Elf Freedom: Solstice (Twisted Flowers) Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Yes, this is truly an album review since I actually have a tangible album in my hand. A beautiful album at that. A gorgeous yellow and orange marble design that is eye candy to accompany the ear candy. There is still nothing like holding an album. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but it’s different than any other musical medium. I admit it, I wasn’t exactly faithful to vinyl. I courted CDs for many years and then entertained MP3s. But after all of those superficial relationships, I am back together with LPs. And the second time is the charm and I promise never to stray again.
OURB proves that rock and roll is still very much alive and well. Analog Kid delivers the goods with an offering that provides sounds and influences that listeners will be familiar with. It’s got prog roots with some great pop sensibilities. The songs are a continuation and appears to be a retrospective of life from birth through adulthood and maybe through death, depending on your interpretation.
There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes, and if Patrick Storedahl is working on a musical project, it’s going to be great. Whether it’s solo work or collaborations, they are all top-notch. His latest project, Dry Lightning, is no different. I’m absolutely dumbfounded by how infectious and just flat-out beautiful this album is. Kate Masterson, the lead vocalist, has an amazing voice that is major label worthy. That’s no exaggeration. Kate wrote or co-wrote, with Patrick Storedahl, all of the songs on this release. All songs are crafted with the utmost precision. Many genres are represented on Bathymetry, from country to rock, rhythm and blues, and 90’s alternative, which creates a rich tapestry of sound.
This is some high-octane rock and roll. Definitely a conglomerate of punk, 70s metal, and some psychedelia thrown in for good measure. Another album that hit me from the very first listen. I love the high energy and the overall groove on Fantasy Factory. The band definitely is overflowing with chemistry, making a studio album play like a live album. I have no idea how many takes each track took, but it seems as if they just rolled the tape and started playing. The production and mix are perfect, giving this album a live feel. There is nothing worse than when a band cannot reproduce the sounds of their studio album in a live setting, but I definitely get the feeling that this will not be the case for The Tazers.
The Tazers hail from South Africa. If we were playing word association, rock and roll and South Africa wouldn’t be a match for me. I know there have been a fair number of rock bands from there, but none I have been familiar with. That changes today, as The Tazers single handedly alter that perception.
There are no slow numbers on Fantasy Factory. It is a barn burner from the first note to the last. This is a power trio, and for three gentlemen, they generate a very large sound. No track exemplifies this monster sonic explosion better than I Want Your Love. This track is a perfect representation of their ability to fuse acid rock and doom metal. It features a healthy dose of 70s hard rock with some early Black Sabbath influences thrown into the mix. The guitar solos and general sound have Tony Iommi written all over it, serving as a tribute to the iconic riffs that defined metal over 50 years ago. After giving this track a few earnest listens, my eardrums need a respite, but I am compelled to return for a few more spins.
I misspoke or miswrote a little bit in the previous paragraph. I stated that there are no slow numbers on this release. Well, that isn’t exactly true.Figure It Out is probably the slowest paced song in the entire collection. I wouldn’t exactly call it slow, but slower. It documents the band delving ever so slightly into a rhythm and blues jam. It starts with a super funky drum intro that sets the mood for this tune at the outset. The song maintains a very steady pace and crescendos into an absolutely brilliant guitar solo that produces more smoke than a Texas Hill Country barbeque joint.
The energy in Fantasy Factory is infectious, making it a thrilling listening experience that encourages you to turn up the volume and let loose. You can almost visualize the band members vibing off each other, channeling the spirit of classic rock while pushing forward with their unique style. Each track maintains a relentless pace and an undeniable groove, showcasing the band’s impressive musicianship and the raw power that echoes through their sound. It’s a journey that leaves listeners exhilarated and eager for more.
Googon: Googon (Pop Affliction Records) Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Holy smokes! This is a time machine journey back to the early 80s. Googon hits the ball out of the park on this self-titled release that any punk afficionado would swear is 40 years old. In true hardcore punk style, the entire album clocks in at under 15 minutes but there is a lot that is going on in that time. Updated production value make this a joy to listen to.
Bonneville County Pine Box: Cracklin’ Fuego (Flak Records) Album Review
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Quality vs quantity is that age-old argument. Is it better to have more of something that is of lesser quality or a smaller amount of something that is triple A, prime? I vote for the latter. How does Bonneville County Pine Box (BCPB) fit into this debate? This is only their third album in 20 years, an average of almost 7 years between releases if you chart it mathematically. That isn’t a huge output, by anyone’s standards. But, patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait. Insert cliché here. Even though a lot of time has elapsed between releases, it hasn’t impacted the final product in any negative way. Maybe, the extra time did the band good so they could really focus on all aspects of writing, playing, and recording. After giving Cracklin’ Fuego a few earnest listens, I conclude that the extra time reaped huge dividends.
Before I begin to give a critique and insight into the film, I think it’s important to add some context. I have had a soft spot for Lucinda Williams for about 25 years now. I always listen in amazement and shake my head in disbelief that one person could write so many incredible songs. Because of this, I really thought that this would be one of the easiest reviews I have written. Well things don’t always turn out the way we expect. In fact, this has been one of the most difficult reviews. Not because of the subject matter but because I want it to be perfect and I guess my affinity towards Lucinda has censored my writing.
This LA outfit called Cave Flowers have hit a home run with their new release entitled Western Spectre. Very pleasing to the ears. At two listens through, I already love this release. This isn’t one of those records that “grows on you”. No, this was love at first sight for me. Or rather, love at first listen. If I put on my analyst hat, I would say that Western Spectre is one part Drive By Truckers, one part Byrds, one part Wilco, and one part T Rex. Yes I said T Rex. There is definitely a little bit of glam rock in this. They fuse these influences together to create something that is unique to them. If you like any of the four aforementioned bands, you will definitely enjoy Western Spectre.
Billy Strings at CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD – October 31 & November 1, 2024
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
To say this two-night run in Baltimore was great is an understatement. These are the types concerts I would read about in New York or Los Angeles and wish I could attend just one star studded extravaganza. Well, it happened right here in Baltimore. Billy Strings, the band, and all of the special guests made this one of the best concert experiences for me in a long time. Billy and company put on a spellbinding performance at CFG Bank Arena on Halloween night and the night after. The shows were not just concerts; they were theatrical journeys through sound and storytelling. Halloween night was extra special as it was an “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” theme.
Lo Carmen & The Great Beyond: Transatlantic Light (Album Review)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
I have described that feeling in the past when I listen to music for the first time and it appeals to my senses all at once. It doesn’t require a warm up period to grow on me. From the first listen, I know I love it and will continue to love it far into the future. That is the way I felt the first time I heard Transatlantic Light by Lo Carmen & The Great Beyond. Complete ear candy. The beautiful vocals, the noisy guitars that completely compliment the vocals and the perfect rhythm from the drums and bass. Without getting too verbose, Transatlantic Light is what I would say is 100% in my wheelhouse. I didn’t even mention yet that she worked with two rock and roll deities on this project, Lo’s father Peter Head and Robyn Hitchcock.
