The Vicious Martinis (Indie Glam Rock)

This time we are giving a shout out to the folks in the DC area, to let everyone know about the round of Vicious Martinis being served up on the house. This band is another testament to the fact that the right singer for the job is important to getting the proper delivery across to your audience. In fact, Glenn Hall’s ability to gel so well with the other members of the band is downright impressive. He always seems to have just the right touch for the song, whether it be calm and melodic or rock intensive. With John Hardwick on drums, Brian Gass on guitar, and Bryan Smith not pulling any punches on bass, The Vicious Martinis have a musical range that trends from a traditional rock foundation with all the perks of a modern flair. It’s the kind of band you would have loved to watch on MTV, back when they actually played real music. So, check this band out and if you are in the DC area, make sure to get out to their shows.

To find out more about The Vicious Martinis, visit: www.theviciousmartinis.com.

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Oh Darling (indie, rock, pop)

Two thumbs up to the awesome band from Portlant Oregon. It’s hard to find bands these days with the right chemistry, but from the backing musicianship to the engaging vocals, Oh Darling is down right addictive. The sound will grab hold of your inner 80′s child and remind you of what it is you loved about not so mainstream indie pop from that era, yet still retaining enough modern embellishments to play with your feelings of Deja vu in a very pleasant way. As I took to enjoying this band’s songs, I noticed something very familiar to me in Jasmine Ash’s voice. So, I went rummaging through the music libraries at my disposal until finally it hit me what it was. If you listen carefully to Jasmine’s voice, you will sometimes hear a slight resemblence to the voice of Donna Lewis. But, don’t think for a second that Jasmine is standing in Donna’s shadow. The other members of Oh Darling really pull together to help Jasmine give a unique performance that leaves you experiencing a plethora of interesting emotions. I especially like some of the more odd organic guitar sounds Daven Hall gets from his rig. So,check these guys out and don’t forget to look for Oh Darling on Itunes.

To find out more about Oh Darling, visit their website at: ohdarlingmusic.com.

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Hour Band (Progressive, Soul, Lyrical)


There are times when I feel it is just good to get out of my element and listen to music that really doesn’t make much sense to me. And that is why this week my blurry eye is trying to focus on Hour Band. The singing is amateurish, the feel is rather poorly done psychedelic than progressive, and the guy mastering the tracks couldn’t resist the urge to pan left and right every five seconds. The play on audio dimensionalism was a nice touch on the first song I listened to, but relying on that trick over and over again from one song to the next made it seem more like a gimic than anything else. But, this is where it is difficult to review a band like this. For all my negative criticism, one may imagine that Hour Band is using this technique to develop some sort of a signature sound. And to some extent, that may actually be a justifiable objection. However, I think this is a situation where less is more applies, which is certainly easy for me to say from the sidelines. Nevertheless, I urge my readers to check out Hour Band and judge for themselves, even though this group is not my cup of tea.

To check out Hour Band, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/hourband

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Paranoid Larry and his Imaginary Band (Comedy, Folk Rock, Happy Harpcre)


Brooklyn finally got its very own paranoid musician. And I don’t think this one is on any bizarre narcotic substances. I honestly believe this is legitimate clinically certified paranoid artistry at its best. The proof in the pudding is that Paranoid Larry really does know how to explain that awkward communication gap between males and females as he teaches you to read between the lines. The humor is a little dry and the vocals a bit rhythmically strained, but his jealousy towards his girlfriend’s cat is just classic. In fact, I think I dated a woman like that once or twice myself. His myspace page claims that he is on the Prove It Music recording label. It’s one of those labels I’ve never heard of, and given the source, I’m a little paranoid about. But, despite all that, I think the band deserves all the support it can get (institutionally or otherwise). I for one am a dedicated fan. So, rock on Paranoid Larry!

To find out more about Paranoid Larry And His Imaginary Band visit: paranoidlarry.com.

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Permanent Waves (Rush Tribute)

Imagine that, another band from Canada trying to sound like Rush.  The crazy thing is that it worked.  Of course, Permanent Waves could never replace the legacy that is Rush, but darn it, they make a good effort to capture the sound of the band we all grew up listening to.  The four member tribute band formed in 2001 and continued performing until they retired from public performance in 2007.  From the Peartesk drumming style to the Lifeson like guitar feel, you can hear that this group has spent a considerable amount of time trying to recreate the Rush sound as best they can.  It often makes me wonder how bands like this sound when they aren’t trying to impersonate amazing talent.  I’ve spent considerable time and effort trying to emulate some of the musicians I enjoy listening too also, but I usually find that this turns into wasting a ton of cash on guitar pedals and racks that end up getting moved to some dusty shelf sooner or later once I’m finished pulling my hair out.  So, Permanent waves definitely deserves a round of applause for their dedication and attention to detail in this area.

But, don’t take my word for it.  Check them out for yourself.

To find out more about Permanent Waves, visit:
http://www.permanentwavesband.com/

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