The Rift Magazine Editor's Blog

The first CDs of the New Year

rich — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 20:04:00 +0000

Well actually some of them came in December, but we did get some already in the new year. Make sure you check out the Rift mainpage for info on the upcoming events and stuff Rift is doing. We need to raise money to keep on rolling and your help is greatly appreciated.

20 Dollar Love - Sex Rock Heroes
Sometimes when hard rock bands stretch into the "prog rock" deal it dilutes the real meaning behind rock and roll. 20 Dollar Love, don't play it fancy or try to hard to find the most complex guitar and bass passage, they play it real. Hard rock with grit and determination. If your looking to have a good time, drink some beers and shake your fist a bit they are perfect. Of course one of my favorite songs on the CDs is called "Unicorns" and stretches the rock a bit with some cool guitar parts. It reminds a bit of the first Soundground album, without the Chris Cornell high notes.

Cloud Cult - The Meaning of 8
I have been waiting for this CD, and the wait has been worth it. It doesn't officially come out for a few months, but putting out a magazine does have its advantages. What Cloud Cult does is put over 60 minutes of music and 18 songs on a single CD. Pretty close to a double album. The songs don't stray too far from the style previously "Advice From The Happy Hippopotamus" but there are some suprises and very cool sounds. Craig Minowa the lead singer and the main guy in Cloud Cult doesn't mind mixing the electronic music with the rock, ambient, strings and a few unique instrumentations. His voice is uniquely his own and as with previous albums you feel like your going on a journey of self discovery with Cloud Cult. I like the difference between songs like" Chemicals Collide" which is very playful and simple and "A Good God" which is humorous and experimental all at the same time. We'll talk more about this CD, when Rift gets a chance to sit down with the band and do a feature.

Plasmatic Brain Spasm - Twice As Bright
Just one song on a CD from Plasmatic Brain Spasm, which is precursor to a new album they are working on. Kind of slow and plodding, the song sort of made me a bit sleepy. On the sheet they sent with it, it indicates things to come, I just hope they bring the tempo up a bit on a few of the songs that are on the new CD.

The Heise Bros - The Continuing Saga of...
Since I can't be impartial because Nelson Heise is one of the writers for Rift. Nelson and his brother keep it simple on their second release. This CD isn't going to win any awards for being the most groundbreaking, but it doesn't suck. If I rated it on a scale from 1-10 I would rate it a five.

Chris Koza - EP
Chris Koza is a great songwriter, singer and player. He is very good at having his voice wander around his seeming straightforward but offbeat rythyms. It is probably what makes most people when they hear him for the first time really get into him. He's a bit different then the other songwriters out there. This EP has six songs on it, and all of them are great in their own way. Now that I have totally crossed over into Chris Koza fandom, I better pass him on to a more critcal ear.

Torok - Addiction
Addicted to 80's hard rock and mid tempo rock songs, Torok falls a bit short on reviving a dead artform. Not that I won't admit to enjoying the songs of some of that same genre, I have moved on. Of course it might be worse if Torok was trying to be something it wasn't like when many of those bands of the 80's tried to play harder, cut their hair mixed in grunge and techno with their music. If Torok likes it, they should do it. Why pretend your something that your not.

Between Mirages - Self Titled
When I opened up this package, I really thought it was going to suck. The picture of James Fricker II is sort of funny on the back. Young kid 19, putting out his first recording. Well again my preconceived notion was blown away by a very talented musician who pretty much plays everything but the drums. The guitar parts are great and he doesn't do a bad job with the vocals. Sort of a better version of all that metal influenced calling themselves punk bands that are all around these days. The recording isn't perfect, but it seems like a great start for him.

Over Under - Line Out
Nick Africano who does the lead vocals for this band, has a unique and bellowing voice. The sound for this CD is sort of rootsy and acousticy (my own made up word), except for a reggae sounding track. This band doesn't really light me up, not that it's bad just not enough matches and TNT to light me up.

Calusa - A Form of Love
Far better then the demo they sent me last year or so, the recording quality seems much better. Calusa spits out the punk rock with melody. Off key at times, some bad lyrical choices and not anything spectacular.

Josh Aran - water to wash water away
There are quite a few songwriters locally that fit quite nicely into the style of music Josh Aran displays on this CD. A few stand out - See Chris Koza, Jeremy Messersmith and Brad Senne. Aran displays some good points but enought to put him the list with the above artists. He doesn't stray far enough from pop music formulas.

Another batch done and another batch on my desk. Until next time.

Rich

New Year, great!

rich — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 12:09:00 +0000

So it's New Year's eve day and I am sitting in the Rift office, at 6:00 AM typing away and listening to a new batch of CDs I have in. Plus I am compiling all the music releases of 2006 for the new issue which goes to press on Wednesday. I will probably fall asleep tonight about 9:00 pm so I can come into the office tommorow morning and finish up the new issue. Anyway enough of my whining - let's listen.

The Skullcranes - "Wt. Trashmore"
Spread eagle over the line of hard rock and pop punk, The Skullcranes have crafted a solid CD of cool songs. Song titles like "Nice Day For A Muscle Tee" and first tracks like "Anoka County" that has a great hook. Overall a pleasurable listening experience.

Patchouli - "The Light Behind You"
This band is from Wisconsin but makes some trips into Minneapolis to play. The name is aptly describing, hippie-ish folk with acoustic guitars and mellow rythyms and laid back vocals. It doesn't knock my socks off, but doesn't smell like socks either.

Catchpenny - "From Where You Are"
There are tons of bands in town, who I might have heard of briefly but never realized how much they have accomplished nationally or how busy they have been without even making a buzz here at all. Catchpenny are smoothly produced mid heavy pop music and while it might sells records and allows these guys to make some money it doesn't do much for me on a critical level.

Small White - Demo
It says on their one sheet they have released an EP called "Make it Small" but this CD isn't labeled as that release. These guys have some potential, they mix up a good stew of early 80's alt punk but seem to pull off a pretty good version of their own thing. They are looking for a record label to release their full length CD they have recorded but they should do it themselves and put their hand on the table.

Sounding Spirals - Self Titled or "2006"
Ray Dybzinski uses his background music for a live show that includes a self made laser light show which looks sort of like a spirograph pattern. The music is instrumental and interesting but would be enhanced by the light show, a few drinks or a few hits of something.

Alpha Consumer - Self Titled
Sometimes when the list of musicians on a CD are accomplished you get worried they might spew out something while musically enlightning it ends up boring and pretentious. The members of this band are great players, but also seem to understand that music listeners like songs that aren't hard to digest. Alpha Consumer does a good job creating interesting songs with some great noisy music behind it.

Mouthful of Bees - "The End"
With all the pre-drinking age bands that are playing in this town with the help of Afternoon Records, it is astonishing of the number of these bands that are very good. The only thing that irks me is that these bands are more schooled on indie rock then I am. It's my petty jealousy that tells me to say that while Mouthful of Bees are good, they don't necessarily stand out in the horde of other emotionally challenged post teenage bands. Live a little, play a little longer then come back and rock me.

In Pictures - "Self Titled"
This band fits really well into the local what I like to call "post 30 slow indie" I just coined that term and while it might not catch on because it is too long here is what it is. Halloween Alaska, Duplomacy, These Modern Socks etc... It is emotional indie rock, technically sound and well produced. I know some people under 30 that dig the stuff, and actually there is a great audience for it. I just happen to not get it, and luckily most of the Rift writers and other music people do.

The Jupes - "Self Titled"
This band gave me three categories to put their CD into - Suck, Competent studio effort, but couldn't play music to save their life and decent CD recorded by capable musicians. Music is never that quite cut and dry, and while they sound like capable musicians and can play the music isn't that captivating. Maybe in a Hotel lounge or entertaining some shriners or playing at the naval base that Spinal Tap were wrongly booked for in the movie of the same name.

Ouija Radio - "OH NO... YES! YES!"
I remember hearing the first Ouija Radio release right about the time Rift started and was not overally impressed. Popping in this CD, I was totally blown away and couldn't believe it was the same band. I will have dig up the first CD and see what I missed, maybe I was having a bad day. They have a great hard rock sound infused with a great vocal sound, and the songs are great.

Maudlin - "The Penitent Never Regret" and an advance copy of the song "Stacy Dahl"
I guessed I just forgot about this band, and then the CD they released in 2005 came in my mailbox. While on one of their reviews, they are compared to Nirvana and the Pixies, I feel they more sound like X (John Doe Vocals) when David Priebe does the vocals and without the rockabilly. I might have to give this a few more spins, I am really starting to dig it. When I was starting to put the CD away another CD in a paper envelope which I thought was a CD with photos on it and all the usual press stuff but it was an advance copy of the song "Stacy Dahl" which is more of the same as what is on the first CD but a bit better. Watch out for this band, they are looking like they might make some waves in this town.

Flink - "Volvo" single from their upcoming full length.
This song is really good, sort of poppy but heavy guitars and a little bit noisy. I look forward to hearing more from this band.

Chooglin' - Self Titled
While they were picked to Click and somewhat critically acclaimed, I haven't got the just of Chooglin' yet. Maybe they are a love them or hate them band, and while I am still somewhere in between. While the Midnight Evils rocked, both Chooglin' and the other offspin band The Bullets haven't affected me the same way. Maybe it's not fair to compare members previous band to the last band they were in, but where is the magic that the Midnight Evils sent deep into my loins.

Grace Darling - On The Tracks
The roots, bluegrass and folk scene have really blossomed in town. Grace Darling plays a haunting mix of olde time music with the acoustic guitars, banjos and other old timey instruments. What they haven't done which might be to their benefit is stick to the rules of bluegrass and olde time music and have created a unique sound.

Blacktop Badge - Self Titled
Country and blues tinged rock and roll, in a CD package that looks like a hard rock CD. They seem like they would be a great bar band if they mixed in some covers. Other then that, I don't see anything to anything to complain about or write home about either.

Ruthless - Strawberry
Who is the guy in the gangster handkerchief with the crazy hair, that is all I want to know. This is a pretty solid hip-hop CD. I like the lowend bass lines wandering through the tracks and the loops sound well produced without being over produced, and the rhymes are dope! Sorry about that it just flowed out, like the flow of the rapping on this CD. I like the fact they have a unique vocal sound, and while once in awhile you can hear a little Atmosphere or may I say a hoarse Eminem without getting harassed, it never sounds copied or just like anything else.

Wow,

That was quite a list. Enjoy your new year and I might be able to get in another post by the 2nd.

Incredible, two days in a row I get the blo...

rich — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 11:52:00 +0000

Incredible, two days in a row I get the blog up. Here is another batch of CDs.

Darnell Davis & The Remnant- Psalms of The Remnant
I don’t have a collection of Gospel music lying around, so I can’t really be critical of a style I don’t know anything about. If you like gospel music though, and you dig a guy giving it up to God over a well sounding background singing group then go for it.
www.theremnantexperience.com

Carbon Carousel – Demo CD
I don’t know how many bands J.T Bates and Jeremy Ylvisaker play in but they really run the gamut. Plus you add Micheal Larsen (aka Eyedea) and have him do some singing over sort of punk/lo-fi but very musically adept songs. I don’t think the combination is fully realized but it certainly comes off with potential and grit.
www.myspace.com/carboncarousel

Michael Yonkers with the Blind Shake - Carbohydrates hydrocarbons
With this unique combination of experimental guitarist Michael Yonkers and the Blind Shake they have put together a noisy and mind stretching collection of songs. I don’t know how many people will grasp it, but there is a certain crowd out there that will dig it.
http://www.myspace.com/theblindshake
http://www.michaelyonkers.com/

Shoe Shiners – Fashion House
I saw this band live one time, and wasn’t too impressed. The band members however are all under 18 though so I will cut them some slack. This CD however sounds pretty good and with some attention to detail with their live show I am sure a great live show will be coming soon.
www.shoeshinersband.com

The Blinds – Commitment Issues
With their fascination for window treatments The Blinds is sort of mix of electronic/real band with vocals that are sort of British punk. The Blinds like a pretty solid band, but once they figure out how to put curtains up once in awhile it will be very cool.
www.theblindsmusic.com

until next time - Rift Issue 20 is hitting the streets right now! - www.riftmagazine.com

The week of December 5th

rich — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 12:23:00 +0000

Another fine edition of the Rift Editors Blog and the CDs keep rolling in.

Stnnng - Fake Fake
These guys might have pulled it off, putting out two great CDs in a row. This CD is great and maybe just a bit better then their first. The songs feature heavy intricate duel guitars with a great rhythm section and irreverent vocal lines spoken over the top. While the spoken vocal style might be compared to The Hold Steady, Chris Besinger makes Craig Finn sound like a whiny baby.
www.stnnng.com

Twin Cities Electropunk Volume 3
Todd Millenacker of Avenpitch has done a great job getting the word out about the local Electropunk scene. This comp contains some great songs, and if you wondering what Electropunk is, think of digital music with an attitude.
www.tcelectropunk.com

Jessy Greene – A Demon & Her Lovers
While she goes off and plays violin for many other artists and in many genres of music, Jessy Greene also writes and records her own songs. Her ethereal voice works well with mixes of electronic arrangements, great musicians and her great violin playing.
www.myspace.com/jessygreene

Lolly-Pop – Self Titled
Quirky and funny, Lolly-Pop aka Brooke Alridge brings back 80’s dance music with her own attitude and pizzazz.
www.electrolollypop.com

Parts For All Makes – Shrinkwrapped Hearts and Paperdolls
With the title of this CD and the pink cover art, should I feel like I am less of a man for liking this? The band does a good job of doing something pop worthy without being all bubblegum and boring.
www.myspace.com/partsforallmakes

Steropiate – Residue
Nick Roseth has put all the pressure on himself on this CD calling it his “magnum opus”. The intro drags a bit, but the second song comes alive a bit more. The influences he lists on his one sheet, Tool and Nine Inch Nails are a good indicator of what this music is and he does do an all right job of pulling it off.
www.stereopiate.com

Full Stack – Venus
Full Stack encapsulates what is so right and wrong about hard rock music. From their “chick” silhouetted CD cover all the way to their Velvet Revolver type riffs. Thirty something hard rock fans who want to relive their youth – Full Stack will fit your lifestyle perfectly.
www.fullstackrock.com

Xerus - …This Impossible Everything
It might be impossible for me to get over the vocals on this CD. First starting off from the off key harmony intro and even to the rest of the songs, the vocals never find a comfortable place. As an evolving band, hopefully they can figure out where everything fits.
www.xeruslives.com

Shaan Sharma – The All New End
Pop music that doesn’t really stand out, Shaan Sharma will have his work cut out for him. Terms like “Commercially viable” and catch the attention of MTV are on his one sheet, so maybe he will get a song on My Sweet Sixteen or some other boring MTV show.
www.shaansharma.com

Choplogic – Rah Raw Radio
From their artwork and cool title, I was stoked to hear this CD. I like the mix of the keyboards with indie low-fi rock sound, but wish the vocals were a little higher in the mix.
www.myspace.com/choplogix

The Angry Mothers – Faking It
I like bands with a sense of humor and from the cover and song titles like Please Drink Responsibilty and K-Martyr seem to fit this band well. Their garage rock sound and gravelly vocals don’t come off as anything but genuine and make this a well rounded package.
www.theangrymothers.com

over and out! - www.riftmagazine.com

Catching Up #3

rich — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 12:28:00 +0000

I am almost there, but then again when I stop at the PO Box there will be a large new stack.

Justin Bell and the Lazy Susan Band - Something Else Entirely
Besides the Soul Asylums, Replacements and other bands that supposedly constitute the raw Minneapolis sound. There is also the Gear Daddies, Semisonic and Jayhawks that drive that country-ish rock Minneapolis sound. Justin Bell and his band fit comfortably in that fray, for no better or for no worse.

Savage Aural Hotbed - the Unified Pounding Theory
You can't really explain this band in song or style terms. Think beats, but not from the computer. Think about these guys pounding on anything and everything creating soundscapes of rythym and percussion. The name of the CD says it all.

The Honeydogs - amygdala
I don't know how Adam Levy does it, he writes songs that are somewhat Beatles influenced but still all his own. He has put quite a few albums and keeps on rolling along. This new CD is as solid as all the previous ones and with the right attention might bring him back to the forefront of local music.

The Winter Blanket - Golden Sun
Quietly staggering through slow sparse rythyms, Winter Blanket are warm without being too hot. They coined the term "Sparhawkian" on their one sheet which I am sure I will have to use on any upcoming "Low" influenced bands. If you like it slow and deliberate, not happy or sad and enjoy sipping a cup of hot cocoa on a winter day this is a great CD.

Big Ditch Road - The Great Dissent (or) How Quantum Physics Saved My Life.
This band has transcended it's more rootsy sound and on this album sounds more may I say slow grungy. Maybe that isn't a good term to use, but hearing old R.E.M. style melodies mixed with a dirty guitar tone and rock and country backbeats is sounding nice to my ears.

Aviette - Until We Hear From Dave
It's incredible when I finally hear bands, that I have heard of but not heard and already have a preconceived notion about them. Aviette while melodic in a Pixieish way doesn't worry about not making any noise, with buzzing and off key guitar lines that seem to fit nicely into their beats and basslines. After my first listening, I think Aviette has a another new fan.

Carp 18 - Bug Rump - Joe Fahey - Tote Bag
Joe Fahey pulled off double duty releasing two cds at once, one a solo album and the other a Carp 18 CD. One of the cool things about Carp 18 back in the day was that they use to send out a funny little newsletter called catch of the day. Sort of like a pre-onion news letter in which the fake stories revolved the band. Anyway the CD they started in 1999 was never finished, and in the meantime while it sat, Joe started writing his own songs as well. So now its 2006 and he finished both of them and fitted them with very nice full color booklets and lots of unusual pictures. These albums probably won't create any sort of huge local buzz, but now that I get older sometimes nostalgia and humor can sway my opinion.

briandavid - Up Down Sideways
Listed as Acoustic Stomp Pop/Rock on his one sheet, briandavid is another one of those local artists that is in the category of having talent and a good sound but would cater to more of pop college crowd then to the undebelly of the music scene.

The Revamps - Love To Lose
I have talked this band probably too much already about how they went from a crappy low production value demo with some ok songs on it to a highly polished and well produced indie rock record. You have to at least give this one a listen and let me know what you think.

msrp - one hundred fold oragami meteor
Somewhere in between driving techno and the local key word electropunk msrp have some cool music which might stand out a little because the vocals are a little different then the rest. I really enjoy the music, the vocals might take longer to get use to.

Sexual Chocolate and the White Boys - Pure Poison
A little funky and not in my realm of music knowledge, so I will digress from forming any type of opinion.

Laura Hartley - Self Titled
Laura Hartley has a great voice, you can hear it on this recording. The electro pop backing music and her stunning vocals however don't really make this a very interesting record. Maybe if you over 40, single and trying to score you can pop this in right before you hit the button to start up the flames in the fake fireplace, it might make more sense.

Aaron Kerr - Arco 71
Never knowing this was a cello heavy classical/experimental/improvisational CD, much to my suprise it was. I might put this on at a party just to have people think "he has very eclectic taste in music" An interesting and different collection of pieces, if your into that sort of thing.

Wire Hangers - Sinister Campfire Music
When you get a homemade CD package - with it looks like a spray painted CD. You never know what your going to get. Wire Hangers are an average lo-fi acoustic group with some average songs. They aren't bad, just not yet good.

My Valkyrie - Self Titled
Mark Holland has been playing music around town for quite awhile now. Nothing he has done musically that he recorded has really impressed me that much, including this CD. Holland does make up for it abit by being an entertaining live performer. My Valkyrie sounds like a watered down indie rock band to me, but hey I have been wrong before.

Traveled Ground - from the rafters
Roots music and bluegrass music has made quite an impact on the local music scene. It was only a matter of time before someone watered it down a bit. While this CD has the instruments and chord progressions of country bluegrass and roots music it doesn't have the heart or grit of something real.

Chill 7 - Buzz's Fat Tire
Another CD out of my spectrum of musical knowledge. Jazz, Funk and rock rolled all into one I guess.

Well there goes another batch of opinonated ramblings and brief descriptions of local releases. More to come soon.

Catching Up #2

rich — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 20:48:00 +0000

Same day, more stuff.

The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band - Offbeat & Big Time! - DVD
I found out about this DVD from the Minnesota Music Academy, when they decided to give Ruth Adams a lifetime achievement award. This is a great historical piece about the band who has been the house band at Nye's forever. This is the first film for director Sonya "Sonny" Tormoen and while it is not a super documentary, the stories and the premise behind the film make up for how it is pieced together. Kudos to Tormoen for putting together this important piece of local music history.

Huge Rat Attacks - Cougars
Who thought driving rythyms and non audible lyrics could be so cool. With a warble like Jello Biafra without the political message, Huge Rat Attacks makes a huge impression on me. Without the yucky rat comparisons.

Felonious Bosch - New Dark Ages
I really enjoyed Boiled In Lead when I saw them at Cedar Fest years ago. Felonious Bosch has a member or two from that band, and there is a similar styling. They infuse a bit of a modern sound with undercurrents of celtic and other long time ago influences. I'm not schooled at my generalized long time ago influences so to try to be more specific would be me just making stuff up. I think you have to be into this style of music to dig it, I like the ones that sound more like drinking songs like "Drunken Brawl" then the darker ones like "Coopers Attic".

OBCT - You Create Industrial Waste
I was expecting a blast in my face industrial style on the first track, but was suprised by a techno ballad. Track twos "Farts and Beeps" brought my expectations back in check. OBCT fit in that local electropunk scene quite nicely, but seem to stretch out a little more then some of the other bands in that genre. While they do have the in your face, Ministry style tracks the heavy handed beats seem to drift below a wall of sounds and miscellaneous noises. Interesting and worth checking out.

Mighty Fairly - Perfectly Good Airplanes
When I use the term pop music, there can really be a grey area on what it is. Mighty Fairly have such a quirky poppy sound. This is meant in a good way, they know how to write a pop song so it's cool and hip. They remind me a bit of local band Skittish, who also have that gift.

Runlikego - Illustrations From Mars
From the CD cover to the one sheet, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like Runlikego. They did something very cool though. They only put 3 songs on this release, and put 3 solid songs on the CD. Too many bands thing they have to fill up a CD and mix 3 or 4 good songs with 12 and nobody finds those good songs. Runlikego solved that problem. They won't win any medals for experimentation in their music, but their songs are good enough for me to say they are.

Cwn Annwn - The Method Of Murder
First to get it out of the away - coon-uh-noon is how you pronounce it. I used to be pretty into metal until metal became vocals that were non-understandable. This band which lists on the sheet it sent with the CD, Iron Maiden, Mettalica and some others as their influences weren't wrong. The second track "The Fury" in some parts sounds a little like the Iron Maiden song "Running Free". They did list Dream Theatre as well, but we won't hold that against them. I like the way they took these influences and were able to make it their own. Good metal!

Oh boy, only one more stack and I am caught up, I bet you can't wait to see what is next.

Shame on me, but I am finally back to the mailbag.

rich — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 17:23:00 +0000

So I have been really busy over the last month, and all the Rift stuff has been a bit behind. It's time to get back on that horse and in about three long posts I should be able to catch up.

The Fillmores - Self Titled
The Fillmores explain it very well on there simple sell sheet that they are basement band and the CD conveys it as well. Chock full of average rock and roll tunes which seems to suit them very well.

Brother Big Bad - Self Titled E.P.
Brother Big Bad funks it up and since I am not a huge fan of Funk it really doesn't do much for me. If you do enjoy funk music it is probably worth at least a listen.

Western Fifth - Self Titled E.P.
Lots of Self Titled albums here. Western Fifth by name sounds like a country band. They do have a tinge of country in their sound along with some folk and indie rock. WIth the glut of alt country/indie rock bands in town it might be hard for them to stand out. To give them some credit the band was only started in the late summer of 2006, so they do have some time to grow into something all their own.

Live From Heaven - Self Titled
Something can be said for a band, being safe and made to rock out. Live From Heaven seem to be in that mid hard rock category. Not heavy enough to offend, but heavy enought to be harder then just a rock band. They also stretch in prog rock way with some musical chops as well. It not something I would listen to, but I see a good college crowd in their future.

Mr. Ruff - Struggle Hustle Love
The first track after the "intro" comes across a bit like P.O.S. with the heavy backing track. Mr. Ruff really enjoys the F word and most of it comes across as angry. I can hear the Unknown Prophets influence (Big Jess does contribute on a few tracks). This CD is not great, but it is good. I will give it a few more listens.

2 No Ho - Self Titled
This CD of sound compositions and layered samples mixed with beats and some real instruments does have some interesting moments. I can't see myself listening at a live show or just listening for listening sake. I would have to be on some sort of mind altering chemical to truly enjoy it, or drunk at a party if it was background music.

Watson - Been Here Before
I can't really blame a band for trying. It seems like this band is doing okay with small to mid size crowds and they have been playing for about five years in one form or another. I think the recording and production could have been quite a bit better. It sounds like something that was recorded in a home studio even though it wasn't. This recording is below average and with their experience and time playing together it shouldn't be.

Brothers Quetico - Quid Bro Quo
Wow, I never had heard of this band, and this recording is amazing. These guys play it dirty, jazzy, folky and really put out something that sound very different. I think these guys might get a Rift Feature.

We One - Road 2 Success
The flood of Hip-Hop in this town never ceases to amaze me. This CD has some good tracks on it, but when you put 18 tracks on a CD, there is bound to be a few (a couple songs are short intros.) They might of been better off putting out half the amount of tracks and picking the very best ones. The special intro is a must hear, it's funny to listen to.

Kingfield - Letters Post Mortem
I wrote a bit about Brett Johnson in one of my previous posts. This guy has accomplished quite a bit over the last ten years. He plays bass with Atmosphere, runs a record label and now has put out his own CD in which he plays guitar and vocals on. Letters Post Mortem is a solid hard rock album which is a great testament to Brett's will and drive.

Concentual - Stranger Than Fiction
I think this is repackaged version of a CD they put out a year or two ago. I thought that it had the same name. I will have to check into that. Concentual is a pop music band, really clean production, instrumentation and vocals. I think it might be harder in this town to get a real buzz with a sound like this. On the other hand this type of band can make money, since they can appeal to a larger crowd and play those much coveted high paying college gigs.

The Copperheads - Cold Mississippi
While The Copperheads don't appeal to my old style country likings, they have differentiated themselves from the alt country and indie country bands in town. They do sound a bit like The Eagles, with their vocal delivery and twang but you can also hear a bit of late seventies, early eighties country in there.

So that is my last batch of catch up. Look for more soon!

The Onslaught Continues

rich — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 15:45:00 +0000

I had a chance to sit down with Bret Johnson (Blue Worm Records, Bassist for Atmosphere and Attracted To Gods and also has his own band Kingfield in which he plays guitar and vocals and wrote all the tunes. Bret had cancer a few years back and was given a short time to live, but was able to beat it. The Kingfield CD "Letters Post Mortem" which will be coming out in November, encapsulates what is was like having that near death experience.

We also talked about bands who are just starting playing looking for a label, when they haven't really done anything yet. We both agreed that these bands really need to establish themselves on their own before expecting any type of record deal.

I was also able to catch Attracted To Gods at the entry the other night at the Blue Worm Records showcase and was impressed by the performance and the CD they were handing out for free. It's great when a band can go from heavy riff laden indie hard rock to a mellow song with keyboards that seemed similar to local band The Honeydogs.

Another exciting and big batch of new CDs and mail came in over the last 2- 3 weeks as well.

Dan Kusz labeled as a contemporary jazz saxophonist on his press packet, sent in his debut EP "Lost In The Groove". While Rift Magazine hasn't delved into the lighter side of Jazz that often, his press kit is full of endorsements, awards and accolades. Which I suppose is what a press kit is supposed to have. If your into what to my ear would call easy listening jazz, check it out.

I got my latest issue of Inside Bluegrass which is the official publication of the The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. We have quite the Bluegrass and Old Time music scene in town and with the popularity of crossover groups like Trampled By Turtles it will surely only get bigger.

I did an article awhile back on the band Screaming Mechanical Brain, but never had their new CD "There Is No God In Space". You can read the article here. Somewhere between hardcore and electronic mayhem, SMB deliver a solid and somewhat different sound for this town.

Squareshooters - "I am The Keeper" - Afternoon Records seems to keep growing a solid roster of indie powerhouses. Squareshooters are no exception. Rev 105 style indie rock is making a comeback.

The Twin City Playboys - "Texas Memories" - A guy I worked with awhile back Kevin Anthony, moved here from New York but is originally from Texas. Anthony plays fiddle, guitar and does vocals on this release. This is old style country with a mish mash of Cajun with accordion as well. Listen for a bit of french in the lyrics as well. Their playing their CD release party at the 331 club on September, 13th.

Stuart D'rozario - "Songs About Now" - I have never had heard of Stuart D'Rozario, which doesn't mean much, there are so many musicians in this town. This CD is singer songwriter pop, which doesn't really take too many chances. I think he is taking chances having his release party on a Wednesday night at the Fine Line and charging $15, eve if you do get a free CD. (September 6th)

GingerJake - "Get It, Get Off " - Check out the online article we did awhile back right here. The one thing I enjoy about GingerJake is that they play heavy stuff. It would be easy for a band like this to water down their sound dare I say because they have a female lead vocalist who can sing. Amanda Harris does a good job of fitting her vocal style into the sound of the band.

Half Dug - Self Titled - If you go back to the late 80's and early 90's of the Minneapolis music scene, a handful of hardcore bands put out singles and were playing locally quite frequently. Half Dug reminds me of some of those bands. The vocals in Half Dug feature more singing then most of those bands back in the day but the lo-fi recording and this band still in the middle of their learning curve it comes pretty close.

Duplomacy - "All These Long Drives" - Many have compared this early REM and also to Pavement. I think these guys can stand out a bit more on their own, with solid indie pop sounds with just a bit of Velvet Underground artiness to keep it from being too polished.

3 Pill Morning - "Life Dynamic EP" - It is sort of hard to put this band in a certain category. This band sounds like a major label band, which means they aren't breaking too many rules. Super slick production and sound, metal meets a groove. Reminds me of 311 without as much rapping. I was going to say no rapping but then track three came on.

Jeremy Messersmith - "The Alcatraz Kid" - Not knowing what to expect from this CD, Messersmith suprised me with some great songs. I like the low key production, melodic vocal lines and it's simplicity which makes my ears happy.

Far From Falling - "Self Titled" - This bands debut 3 song ep sounds incredibly well recorded, produced and the songs are well written, tight and professional sounding. For my taste a bit too clean and almost too polished. It seems like these guys might have found an in, on being a metal band that could be commercially viable.

Nemo Joe - "Crushed To Dust" - Labeled as Alternative Indie Rock on the letter that accompanied this CD, Nemo Joe could also be classified as a garage band as well. A bit lo-fi and a bit sloppy at times, Nemo Joe seem like they are still trying to hit their stride. The garage band thing wasn't really a slight, I heard someone call the Rolling Stones the best Garage Band ever and they did well for themselves.

Shotgun Monday - "Read Compare Adjust" - I had heard quite a bit about this band, but hadn't heard them. This style of music is sort of the new "indie punk rock" which really mixes the straight beat with the off course guitar sounds (fugazi) with the chant and shouting vocal filling in the spaces. How can you not like a band with a song called "shit shave shower shine"?

The Engagement - "Now And However" - Quite a bit of heavy stuff in this batch of CDs. The Engagement have a pretty good mix of power and I like the fact the vocals aren't perfect. It fits the music really well.

Quarterstance - "Ready For Bed" - Do you know how when you pick up a CD and look at the packaging artwork and feel warm inside. That is the one thing digital downloads can't replace. The simple painting on the packaging of this CD made me feel good. The quirky pop music on the CD already had a chance when I picked this up and popped it in. I looked I like, I listened I liked.

The Best of Smoke Free Saturday Nights - Volume 03 - It's great when a local newsweekly (The Pulse) can help out local music by putting out a compilation of local bands. Some great bands on this one, it is a great way to check out a bunch of bands in one sitting and see who you should seek out.

The Moondogs - "We'll Let You Know" - I am not sure what the social impact a garage band has on society. I know playing in a suburban bar on a Friday night does have financial advantages compared to playing say the 7th St. Entry as an unknown band. I don't know if the Moondogs have any aspirations past playing the suburban bar or are just content rocking along and having a good time. I should probably ask them.

13 Hertz - "Bluebird" - 13 Hertz play a laid back dreamy sort of Jam band type of music. T. Perry Bowers voice hits the high notes finding a range inbetween a clean Neil Young and Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon. The copy of the CD I got was a pre mastered copy, so I am hoping the final release will be a little more even.

Pretty Bomb - "Pink Firworks" - Pretty Bomb has an interesting sound. Mainly acoustic, sounding very layered which I think is coming from a 12 string guitar. I don't know what real value this has as a CD lots of people will listen to or attract them to a live show, but it does come across as interesting music.

The Pink Slip - "Party On Jackrabbit Mountain" No website for this group which seems to be mainly Andy Hoveler and a few session musicians. I think it is supposed to be funny, with catch phrases like "Huduly Do", but he does say something about getting high at the end of that song, so maybe I am in the wrong state of mind.

Low Down Hold Up - "Self Titled" - This is a CD from a new co-worker of mine. I will try not be too biased. Low Down Hold Up is fitting somewhere inbetween a mellow indie rock band and pop band. As a young band, I will give them the benefit of the doubt but they do need to find a little more of that magic songwriting dust and how they fit together musically. Practice, write more songs and then try it all again.

Last but not least. - (but also check the unlocal stuff on the not local blog.)

Ujoint played their last show the other night at The Turf Club, and at the same time released their new CD - "Cars Make Lovely Cages" and here is a good lesson to all you beginning rock bands out there. Do like Ujoint and send out postcards and emails about your shows to everyone. I always knew that Ujoint was active and playing around town. The reasoning of their split was that life happens, probably a band member or two having kids or not having time to keep the band rolling but they worked hard when the band was rolling. Be sure to check out their new CD, because in those eight years they came along way and their sound shows it.

When it rains....

rich — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:58:00 +0000

So remember my last post, and we only had one CD come in. Well a few days later we had a ton of new stuff. So much, that I have to take a little more time to go through it all. So look for a new post next week.

This weekend is full of stuff happening, so make sure to check out the Rift Shows Page and this weeks e-newsletter.

Have a great week!

Rich

New issue out and just one new CD.

rich — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 15:02:00 +0000

So issue #17 is out, and included in that issue is the nomination ballot for the MMA music awards. Make sure to pick it up and fill it out!

John Swardson - Ablaze - This CD is pretty rootsy and dark alt country. Swardson seems to be at ease crooning over these tracks, a little off key but in a way that it fits.

Ujoint - Who have been great at sending out their postcards almost every month are playing their final show and releasing a CD at the same time. They have been playing together for 8 years. The show is August, 26th at the Turf Club with Rank Strangers and Superhopper.

That was it for this week. A slow week. Could the onslaught of CD releases be slowing down?

Go out and check out some local music.

Rich

The Week of 9/1/06

rich — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:23:00 +0000

Another busy week, getting the new issue ready to go to press. Plus a stack of new and some old CDs that haven't gotten to us yet. Plus some websites to check out and some other music news.

Make sure to check out Perfect Porridge, a local music, art and more blog which covers quite a bit of local music.

Ada Jane - Never Been Better - The songwriter Matt Marka is responsible for this indie rock record. The first two tracks are almost grungy pop, but he relaxes a bit on tracks 3-5. It sort of encapsulates the straight rock sounds coming out of the cities these days.

Ellis - EP - This is sort of a teaser for her 7th studio album that will be coming out in 2007. Ellis is quite the prolific songwriter and performer. I don't think I have ever seen her without a smile on her face either.

Koalas - Self Titled - This CD came out awhile back, and I was able to catch the band live at the Eyes and Hands festival. I am glad I got this, I like the heaviness of it. The music reminds me a bit of Arcwelder, except with femal vocals.

Splitzside - 2 Sides of the Story - I don't really listen to much mainstream hip-hop and when a CD starts out with gunshots, I get a little scared. I will let a reviewer give a adequate description of this, since I don't know the difference between Kanye and Yung Joc. It's all Public Enemy and Beastie Boys for me.

Merge Left - Divided Nation - I was able to see Merge Left at an All Ages show last year. A little bit like Bad Religion and 80's punk, Merge Left spouts out some very political opinions. It's weird seeing such a young band (all around 18) be so opinionated, but I guess I was that way when I was younger as well. Now I'm a cynic and don't care, isn't it sad.

The Chinch Bugs - Unglued - I wouldn't take The Chinch Bugs too seriously, from the funny CD art to song titles like "Don't Touch The Rockstar" I wouldn't imagine the hipsters would be sitting around discussing this band, but you never know The Chinch Bugs might be hipsters.

The Slats - Boom Patrol - I had heard about The Slats from various people around town. For some reason I thought they were acoustic based. Imagine my suprise when they busted out the quirky indie rock.

Epic Hero - Blacking Out The Stars - When you listen to Epic Hero, you feel pretty safe. They are a pop band with a touch of edge. It always reminds me of the Gin Blossoms when I hear them. This CD came out back in June.

The Drive Back- Autummotive EP - I got this CD with the Epic Hero CD, so it probaby ties in with Orange Betty Records. This is pretty poppy, and fits in good with The Epic Hero stuff.

The Umbrella Sequence - Crossing The Wires - The Umbrella Sequence have sort of an angelic indie rock sound and I like the way it is sometimes a little noisy and you hear sounds you don't expect.

I just also got my copy of Inside Bluegrass which is the Official Publication of The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association. Their big music festival kicks off in two weeks, so if your into Bluegrass or Old Time music make sure you check it out.

That seemed like quite a bit of stuff for the week. I will see you next week which is only about 4 days away.

Rich

Week of 7/24/06

rich — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:10:00 +0000

A batch of new CDs came in:

Ecid "Biograffiti" from Fill In The Breaks is a hip-hop release. I like the way Ecid uses his vocal styling to his advantage, it makes it stand out. The CD release is this Saturday, and you check out the full info on this weeks Rift E-Newsletter.

Woodcat - Self Titled - This is an interesting CD which looks very much like a downhome folk CD from the artwork. The music is far from it, while it does sometimes twang it also does some exploration that I wasn't expecting.

Brian Whitson and The Night Wolves - "Onward, Young Mennonites!!" - Some low fi folk music, plain and simple.

The Men Who Control The Weather - "We Own The Skies" - Somewhere between punk, metal and indie.

decembers architects - ",apiary ennui and curosias. The Brew Shakes" - Labeled as indie but more like art indie. A CD release show is happening on August 13th at the Hexagon.

Superhopper - "Party Killers" - on Guilt Ridden Pop. Superhopper is not really flashy or fancy. They just rock!

Tony Pucci - "Unfolding" - Heyday Records - This is Tony's first label release but he has written over 1000 original songs.

The God Damn Doo Wop Band - "Broken Hearts" - Afternoon Records - It is finally come full circle for TGDDWB, 8 tracks of Doo Wop done awesomely well.

Your Loving Tiger - "What Gives" - Great packaging and an interesting organic sound this CD should spark some local interest.

Stay tuned for more fun stuff.

I am going to catch up on my mail!!!

rich — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0000

So here is my catch up mailbox post, lots of new CDs and some other cool stuff.

Saddle Rock - Angry Lovers - This was dropped off by Jim Mattson, who is in the band. He described it as Indie Rock but it seems to have a more blue tinged rock and roll sound. He also dropped off a CD of his other group which is called Crows In The Corn which is a batch of blues and rock covers. I will let him know to get on myspace so others can hear his bands.

As I go through this pile I also will be hitting some National Stuff which I will list at the Rift National Page.

I did mention this in our e-newsletter a while back but I will post it here as well. Down By The Riverside is a collection of classic children's songs done by some local heavyweights. Dan Wilson, Mason Jennings, Kristen Mooney and more. All proceeds benefit Reuben Lindh Family Services, so it is for a good cause as well.

Local Musicians and music industry folks should check out the Midwest Music Summit that will be taking place in Indianapolis on August 10-12, 2006.

The Julie Puppets - Self Titled - Going out to our esteemed reviewers.

Aneuretical - Million Dollar Man - Young and driven band puts out another cool CD. The next issue of Rift will have a feature on Ian Anderson who is in Aneuretical and does Afternoon Records. You won't believe what this guy does.

The Mad Ripple - Sink and/or Swim - Jim Walsh, Local Music Critic and now musician who has a CD out is the The Mad Ripple and has created a CD that fits right in with his Electone Label Mates. Except the house beat track #8 in which he was backed up DJ ESP Woody McBride.

The Lonesome Heroes - Don't Play To Lose - is not really a local band, but it is put out by the local label - Floodwater Records who is run by McNally Smith student Andy Visser.

Local label Doubleplusgood Records has released two CDs that are not local but very good.
Jeff Mitchell - Batteries and Blankets
Holly and Plastic - Life After The Lie

Terry Eason - Sentimental Vanity - Terry Eason breaks from his usual rock band format and does a piano driven pop song album. This is a unmastered copy, but this sounds great already. I look forward to the final version.

Black Leather Limo - Demo - This hard rock band need some sort of web page, I will get on them about it. So you can check them out.

Hoofla - Demo - These guys can fit in the Jam Band genre, with a couple songs at our around 8 minutes or so.

Almeda - Everything's Rosy - 26 songs on something that looks like a demo.

Gabe Barnett - Time To Leave The Fold (demo EP vol. 2) - I feel an Eclectone Records release for this guy soon.

Jan Boyer - Long Way Home - Jan plays guitar in the Roxxy Hall Band, and this CD is pretty mainstream acoustic-singer songwriting. Rift has always had a tough time figuring out where to file this type of music.

Word For Word - Twin Cities or Bust - The Release party for this Hip-Hop CD will be August 17th, at the Varsity Theatre.

Twin Town High - Volume 8 - Another good collection of what is going on in local music, in 2006.

The Surfactants - Demo - This band had a release show back on the 13th at the 400 bar which I wanted to list on the Rift E-Newsletter but missed it. These guys mix electronics with standard rock sounds, which ends up sounding pretty good.

Carp 18 - Bug Rump
Joe Fahey - Tote Bage
Joe Fahey who also fronts the always witty Carp 18 - is releasing a new Carp 18 CD and a solo record all in October. I don't think he has released anything since the middle nineties so these should be interesting.

Lazer Forever - Visage Cage - Above average indie rock, this one is going out for review.

Red Phone Dispatch - Rotary Public - Punk Rock!

It doesn't seem like it should be this much work, but after 3 hours on a Saturday morning I must remind myself to keep up with the mail and it won't be so much work later on.

If any links don't work shoot me an email at rich@riftmagazine.com

What's Out for review for Issue 16

rich — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:06:00 +0000

We'll First start with all the CDs we have in right now, and then I can get caught up on the rest of the stuff. 8 of these CDs will make it into our print edition and the other ones will end up on the Rift Website.

The CDs that are out to our reviewers right now.

Anthony Newes - Self Titled
The Alarmists - a detail of soldiers
Thunder In The Valley - A Long, Long Walk by
Complex Zero - everyone has an hourglass
Cardinal Sin - Hurry up and Wait
The Fountainheads - Self Titled
Scarlet Slipping- fire in the mist
The Smarts - a tribute to
Middlepicker - Walks The Plank
Kubla Khan - Lowertown
Leroy Smokes - Love Hustle Theatre
Ty Morse - St. Agnes Eve
Paul Christian - Texas Drift
El Punkeke - Karavana Horror Disko
Soul Mates - Where Do We Go From Here (no website)
Adrianne Lenker - Stages of the Sun
Nick Africano - Broken
Popcyle - Major Changes/Minor Chords
Stateline Motel - Children's Stories
Crown Vics - Self Titled
The Get Up Johns - Trouble In Mind
Hojas Rojas - KIllmeIloveyou

No one ever forgets their first time

rich — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 18:21:00 +0000

So, I have been planning this blog thing for awhile and even did two posts to start it out. Then I decided it was too much work what I was trying to do. I was going to write a blurb on everything I get sent in the mail. This time I am just going to create a list with links and then mark anything I found to be extra cool. This blog will also be up on the Rift Myspace page so I don't have to double blog.

Check out www.myspace.com/riftmagazine

Also check out the latest issue of Rift on www.riftmagazine.com