Caducus-String Me Up

 

 Her presence is being felt within this music industry, including an interview and photo Louisville Music News website.  Why Louisville, you ask ?   Well, she always had this beautiful talent to sing.  As for her singing, Michala Bouska, the woman being spoken of now, she is incredibly talented.  Her vocals are so much like the angry Fiona Apple, the lustful Maria of In This Moment, the incredible range of Charlotte in the band, Delain, and also Christina of the well known band, Lacuna Coil.  Chuck Stoess, Jr., also known as "Chuckles", also shares the songwriting duties with Michala.  With utter power, incredible arrangement, and a sense of inducing amazing emotion, "Chuckles" seems to lace up the guitar with a sound only heard in true music professionalism.  Chuck writes the bass lines as well as the guitar arrangements for most of Caducus material.  Then, we enter Mr. Steven McDougale , Jr., tearing into the way of "bruising" the drums and giving beats never heard before with a thrust of relentless energy.  He shows true talent in a drummer's world, there is no doubt.  "J" Jason Cheatham, is the main man responsible for the aggressive riffs you hear during their live shows, and on the excellent release of "String Me Up".  Currently, Caducus is searching for a bassist, their search is active and ongoing, with no doubt they will find the raw, strong talent that fits the band.  The album cover to "String Me Up" is very dark, gothic, and intriguing.  It will, in sorts, leave you pondering how dark or relentless this album and band could sound like, before ever hearing the music itself.  The release totals six tracks, with five originals and one cover song.  You will definitely enjoy this gem!  "Evolve And Obey" and "Phoenix", are songs that show how simplistic, brutal, and melodic this band can be.  I have a favorite track from the release, and that song is titled "Safeword".  I truly am indulged with this song, and it is such a strong arrangement of music, it pulls you in like nothing ever felt before.  The song "String Me Up" is dynamic, tough, and really gets you pumped for the relentless atmosphere that Caducus brings with them on stage and on their record.  As soon as possible, I plan to find a way to catch them live, and witness the strong performance I can feel already from the "String Me Up" release.  If you are a fan of artists like the talented Joan Jett, Flyleaf (w/Lacey), Lacuna Coil, Delain, Evanescence, and the former band Drain S.T.H., you will truly dig this release.  Speaking of Flyleaf, Caducus is set to play a slot on the current Snocore tour at the EXPO FIVE, which is located in Louisville, Kentucky.  The show will have performances by Flyleaf, Adelita's Way (who are working on a new album for late 2015), Framing Hanley, Fit For Rivals, Begging Victoria, and the already mentioned brutality called Caducus.  That Snocore show is set for February 17th, 2015.  With the sponsorship and excellent coordination of Mr. Terry Harper, with whom you can contact and see more about at a link below, the promotion of this band is growing rapidly and I promise you the nation and perhaps the world, will soon feel this force known as Caducus!!

Rating: 5.0/5.0

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"String Me Up" Today !!

K.Michelle-Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?

 

With her sophomore release, K.Michelle seems to have matured much better, and excelled well from within her vocal power.  "Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?" is a dynamic release, featuring twelve tracks of smooth and upbeat, in your face r&b style, with some soothing lyrics, which is where K.Michelle seems to have grown most into here.  The song "Going Under" is about disappointments in love, and the strength it takes to just simply hope to have that moment in your life once again.  Her voice soars over this tune quite brilliantly.  "Build A Man", reminds you of an early Motown temp-like classic, yet it still has some fresh tastes laced in it.  You really seem to catch your grooves in this record, when the track "Cry" enters your head.  This is the one song that stood out the most to me off of "Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?".  "Cry" starts out with great beats and the rhythm grabs a hold of you like a soulful conviction.  Other standouts on the record are "Maybe I Should Call", "Hard To Do", and "Love 'Em All".  Concluding this album is a song she titled "God I Get It".  This one is one of the most incredibly done tracks I have come across to end a record.  Lyrically, it is almost perfection, and K.Michelle excels well with a powerful vocal statement here.  There are a few weak moments, where you think you may hear some of her still "growing into" her mature sound, such as the song "Miss You, Goodbye".  Overall though, you should be pleased with this album, and it comes ate a pretty great price upon it's release date as well, thus far.

Rating:4.25/5.0

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Pvris-White Noise

Well, after quite a bit of singles and remixed versions, the complete record has finally arrived.  I must admit that before hearing the single, "White Noise", I was skeptical.  I am an immense fan of the female vocalist style genre, and this ban's female sounds have me fluttered or to be blunt, captivating".  The backing and some embracing track work, work that Lyndsey Gunnolfsen set her vocals and talent to, are so incredible!  This song, "My House"(Featured Video Below) is enough of a reason to grab up the record, than any other.  "My House" and "Ghosts" are quite astonishing tracks.  They are remindful of the artist Ella Henderson.  There is no doubt that both of these stars are destined to be on the top of the Billboard charts.  I would recommend picking this release up, at a show, digital retailers, and a store near you!

Rating: 4.80/5.0

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Sometimes Julie-Head First

 

Sometimes Julie, hailing from the state of California, are an impressive

duo.  With their release of "Head First", the full length gives us many tastes of fantastic music.  Take for example the lead cut, "We Are Golden".  It sets a melodic mood, with lyrics that would sooth any drive home these days.  The best track off the album is the title cut, "Head First"  It has a more uptempo beat, with lacing guitars, and desolate lyrics and an excellent arrangement indeed.  Another stand out song is "Time Flies".  "Time Flies" shows of perhaps the bands range of style, and the pulsating vocals of the lady herself, "Monica Sorenson.  The guitars are quite better than I honestly expected.  Rick Walker, who is the prime guitar player on "Head First", goes above and beyond really.  With good range, and such a passion for music, it really shows off well in the arrangements and the beats of the record.  You can catch great examples of that in tracks such as "Reckless", "What A Rush", "Wishin' You Were Here', and the crafty one called "Come Find Me".  Overall, I was quite impressed with the album as a whole.  If there was a "weak spot", I would say it would be "Carefully".  However, the fourteen track release is just about perfect overall.  It is excellently packaged, and the artwork, which are depictions of basic ocean scenery and the beauty of the California coast lines, is beautiful.  I recommend this effort, give it a shot, it will surely impress upon you a quality you weren't expecting!

Rating: 4.90/5.0

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Aurin-Catharsis

 

Way back in 2002, guitarist Andrew Wayne began an epic journey.  Then, in 2009, Andrew encountered the talented drummer Linda Medina.  The band was almost complete, except they needed a rockin' vocalist.  This is where the soothing, atmospheric, and haunting vocals of Sarah Anderson.  She became a perfect fit with this amazing band.  Sarah joined the band in 2010, and this machine was about to explode with powerhouse lyrics and a stunning vocalist.  Think of a haunting version of the band Flyleaf, or the International talent known as, Nemesea.  With the album completed, and the tracks are all laced up with inspiring vocals, pounding drums, and a blazing guitar-"Catharsis" is about to give the fans of music something to talk about.  My favorite track from their debut release is the song, "Over".  The intro of the song is well done, and the aspiring vocals are incredible.  The band has dealt with mental health issues, depression, and suicidal thoughts.  It's because of those issues that the music is dark, flowing, and such a force to reckon with.  "November", the lead song off the album, is a blast of energy.  The drums hit the ears so well in this track, and Sarah's dramatic voice does it justice.  You really cannot go wrong when you grab this up on it's release date of October 14, 2014.  I know you will enjoy the songs "The Other Side", "Hysteria", and the haunting of the song, "Last Wish".  With eleven tracks on "Catharsis", you definitely get your money's worth, I guarantee it!  "Stained" is an incredible release of energy, talent, vocals, and smooth transitions of the musical score.  "The Reprisal" and "Vermin" reached out and hooked me into the band's mind.  I mean, there is nothing wrong with this album at all, absolutely nothing.  Check 'em out with the links below, and hear/see for yourself what I am talking about! 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

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Come October 14th, you better be ready to rock to Aurin!!

Orianthi-Heaven In This Hell

 

The famed female guitarist is back with her most ferocious release to date yet.

Orianthi is releasing HEAVEN IN THIS HELL on Tuesday March 12th, 2013.  The album, which features my favorite song as well, off the release, titled "Frozen", is amazing.  From top to bottom, her guitar blaze across the sky and she unleashes her soul through the strings of that guitar and the needles in her outstanding female vocals.  Orianthi, if you were not aware, was all set to tour with Michael Jackson, before he passed away tragically a couple of years ago.  She shows us exactly what he must have seen in her talent in this record, no doubt.  Another excellent track, "You Don't Wanna Know", shows her lyrical talents off very well, and you can foresee her brilliance as both a writer, guitarist, and vocalist.  She is one amazing talent, I promise you.  This is her third full length release overall, and she has grown quite well, showing greater confidence and talent.  "Filthy Blues", another excellent track, showcases just that,  her blues side, and boy does she have one.  Her melodies and music remind me of Billy Alexander and another guy you may know as Jonny Lang.  Billy Alexander plays alongside various players, one specifically, Alaina Blair.  You'll wanna check out her review and music as well, from this site.  Orianthi has many hit tracks on this album that could easily be radio singles as rock, blues, or other genres to jam to.  My last comment on this record is that I wish there was more to it.  It contains only twelve tracks, and it leaves you wanting more.  Now, as of today, I am not aware of a deluxe version coming out, perhaps in the future one will.  Bottom line is that you should either pick this up digitally or physically, I believe hard copy-wise, it is around ten bucks.  The choice is yours, though the point is, you definitely do not want to miss this!!

RATING: 9.5/10

 

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Plumb-Need You Now

 

Plumb, otherwise known as "Tiffany Arbuckle Lee", as been singing for many,

many years now.  At the young age of 37, she is still as beautiful as ever, with that addictive and angelic vocal touch lacing her essence throughout.  Plumb's first release, I believe, was in the year of 1997, and she has not lost her touch since.  She has changed styles from time to time, but it is believed that was just to correlate with the times of life, during the moments people were dealing with in times of struggles, despair, and dreams of hope.  My favorite song from this album, which consists of thirteen solid tracks, has got to be one of the already released singles.  The track, titled "I Want You Here", speaks to me in many ways, and hits me hard emotionally for a few reasons personal, and I trust there are and will be songs on NEED YOU NOW, that will embrace your soul and heart as well.  I have no doubt about it.  I believe going physical or digital is worth it, either way.  Both versions are about $10, however, for quality, and technological reasoning, one must go with the wave of the future.  Take a trip to I-Tunes, Amazon, or a digital outlet such like that, and grab it all, or any of this beautiful talent that sounds excellent to you.  I know Plumb, somewhere with some track, will touch your soul.  More key songs are "Drifting", "Need You Now", "Cage", and my second favorite powerhouse track, "Beautiful".  Take a chance with this Plumb release, it will pierce your heart and soul, and be worth it....keep a box of tissues with you as well. :)

RATING: 9/10

 

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Dead End Amelia-The Sound Of Awakening

 

 

                            Dead End Amelia have been around a few years, but this recent release, THE SOUND OF AWAKENING, really grabbed my attention.  The mood and tone of this record is mellow, somewhat "moody", and dark all at the same time.  I really enjoy this album overall.  The band has a previous EP release, from 2011, in which includes a Deftones cover of "Change (In The House Of Flies)".  It's pretty solid.  A major highlight from the latest release, for me, is the song "Your Silhouette".  This track clocks in a little over five minutes long, but is rather enjoyable throughout.  With infectious hooks, and melodies, the female vocals of lead vocalist, Krista Lee, really wrap your soul with the music.  I have a favorite track, as usual, and it's their current single, and video as well.  The track is titled, "Better Off This Way".  To me, this one holds more of an ambient tone than anything else as a whole.  Lyrically, it is the strongest song on the album as far as I am concerned, and vocally as well.  "...I can't sleep at night...I can't keep fighting this moment, while you're so beautiful....".....the lyrics obviously are twisting....at times.  However, I like the blend of the male background vocals...they are pitched at a perfect sound level, not too high and just fitting enough for Krista's vocals.  The second best track, and the one that led me to buy this record, was the song "You're Not Alone".  I really was close to having this as my favorite track overall, but perhaps it was the fact it goes a little over six minutes, or the fact that "Better Off This Way" had the video to enhance the emotional connection with the song, which led me to having it as second best/favorite.  I highly suggest you just purchase the entire album as a whole, it's elegant, pleasing, and satisfying overall.  Check out more at a link below, and decide as you will, but feel free to love the music, it is amazing, that is one thing about it for sure.....more to come!!

RATING: 9.5/10

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Cylew-Not So Sleeping, Not So Beauty

                                   This being an artist's debut album, you're never sure what to expect.  After all, I've been lucky enough to obtain her second release, review it, and loved it!  This debut, though, is darker, more grim, and in my opinion, so much better.  It is like a blend of Sarah McLachlan, Amy Lee of Evanescence, and Tori Amos.  You could also toss in a flare of Within Temptation as well.  The lead track is dim, dark, and beautiful all in one, titled, ""Rival".  "Sinking", the third song on the record, starts to take it up a notch or two.  You can distinctly hear the beats, the guitars and drums unload and rise into a beautiful hook or chorus, done stunningly by Cylew.  This is one of my preferred tracks from the record, no doubt.  "Familiar", to me, if I had to pick one, would be the weakest track, mainly because the arrangement seems a bit off, but overall, I still find myself enjoying Cylew's vocals, and that helps sooth the musical burn.  My favorite song on the album, and I know many would likely agree, is the track, "Dying".  This happens to be the final song on the album, it is lyrically darker than most of her other pieces, and draws you because you become curious as to where all this "sadness" is coming from.  How can such a beautiful voice, be soaring so high about dying?  Cylew pulls this off brilliantly.  Without giving too much away, the final track I would like to review is titled, ""Let It Flow".  Singing about being in hospital rooms, and letting life take it's course sounds grim, but once again, her voice makes the beauty shine through.  Though, like I've said before, every single song I have heard from Cylew, on both of her releases, is amazing.  You can click on a link below to check more out about this talent, or even to purchase an album or two today!!  You cannot wrong with this :)
RATING: 10/10
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