Echoreview: BAMBARA's DREAMVIOLENCE

BAMBARA's back, you guys.  From Athens, Georgia to Brooklyn, New York, these guys have made a name for themselves in the noise rock scene.  Since their emergence several years ago, they've blasted eardrums across the country with their rampant, unpredictable melodies and pounding rhythm.  DREAMVIOLENCE, their first full-length album in almost five years, delves even deeper into the wild, haunted darkness they've made their own.  So what's the word on this upcoming release?

An awesome driving baseline and a varied tempo make All The Same, one of my newer favorites of the band's tunes that I recognized from their live show, a righteous beginning to the album.  Listening to it, I immediately felt as if I had arrived at an ancient Aztec temple in the heart of a rainforest, populated with creepy, almost inhuman voices.  White Dresses follows this track with monstrous, underlying tones of horror that continue throughout the record.

Free of inhibitions, with a wildly strong and intensely sexy beat, Bird Calls reveals itself among explosions of noise.  Then the deliciously dark Hawk Bones, probably my favorite track on the album and certainly one I've enjoyed from their live shows, bursts on the scene with a sound that transports me into the throne room of a party king.

After the echoing jaunt of Young Mother and the untempered and jarring Nail Polish, Train Daze rolls in with a softer edge, charging through the pitch black tunnels of the darkest places in the mind. Then Bar jumps on board, an almost upbeat track compared to the rest of the album.  A strange and not entirely cohesive pause in the record, this tune features an eerie thread running through a more standard alt rock melody.

Structure is largely abandoned in the later tracks, the screeching and mechanical Divine Teeth, the smoky Z, the melodically metallic and angry Breaker, and the hauntingly animalistic Blonde. However, these songs fulfill the ongoing nightmarish premise of the album with their wildly erratic styles and borderless explorations of noise. Then, with a villainous whisper and a crash of finality, Disappear provides a fitting end to the record.

Throughout the album, BAMBARA's sound never ceases to be evocative.  It transports the listener through time and space in a haze of color and destruction not bound by the constraints of reality and expectation.  Rather than conform their style to the audience, with each album release they instead venture further into the uncharted soundscape to establish new bounds of explosive rock and eerie melodic noise.

Pumped to get your hands on DREAMVIOLENCE?  BAMBARA's official release date for the album is April 30th, but you can let your ears in on a taste of their sound over at Spin.com where they are currently streaming a preview of the full record.  Enjoy!

Echoreyn of Athens turns 3 and gives you a chance to win CDs!

Wow, I can't believe it's been three years since I began experiencing and writing about our amazing music scene as Echoreyn of Athens!  It seems like it's been both much longer and much shorter than that.  On one hand, I can hardly remember what my life was like before I had this scene and these musicians and this music.  I've seen bands emerge victorious, bands bid their final farewells, and bands reborn again.  I've weathered the losses of favorite venues and favorite rockers.  But, in the scheme of things, I've also found that I have so much yet to experience.  I've only had a taste of touring, a hint of the struggles musicians face, and a small glimpse of what large-scale success looks like.

I must say, though, this year has been a wild one for Echoreyn of Athens.  I attended my first Music Midtown, traveled with one of my favorite bands to New York City, and had the night of a lifetime as a Reptar house party exploded into an event that will be talked about in the scene for years to come.  And so much more joy awaits us in the scene!  Athfest 2012 is fast approaching, and you can count on Echoreyn of Athens to feature extensive coverage of the festival as always.  There's also sure to be even more exciting events we have yet to even dream of as we enjoy our next year on the scene.

And hey, why don't you join in our birthday celebrations!  How about we turn the tables this time, and give you a gift instead as a thank you for being such loyal readers of this blog.  A few of our favorite Athens music CDs are up for grabs to the first person (in the continental US) who sends a message to echoreyn@gmail.com with the answers to the following questions below:

1. What is the current and former name of the band that opened for Reptar at their memorable house show in mid-February?

2. What are the names of at least two of the bands besides Coldplay that played at Music Midtown this past year in Atlanta?

You can find answers to both of these trivia questions here on the blog.  Good luck on your search, and thanks for three incredible years in the scene!

~ Kristen

Echoreview: Doctor Squid "Changes the Channel"

Doctor Squid has carved out quite a fanbase for itself here in Athens.  Not one to remain content coloring within the lines, this band redefines fun with their undeniably catchy pop rock and their massive yearly holiday events.  Even if you think you've never heard a Doctor Squid song before, it's more than likely that, when their hit On My Way - better known as the Whoa song - starts playing, you'll sing along.  This Monday at the fourth annual Squidmas celebration at the Melting Point, they'll be releasing their long-awaited second album Changes the Channel.  So how does this one measure up?

Through Your Eyes sets the tone for the album with a much slower and softer tune than many of their earlier hits.   However, singer Larry's Weezer-like voice quality and near falsetto sound brings this laidback tune straight into the classic and distinctive Doctor Squid style. Following this, Regret It and Let It, an upbeat and bouncy fan favorite from their live shows, dances in.  Always a crowd pleaser, there's something about this one that also makes it seem like a perfect choice for just laying back and basking in the happiness of a good day as well.

Another familiar one for fans of their shows, Carry On gives a rock-filled introspective take on picking up the pieces and moving on from a hard situation.  It almost feels like something from a 90s sitcom but only in the best way possible in that it brings on positive vibes and good memories.  The very poppy and very indie As Soon As I Discern, though featuring a definite difference in sound, has quite a similar feel to it.  Undoubtably one of my very favorite tunes since I fell in love with it at one of their live shows many months ago, the next track You Got It has a surprise in store for longtime fans.  To add this song as a cohesive piece to the new album, the lyrics were altered quite a bit which will definitely take some getting used to.  However, either way, I just can't get enough of this one.

Come Around stands apart from every other Doctor Squid song I've ever heard.  More of a melancholy and mature ballad layered with rock and flavored with wonderful harmony, it brings another level of unexpected depth to the record.

Rock Solid, a fun return to their staple of passionately-yelled vocals, and If You Do, another bouncy favorite from the band's live shows, bring with them our next dose of the catchy and dance-inducing Doctor Squid style that never fails to put a smile on everyone's faces.  Likewise, To the Snow and Askew follow in the band's awesome and well-loved method of creating soft and slow pop tunes that burst into satisfying rock choruses.  I absolutely loved the style of Askew in particular.

The second to last tune Keeping Me Away starts off with a sound that is rather alien... Is there a musical saw in the house? It quickly morphs to become a softer pop song that, when joined with a rock style, gains a beat that begins to feel like a call to action.  Through Any Eyes, the perfect bookend track for the first song Through Your Eyes, capitalizes on Doctor Squid's unique style to create a very strong conclusion to the album.   A powerful anthem for moving on and standing on your own, this tune provides a wonderful ending to the record's cohesive lineup of songs about letting go and starting over.

This album is certainly quite a bit calmer, softer, and more subdued than their first one, but in many ways, it is also much more solid and well-put together.  Without a doubt, this record displays their incredible growth as a band.  And even when the subject matter is sadder or darker than one might expect, there's something about hearing this band's music that never fails to make the listener feel great.  Dying to get your hands on a copy of Doctor Squid Changes the Channel?  Don't miss their album release show this Monday with the Warm Fuzzies and Groove Tangent over at the Melting Point in Athens.  What a Squidmas this will be!

Echoreview: Rainbow Ghost's Tell Us How You Really Feel EP

You know me. I'm always on the lookout for the newest sounds emerging from our town! Rainbow Ghost, a brand new local music project, is about as fresh as it gets. Sweet and sincere, Rainbow Ghost's indie synth pop style and honest lyrics are definitely worth a listen. So what are his tunes like?

The Tell Us How You Really Feel EP begins with the track What Went Wrong, a pop rock-fueled melody on the tribulations of being a loner and having to watch everyone else make friends, grow up, and get married. Being quite an introverted person myself, I can totally relate to this tune, and beyond the lyrics, I fully enjoyed the musician's beautiful use of the piano towards the end of the song as well. With regards to the sweet style of this tune, I have no doubt it would be a big hit among fans of the local bands Doctor Squid and the Warm Fuzzies. Falling Apart flows from the previous song with a soft, almost video game sort of feel. Impressively radio ready for a track from such a new music project, this tune is really the perfect song for pensively looking out the window as rain falls softly outside. I've gotta say, I absolutely love this one!

An awesome transition leads into Brittle, a more upbeat, often repetitive song for anyone who has ever felt fragile or broken before. Reminiscent of some of the sweetest Venice is Sinking tunes, I definitely could relate to this one as well.

The album ends on a quiet note of hope and desperation with the soft guitar strumming of Maybe It's Time. Speaking of the struggle to take control and make changes, this gorgeous and endearing melody concludes the record rather perfectly. I must admit, it's a rare time when I feel like an entire EP is a success, but from start to finish, Tell Us How You Really Feel is a sweetly melancholy, truthful, and cohesive collection of soul-baring melodies.

Want to sample Rainbow Ghost's sound for yourself? You can download all of these tracks over on his website here. Enjoy the tunes, my friends!

Bands, don't forget to submit your songs!

Can it really be time to prepare for Athfest 2012 already? Well, don't freak out just yet! We've still got many months till our town's biggest music festival takes place. However, now is the time for bands to choose and submit their songs to be considered for inclusion on this year's Athfest CD. The songs can be brand new, previously unreleased tunes (these are generally preferred) or melodies featured on your latest album. Truly it's a great way to get your music heard by quite a wide audience of just about every fan of the local scene this summer.

Want to submit one of your own songs? Here's the form! Good luck, you guys!

Echoreview: the Athens band's Animals EP

Recently released online, the Athens band's newest EP, Animals, is quite a step up from their earlier recordings. A few years ago, as young teens, they made a big splash on the scene with their rather impressive natural talent, but as they have matured, they've honed the quality of their craft as well. The band's classic rock style has gained a stronger, harder edge, and it's clear they've worked to produce a more cohesive sound. So what's the word on their latest tunes?

The EP begins with the title track, Animals (Mama Said), which proves to be my favorite tune on the album. The song's thundering intro provides the perfect start to the record as it builds to an intense peak before all of the band's instruments blast onto the scene. Then vocals that almost resemble those of a young Michael Jackson leap and wind their way through the tune. Listeners might remember this song from the band's music video which debuted last summer and won a Flagpole Award for Viewer's Choice Video.

Softer and slower in its execution, Rainbow drifts in next. While the song comes off as being a bit forced at times, I just love the lyrics in this one. They're so full of hope! Then She'll Wait, another of my favorite tracks, enters the scene. I very much enjoy the rolling style of this song. Something about it just makes it easy to imagine the band playing this tune in arenas, surrounded by screaming fans.

Longtime listeners of the Athens band will probably recognize the final tune on this EP as well. She Don't Even Know, the song responsible for their very first Viewer's Choice Video award in 2010, concludes the album in a stripped down, much harder and darker version of the tune. While it differs markedly from its original incarnation, whispered lyrics and sparse but satisfying backing vocals definately make this song a strong ending to the record.

Want to get your hands on these tunes so you can hear them for yourself? Well, you're in luck! They are all available for download from Bandcamp right here. Enjoy!

Echoreview: Grey Milk's Nocturnal EP

Currently based out of Athens, GA, Grey Milk is a wonderfully unique music project with an ever-varying lineup of members headed by Jesse Houle. In its several years of existence, the band has released multiple records, and its soft indie folk style, acoustic sound, and raw vocals pervade each one of these albums including their brand new EP Nocturnal. This latest release in particular seems to hearken to a time spent outdoors in the peaceful countryside.

The EP begins with the darkly-titled Gathering Your Bones, a very indie melody with a bit of a southern feel that blends with soft vocals reminiscent of hooting owls. Fittingly, this tune ends with the sounds of the night that melt into So Long, the first of the upbeat offerings on this album. Listening to this track, I felt like I was a guest at a country gathering as dusk settles in and the glow of the campfire dances playfully across everyone's faces.

Next, Glow washes in, a soft and sweet, very unique song strengthened by a hint of bass. With snaps as percussion in the background, this quickly became my one of my favorites on the album. Then the Answer, another quirky upbeat tune, bounces onto the record. Sung as a sort of round and finishing with a purely a capella ending, I was blown away by the creativity in this track.

The final piece of music on the album is Satellites and Sanitariums. This guitar-filled stroll, if a bit cheesy with its naming of various cities around the United States, builds to quite a strong climax before fading into one of my favorite lyrics, 'Living the way we do doesn't make sense to most people... but it doesn't have to." These words lead perfectly into Spring Nocturne, a track of night sounds that fill the air as the animals that thrive in darkness come out to play. Voices and footsteps along with the distant whistle of a train tenderly carry the listener back into civilization as the album ends.

Truly, this is the perfect CD to listen to as you relax outdoors on a comfortable night. Want to check out this EP for yourself? You can listen to, download, and buy Nocturnal right here!

Echoreview: Mark Tulk's Central State

A former resident of Australia and a relative newcomer to the Athens scene, Mark Tulk brings us a unique mix of soft, unstructured melodies and gothic,

piano-laden tunes

. His sound differs markedly from that of many of our current local bands, but this serves to make his music stand out from the crowd. Central State, his second album and first to be recorded in Athens, will be released to the general public on July 30th. So, how would we describe the record?

The first song Open Sky enters with the whisper of a very soft, deconstructed melody, a serene rule-breaker. Likewise, Speak No More follows it with a very peaceful tune that maintains its almost too calm existence even while it builds to a heightened rhythm.

Fittingly, the next melody Ghosts wafts in on an eerie breeze. As it grows, organ-style tones and echo-filled vocals lend an even more haunting feel to the tune. This song leads easily into the title track, a chillingly soft and somber number, filled with darkness.

Highlighted by sweet lyrics and a smooth string-driven melody layered over a gritty sound, Rain ushers in a much more upbeat set of tracks. Over You Go, undoubtably my favorite tune on the album, follows this song with its rhythm-based sound and clear pop folk influences. Then bouncy dance folk marks the entrance of Fellowship Cult Blues. A true departure from the first few tracks, this particular segment of the record almost feels like a separate album at times.

However, the poppy, piano-laced Spirit returns to a softer style that continues through the ethereal Shadow Light. Lovely backing vocal melodies truly bring this tune to life! Then Now We Are carries the record to its soft, peaceful end as the faint chiming of tones fades into silence.

While not entirely cohesive with regards to style, the soft darkness of Mark Tulk's sound holds the album together quite well. It serves as a wonderful introduction to his music for the people of the Athens scene. Want to give these melodies a listen? You can check out Central State for yourself right here!

Echoreview: Pholksinger Josh & Friends' Watermelon Mountain

Released just last week, Pholksinger Josh and Friends' latest album Watermelon Mountain showcases the unique and varied talents of this "gangsta folk" musician and his comrades. Featuring a richer sound than that of his previous album Southern Dirt, Josh Rosenstein's time spent in the Carolina mountains has clearly had an influence on the band's already established harmonica and banjo-laced spoken word style. So what do these new tunes hold in store for their listeners?

The album begins with Bound to Die, a tune that flows like water behind Josh's speech-based rhythm. With the addition of a chorus of singers faintly chiming in, the song proves to be rather upbeat and quite enjoyable for a tune about death. A lovely instrumental melody with a sweet, rollicking sound bridges the gap before Pathetic Love Song I Said I Wouldn't Write plays. A newer take on the song that I've seen Josh perform many times, this track features a poppy yet touching sound that, when joined with Hannah Samet's melody in the background, makes this tune fuller and very solid. I love this one! Similarly, Hannah's backing tune in the love song Manifesto that appears later on in the album adds a well-placed feminine touch to the band's sound.

Following Ocmulgee, a minimalist school-themed tune that showcases a hint of the softness and maturity that has become an integral part of Josh's voice and that sets these songs apart, Cornbread & Butterbeans rolls in, giving listeners a traditional folk song sung by an ensemble of Josh and his musician friends. Then, harkening back to a sound much closer to that of his former album, Whiskey & Time proves to be much less composed than the rest of the tunes while still featuring the solid backing track that is characteristic of this record's style.

The title of the next track, Too Many Pretty Girls in Athens Town, just says it all. This song highly amuses me if for no other reason than the regular mentions of iconic places around the UGA campus. Familiarity like this is always quite a crowd-pleaser. Then the darker yet poppy New England Girl washes into the listener's ears. As Andrew Small's triumphant addition to the record, this tune features a mature sound that most definitely makes it one of my album favorites.

In the mood to dance? The very upbeat Lay Me Down had me moving my feet so much, I just had to get up and do a little jig in my room while listening to this one! Such fun. Then the sweet melody of Split End added a sense of calm to the record, growing and winding behind Josh's words as he spins yet another tale of love and loss.

In a rather bold move, Josh ends the album on a political note. He has always used his music to take a stand on the issues, and this time he's taking on budget cuts for education in Stand Up/ Fight Back! Although I would have enjoyed hearing the ensemble scream out on the track in the throes of passion along with him, this song lends a moderately strong conclusion to the record.

All in all, Watermelon Mountain proves that Pholksinger Josh's choice to solidify his newer sound with a full band was a great one. The album truly highlights not only Josh's knack for lyrical speech but the talents of his friends, especially those of Hannah Samet and Andrew Small, as well. Want to hear these tunes for yourself? Well, we'll let you know the next time Pholksinger Josh and Friends plays a show near you, and we'll also tell ya once these tracks make their way into iTunes too. Happy listening, folks!

Echoreview: Sam Sniper's We're Not Coming Back This Way

At first, the country twang of Sam Sniper's melodies might seem like your standard Americana fare. But then whispers of pop and rock slide in with a hint of electronica to give their sound a style like no other. While Sam Sniper shares many of its members with local group Yo Soybean, this band has got more of an experimental and irreverent vibe that makes it an altogether different and quite intriguing creature. Already a fan favorite at their live shows, Sam Sniper releases their debut album We're Not Coming Back This Way next week. But how do these tracks compare?

Well, the record gets a strong start with the twangy, sweet ballad Heart, Beat. Although the track is much slower and a bit softer than I would have expected from the live versions I've heard of this largely acoustic tune, it proves to be an excellent beginning to the album. Then after a short, almost eerie transition track styled after a video game tune, the dark, rhythmic Cancertowne plays its way into our ears. Nearly unclassifiable, this song features southern pop and country rock influences as well as an electronic touch. Whatever the style, though, this song never fails to leave me dancing!

The next song When All Of Our Sins Are Good is an impromptu style, lo-fi creation that sounds like a bunch of men just began singing a melody of woe on the front porch. To be honest, I wasn't really feeling this track on my first listen. However, coupled with its polished followup song Bitter Heart's Radio, which runs with the same tune as the one before it, the effect is quite unique. It's almost as if the listener was in on the whole process from the song's conception to its place as a widespread country pop hit single. This second track also has female backing vocals that add a united strength to the tune.

Another transition track THIS breezes in next, featuring spoken poetry set against an eerie melody and the sounds of a night in the lonely country. Despite its marked difference from the rest of the album, I truly enjoy this one. Then THIS melts into Comfortable Hypocrisy, which is without a doubt my favorite track on the record. A rolling backing tune moves this song along as its brilliant lyrics wind themselves through the night until those nature sounds fade back into the listener's conscious.

Now in spite of my general resistance to all songs country, My Home, a rather traditional-sounding country song that graduates into an unexpected electric guitar solo with an almost schizophrenic rap section, is one of my other favorites as well. Captain Boughman comes next, rounding out my series of favorites and bringing with it a mysterious organ-style vibe layered on top of a country melody that gives birth to an eighties rock feel. It sounds insane, yes, but it just works!

A slower, introspective ballad, the next tune Country Blue sounds like the type of song you would listen to as you watched the rain pour outside your window. Then Love on the Run brings a classic sort of country rock to the mix before gaining a bit of a pop rock edge underscored by a romantic blues-style solo.

Loneliness ushers in the final three softer and slower melodies with an electronic keyboard tune accented by a bit of that old country twang. Then Best of Me lends a calm, acoustic sound to the album as one single voice joins with many to build a moving rhythm. Finally, following the trend of slow and soft tunes, the title track features a return to the lo-fi, blues-infused sound. This final song, highlighted by lyrics that frame the album's tunes with mentions of endings and an emphasis on a single repeated line: "not coming back this way", certainly provides a peaceful, fitting conclusion to this lawless, eclectic journey.

While most of my favorites from this album can be found near the beginning of the record, We're Not Coming Back This Way as a whole is a well-executed, cohesive album and definitely an awesome addition to any music collection whether you're a country fan or a fan of unique, expertly blended genres. To check out Sam Sniper for yourself, you can catch them at the Caledonia Lounge on Friday, April 15th for their album release party. Best of all, every person who attends gets a free CD! You won't want to miss it!

Echoreyn of Athens turns 2 and gives gifts to you!

Let's celebrate two years of Echoreyn of Athens: All About the Music! Today is our humble little blog's birthday, and there's no better way to rejoice in all the bands, tunes, and shenanigans that have filled those years than with a giveaway.

That's right! We've got a few of our favorite Athens music CDs that we want to give to you! All you have to do is be the first person to email us at echoreyn@gmail.com with the correct answers to the following five trivia questions about the Athens and Atlanta music scenes. All of the answers can be found here on this blog. Happy searching and good luck!

1. What local dance-inducing band opened for Ludacris during UGA's Homecoming show this year?

2. What year did Athens (the band) rock the stage at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards?

3. Which artist had signed with Virgin Records shortly before giving Echoreyn of Athens its first shoutout from the stage in 2009?

4. The Georgia Theatre is expected to reopen by what date this year?

5. What local band is making their triumphant return to the stage at the Melting Point on April 6th with several new members joining their version 3.0 lineup of musicians?

Hope to hear from you soon! Don't miss your chance to get your hands on these free tunes!

Echoreview: Lullwater's Silhouette

Back in late January/ early February, local band Lullwater released their third album Silhouette and rocked the Caledonia stage in honor of their latest tunes. Enthused by their new songs, the band's eager fans danced the night away. Lullwater's radio-ready mix of folky pop and hard rock made for quite a live show! But how do their recorded tunes on Silhouette stack up?

The album begins with Worse by Better, a song rather reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama. While not exactly unique in its execution, the tune provides a strong start to the album with its southern-style, hard rock sound. Then Amsterdam breezes in with a softer pop rock feel, the perfect soundtrack for a long, coming of age road trip. Similarly, the later tune Whatever Happened could easily be the melody of a soundtrack that plays as one reminisces about his childhood and past.

Power drives the next tune, A Forgotten Name, as it makes its debut. I've gotta admit, I like this track. Its sound, enhanced with an edge of darkness, had me intrigued from the very beginning. Then Alive comes, bringing with it a firm, nineties grunge feel. Now I wanted to love this song so much, but for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, I just wasn't feeling it. Soon after, though, the rhythm of Let Me Out had me groovin' as I listened. While this, like several of the songs on the album, seems almost too familiar, I definitely enjoyed rocking out to it.

Broken Wings enters next with a depth of sound that really needs to be experienced live to be fully appreciated. Then Low brings in a pensive, background harmony, rather refreshing despite the fact that this and the tune that follows it, One More Time, seem once again quite familiar.

Faithful Sinners hearkens back to the band's beginnings, finishing out the record with a folk-infused melody of soft strumming and heavy drums that also fits neatly into the pop genre. Such a calm, peaceful ending!

One thing that can be said for Lullwater is that they definitely know how to give a song an undoubtably awesome intro. Nearly every tune grabbed me from the start. All in all, though, while I enjoyed the album, I think that they're just one of those bands that must be seen and heard live in its purest form for the full and true experience.

Want to check out Silhouette for yourself? You can get your hands on it through iTunes here!

Don't Miss Your Chance, Bands of Athens!

I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before! Regular readers of this blog will know that, here at Echoreyn of Athens, there is no celebration like the yearly rock-filled spectacular that is Athfest. Now, yes, it's a bit early to start talking about Athfest 2011 even for me... After all, we've got another five months before that 3 day show to beat all shows takes place. However, if you're in a band, now is you last chance to submit a song for this year's Athfest compilation CD. The final day for submissions is this Tuesday, February 1st! And hey, while you're there you can also submit your act to perform on one of the outdoor stages where it's practically a guarantee that hundreds of rabid music fans will get a chance to sample your tunes. Oh bands of Athens (and the rest of Georgia too), I just can't wait to see and hear you there!

Echoreview: Tealvox's The Next Room Over

Ah, Tealvox, the first rockers in Athens that had me intrigued about the local high school music scene! These guys impressed me greatly at their Athfest 2009 show, and I've been a fan ever since. That year in mid-June, they released their first EP Life is Sound which gave their fans a small sampling of their talents. This time around, though, they're giving us a brand new eight track album The Next Room Over which is scheduled to be released very soon. So what can you look forward to with these new tunes?

The album starts off with Neon Lights, a track recorded with altered low-fi vocals drifting over a very rockin' beat. I very much enjoyed listening to this one. Then Can't Get Enough rolls in with a much softer backing track and a hint of a Southern influence. This song is less polished than the former and exists as one of my least favorites on the album. However, singer Cody Stalvey's unique voice and repetitive "whoa" sound do give this tune a nice sort of coming-of-age feel.

The next song, Monitor, returns to a harder rock sound similar to that of the first track. Backed by an inspiring performance on the guitar and an amazing guitar solo, this song is full of character. Following this, Always There has a build up of sound that lends a lovely doomsday tone to this song which grabs the listener and takes them on a dark but very moving ride. There's no two ways about it: this tune just rocks!

Fittingly, Looking For My Chance to Fly comes next, bringing with it a dark keyboard-intensive frolic through fire. With a slight whisper of elements of swing as well as a very theatrical, larger than life sound, this song stands out as a game changer on the album.

By contrast, In the Dark lends a more indie pop-infused sound to the album. An acoustic tune, I could very easily imagine this song performed by a single musician sitting on a park bench during a cloudy day. Now, in all of these songs, Stalvey's voice seems much more mature than his age would suggest, but none more-so than this one. This song could very well appeal to a wide span of people from all walks of life.

Now I really like this sudden influx of songs about dinosaurs coming from Athens bands. Tealvox's Dinosaur has a big sound to match its title with a nearly epic mix of keyboard and electric guitar filling the song. Although the dinosaur mentioned in the song is only a simile, this mix adds a certain time-travelling quality to the tune which is very pleasing indeed.

The final song Tealvox gives us is entitled Weary. I always enjoy apropos tracks to finish albums! This song has a quieter but still rockin' rhythm that eases the listener to the end with references to the album title as well. With a focus on the drumbeats and vocals with a repetitive guitar chord, this tune provides a very nice end for The Next Room Over.

All in all, this album introduces a harder, darker style to Tealvox's body of creation. I really enjoy the mature direction their sound is taking. Although this album is not scheduled for release just yet, don't fret! Stay tuned for details on when and where you can get your hands on it in the coming months! I will certainly let you all know as soon as possible.

Echoreview: Mud Scholar's A Must for the Dick

Today, I watched ever so eagerly as one of my friends sampled a playlist of songs on my iPod. The album of choice? Mud Scholar's full-length debut creation, A Must for the Dick. Yeah, you read that right. Seriously, you should have been there. My friend's face was priceless! Vivid expressions danced across it as she listened: interest, surprise, amusement, shock, disbelief. Oh, Mud Scholar, I would expect nothing less from you!

Hilariously offensive douchebaggery runs freely through Mud Scholar's veins, just as creator Alex McKelvey intended. A solo project for McKelvey (you may know him as the frontman of alt rock band Crumbling Arches), he uses his knack for ridiculous voices and his brilliant ability to write lyrics that make 95% of the population squirm in their skins to bring Mud Scholar to life. If you're looking for pure, deeply meaningful music that touches the innermost recesses of your very soul, these tunes are definitely NOT for you. But if you've been craving a bit of brutal honesty guaranteed to tickle your nether regions, shock your sensibilities, and leave you laughing, Mud Scholar is, indeed, a must. So, what are the tunes like?

Stop What You're Doing And Look At Me starts the album off with an obvious plea for attention, beginning a trend of straightforward titles that continues throughout the record. Mud Scholar truly has nothing to hide! Influences? Well, the song itself tells the listener it borrows heavily from a nineties alternative style which pervades the rest of the album as well. My favorite part of the tune (at least, the only favorite I can readily admit on the internet) has to be the ending where Mud Scholar's screams of "ME" bring the insanity to a whole other level.

Waste of Air bounces in next with a danceable style reminiscent of experimental indie favorite of mine, Lemon Demon. I just love this song! It makes absolutely no apologies, and yet still manages to be an enjoyable listen. McKelvey features his voice talents in this one, creating a veritable crowd of naysayers ready to criticize his every move.

Then, proving that this album is really just a constant stream of conscious thought, Mud Scholar waxes philosophical on the beloved TV show Boy Meets World. Unexpected, yes, but fun. Long live Mr. Feeny! Later in the album, Mud Scholar makes another pop culture reference with My Favorite Band is Lifehouse, a tune I first heard in between songs during a Crumbling Arches show over a year ago. Curious, indeed, how things happen. I have to admit I've never much listened to the band Lifehouse, but when my brother's Pandora station started playing a bunch of their songs over the summer, I was amused to no end that Lifehouse's favored lyrics were so brilliantly incorporated into Mud Scholar's ridiculous homage to the band.

We'll call the next song Clusterf****d to fulfill my contractual obligation to keep this blog PG. Now, an underlying air of tragedy lies just below the humor on many of these tracks, but in this song, it makes a rather depressing move to the forefront. This is the only song on the album that leaves me feeling just sad. The sigh at the beginning of this tune is fitting, indeed.

Then Man-Slut Logic breezes in, bringing with it a slew of well-written lyrics and a sound that is musically pleasing as well. This is honesty, incarnate. Elitist's Curse, too, maintains this listenable style. I've gotta say, I'm a sucker for songs about elitism... Yeah, I really have no idea why that is, but this one gets a check plus from me.

Ever had an issue with the cops? Then I Owe Cops is your song! This one's got a whole clever little story going which I quite like. Tabitha (a love song) also holds a story within its words, albeit a very creepy one. The ultimate stalker anthem, it appears later on in the album, giving the listener no doubt that the cops will be pursuing our young Mud Scholar yet again sometime very soon.

If there was ever a song that will never be played on the radio, George Carlin is My Obi Wan is definitely it! Religious? This one's probably not for you. Curse words make you uncomfortable? You should probably avoid it. But if you do choose to give this song a listen, stereo headphones are a must. Hearing the character voices coming at you from all sides is just simply awesome.

The next song on the album, I'm in a Band, is certainly a cacophony of noise, but as someone who deals with bands on a regular basis, I find it rather hilarious. I'll give most bands the benefit of the doubt, but it wouldn't be a lie to say I've met quite a few people whose sole purpose for being in a band is truly just to give themselves a feeling of self-importance. Too true!

Baby Dinosaur finishes the album with a short, uniquely introspective look at the life of one who cannot really fit into any category. Although this song is markedly different from the rest of the album, lacking the riotous hilarity of its peers, I absolutely love it. Suffice it to say, I can relate to this idea of existing outside of any label and being a sort of living contradiction.

Want a taste of the hilarious aural assault that is A Must for the Dick for yourself? You can find it right here! And mark your calendars... Mud Scholar will be playing his first live show at Amici's Italian restaurant on October 15th. Don't miss seeing this wild douchebaggery in action!

Echoreview: Deaf Judges' High Honorable

All hail the Deaf Judges, one of Athens' best known rap/ hip hop groups! It's crazy to think that, as close as we are to Atlanta, groups of this genre are actually incredibly rare in this town. But even if they were surrounded by a huge crowd of rappers, Deaf Judges would certainly stand out. Their sound differs markedly from most of the hip hop and rap artists that pepper the pop music charts today. The Judges' intelligent and sometimes introspective lyrics put focus on the story and poetry of the words rather than just on one repeated line set to a dance beat. Their unique style always leaves fans begging for more at their shows.

In late June, they released the first of three albums this year that will showcase their talents. So how does the High Honorable stack up?

Kill Creek starts off the trend of smart aleck lyrics, intermixing these words with cool sound effects and borrowed lines from other mediums. Then Time Bandits flies in on the wings of a haunting ghostly chorus backed by sci-fi style melodies. Filled with amusing pop culture references, this one is definitely my favorite on the album.

Ghost Trap comes next with an old-time sound which hearkens back to days long past. How fitting for a song about the so-called death of hip hop! This tune transitions effortlessly into Women Got Weapons, a song which brings us straight back to the present day and to more common subjects. After all, what is a hip hop album without one track dedicated to all of the sexy women on the dance floor?

Now I'm not sure if The Big Heist is supposed to be a follow-up track to Weapons, but I have to say, as a short composition of violent and sexual human sounds mixed with piano and hints of an assortment of other instruments, it was really quite terrifying. That Ain't a Knife, on the other hand, returns to the storytelling style found earlier in the album, layered over a movement-inducing beat. I very much enjoyed this tune. Then Louie adds another old time track to the mix, influenced by several different genres and infused with sound bites from all kinds of songs.

The aptly-named tune The Getaway Beat finishes off the album with an uplifting track of ambient sounds set to an endless beat. Quite the compilation, I must say! I eagerly await the release of the other two albums. And if you'd like to check out High Honorable for yourself, don't hesitate to visit the Deaf Judges' website right here!

Echoreview: Emergent Heart's One EP

These good causes just get me every time! Emergent Heart is a collective of musicians from our own town of Athens, GA as well as performers from as far as Virginia, New York, and Washington D.C. Conceived by Luke Johnson of the Premonitions and his friend Samuel Kim, this project quickly became attached to an organization near and dear to those of us here: Nuçi's Space. In case you are unfamiliar, Nuçi's Space is both a venue and a facility in Athens founded on the desire to help musicians through difficult times. Beyond this, Nuçi's Space also funds programs to help youth find their inner musician. Recently, Emergent Heart released "One", the first of a series of albums whose proceeds will go to the organization. So what's it like?

This EP starts off with What Do You Mean, a track that serves up a unique mix of several genres within one song, much like a mixed media art piece composed purely of sound. Layering a prominent beat over a sweet melody, this tune leads easily into the next. Enchanter, too, includes soft singing under a veritable party of percussion. Following this, the Future Doesn't Need Us has a low fi style that, while more conventional than the first two tracks, is definitely one of my favorites on the album. Then All Around You sneaks up on the listener with its deliciously dark sound. It is a most fulfilling end to the band's first EP.

While there is no single cohesive sound or style on the album, "One" provides a mix of tunes with a bit of something for all listeners. You can check it out for yourself on the Emergent Heart's website, and if you like what you hear, they urge you to donate the amount you would pay for the CD to Nuçi's Space right here. Enjoy and make a difference at the same time!

Echoreview: Rye's self-titled debut release

This past March, I had the lucky chance to check out Rye, a band of three guys who certainly stand out among the bands of Athens. These brothers and cousins have brought back the three-part harmony in a big way. With their laid back sound, Rye's music hearkens back to the days of soft tunes and classic rock. And guess what... They're releasing their self-titled debut album today on iTunes! So what's it like?

The first track, Caroline, starts off the record with what these guys do best. Heavy on the harmonies, this song reminds me of some of the early Beatles songs. It's no surprise, then, that Rye lists the band as one of its biggest influences. Cocaine Dreamer continues the old school vibe with a hint of funk rock. I've gotta say, I really liked this one although this tune has seriously got to be the smoothest song ever written with cocaine in the title.

Then Amicalola Falls slows things down a bit with a taste of pop and a reference to one of Georgia's favorite water falls. Really Gone follows this song with a harmonious melody that features a nod to the aformentioned Beatles. And I Fall comes next, adding yet another softer track to join the two before it. This one has a sweet folk feel to it that truly brings a sense of calm to listener.

Fish in the Sea then kicks it up a notch as the most dance-inducing track of the album. Full of upbeat southern rock, this song speaks of freedom and newfound hope. Ah, how refreshing! Heavy strumming marks the beginning of the next tune, Kathryn. Sweet songs about girls certainly pepper this album, lending even more of a classic style to the band's sound. The following song One of These Days was, for me, a sort of lull in the album. However, the final melody, Today, brings the sound back around as the most feeling-intensive track on the record. Fueled by hope, the song's strong rock background drives the listener to the CD's satisfying end. Truly, the band saved the best for last with this one!

All in all, I can definitely say that the members of Rye have made themselves a very nice first album. You can give their tunes a spin for yourself on their website here, and don't miss their next Athens show at Rye Bar (how apropos!) on September 4th. Enjoy!

Echoreview: Crumbling Arches' Yellow Years

Here's some fan art I made way back in the day for Crumbling Arches'

last album. I'll post the cover art for Yellow Years when it's released.

And here it is... the cover!

It's finally here! I'm extremely excited to say that a week and a half ago Crumbling Arches released their latest EP Yellow Years, a culmination of the discoveries of their college days put to song. True to form, the band debuts a new sort of sound and style on the album as well, rather unique to this era in its existence. Honestly, though, this comes as no surprise since, throughout its history, Crumbling Arches has been known to thrive in the realm of musical experimentation. This time around, their songs tend toward soft pop rock and often tread the line between humorous and very dark.

Now, unlike their 2007 full-length release the Somnambulist, Yellow Years is not a concept album. However, despite a large range of styles and subjects presented in the tunes, it exists as a mostly cohesive work and arguably holds a new story within its lyrics. So how do these new songs compare?

Mutant Love begins our musical journey with a twist on a classic story. As the song progresses, it weaves a tale of the struggles and changes that love brings although, in this case, the object of the singer's affection has gone through so many changes that she has transformed into, well, a mutant. My very first thought upon hearing this song was that it sounds like it's sung by ghosts in an underground cavern. Rather fitting given the subject matter, really. Although it took me a couple of listens to get into the recorded version of this tune, its incredible instrumental transitions and ridiculously catchy sound had me hooked pretty quickly. Now its one of my favorites on the album! I particularly love the line, "You seem different in my eyes. Dear God, my eyes have changed!" Something about those words just makes this song, despite its unconventional lyrics, feel right.

Now, naturally, Mutant Love would be followed by Vampire Sex, right? The vampires in this song aren't your standard Twilight vampires, though - no glitter here! Chronicling the curious sexual encounters of one man with a plethora of dangerous women, this tune has got something of a gothic feel to it. However, as the least serious song on the album, it does stick out a bit. If you're one for dark humor, though, you'll enjoy this one.

Continuing in the tradition of choosing odd names for their songs, Crumbling Arches gives us Daily Vitamin next. Vitamin is a slow and pensive ballad, a sort of picking-up-the-pieces tune. Musically well-composed, the lyrics absolutely make this song. Alternating between depressing and uplifting, this tune may be quiet, but it's certainly filled with feeling.

I know it will surprise readers of this blog to hear that my one of my favorites from this album is called Athens is Shit but, truly, I feel like everyone living here can relate to some part of this song. I love Athens more than any place in the world, but this song spells it out just right. Lines like "time of our lives, the dirty rotten time in my life" speak to college kid in all of us. After all, isn't everyone always telling us we're supposed to love college? Sometimes the reality of it, especially while you're living it, doesn't seem so great. Another line that's just perfect is "F*** a major, I don't need a career. With the way things are going, I won't live to see senior year." Classic stuff! Athens is Shit also gives us a generous helping of singer Brian McGaw's melodic voice which is rare on this album as these songs are written and largely voiced by singer Alex McKelvey. And while it has a bit of a nineties sound to it (after all, the band is heavily influenced by nineties rock tunes), it is musically probably the best song on here, with Daily Vitamin coming in as a close second.

Then Beez Kneez slows things down once more with the keyboard and guitar-filled tale of man whose legacy lived much longer than he did. This song features an enjoyable return to the harmonies between Brian and Alex that peppered their last album. Intentionally low fi vocals also give this song a sort of finality that rounds out Yellow Years.

Truly, I'm incredibly happy I've finally got my hands on these songs. Ever since I first heard these songs live over a year ago, I've been dying to have them! Want to hear them for yourself? Well, you're in luck! You can download your own copy of Yellow Years right here.

Echoreview: Bambara's Dog Ear Days EP

Cover art for Dog Ear Days by Bambara

You've heard the buzz. As a live band, Bambara's nothing short of breathtaking. You haven't lived until you've seen this band conquer the stage. Now, a year after the release of their self-titled full length debut album, Bambara's ready to share a few more eardrum-pounding tunes with their EP, Dog Ear Days. So, how does it stack up?

The first track, Repeat After Me, starts things off with a bang, or rather, an explosion. It makes great use of the noise technique to create a unique, screeching rhythm that completely surrounds you and makes you feel as if the band is playing it live right of front of you. Then Drag Hesitation blasts onto the scene with an Indiana Jones-style intro and some soft, beautiful singing. The building feedback noise that finishes the tune manages to somehow resemble the machinery wail of the monster on LOST which creates an incredible anticipation of doom. All in all, it's quite a dark song; put very simply, though, I love it!

Stay Gray arrives next, bringing with it a return to the louder tracks. It's certainly got great rhythm. Following this noise intensive ride, Feed the Pigs marches in with a beat almost like that of an approaching train. Ghostlike singing floats through the air ever softly. How very eerie! To be honest, this song actually managed to frighten me a quite a bit. Its creeping, gloomy sound would be completely at home in a horror film, and its layered vocals are stunningly dark. In keeping with the rest of this journey into the unknown, the second half of the song seems to segue into another different but related tune: a rather ominous piano solo enhanced by ethereal, otherworldly noises. Essentially, Feed the Pigs is quite possibly the most deliciously terrifying song I've ever heard.

Swim with the Trees and Chiromancy hold the conclusion of the story within their tunes. Swim with Trees, to me, felt like drowning. This sensation was heightened by the incomprehensible lyrics that peppered the song, sounding almost as if they were being whispered through a deep blanket of water. Chiromancy rounds out the EP with another eerie, suspense-filled tune. Where will it lead? The tension in this song is tangible as it builds towards a veritable explosion in the very middle of the song. It's a massive chase scene that splashes unclear visions of dark stairwalls and shadow-covered figures across the mind. And then... it ends. Completely and suddenly, the music ceases to be.

All of these songs create such incredibly vivid imagery in my mind that I feel like I've actually just finished watching a horror film. In fact, this entire album would be the perfect soundtrack for such a film. Although it admittedly lacks the sheer sexiness of sound that their last album displayed, it's certainly quite the track lineup! To hear Dog Ear Days for yourself, be sure to check out the download of the EP right here, and don't miss the official release of the record in January!