Triptaka’s Second War

Music-Reviewer.com

May 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Triptaka’s Second War

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Triptaka

Title Second War

Label Self Released

Rating 4 out of 10

Triptaka creates a 1970’s flash back, using an old school method of creating hybrid sounds. Triptaka combines of the sounds of metal, industrial and progressive rock in their first album release, Second War, creating a hit or miss mixture of sounds.

Second War opens with Suspended, a track that makes you want to get up and move. The electronic keyboard sound matches with the electric rhythmic guitar riffs to create a contagious rhythm. The chorus is a masterpiece of soft moving vocals and infectious rhythms.

Yet, the first four tracks all seem to fallow the same song layout and pattern leading each to fall victim to an infectious case of bad reputation. Lost and Leading experiments with a techno-industrial sound, while Second War tries-out and electronic-metal sound to nearly the same song.

Graeme Cornies, vocalist, has a soft, calm, monotone voice that matches best with the brutal sounds of Dave Kelly’s guitar riffs and James Chapple’s experimental keyboard rhythms. The synths provided by Chapple are rhythmically aggressive, yet when the unnatural sound of the drums makes it hard to truly enjoy the creative sound of Second War. Track four, Tamed, masters the relaxing, mind indulging sound of electronic rock. Which is followed by the soft calming beach sounds of Mother. With a smooth thick voice, Cornies relays painful vocals over the distorted yet real sounds of Chapple and the breath taking rhythmic passages.

Although the hybrid sound of Triptaka is not capturing through tracks one though five. Skip up to track six, Slowburn, because Triptaka finally embraces their true talents with and intense metal and industrial sound and attaching vocals radiating anger. Chapple finally proves to be an above average musician with a capturing solo as Kelly experiments with insane guitar riffs.

Picking up the pace after track six, Second War still falls short of an album that must be added to a collection. Triptaka seems to be attempting to find themselves and their sound in Second War (and achieved success with Slowburn). Give them a chance at a second album and conquering their sound and they may amount up to a band worthy of applause.

Static X’s Cult of Static

Music-Reviewer.com

April 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Static X’s Cult of Static

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Static X

Title Cult of Static

Label Reprise Records

Rating 7 out of 10

For those of you who thought Static X was a one-hit-wonder with Push It in 1999, you were wrong.

Releasing their sixth album, Cult of Static, and continuing to work on albums to come, Static X continues to prove they are more than just some boys who “struck it lucky” with their debut album in the late 90’s. Cult of Static is the bigger, moodier, layered epic sound that Cannibal (2007) was lacking.

Offering fans the new sound of continuous improvement, Static X starts things off on a fresh note. Lunatic has a raw sound and a gripping groove, and that is just the beginning of a nonstop ride. Terminal takes the sound to another extreme. Slowing the guitar tempo down providing the perfect backdrop for Static’s moodier, dark and deep vocals; Koichi Fuduka, guitarist, showcases his talents, picking up the speed during his provocative solos. Terminal captures the unmistakable and remarkable sound that simple riffs and rhythms are made into when played by talented Heavy Metal musicians.

The pounding sound and heart pumping beats don’t stop with Terminal. With a brutal assault, Nick Oshiro, drummer, captures a deadly and haunting beat that is unmistakably intense in Hypure. The drums are accompanied by the wailing guitar of Fuduka lying-in behind the demonic sound of Static.

Because your heart may be pumping too fast for your body to handle track five, Tera-Field slows the pace back down and provides a five-plus minute ride through groovy riffs, dark metal sounds and epic gritty howls. Tera-Field is a track you can sit back and completely escape the terrors of everyday life in.

Making sure you’re not too relaxed however, Stingwray picks back up the beat. But it’s You Am I that really takes the cake. With a unique cybernetic rhythmic, a breakthrough throbbing sound, and mysterious grooves, You Am I almost literally explodes with power.

Get ready to hit the gas, get up and move as the rhythms of Skinned take over your body! Then, ending on as brutal a note as they began, Grind 2 Halt is an electronic journey of distortion and brutal noises that spiral into oblivion. Sit back or stand up – your call… Grind 2 Halt is a distorted journey thrown together with the familiar Static X sound to create a musical ride fans will really want to experience.

With fast-driving songs, raw noises and somewhat absent-minded passages, Cult Of Static is evidence of the sweat, thrown-out voices and numb fingers that Static X puts into all of their work.

Scream Hello’s Everything Is Always Still Happening

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Scream Hello’s Everything Is Always Still Happening

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Scream Hello

Title Everything Is Always Still Happening

Label Red Leader

Rating 6 out of 10

Slightly ADD? Then you should enjoy the mix up of emo, punk and indie that Scream Hello dishes out in their newest album Everything is Always Still Happening. Combining some of the most popular genres of music, Scream Hello has created an album that, for a lack of better words, is unique.

Formed in 2004, these New Jersey boys already have three albums under their belts and are planning on more in the future. In 2006 Scream Hello released The Infinite Son fallowed by both Smart and Stupid and Everything is Always Still Happening in 2008.

Everything is Always Still Happening provides a listening experience that keeps you on your toes wondering what will come next. From song to song, listeners will notice that the only commonality is the lyrical style, and at times even that’s likely to change.

Starting off with a relaxed pop sound, Everything is Always Still Happening opens with 35 Plums which is then followed by You Have Good Taste, or The Gilmore Girls song. Any fan of the popular WB hit TV show will fall in love with You Have Good Taste. Referring to the show’s main charters, the song specifically addresses Rory, “If only you could watch out through the glass on your TV Oh Rory, you are the one for me forget about Jess and Dean…” James Caverly, vocalist and guitarist, then continues to address Lorelei, Rory’s best friend and mother, “Lorelei, I know I’m young but mature for my age,” asking for her approval. You Have Good Taste is not just for the Gilmore Girls fans though with a simple yet impacting vocabulary and catchy course, this song reaches out to everyone who is or has been in love.

But don’t let the sweet-sounding fool you. Keeping your ears in tune, the sounds of Caverly and Daniel Kluxen’s guitar continue to change right along with the rhythmic beats of bassist Chris Connallon and drummer Adam Manus. No two rhythmic beats on this ten track album ever sound the same!

Embracing all they did in previous punk and hardcore bands, Scream Hello’s Bullets, embraces feelings of fear and anger reflected in both the lyrics and arrangements. With more of a gritty edge and darker sound, Bullets highlights the talents of Scream Hello as they prove their sound is capable of going anywhere. For example, if you bought this album assuming the band would be screaming the whole time, your patience is eventually rewarded. Caverly’s lyrics are loud, spastic and honest, as the sound behind his words is just as loud, spastic, and dark as his words are, “Helpless held by the throat, a hostage does what it’s told. Fear is a powerful thing; I’ve got this gun to show I’m so scared, I’m so scared, I’m so scared.”

The 52 second Business Ethics catches your ear first with the recognizable The Entertainer, then makes sure you are paying attention with a sudden change to a punk-pop sound. “Hope this isn’t the start because efficiency kills the heart,” ends the song abruptly. Business Ethics is a new twist on the interlude track, and one that will hopefully stick.

The band is not planning on hitting the road with a tour anytime soon, so Scream Hello fans (and fans-to-be) will be excited to find out that at the start of the new year they entered the studio once again. Recording at Exeter Recordings with Joe Dell’Aquila in Freehold, New Jersey, Scream Hello is staying on track — recording completely new material that will once again keep listeners ears wondering… what’s next?

Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Knox Bronson

Title Pop Down The Years

Label Tangerine Sky Records

Rating 5 out of 10

Prepare for a musical high. Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years is an experience unlike any other.

With a voice comparable to David Bowie, English musician, actor, record producer and arranger, Bronson has fused melody, rhythm, organic style and electronic style together to produce brightly colored modern and classical pieces.

Pop Down The Years starts with the simple up-beat electronic track, Hey Little Earthgirl that will brighten up any day. With a driving beat, Bronson puts his lyrical and electronic magic to work, accentuating the lyrics through a vocal distortion. The lyrics match the electronic style of song, “Hey little Earthgirl I think your fantastic, intergalactic, Hey little Earthgirl, electronic where I’m taking you its supersonic.” Be prepared to hum Hey Little Earthgirl for the rest of the day.

Bronson continues to distort his Bowie-esque vocals in Old Man Cold Man which features a much slower and relaxing beat along with a mellow pop sound. Also notable is 3 Seconds Before Maia Smiled which begins with an interesting electronic, asian-sounding beat that slowly transforms into another relaxing mellow pop sound.

Using electronics to set the mood, Bronson brings more energy to Bordertown then you’ll find on 90% of the other tracks as he sets the stage for a mid-album pick up.

Taking a break from his Bowie-like vocals, Bronson distorts his vocals in a whole new way to create the unearthly electronic sound in Stay. Sit back and prepare to visit a far out place with one of the most relaxing, yet far out sounds you have ever heard. The almost six minute track is one you can put on and go about things while the mellow electronic sounds play in the background, or sit back and listen to the lyrics and unique style. Either way, Stay is one of hte more pleasurable listens on the album.

Proving his songwriting, arrangements and use of electronics is nearly endless, the do-it-all Bronson’s Pop Down The Years is an nearly endless mixture of one-of-a-kind sounds.

Ending with less reliance on the electronics, the album closes with its title track, a calming, enjoyable explanation for the title.

If you find yourself in a bad mood, pop in Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years, sit back and maybe play a game or chat on your laptop, but in the end… just relax. Before you know it your blood pressure and pulse will lower and everything will somehow feel okay. And if that doesn’t work for you, put Pop Down the Years away and listen to something else for a while… then come back to it like I did. Chances are, Bronson’s unique sounds are bound to grow on you.

In Remembrance…’s Nothing is Forever

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com
http://www.inremembrancerock.com Woodbridge, VA

In Remembrance…’s Nothing is Forever

By Heather Gioia

Artist: In Remembrance…

Title: Nothing is Forever

Label: Unsigned/None

Genre: Acoustic/Alternative/Rock

Rating: 9 out of 10

Finally a tribute band with meaning.

In memory of Capt. Brian S. Letendre, In Remembrance… does not only share his story, but also honor every member of the United States Armed Forces who have fought for American rights and freedom.

On May 3, 2006 Capt. Letendre, a husband, father, son and brother, died during operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2008 Nick Letendre, Aaron Peck, Daniel Rastatter and Nick Harris brought their musical passions and talents together to create “In Remembrance…”

A combination of musical interments and lyrics with meaning, In Remembrance…’s Nothing is Forever is guaranteed to find a place in everyone’s musical library.

Their five track EP, Nothing is Forever show cases the exquisite mixture of the bands talents. With Letendre’s alternative and country-esk vocals, Peck’s lead guitar rhythms that keep you moving through the music, along with the sound of his alto saxophone, Rastatter’s classical rock, funk and progressive influenced bass and Harris’ progressive rock and hip-hop drum style, In Remembrance… finds their way not only into your heart but also your musical memory.

Brother is not only the feature tribute song but also Letendre’s temporary farewell and story about his older brother, Capt. Letendre. Pulling on the strings of your heart, Brother provides and an outlet song for anyone who as lost someone close to them.

With soft sounds and lyrics that everyone can relate to, Red Ink and This Life provide as a new twist on the softer side of rock. Be prepared for your ears to fall in love with Letendre’s voice, Peck’s guitar, Rastetter’s bass and Harris’ drums, while your mind gets lost in the words

From Red Ink’s “Well, wait a minute, just stop right there. Why am I the one who cares, someone’s missing but nothing’s wrong now that you’re the one who’s gone. Wait a minute stop right there, because I don’t care, I don’t care,” to This Life’s “This life aint good enough for me. This life aint good enough you see. This life aint good enough for me,” the sounds of In Remembrance… will stay with you long after you turn the music off.

With a goal greater then becoming the next big names in the musical word, the guys of In Remembrance… put their hearts and souls into the music making it a memorable experience. In Remembrance… strives to not only keep the memory of fallen soldiers alive, but also strive to make a difference outside of the musical realm. They are committed to donating 10% of their CD sales to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

A constant need for news

English 302-N14

February 19, 2009 George Mason University Fairfax, VA

A constant need for news

By Heather Gioia
Student Writer

FAIRFAX, Va.-Despite the downfall of print papers college journalism programs continue to strive. Keeping up with the changing times is not an easy task for colleges, yet they continue to find a way.

“Since 2000, under-graduate and graduate enrollments in the nation’s more than four hundred journalism programs have been growing at a healthy rate,” said Jarreet Reshaw, writer for Colombia Journalism Review, in “Glass Half Full” stating how despite the “uncertainly about the future of newspapers” students continue to study in the field. Part of the reason Renshaw says is the fact that the traditional papers are spanning to the internet as new online journalistic options continue to arise (Reshaw).

Explaining how new focused areas of study continue to attract students to the field of journalism, Krein and Weir, writers for Journal of Sports Media, said that the “consumer demand for sports media has never been stronger, yet sports media studies have long been a low priority in traditional journalism programs” (Krein).

As times change schools are doing their best to keep up with the change in the growing demand for educations that provide job opportunities post graduation.

Prepared for the changing times George Mason University not only offers students Interpersonal/Organizational Communication (comm.), Journalism, Media Production and Criticism, Persuasive and Political Comm. and Public Relations concentrations under the comm. major but also a “create your own” bachelors degree.

Mason’s Individualized Concentration allows students, with an adviser and associate chair approval, to create their own degree from a mixed selection of comm. courses (Individualized).

The comm. program at Mason has yet to fall short of success. Graduates from 1997 to 2007 have found themselves careers within the communication industry. Brian Van De Graaff, 1997 graduate, has made his way to WJLA Washington, D.C., ABC-TV and WTOP Washington Radio News. 2002 graduate Heather Westorm became director of Ballpark Enterprises for the Washington Nationals and 2007 graduate Patrick Delaney has gone on to design and implement national multi-market radio promotions for ZComm clients (“Meet”).

Mason not only provides students with an amazing education, but also provides opportunities for success outside of the classroom. Both Broadside and VoxlPop allow aspiring journalism students to obtain published pieces of work, or clips, providing a creditable start to a portfolio.

The Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization with both professional and student chapters. Providing opportunities to their student members such as internships and scholarships, SPJ allows their members to embrace numerous opportunities . Mason is one of five universities in Va. to offer a student chapter of SPJ (Society). Mason’s chapter of SPJ stays active and provides students with opportunities to meet established journalist such as Steven Taylor, previous White House Correspondent.

The proximity of Mason to Washington, D.C. allows communication students endless opportunities. Not only are there numerous publications and media outlets in the area, but being approximately 30 minutes away from the nations capital allows students easy access to several events. As well with the increased look towards the internet as the future, students find endless opportunities for future success.

Fully embracing the change in times Robert Lewis is the editor of Music-Reviewer.com an online publication that has literally no face-to-face time between editor and writers; Lewis works with college students in the fields of journalism and English providing an internship feasible from anywhere.

“Email made it possible to stay in touch with people from all over the country keeping communications up-to-the-minute when needed,” said Lewis. “Between my computers at home and my iPhone on the road, I’m pretty well connected wherever I go.”

Music-Reviewer.com began in 1996 under a different name, Access to the Music Zone, landing its self ahead of the times. With over ten years and several thousand reviews under their belt, Lewis feels that Music-Reviewer.com has established themselves and found their place in an online medium where others are still stumbling to find their footing (Lewis).

According to Dodd and Tipton of Newspaper Research Journal studies have shown that over the years journalism has been moving up the popularity list of careers. While it has remained ranked third in terms of usefulness, in the area of prestige and concentrated works, “journalism replaced medicine as the most interesting” (Dodd).

Future careers do not only consist of the typical Washington Post reporter, but also a combination of all the communication fields of study that students will spend their time before graduation studying.

In 2003 David Isay, a radio documentary producer founded StoryCorps. StoryCorps preserves people’s everyday stories so that, as Isay puts it, people will know that “they matter and they won’t be forgotten” (Butler). StoryCorps broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) every morning and allows everyone to record their own portion of history. Each recording is not only shared, but also preserved at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is an online site that not only allows students a place to have their voice heard and story told, but also a job in the future (StoryCorps).

Mark Ethridge III, former editor of The Charlotte Observer and current editor of Carolina Parenting, Inc., said it best at the Turpin Lecture at Mass Comm. Week at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. “There is always a need for reporters,” said Ethridge. “The delivery system changes from trees and trucks to the internet, but the content need is the same” (Ethridge).

Works Cited

Butler, Kiera. “OTHER VOICES.” Columbia Journalism Review 45.2 (July 2006): 28-32. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 5 Feb. 2009 .

Dodd, J.E., and L. Tipton. “Shifting Views of High School Students about Journalism Careers.” Newspaper Research Journal 13/14.4/1 (1992;1993): 111-9 Communication Abstracts. CSA. 7 Feb. 2009 .

Ethridge III, Mark. “Turpin Lecture in News Management.” Mass Comm Week. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. 08 Oct. 2008.

Individualized Concentration. University Catalog: 2008-09, 2008. George Mason University. 5 Feb 2009 .

Krein, M., and T. Weir. “If You Build it, they Will Come: Developing a sports Media Major.” Journal of Sports Media 3.1 (2008): 77-82. Communication Abstracts. CSA. 7 Feb 2009 .

Lewis, Robert. “School Project.” E-Mail interview. 07 Feb. 2009.

“Meet an Alum.” College of Humanities and Social Sciences. George Mason University. 7 Feb. 2009 .

Renshaw, Jarrett. “Glass Half Full.” Columbia Journalism Review 46.3 (Sep. 2007): 12-12. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 5 Feb. 2009 .

Society of Professional Journalist. Society of Professional Journalist. 18 Feb. 2009 .

“StoryCorps.” StoryCorps. StoryCorps. 7 Feb. 2009 .

Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife

Music-Reviewer.com

November 2008 Music-Reviewer.com

Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Circus Circus

Title Brooklyn Nightlife

Label CI Records

Rating 9 out of 10
Think only the Amish, horse drawn buggies, and glass blowing factories come from Lancaster, Pa.? Wrong. Finally, out of Lancaster, Pa. has come something the kids can enjoy.

Circus Circus was formed in 2006 then hit the scene in 2007 with their first album, Hut Hut Hike, making clear their talent. They quickly became one of the most popular underground bands finding themselves ranked amongst Chiodos, Every Time I Die, The Devil Wears Prada, Fall of Troy, and August Burns Red.

Maintaining their place in the ranks, Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife is a solid album that represents all these young talented musicians have to offer and plan to dish out.

It’s difficult to put a finger on the exact sound of Circus Circus, Brooklyn Nightlife is another complement of Mike Williams’ off the wall lyrics and vocal style; a mixture of screams, clear blunt lines, and softer melodies. These are the sounds of guitarists Jason Terry and Justin Smith, bassist Matt Glassmyer, and drummer Evan Dyer.

Amputee Ball grabs your attention from the start, allowing your ears to tune in for an exciting ride. Dyer’s opening drum beats accompanied by Terry, Smith, and Glassmyer provides the perfect backdrop for Williams’ exclamations. With word combinations that leave you feeling empowered, Amputee Ball contains lines such as, “I challenge you to a resurrection of our common colds with uncommon tension.”

Did you ever have friends who suddenly just got the idea they were better than you? Maybe you go to school with or did go to school with the kids who’s Moms and Dads got them their every wish. Did you ever wish you could just scream into their face that that isn’t all there is to life? Now you can. Fact Monster allows you to let all of that out. Talking about how we are “fucked into our mothers,” exemplifying that we all come from the same actions and end up with the same fate, “high class now but your just dust when you die.”

Containing an internal rhyme, William’s vocabulary and sentence structure capture your mind, while the rhythmic sounds of Circus Circus assault your ears and make you want to get up and dance. Neighbors living below or next door may not appreciate the rush that Brooklyn Nightlife leaves you with, but Circus Circus has created an album that draws you to your feet. Prepare to jump, head bang, and go all out.

With an indescribable sound that can maybe be compared to that of Fall of Troy or Every Time I Die, Circus Circus’ sound is best described by Metal Underground.com as, “A sound that is too metal to be punk, but too punk to be metal.” Circus Circus’ Brooklyn Nightlife is a guaranteed good time.

East of the Wall’s Farmers Almanac

Music-Reviewer.com

November 2008 Music-Reviewer.com

East of the Wall’s Farmers Almanac

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist East of the Wall

Title Farmers Almanac

Label Forgotten Empire

Rating 7 out of 10
Artists tell their stories, life’s hardships and uprisings, through their music. They share their stories with the world through a clever mixture of musical rhythm and lyrics that not only are on repeat in your head all day, but also have meaning to you. East Of The Wall took a step off the normal path and made their album, Farmer’s Almanac, about YOU. Farmer’s Almanac is eight songs and a little over 40 minutes of music for you to put your story to.

Recorded in New York, Farmer’s Almanac is East Of The Wall’s first release, attempting to defy boundaries that have been set by rock bands before them. Not only providing the relaxing sounds of experimental rock without the vocals, but also taking the length of each song to a new level.

Winter Breath is a 7 minute story, with an embracive beginning and core beats that capture and draw the listener in early on. A mixture of unusual bass rhythms, provided by Brett Bamberger, and a new guitar style from Matt Lupo and Kevin Conway, combine with Mike Somers’ drum beats pose as a musical story of everyday life’s ups and downs.

Farmer’s Almanac is 40+ minutes of experimental rock melodies that can provide anyone with their own personal sound track. Many say that every event in life requires its own soundtrack; Farmer’s Almanac allows you put your story to the musical rhythmic genies East Of The Wall has created… or simply ignore the story and go about your life with unique melodies playing in the background instead of the usual QVC or afternoon news.

Farmer’s Almanac is a mixture of, as East Of The Wall refers to it, “a linear listening experience, where monstrous riffs dissolve into beautiful melodies.” So whether you are looking for ambient sound to add to your day, or new “rock legends” to fallow, East Of The Wall’s sound may fit the bill. No matter what “rock type” you consider yourself to be, Farmer’s Almanac has a little bit of something for YOU.

Rocking out from Amish country

The Commonwealth Times

November 17, 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Rocking out from Amish country

By Heather Gioia
Contributing Writer

Think only Amish, hourse-drawn buggies and glass-blowing factories come from Lancaster, Pa.? Well, here’s something the kids can enjoy.

The band Circus Circus was formed in 2006 and then hit the scene in 2007 with its first album, “Hut Hut Hike,” showcasing the band’s talent. Circus Circus quickly became one of the most popular underground bands, finding itself ranked amongst Chiodos, Every Time I Die, The Devil Wears Prada, Fall of Troy and August Burns Red.

Maintaining its place in the ranks, Circus Circus’ “Brooklyn Nightlife” is a solid album that represents all that these young, talented musicians have to offer.

While it’s difficult to place a finger on the exact sound of Circus Circus, “Brooklyn Nightlife” is another compliment of Mike Williams; off-the-wall lyrics and vocal style; it’s a mixture of screams, succinct lines and softer melodies thanks to guitarist Jason Terry and Justin Smith, bassist Matt Glassmyer and drummer Evan Dyer.

The song “Amputee Ball” grabs listeners’ attention from the start, allowing their ears to tune in for an exciting ride. Dyer’s opening drum beats provide the perfect backdrop for Williams’ exclamations. The song shows the lyrical empowerment with which the band leaves the listener. “I challenge you to a resurrection of our common colds with uncommon tension.”

“Fact Monster” talks about how we are “(expletive) into our mothers,” exemplifying that we all come from the same actions and end up with the same fate, “High class now but you’re just dust when you die.”

Containing an internal rhyme, Williams’ vocabulary and sentance structure captures the mind, while the rhythmic sounds of Circus Circus grace the ears and make listeners want to get up and dance.

Neighbors living below or next door might not appreciate the rush that “Brooklyn Nightlife” leaves you with, but Circus Circus has created an album that draws listeners to their feet. Prepare to jump, head-bang and go all out–Lancaster style.

If they had stereos, the Amish would be proud.

Grade: A-

Download (don’t steal): “Amputee Ball” by Circus Circus

‘Farmer’s Almanac’ Rock for the masses

The Commonwealth Times

November, 17 2008 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

‘Farmer’s Almanac’ Rock for the masses

By Heather Gioia
Contributing Writer

Artist tell their stories, hardships and triumphs through their music. They share their stories with the world through a clever mixture of musical rhythm and lyrics that are not only catchy, but also have special meaning to the listener.

New Jersey’s East Of The Wall took a step off the beaten path with its album “Farmer’s Almanac.”

Recorded in New York, “Farmer’s Almanac” is East Of The Wall’s first release, attempting to defy boundaries that have been set by rock bands long before it with its instrumental and experimental rock.

“Winter Breath” is a seven-minute story, with an embracive beginning and core beats that capture listeners early on. A mixture of unusual bass rhythms, provided by Brett Bamberger, and inventive guitar styles from Matt Lupo and Kevin Conway, combine with Mike Somers’ drum beats to tell a musical story of lifes ups and downs.

“Farmer’s Almanac” is 40-plus minutes of experimental rock melodies and can give listeners their own personal soundtrack. “Farmer’s Almanac” allows listeners to put their story to the musical rhythmic genies East Of The Wall has created.

Whether listeners are looking for ambient sound to add to their day, or new rock legends to fallow, East Of The Wall’s sound is capable of embracing all. Even for the “non-rock types,” Farmer’s Almanac has a little bit of something for everyone.

Grade: C

Download (don’t steal): “Winter Breath” by East Of The Wall