June 2008 Short Bits

The Comeback Tour
And Then He Dreamed… (EP)
©2007 Independent
www.myspace.com/thecomebacktour
A three-member band from Poughkeepsie, NY, The Comeback Tour seem a determined bunch to breathe life into scripture through a modern rock sound that is somewhere between Cool Hand Luke, any ska/punk band, and maybe Further Seems Forever. The three-song EP is a progressive story of Genesis 25-28. This is further evidence that “making all things new” can be done in a modern vibe, and done successfully.
(thecannyshark)

Counter Intelligence
Artist: Carl Hauck
Label: Indie
Carl Hauck is a breathy, intense singer in the vein of Sufjan Stevens & Ben Fold who turns his perpetual outrage and insight to the industrial-military complex, I think. It's a little hard to tell as he rails against the outrage of the draft (abolished 20 years ago), God's apparent indifference to eco-terroroism, child molestation, and suicide bombers, among other things. But the production values are excellent, and Hauck will be touring quite a bit this summer, perhaps I'll get the opportunity to suggest he re-examine his prose in light of his own observation in "Zhuangwho":

"Oh, the joy of riding trains and taking aim at roaming horses
The rationale arcane, unexplained by any source
Is it boredom with contentment or implicit self-defense,
Or frustration with the imagery no longer making sense?"

Linda LaFianza

Demo (EP)
Artist: Like Dross 
©2007 Independent
www.myspace.com/likedross
With a sound somewhat comparable to the Foo Fighters, Plumb, and Benjamin Gate, this female fronted band has an indie sound overriding with acoustic guitar, even on the rockers. The demo is not half bad, but the overall experience left me indifferent. (thecannyshark)

Kiwomera Emmeeme
Artist: Omega
Label: Sony/Red
Omega Bugembe Okello is from Uganda and for her latest project, she's chosen to sing exclusively in Ugandan with the exception of one song in Swahili. As a featured singer of the African Children's Choir, she's produced an impressive body of work in English, so perhaps she welcomed the opportunity to return to her roots. But without a translation at my elbow, it's tough to report on the content she sings in a rich, melodic voice with impeccable  World music settings. (Linda LaFianza)

Songs For The Missing (EP)
Artist; Tim Serdynski
Label: ©2007 Independent
www.myspace.com/timserdynski
This is an acoustic rock driven little ditty of an EP.  It is coffeehouse music with a little bite in the java. It pushes the happy button with its jangle rhythm for two songs, then turns a bit dark and somber in tone from there on out. Tim Serdynski’s voice is familiar, but the EP does not leave a lasting impression otherwise. (thecannyshark)

The Heartbeat EP
Artist: Torn From Red
Label: ©2007 Independent
http://www.myspace.com/tornfromred
Heavy punk and slight hardcore influences make Torn From Red’s sophomore EP come alive. Hailing from York, PA, these guys are poised to go beyond the regional ranks. A full assault to the eardrums aside, The Heartbeat makes you wish for more. Too bad there are only five tracks. This is a consistent effort for a half release. (thecannyshark)