Jacob Acosta – Chants of Diplomacy 

URL – http://jacobacostamusic.com/ 

About the Artist: Tucson, Arizona based Singer/Songwriter Jacob Acosta just released his latest 6 song EP Toaster entitled Chants of Diplomacy. Of his first solo EP, Chants of Diplomacy, Jacob Acosta has stated (via press release) that his intentions were to break the invisible fourth wall between the artist and the audience, capturing an inviting and intimate photograph that is as much a lesson plan as it is a record. I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “No Taxes”, “Normal Life” and “Limbs” They made quite the first impression with me. Each one possessed my full unadulterated attention, and had me eager for what was ahead. To be honest: I expected cheesy Singer/Songwriter Pop. Not that there’s anything wrong with that style – like most listeners out there I just want to hear something new and different. What I discovered delivered was amazing and fresh. The whole CD is full of what I would call catchy Acoustic Pop energy with a hooky pop-style that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of State Radio, Virginia Coalition and a bit of Parachute.  I can also hear the slight Psychedelic-Blues influence in there as well. What I really like about Jacob Acosta is it never manages crossed into Poppy Territory and there‘s no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Cheezy music with a handsome face via top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Chants of Diplomacy appeals to both advanced and novice listeners alike. It even will appeal to old rockers as well because at times it reminds me of the Beatles. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake Chats of Diplomacy is one EP that can take you deep and has so much to offer.  Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Jacob Acosta is taking us back in the right direction with “Chants of Diplomacy.” 

Top Tracks: Empty Praises, Normal Life, Need Someone.

Final Word: Jacob Acosta will affirm your faith in good music again. He represents all that is magical, real and good in music and this latest EP delivers a highly passionate 6 track set via Gold Standard musicianship, amazing chops, impressive songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Rock, Pop and Psychedelic-Blues.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

by Michael Keith edited by Joshua Beach. Posted by Senior Editor Drew Blackwell.

Review Comments: joshuabeach9@gmail.com

URL – http://jacobacostamusic.com/

About the Artist: Tucson, Arizona based Singer/Songwriter Jacob Acosta just released his latest 6 song EP Toaster entitled Chants of Diplomacy. Of his first solo EP, Chants of Diplomacy, Jacob Acosta has stated (via press release) that his intentions were to break the invisible fourth wall between the artist and the audience, capturing an inviting and intimate photograph that is as much a lesson plan as it is a record. I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “No Taxes”, “Normal Life” and “Limbs” They made quite the first impression with me. Each one possessed my full unadulterated attention, and had me eager for what was ahead. To be honest: I expected cheesy Singer/Songwriter Pop. Not that there’s anything wrong with that style – like most listeners out there I just want to hear something new and different. What I discovered delivered was amazing and fresh. The whole CD is full of what I would call catchy Acoustic Pop energy with a hooky pop-style that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of State Radio, Virginia Coalition and a bit of Parachute. I can also hear the slight Psychedelic-Blues influence in there as well. What I really like about Jacob Acosta is it never manages crossed into Poppy Territory and there‘s no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Cheezy music with a handsome face via top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. Chants of Diplomacy appeals to both advanced and novice listeners alike. It even will appeal to old rockers as well because at times it reminds me of the Beatles. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake Chats of Diplomacy is one EP that can take you deep and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Jacob Acosta is taking us back in the right direction with “Chants of Diplomacy.”.

Top Tracks: Empty Praises, Normal Life, Need Someone.

Final Word: Jacob Acosta will affirm your faith in good music again. He represents all that is magical, real and good in music and this latest EP delivers a highly passionate 6 track set via Gold Standard musicianship, amazing chops, impressive songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Rock, Pop and Psychedelic-Blues.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

by Michael Keith edited by Joshua Beach
Review Comments: joshuabeach9@gmail.com

Artist: Tracy Walton
Album: If I Ever Get Away
URL: http://tracywaltonmusic.com/home/

Sounds Like; Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, The Band

Connecticut singer/songwriter Tracy Walton is an interesting artist, his music is steeped in country, embracing the rich heritage of the genre, while holding his own with his deep and versatile voice, which ties the album together nicely, even as the music skips around and delves into unsuspected territory.

The album starts off with the track “Walls” which kicks off with an accapella harmony introduction, giving the listener a quick preview of what’s to come. The song has somewhat of an Americana vibe to it, mixed with traditional country sounds. “Songs For You” is an acoustic ballad that really showcases Tracy’s talent for writing classic country melodies. The background melodies are a nice compliment as well. Next is “Sunny Days”, an uptempo bass driven song about days gone by. The track “Redeemed” has a breezy back and forth duet with a gifted female that comes together in harmony for the choruses. The slide guitar really brings it home. From here the album begins to take a turn into new and fertile territory. “Let Me Take You Home” is a total rock and roll song, with distorted vocals and is somewhat of a shock coming after the previous few songs. After that is “If I Ever Get Away” the title track of the album, which crosses over into indie rock turf, though keeping roots in country. This song would be at home with The Lumineers. Suddenly we’re back to familiar territory, with “Beer Is Now Cheaper Than Gas” a country rock satire of our dire economy and our love of cold frothy drink. “Life Goes On” is another acoustic based song that almost takes on Molly Hatchet vocally. “Think You Do” winds down the album nicely with a traditional country sound that would be perfect for a Texas watering hole.

Overall, Tracy Walton’s “If I Ever Get Away” is an enjoyable experience full of surprises and takes the listener on an amusement park of a country vacation.

Purchase Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tracywalton1

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/tracywalton/songs

Final rating: 8.5/10

Submitted by Drew Blackwell edited by Janne Zawa
Review comments: jannezawa@gmail.com

Band/Artist: Automatik Eden
Album: Autoamtik Eden (EP)
Genera: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock,

URL: http://automatikeden.com/

Bio: Multi-talented Members, David Crocco and Cela Scott join forcesto form Automatik Eden. Band hails fro LA and just released theie self titled EP in 2013. Produced by Herwig Maurer (Hypernova, Simone White and sound designer for King of the Hill, Hostel, and Apocalypto) and mixed by Sean Beavan (Guns N’ Roses, No Doubt, Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down) Need I say more? Do I have your attention so far? “Automatik Eden has 3 electric tracks and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Pop Rock band, no Automatik Eden goes much deeper than that. In-fact they could be classed as a 4 genera artist: Alternative Rock, Electric Pop, ,Psychedelic Punk. Automatik Eden have way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of overly-predictable Pop Rock. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “Girlfreind” and “Citadel” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and elite level craftsmanship that transcends typical pigeonholing. The music manages to be commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining vibe that makes a real connection with the listener – almost as if you were in a live setting. All pieces within this album hold the attentions span of the listener perfectly. In a nutshell this is Anastacia meets Gewn Stefani.

I would imagine in time we will hear more from this amazing band from LA in the near future. So far these 2 have carved a marketable niche for themselves locally thus far setting them up for more marketable success down the road internationally. I would not be surprised to hear their music featured in a major Motion Picture or a TV Series one day, or even on The Warp Tour. But for now I can honestly say this is one artist that clearly gives you a musical snapshot that is highly original, uplifting and dare I say catchy and hooky in unique in it scope.

Rating 4/5

EPK – http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=356824

Social Networking Links:

MY SPACE – http://www.myspace.com/automatikeden

YOU TUBE – http://www.youtube.com/user/automatikeden

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/automatikeden

by Michael Rand edited by Eli Gattis. Posted by Senior Editor Drew Blackwell (UK)

review comments: therandbrand@gmail.com

Artist; Chance Hayden
CD: The Family Tree
Genre: Jam Band, Blues-Rock, Pop. Singer-Songwriter

URL: http://www.chancehayden.com/

From Portland comes Alternative rocker Barton who just released his latest effort entitled “Family Tree” in 2012. Right from the start it might be easy to just categorize Hayden as straight ahead pop-rocker, and write him off as the newest trending thing around the Portland area. It wouldn’t be wise, though. Sure, if you listen to some of his more catchier tunes within this 9 song line-up that’s the impression you would likely get. However there is a method to his madness. There are some really good songs on “Family Tree” that step outside the modern pop-rock music boundaries. Hayden can play the guitar like nobody’s business. Second he recruited some of Portland’s best studio musicians for the project as well. Finally his choice to sue Redfray Frazier for vocals was a wise one. All of the above go against the grain of pop and as a result really open up the album. This enhances the listening experience rather than limit it for me. Hayden is obviously experienced at performing and writing music, but it’s the combination of all of the above that makes Hayden so deadly. I mean, there is nothing here that really seems all that original or fresh but perhaps that is why Hayden’s on our Radar screens in the first place. Forgive me if I’m talking in circles – but some bands can deliver music that’s pretty straight forward, conservative and painfully simple yet brilliant in scope. Furthermore in lieu of the amazing string of songs Hayden delivers on The Family Tree it almost feels as if Chance Hayden is really on to something. The Family Tree is a one of a kind CD from a one of a kind artist that’s closely tied to classic blues-rock-soul, but has a more modern alt-rock sound. I hate to pigeonhole but I can hear the Beautiful Girls, Ash Grunwald, Xavier Rudd, John Butler trio and Blue King Brown.

Chance Hayden will please a wide range of musical personalities in the process. Sure it’s possible that future releases will demonstrate more musical molding or identity developing. Many bands start off sounding like another act in a descript way only to develop their trademark sound later. But when The Family Tree finally runs its course over one walks away felling Chance Hayden is something special.

Social Networking Links:

MY SPACE: http://www.myspace.com/chancehayden

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chancehayden

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Review by Joseph Crowder edited by Michael Morrison

Bulletproof Snow EP release (Punished For my Innocence)

URL: http://www.bulletproofsnow.com/

REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/bulletproofsnow

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

This is the latest EP release (Punished For my Innocence) from Michigan’s own Bulletproof Snow. Bulletproof Snow is as follows: Trey McLaughlin (Vox/Guitar), Matt Coon (Bass), Connor Cheney (Drums), Jake Yacobelli (Guitar). For the record I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the band or artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening title sets the stage rather well for this EP. It was a great intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what lied ahead. All in all the whole EP is brilliantly delivered with a powerful Punk Rock, guitar driven texture with songs that at times can bite you and hit you hard with serious melodic staying power. Music will remind you of Silverchair, We the Kings, The Cab and even Cobra Starship. To be honest I can’t say enough about this bands overall signature sound and appeal. Their bio describes it best: Bulletproof Snow is rocketing into the Detroit music scene after only coming together in March 2012. Playing more than 40 shows in a few short months, the band just completed their debut EP, recorded at Swordfish Studios (Brighton MI) and mastered by Kevin Sharpe at Metro 37 Recording Studios (Rochester Hills MI).Bulletproof Snow currently performs on a regular weekend schedule around southern Michigan. In a few short months, the band has built an extensive repertoire of both covers and originals. Their list of accomplishments is building fast and includes winning “battle of the band” competitions, playing in many established area venues, and playing several large festivals. Some of these are Labadie Pig Gig – Bay City, Sparks in the Park – Milford, and River Raisin Festival – Blissfield. Bulletproof Snow represents a fresh new voice in modern punk and presents a strong message that is aggressive, upbeat and highly melodic. “Punished For my Innocence” presents a very loud, youthful and at times even in your face sound. Each piece is real, not so overly- corporate sounding and very defiant in nature. Bulletproof Snow has a clean-tight sound that favors the late 90’s Alternative Rock movement but with a modern new punk rock feel. They will also remind me of a variety of bands from the 80’s in the heyday of the Punk Rock movement. They have a new sound but the spirit remains the same. I’ve never heard a new band sound so melodic and fresh. In other words Rock n’ Roll and Punk needs more bands like “Bulletproof Snow” immediately.

The song that stuck with me the most is “What Comes Next”.

If there was one word I would use to describe Bulletproof Snow it would be energetic. This CD will simply make you feel more upbeat and positive and is a real jolt to the senses. In close Bulletproof Snow is one of the hottest rock bands I’ve heard in quite some time. They have much to offer the listener in so many different and unique ways.

Bulletproof Snow Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/bulletproofsnow

by Mindy McCall edited by Drew Blackwell
Review Comments: indiemindymccall@gmail.com

ARMORED THEORY – Self Titled EP
by Heather Savage edited by Michael Rand
Musical Genera: Alternative Rock, Hard Rock

FACEBOOK – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armored-Theory/257522930944440

Armored Theory is an American hard rock/heavy metal band from Norfolk, Virginia, formed in 2010. Founding members ‘Johnny-5′ Roorda and Billy ‘ElyMonster’ formed to perform in a talent show for the military. While auditioning, they met a drummer, Dave ‘Rodd’ who wanted to play with them. Band members include: Billy Ely” Monster’ (Vocals), ‘Johnny-5′ Roorda (Guitar), Rocky Lamb (Bass), Dave ‘Rodd’ Alvarado (Drums)

Now getting to the EP: Armored Theory 4 song EP is their latest release to date and t has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: The impressive 4 piece band delivers rock solid playing like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Ely’s voice and production touches hit the mark remarkably well within the context of this catalogue. Third: the sound and amazing songwriting touch is action packed. In fact one could classify Armored Theory as a four genera artist: Progressive, Classic, Hard Rock and Alternative Rock. All songs are a skillful combination of all the aforementioned genera’s. Music will remind you of Jon Foreman, Kutess, Hawk Nelson and Falling Up. Armored Theory have the power and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous. There’s also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the overly predictable, forgetful rock that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let me start by saying there is nothing predictable and forgetful about Armored Theory. Weather live or in the studio this is one of the hottest metal bands from Virginia right now. Not every square inch is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable this band is as they have effectively found the voice for all frustrated Hard-Rock fans out there. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nicely done! This is harder to do than it sounds and can only be a by product of being ones self musically. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a raw sound that is passionate and entertaining very much like the band.

My Top Track: “The Dead Mans Hand”

Final Word: Every minute will genuinely rock your world, shake the tree and lift your spirits unlike most music you hear on the radio these days.

Review comments: heathersavage5@gmail.com

Artist: Rog and Glenn
CD: Close the Club
URL: http://www.closetheclub.com/#

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There’s something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever “it” is – they all seem to have “it”.

Today I listened to the latest CD from North Carolina based Rock artists Rog and Glenn who just released their latest CD entitled: “Close the Club” in 2013. Venturing to their website I get the impression these guys are having fun and are extremely determined, dedicated and passionate about their songwriting craft and being no holds barred storyteller/Alternative Rock artists. Anyway – from start to finish this CD from Roger and Glenn delivers the goods and is a very entertaining musical experience that sounds almost like a live recording. It pushes hard and has aggressive Old School Rock quality to it, and even dabbles in Hard Pop Rock and Jam Band. It also reminds me of a rocked out Primus, Damon Albarn, Gnarils Barkley and Colonel Claypool and the Flying Frog Brigade. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release. It’s clearly marketed for those who like a unpredictable male vocal front and playing that never let’s down its guard. I get the impression Both Rog rand Glenn are really letting their hair down. In other words he hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who he is musically – which dabbles in danceable comedic parody. Favorite tracks include (One of Them) (Notch) and (Fake It). All songs strike the perfect balance between rock, alternative rock and in your face progressive dance punk. The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent artist. Within each one of these pieces Rog and Glenn capture something special as he bares their soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo.

Close the Club offers much in the way of passion and compelling-thought provoking lyrical content to say the least. The playing from these cats is spot on and just makes the whole CD even more enjoyable. The vocal abilities and passion from the rest of the contributors is rock solid. The overall vibe of the production is very defiant, rebellious and a bit comical with pockets of hope trying to shine through. I see Roger and Glenn as a true diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by he will no doubt hear more from him I also would be surprised to hear her music on the Radio someday or even in a video game a Reality TV Series or headlining say the Warp Tour. In close most famous artists out there have “it” I’m not so sure what it but Roger and Glenn have whatever “it” may be.

I TUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/close-the-club/id594031814?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Michael Morrison edited by Markus Druery
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)

Review comments: marktheshark972@gmail.com

Band/Artist: Kurt Winikka
CD: Says the Rain

Official URL: http://kurt.winikka.com/

So across my desk slides the new 11 track CD from Massachusetts based Kurt Winikka entitled “Says the Rain” (Dily Daly Records). During my initial research of Winikka there were a few lines from his bio that I really liked: Kurt has been banging on the guitar ever since the 7th grade, when he was given a $25 “Hector” Spanish guitar from Nogales, Mexico. That same year his ears were opened to the sound of country folk music when, in the mountains south of Williams, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt singing “Long, Long Time” came on the radio. An appreciation for the simple elegance of voice and acoustic guitar was forever imprinted in his mind. That and the power of song to move people. Now living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the cosmic center of the folk music universe, he writes songs and plays whenever and wherever he can. “Says the Rain” is Winikka’s second CD, co-produced with Lloyd Maines in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas. A fortuitous meeting at the Kerrville Folk Festival in the Texas Hill Country led to the collaboration between the two. Joining Kurt on the recordings are Lloyd Maines, Pat Manske, Richard Bowden, Joel Guzman, Riley Osbourn, and Terri Hendrix. The collection of eleven original songs and one traditional song will be released March 19, 2013. As I spun the CD what I heard put a smile on my face. It’s a nice easy flowing record that delivers solid songwriting with a nice rock feel to it. Kurt Winikka reminds me of David Gray, John Mayer, Glen Ray LaMontagne and a touch of Amos Lee. However you will also hear a side of Blues and Alternative Folk along the way. If you like the above bands and musical styles you should definitely check out this CD.

My favorite track is probably: Everybody Knows, The Ice Storm and Leaving Again. Video link for “Ice Storm” linked below.

This CD is a solid release with many feel good grooves with a delicate Saloon Folk feel to it. At the end of the day Kurt Winikka gives us a fresh glimpse at an amazing artist and takes us back a few years – before everything started sounding like – well like everything else.

Official Rating 8.5/10

Other Kurt Winikka Links:

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kwinikka

MY SPACE: http://www.myspace.com/kurtwinikka

YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oztlzwr3R-0

REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/kurtwinikka

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/kwinikka

Joshua Beach edited by Janne Zawa
Review comments: jannezawa@gmail.com

THOMAS CORSAUT – Forced Perspective

Musical Genera: Indie-Rock, Alternative Rock, Punk 

URL: http://www.jango.com/music/Thomas+Corsaut?l=0

 Overall Rating: 4/5 

“Forced Perspective” is the latest release from California based artist Thomas Corsaut released in 2012. I would describe Corsaut as a darker, denser, more mysterious than most Alt-Rock bands out there right now with infectious basement band sound with impressive writing, compelling lyrical content and better than average playing. “Forced Perspective” is his latest release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: The impressive Corsaut knows how to play guitar and delivers rock solid songwriting like a well oiled machine. This is testament to hundreds of hours of rehearsal time no doubt. Second: Corsaut’s  voice hits the mark remarkably well within the context of this catalogue. Third: this coupled with an infectious Indie rock sound and impressive songwriting will remind you of XTC, David Bowie, The Wallflowers and Better than Ezra. Corsaut has the power and songwriting prowess to be extremely dangerous and it’s obvious to me he’s a creative genius no doubt. There’s also a unique quality to this catalogue that breaks the mold when compared to the overly predictable, forgetful rock that’s been filling the airwaves lately. What am I trying to say – well let m start by saying there is nothing predictable and forgetful about Thomas Corsaut. Not every square inch is filled with musical ambience delivered under duress – but musical space this allows the music to breathe on its own with musical passion that cannot be faked. Equally as impressive is how marketable Thomas Corsaut  really is. Thomas Corsaut (at least for me) has effectively found the voice for all frustrated Alt-Rock fans out there. It covers so much ground and despite this it manages to not spread itself to thin across to many lines – nicely done! This is harder to do than it sounds and can only be a by product of being ones self musically. I’ve always said if you can play it a party, then it’s marketable. The music is extremely marketable – with a raw sound that is passionate and entertaining musical personality very much like Thomas Corsaut. 

Top Track – Slinky 

Final Word: All 15 tracks will genuinely rock your world, shake the tree and lift your spirits unlike most music you hear on the radio these days. No joke! 

YOU TUBE Link: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL334CB9D0F73C8FB3 

by Heather Savage edited by Cyrus Rhodes

Review comments: heathersavage5@gmail.com