Electric Sorcery

From the album opener, Mother Sea, it becomes apparent the guys of Electric Sorcery know what it takes to write a good song. It comes across the speakers like freedom and passion mixed up in a song. Directly following is Wisher, a riff driven track that is reminiscent of The Black Keys, North Mississippi Allstars, and Lenny Kravitz.

Later tracks like A Stitch in 9 Saves Time is a well crafted jam band tune - very very true to the genre. Its tracks like these that prove these guys can play and work off of each other. It also begs for LIVE APPEARANCE, so be sure to check out their website for future tour dates. If they can execute with the energy present on this album, a good time is in order.

http://www.myspace.com/electricsorcery

RATING: 4.5 stars of 5

Look at the Fish - Citizen Icon

The boys from Georgia are edgy and doing something slightly non-mainstream that i'm sitting in my office intrigued. Their album, Look at the Fish begs your listening ear. On Lift it Up, you'll be surrounded with part euro-rock, part psychedelic-rock, part grunge, but two thumbs up!

Shotgun starts with a single voice and acoustic guitar. Singer and frontman, Chris Cummings growls his thoughts and angst. The band joins in a few bars later and drives the listener in a nice early Pearl Jam fashion. Later tracks like High Life use hard hitting beats and tight harmonies to carry the song. I believe this one is their strongest on the album. By the last chorus, you'll be singing along.

If you're in the Atlanta area, be sure to check out their tour schedule.
RATING: 4 of 5 stars

Strangers Pass

This New Jersey band is rough, raw, and seemingly passionate. Their first track Alone, rips through the speakers like a live recording and Sadowski's vocals growl with truest sincerity. Its nicely accompanied by tasty lead guitar work.

400 Monroe steps back and more easily glides. Its a solid pop-rock ballad. But perhaps their strongest song on the 5 track e.p. is See Them All. Again, its a more reserved pop-rock tune in the vein of Tonic or Toad the Wet Sprocket. Mikkelsen also soars on the bass on this particular track.

All in all, Strangers Pass writes well, but a heftier recording budget and more intense production would serve them and their art strongly.

RATING: 3 of 5 stars

The Family Album - Lucibel Crater

Creative.
Odd.
Begs for your soul and liking.

I can't begin to express how rare and nice it is to hear a band doing something angular and different! Lucibel Crater's, The Family Album is just that - angular and clearly unique.

I'm not sure the mainstream will be able to fully appreciate their art, but I appreciate their unabashed writing and combination of instrumentation from song to song. They are truly a talented group of creative artists.

Stand out tracks include, Where You Are, There was a Time, and Threadbare Funeral; excellently executed and produced with passion.

As long as they don't cave to the mainstream, I see a promising future for Lucibel Crater!

RATING: 5 of 5 stars.

Now We're Here - Frances Ancheta

Frances Ancheta's, Now We're Here is a soothing easy-listening album. Its a textured and simplified acoustic album fitted with her breathy vocals. From the album opener, Coming Home, to tracks like Nothing Really Matters, you'll be transported to an island landscape musically.

Frances' sound is a combination of Calypso and Hawaiian tropical goodness - its nice.

RATING: 3 of 5 stars.

I Am Merely Sand - Daniel Christian

Combining atmospheric guitars with an almost roots-rock/alt/country vibe, Daniel Christian delivers on I Am Merely Sand.

The albums opener, New Sun Rising spouts tight vocal harmonies, circular and swirling guitars, mixed with a Nashville-esque gloss. Estella glides more easily with simple instrumentation, pianos, drums, and strings. The song has a James Taylor quality to it - these are certainly some great expectations for Christian. Flashlight Tag is a simple story from childhood. Christian does a great job of translating story into song.

I Am Merely Sand is a simply done, 10-track album. There's not much flash to it musically. But if you're more into lyrics than instrumentation and production, you'll definately be a fan.

RATING: 3.5 of 5 stars

Stories from Sammy Louis - Shake Anderson

Prepare to be soothed in a very real way. Shake Anderson walks you through 11 tracks of mellow, pop songs, executed precisely, and with real swagger.

Standouts include, Set it Off; it draws a picture in your mind as its being performed. Its a vivid soundscape that will set you in a good mood. Tumblin' Down, a soulish singer/songwriter tune complete with rhodes pianos and gospel choir. Sold Me Down the River is a more upbeat song straight out of Motown. I swear I could sing the chorus on first listen - it was just that catchy and perfect.

Stories from Sammy Louis has a lot of love in it and a lot of accute care. Each instrument seems delicately placed, never overstepping its role. The record works and its a real joyful ride.

For more information about Shake Anderson, check him out online: http://www.shakeanderson.com

RATING: 4 of 5 stars