music reviews

Birdwatchers of America
There Have Been Sightings

RATING: Semi-obnoxious

The Massachusetts quartet is marred with pretensions of epic songs imbued with deep meaning. It adds up to bland and straightforward lightweight rock. The only exceptional track, “Going Down To Paterson” is buried next to the bottom of the disc. Trim the fat and for god sakes kill the harmonies. -Paul C. Dowd

***
The Burning Dirty Band
Goodbye Dominion

RATING: Bad Ass

This Virginia band wears its Tweedy, Britt Daniel, and Robbie Robertson influences on its sleeve, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This earnest and ambitious album is steeped in Americana roots blended with just enough abstract weirdness. “Only Ghost,” with its eerie cascading guitar line, is an absolute gem. -PCD

***
The Campbell Apartment
Insomniac’s Almanac

RATING: Iconic

A carefree look at life’s struggles comes out of Canada. Most people have struggled with romance at some point in their lives. For example, “Long Distance Relationship (Is A Four Letter Word),” is a lighthearted alternative pop track explaining how this type of a relationship will be O-V-E-R. The Campbell Apartment features an “airy” alternative sound. - Leslie Snyder

***

Cethkyn

Classics

RATING: No Comment

Let’s be honest, hardcore metal bands come a dime a dozen and Cethkyn’s album, Classics, is sadly no different. Completely lacking individuality, Classics offers unoriginal tracks that sound exactly like every other band in this genre. Sure, it’s high energy and in your face, but it’s only unique by name. –Kate Gamble

***
Dearestazazel
Be Mine

RATING: Listenable

While their name may be a tongue twister of sorts, there is nothing that complex about the music of Dearestazazel. Relying heavily on 80s era synthesizers, the Atlanta-based foursome is reminiscent of current pop-rock acts like Metro Station. Equal parts bouncy keyboards and throbbing beats, Dearestazazel offers up fun, guilty-pleasure tunes – just in time for summer vacation. - Daniel Alonso

***
Elias: The Band

Our Sophomore Effort

RATING: Completely Intolerable

An “obnoxious rant” comes out of Canada. A family can become consumed with conflict. For example, “The Opener” is a noisy alternative track about a son being angry about not being able to live up to his father’s “lofty” expectations. Elias: The Band offers nonstop screaming throughout this CD. - LS

***
Evolv

Fragments

RATING: Semi Obnoxious

Evolv’s newest album, Fragments, should have just been titled “Boring." While their sound is very much like Sevendust, Evolv doesn’t have the same power to captivate and becomes tedious after the first few tracks. The “hidden track” is the most interesting song on the album, but all others are lackluster. –KG

***
Fiction 20 Down
Welcome to the Grassroots

RATING: No Comment

They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but it proved difficult when the inside photo behind the band’s disc is the group (four relatively clean cut young men) smiling at the camera at a sports bar. Badass? I think not. If you are a fan of the Dave Matthews/college rock milieu, you will probably hitch your wagon to Fiction 20 Down’s star. Maybe after a few drinks at the keg party the songs start to sound better. -DA

***
Ganto Barn

The Gorgeously Hanged

RATING: Listenable

The Gorgeously Hanged has potential but could still use some tweaking. Ganto Barn’s sound can be some what akin to Offspring and has a post punk flavor. “Living off goats blood,” has got to be the highlight of the album followed closely by “Dead Rum.” Decent, but begging for perfection. –KG

***

Seizure Crypt

Under the Gun

RATING: Listenable

With a track titled, “Crazy Cat Lady,” can you really go wrong? Under the Gun presents a band that doesn’t need to take themselves too seriously in order to be heard. With tracks that end in gurgling, Seizure Crypt sounds like that old school hardcore group you used to love. –KG

***
Thaykay
Tan Cerca del Sol

RATING: Semi-obnoxious

The Spanish band Thaykay creates self-proclaimed “emotional prog-rock music” inspired by bands such as Tool and Incubus. However, they are not updating the metal/prog rock sound of the 1990s nor creating anything innovative or original. The most interesting cuts, such as their self-titled track, are those that incorporate both classical and Afro-Latin elements. -DA