a whole lotta...music reviews

Cycle Of Pain
Cycle Of Pain

Badass

Sheer terror comes out of New Jersey with the 2009 release of Cycle Of Pain. Cycle Of Pain is a loud, ominous metal band that tells tales of darkness. For example, “Reign Down” features heavy drums and a “thumping” bass line. This track is about a person’s “dirty deeds” haunting them. Cycle Of Pain is one frightening metal band. - Leslie Snyder
***

Ghosts in the Valley
Won't Go Politely

Listenable

If you enjoy the outbursts of indie/garage band rock, Ghosts in the Valley may satisfy your musical indulgences. This is definitely some hipster-friendly unfiltered alternative. This band definitely set a danceable tone to the indie rock sound to make you boogie. Their music will sober you up from the sounds like Modest Mouse, and Dinosaur Jr. –go ahead, listen. -Sophia Varoumas
***

Helado Negro
Awe Owe

Listenable

Let me be the first to admit- I don’t speak Spanish. But the pleasant blend of guitar, clarinet, and the occasional trombone certainly does have the power to awe. Harmonic voices mix with flourishes of guitar forming sweet, soulful, and smooth melodies. While I have no idea what the lyrics mean, the music speaks for itself. Awe Owe es bien. –Kate Gamble
***

Jukebox Zeros
Rock & Roll Ronin

Badass

This South Philly rock band release six tracks on their second EP, Rock & Roll Ronin. Its not your daddy's rock-- its your generation's music and Jukebox Zeros help you to own it. It has British punk, ambiance, and American rock, so you get slapped with a serving of modern yet nostalgic, semi-fast garage rock. Its a fun 18 minutes of music. -SV
***

Pelvic Fury
Non-Euclidean Nightmare

Completely Intolerable

One long nightmare comes out of Philadelphia. Pelvic Fury is a thrash metal band that sings about the painful side of life. “Apathy” is a thrash metal track with elements of classical guitar and fast keyboard playing. This track is about a family who suffered through an abusive past. This CD was fifty one minutes of severe, never ending pain. -LS
***

Quieting Syrup
Songs About a Sick Boy

Listenable

Like a nighttime elixir, Quieting Syrup pours out super slow. The record is calming background music when you wanna relax; perhaps so relaxing, you fall asleep. There are beautiful musical compositions behind the voice of Stephen Howard, whose music and voice resemble the Rentals, (Weezer drummer's side project in the '90s). The tempo is like a slowing down baby mobile singing grown up lullabies. Don't drive to this! -SV
***

Wesley Jeremiah
Wesley Jeremiah

Badass

Tugging at a listener's soul on "Scotland," this track certainly gives an avid music lover the chills. It reminds you of the passion of Jeff Buckley, pulling on the heart strings and making you feel. Wesley Jeremiah is intense. They are fully emerged in a perpetual enlightenment of emotion. This band needs to release a full length and fast. -SV
***

Your Best Friend
Your Best Friend

Semi-obnoxious

“Close Your Eyes and Drive Away” reveals, “Sometimes I feel like closing my eyes, and driving my car until I hit something hard.” Listening to this album in its entirety may produce that same depressing feeling. “Aboriri” is moving, beautiful, and soulful, but as the title suggests, unless you’d enjoy listening to the audible confession of an abortion, steer clear. -KG