The Vacant: Music Reviews: southern

Monday, August 19, 2013

KingShifter-26 Tons

The band kicks off with a song that rocks it hard, stating "all I ever wanted was a peace of mind"...well, sorry, not with this album. 26 TONS, the explosive rocker from the Kansas band's effort, showcases pure rock and roll at it's purest form. There is no rest for the weary in this album, and I suggest on September 3rd, a copy of this album either be in your hands, or on your mp3 player! There are killer tracks, I mean you can close your ears or eyes and pick one, all joking aside. The lead track, which boasts lyrics like "I'm not going to live my life with my back against the wall"....., that slamming track, known as "Peace of Mind", is one hell of a kick off track for a record. Following that lead, there are solid tunes like "Dry Heave", "Revolution Generation", and "Unbroken". Don't get me wrong, this entire album is in high gear. My favorite track has got to be the one titled, "Downin' Booze-Raisin' Hell". This one, to me, sets apart from the rest. Yes, it is similar, but the arrangement is a little different, melodically and lyrically it is better, and more aggressive as well. This band compares to artists like HellYeah, Blackstone Cherry, Saliva, A Course Of Action, Eve To Adam, and more of that southern rock attitude atmosphere!! You can never go wrong there!! In conclusion, if there is one track you would have to check out to sum the album up, it would have to be the one they call, "Pitch Black Blues". This is a bit more slow, but you get the point, the rock is still there, and the aggression is still heard, lyrics are strong, and the tone is powerful as well!! The band members, known as "Kink", "Sprout", Derek Ludewick, and David Stenbach are all top notch at this role. Expect nothing but pure rock n' roll, and you will get it straight......rock hard, and most importantly, rock on !!

RATING: 9.75/10

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Mud River-Mud River EP

Mud River has been up, down, left, and right. They have experienced all the rides that

the music world can give you, and they are still standing. That should tell you a lot about their passion and desire for their music. They've gone through a line up change or so, but have no doubt, their fans are still there, and their sound is immaculate. They have such dedicated fans, and are lyrically, and vocally strong. It wasn't until current vocalist Dave Cornejo took to the mic that the power was heard, the rhythm was felt, and the "river" of this band's presence began to flow. On their latest EP, simply put as "The Muddy EP", the five songs flow and rock as well as any music out there, if not better at times! "Never Letting Go", a single that is my favorite track from the EP, seems to resonate well within me. I enjoy the lyrics and the fire that burns within the song. I feel, as a true fan of music, especially pure rock, one would latch on with this track, and soulfully glide into bliss with this track, note by note. Another strong effort from the EP, is the song "Inside Your Memory". This reminds me of a cross between Jackyl, Alter Bridge, and Soundgarden. So, if you could blend the three, there you go!! Let me just say this, this EP, well, it does not disappoint at all. Not one bit. "King", ends the EP, gracefully, and melodically reels you in. It has a great beat throughout, and does an excellent job of leaving us wanting more of this band, some of us may know little about, for now. Mud River is not going anywhere away from us people, so get used to that. This band is here to stay, and like it's been said, "if you're not down with that, I've got two words for you...." BUY IT!!

RATING: 10/10