archives cd archives I cd archives II cd archives III cd archives IV Kristina Sa "I Never Knew" Nemesis Records $$$ "I Never Knew" is a soothing record filled with sultry pop songs. It is filled with raw emotional lyrics that leave the listener emotional and dreamy. Music is secondary on this record. The things that really stand out about it are Sa’s voice and deeply personal lyrics. Talent runs in Sa’s family. Her older sister rose to local fame in the Canadian music industry. 20-year-old Kristina has plenty of musical experience-recording original songs in her basement along with briefly joining an all-girl group that eventually fell apart-but it is on her debut album "I Never Knew" that she really shines. Keep your eye on this glittering gem. -Katie Kiedyk www.kristinesa.com www.nemesismusic.com Frenzal Rhomb "Sans Souci" Fat Wreck Chords $$ A punk band from down under? Hey, crazier things have happened right? So has Frenzal Rhomb, a band that formed in 1994, and has toured with the likes of Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise, and Offspring. Less then Jake also wrote a song about them, entitled "Frenzal Rhomb Set My Bus On Fire," after this very incident occured on the 2001 Warped Tour. Frenzal Rhomb is set to ignite more fires, this time of controversy, with their raunchy lyrics and punk rock goodness are just enough to make you stop and listen. Their very name, Frenzal Rhomb, is an Austrailian word, meaning "more than one penis," proving that even in their name, the band achieves amazing feats. -Katie Kiedyk www.fatwreck.com A.M. Vibe Silver Girl Records $$$ An A.M. Vibe indeed. As if a slice of their sunny California life was slipped into the stereo, A.M. Vibe provides the perfect soundtrack for a chill-out Sunday morning after a wild Saturday night. This trio lead by Lisah, the single-named smoke and sugar voiced singer, delivers a handful of sweet rocking tunes like, ‘Tantrum,’ to more slow lethargic tracks like, ‘God Said No.’ With the recent wave of rock-music-you-can-dance-to dominating the scene, A.M. Vibe is sure to be swept up and sent to a record store near you. If you’re into such bands as The Sundays or Letters To Cleo, then you should definitely cash that paycheck and buy this CD! -Suzie Sorenson www.silvergirl.com www.amvibe.com Jennifer Marks "It Turned Me On" Red Kurl Records $$$$ Being a musician in New York is like being an apple in the produce section of the supermarket. There is not much chance you are gonna get noticed-but once in a while you one really spectacular piece of fruit that makes the rest of them look all mushy. Jennifer Marks is that apple...I mean musician. On her third release from her own record label, Red Kurl Records, "It Turned Me On" is a really beautiful, smooth and sexy record Marks has mastered the art of turning a phrase. In the wake of thousands of American Idol wannabes, someone who can write, sing and record with the charisma of Jennifer Marks is a rare jewel in a world full of rocks. This brutally honest and expressive artist delivers her music with husky and stunning continuity. Ms. Marks is one of the best solo acts I have heard in a long time. If her music sounds comfortably familiar, it may be because her songs "Live" and "Really Something" are part of the in-store music programming at Starbucks and Hear Music. Get "Turn Me On" and turn it on! It is like a bite from a sweet juicy apple...delicious! -Katie Kiedyk www.redkurlrecords.com www.jennifermarks.com Ivy "Guestroom" Unfiltered Music $$$ This New York based band really delivers with their newest full length album "Guestroom," which is a compilation of covers from all eras and genres of music. The bittersweet indie rock trio plays stylish, tuneful music that is enjoyable to listen to. From the second track "Kite," which is a catchy free floating journey into the atmosphere, to "L’Anamour, the catchy song-sung all in French. Though I do not know an ounce of the French language beyond "Merci," this song really appealed to me. Vocalist Dominique Durand makes Serge Gainsbourg’s song sound romantic and fluid. It is very pleasing to the ear. Something I would listen to in a warm bubble bath. The band also includes a cover of "Be My Baby," the early 60’s classic by The Ronnettes’ but don’t expect it to mirror the snappy, upbeat original. Ivy makes this song all their own by slowing it down and giving it dreamlike and imaginative qualities. It comes off to the listener as elegant and graceful-very independent film. "Guestroom" is an amazing album that demonstrates all of Ivy’s musical influences through the album’s tracks while they are still able to add a sound that is uniquely theirs. Warning: This CD will grow on you! -Katie Kiedyk www.thebandivy.com Pillbox "Teenage Years" EP $$$$ Susan Hyatt, guitarist/singer of UK’s Pillbox, must enjoy reliving her teenage years because her last album, Gimme What I Want and the following Eps have oozed that sassy side of being a ‘Princess’. Originally from Washington State, Hyatt has lived an interesting life from daughter of an arms dealer to hosting singles parties. She discovered music in the 80’s and was a member of the Pandoras right before they broke up and became The Muffs. In 1992, Hyatt moved to the UK and found herself enthralled by the English punks. She formed Pillbox in 1994 and has undergone several line-up changes but never gave up her musical vision (well, except for the time she asked me on how to audition for bass player in Hole/Bastard). Her music is a mix of English Punk, New Wave and Alternative with lots of guitar-driven hooks and steady beats and she isn’t opposed to experimenting with her effects box and the occasional echo. "Teenage Years" features such new songs as "Every Song on the Radio", "Feelin’ Alright", "Punk Rock Girl" and "You Don’t Fit In". -Ruby World www.pillbox.co.uk The Skulls "Therapy for the Shy" Dr. Strange Records $$$$ Formed in LA in 1978 and having been around for the original rise and fall of punk, The Skulls have a sound that is punk in its most wholesome form. I like The Skulls, the raw power and energy the music exudes is contagious and wild. Their lyrics are a reflection on today’s society. The music paired with these expressive lyrics symbolize the choas that we live in today...and all of this in a listener friendly form meaning people of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy listening to it. Its universal. "Building Models" definitely has an old school punk feel while "Gold and Ruby Red" sounds a little bit more like hard driving rock. If you are a punk fan I definitely think you will appreciate the newest release from The Skulls. -Katie Kiedyk www.suburbias.com/skulls Pony DaLook "Self Titled" Ont. Records $$ While most bands consist of a guitar, bass drums and vocals, Pony Da Look is a band made up of three keyboardists and a drummer. Their music is quite driving and artistic. Their sound is techno based electronic with chant-like vocals. The intro to the first track, "Ghost Pants," sounds a lot like old school Halloween party music. It’s brilliant. Pony DaLook sounds like they could make a career out of composing music for video games. One of the songs I liked on the cd was "Crystal Countdown" which sounds very 80’s new wave. Though electronica with chanting vocals are not my favorite combination, if it is yours-I think this is a great cd to pick up. Pony DaLook is unique and experimental. They are highly creative and inventive. -Katie Kiedyk Silent Decay "Do Your Job" $$$ The third release from the band Silent Decay, "Do Your Job" is a pleasant mix of hardcore and rock. In other words-these German dudes can sing...but more importantly SCREAM. "The Ride" alternates from screaming to chant-like rock and freestyle-think a mix between Korn and The Deftones. "For The Crowd" has thick metal guitar riffs and flowing sound. This cd has so many elements mixed together-yet they blend into a homogeneous mix of hard rock music. -Katie Kiedyk www.silentdecay.com Sophe Lux "Plastic Apple" Zarathustra Records $$$ With a deep throaty voice and highly poetic lyrics, Sophe Lux reminds me highly of one of her influences, PJ Harvey, but Lux has added a unique twist to the old story of solo women singers. The result is splendor, power and a cd that you won’t want to stop listening to. Originally from Southern California, Sophe Lux was born into, and kept company with the people of the arts. Sophie is a smart woman with a firm grasp on all things liberal arts. Her music is mellow, sad and beautiful-quite a reflection on the worldly culture of today. One of the songs I enjoyed was "Freddy’s Tune" which has a slight country feel to it where as songs like "Perfect Love" and "Buried" have more of an indie feel to it. I love PJ so naturally I was draw to Sophe Lux’s cd. It is a rich blend of all of the best qualities of some of the world’s best folk and indie legends. -Katie Kiedyk The Fire Ants "Imaginary Friend" Firestarter Records $$$$ Dark music has never been so beautiful. The newest release from The Fire Ants, "Imaginary Friend" explores many unexplored areas of the human psyche. Through this journey into night you can experience a lot of emotions ranging from disgust to interest, acceptance and finally the realization that everyone has demons to deal with. "Imaginary Friends" puts everything right out there in a sort of emotional purging. The band realizes that they touch on pretty dark subjects (no kidding-songs like "Found Body" and "P.O.B (Puddle of Blood) may make it hard for you to sleep at night), and say that their music may not be for everyone-but for those who are into shock rock I think think the band who’s lead grrrl has a voice like Patty Smith is worth listening to. I urge you to get your own "Imaginary Friend." -Katie Kiedyk www.thefireants.com The Dollyrots $$$ This premier EP is one of the best I have ever heard. The childlike crooning of singer Kelly Ogden is unmatched by any other female singer I’ve heard. She truly owns her vocals. Every song on this EP grabs your attention. "Goodnight Tonight" is an emotional, gushing song. "Jackie Chan" is very retro punk sounding and quite pleasing. "Feed Me, Pet Me" is a more indie sounding hit. The EP is rounded out with the last song which is punked out cover of "Be My Baby" by the Ronnettes. This is one of the best underground acts I have heard in a very long time. I became an instant fan of The Dollyrots after hearing their music. Its catchy, fun and unconventional. Definitely check this out if you get a chance. -Katie Kiedyk www.dollyrots.com Everafter "Fading Into Bright" Tribunal Records $$$$ With bands like Blink 182, Dashboard Confessionals, and Newfound Glory dominating the emo pop-punk genre of today, the idea of a girl rocking out and sounding good is hard to fathom. However Everafter is quite the band, and Ashley Smith is quite the singer. Now is the time to stop feeling bad for the poor boy with the sad eyes, vintage tee shirt and poetic lyrics. Its time to identify with the chick who has all the same qualities and can do the same thing... only better. Self described as "pop music for the punk rock kids," I think this band is just that. I am a punk rock fan-who shies away from bands like Newfound Glory for fear that I will be called a "poser," but I have no problem voicing my awe and approval for Everafter. I love their sound, I love their lyrics and I love their ability to stay original during a time when MTV is cranking out bands like theirs once an hour. This band is so awesome. The music grabbed me from the minute I put the cd in. "Liars Inc." has sweet but driving guitars that play catchy melodies-paired with Smith’s sweet voice of a girl wronged, this song had to be one of my favorites. The lyrics show deep reflection and they show that Ashley Smith is not just whining because she needs someone to make out with. She writes about complex relationships and the drama of being in love and creates her own version of emo...fe-mo (female emo-get it?). Everafter speaks with the relationship wisdom of someone well beyond their years. This CD was amazing. It completely blew me away. -Katie Kiedyk www.tribunalrecords.com www.everafterrock.com The Hellacopters "Cream of the Crap Volume 1" Gearhead Records $$$$ If you are fan of energy-fueled classic rock riffs, you will love the newest release from The Hellacopters. "Cream of the Crap Volume 1" is composed of all of the Hellacopters’ best hits including some not previously ever released on CD. This aggressive rock band formed in 1994 and has been making music ever since. The guitar sounds on "Crimson Ballroom" will blow you away. It is unfathomable that someone’s hands can move that fast along a guitar. The song reaches into ever realm of rock and bring back souvenirs like any good tourist would. There is a cover of a Social Distortion song- "The Creeps" that is recognizable to any Social D fan but has its own Hellacopters’ flavor to it. If you are looking for an album that you can rock out to-this is definitely it. It is something different from new rock and not quite the same as classic rock. It has its own ingenuity to it. Rock on. -Katie Kiedyk www.gearheadrecords.com One Bad Habit "Self Titled" Twin Dragon Records $$$$ The first things that struck me when I popped One Bad Habit’s self titled album into my cd player were the bluesy guitar feel and Alice Templeton’s power vocals. She has a soulful voice that sounds a lot like Blondie’s Debbie Harry. This release from the Tucson, Arizona based band covers a vast amount of topics from the heavy and depressing to the light and airy. It is a combination that leaves the listener one hundred percent musically fulfilled. The first song on the cd, "April Fool" is about a horrible crime that happened to a friend of the band. It is sad and touching. One song I really liked was "Blue Lullaby." It had me imagining myself in a smoke-filled speakeasy. The track "SunShine," conjures up rays of happiness and bright laughter. This is a great cd! If you have "one bad habit" let it be this band! -Katie Kiedyk The Leeches "Suck" Medical Records $$$ Self-described as typical English people that "are a miserable bunch of cynical, sexually repressed, embittered, lazy, beer-soaked, emotionally retarded, incomprehensible depresses, after listening to The Leeches newest album "Suck," I would have to disagree with that description. This female-fronted avant-punk band from London is a refreshingly different take on an old stereotype. The vocals remind me of the B 52’s only better. There is a hint of English accent in Lizzi Wood’s crooning which makes it all the more interesting to listen to. In reading the press info on The Leeches, the main thing that struck me was that this band seems like they are just doing their own thing. If you like it that’s good, and if not, that’s fine too. This is an attitude apparent in their music. I personally think this band has every ingredient in the recipe of a good band-the attitude, the creativity, and most importantly-the music. -Katie Kiedyk www.theleeches.com Sixty Six Kicks "Self Titled" $$$ Sixty Six Kicks is a glam punk band from Toronto that has an 80’s pop rock feel to it. Think The Cars with female vocals. The song "Girl to Go" has driving guitar riffs and a sparkly metallic feel to it while "Radio" has glossy pop rock sounds to it. Their live shows are described as slick and sexy and from listening to this cd, I can see how their music could pull together a live show quite nicely. Sex appeal and killer music paired with glitz, glamour and a pretty face all wrapped up into a package that I guarantee will give the listener no less than "sixty six kicks!" -Katie Kiedyk