Artist: Shakyfoot
Title: Down on the Rain
Website: http://www.shakyfoot.com
Style: Classic Rock/ Blues Rock
Label: Scarlet Records
Rating: 8.7 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Band Lineup: Jason Scolnick (lead vocals, guitar), Bob Gobron (bass, backing vocals), Charlie Silva (drums).

Band member’s Scolnick and Gobron started their first band in the early 90’s named, Shaky Foot. But the band quickly split up due to losing their drummer and other issues. It wasn’t until 2006 when they got back together and added new drummer Charlie Silva that the band was back in business. Shortly afterwards, in 2007, they released a self-titled EP. Now they’re back with their debut full-length release, Down on the Rain.

Shakyfoot’s press material sells them as a blues-rock band but after listening to this Boston based band’s music I would describe it as more of a classic guitar driven rock sound. The band makes use of guitar solos of varying lengths along with thick drumbeats in their songs that give them a classic rock edge. Also the vocals, both lead and backing, hit the target each time like that of a skilled marksman.

As I listened to the 13 tracks that make up this release artist names like, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and The Beatles came to mind. Track-4, “In the Middle,” the band describes as a Beatlesque song with its 60’s pop feel. The song also features some nice guest saxophone work from, Zac “The Sac” Zinger.

I also liked the band’s use of the Hammond B-3 on several of the songs by musician Eric Welsh. Its use on the track, “Preacher Man,” gave it a
gospel feel.

One of the more blues-rock sounding tracks is, “Beat You to the Punch,” that features both solid guitar and drum parts. The song deals with people who think that they know more then everyone else, always wanting to put their 2-cents in, even though they don’t really know what they’re talking about.

The releases title track, “Down on the Rain,” probably picks up the vibe of this album best, that even in the darkest times if you look for it you’ll find a bright spot. The song deals with a down on their luck drug addict who can find hope in a simple thing like a ray of sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky.

There’s an old saying that everything happens for a reason and that’s probably right with this band’s music. Even though the first time around it didn’t totally work out, a few more years of life under their belts helps to offer up some good subject matter for their songs.

If you’re looking for a band that marries a classic guitar rock sound from the past with more modern elements then listening to Shakyfoot’s, Down on the Rain will make you a happy person.

Artist: pureNRG
Title: The Real Thing
Website: http://www.purenrgonline.com
Style: Christian/ Pop/ Dance
Label: Fervent Records
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Christian’s favorite tween group pureNRG is back with their 4th studio release entitled, The Real Thing. The releases features 10 tracks, plus three ’sing-a-long song versions’ for tracks 11-13, “Here We Go Again,” “Footloose,” and “Radio.”

The songs found on The Real Thing for the most part are upbeat featuring very danceable beat. Songs that stood out to me included, “Radio,” that kicks off the release with it’s big beats and talks about using the gifts that God has given to us, not leaving them just set on the shelf. The title track, “The Real Thing,” is another nice song that talks about Jesus being the best friend that you could ever want.

Everything isn’t up-tempo though, you’ll also find a few ballads on the release. “Before the Sun Goes Down,” talks about having the same grace in our lives as Jesus has for us. “Sweet Jesus,” is another ballad with lyrics dealing with Jesus’ grace and love for us.

Out of the 3 sing-along songs, “Footloose,” that was written by Kenny Loggins, and used in the movie of the same name, has a special place in my heart. I can remember when I was a teenager seeing the movie at the local movie theatre and shortly afterwards going to the local record store and buying the movie’s soundtrack on a cassette tape.

pureNRG recently returned from their first international tour in Norway, including performances for the Soul Children’s Festival. They also have a full upcoming schedule for the rest of the year that includes a missions’ trip to Mexico in October.

In a music scene that likes to quickly raise bands to the top only to tear them down just as quickly these three teenagers (Jordan16, Caroline, 14 and Carolyne, 13) have been able to beat that trend and keep going strong with their music.

If you’re a parent of a tween and, if they haven’t already, soon, they’ll be asking you to buy The Real Thing. The official release date for it is July 14th but you can pre-order it now at the band’s website.

Artist: Jeff Johnson
Title: Amazed EP
Website: http://www.jeffjohnsonband.org
Style: Christian Praise & Worship/ Pop/ Rock
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

I first got acquainted with Jeff Johnson’s music when I reviewed his 2007 Glorious Day release. Jeff was working at a corporate job until he decided to follow the calling that God had laid on his heart and he started Jeff Johnson Ministries in 2003.Since that date he’s been busy leading worship and performing at a wide range of places and events. Johnson also appeared on season four (2005) of the hit show American Idol.

Johnson’s latest release is his Amazed EP, that offers up 5 songs with a running time of 20 minutes. The songs found on it are filled with vocals of praise & worship for the Lord set to pop/light rock beats.

Track-1, “Reign,” deals with overcoming faith doubts and getting to the point where you can not only praise God in the good times but also in the bad ones.

Track-2, “Amazed,” the title says it all, in this praise song to the Glory of God.

Track-3, “Stronger,” starts out as a piano ballad then picks up into a light rock style of music.

Track-4, “Beauty of the Cross,” is the most upbeat rock track found on the EP. The song deals with when we think about the cross most people think about all of the torture that Jesus had to endure for us but this song talks about the beauty that comes from that event, like grace from sin and the freeing power that comes with it.

Track-5, “Passion.” is a nice mid-tempo song that starts off with an acoustic guitar part. “Passion,” along with track-4, where my favorite songs found on this EP. The vocals that are found in this song are dripping with passion as Johnson sings out, wanting to be filled with God’s sweet passion for others.

Like most EP’s the time spent listening to this release goes by much too quickly, but there’s enough good music found on it to leave you feeling full with a renewed passion for your faith.

Artist: MaryAnne Marino
Title: A Little Something EP
Website: myspace.com/maryannemarino
Style: Acoustic/ Pop/ Folk Rock
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

MaryAnne Marino has been involved in the music scene for many years, even though she’s still young. She got her start performing at talent shows and by the age of 15 already had landed a job with a band. So unlike most teenagers her weekends were spent fibbing about her age in able to get into the places where her band was performing.

She was part of the November Project, performing, touring and also found on the bands 1999, “A Thousand Days” EP. She had some bad luck when the now defunct label Lava Records that she was signed with decided not to release her full-length album entitled, Ghost Of You (2005). Although you can now purchase that release on her website or at live shows from her.

Now Marino is back with her 5-song, A Little Something EP. With only 17 minutes of music found on it the EP ends much too soon.

The EP’s first track, “Lets Get Married,” is a horn filled, up-tempo song dealing with young love and thoughts of having the perfect family.

Track-2, “Life Less Ordinary,” is a nice acoustic track. Track-3, “Tell Me,” offers up a nice rich arrangement. Track-4, “Forever is Mine,” is a nice medium tempo acoustic ballad.

Things wrap up with track-5, “Start Again,” a medium tempo folk rock song that talks about turning the page and starting over.

MaryAnne Marino’s music has a rich, organic flow, mixing acoustic, pop and folk music styles resulting in music that is very soothing for the soul.

Artist: Beyond From Within
Title: Beyond From Within
Website: http://www.beyondfromwithin.com
Style: Psychedelic/ Folk Rock/ Synth Pop
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

When I first got this cd and opened up the packing the thing that came to mind was very nicely done. After opening hundreds, maybe even thousands of packages containing music to review, this one was a nice pleasant surprise. First was the large mailing envelope that once opened revealed the two smaller envelopes found inside of it.

The first envelope contained all of the related paperwork, cover letter, bio., and song sheets that were nicely printed out for each song found on this release. In the second small envelope was the cd itself.

Steve Andrews calls Pittsburgh, PA. home and his music (Beyond From Within) is pretty much a one man creation, he writes the songs, plays all of the instruments (guitars, bass, keyboards, drums), and sings all of the vocals.

This release offers up 10- songs with a running time of just over 34 minutes. I had some idea of what to expect since Steve had contacted me before sending his cd to me to review.

When I first put it in for a second it gave me a flashback to the past. The songs have a 60’s psychedelic feel, mostly thanks to the guitar parts found on them. Also the lyrics to the songs having this underlying spiritual edge that’s somewhat cryptic at times. It reminded me of reading The Book of Revelations that’s found in the Bible, which also has, a cryptic element to it.

That psychedelic edge isn’t frantic though; it takes more of a controlled mellow route in the songs. Elements of folk, synth. pop, and rock are also added in to musical mixture.

Highlight tracks for me included the acoustic guitar driven, “Forever Road/Lonely Penny,” and the Dylan-ish folk pop song, “Between the Rain.”

As you might expect with a homegrown project the technical side of this release is unpolished and in a raw state, that depending on your taste, you’ll either really appreciate for its freshness or find not to your liking.

If you want to just blow some time and have, light, fun, and lively music playing while you do this release isn’t for you. If though you’re looking for some really meaty song lyrics to sink your teeth into while you ponder their true meanings then, Beyond From Within will meet your needs.

Artist: HarvestBloom
Title: HarvestBloom EP
Website: http://www.harvestbloom.net
Style: Christian Rock/ Worship
Rating: 9.4 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

This female fronted Maryland band got their start in 2007. The band’s music is rock-based songs that are often filled with lyrics of praise to the Lord.

This 6-song EP really hits the mark starting out with an interesting track called, “Burning Bush (Exodus3),” that features hard driving rock beats, with vocals that are both lyrical and involve rapping, as they read the Bible verses out.

Track-2,”Holy is His Name,” is an up tempo song that has a dance rock vibe found on it. The lyrics on it offer up a call to worship.

Track-3, “Sweet Sensation,” opens up with some nice guitar work and settles into a pop praise style song that deals with the comfort that comes from knowing, that thanks to the Lord your free and that if you grow weary the Lord is there to hold you.

Track-4, “Free,” is a rhythmic song that includes a nice guitar solo in it. The song deals with God’s love and grace. You’ll also find an extended cut version of this song that makes up track-6.

Track-5, “Self-Pity,” is the most hard-edged rock song found on the EP featuring driving guitar parts and rapid drum beats, along with gritty vocals that have a rock growl found on them. The song starts out a bit unusual with a Latin sounding mandolin part before the rock n’ roll fury starts up. The song takes on the tough subject of self-loathing.

I really liked all of the songs found on this EP, both the music and song lyrics really worked well. The band is hard at work on a full-length release that should be coming out sometime later this year.

Last but not least you can download this EP for free from the band’s website. Do yourself a big favor and get it!

Artist: Candye Kane
Title: Superhero
Website: http://www.candyekane.com
Style: Blues/ AAA
Label: Delta Groove Records
Rating: 9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Like her unusual name Candye Kane has lead a life that’s ripe with subject matter for creating good songs. She was raised in a dysfunctional working class family, was a teenage mother, her past includes a successful career in the adult entertainment industry, and last but most notable is the fact that she’s a survivor of pancreatic cancer.

Kane has won several San Diego Music Awards, along with being a 2008 nominee for a National Blues Foundation Award for, ‘Best Blues Contemporary Female.’

Superhero, Kane’s 9th release, is filled with songs that offer up a fighting spirit of overcoming whatever life throws at you. The songs found on this release are filled with messages that revolve around, love, hope and empowerment.

Things get off to a fast start with the title track, “Superhero.” This up-tempo song is filled with passionate lyrics dealing with being a fighter when times get tough, if you get knocked down stand right back up and keep going. Besides the great vocals found on it you’ll also find nice guitar and saxophone parts in the song.

While this release is blues based it isn’t afraid to mix in other elements like, swing, and lounge jazz into the songs. Track-2, “Hey! Toughen Up!”, is a good example of this with its up swing style tempo. The song deals with not letting go of your dreams.

Some of the other highlight tracks include, “Ik Hou Van Je ( I Love You),” a light and lively jazzy song showing that love is a universal emotion found all around the world. “Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed,” has a nice sound that’s accented by the Hammond B-3 parts found in it. As you probably guessed from the song title it deals with someone cheating in love.

The blues get a more gritty edge for the Willie Dixon penned song, “You Need Love,” that has a nice rhythmic, roots, earthy sound found on it that I really enjoyed.

“I Like ‘Em Stacked Like That,” is different in that it features added male vocals by Mitch Kashmar to go along with Kanes vocals. The song talks about how everyone has their own ideas on just what true beauty is in a person that attracts them to each other.

“Till You Go Too Far,” is a gritty blues song that talks about pushing the envelope. The fact that if you never push the boundaries how will you know where the boundary line is really found.

“You Can’t Stop Me From Loving You,” is another gritty blues song that deals with unreturned love. “Throw It in the Trash Can Love,” is an upbeat song filled with nice saxophone and drums, along with interesting baritone guitar work.

“I’m Gonna Be Just Fine,” is an a capella number that last just 1-minute, but this song is the one where Kane really opens up and lets her softer emotions out, her overcoming cancer survivor spirit, as she sings about living to grow old and get white hair and bouncing grand babies on her knees.

Besides the great vocals of Kane’s that take many different forms in the songs, I also have to give a mention to the great guitar work from Laura Chavez that’s also found on Superhero, Chavez also co-wrote several of the songs and co-produced this release along with Kane

Superhero features 15 tracks that last for just under 1 full hour so you get a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re looking for some really good blues based music then you need to pick up this new release from Candye Kane.

Artist: Shine Bright Baby
Title: The Heart and Its Hope EP
Website: myspace.com/shinebrightbaby
Style: Christian / Alternative Rock
Rating: 9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Band Lineup: Emily Irene- (lead vocals), Nathan Kristoff- (guitar), Harley Hicks- (guitar, bgv), Krislyn Katie- (drums), and Hudson Taylor- (bass).

The band Shine Bright Baby is another in the long list of Christian Bands from the very fertile music grounds of the state of Ohio (Relient K, John Reuben). The band got their start in late 2007 and within 3 months had already crafted their first EP entitled, Brace Yourself.

The band is now back with their new EP, The Heart and Its Hope. This EP offers up six tracks of music that are filled with a mostly alternative rock sound.

One of the more unique things about the band’s music is their use of dueling female/male vocal parts. Those mixed vocals really add a new element and energy to the songs that pushes them up to the next level.

After listening to their music and reading material about them I could tell that this band wants to use their music to reach out to others, their not in it to become famous or make a quick buck. This quote that I read from band lead singer Emily says it best, “We’ve been offered contracts and we’ve turned them down because the music industry is not artist friendly anymore. It’s more about selling a product, and I understand it’s a business, but we refuse to become commercialized.”

The Heart and Its Hope kick off with the one pop-punk styled song that’s found on the EP, “Deadbolt.” It’s an up tempo track that sets the mood for the rest of the release with those aforementioned well done mixed vocals.

Track-2, “Whispers That Became Screams,” can best be described as a 46-second experimental track that features a variety of electronic noises on it.

Track-3, “Heartbreak!,” is the one song that was also found on the band’s first EP. The song is filled with driving rock beats and deals with not making compromises in your faith life.

Track-4,”We Were Made To,” offers both upbeat and more melodic moments and talks about enjoying your faith, not being afraid to delight in the Lord through, music and dance.

Track-5, “1,000 Ideals Of Man,” starts out with low volume guitar, and a drumbeat that builds to a crescendo as the vocals join in to the mix. You’ll even find a few scream vocals in the song.

Track-6, ” I’m Temporary,” ties a nice musical ribbon on this EP. The song starts and end as a piano ballad, in between the song offers up a nice rich string sound that at times has an almost orchestral vibe to it.

From listening to the music found on this EP you can tell that the band’s heart is in the right place. One of the quotes that I found about their music from guitarist Harley Hicks shows the band’s viewpoint, “We play music to show the power of love, not to press our religion on anyone or become demeaning. People will see that we are Christian by the way we live and how we act, but they will feel the power of hope and love through our lyrics and that’s what we intend to give our fans.”

I’m not sure what the exact ages are of the members that make up Shine Bright Baby, but from looking at their MySpace pictures, I’m guessing that their probably somewhere in their teenage years, which makes the quality of music and the wisdom found in their songs even that much more impressive.

Artist: I Am Alpha and Omega
Title: The War I Wage EP
Website: myspace.com/iamalphaandomega
Style: Christian/ Hard Music
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

The band’s lineup is, Donny Hardy- (vocals), Peach Hardy- (drums), Brad Hardy- (guitar), Ilya Fish- (guitar), and Colin Falzone- (bass). The band got their start in 2005 and calls New Jersey home.

All EP’s are not the same, some are like little snack, and then there’s ones like The War I Wage, that are more like a one bit hors d’oeuvre. This EP features 3-tracks (”The War I Wage,” “And The Demons Will Sleep,” “And The Stars Will Bleed Your Name”) with a running time of under 10 minutes.

The band released this EP to help hold their fans over until the LP that they’re currently working on is finished.

The band uses James 2:14-17 as their Bible verse. That verse talks about how faith without action is a dead faith and the need to reach to others who are hurting in a real way.

The band’s song lyrics follow much along those same lines dealing with the need to take a strong stand for your faith and to fight against evil, in all of the different forms that it comes in these days.

The band sets those lyrics against fast paced, hard edged music, that’s filled with mostly scream vocals, strutting guitars and machine gun fire drum work, along with an occasional electronic sound or keyboard burst.

If you’re ready to put on your faith battle armor and looking for some strong anthems to go to war with then the band, I Am Alpha and Omega, has the perfect music for you.

This release accomplishes what any good EP should do, leave you wanting more. Hopefully I Am Alpha and Omega’s upcoming LP will be released soon, until then you can chomp on the good music found on The War I Wage EP.

Artist: John O’ Mara
Title: Five Year Mission
Website: http://www.myspace.com/fuzzmonkey
Style: Alt. Rock/ Electronica
Rating: 8.7 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Many people daydream about leaving their jobs to pursue a dream, but few actually do it. John O’Mara use to have a high tech job, but unlike the vast workforce masses he actually is following through on his musical dream. After a short stint as one-half of the duo known as Fuzzmonkey he decided to go solo with his music career.

Five Year Mission is O’ Mara’s solo debut. When asked about the album’s title O’Mara said, “the phrase came from Star Trek,” he continued, “and really was about looking at the way I had settled into my life without having fully pursued my musical goals, and being dissatisfied with that. So I’m giving my dream five years to see what will come of it – and so far I am very happy with the progress I am making.”

Musically what you’ll find on Five Year Mission is two completely different vibes. There are the light, tongue-in-cheek songs like, “Amiss,” along with dark brooding ones like, “Happy Hour,” and then you have songs like, “Satellite Radio,” that combine the two starting out dark and gloomy but ending up more light and carefree.

I’m just glad that O’Mara decided to go on his music mission and have the chance to get all of the thoughts found in his head out, because he has a lot to say in his song lyrics that will make you take a step back while you ponder them.

Style wise the songs have elements of, alt. rock, electonica, folk, new wave and pop sprinkled throughout them which makes for, an interesting and at times, very unique end sound.

Joining O’Mara as co-producer on the album is Sean Flora, who has worked previously with bands like, The Shins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Franz Ferdinand.

This release is laid out much like a rollercoaster ride, if you can stand the few emotional scary moments found on the musical journey of Five Year Mission, in the end you’ll leave feeling very satisfied.

Artist: Solemn Vow
Title: The American Dream
Website: http://www.myspace.com/solemnvow
Style: Christian/ Metalcore
Label: Wounded Records
Rating: 8.7 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Band Lineup: Kyle Jeffcoat (vocals), Jeff Perry- (guitar), Josh Weeks- (guitar), Josh Burkes- (bass), and Katie Perry- (drums).

Musical Influences: Haste the Day, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, War of Ages, As I Lay Dying, Still Remains, Thrice.

Solemn Vow is from Florence, MS.; they started out as a four-piece band playing alternative rock music. Since then though the band has undergone lineup changes with members leaving and some who left returning, but it looks like now those days are behind them with the release of their new album, The American Dream.

Like with their lineup over the years the band’s music has also changed to its current metalcore sound. This album features 11-tracks plus one hidden track found at the end.

After listening to the entire release the one thing that kept popping into my mind was this band isn’t playing it safe by following a music formula. Sure you’ll find the expected grinding metal guitars and booming drumbeats in the songs, but you’ll also find little unexpected nuances that kept surprising me. Those nuances included, gang shouts’ vocals, hand clapping, keys/synth sounds, interesting song intros, rap vocals, a piano ballad track, and what sounded like either TV or film clips.

This release also takes top prize for the longest song titles. Unlike the usual two or three word song titles these song titles are full sentences made up of, 6, 7, or more words. Here are just a few examples of the long song titles, “The Gates Of Hell Never Stood A Chance,” “Wake Up Nemo, How Many Times Do I Have To Call You?” and “Even The Darkest Night Brings Hope Of A New Dawn.”

The American Dream has the feel like it was an album that the band had fun making and that translated well into the songs found on it. Don’t get me wrong, this album isn’t filled with light fluffy, novelty songs, for the most part they’re hard-edged using both singing and scream vocals with meaty lyrics.

The songs cover tough subject matters that tell things straight up, without sugar coating them. The overall theme that I took away from listening to this album was that we have really messed up what is known as, ‘The American Dream,’ especially as it relates to faith and God. The clocks ticking and its time to change and make a stand for what is true and real while we still can.

Solemn Vow has a lot to say and they do it very well with the music that’s found on, The American Dream.

Artist: Astronauts of Antiquity
Title: Rocket Science for Dummies
Website: http://www.astronautsofantiquity.com
Style: Neo-soul / Electronica/ Jazz
Label: RevCon Records
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

Astronauts of Antiquity plays a unique style of music that has been referred to as both, “urban-electro-organica,” and “jazzy, neo-soulful, electronic exploration.” Their music mixes elements of, soul, jazz, club, and funk to achieve the band’s eclectic sound. Their sound has been compared to, Thievery Corporation, Zero 7, Brazilian Girls, Erykah Badu, and Bebel Gilberto.

There latest release Rocket Science for Dummies is filled with songs that range in tempo from slow and moody to danceable with pulsating club beats.

The band is based out of NYC now, but has a fawn heart for their time spent in the Chapel Hill, area of North Carolina. It’s also the place where they released their debut album, AOA 1 in 2005. Astronauts of Antiquity even dedicate the ballad track, “Miss Caroline,” found on the release as a tribute to the state.

Before I get a ton of e-mails about the spelling of the word, ‘Caroline,’ in the song’s title, not being like the states spelling of’ Carolina,’ hears my explanation for it, I don’t know if it’s right but here goes. The songs found on this album are dripping with sensuality and have an underlying vibe of love/sex related innuendos. Besides the song being a tribute to the state it’s also written in the form of a love letter to a person.

The main thing that drives the music found on this album are the vocals of band lead vocalist, who’s simply known as, India. Her smooth, sultry vocals take control of each song, whether the need is for smoky cool jazz, or more rhythmic and edgy in tone. That wide range of vocals styles probably comes in part from India’s list of vocal influences that include, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell and Annie Lenox.

The other main player in the band is B. Rhyan, who handles all of the guitar parts. To this core-duo they then surrounded themselves with several other seasoned musicians to round out the cast of musicians that play on this album. Out of those added musicians I really enjoyed the well-done horn (flute, saxophone, flute) parts that are found in several of the songs.

Highlight tracks for me, found on this release include, the jazz/soulful with a just a dash of funk sounding track, “Strangest Places.” Also the aforementioned ballad, “Miss Caroline,” is well done and a nice change of pace type of song. I also like, “EMO Healing,” it’s the one song found on the album that harkens back to the band’s original pop/rock sound before they found their current musical groove.

If you’re willing to track a little bit off of the traditional day-to-day, and often boring musical path, then Astronauts of Antiquity, Rocket Science for Dummies, will reward you for your effort.