Faith - Hope - Love
Artist: KickBend
http://www.kickbend.com/
http://www.myspace.com/KickBend
Gritty bar blues with a penchant for danceable numbers, KickBend has made a classic blues-rock offering that is both easy on the palette and mid-western in scope. Having twenty years experience playing the Chicago-land area, their sound is comparable to a good Springsteen romp. Heavy on the keys and classic guitar chops, this is just some good home-brew. Vocally, it’s just above average, as I was hoping to hear more grit, but overall a decent classic rock and blues disc. (thecannyshark)

3-Song EP
Artist: Routine Homecoming
Independent
www.myspace.com/routinehomecoming
 Ben Nester has come back with a little teaser. His debut a couple years back was filled with sparsely innocent front porch tunes. This time, using the template of an electric band, he's on the verge of being recognized above the local/regional din. Somewhere between Danielson and Sufjan Stevens resides this current incarnation of Ben Nester's brain. (thecannyshark)

Stop Motion
Artist: Parts Per Million
http://partspermillion.com/
http://www.myspace.com/partspermillion
Who would think that Craigslist could help in the forming of a band, but that's how this Chicago-based alt rock band met? They've only been together for a couple years, but consistent in the local circuit as far as playing out. Musically, there's little new to nosh on. Equal parts hook-laden, piano/violin, and melodic waxing, PPM takes the refined alternative radio format and plays it safe. A fluid listen throughout, Stop Motion is formulaic, but pulls the listener in if only to turn the radio up a little louder.(thecannyshark)

The Fear of God
Artist: Showbread
©2009 Tooth & Nail
www.showbread.net
www.myspace.com/showbread
I get it now about this brand of rawk music. I finally saw these guys perform at last year’s Cornerstone. They are very showy as a full-throttled band, but just as concerned with the message of Christ. To say I get it is one thing though. Scatterbrain styles going in all different directions with less-than-harmonic/melodic hooks, with the exception of “Shepherd, No Sheep”, Josh Dies and company sound like a speed punk band with jerking guitar riffs and the added keytar synth. At least they sound like they have a lot of fun going full tilt. Not this writer’s cup of Monster drink. (thecannyshark)