September Short Bits

Cali
Artist: Cali
Label: Levity Records
URL: http://www.musicbycali.com
Times: 12 tracks/40:40 minutes
This short bit is for folks who walked into their Christian book store last year, put Cali's self-titled debut CD on, heard the first few bars of "Get Up" and said, "This is a cheap answer to Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, TobyMac or Stacie Orrico. I cannot handle this!" and quit listening. Please give this CD a second try. "Get Up," "Twisted," and a remix of "Toodaloo Earth" (for radio only--not on this CD) are the only big-bass, heavy-percussion, lotsa-BGVs-laden offerings. I've grown to enjoy rock-tinged "Can It Be," light-funk "The Words," "Shine," and "Just Because," insightful "Sound So Good," and fine lyrics in "Are You Listening?", "Never Let Me Go," and "Toodaloo Earth." Cali, as a whole, has grown on me after listening to it for several months, and what speaks volumes about this work is that I've over-heard the successful single, "Toodaloo Earth" but have never grown tired of it. Listeners who didn't give Cali a chance should reconsider and give it a second chance....  (Olin Jenkins  August 2, 2008)

A Crack In The Mask (EP)
Artist: The Class War
©2008 Independent
URL: http://www.myspace.com/theclasswarmusic
Starting in Lafayette, LA at the start of this decade, The Class War has undergone two name changes. First a punk band, Beat The System (kind of reminds of some ‘80’s band), and then becoming a British-influenced indie/pop/rock outfit, The Fashion, their latest incarnation is an energetic indie rock sound that should garner attention from college radio heads. In March, the band played several SXSW showcases, though they play mostly regional gigs to this point. Standout cuts on this brief disc are “Love Is” and “Put Your Lips On Me”. This is a fluid EP, yet I wish for more. I need more of The Class War. (thecannyshark)

Merciless
Justme & Sintax the Terrific
Label: Illect Recordings
http://www.myspace.com/justmee
http://www.myspace.com/sintaxtheterrific
http://www.illect.com
Smooth, clear syllables roll out from this meeting of JustMe and Sintax the Terrific (deepspace6) over an organic backdrop of analogue electronic and handmade scratches. The 6 songs on this EP are interwoven with deep meaning that will force the thoughtful listener to loop this project indefinitely.  (Linda LaFianza)

I Know Your Voice
Artist: Kessler
Label: YMA Records
Don't be fooled by the cover. The soulful, doleful young lady in the bathtub fully clothed with knit brows and her hands on her temples is NOT in the band. The five young men in Kessler play straight ahead modern rock very, very well. Producer John Wirt (Hoobastank, The Rocket Summer, Jack's Mannequin) brought out the best from the Dallas-based quintet on their debut release. They had a lot riding on it--they quit their jobs and moved to LA to share their first album--the one they admit spending their entire lives to write--with the rest of the world. I hope the world is ready. This is hard-biting, intense, rolling rock. Catch 'em soon on tour, opening for Pillar or Flyleaf or some other kindred artist. (Linda LaFianza)

Free to Live
Artist: Josh Lopez
Label: Koch Records
Worship leader Josh Lopez is working with Food for the Hungry to help children in Latin America and the project Free to Live is intended to raise awareness to this cause. There are twelve songs on the project, and 8 are originals penned by Mr. Lopez. They show the polish of his years touring with praise and worship Gospel greats Israel Houghton and New Breed. A standout is his translation of Aaron' Schust's hit, "My Savior, My God" and close on its heels, the sophistication of "Heart and Soul" smoothly displays the influences of his formative years in New York. One to watch.  (Linda LaFianza)

Ten Thousand Tongues (EP)
Artist: The Mirror Stage
©2008 Independent
URL: http://www.myspace.com/mirrorstage
The Mirror Stage’s debut EP is a five-song EP that plays like a grandiose work. Drawing from influences such writers as Samuel Beckett, Thomas Pynchon, Ezekiel, and T.S. Eliot, wordsmith/vocalist/guitarist James McNally, in his words, attempts “…to take all of these disconnected sources and weave them in a story that attempts to make sense of a world in which the atomic bomb and Lazarus are supposed to coexist. Our best and worst as a society are both present in each of the songs.” St. Louis, MO, had better know what they have with this inventive young band. Their indie style speaks of Radiohead mixed with elements of Sigur Ros and Arcade Fire sprinkled in for good measure. Strong lyrically and unorthodox instrumentation make the Mirror Stage recognizable in a sea of saturated music. (thecannyshark)

Signs Of Life (EP) 
Artist: The Pharaohs of Rhythm
©2008 Independent
This little ditty of a disc hearkens back to some of ‘70’s progressive rock bands (ELP, Yes, Marillion) with a slight jam band vibe (Gov’t Mule, Umphrey’s McGee). Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, this power trio has created a healthy sonic feast for the ears. The first cut, “When The Lights Went Out” has a determined, yet playful guitar element from the get-go. “You Know The Number” has an ELP/Pink Floyd trip vibe going. I especially love the song “The Rabbit” because of the unique rhythms and the Jethro Tull-like flute. For a debut, there is some diverse chunk here. (thecannyshark)

Escape
Artist: Reaching For Mercy
©2006 Independent
URL: http://www.myspace.com/reachingformercy
A dual family band and ministry, Reaching For Mercy, has a classic hard rock sound akin to Audioslave, Flyleaf, and Foo Fighters. The Christian comparisons are to Everybodyduck and Spooky Tuesday. Hailing from Aurora, IL, they are a worship band in their local church on Sundays. They have an indie, regional vibe about them that seeks to minister where they can. I love stuff done in a local scene.  Favorite tracks are “Escape” and “Make Me New”. I must have been a sucker for good bass lines. I wish the ballads had some chunk to them, however in the songs “El Shaddai” and “God Is On Our Side”. Coming right after a number of harder songs, it reminded me of Petra’s old album formula. At times, the mix needs a tweaking with the vocals up more, but otherwise a fine independent effort. (thecannyshark)

Living on the Edge
Artist: Sandalinas
Label: Nightmare Records
Fans of fun, optimistic hard rock should give Living on the Edge by Sandalinas a listen.  Original song constructions are the order of the day, often changing pace from a heavy ballad ala-Bloodgood to speed guitar even in a single track.  Among the album’s highlights are ”Follow Me,” with its screaming Chris Cornell-like vocals over plodding guitars and “If It Wasn’t For You,” which recalls Bon Jovi in its prime but with alt-rock guitar ear candy. (Dan Singleton)

Do It In Love
Artist: Dennis Saunders
Label: Shrunken Head Records 
Denis Saunders certainly has the credentials to record on a label called Shrunken Head. Born and raised in the West Indies where he mastered guitar, keyboards, and songwriting, he moved to Canada for a better opportunities. Judging from this project, Saunders found what he was seeking and on this, his second project, he forthrightly shares the wisdom garnered through right choices in life and in the spirit. (Linda LaFianza)

One Bird A Day: A compilation of songs by sparkydog & friends
Various: 
Label: Superorganica Records
Superorganica Records is "the open systems record label" jumping feet first in the deep end of the new open architecture online world. "Listen - Rip - Share - Participate" is the credo, and 23 songs by 9 artists showcased on One Bird A Day  are buying into the concept. Lo-fi electronica and basement studios abound. No need to take my word for the quality of the music, copying and sharing are encouraged by superorganica. Not sure how they monitize the concept, but isn't that the question of our times? (Linda LaFianza)

The Sound the Steel
Artist: The Wedding
©2008 Brave New World
Http://www.myspace.com/thewedding
New vocalist, Matt Sheldon, has seamlessly fit right in with the latest theme-based EP, The Sound the Steel. Once the train starts, the music does not slow down, until the end of the line (“Redeem”). The one-word titles use alliteration to bring their points home: “Receive,” “Return,” “Renew,” “Reveal,” and the closing anthem, “Redeem.” Solid modern rock and punk leanings thread throughout this disc to make the experience memorable. (thecannyshark)