 Lara Herscovitch - Juror Number 13
The sonorous voice of this Connecticut songstress is her greatest asset. Her voice flows nicely over the acoustic guitar progression on the first track, "Fine Line," which is carefully arranged with light percussion, an organ, tasteful background vocals and appropriate pauses during the song, allowing the listener to breathe along with the vocalist. This impressive beginning does not disappoint as the album progresses naturally with variances of styles of folk, pop and Latin. The production and arrangements are tasteful, and the songs resound with a feeling of ease.
www.laraherscovitch.com
 The Hammond Group - Product Launch
The Hammond Group plays music the band describes as "middle-aged surf punk for the 21st century." Oddly enough, this is a perfect description of their sound. "Cute Top" rehashes a bunch of Minutemen chord progressions while "Extremely Skinny Psycho Gym Lady" features sugarcoated pop melodies and comfortably worn song structures. Their self-awareness and twisted humor ultimately saves them from being a joke band - and from coming off as a guitar-toting Wesley Willis impersonator. It all sounds vaguely like the Talking Heads. Vaguely.
http://thehammondgroup.blogspot.com
 Mike Falzone - Fairview
Mike Falzone is not without talent. On Fairview, he stumbles upon some really catchy, melodic moments. Unfortunately, the production is terribly muddled and misguided. The sloppy doubling on "3rd Wheel" makes the lyrics literally indiscernible and the arrangement towards the end of the song sounds like a different band's MySpace page started playing on top of the song. On the other hand, "Proposal To The Popular" bears the same smartly crafted chill strum structures that made Dispatch a household name. Falzone is a good songwriter with a lot of potential, but he should really delete Pro Tools (along with his soft instruments) from his computer and stick to a tape machine or ADAT.
www.mikefalzone.com
 The Loomers - Tomorrow Today
The Loomers present straight-up rock n' roll with a country swagger in their latest release, Tomorrow Today. While they may not be anything particularly new or inspiring, their songs are hearty and genuine; there is barely any filler on the 17-track record. The production quality is high and the choruses slide nicely alongside a balance of acoustic and electric guitar.
www.loomers.com
 Jen Murzda - Reboundin'
She's classified as a country singer/songwriter, but Jen Murdza feels much jazzier. Her low, sultry voice combined with heavy brass, Santana-influenced electric guitar, and the occasional unexpected wah-wah effect makes for something distinctly different than your average female country songstress. Her vocals are the album's centerpiece, with an impressive range, resounding vibrato, and effortless transitions between chest and head voice.
www.jenmurzda.com
 Alastair Moock - Fortune Street
Between rusty, weathered vocals and poetic yet accessible song lyrics, Alastair Moock is undoubtedly a fan of Dylan. Yet rather than an imitation, Fortune Street is very much a portrait of the artist, and while perhaps a tad cliché, is quite pleasing to the ear. Moock's songs are carefully composed and the production quality is strong. Sporadic sprinklings of harmonica and piano add a nice touch. The end of the album detaches itself from its upbeat beginnings, ending in two solid, down-tempo tunes.
www.moock.com
 Cemetery Superfly - Lost in Victory EP
This EP is surprisingly impressive. Concise and extremely catchy, it drives the listener from start to finish with a blend of psych-inspired doubled vocals, electronic/synth beats, dance-punk bass lines, varied percussion, and electric guitar that sways between being straightforward and distorted. The songs remain centered despite swift-moving changes in dynamics, making for an interesting listen.
www.cemeterysuperfly.com
 The Archetypes - In Vino Veritas...Or Whatever
In Vino Veritas...Or Whatever is characterized by driving, post-punk inspired guitar rhythms and vocals. Yet the band's overall sound, image and production seem too refined to effectively convey the youthful punk energy they are trying to recreate. The songs are well-written: the guitar is really good, as are the drums - even the intermittent Minus The Bear-ish synth rhythms - are nice.
www.myspace.com/thearchetypesband
 The Mercy Brothers - Strange Adventure
In the forefront of Strange Adventure are the bluesy baritone vocals of Barrence Whitfield, which soulfully rumble alongside the stinging electric guitar solos of Michael Dinallo. Unfortunately, these elements are such a primary focus that the rest of the sound seems to take a backseat, and instead of a full-bodied sound, the infrastructure of the album feels hollow. Despite the talent of Whitfield and Dinallo, the songs seem unfinished and often repetitive, failing to grab the listener's complete attention.
www.myspace.com/themercybrothers
 Saint Bernadette - In The Ballroom
Meredith DiMenna's vocals are the core of this album, and for good reason. Beautiful and intriguing, her '40s-inspired singing is both soothing and soulful, not to mention effortless. There is no hint of strain in her sultry angel-devil voice as it weaves in and out of distorted, drawn-out notes from 70's-era guitar wails. The album puts you inside of a smoky nightclub that seeps with longing and authenticity.
www.myspace.com/saintbernadette
 The Under - Self-Titled EP
The Under, at first glance, seems like your typical Sabbath-style metal/prog-rock band. But if you take the time to look under their album's cover you will realize that they do not lack substance or meaning. The band goes beyond its metal influence, reaching into the worlds of post-punk, hardcore and early indie. This is particularly lucid on the second track of their EP, which, at just under seven minutes, displays their genre-bending skills through use of lead guitar picking and vocals that are more reminiscent of Sunny Day Real Estate than of Ozzy.
www.myspace.com/theunder
 Jake and the Jakes - Last Call
Harkening back to the good ole days of early '90s rock, Last Call recalls the sound of the Seattle grunge scene of yesteryear. The powerful vocals of Jim Maz are delivered deftly and could be confused with Scott Weiland if one isn't listening carefully. A strong chorus and refreshing background vocals highlight the second track; however, the drum solo that comprises the entirety of the fourth track halts the positive momentum of the album with its unnecessary self-indulgence.
www.myspace.com/jakeandthejakes
Strange Fancy - Self-Titled EP
This three-song EP is true to its punk rock roots even in respect to the number of tracks on the record. Short, powerful and to the point is the message the band conveys here. Concise song structures, well-placed guitar solos, and solid bass performance highlight the record.
(no website available)
 Intonition - In Good Company
Playful acoustic guitar and earthy, soulful vocals are the essence of the sound on In Good Company. Clocking in at well over an hour, the duo of Danyelle Devino and Chris Dixon have a lot of quality music to offer. The album takes off on the title track, "In Good Company," which highlights Devino's sweet yet powerful voice and Dixon's skillful guitar playing. Songs on the album flow into each other naturally, contributing to the impressive effort by this acoustic rock duo.
www.myspace.com/intonition
 Yokeshire - The Witching Hour
Blending the sounds of Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, and Jethro Tull, the two disc album, The Witching Hour offers multitudes of thick sonic textures, slinky, rocking grooves, and Gregorian chant-inspired vocals. The album delivers a wonderfully eerie mood, beginning with the first track, "Full Moon Rising," and maintains this feeling through the final track on the second disc. Fascinating and inspired, Yokeshire have a confident vision of their music and are successful at bringing life to their lofty musical goals.
www.yokeshire.com
 The Tyler Trudeau Attempt - In My Despair, I Took Up Painting
The Tyler Trudeau Attempt stays true to their name in their new EP: it is undoubtedly an attempt, but unfortunately one that falls short of success. While the songs resound in their stab at catchiness, and the use of organ smoothes out some of the album's rough edges, these factors do not redeem the record's less-appealing attributes. Each song seems to use the same melodic formula, causing the album to implode upon itself in a repetitive motion. Trudeau's voice is gets slightly grating after extended listens and the lyrics too often suffer from angst and cliché. If anything, though, the EP is upfront, honest, and direct in its approach.
www.myspace.com/thetylertrudeauattempt.com
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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