NYS Music 20​18

Tag: Album Review

  • Hearing Aide: Edward David Anderson ‘Chasing Butterflies’

    Have you ever heard of the genre known as Black Dirt Music? No? Here’s a hint – buy Edward David Anderson’s new release Chasing Butterflies, put on headphones, close your eyes to the world and let the music take over your soul. Recorded in the Muscle Shoals region of Alabama, an area famously known for timeless music recorded here, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with this artist as soon as you hit play. Anderson’s refreshing blend of tone, lyrics and melody make for an exhilarating new batch of Americana tales sung straight from the heart.

    Anderson has a knack for being relatable with his lyrics. Swaying from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other, he hits home with several tracks that everyone can respond to easily. Gut wrenching, soul searching tunes include “The Ballad of Lemuel Penn” and “Crosses.” The former cuts deep into the soul with heart wrenching lyrics that tell the true story of a man who died “because of his own skin.” Though Penn was senselessly murdered by Klansmen, this song still rings true today as racial hatred unfortunately remains alive and well in parts of this nation. The latter reaches into the heart while painting a musical visual of crosses that quietly dot roadsides. Unafraid, this track eloquently speaks of heartache and loss and those who died that are remembered with a simple cross “on the side of the road.”

    Upbeat, spirited tracks also line this well-balanced album. Easily understandable stories are sung within several songs throughout. “Bad Tattoos” speaks just about that – the why and how of a bad tattoo. It’s hard to resist a quick chuckle as the lyrics “if I had to choose, I’d do it all over again” roll by. Who hasn’t seen a few bad ones in their time? Man’s best friend is honored and appreciated in “Dog Days” while “Sittin’ ‘Round at Home” lyrically rambles through noodling around on a guitar and recharging while relaxing at home.

    Graceful melodies that meander along the edges of seriousness and playfulness also show their graceful presence. “Harmony,” “The Best Part,” “Only In My Dreams” and “Chasing Butterflies” flow with melodies that make it easy to sway and tap to without noticing. The Americana spirit winds along the lyrics and melodies of these tracks, maintaining a clean tone while etching a story-filled landscape of emotional appeal.

    Wrapping up the album, “Seasons Turn” flawlessly breathes while inviting the listener to feel the notes as an edgier guitar takes hold. A perfect transition to bring Chasing Butterflies to a close. Overall, Anderson’s latest release is uncluttered with clean lines, graceful lyrics and spirited energy. If you’re searching for a refreshing sound that you can’t put down, this is it. You will not be disappointed.

    Key Tracks: Harmony, Crosses, Chasing Butterflies

  • Hearing Aide: Five Finger Death Punch ‘And Justice For None’

    5FDPI was tasked with reviewing Five Finger Death Punch’s new album And Justice For None but after listening to it I was hard pressed to find anything to enjoy. Over the years 5FDP has achieved a reputation of sticking to a formula, this isn’t a bad thing by itself, some people want more of the same formula that 5FDP has mastered but then there are those like me that wish the band would at least try to progress their signature sound, every member is a talented musician and artist which is why I was so disappointed by And Justice For None. The band is trying out a few new things on the album while sticking to their signature sound which resulted in the album feeling like an experiment backed up with the tried and true.

    For some reason there’s a cover of Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s “Blue On Black” but 5FDP decided to turn the blues rock song into a country song. Let me repeat that. Five Finger Death Punch, the most mainstream current metal band covered a blues rock song as a country song. I’m not sure why or who this is supposed to appeal to but there it is.

    “Sham Pain” was an interesting experiment with some actual insight into Ivan’s inner struggles. Ivan showcased his range accompanied with a nu metal tinged sound that I wish was explored in more songs.

    “Fake”, “Top Of The World”, “Fire In the Whole” and “It Doesn’t Matter” are all standard angsty songs that have been done so many times by the band that it all feels manufactured.

    “I Refuse”, “When The Seasons Change”, “Bloody” and “Will The Sun Ever Rise” are obligatory soft emotional ballads that I can no longer take as genuine due to how common these songs are in every album.

    And for an added bonus there’s the cover of Offspring classic “Gone Away” that debuted on their greatest hits album A Decade of Destruction and I still can’t figure out what anyone was thinking when covering the song. All the emotion and heart of the original is replaced with Ivan’s tired woes of despair.

    Overall I wasn’t expecting much and I wasn’t wrong. The past couple of years have been rough for 5FDP and it shows. Here is a band that for better or worse is the biggest mainstream metal band comprised of nothing but talented individuals who fail to showcase that talent (for proof listen to Ivan from his Motograter days). I’m not going to give the album any more listens because it just wasn’t for me, I have plenty of 5FDP albums that I can listen to which sound 99% the same as And Justice For None. Instead I will be looking forward to Eternal Crypt’s debut on July 21st at the Bug Jar, checking out Ancalagon who have been on my list of bands to give a listen for a while now and when I get my paycheck will buy Necrostalker’s new album, Bloodstained. Three Rochester metal bands who are worth giving a chance. You can listen to And Justice For None now on Spotify

    Key Tracks: Sham Pain, Bad Seed, Blue On Black

  • Hearing Aide: Toubab Krewe ‘Stylo’

    Earlier this month, Toubab Krewe released their third studio album, Stylo, (pronounced Stee-lo), and have since hit the road for a tour following a two-year hiatus. Their last album, TK2, was released in 2010 so fans have been anxiously awaiting this new one that is simply chock full of energy, positive vibes and soul filling goodness. With Stylo, they continue their combination of musical twists and turns that ebb and flow from Appalachian and West African tones to funk, jazz and jams galore.

    The album eases listeners in with “That Damn Squash.” Stocked with an endless supply of percussion on the back beat, the tune rolls along, begging listeners to get up and sway their hips. Clean guitar tones carry the song making it impossible not to bob your head to the beat. “Night Shade” hints at Middle Eastern styling, with an edgier guitar flowing along the edges of the song, creating a musical ride of ethnic rhythms that have no barrier.

    As “Stylo” touches upon layers of Spanish flair, the melody brings out visions of beaches, cold umbrella drinks and toe tapping sways of dancing under the starry sky. An easy track that puts the listener into a carefree mood, it’s hard not to smile when this tune rolls along at a relaxed pace. Be prepared to suddenly want to take a vacation in the Caribbean and enjoy a cold one at the swim up bar with this track.

    The Caribbean infused, African timbre shines through once again on “Saba Meniya,” picking up the beat with whimsically magical chords that tiptoe around the track, creating a beautifully mixed ensemble of musical genres. “Salut” is stacked with crisp guitar, tight drums and percussion, releasing a breath of fresh air with this uniquely laid track before heading into a quick paced jam towards the backend.

    “Lafia” wastes no time taking off with an upbeat melody. A slight taste of funk and deeper rocking tones break through ever so slightly, though maintains the energetic vibe that drips throughout the entire album. Brisk notes ramble along this jam, though holds a heavier feel before emerging into a calmer “Miriama.” This melody features vocal notes and foreign lyrics, forging an air of spiritual soul that embodies this innovative song. Wrapping up the album is “Southern Tracks,” a calm track that blends mystical rhythm with psychedelic accents, bringing the entirety of the album to a clean finish.

    Overall, Stylo presents a unique blend of sounds, tones and styles into a tightly wound package of creative musical melodies. If you are seeking something different and outside the box creative, this is the album to grab. It’s different, will keep you moving and a plaster a constant smile on your face.

    Key Tracks: Stylo, Salut, Lafia

  • Hearing Aide: Ignis “The Face of Mars”

    Albany two-piece Ignis released their first full-length album The Face of Mars on January 9, premiering their blend of folk, rock, and Americana. The album evokes a feeling of timelessness, seeming to borrow from many iterations and generations of rock music, from a Bowie-esque 70’s quality to a post-punk 90’s Seattle sound. The singing is memorable, somewhat reminiscent of Mark Sandman of Morphine and Ian Curtis of Joy Division, with an impressive vocal range and a very moody quality. Ignis manages to shift deftly between slow build-ups and high-energy releases.

    The album opens with a slow ballad titled “AS,” that showcases the emotional side of their songwriting, and then follows it with the faster paced, grungy “Not Yet.” The third song out, “Don’t Go” starts with atmospheric guitar and then allows the drums to slowly build up to a satisfying crescendo.

    “Chloe Dancer” features singing that reminds the listener of singers like Morrissey, while allowing the pianist to show his talents. “Paper” presents a change of pace, with the guitarist adopting a different, sultry style as the song takes on a jazzy feel. Each song of this album is short and to the point, with a definitive style and tone that encompasses much of the record.

    “273” is a huge departure from the general tone of the album, beginning with a danceable funk riff then dropping back into a Smiths-inspired vocal melody and some sludgy guitar work. The following song, “Sink,” takes a mellower approach, while still boasting their signature guitar tone.

    “Tunnel Vision” features a memorable riff set to sad lyrics, while “Could it Be” ventures into power ballad territory. The album then closes out with “Follower,” which hearkens back to the 80’s. Ignis presents a promising first effort, successfully melding a variety of styles into an atmospheric, original record. Available on Bandcamp, Itunes and Spotify.

    Key Tracks: Tunnel Vision, Could It Be

Built in Breakdance