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REVIEWS
CD
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REVIEWS
ARE THE OPINION OF THE REVIEWER AND MAY NOT
REFLECT THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS OF MOVEMENT MAGAZINE.
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Drats!!!
WELCOME TO NEW GRANADA
Whothehellisjim?
Too short to overstay its welcome, and too weird to be punk, this
effort by sextet Drats!!! Is a rock opera based on cult film OVER
THE EDGE. Imagine Zappa jamming with Pere Ubu and you’re close.
However, this stands up on its own as an enjoyable art-punk album.
Recommended!
- Adam Naworal
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Kongos
KONGOS
Kongos
Hmm. I really wanted to like this. Being the product of the sons
of John Kongos (author of Happy Mondays favorite "Step On"),
expectations run high. The sad truth is that this is too unfocused.
Some tracks are straight up hard rock, others ride an accordion
groove, and there’s plenty of odd drumming.The sad thing is
none of it ever gels. That having been said, a lot of debut albums
would give their soul to sound like this. The potential is VERY
obvious; a bit more focus and these guys are ready to take on the
world.
- Adam Naworal
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Illinois
WHAT THE HELL DO I KNOW?
Ace Fu
Clever little EP! This is the sound of good friends getting together
and jamming with whatever instruments they can find. The songs are
all great, the under-twenty-minute length prevents it from going
on too long, and the potential for a full length is very obvious.
Perhaps the only banjo-and-beatbox track I can stand is included
on this EP.
- Adam Naworal
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Viet Nam
VIET NAM
Kemado
Interesting alt-country. Featuring a very high-lonesome sound, weary
but engaging vocals, and a couple of epics, Viet Nam have the potential
to join the ranks of Palace et al in the No Depression/alt-country
pantheon. Interesting touches like organ and a good dose of distortion
add to the appeal. Worth checking out if you like alt-country.
- Adam Naworal
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Astrid Williamson
DAY OF THE LONE WOLF
One Little Indian
Gorgeous ethereal vocals combine with low-key instrumentation on
some tracks. Others are semi-country rock with driving beats and
powerful bluesy vocals. Everything works beautifully, and this is
highly recommended to fans of everything from Red House Painters
to Tori Amos to Sarah McLachlan.
- Adam Naworal
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Little Brazil
TIGHTEN THE NOOSE
Mt Fuji
Eek. Indie rock by numbers. Be afraid.
- Adam Naworal
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Lost In The Trees
TIME TAUNTS ME
Trekky
Odd orchestral pop is the order of the day on this EP. Reminiscent
of some of Van Dyke Parks’ more inspired material, this is
a great bit of weird yet accessible pop. Cellos collide with sequencers,
melodicas and banjos accompany samples, and the vocals are gorgeous.
Highly recommended to fans of pop’s more experimental side,
especially fans of Olivia Tremor Control and Of Montreal.
- Adam Naworal
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The Mag Seven
THE FUTURE IS OURS IF YOU CAN COUNT
End
Heavy instrumental surf rock. If you dig the likes of the Mermen,
Man… Or Astro-Man?, and the Ventures, this is right for you.
Featuring members of Black Flag, All, and other punk legends, you
know these guys have the chops and the knowledge to make this work.
The short running time (12 songs in 26 minutes) also ensures that
this doesn’t get old. With titles like "Poonzilla",
"Shitload Of Dimes", and "Suck Bitch" (not to
mention "Suck Bitch (Slight Return)"), you know you’re
in for just a smidge of nastiness amid the twang. Highly recommended!
- Adam Naworal
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The Stooges
THE WEIRDNESS
Virgin
Yes, you read that correctly. THOSE Stooges! This amazing return
to form is absolutely stunning. Tracks like "Trollin’",
"My Idea Of Fun", "I’m Fried"… hell,
this whole album is great! Comeback albums shouldn’t be allowed
to sound this good. No filler exists,; these twelve tracks were
very carefully considered, and the musicians are in top form. Scott
Asheton’s drumming is still perfect, Ron Asheton can still
write a dirty riff and make it count, Iggy Pop’s vocals are
every bit as urgent as on RAW POWER or FUNHOUSE, and new member
Mike Watt (ex-Minutemen, replacing deceased bassist Dave Alexander)
is the perfect addition. Sure, it took them over three decades to
make a new album, but this was more than worth the wait. Buy it,
listen to it, love it, and then buy it for your friends. It’s
THAT good. Here’s hoping we don’t have another thirty
year wait!
- Adam Naworal
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BT:
This Binary Universe
DTS
BT has long been revered in the electronic
music scene for his amazing contributions to dance music. His tracks
have been spun by DJ's worldwide to packed clubs filled with throngs
of people moving to his luscious grooves. Not to mention his own
concerts, either in a band setting or Dj sets that draw the same
adoring fans old and new, year after year.
Now with "This Binary Universe," BT has put forth what
may be his most amazing and impressive piece of work to date. This
album is a collection of down-tempo ambient tracks with static beats,
beautiful minimalistic synths, guitar and piano. It is simply a
breathtaking musical journey that shows a completely opposite side
of what we are used to hearing from him. His last two releases had
ventured into mainstream territory, and I was starting to worry
about what the future would entail, but he restored my faith with
this album.
The other bonus to this release, is a DVD containing a stunning
animated film to accompany each track. Watching it as you listen
to the music is a fantastic experience (especially those with hi-def
tv's). If your a fan of BT, you owe it to yourself to get this album.
You won't hear any pounding 4/4 beats or 130 bpm tempo's, but I
guarantee that you will be captivated from the first song to the
last.
- Craig Harvey
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Edenbridge
The Grand Design
Napalm Records
If you were to cross Dream Theatre with Queen, I imagine that the
outcome would sound something very much like Edenbridge. On their
sixth studio album, this Austrian band has created an amazing symphonic
metal album that merges powerful grandiose anthems, beautiful female
vocals (courtesy of frontwoman Sabine Edelsbacher) and well penned
lyrics
that are impressive in several respects. The musicianship is excellent,
with the guitar and keyboards not too over the top, but with enough
progressive changes and classically inspired riffs to keep you attentive.
The backing choruses are very reminicent of Queen and blend quite
well with lead vocalist Sabine's shining vocal work. Along with
the beautiful cover art and a cover of "For Your Eye's Only"
from the James Bond film, I think I have found a new band to add
to my collection. If you like progressive metal this is one band
you should definitley check out.
- Craig Harvey
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Trail Of Tears
Existentia
Napalm Records
"Existentia" is the latest release from the Norweigian
gothic metal band Trail Of Tears. It starts off with the standard
dark, churning heavy guitar riffs, ominus keyboards and harsh vocals
which is pretty standard, but just when I started to write it off
as another group who sounds like fifty other bands I have heard
before, these guys pulled the unexpected. There are at least four
different vocal styles on this album. There are the death metal
growls, another set of powerful male and female tenor vocals, and
one more that has an edgy, but clean and powerful feel (that I presume
is the same guy doing the "death" vocals ). It's hard
to tell who does what, but it all works, and when it is blended
with the massive background choirs it sounds positively huge. Unfortunately,
according to the band's website several of the members have recently
left the band due to a bad tour and financial problems, leaving
only three members to carry on. The good news however, is Trail
of Tears is not dead and will continue on in a new incarnation.
I hope so, because these guys have a lot going for them, and it
would be a shame to let such a talented band disappear right after
the release of such an amazing album.
- Craig Harvey
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Battlelore
Evernight
Napalm Records
Battlelore is another fantasy-based metal band whose lyrical outpourings
revolve primarly around J.R.R. Tolkien's world. To be honest, this
has been done before by several bands and is not all that original.
Also, Battlelore has the standard male vs.female vocals that is
fast becoming somewhat cliché' in the metal world. Mainly
because the guy's voice is always the evil, dark, growling style
and hers is beautiful and angelic. I like this combination, but
as I said, it's been done again and again. The guitar riffs are
nice and heavy and the songs aren't all that bad, but sadly I found
Battlelore to be just a clone of many other bands that I have already
heard in the past.
- Craig Harvey
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Om
Chilled
Om Records
With "Chilled", the Om label manages to bring us yet again,
another fine selection of down-tempo tunes that are geared for the
cold winter months. There are some warm funky grooves, a smattering
of hip-hop and R&B, and seductive female vocals that are all
merged into these hypnotic mellow tracks. "Chilled" definitley
lives up to it's reputation by providing an intimate soundtrack
perfect for hibernating by the fire, snuggling in bed with your
lover, or whatever you do to relax.
- Craig Harvey
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2 Bit Pie
2 Pie Island
One Little Indian
2 Bit Pie is a brand new musical offering from Jon Flugler and Mike
Bryant of the legendary UK electronic outfit Fluke. The album covers
a wide musical territory, while also introducing Japanese vocalist
Yuki ( She Shell), Jan Burton (Syntax) and Weerasinghe of the Royal
Opera. What does all this mean? It means, you will bathed in a sonic
brew of progressive house, funky grooves, soaring operatic vocals,
deep basslines, grinding guitars and elegant dark synths. Too much
variety you say? I think not. "2 Pie Island" moves in
every direction you can think of, but still manages to keep it sounding
like themselves. if you want something to move your body to, but
your tired of the same repititous 4/4 drivel that soaks the dance
floors these days, then give 2 Bit Pie a chance. It will show you
what good dance music should sound like.
- Craig Harvey
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8-Bit Operators
An 8-Bit Tribute To Kraftwerk
Astralwerks
Anyone who listens to electronic music long enough will have at
some point been exposed to the music of legendary pioneers Kraftwerk.
To be honest (and this might be heresy to some) I an only familar
with a few songs. Namely the most popular. I know, I know, I should
be flogged for this, but I just never really got into them for one
reason or the other. So, my "exposure" was limited at
best. Anyway, the Astralwerks label has come out with a tribute
album done by several artists (none of whom I am familiar with)
who re-create Kraftwerk's music using lo-bit hand-held synths, (think
gameboys, atari's, commodore 64 etc...). It all sounds really interesting
and I think it's a pretty nifty idea, but does it hold up to "their"
music? I have no idea. However, for an interesting detour into the
world of lo-fi electronic music (apparently there is a growing market
for this stuff) I'd say this is as good a place to start as any.
- Craig Harvey
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Leatherstrip
Faetish
Alfa-Matrix
Claus Larsen's recent return to the industrial world after his long
hiatus was hailed by many as a "return of the king". Let's
face it, back in the day, Leatherstrip was one of "the"
pioneers of hard hitting industrial music. He then set forth to
make up for lost time buy putting out an enormus amount of material
in an incredibly short time frame. "Faetish" is the forth
so far and he shows no signs of slowing down. With the first three
releases we were treated to some familar sounds from the past and
a more "mellow" side of Claus which had only been briefly
glimpsed on past albums. However, I was still hungering for the
harsh brutality he showed on songs such as "Turn To Stone,
Japanese Bodies, No Rest For The Wicked and Another World."
Not to say his new stuff was not powerful (just check out "Suicide
Bombers"), but some of it just seemed to be a little less angry
than before. However, on "Faetish" some of that anger
returns with a vengence. Tracks such as "Be My Fetish, Manic
Aggression and Puktured Eyeballs" bring back memories of earlier
years, but keep from sounding dated. There is also a remix of his
classic "Adrenaline Rush," (but to be honest I like the
older version better) and an eerie slow track of love gone wrong
entitled "The Kitchen Knife". Also, on the box version
of this CD you get to hear his take on the John Carpenter "Halloween
Theme" which is just to cool. I hope on the next full length
Cd, we see more of this side of Claus, because when it comes right
down to it, this is where he belongs.
- Craig Harvey
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Ministry
Rio Grande Blood
13th Planet Records
Just looking at the cover of the new Ministry album with the Bush
crucifiction mockery, I pretty much knew what to expect from
Al and co. this time around. What I did not expect was the shear
brutality that eminated from my car stereo when I put this cd in.
Holy crap! This is without a doubt their best album since Psalm
69. It is a tour de-force of monster riffs, brutal vocals,
and shear aggression all spewing venom at the Bush administration
and the current state of world affairs. At times I could swear I
was listening to old Slayer, as the guitar riffs were so furious
and demonic. Al has enlisted Tommy Victor (of Prong) to help with
co-guitar duties, as well as some special guests; one being Jello
Biafra (ex-Dead Kennedys) who gives his all on "Ass Clown",
and Paul Raven (of Killing Joke). Gone is long time band member
Paul Barker who has been with Ministry since 1986, but none
the less, this album doesn't disappoint! If ever there was a band
that fused metal and industrial to perfection, Ministry is it. Don't
pass this one up!
-Craig Harvey
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Emulsion
Blue Sky Objective
Lens Record
This was my third listen to Emulsion (aka Nathan Koch), the first
two being Ep's that were full of dark, ambient filled pieces that
impressed me right away. The new album "Blue Sky Objective"
still carries a similar vibe, but I found the music not as gloomy,
but more relaxed with a chill out groove. The synths have an older
analog sound, and the music still has a tinge of experimentalism
similar to Gridlock or Dryft but not as noisy. There are some nice
static beat structures that move underneath the atmospheric synth
work which gives each track a nice tranquil vibe, and the intricate
layers of sound that are created, keeps your attention span moving
along with each song with never a dull moment at all.
This is a definite must for all fans of downtempo/ambient electronic
music.
-Craig Harvey
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Grand National
Kicking The National Habit
Recall Records
After viewing the cover to this release, I was really unsure as
to what was in store for me musically on this disc. The front picture
depicts a woman's legs crossed with several bruises on one of her
feet from heroin addiction. So I was quite surprised to find that
the music within was relaxing, danceable, and incredibly infectious.
This is a fantastic concoction of funky clean guitars, moving
basslines, soothing vocals, and great pop melodies from two British
lads who have made a stunning debut release. "Kicking
The National Habit" harkens back to sounds from the soul
driven dance music of the 70's to the new wave rage of the 80's
all with a modern twist. There are 14 tracks along with 3 remixed
versions of various songs, so there is no shortage of music to be
had here. You definitely get your money's worth. But dollar be damned!
No matter what the cost, this album is worth every penny and then
some. After you put this album on, this is one habit you won't want
to break!
-Craig Harvey
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Dragon*Con
Atlanta, GA
Dragon*Con 2006 was held labor day weekend and featured 32 programing
tracks from subjects as broad as writing and art to Anne McCaffrey’s
Pern and Star Wars. There were even some new tracks featured in
‘06, Podcasting, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Literature, and Silk
Road: Asian Cinema. With over 850 hours of panels, seminars, demonstrations,
and workshops to choose from many guests had an itinerary five minutes
from receiving their guide book . This years featured guests included
Grant Imahara and Kari Byron from the popular television show “Mythbusters,”
George Romero, director and creator of “Night of the Living
Dead,” and honestly too many others
to name. With four days planned programing from ten in the morning
until two in the morning most guest were kept running on the Jager
& Redbull bars scattered amongst the hotels like Starbucks in
Manhattan. Never a dull moment at what is considered the second
largest multi-genre convention. Everywhere you turned were unlikely
scenes that seem to be exclusive to Dragon*Con; You might see storm
troopers in full gear eating chicken nuggets to your left, Disney
Princess posing with drag queens for photographers on your right,
after a full sized R2D2 droid runs over your feet. The awesome size
of the event is impressive. Despite spanning three hotels this year,
the Hilton, The Hyatt, and the Marriott, there is no getting anywhere
quickly past the mass of costumed con-goers headed in all directions
overwhelmed by their options. The vendor room, which seemed to span
two ballrooms, contained isles and isles of things you never knew
you wanted from pens that converted to knives, to bondage equipment,
to fuzzy cat ears. The art show was also extremely impressive, as
diverse as the Con itself with sculpture, fantasy themed watercolor
and oil works, photography, and other works that escape modern classifications.
In the art show you were able to bid on originals by the artists,
or for those on a more“economic” budget purchase prints.
The musical performances included Voltaire, The Cruxshadows, Abney
Park, and God Head all of which were fantastic. Even better than
the actual musical performances was the ample opportunity for meet
and greets with the bands have anything, and trust me I mean anything,
signed by members of the band. However exausted this Star Wars and
Adult Swim watching Harry Potter reading writer was very glad to
have shelled out the mere eighty-five dollars to attend.
- Catherine Byerly
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Opeth/Devil Driver/Dark Tranquility
House of Blues Orlando
Having seen Opeth last year
in November was such an incredible treat in itself, but having them
come back so soon (and closer to home) was even better. Not to mention
they had fellow Swede's Dark Tranquility (another favorite
band of mine) in tow along with Devil Driver as well. The way
the line up was written it looked as if Dark Tranquility
would be the second act to perform, so imagine my surprise when
they were up first. I had to rush down to the photo pit to try and
get some good shots of the band, but unfortunately most of them
did not come out very well. Still the band put on an incredible
show, opening with "The Wonders At Your Feet" from the
album "Haven", and then moving into some material from
their latest CD "Character". I was a little disappointed
with the fact that their lead singer did not "sing" very
much, but opted to use his death metal vocals all night. He has
a great voice which was showcased on their album "Projector"
but unfortunately we did not get to hear any of it. Regardless,
the band was tight, brutal and got a great crowd response.
I would love to see these guys again.
Devildriver was up next, and
I was interested in seeing what they were like live. From what
I could hear from some people around me, they had more than a few
fans in the audience. For those who don't know, Devildriver is Dez
Fafara's latest band, which is far heavier than his previous act
Coal Chamber. Regardless of the heaviness factor, after about 3
songs everything started to sound the same. Dez sounded like a gutteral
demon, and the band had some cool riffs, but I was kinda.....bored
to be honest. The songs had no real dynamics, or interesting changes
for that matter. It was just very generic death metal. Sorry guys.
Opeth was finally ready
to take the stage, so I made my way back to the photo pit, ready
to try and get a few pictures that would actually turn out this
time. (Fortunately several did)! They opened with "Ghost of
Perdition", the first track off the new album "Ghost
Reveries", and as always they were simply amazing from the
very first note. These guys are the definitive mixture of progressive
and black metal with influences that harken back to obscure 70's
bands. The incredible combination of massive riffs and clean guitar
parts is shadowed by lead vocalist/guitarist Micheal Ackerfelt's
mixture of death metal vocals and his fantastic singing voice. The
two compliment each other extremely well, and to be honest I have
not heard any other band that has this kind of chemistry. They
continued on moving back and forth through their vast library of
songs, with classic favorites as " Demon Of The Fall, Under
The Weeping Moon, White Cluster, Bleak", as well as two more
from the new album "The Baying of The Hounds" and "The
Grand Conjuration." There were several more, but unfortunately I
can't remember which ones. What I can remember however, is that
I was extremely happy seeing Opeth for the second time and
they sounded even better than before! They still had drummer Martin
Axenrot who was filling in for Martin Lopez due to illness, but
he did an amazing job and seemed right at home with the band.(
I have just learned that Martin Lopez has announced that he
will be leaving Opeth to pursue other projects and Martin Axenrot
will continue on as their full time drummer.) Before I realized
it, two hours had passed and the band was saying their farewell's to
everyone, to head back home to Sweden. Needless to say, I can't
wait till the next show, so please guys don't take too long
to come back!
-Craig Harvey
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