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Compilation CD
CD Reviews

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Compilation CD

The Solomons - Self Titled EP (Popboomerang Records/MGM)

The Solomons play what I think 60's pop music mixed with powerpop and comes up trumps with a bright catchy breezey a lot of fun to listen to. The songs are polished but still have this rough pop edge around them. Songs like Evening's Empire show off the vocals of Cass Allan. Some Kind Of Aid takes be back to the good old days of pop music and a particular song off a popboomerang compilation. Ways Of Escape & Rise And Fall would be my picks off the EP I love the way they are both written and they do show off the bands ability to write a song that just hooks you in with the word go. Old Songs remind me of Ben Birchall and the way he can craft a nice little ditty. I get that vibe here. Take it from me, if pop music is done right like it is here. It ain't rocket science and The Solomons have put out a top quality pop EP just begging to be played.

Georgia Fields - Something Borrowed,Something Blue (Popboomerang Records/MGM)

Something Borrowed, Something Blue I think is a crowd favorite of Georgia Fields with the toy frog at the start. It upbeat dramatic folky pop tune that you know straight away it's Georgia Fields. Sinking Relation Ship is another crowd favorite that to me feels like a folky pop tune. But for me the standout is Happy Accidents, it's an amazing tune. just so well written and great string arragements. If these songs are to go by, the debut album will be a masterpiece.

Defend The Melody - The Longest Winter (Self Released)

2009 in Australia has been a great year for music and their have been a lot of talent who have quietly been releasing what I think are masterpieces good examples Khristian Mizzi & The Sirens & Sarah McMonagle. Along comes Defend The Melody and the genius behind it Carolyn Parry. When I first started playing this I was like what the. I never heard nothing quite like it. She got a really great voice wrapped around such beautiful dreamy music. Your taken to such a beautiful mysterious place. It part ambience and part atmospheric It helps that she have such a talent group of musos behind her who only help in making her music that extra bit more special. Good indications of the band talents is shown the beautiful written Wicked Games where the chello and the drums add and give the song vibrancy. Back Ten Fold is one of my favorites, alongside Wonder(Lullaby) . I get a hint of indian influences in some of the tracks. Morning Light has a real bright lazy laid back feel to the tune and the use of percussion is perfectly used through out the track. List finishes off the album well and I think it's a triple j and community radio station radio hit in the making and even go as far as saying I'm sure likes of Nova would pick it up. The last two tracks are remixes and are fine. This album is quite simply a masterpiece, well produced and sung. You need this in your collection. one of the most unique artists to come out of Melbourne in a long time.

Lindsay Phillips - Varning (Departed Sounds)

Lindsay Phillips is one of those artists who gigs a lot here in Melbourne. He has got a genuine real talent and knows what hard work and having great songs can do for your career. He finally puts out his debut album Varning. A real singer songwriter with country influences mixed with a dash of gothic. His voice reminds me of Nick Cave and the sean rowe. He produced and recorded an album that will leave you simply stunned. It's a true diy effort. Just he and his guitar and the occasional violin in the background, using his natural talents really sell the album and he just does with ease. The album was just recorded live using a 2 inch tape. It starts off with the powerful O Deceit with such good honest lyrics and the violin is used perfectly here. In Your Arms a real country track and his vocals are just perfect here. Legion is probably my favourite track on the album. It's such a good country ditty feels like something out of a western, the use of backing vocals sung perfectly by Melissa O'Rouke. Just a real good tune that stands on it's own two feet. Varning has a real spanish feel to it. Guitar playing is excellent. Infinality such a dark beautiful song with such beautiful backing vocals by Melissa, Lindsay perfect here. You Got Over All Those Barbed Wire Fences has a real folk feel to it with a dash of pop in the mix. It's a lovely tune, Lindsay such a storyteller and this no more certain than in the final track. The Day The Rain Broke which finishes off the album perfectly. Lindsay Phillips has released an album that is something special and really unique. An album that gives live back to the Melbourne music scene and will no doubt lead him a successful career local and overseas. Get It Folks.

Nova - Nepenthe (Self Released)

Good packing and artwork goes alongway these days for a band and their music. It will grab people attention like it did for this release. Nova are straight up a modern loud rock band. Think Stone Temple Pilots and your on the right key. It is a pretty good rock album with some solid songs like the opening track Supersonic Vagabond with good solid vocals and loud guitars will make you sit up and take notice. This release is obviously a labour of love for the band you can tell they enjoy rocking out and playing the kick ass tunes. The production values are fine and I think with future releases they will no doubt be rocking out the stadiums in no time. If you like good rock music this album worth a try.

Sienna Skies - Truest Of Colours (New Justice Records)

From the electronica opening to the finish of this album, It's full on post hardcore metal. you know the music and the bands that associate with it and you can certainly add this album to this of must haves. This is extreme,brutal and seriously rocking. The songs are tight, vocals truly stand out and the production of the album is second to none and truly first class. The keyboards and synths truly add an album of uniqueness and a touch of class to the release. When I got sent this in the mail and first put this on I was like what this, what have I been missing out on. The instrumental track Amygdala truly shows off the bands musicial talents and how really perfect they all work together. Breathe is accoustic ballad track which finishes off the album where Steven the lead singer gets to show off his vocals and that he can sing really well as well as doing the full on screaming and I think is a pretty cool track to finish off the album. The album starts off with the blistering track Worth It?. I really love the album everything is done right and the artwork truly grabbed me. This is one the best hardcore releases of 2009. If you like this kinda music done well, you need this in your collection

Annuals - Sweet Sister EP (Banter Records)

Annuals are back with their latest release Sweet Sister and it's really good. The songs are well written and performed well. It's more a laidback release unlike the last album but still retains the vibranys and energy that got me hooked onto the band in the first place. The title track Sweet Sister is a big uptempo anthem of a track. Really big and vibrant and lot's of different instruments ensure your hooked. The vocals stand up and really good grab your attention. I for some strange reason got a hint of reggae in the track. Holler And Howl is upbeat jazz bossa nova kinda track mixed with indie rock. The vocals are perfect layered into the track. Flesh And Blood reminds me of tom petty in a way and the song is cruisy and upbeat and has good uses of strings through out the song. This EP will ensure newcomes and fans a like that Annuals are still at the top of their game and that they will be putting out more good releases to come. I highly recommend.

Sarah McMonagle - Tea On Tuesday (Self Released)

Sarah McMonagle is one of the most exciting artists I've heard in a while. She has delivered in album that has heart, soul and honesty and one talented female country singer songwriter riight here in Australia. Sarah has a way of capturing stories and being able to put them to song and shows maturity and experience in music lightyears ahead of most artists on the aussie music scene. The songs at times are really sweet and at the same time beautifully written and you can feel and hear Sarah passion for her music through out the tunes. Each of the songs have a unique quality to them and I honestly reckon they could be easily played on radio. Songs like the opening track Tea Boxes And Me show off her knack of writing a song out of story and making something really special. It's a song that a really cruisey upbeat vibe with a hint of folkyness that makes you stand up and go wow. Tea On Tuesday is a really sweet and special song about a person in her neighbourhood. It's captures so beautifuly on song here with a great use of violin on the song. Sarah vocals just truly shine here. Songs like Plant Me Flowers capture what we sometime feel if we miss somebody and the use of instruments throught out the track are used to great effect. C'est La Vie is a reallly country roosty song that is so divine and toe tapping good. Songs like My Home Town show off her songwriting skills and her vocals to good effect. It is such a beautifuly written tune that just delivers something really special Look I could go on and on about the songs but once you hear the first song you won't take this cd out of your cd player. Sarah delivered an album that is some special something sweet and an album that is light years ahead of anything else coming out of Australia in a long time in the country music gene. Sarah McMonagle debut album Tea On Tuesday is the best country release of 2009 and I think she is the best young country female singer songwriter coming out of Australia in a long time. You will hear of her and you will stand up and take notice like I did.

Town Hall Steps - Self Titled (Self Released/MGM Distribution)

2009 has had some stellar local releases and the latest release by Town Hall Steps is one of the greatest discoveries I've come across. I have heard of the band but never really ventured into checking them out and when this landed in my mailbox. I was blown away. Think an alternative rock/power pop band with electronica thrown into the mix and you've pretty much got it. These guys know how to get the blend right making the music stand out and the two elements being the keyboard/synth and the guitar work well together side by side. This is very evident in the track Anyway But Here. My favorite tracks are Holding On, Anyway But Here, The Direction. This is a well written and well produced album with solid strong vocals. It's also a pretty catchy album as well. I really enjoyed this album and was a real discovery. Hope it does good things for them.

Celadore - Make Sure (Self Released/Byrneside Music Group)

When this landed in my mailbox, I was impressed with the artwork and packaging and the overall presentation of how the band sold itself. It didn't really suprise me that the music inside was actually really good. The title song Make Sure is just good honest melodic rock pop that delivers great melodies and harmonies..How Do You Feel? is a nice laid back that delivers in emotion and heartful and honesty. The two songs are both well written and both well produced. Make Sure should be a triple j anthem and blast up the airways and of course the charts. The band shows the experience and skills lightyears ahead of a lot of the bands on the scene here in melbourne and they have capture it pefectly with Make Sure a good honest tune that will leave you humming for days. I like the two songs and will be down to check them out live. I highly recommend this release can't wait to hear the next release.

Tin Alley - Out Of Control (Self Released/MGM Distribution)

Listening to Tin Alley and the title track Out Of Control, I get the words Thank You coming out of my mouth as I listen. It's great to finally hear like Celadore review above some good modern melodic rock pop bands coming out of Melbourne. I've been craving it for ages in a city that loves dirty rock'n'roll and indie rock/pop bands. The song Out Of Control is edgy and upbeat and dirving. It is a song that would of been lapped up by radio in the early 200's. It has a hint of motor ace in it. The vocals are good and the production is solid. It has been recorded well. Mind Game is a good soliid tune that draws the listener in These guys are doing big things overseas and I can see why. Out Of Control is a really good tune.

Bess Rogers - Travelback (Self Released)

The moment I heard the opening track Everything To Lose I just could not stop playing this EP. It's seriously so damn infectious, you will leave smiling and happy after listening to it. One of the other things I did was put Everything To Lose in my mixes for my tour last weekend. Bess Rogers is an extremely fine singer songwriter who can write a song with out having to do too much. She can write a song that is so infectious and the same time can be seriously moving. I love the use of instruments such as the ukulele and how much they bring to the tunes. Her songs are little poppy, a little folky and a little jazzy and you mix them together to get an EP that will get you huming for days. Dirty Lies reminds me Cat Power with the way the song is structed and written. Yellow Bird is a delightfuly sweet tune, that is beautiful written and sung. Heaven to the ears. Everything To Lose & I Don't Worry are just songs so infectious to the ears they are radio hits just waiting to happen. I just fell in love with this EP, so many lovely songs that will leave you smiling and that's the joy of great music which this is.

Boy And The Bird – Merykid (self released)

I lost the original review along with the usb stick it was on which totally sucks as the review of the EP was good. The is a good release for Merykid as it’s a little bit folk, a little bit indie rock, I get hints of The Postal Service with the first track then it turns into really folk territory. The songwriting and production values on this are top notch. You can really tell he has spent the time crafted and writing and playing such good songs. He got a good voice and really adds to the music. This EP is a really nice discovery. I can’t wait to hear more.

Georgia Fields – One Finger (Popboomerang Records)

What can I say about Georgia Fields that hasn’t been said. She is an amazing performer and her performance for her single being this one was nothing short of amazing. The single is just breathtaking, beautifully written and performed. The various instruments used thought out the song added to the track and give it life and depth. Georgia voice on the songs is amazing. But a really nice touch to the single is a live cover of Sweet Child Of Mine and I’ve seen her play it live and it’s really a must see and she does a really great version of it and it’s captured here nicely. The artwork and packaging is really well done. Is this the single of the year, Yes It Is,

The Cordova Academy Glee Club - Be Mine Or There Will Be War (Self Released)

Cordova latest release is a refreshing blend of post hardcore and punk. Good solid musicianship with good vocals, lyrics and harmonies. It one of those albums where from the first go the energy of band is constant, each song flows together easily. To be honest, this album was a refreshing change, it reminds of the underground punk bands of 90's mixed with indie rock and a dash of pop. I just totally dug what they are doing. Easily one of my favorite releases of the year so far.

Jenny Biddle - Chest

Of Drawers (Vent Entertainment)

A few months back I had one of those moments when I’ve seen a lot of gigs and was needing something fresh and original as I had been seeing the same time of artists and thought is this all there is. Well that opinion has changed a lot since then and has discovered some a really amazing artists. A few months later I was introduced to an artist out of Sydney called Jenny Biddle, the first thing I noticed was how professional and polite she was. I have seen her play three times and now she has released her debut album Chest Of Drawers. Jenny is amazing. One of the few female artists I have heard that can really play the guitar well and match that with the piano. This album is a first class debut release. It’s a mixture of upbeat bluesy tunes, passionate ballids and songs like Freezing Time that are songs that should be treshared as unofficial aussie anthems. Freezing Time starts off the album and is a song that really connected with me. To me it’s a song about love and friendship. It also should be on radio, it’s a hit waiting to happen. Chest Of Drawers where the guitar gets a workout and you will hear Jenny amazing guitar at work. Obsolete is a bluesy pop rock tune that a little funky and really catchy. Songs like Village By The Sea & Adelaide show that Jenny can write ballads with substance that leave a lasting inpression. Songs like Buzz & Come & Go show that she can craft a tune that upbeat and fresh and put a smile on your face. Our Darkest Day is a good tribute to the Victorian bush fires. I like how Jenny has used different instruments throught out the tracks. She has used the strings to good effect. She has a talent of being able to craft a tune based around the piano and songs based around the guitar and being able to put the instruments to work with it. This album is so well produced and feels like an album produced by a major label but isn’t. Their are no gimmicks here just good song-writing matched with songs that make a lasting impression that makes Chest Of Drawers one of the best albums of the year. I look forward to seeing the journey of Jenny Biddle music career.

Last November - Over The Top Or Under The Weather (Southern Track Records)

When I received this in the maill, it was something of wow. Last November are band who play modern rock and power pop and it all comes together quite nicely. It is an album that is light years ahead of a lot of bands in terms of songwriting, lyrics and production values. Songs like Sunday Afternoon, New York Rain & Butter Me Up are just masterpieces of songwriting with perfect use of Keyboards and good solid vocals and they are songs just waiting to be played and discovered and deserve radio play. Songs like The Bumper Sticker Song, Jesus Had Breakfast In Bed, Uppers, Downers, @ All-Arounders, Hot And Cold are just examples of the power pop gem on the album that are just good solid songs with good songwriting and good vocals. Merry Little Match Girl has a real country influence and is just a lovely song with great vocals, good guitar playing and it's a well written, well crafted tune. This is a fine rock album with so many good songs begging to be discovered. A great release by an American band who can see a successful career ahead.

Crystal Thompson & The Flowers Of Evil (Stovepipe Records/MGM Distribution)

Crystal Thomas is an Australian singer songwriter who manages to weave Blues,rock and alt and a little country into a refreshing album that is something really special to the ears, While listening to this album I got hints of Nick Cave, Sophie Koh. Songs like Madhouse shows off the songwriting skills of Crystal, her vocals and the talents of the backing band The Flowers Of Evil which features such talents as Clare Moore and Matt Walker who also produced the album, It's the song that reminds me off Sophie Koh. No Vacancy reminds me the most of Nick Cave and the use of male vocals in the background makes a supurb touch. It's a song that has got so much passion and fire you can really here it in the way Crystal things and the way the song is written. Songs like Beauty And The Magician, Little Blue Flowers,are songs that are totally refreshing, solid vocals,solid lyrics and some great musicianship and songwriting to match. I love the way how the song's are structured and the way they are performed. Afterthought is beautifuly sung by Crystal and her guitar playing is excellent. It then turns into this song with so much passion and energy coming throught the talents of musicians on hand. Pretty Pink Clouds is a just a good rock song with a huge blues influence and her vocals here sound a little like Nick Cave and it's just a good song. Heat Is Rising finishes off the album well with good solid vocals and melodies and it's a joy to the ears. This album is a good album full of good songs that are well written and the good press it has been getting is much deserved, you need to seek out this album now and tell your friends, she got a bright future ahead of her.

Stone Parade - Chase The Setting Sun (Ambition Entertainment/MGM Distribution)

Ok here the low down, Stone Parade are the best rock band Australia got right at the moment and they just gone and brought modern rock music to the main stage and made a killer album called Chase The Setting Sun which is an album filled with emotion and angst and bloody good tunes, plus get this they produced, recorded and engineered the whole damn thing. It sounds nothing short of first class, production values are spot on. The songs are so well written, full of passion, drive and energy. Songs like Somebody Will Miss You, In A Daze show off the band talent for writing a good solid tune that has drive, passion and is heading for radio play heaven. Songs like Chase The Setting Sun are anthem heaven, so well crafted, sung and played and with good lyrics to match, you will be singing along, you will play it loudly on your stereo and play it again and again, I did. Songs like Porcelain, Love Letters From Mrs Park shows off the bands talent for writing good solid rock tunes filled with Harmony, drive and energy with good solid vocals and lyrics and good musicianship. Greg Byrne the front man is a fine rock singer and his voice works perfectly with the tunes they have beautifully crafted here. You can feel the passion and energy coming from the bands love of playing music and it transcends into brilliant songs and first class songwriting. I love rock music and I have never been more excited than with this album Chase The Setting Sun, it moved me, it excited me and you totally need this album now and play it for days and days.

Fireside Bellows - No Time To Die (Self Released/Vitamin Records)

Fireside Bellows No Time To Die is a stunning, emasculate debut album from duo Jordie Lane and Tracy McNeil. It is one of the most beautiful, captivating debut albums to be released in a long time. The songs are beautiful written, emasculate played and times can be funny but also can be beautiful. Both Jordie and Tracy are such good song writers and their vocals match perfectly with each other. The music is country, roots and bluegrass. I first put this in my CD player and I could not let this be taken out until it had finished. Every song is so beautiful crafted and sung note perfect. The album is beautifully played and so well produced, you wouldn't believe that Jordie & Tracy have only known each other for a small amount of time. It starts off with the stunning opening track I Ain't Gonna Fall, a beautiful song dripping of gorgeous melodies and haunting vocals and such elegant musicianship, such perfect use of strings through out the track. Songs such as Hypochondriac Blues, Come Back Julie are real bluegrass tracks, just toe tapping gorgeous, just great banjo playing and such good solid vocals from both Jordie & Tracy. Songs like On The Run, In The Pines, The Last Round, No Time To Die shows of the songwriting skills of both Jordie & Tracy, shows off how good they are singers and the lyrics to match all this alongside some brilliant musicianship. These songs are elegant mysterious and beautiful all at the same time, Prime Time such a country track with good solid vocals, good musicianship, such well written and a joy to the ears and good use of trumpet and lap steel. Push Your Love Down is a bit of a rocker number that shows off Tracy vocals and her songwriting skills and it such a good track that is feel good. It finishes off with Lost Along The Way which is an amazing track and a great to finish off an amazing album. The level of talent in this band is first class, as a reviewer and a frequent punter of gigs and all; these two have seriously raised the bar for music here in Melbourne way up. I'm just blown away by how amazing this album is. How inspiring and note perfect this album really is. This took them only 5 days to record and it is something of an album that you will cherish, you will play for days, you will want to tell your friends about. This reviewer says, go buy this album and let everybody you know about it.

A Planet In Space - As The Pieces Come Together (Melodic Thump Records)

Melbourne band APlanetInSpace debut release As The Pieces Come Together is a refreshing blend of rock,metal,reggae,dub,surf rock, punk and even a little techno,synth style stuff. One minute you think it's rock/metal next minute your chilling down to some relaxing laid back tunes with good solid vocals, good guitar playing and musicianship then it even hits you with a little techno and that pretty cool and something eally unique. You get 6 tunes in total and they are all good and are produced well and well sung and well written, The EP shows a lot of talent and what of you will be hearing a lot more off and gives a good indication on the album which will be coming out soon.

Kate Rowe - The Simplest Of Things (Self Released)

Kate Rowe debut album The Simplest Of Things is a refreshing blend of folk,country,indie and pop. It’s beautiful piece of work with beautiful melodies and vocals, Inspiring lyrics and add the solid production values. You have a winner of a debut album. It starts off with Family Outing, a folk pop number that takes you on a journey into solid vocals, beautiful melodies and lyrics that drift you away. Songs like Butterfly, Talk To Me, Kitchen Shop Romantic reminds of Emily Ulman in the way it is sung, the way the songs are structured and the way the melodies flow. Catacombs is a pop number with a folk edge, it’s a song that a story, the lyrics are structured like it is telling a story. Don't Kiss Me has a bit of rhythm and blues edge to the tune, it’s a upbeat edgy number that has soul, drive and passion and Kate voice and her melodies flow through the song with ease and magic. Fred The Dog is a pop folk ditty, it's fun, it's cute, it's a really great tune with some great musicianship, great vocals, great lyrics. It's such a catchy chaming little number you can't help but sing and tap along. Jindabyne is a track that really won me over, it's such a sweet song about taking a trip to Jindabyne, it's beautiful written, beautifuly sung, such a lovely tune full of joy and harmony. Safe has layers of melodies, good solid lyrics, good vocals. It a good track that has been carefully crafted well and the results show. The Frog finishes off the album and gives the album a lovely way to finish off the album, it's a honestly well written song. The album is simply beautifuly stunning, the lyrics are just so well written, alongside Kate beautiful song writing and down to the production and mastering values of the album. This is one beautiful piece of work and you can't let this pass you buy. I will be at the next gig she plays here in Melbourne.

Sarah Hethcoat - Nobody Likes A Bully (Self Released)

Sarah Hethcoat is a singer songwriter out of LA who plays 70/90's rock tunes with a dash of pop. It is really actually quite good. It firstly a heck of a lot different than a lot of the singer songwriters coming out of the moment. The music is fresh catchy, well written with good lyrics. The first song I Hate You is a pop rock tune that deserves radio play with it's catchy lyrics and solid vocals with melodies and harmonies that are infectious. I Got You is straight up 70's rock with good solid vocals and melodies and solid musicianship. It really takes you back to the 70's rock sound even tho I wasn't born then. You Tease Me is probably my favorite off the CD, it's a really 90's pop rock tune that is sweetly sung, good solid vocals, melodies and harmonies that are divine with some good lyrics that reallly make the tune a winner. A New Day is part 90's part 70's mixed together to give a tune that is well written and well sung and a joy to listen to. Strong is a song that actually feels like it came out of 70's but splashed with a 90's edge and finish off the CD with a nice ballad number that is really refreshing to the ears. A refreshing release with a bunch of great tunes that are just totally enjoyable to listen to from an artist who is only going further.

Rolo Tomassi - Hysterics (POD/Intertia)

A few weeks back I heard about this band reading a interview in rock sound on the way to somewhere. I liked what I was ready so I decided to do some more research and now here is the review of their album and boy oh boy it's simply amazing. Right from the word go, it's nuts, it's mental, a mash of hardcore,screamo,melody and noise. I heard hints of Horse The Band,Dillinger Escape Plan and hints of minus the bear and it is seriously the most exciting release for debut album in ages that yes is a sound that is unique and totally original. At times you think you are getting this sweet little track laced with piano and keyboards sung by the powerful front women that is Eva Spense then it turns into frantic in your face hardcore number with her screaming her heart out, it's totally mind blowing. Then also you get the pulverating mentaliness of hardcore flying at you at huge gusts, just head fucking, in your face hardcore that just doesn't stop and give up, it's totally awesome with Eva powerful voice at full bore and just won't stop. This is what music is about being excited, reminding yourself why you listen to music and this band really is something so original from the heart and just mind blowing, It ends with the 15 minute anthem that is Fantasia with a fantastic piano intro. I love the use of keyboards and the awesome of use piano through out some of the tracks. It is also a nice touch when Eva sings at times along with her brother, it really does show off the talents of the band and also the superb talent that is Eva Spense. I came into this band not knowing a lot, just the buzz and came away simply gob smacked. It's simply the finest hardcore album to be released this year. A real work of art, it's brutal, in your face and totally exciting. One question why are they not playing Soundwave?

Ruby Tigers - The Deal (Van Park Music/MGM Distribution)

Ruby Tigers are a Brisbane band who play modern rock mixed with the sound of INXS which is the best way to describe them. This is their latest EP The Deal and it's really shows that the band is going places and has loads of potential for a very bright future. Their are two originals The Deal and Last Light are upbeat funky rocking numbers that shows off the bands talent in the songwriting, musicianship and the vocal area. The last song on the EP is a haunting cover of Into Temptation by Crowded House. This is a fine EP and shows the band has a very bright and long and succesful career. If they really sticks at it, I can see them being very successful as Australia needs a good rock band at the moment and I think these guys are it.

The Beautiful Burn - Bombs & Arrows (Self Released)

This is the latest release for The Beautiful Burn and it's a ripper of a release and a real change in direction for the band. The music is more now a electronica rock direction and no not the presets kinda stuff, they have a full band keyboards,guitars and a drummer. They are a melbourne band and one of the most exciting ones on the scene. The songs are really well written and produced. Drunk On Beat, shows the change in direction, more melodic with the use of keyboards use to full effect. They have three keyboard players in the band, that right 3 keyboards are used. Good solid vocals and melodies are just perfect here. Hot is my favorite songs off the the EP, it screams Anthem and deserves to be played on radio and can see the Triple J fans lapping it up. It has a perfect mix of keyboards and guitars used. Good vocals alongside some solid musicianship and it's a well crafted tune. I totally loved it. Under Starlight We Change and Bombs & Arrows show show off the use of guitars and how well the can be used alongside the keyboards and the drums. Escape From Fire Isalnd show off the talents of the band and really how far they come from the God Q days. The last songs is EFFI (Square Eyes Remix) and is a good remix. The is fine EP for the band, shows how far they have come and how far they are going to go. They have a huge amount of talent, I can see the labels chasing them down. They are a must see band live. They are pros and the time they have spent and money also to make this a winner of EP is fantastic. Highly recommend now go get.

Davey Spicer & The Creature Of Habit - Feathers & Nails (Self Released)

Firstly before I begin, I did a bit of research on the band and found out this was their second ep they released in the same year that a fair effort, they sent me both. This being their latest one it's really actually good. It's a sound that unique it's part folk,part bluesy rock and a little bit of rhythm. It's a refreshing EP with 5 well crafted well sung tunes that offer something different to the listener. they range from the upbeat happy tune Good Man to the drive anthem that is Beautiful. Shake It shows a bit of rhythm and blues in the music with reggae in the mix. Irresponsibilty is radio single waiting to be happening, it's got everything going for it. It's got good melodies and vocals and good musicianship. Liferaft is a good song just well written and well played. This is a great EP that is well produced and well played and offers more to the listen than a lot of bands at the moment and something work checking out. Beautiful is my pick off it. Expect to hear more of these guys soon.

Laura Stevenson - A Record (Quote Unquote Records)

Laura Stevenson debut album or best of album as she describes it as in the interview on this site, is truly a work of art, talent just waiting to be discovered. It is a release that is beautifully written, beautiful sung and a band behind her "The Cans" that really deliver the goods and makes this a release a must have. It's indie rock/folk music and it's something that is really refreshing to listen to. I get hints of Cat Power, Basia Bulat throught out the music even a little bit of jazz as well. I love the use of trumpets and strings throught out the music when it's needed. Laura is a great singer and her songwriter is nothing short of excellent, the song Beets Untitled is shows this. I am also loving the use of Banjo in some of the songs, excellent touch to the music. Landside Song/The Dig is a punk rock/folk ditty and the one track that is different to the rest. This is something that deserves to be heard, discovered and cherish because it's really that good.

Ryder - Get Up,Come On, Move On, I Feel Alone (Self Released/Green Media/MGM Distribution)

Due to me being quite busy with things lately, I have finally gotten around to reviewing this album by Melbourne band Ryder and take from me folks, it's very very good. Firstly the packing and the artwork is really good. The music they is roots,blues and folk music mixed together and it's truly a winning combination. It's catchy,melodic, well sung, beautifuly written and that warms you over with it's charms. Jade Myconos is a fantastic singer and her voice just truly fits well with the music around her. Songs like Alibi show off the blues and roots influences in the band with a song that is a slice of blues heaven with good guitar playing and solid melodies and solid vocals. Should be released a single. It's got radio and chart potential. Songs like Little Games,Others,Wings show off the songwriting and the way of crafting beautiful melodies alongside gorgeous vocals and harmonies. Songs like Sunshine,Pocket,The Day, Before You Know It are the laid back ballad tracks off the album. The songs that just truly win you over with the way they are written and played. Savior is one of the tracks where Trent the bass player get a chance to shine in the vocal department and he got a great voice and the track is so well written to accommodate his voice. You May be Right has a bit of a country influence in the track and it works really well alongside Jade fine singing. This is fine debut album that will ensure the band a very bright future ahead of them. Fine Stuff.

Fourth Floor Collapse - Victoria (Creative Vibe)

Victoria is the latest album by Fourth Floor Collapse and it's another fine release by the band who has along line of them. I first started listening to them when their first album came out, so I have been a fan for ages, so much so they featured on my label first release and headlined my CD launch gig. So when I heard their was a new album out by the band I had to go get it. Firstly the songwriting and singing and the production values of this album are nothing short of excellent. Michael singing is on fire on this album, the songwriting has matured and refined and the songs on here are just really good and really have come of age and are a lot different from their earlier stuff. Songs like Xmas 88 show off the melodies and rhythms and vocals and the lyrical and songwriting skills of the band. It's a great way to start off the album. Best Disguise is a pure pop number that shows off the poppy side of the band and it's a brilliant track. Same Mistake is my song of the year, I just fell in love with it's melodies and solid searing vocals by Michael. It's just an amazing track that is nicely crafted and well played. Songs like Drive On Regardless are just solid tunes with good vocals, good song structure, good lyrics, good musicianship. Songs like All Is Forgiving,Whole Lot Comes Alive where they show of the use of different instruments and the knack of making of making a songs something so much more. Songs like Without Wires show off the ballads and the mystery and depth of the band. I felt this album was something different to their earlier stuff, I felt it being fresh and really exciting. One thing that Fourth Floor Collapse love to do and it's a thing they have done on the last two albums have an acoustic number to finish off the album and it's always a nice touch. This album have been solidly produced, it's sound like something a major label or an indie label with money would put out and the packing is really great two, nicely done. Seriously folks this is an album that must not pass you by. It's an amazing album, a real turning point for the band. I was taken aback It's work of art, a beautiful achievement and I hope that the industry and music lovers stand up and takes notice and I hope that it will lead them to a future overseas.

The Weekend People - Murder On The Mind (Self Released)

Murder On The Mind is the debut single for The Weekend People a Melbourne band and it is a really great track. It is a dark spacey pop rock song that takes you to a beautiful place. It's a well written well played, well sung track that is truly something. Mark Woodward has sung and crafted a fine tune that deserves to be heard. They are doing something a little different. When I saw them play last night, they were amazing and I immediately thought of the style of their music as Piano Punk. They have talent and I eagerly await the album. Top Stuff.

Koopa - Gimme It Back (Pied Piper Records)

Koopa is a English band who has a lot of buzz at the moment and it's all for the right reasons. They play Punk Music . Song Gimme It Back is an upbeat edgy punk rock tune that is gritty, rocking and fresh sounding. Solid vocals, solid productions values but we will get to that later on, good solid musicianship. I had never heard of this band before but well now I know that these guys are on to something. They are doing something really cool here and the buzz is well worth it. If you love punk music that isn't straight up old school punk rock and that isn't punk pop. You'll love this then. I can't wait to hear the album. The label has pulled out all the big bucks for this as Mark Hoppus is producing the album. You get the radio edit,album edit and yes a remix by Josh Abraham. I can see a bright future for this band. Music at it's best.

Morgan - Fall Away (Self Released)

Morgan is a singer songwriter from Perth, who came to my fair city of Melbourne on her self booked tour of Australia. I happened to be at a gig at The ESPY where Damn The Maps were playing and she happened to be there. So we started chatting as I added her myspace a few months back and she left a comment the day of the gig. So she passed me on her EP and I saw play again on the Friday at the classy new venue Spensers Live. Morgan plays pop music with a dash of folk in her tunes. The EP comes with 4 lively upbeat pop tracks that really show off Morgan voice and her songwriting skills. Plus 2 acoustic numbers. The lyrics are also good and give some depth and really add to the music. The songs have little hints of the late 90's aussie pop tunes from singer songwriters who were heavily on aussie radio back in that period. Morgan in her vocals reminds me a lot of Katie Michaelson, a Melbourne based singer songwriter. It is a well produced and well played EP with a good solid backing band to help get Morgan tunes to life. She is an artist who I reckon that is going to do very very well. She got talent, got a voice and songwriting skills to match. This EP is an indication of what you will be very much hearing in a bigger scale soon. She also gave me some of her newer stuff from this year and that already shows that.

Lydia Phillips Live At The Retreat 29/10/08

Lydia Phillips is my favorite singer songwriter on the Melbourne music scene. She also has done a gig I have organised where she headlined and I have given her some publicity on this website. I hadn't seen her in a while, been away, when she has gigs some times I can't go but tonight I did and as always she was amazing. She got a really lovely voice and she really shines on the piano and guitar. She has a great backing band and she played my favorite song of her Me And The Moon. She can really write a tune and knows how to magically craft it. The last song she played is one of her newer tunes and it's really ace. She got talent and I know sooner or later some one will discover what she got and give her the recognition she deserves. She tells me she got an album in the works next year. The EP is amazing and I know the album gonna be even better. So go check her out when she plays next as she really really good live and I've been saying that for ages.

Lenka Live At Toff In Town 27/10/08

Lenka is one of the hot new Australian artists who doing big things overseas with songs in TV shows and having a record deal with Sony BMG. So naturally they would release the album here in Australia, so she came back to promote and do a little tour. So I saw her play Monday nite. She plays quite simply lovely pop tunes that she writes and sings. She has a great backing band and the tunes are really fab. The songs are joyful and upbeat and will have you dancing in your seat. She will do well and she can sing amazingly. I can see her having a long and lasting career. You have decoder ring to thank for discovering what talent she has. She used to be a actor.

Washington Live @ Yah's Yah's 25/10/08

2 days ago I was doing gig related stuff on MySpace when I discovered on my travels an artist known as Washington. I notice she playing a gig at the new venue Yah's Yah's owned and run by the bar open/pony mob on Saturday. I go and check her out not knowing what to expect because I didn't listen to her stuff on the myspace page. Well I was in for a real shock as she simply blew me away. Yes I do give reviews which are kind to towards the bands and people involved. So when she first walks up on stage and just plays the synthesizer and her singing she completely made the whole room quiet and right now today I can still hear that tune in my head and that to me is a sign of a good song. Her captivating voice, her array of upbeat melodic tunes with her amazing backing band completely won me over. I go to a lot of gigs due to what I am trying to do with my life and all and this is one of the first times where I have been completely glued to the stage being focused on her and her music. After that first song she jumps onto the Keyboard where she rocks out on stage with her band members, I like the good use of trumpet in some of the songs. I also like the story she told which she wrote a song about which was fantastic. Their was a slight technical difficulty but that did not distract you from what the magical musical talent you were seeing on stage. I was completely stunned, I know sooner or later the majors will start chasing after her. Go check her out live as soon as you can because you are in for a real treat and you seriously won't be disappointed

Damn the Maps - Input Output (Vent Music)

OK Kids I want to tell you about this shit hot band I have heard of called Damn the Maps, they are from Melbourne Australia and they are seriously really good and so is their debut album Input Output. They play a style of Alternative Rock that is really refreshing. It’s a little rocking, a little funky, a little heavy and melodic and you got it. It sounds totally original and really exciting to the ears. The album starts off with We Thought We Seen It All, a great song that talk about well Information & Technology and why I have so many myspace friends and why I haven’t seen any of them, why are their cameras everywhere and yes about reading so many emails each day. The songs range from subjects such as the song Real Girls which is about to me how TV and Media talks about how girls should look which is fake and plastic and oh you better lose some weight too. The song The Way It Was is well probably a song which should have been out a few years earlier as it really speaks about materialist things and wanting it back the way it was when we didn’t care about that stuff. Maybe people should have listened to this song a lot earlier then maybe we would have the money crisis we have now. One Of Those Days another favourite of mine off the album, is one of the laid back tunes on the album that truly shows of the song writing skills and lyrical skills of Martin Green the front man and the songwriter of the band I truly honestly love this album; Martin Green the front man got a great voice, he a magical bass player and truly does some awesome stuff on the bass. The songs are honestly well written, a joy to the ears and they have something to say which is really refreshing. The band work really well together and it shows thought out the tunes. But for those that want a good simple description think COG Meets Radiohead and you got a pretty good idea. Damn The Maps are doing something that is worth checking out, it’s different to a lot of what a lot of other people are doing at the moment here in Aussie and I know if they persist like COG, Shihad did they will come out tops, one of the great albums of the year, A Must Listen and a must see band live too.

Amanda Rogers - Heartwood (DIT Records)

A few years ago in a period of my life where I was doing something else, one day I discovered by chance Amanda Rogers and was blown away by her music. I was lucky enough to interview her and was really lucky and was so stoked and happy when she agreed to be on my label first release which is a compilation. She since the interview and all has become my favourite singer songwriter. But putting aside my bias, I am here to review the new album by Amanda Rogers which is Heartwood and boy did I get excited when I first heard the first note. It is such a beautiful inspiring piece of work. It is an album which written and crafted by somebody who loves to play and write beautiful music. The album is an amazing step up from the EP in 2005. The album starts off with the beautiful and short but sweet I’m Awake, then onto to beautiful driving ballad Drive with its captivating melodies and vocals. Endless Sunday is a jazzy blues fuelled pop track with good solid vocals melodies and harmonies. Hibernating is a sweet pop jazzy track with good solid vocals that really standout here. It’s a cute breezy happy pop tune that stands out. This Beauty is a beautiful haunting track that makes good use of a string section. Her vocals really stand out here and the honesty of words truly shines here. Cabin Muse is a beautiful song, one of the stands out here. Beautifully perform and sung by Amanda, it’s an upbeat ballad of passion that really stands out. Trembling Hands is classic Amanda Rogers, reminds me a lot of her earlier work and it’s makes good use of strings and melodies and Amanda piano playing is on fire. Fate’s Northern Shore is one song on this album that well brought a little tear to my eye. I really connected to this song. It’s a beautiful song to me which is about life and sung so well and has such good lyrics. Amanda Piano playing is solid alongside all the other talented musos on the track. It just works on so many levels and it’s an inspiring piece of work. Operator reminds me of those’s 70 rock pop ballads like Carly Simons with rollicking energy, it’s feel good vibe, good solid vocals and lyrics that really suit the song well. Ella Faints is another lovely track with Amanda solid vocals alongside some good piano playing. Ghost Of You is a straight up ballad and it’s one of the songs that work well as a single. Amanda vocal’s are on fire here and matched alongside good use of strings. It’s a really lovely song. Lullabye finishes off the album well short but sweet, a beautiful way to finish off what is an incredible album, one of the most inspiring, haunting, beautiful pieces of work in a decade. This is my album of the year. Amanda Rogers is an incredible artist and is far superior and light years ahead of a lot of artists on Major Labels at the moment. If you want to come away feeling moved, touched and inspired you must get this album. I hope one day I will be lucky enough to see her play live. Excuse me I have to go play this album again.

Georgia Fields - Something Borrowed, Something Blue (Self Released)

Georgia Fields is probably the most popular female singer songwriter on the Melbourne Music scene right now and for good reason. She really really amazing and probably the sooner or later she will get snaped up by a label which will hopefully know what they have got. She is a must see live, This is her latest release Something Borrowed, Something Blue, which is basically the title song and a live recording of Little Vices. Something Borrowed, Something Blue is a pop jazz song which uses a wide variety of instruments including one of those frogg things that people have at their houses which makes a frog croking when you walk past it and it's a lovely upbeat jazzy feel good tune that really warms the heart. Little Vices is a lovely tune really something sweet. If you are late into discovering Georgia Fields she is really something special and doing something unique with her music and you can really feel the passion in the music. You can pick this up at her gigs I can't wait for more.

Hey Wella -H.R. (DC Hardcore)

Hey Wella is the latest solo album by H.R., the lead singer of the legendary hardcore band Bad Brains and with that in mind, you know your gonna get a good album and yes it doesn't dissapoint. The album manages to blend hardcore and reggae with a dash of hip hop to the boil. The one thing that is constant through out this album is that H.R. sings like spoken word through out the album. Hey Wella has laidback slow guitars with a real hip hop vibe in the music and the vocals. But I still get the hardcore music in the track that H.R. is known for. Did I Tell U I Love U.In The City, Reborn From The Dead. You Got A Girlfriend are examples of the solid straight up hardcore songs on the album and they are all fine tracks. All The Happy People has a real reggae influence in the song. It's a really laid back track with good solid vocals and good solid musicianship. It's a good track that matched with good vocals by H.R. Yo, Here We Go, It's On, Luv Comes First,We Belong Together are examples of the reggae dub hip hop style tracks on the album and they are all good. Just good solid cruzy chilled out tunes that are well written and well produced. It finishes off with a jazz remix of Hey Wella. Hey Wella is a fine album and good solid return to form for H.R. If you a fan of Bad Brains or not, this an album that worthy of your collection. Get It now.

The Aerial Maps - In The Blinding Sunlight (Popboomerang Records)

This is the debut album for The Aerial Maps and it's a unique interesting album where it tells stories, unique Australian Stories spoke by the front man for the band Adam Gibson. The music is pop aussie music with unique Australian tales that is different with every song. The songs are well crafted and written and the stories are fun to listen to. It's make me feel really aussie when I'm actually not. The first song On The Punt is about dad who likes to bet on horses. One Of Those Nights is one of my favorites off the album it's about fighting and about famous muso dying. Everyone's Eyes Are Always Much Smaller, As Good As... show the song structure in the bands music alongside with lyrics and use of instruments to accommodate what he has spoken. The Shark is another favorite mine as I really liked the use of piano and the way the story is told. The song is just Adam speaking and just the Piano and it's a corker of a track. The Building Of The Breakwall is another great track has good use of various instruments throughtout the track and it is a another nice song. There are eleven tracks in total and they are all something special. When I first heard this I was like wow this is something different, yes their have been things like this before but this isn't jokey comedy stuff. This is something unique, something Australian, something to be proud of and cherish. You are taken on a journey, a story that is something different on every track. Yes their will be comparisons to some of our other famous storytellers in this country but the stories he tells they are really good. I'm normally not into this stuff and all but I quite enjoyed the journey I took with The Aerial Maps. They are doing something different amongst the woddles of crap out their at the moment and I am sure that this will stand the test of time.

Skipping Girl Vinegar - Sift The Noise (Popboomerang Records)

If you haven't heard of Skipping Girl Vinegar by now then where have you been. They have been one of the biggest buzz bands around the Melbourne music scene, who has had majors and major indies from all over fighting for this band but they decided to stay with Popboomerang and this is their debut album Sift The Noise and the hype and buzz is well worth it. It's starts off with the hit and catchy One Chance that will have dancing and tapping and clapping away with it's beat and guitar playing, It's truly a slice of pop heaven. Sift The Noise is the title track and it's a beautiful breezy feel good slice of pop that truly shines and shows off the songwriting and musicianship of the band. It's a song that has good use of trumpets and strings. It's a solid song that is another good choise for a single. Fighting With Gravity, Wandered,Here Come The Lies are some of the ballad numbers that show off the truly talents of the band and Mark solid vocals and really shows off the solid productions of the band. River Road is one of my favorite tracks off the album, it's such a lovely track . It's just guitars and a organ in the background, good solid vocals and it reminds me of those camp fire songs we used sing around camp. It has that vibe to it. Cold Comes The Night firstly the song reminded me a lot of Fourth Floor Collapse and songs they write where it's just their accoustic guitar and also the way Mark vocals are on the track reminded me of a lot of Michael singing from Fourth Floor Collapse. Sinking is another catchy number, good use of banjo. it's just a non stop party. It shows off also how good the band are writing tunes that are so irresistible. Drove For Miles just another beautiful song by the band and is such a lovely tune with sweet vocals and beautiful melodies and harmonies and really shines. The Passing finishes off the album well and another good solid track. Take it from me this is seriously the first album in all my years of reviewing where every track is so good. It is one of the beautiful albums I have heard in ages. The album of the year for me. It's seriously one of the most exciting albums to come out of Australia in a long time. They have seriously set the bar for music in Australia. If you haven't seen them live yet, you don't know what your missing out on.

Mezz Coleman - My Little World (First Birth Records)

Mezz Coleman is one of the many talented singer songwriters on the Melbourne Music Scene, she has played gigs with two people who have also been reviewed on this site Lydia Phillips, Rosaline Yuen and this is her debut release My Little World and it's really good. Firstly she has spent the time to produce and craft tunes that are worthy of radio play. It starts off with My Little World is a nice breezy pop/jazz/soul tune with good solid vocals, melodies and harmonies and good honest songwriting that shows off the depth of her abilities as a songwriter. Did You Know is a straight up pop rock song that has a little blues and jazz influences in there. It reminds me a lot of late 90's/early 2000 that was coming out of Australia and it's a good song that really shows of her vocals and her talents. Beautiful Dreamer is a ballad track that is beautifuly written, honestly sung and it's a song really shows off her talents and how to craft a tune that is a joy to the ears. All I Wanna Do is a delightful ballad that just Mezz on the piano with a volin and it's really shines with her amazing voice and her amazing piano playing and her good use of strings. It is a beautifuly written tune that really shines. Peace really let's the jazz and soul influences really shine through out the track and it's good some solid guitar playing and good musicianship alround and really solid vocals that really do shine. The last song is a remix of Did You Know and it's a good remix. This is a solid debut release for Mezz Coleman. It's worth checking out and checking her out live which she does quite a bit. Top stuff.

Highroad No.28 - Stumbling To Divinity (DSM99 Records)

The first thing about this album is gone are the heavy guitars and more of melodic dense atmospheric ride of music. Secondly the production values of this album are very good. What you get from this album is something really good, music that takes you on Journey. The heavy guitars are still there but they are used to greater affect and are layered with the keyboards, synthesizers and techno beats. The songs are more ballad type numbers, gone are the days of alt rock/helmet style music and more about melodies and harmonies and density. Then songs like Bleed Torment, Despair, Agony, Danny Go On, is throwback to the older stuff which they had been playing but add a dash of the new stuff for good measure and makes it sound really good. Isotopic has got the guitars but it’s feels like a new wave rock song in the darker direction. It sounds really fresh and exciting. If They Died, Could I Survive? Is a great track with everything working well, good vocals, melodies and harmonies, good musicianship and just a good song that has everything going for it. And I Suffer shows off the power ballad stuff off the band if you can call it that and it’s a great track with good solid vocals and melodies and harmonies and it’s just a great song that shows off how far Andrew has come with the song writing and the diversity of his talents, This album is a very new direction for Highroad No.28. The vocals are much better; it’s a much better produced album and very a bold and exciting new direction for the band. I like where the band has gone and I for one can’t wait to hear where the band goes next. 2 thumbs up.

Freak Out EP – The Wellingtons (Popboomerang Records)

Freak Out is the latest release for The Wellingtons here in Australia, yes it been out a while but I figured it’s time to review this EP before they go on their overseas tour to Japan, Spain, England & The USA where their new album Heading North For The Winter is going to be released or already is released before us Aussies get it. So go check them out when they hit your neck of the woods. Now is the EP is tops. 5 catchy slices of power pop heaven with the rocking title track Freak Out, the very catchy I Get My Heart Broken Everyday to songs like the power pop ballads Gone & There’s A Girl. You even get for your money 4 videos you can watch on your computer. It’s seriously parting with your cash. It’s got 5 kick ass tunes and 4 videos you can watch. What’s not to like. The Wellingtons rock and so does the EP. So go check them out on tour if you live in those countries and hit up their myspace Here

Bryan Estepa – Sunday Best (Popboomerang Records)

Brian Estepa is a singer songwriter from Sydney and this is his latest album Sunday Best and it’s a cracker of an album. Brian is a huge fan of The Beach Boys and the influence shows through in his music and his tribute to Carl Wilson on this album that is titled Carl Wilson. I also got You Am I, Charles Jenkins/Ice Cream Hands influences which shined through out his music. It starts off with Aches And Shakes which is a real pop song that really shows off his influences. It’s a great song that is truly well written, a brilliantly crafted tune that really reminds me off late 90’s and early 20’s aussie pop tunes that were coming out and not the sugar coated mainstream crap that is feed to people. The song Carl Wilson is Brian ballad his tribute, his fan worship to Carl Wilson and it’s a great song written with such joy and harmony. You can’t but help get into the tune and his love for Carl Wilson. Songs like Stars, Worry Me None shows of the softer side of Bryan and his natural ability to write a lovely song that a joy to listen to and how weaves melodies and harmonies together so effortless. Myself is the rock song off the album where it’s a chance to show off the Brian is also has the knack of writing a rock song as well as the pop songs. Skipping Days is one of favourites off the album. It’s just a really great song with good solid vocals, melodies and harmonies. It’s a song that I could see on radio. It’s one of those rock pop anthem ballad numbers that reminds me so much of You Am I. The guitar playing on this song is excellent and Bryan vocals really shine here and naturally so do his song writing. Second Guess is another favourite with Bryan and his guitar and harpsichord and organ and is a nice solid song that shows off his vocals and his song writing talents. It finishes off with Sunday Best is a pop ballad that truly should be released as a single and released to radio as I could see this doing very well. It’s got solid vocals and good musicianship all round and it’s a finely crafted tune by Bryan. It’s such a lovely song to finish off the album well and yes it’s the one song that really has The Beach Boys influence shine in. Take it from me this one fine album and you know need it now. He a better singer songwriter than most and knows how to write a damn fine pop tune. We should be lucky to have some one as Bryan in our country. We need more singer songwriters like him. A first class pop album that shines.

Jenny Dalton -Rusalka's Umbrella (Glossy Shoebox Productions)

Jenny Dalton latest album is something amazing and I have been a fan of her music for ages and yes she is even on my compilation CD for my label first release. If I had my way I would immediately tell you to go by her album because it is really that good but since I am a reviewer I have to tell you the many reasons why you should. Jenny has made an album that is very moving and also at the same time a joy to listen to. It's starts off with the beautiful driving ballad of Better Known Vacancy with it's lush melodies and harmonies and haunting vocals and beautiful piano playing by Jenny, Songs like The Turn And The River shows