Matt and the Materialz – Dreams in Motion
On Dreams in Motion, Matt and the Materialz experiment with eclectic new-age textures as well as unexpected groove-oriented breakdowns, inventive song structures, programmed beats, and 80’s synthesizers. The album manages to cover a range of moods and ideas over the course of its 12 tracks.
www.myspace.com/mattandthematerialz
Burnt Fur - Vitriol
On 3-song single Vitriol, Boston-based experimental electro outfit Burnt Fur experiment with bleeping video game samples, snarling guitars, 80's dance beats, and aggressive vocals. The result is an intriguing hybrid of early Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and the NES. A lot of craft went into the production of these tracks, and the attention to detail surely paid off.
www.myspace.com/burntfur
Natalie Flanagan – Sexy Singers
Sexy Singers is a 7-track EP showcasing Flanagan’s love for pure, authentic rock ‘n’ roll. In the spirit of late 60’s Americana rock, the breathy yet powerful vocal quality result in a female-driven Petty/Stones-esque product. In addition to Flanagan’s introspectively honest lyrics, the impressive electric guitar solos of Mark Bowden are highlighted throughout the album.
www.onewayproductions.com/natalie
Waste King – Necessary Evil
Waste King’s sound can be compared to early Smashing Pumpkins, just with more guttural vocals and less instrumental technicalities. Melodically, many of the songshave a great deal of potential. However, the singer’s limited vocal range and monotonous production will prevent Waste King from breaking musical boundaries.
www.myspace.com/wasteking1
Austin and Elliott - Truth That Hurts
This five-song EP from Massachusetts-based singer/songwriter duo hits all the right chords with beautifully crafted tales of introspection and woe. Nicely harmonized vocals, reminiscent of Aimee Mann, compliment immaculately produced instrumentals. Featuring accomplished local musicians such as Duke Levine, these five songs come fully realized and are sure to please.
www.austinandelliott.com
Dominique Lise - 20 Years
Dominque Lise sports a radio friendly, hooky sound on 20 Years that is vaguely reminiscent of a female Don Henley. Sure to please older audience looking for well-produced folk-rock that doesn't stray too far from the norm,Lise's songwriting is tight and her melodies are well-crafted. Riff-heavy at times, and lushly produced at others, this record is consistently good.
www.myspace.com/dominiquelisemusic
Lake Street Dive – In This Episode…
Accentuated by their jazz sensibilities, the unique indie-rock sound of Boston-based Lake Street Dive comes alive in their recently released debut album In This Episode… Featuring "Sometimes When I'm Drunk and You're Wearing My Favorite Shirt"– the Grand Prize winner in the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Contest – this album exudes the best of their original compositions and exuberant musical performances.
www.lakestreetdive.com
The Set of Red Things – Who Touches Pitch Defiles Herself
Avant-garde, and decidedly not for everyone, the music of The Set of Red Things willtimes sound like fingernails on a chalkboard, but for those of you who appreciate experimental song arrangements and bizarre vocal tracks, this is the album for you. Ultimately, The Set of Red Things emerges from a mess of crazy prog-rock noise into a more predictable Pixies derivative.
www.thesetofredthings.com
49Admiral – This Will Leave A Mark
When it comes to light, accessible indie-rock, Boston-based 49Admiral may have the right idea, but contrary to their presumptuous claim (as seen on their album title) they fail to leave a mark of any kind. With sloppily arranged tracks based around 2-chord progressions, the songs lack direction, and without any kind of hook to keep the listener engaged, the album overall is boring at best, forgettable at worst.
www.49Admiral.com
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