Hello Goodbye - Zombies!Aliens!Vampires!Dinosaurs! - 2006 - Drive Thru Records
Written by Steve
Friday, 24 August 2007
For a bunch of southern California guys from Huntington Beach, Hellogoodbye's debut "Zombies!Aliens!Vampires!Dinosaurs!" or "ZAVD!" for short, shows promise. While "ZAVD!" isn't the best debut ever heard, these guys bring to the table a type of upbeat music seldom heard nowadays. When I listened to this cd I felt these guys were influenced by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Knack and The Cars all rolled into one with a little bit of Cher, All American Rejects and Blink 182.
"ZAVD!" is perfectly brief at 35 minutes and 11 tracks. My top three choices are "Here (In Your Arms)", "Stuck To You" and "Baby, It's Fact" followed by "All Of Your Love", "Homewrecker" and "Touchdown Turnaround". I could have done without "All Time Lows", "I Saw It On Your Keyboard" and "Two Weeks In Hawaii" and "Oh, It Is Love" and "Figures A And B" are just okay.
The whole point here is that this is currently an indie band on an indie label doing their first album of material. This isn't bad, and I picture these guys programming and jamming, then packaging their pop into nice little bundles (as all pop should be!)
Plus, this band is close to home. We know Richard Simmons, who is given thanks in the credits on the inner sleeve, and who also appears in the video for "Here (In Your Arms)".
Now, for their next release (if they have one), they should practice some more and get a good producer like Stephen Lipson, Flood or Daniel Miller (and moving to a major label wouldn't hurt either).
If you're looking for fun, bubble gum pop, no-brainer music, you should check this out.
An Angle - The Truth is That You Are Alive - 2007 - Drive Thru Records
Written by Steve
Friday, 24 August 2007
At first listen, An Angle's "The Truth Is That You Are Alive" may catch you off guard. Then, after letting the perfect mix of instrumentals and vocals sink into your eardrums, the idea will hit you, "This is different." The reason why this album is wonderful is because it's different than most of the music that's coming out right now. Kris Anaya has an interesting voice that feels just right for the lyrics that are being sung. Anaya is also very versatile with his vocals, ranging from mellow and relaxing to powerful and aggressive. This intriguing style makes "The Truth Is That You Are Alive" an album you MUST check out.
The Truth Is That You Are Alive, is simply brilliant. From straight rock n' roll jams to well orchestrated compositions, the album is crafted in a stripped down and artistic fashion claiming an aesthetically pleasing feel. Through clever lyrics and moments of clarify and true realization, Kris Anaya wows, yet stating by the end, he is not as smart as what you think. The album is a masterpiece worth as much time as it takes to get into.
Self Against City - Telling Secrets to Strangers - 2007 - Drive Thru Records
Written by Steve
Friday, 24 August 2007
Self Against City is a refreshing burst of originality and sheer talent for the pop punk scene. In a genre that's becoming more and more nit-picked and subcategorized, it's nice to see a band just do what they do and do it well. They understand the scene and write songs that hit way too close to home like "Ready and Willing" which describes how band boys will treat girls nice and make them fall in love with them just to screw them over. It's weird that a band can understand this so completely. Their single "Becoming a Monster" is so catchy that it should be illegal. Definitely check this band out. They will be big this year.
Self Against City packs a powerful punch with this CD. They present classic pop punk music with smart, intense lyrics. They're an amazing band and if you're a fan of pop punk artists such as Cartel or Spitalfield, check out this CD now.
Hidden in Plain View - Resolution - 2007 - Drive Thru Records
Written by Steve
Friday, 24 August 2007
In their follow up to the timeless Life In Dreaming, Hidden In Plain View displays an aspect of their songwriting that reflects the dawning compression of an early maturity. Since Hidden In Plain View's inception seven years ago the band has pressed on through thick and thin. Resolution is what I can only describe as the fruit of their labor. It has been fun to watch their evolution throughout the years, but unfortunately Resolution will be the final chapter in this tale seeing as Hidden In Plain View disbanded earlier this year citing professional and creative differences. Regardless, Resolution comes off more like a final farewell than a final attempt to gather cash. In many cases, the album sounds more like it was recorded after the break-up, not the other way around.
The album shines with psychologically revealing songs like "Bendy" and "Hear me Out". The opening track "Bendy" does an excellent job of setting the mood for Resolution. It more or less chronicles the band's journey and serves as a big `thank you' to all of their fans. It recaptures vocalist Joe Reo's trip back to the past when he was the "boy in the front row singing his heart out". After the band's breakup, the lyrics "it's a long way back home from here" seem to make so much more sense. The lyrics alone are very personal which creates a very intimate connection between the band and their fans. "Hear me out", the final cut on the album, is a delicate but ultimately uplifting track that sums up the album with watery eyes.
Resolution is solid - I mean really solid - it rocks from start to finish. Resolution is raw, melodic and full of feeling. The album refuses to tire or wane through a series of catchy choruses and powerful energy. The down point of the album is the realization that it is their last. It is far and away their best release to date.
Dave Melillo - Talk is Cheap - 2006 - Drive Thru Records
Written by Steve
Friday, 24 August 2007
Drag out your old high school and college memories and get ready to sit back and unwind. You'll sing your heart out to Dave Melillo as he teases and tickles your brain with acoustic riffs and picking for six tracks. No track on this disc is skippable. Beginning strong with "Sam's Song" fans will recall the difficulty of a long distance relationship. Melillo continues to tug on your heartstrings with "Knights of the Island Counter" which lovingly discusses and recalls a fun, forget-all night with good friends. If you remember hating high school, like all teenagers did, "This Is 2005" is sure to make you smile and sing along as you go back to those rebellious days of your past. Melillo uses catchy lyrics, lovable guitar, and memories shared by all to make this EP a masterpiece. Fans will be anticipating the release of Dave's first full length until the day it arrives in stores.
Dave was picked up by Drive Thru before even graduating high school! And for good reason. This may easily be the next biggest act. It's obvious that singer/song writers are what labels are searching for and throwing into main stream. Dave Melillo happens to be one of the few that I actually listen to and enjoy. This CD has 6 well written teenage anthems. Catchy and heart felt. Mark my word... Dave will be doing great things in 2006. Buy this CD and turn it up in your car... you will know all the words in a matter of minutes.
