Spotlight - April 2003
THE SPOTLIGHT: April, 2003
Before I get into this newsletter, I have a quick update for you on our
debut print issue. It's gonna take a little longer to complete. The reason
being...a friend of mine who does this sort of thing on a more professional
level has offered to help us out with the magazine and, of course, I
thought it would be a good idea. I know I keep saying this. But, it won't
be too much longer. The bulk of the writing is done and our paid
advertisements are in place. All I really need to do is type everything up
so that I can send it to him through e-mail, which is what I'm doing now.
We should have an exact release date for you in the next newsletter. While
you're waiting, we've got some great people for you to check out this month.
So, with that said, let's get into it, shall we?
NOLO PINS: http://nolopins.cjb.net
There's no doubt in my mind that Luxt is gonna be the next big thing in the
music scene. Their current release, "American Beast," is an exceptional
album. Soundcrush has described it as Garbage meets Static X in Linkin
Park's back yard. It's loud, heavy, aggressive rock with elements of
electronic/industrial thrown into the mix to give it more flavor. They're
gonna take the world by storm, there's no question about it. A brilliant
album from an exceptional band. Album of the year for 2003? Well, they've
got my vote!
LUXT: http://www.luxt.com
Although some might argue with this statement, I feel it needs to be said.
The Nerds might very well be the ultimate cover band on the planet. They
have an extensive history, including performing in front of three different
presidents, numerous television appearances and they even played Carnegie
Hall. They currently have three releases available and "Live Action
Figures" is the best of the bunch. There's a good selection of material to
be found here including tunes by Guns 'N' Roses, Santana, Joan Jett,
Beastie Boys and Billy Joel to name a few. It's a live album, which is the
way The Nerds are meant to be heard.
THE NERDS: http://www.the-nerds.com
Circle Of Fear is a heavy, aggressive death metal band that's worth
checking out if you're into this style of music. They have a nine song CD
available, "Pain, Scars, Healing," which is a pretty cool release. As most
of you know, I'm not really into death metal. But, I can dig this release
because, for the most part, I can understand the vocalist, which is always
a plus in my book. It's also got a good sound and their use of samples
gives their music even more of an impact.
CIRCLE OF FEAR: http://www.circleoffear.com
I have yet to see The Flashing Astonishers play live. But, I've listened to
a fair bit of their music and I give them a lot of credit and respect. It's
so nice to see a band that will stay true to themselves and not go with the
"what sells" trend. I recommend this band to anyone who would like to have
something else to listen to outside of the same mindless modern rock and/or
hip hop dance music that is completely plugging up the airwaves these days.
(Glenda Millage)
FLASHING ASTONISHERS http://www.flashingastonishers.com
Vortice Cremisi...oh, how I love my foreign bands and doesn't the name of
this band make you wonder? Death metal, NOT. But, the guitars are played
with so much intensity, the bass lines are classic and the drummer holds
all his own with such sincerity. Vocals are rather high pitched at times.
But, nothing that one wouldn't be intriqued by within a few minutes of
listening to this CD. This band is like no other that I've heard from
lately which is such a relief considering everyone is out there trying to
become famous by doing what every other band is doing. It's nice to hear
bands like Vortice Cremisi playing what they love...heavy weight guitar
rock and doing it thier way. Come on, get this CD. Add an oasis to the
stagnant ocean of music! (Marcy Miller)
VORTICE CREMISI: http://welcome.to/vorticecremisi
Halo Gin is an edgy, hook-laden modern rock band. Their music represents a
fusion of melodic rock, pop and searing punk. They've been compared to such
modern rock greats as The Foo Fighters and Green Day. I borrowed that line
from their bio because, at this time, I'm not really familiar with the
band. I heard a song or two, liked what I heard, wanted to tell you about
them. So, that works for now. Once I get a response, I'll have more
information for you. So, until then, just check them out for yourself.
HALO GIN: http://www.halogin.com
The Ordinary Way's debut release, the six song "Rising," is an album that's
a bit too mellow for my taste. You really need to have an open mind when it
comes to this band. Their musical style is a combination of funk, rock,
jazz, blues, improvisation, reggae, soul and gospel. I'm sure these songs
take on a whole new life in a live setting. But, I don't think they
captured the enery level of a live show on this recording. I'm not saying
it's a bad release. It's just not my cup of tea.
THE ORDINARY WAY: http://www.theordinaryway.com
The last time I checked, The Rachel Nevadas were still around. However, I'm
not sure how their musical style has changed since their debut release,
which is what I have. As far as this album goes, they remind me of a band
from Ohio I used to know called Crybabies With Brassholes. They were a punk
band with a horn section, which was really cool. The Rachel Nevadas have
some punk elements. But, I think they're more in the pop vein...with a horn
section, of course.
THE RACHEL NEVADAS: http://www.therachelnevadas.com
If you're the kind of person who likes to put on their dancing shoes and
paint the town red, well, you'll probably be interested in former Stray Cat
member Lee Rocker's latest release, the fourteen song "Bulletproof." It's a
mature, well written, rockabilly album. Kind of like what he used to do in
The Stray Cats...only better!
LEE ROCKER: http://www.leerocker.com
Some of you may remember 6Gig from previous issues. Well, they've got a new
album coming out on June 3rd called "Mind Over Mind." Back when they had a
show or two here in Pennsylvania, I know some of you picked up a copy of
"Tincan Experiment," which included the song "Hit The Ground," which was
pretty much the best track on the album...at least in my opinion. I'm
curious to see how the band has grown since then and I'm sure you are as
well. I guess we'll soon find out, huh?
6GIG: http://www.6gig.com
The Hope Conspiracy is a hardcore/punk band and on their current release,
"Endnote," they rip through twelve songs in less than half an hour. Might
not seem like a lot of music. But, they make the most of it, believe me. If
you're into this style of music, you won't be disappointed. There's some
hardcore bands out there who feel the need to scream and yell for over an
hour. About halfway through the release, it all starts to sound the same.
The beauty of this release though is the fact that they don't give their
music enough time to sound that way. They go for the throat from the word
go and by the time your head hits the ground, it's over.
EQUAL VISION: http://www.equalvision.com
Back in the day, Teeze was the ultimate rock 'n' roll band in the
Pennsylvania music scene. Their debut release was the bomb and it still
holds up rather well today. The band eventually became known as Roughhouse
and, under that name, they released an album on a national level. Some time
later, they called it a day. Well, they're back in action once again and
they're stronger than ever. Their old material sounds fresh and exciting
and if there's a torch to be carried for rock 'n' roll music, Roughhouse is
doing it...and doing it well! You really need to see them live to
understand what they're all about. So, be sure to check 'em out when
they're tearing up a stage near you. It will be an experience you won't
soon forget!
ROUGHHOUSE: http://www.roughhouse-teeze.com
Sin Promotions is an innovative promotions and productions company that's
based in MA. They find a way to bring the fans, bands and companies
together in unique ways. Their most popular activities are their street
team, FREE band opportunities newsletter and their swag bags, where they
hand out bags full of band's promotional materials at big concerts in
southern New England. Be sure to check out their web site for more
information. You'll be glad you did!
SIN PROMOS: http://www.sinpromos.com
SPOTLIGHT
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