigarette very easily and when u fall for someone so should minuscule problems.

[Color/s: Blue]

6. S/ecrets T/hat D/estroy

The premise and subject of this song is often strayed away from. I wanted to touch base on something that’s affecting the world day by day. Usually when we get wind of a secret, we’re supposed to hold onto it until death. Ironically, the particular secrets I talk about bring forth death, destruction and despair.

[Color/s: Red]

7. Contemplations Of A King

I was born a prince. All of us are born into royalty. In order to inherit the upper echelon of what’s inevitable, you have to figure out life’s quarrels. There are so many hurdles to deter you. Succeeding in conquering these quarrels takes patience, wisdom and contemplation. Through that, you will realize your true potential.

[Color/s: Red & Blue]

8. Sunset

The Phoenix is a mythical creature who rises from the ashes, creating a surge of fire to reach its peak. Watching the sunset is like experiencing the gates of heaven open up before your eyes. Most people have seen so many wonders in life always anticipating the next greatest thing. When in reality, their life is the greatest experience they will live. We must live each day like the phoenix, as the sun sets to see the unimaginable of the next.

[Color/s: Red, Blue & Green]

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Bonus: Mickey Factz- The Lost Exhibit

-Mickey goes over the untouchable beat from Jay Electronica. And he does it well.

download: usershare

This Condition- We Don’t Have To Be Alone [EP]

This Condition- We Don’t Have To Be Alone [EP]
Release: November 21, 2008
Unsigned

Lalalalalala. Long Island doesn’t really produce music anymore. And if this land mass does put out music, it usually sucks. It’s either terrible hardcore acts or some TBS cover band. So lets say it’s been a while since there’s been a band worth the hype. I could stop my review here, but I’ll keep going. The area hasn’t put out “pop-rock” music ever. Not even “pop-punk.” But it seems times have changed...

While Long Island isn’t the new Maryland, the area is starting to get some good bands to blossom. One of those bands is This Condition. One could say this band was generic at one point. They have opened for all indie label acts on the Island. Trust me, I’ve seen them a lot. They released an EP last year; I wouldn’t call it great, but it showed that they had potential. Nearing the end of 2008, This Condition released We Don’t Have To Be Alone, a five song EP highlighting the potential of this band.

This Condition delivers the listener, “The Timing” right away. This radio-begging track showcases the prancing vocals of Nate Cyphert, where his pipes bring resemblance to Bryce Avery of The Rocket Summer. The duo of Crypher and Steve Keyes can make any listener remember the chorus, “We Don’t Have To Be Alone/I’m gonna set the record straight/ I’m a kid on the interstate.” From this upbeat fashion, This Condition slows it down with “Red Letter.” This track seems to be a favorite of most listeners. Cyphert’s addition of acoustic guitar and his falsetto’s, has the listener thinking. You could even get lost in the music.

I’m not gonna ruin the EP for the listener. So I’m going to jump to the last track, “Barefoot (Steve’s Song).” This track gives the listener a feel of how comfortable This Condition is with their sound. While it might not be unique, they know how to make it polished. Think of This Providence before they signed to Fueled By Ramen, the sound we all loved. This Condition portrays this sound. They even end the EP with a little sing along at the end.

While I could beg you to listen to this, I won’t. I’ll tell you that if you don’t listen to This Condition soon, they won’t be alone. They should be signed to a label. We Don’t Have To Be Alone is polished pop-rock. It’s not overdone by anything cheesy - it’s straight up. Predicting 2009: This Condition should be the next hype band all over the internet. We Don’t Have To Be Alone is a hit.

Artist: This Condition
Album: We Don’t Have To Be Alone EP
Label: Unsigned
Location: Long Island, New York
RIYL: This Providence, The Rocket Summer, The Maine
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Review: You, Me, and Everyone We Know - So Young, So Insane [EP]

You, Me, and Everyone We Know- So Young, So Insane [EP]
Label: Unsigned
Release: November 18, 2008

This wasn’t going to be a secret forever. Maryland’s You, Me, and Everyone We Know made their punch through the America’s stereos, with their re-release earlier in 2008, Party For The Grown and Sexy. While this brought huge publicity to the band, it also may have labeled them. That label would be a “Say Anything cover band.” While many bands would find this attractive, I felt that they didn’t sound anything close to the California natives. The band announced they would be recording a new EP later this year. With some touring here and there, the EP looked doubtful. However, I was wrong.

So Young, So Insane is this promised EP. When first listening to previous recordings, I was wondering if YMEWK would pull away from the Say Anything influence. However, during the first song, ,b>, the band decides maybe this Say Anything talk isn’t that bad. When this demo was released earlier, it lacked a lot of production. The vocals seemed very pale also. These are both filled, when Say Anything’s vocalist Max Bemis makes an appearance. The combination of Bemis and YMEWK vocalist Ben Liebsch really send chills through your spine. However, this Say Anything feel is put on hold throughout the rest of the EP. “A Symptom” showcases the unique writing of the band. The song has a jazzy feel, and is a moving song. This is the story for the rest of the EP.

“Colorful Language” is a sound that You, Me, and Everyone We Know should follow to become a bigger, different sounding band. In this song, it features powerful guitar beats, and at the right time pounding bass drum. Even keyboardist Rico Vigil makes an appearance adding some catchy sounds. This song just has a different feel to it, from previously released YMEWK songs. Finally, the boys recorded a studio version of “Happy Birthday.” This song has been played live over the past year. With the addition of creepy hums, mixed with smooth vocals from Liebsch, this is an instant favorite of mine. The chorus of this song is what really gets this song rolling. When Liebsch belts out “She’s staying up, she’s working hard for the money tonight,” it automatically paints a picture in your mind. This is how you want to end an EP.

While You, Me, and Everyone We Know got rid of most of the Say Anything sounds, the only thing that gets on my nerves is how similar some songs are to other songs. Some songs consist in the same key signature, or sound like previously released work. Another negative is why can’t this be a full length. One would most definitely enjoy this more if it was longer. With all that said, You, Me, and Everyone We Know have to just keep producing their own sound. So Young, So Insane has clarified their unique sound, straying away from the PATD/Say Anything references. You, Me, and Everyone We Know have something to be proud off. This EP solidifies their claim for being the best band to come out of Maryland pop scene ...ever.

Artist: You Me and Everyone We Know
Album: So Young, So Insane
Release Date: November 18th, 2008
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Smartpunk.com
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 8.1

Review: Sparks The Rescue - Eyes To The Sun

Sparks The Rescue- Eyes To The Sun
Label: Double Blind
Release: October 11, 2008

Sparks The Rescue, a Maine five-piece, might have just found their breakthrough in the rock scene. Their new release, Eyes To The Sun, is the bands full length record. Instead of following the typical band (releasing previously released songs on a new record), Sparks The Rescue decided to give the listener a whole new taste. In with the new, out with the old, the band picks up from their previous release The Secrets We Can’t Keep, but they continue to carry their unique pop-rock sound. Let me introduce to you Eyes To The Sun.

Vocalist might be the most unique part of this outfit. Not only does he know how to pound lyrics into your head, but his voice is something else. Not to keep the spotlight on Roy, but his unique voice has you listening in “I Swear That She's The One.” Throughout this song, the blending of Roy’s vocals with the guitar riffs make the listener automatically tap his/hers foot. The guitar work was most notably heard in the next song, “Autumn.” Originally, I couldn’t come up with a band that sounded similar to Sparks, but throughout this song I kept getting a Midtown image. Bassist Ben Briggs pushes the band from slow riffs, to the chorus where the tempo changes.

Unlike most bands, Sparks The Rescue don’t follow the same key/tempo throughout the record. This is why most pop-rock record become boring to listen to because they have no last power. On Eyes To The Sun, not one song sounds like the next. One could listen to “Hello Mexico,” and could feel the California waves. “The Gravity” demonstrates the illustration Roy is trying to make. He symbolizes a couple as “gravity” and “satellites.” This is a positive point of the record.

However, I haven’t even discussed my favorite song off the record. Nothing compares to “Skeleton”, the combination of Alex Roy and contributing vocalists harmonizing the chorus, this makes the you think about what good rock should sound like. Guitarists Pat O’Connell and Toby McAllister go on a rapid guitar battle. Both guitarists don’t play the same note throughout the song, hell there’s even a guitar solo in this song. Another positive Sparks The Rescue brings is how they blend many different sounds to make one calm sound. Some bands try to hard to mix surrounding genres into one, but they ultimately fail. Sparks The Rescue have mastered this art.

Eyes To The Sun is either going to be loved by you or be hated. Fans of Sparks The Rescue previous release will love it. For new listeners, I suggest listening with an open mind. Instead of thinking of a pop-punk band, think of an experimental band, with pop hooks. However, if you don’t give this a chance, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Artist: Sparks The Rescue
Album: Eyes To The Sun
Release Date: October 7th, 2008
Label: Unsigned
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 7.8

Review: A Loss For Words- Webster Lake [EP]

A Loss for Words - Webster Lake
Record Label: None
Release Date: June 11, 2008

"How did we get so damn far by ignoring everything? You we're the sand beneath my feet, eroded by the tide. It's too hard to believe." - Wrightsville Beach

Here in my town, we have this local bowling alley. It's not great. It's actually really gross and is run under terrible management. The crowds are usually ska kids, who smoke weed and get with the same friends. Thank god I didn't take that approach to life. Occasionally, we get a couple decent bands playing. Running from Valencia and Just Surrender to The Wonder Years and Living With Lions. Every year, a band from Boston, MA comes down and jams. They are A Loss For Words. [READ MORE HERE]

Review: This Providence- The Bright Lights [EP]

This Providence- The Bright Lights [EP]
Released: 10/14/08
Label: Fueled By Raman

This Providence is one of the brightest acts in music today. I remember them back in late 2004, when I heard their first release Our Worlds Divorce. The debut showed so much promise; giving This Providence such a distinct sound. Vocalist Daniel Young has such lazy vocals, which makes it awesome. The area at the time was the, “hot spot”, with the premieres of such bands as Gatsby’s American Dream and Forgive Durden. Their next release was some what a letdown, yet I really enjoyed it. Some of the old sounds changed, which weren’t for the better.

It’s been around two years since This Providence released anything. Earlier in 2008, they announced that they were going to record a new EP. Well, here’s the EP, called The Bright Lights EP. “Waste Myself” is the opening track to this EP. If this is any indication of This Providence’s new sound, I’m totally stoked. It brings back good TP, yet still blends new TP. Dan Young’s vocals continues to be the lazy, soft voice we’ve come to love. He can still send chills down your spine. This track leads into the striped down version of “My Beautiful Rescue.” Quite frankly, I wasn’t a huge fan when this song debuted in 2006, but this version brings different light to the song. It’s a mellow blend of western guitars and pounding snares. Skipping a track, we arrive to the end, “Sand In Your Shoes (Acoustic)” Again, this song highlights the pipes of Young and them western guitars. Truly a positive of This Providence.

While this EP is short, it’s sweet. The tone of the EP is such a positive sound. Now, for us This Providence, we can look as this EP as an appetizer. For one, I can’t wait for dinner. Let’s see if their next full length, can bring this much foot tapping as The Bright Lights EP has.

Score: 7.6

Review: Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical

Forgive Durden- Razia's Shadow: A Musical
Label: Fueled By Raman
Release: 10/28/08

"This is the beginning and the end. The rise and the fall."
- The Narrator

In music recently, albums have been made to tell a story, generally referred to as a "concept album." Normally, there's going to be some sketchy plot lines mixed with unnecessary songs. (Well, I've never heard of the idea of a musical). Recently, Forgive Durden (aka: Thomas Dutton) announced their new album would be a musical. Dutton proclaimed the musical as "Razia's Shadow." Razia means, "contented," taken from the Arabic language.

When Thomas was asked to explain the plot line of the album, he declined the request. However, he tells the story as, "a world divided in two by the selfish actions of a powerful and egotistical, yet insecure angel. After generations of darkness, the world is eventually brought back together by love and sacrifice of a couple brave enough to fulfill their destinies." As Razia's Shadow ends, Aaron Weiss (mewithoutyou) speaks, "So this is my cue of where to leave you. Now it's your story to retell and pass on." This is my story.

Razia's Shadow begins with "Genesis." When entering the album, the listener is met with an orchestra of horns and strings, which blends into the narrations of Aaron Weiss. The combination of vocals between Thomas Dutton and Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter) is astounding. Both vocalists sounds so smooth together, it makes the listener want more to hear. Explaining Ahrima leads into my favorite track, "The Missing Piece." Dutton sings peacefully, yet the message is so clear throughout the song.

On this second full length, Forgive Durden has songs containing different emotions, such as love, hate, jealousy, and evil. Max Bemis (Say Anything) contributes his pipes on "The Spider and the Lamps." He virtually brainwashes Dutton throughout the song. I can honestly say, there is no one in the music world who could have delivered so well on this track, other than Bemis. Though this isn't the best combination of vocals on the album, "The Oracle" is a song, where you don't even need to listen to the lyrics, but the soft vocals of Danny Stevens. The soft vocals can put the listener into such a soothing state, it's the best way to end the first story.

The second act of Razia's Shadow begins after "A Thousand Year, Minute-Long Intermission." Dutton plays a different character, Adakias. In this segment of the album, a slew of different characters/singers are introduced. Voices from bands such as Panic At The Disco, The Hush Sound, Gatsby's American Dream, The Matches, and many others all play different people. Also, this section of the album is moves away from the "dark side," as heard in the first section of Razia's Shadow. This part is about how love repairs everything, where Dutton changes his whole fictional life.

"The Exit" is the beginning. This piece introduces Adakia's brother Pallis, who plays a huge role in this musical. The beautiful Greta Salpeter makes her appearance on this part of the record. Her stunning vocals really paints a picture for the listener. As heard in "It's True Love," both Dutton and Salpeter hit every note hard, making the meaning of the song clear. Dutton falls in love with Salpeter; this pounds the lyrical passage of "It's True Love" in your head for days. Throughout the album, the words spoken by different performers ring in your head. It's not the catchy lyrics you're used to from Forgive Durden. They are more meaningful lyrics.

Adakias is put through rough times and meets different characters on his way to love. From the jazzy "Meet The King" to the creepy "Doctor, Doctor," each song has a different meaning. Shawn Harris is the perfect person to play the antagonist of this musical. This leads into the final piece of Razia's Shadow, "The Beginning and The End." Throughout this song, a barrage of brothers voices winds up ending this masterpiece. A huge positive of this record is the narrations. It took me a couple listens to understand the whole plot line, but the narrations from Aaron Weiss really make everything clear. His soft pipes end the album, just how they started the album.

Razia's Shadow is a masterpiece. Thomas Dutton has proven what a "musician" really is. However, at times the plot becomes bland. It becomes boring when the listener can guess what happens next. Another potential issue could be, is this album going to have any lasting value? For me, I found it hard to listen to tracks individually because it's a musical, which tells a story. If Dutton released another version of this album, it could very well get a score above a 10.0. However, let's see if Razia's Shadow can live up to the hype. The slew of artists he got to perform on the album, are some of the best in the business. This records pulls him away from all Fueled By Ramen artists. It shows so much light, which cannot be stolen.

Official Track Listing and Guest Appearances

1. Genesis" (ft. Casey Crescenzo of The Dear Hunter) (4:19)
2. "The Missing Piece" (ft. Lizzie Huffman of Man in the Blue Van) (4:46)
3. "Life Is Looking Up" (5:21)
4. "The Spider And The Lamps" (ft. Max Bemis of Say Anything) (5:10)
5. "Toba The Tura" (ft. Chris Conley of Saves the Day) (4:25)
6. "The Oracle" (ft. Danny Stevens of The Audition) (5:23)
7. "A Thousand Year, Minute-Long Intermission" (ft. Danny Stevens of The Audition) (1:02)
8. "The Exit" (ft. Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco, Dan Young of This Providence) (5:40)
9. "It's True Love" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound) (5:38)
10. "Meet The King" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound, Nic Newsham of Gatsbys American Dream) (5:24)
11. "Holy The Sea" (ft. John Gourley of Portugal. The Man, Kris Ayana of An Angle) (6:05)
12. "Doctor Doctor" (ft. Shawn Harris of The Matches) (4:57)
13. "The End And The Beginning" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound, Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco) (5:53)

Artist: Forgive Durden
Album: Razia's Shadow: A Musical
Release Date: October 28th, 2008
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: Smartpunk.com
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 9.2%

Review: Jeremy Larson- Salvation Club

Jeremy Larson- Salvation Club

Music nowadays is nothing like it used to be. I mean, everything sounds great. Bands come out with albums more often now, but they usually rush them. Then other bands sound too similar to other bands, which labels bands with useless genres. When a band sounds like another band, it usually brings down the stock of the band they are being compared too. However, this case is completely false with singer/song writer Jeremy Larson. Larson released his self titled debut in 2007. Later that year, I purchased the record, and immediately comparisons ranging from Copeland to This Day and Age were brought up. His self titled record delivered soft vocals, a slew of pianos, and just calming music. It became a mystery how one man could make such sounds, without a backing band. It just demonstrates true talent. Larson doesn't slack off, he takes a huge leap forward with his second record, Salvation Club.

On his second effort, Larson opens Salvation Club with "Exposition." Starting with different orchestral instruments, the song builds up into Larsen’s soft, soothing voice. Vocally, Larson gives artists such as Copeland and This Day and Age something to improve on. He continues his musicianship on "Purgatory." Comparisons ranging from Stephen Christian of Anberlin, with piano melodies that will have you humming for days. The song winds down with the mix of piano and vocals, making the listener hungry for more.

Larson does something amazing on this record: making the listener wonder how he created such beautiful music. As heard in songs such as "Where They Sleep" and "Self-Esteem", Larson creates mysterious melodies. Soft, pretty vocals, which are highlight by the writing ability of Jeremy. After these movements, JL goes into a different direction. Larson comes into the upbeat mode with "Footsteps." The combination of pounding percussion and his haunting piano work, Jeremy is hitting it hard on every track. The haunting melodies continue in "Portrait" and throughout the rest of the album. Those kind of melodies that can make you emotionally feel something, which has become rare in music. "Activist" is another song highlighting the talent of Larson. The banging of piano keys send chills down your spine, which leads to the ultimate chill buster in "Goodnight."

What Larson does is something different. He blends so many different emotions into one album. Generally, artists try to stick with one overall emotion, making the album a bore fest. Jeremy Larson doesn't do that. Larson's haunting vocals and incredible musical talent will inspire others to create music. I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a movie soundtrack soon. He's released two wonderful records; Salvation Club shouldn't be overlooked.

Overall: 8.7%

Introducing...Jeremy Larson [10/26/08]

So I skipped a week? Psh. I'm coming back with something good. Though I'm not sure if he's a "secret," he's been on my playlist for over a year. Singer/Songwriter Jeremy Larson, hailing from Springfield, Missouri; is creating very, calming tunes. Creating comparisons by critics with bands such as Copeland, This Day and Age; JL has something in store for you.

Larson is releasing his second effort, Salvation Club. I've had this album for about two weeks now. It's honestly one of my favorite records this year. Not only is it great sounds, but he chose to release it in a dull market season, clearly making him the best record of Fall. Get ready for long walks, cold winds, and even some snow. Larson has something beautiful here. Review coming soon.

Jeremy Larson on Myspace

Jeremy Larson- Wintersong [MP3]
Jeremy Larson- Immovable [MP3]

Review: The Bigger Lights- Fiction Fever [EP]

The Bigger Lights- Fiction Fever [EP]
Doghouse Records
Release: October 7, 2008

I recently elected to take a course called Business and Sports Marketing. So far we’ve learned about different marketing techniques, important facts of marketing, and other sections of marketing. Marketing is the process of organizing and directing all the company activities which relate to determining the market demand and converting the customers. In this situation, the fans are the customers.

Product: The Bigger Lights

Advertising: Fiction Fever [EP]

How: Absolute Management Group (Nano Tissera)

So the product, The Bigger Lights, have had all the success due to the Internet. I mean, they released this demo at a local show, which got them tons of attention from the local Virginia scene. From that, MySpace's name sections have been filled with display names like this “Your Name Here [tbl.].” So how could a band so unknown, receive so much attention? Great marketing. The Bigger Lights aren’t the average band. I mean, they don’t have someone running their MySpace account, they write back to everything you say. All the members are very friendly, which enabled ties with the right people. This probably opened the eyes of Nano Tissera and Absolute Management Group (All Time Low, Friday Night Boys).

Now how do you market this band? By releasing the self produced EP, Third Act Stories, which opened the eyes of Doghouse Records. Now it’s time to show the world what TBL can deliver. Fiction Fever doesn’t really bring the same “oomph” that TAS brought. However the album shows many comparisons to other bands. During “Apocalypse!”, one could hear a Cartel feel. The comparisons filter more throughout “Goldmine Valentine.” Vocalist Topher Talley belts notes previously heard on releases from Gatsby’s American Dream to This Providence. The song also includes catchy lyrics, guitar pokes similar to The Matches, and just an overall feel of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.”

Now can this product sell? I’m sure it will sell, but I doubt it’ll bring in new listeners. Fiction Fever includes three previously released songs (Reved and Ready, Romance In A Slow Dance, When Did We Lose Ourselves), which will only slow down the release. Also, I feel the album's track list could be organized better. I mean, at least rearrange it so the tracks are flowing and the listener isn’t fighting the sound changes. Here’s one more suggestion to Topher Talley: try to get away from the similar vocal patterns, as other bands in the scene. By this, create your own sound, don’t be that band that gets compared to every other band in the scene. To conclude, The Bigger Lights can only improve from this release.

Artist: The Bigger Lights
Album: Fiction Fever
Label: Doghouse Records
Release Date: October 7th, 2008
RIYL: Motion City Soundtrack, Hidden in Plainview, This Providence
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 7.2 (Previously posted @ The Daily Chorus)