April 2008 Short Bits

Make Me New
Artist: After the Chase
Website: http://www.afterthechase.com
Label: Independent
Time: 10 tracks
The music was soft and serene, lyrics were solid. The combination of the melody with the vocals had a more folk/new age feel. The CD was a collaboration of several relaxing tunes. After the Chase is a husband and wife team, Nathan and Jenna Strong, whom have been making music together since 2001. They find inspiration in the big and little things of life! Their music is an emotional response to the love offered by Christ.
This project is available at their website, so go visit and pick it up today! (Trish Cooper)

Self-titled EP
Artist: Kheris
Label: ©2007 Independent
URL: http://www.myspace.com/kheris
I first stumbled on these guys by checking out the Purple Door Festival site. I was intrigued by their name alone. The name Kheris is derived from the Greek word for grace. Their sound is modern with a psychedelic flair. Their lyricism is thought provoking. The whole package is there.

For an EP, this plays like a full-bodied work of art. “Hurricane” and “Mother Nature” are standout tracks. These guys rock with reckless fortitude. It continually amazes me that this genre of rock music has never come to its complete fullness. Here’s to another journey down this creative road of wonderment. (thecannyshark)9.5 of 10 clicks (wish it were longer)

Head Home
Artist: O’Death
Label: Ernest Jenning Record Co.
Fans of raw, screaming, spooky hillbilly music are sure to love _Head Home._  How many of those there are, I am at a loss to say.  As absurd as a fusion between bluegrass and gothic metal sounds, there is no denying that O’Death has achieved it quite skillfully.  _Head Home_ offers complex songwriting, unique sounds, and a sort of the-banjo-player-from-Deliverance-meets-Chucky vibe.  The fusion fails when Greg Jamie’s slack-jawed-yokel vocals elevate into screams.  But when they stick with the haunting motif or speed-folk, they actually manage to create an unlikely new art form.   (Lyrics note: I was not able to find lyrics for any of the songs on this album and much of it is hard to understand.  What I did make out lyrically is typical of gothic music, i.e. establishing a forelorn, depressed atmosphere, with tiny crumbs of hope scattered about.) . (Dan Singleton)

The Ghosts Among Us
Artist: Our Last Night
Label: Epitaph Records
In The Ghosts Among Us, Our Last Night offers standard hardcore sounds as a base, but plays a bit above the field with technical prowess, including time-signature changes.  They are also unique in alternating vocal styles between lush harmonies and a monotone lead singer who sounds like a cross between Daffy Duck and the Cookie Monster after having eaten some bad moo goo gai pan. (Dan Singleton)

Drunken Sky
Artist: Strix Vega
Label: ©2006 Strix Vega
www.myspace.com/strixvega 
Strix Vega has created a soundscape of sorts with “Drunken Sky” that dabbles in a number of textures. You hear everything from Dylanesque folk/acoustic elements to alt-country Wilco-like subtleties to an almost psychedelic/jam band qualities that remind me of a dirty Tea Leaf Green. I love the discordant, distorted guitar sound throughout.

The lyrics and vibe are somewhat somber, as the band plays that anti-star approach. The production is a bit subdued for my taste, needing a bit more high-end in the mix. I suppose the psychedelic-alt-folk style does work better in this manner. (thecannyshark)  8 of 10 clicks

Underground Sounds, Vol. 1 
Artist: Various
Label: EMI/Nu Spring
Paul Wright 111 with the assistance of EMI distribution, the people responsible for the successful Wow Gospel series, has released a new series titled Underground Sound.  Unfortunately, professional and high production values don't always add up to originality and innovation.  This album of various unsigned Christian rock artists largely remains accessible for commercial promotion, but lacks the kind of distinction often used for terms like 'independent' and 'underground.'    The distinctive edge found in the alternative rock music is replaced with artists influenced by the mainstream rock sound.  Herein lies the difference. Independent and underground artists bring alternatives to contemporary music.   These artists certainly have talent and most likely will fit into modern radio air fare. The themes and songs are well written and arranged.  However, if the intention is to recognize  independent artists, then, the title is a misnomer.  However, if the listener is a fan of mainstream radio rock coming from a solid Christian worldview, this is the disc for you. (Terry Roland)