Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Sunday Jan 18, 2009 |
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FINAL CUT REVIEWS & CHICANERY: DECEMBER 2008/JANUARY 2009
Belated Happy New Year!
First, a little bit of commentary…
NOT SO FAST!
As everybody knows, times are tough for our country right now with the economic situation and unemployment on the rise. And while a new President gets ready to take over the Oval Office in a few days, there is still a lot of division in our nation. Only time will tell whether various politicians’ pledges of cooperation and unity to solve our nation’s problems are sincere or just mere lip service.
But in case you missed it, in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, a Russian professor, Igor Panarin, has predicted the demise of the United States by the summer of next year, 2010. You can check out the article at this link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html
In a nutshell, Panarin predicts “that mass immigration, economic decline, and moral degradation will trigger a civil war next fall and the collapse of the dollar.” And by summer of next year, the United States will break up into six pieces or new nations. (We in Pennsylvania would be part of “Atlantic America,” according to Panarin’s scenario and new map.) He also suggests that foreign powers may play a role in influencing or controlling those remnants. The article also says that Panarin’s opinions have generally been dismissed by most other Russian media and experts on the U.S., and were laughed off by White House spokesperson Dana Perino.
As somebody who listened to a lot of shortwave radio during the latter days of the Cold War, I can say that Panarin’s themes sound familiar, as his predictions of America’s downfall were often daily fodder on Radio Moscow back in the 70’s and 80’s. Wars of rhetoric and propaganda were regularly fought between Radio Moscow (then representing the Soviet Union) and the Voice Of America. Each side forecasted the demise of the other.
Now, though, given the times we live in, and what we have seen our country go through in this decade, there are probably more than a few folks who might buy into Panarin’s views. We have had division across political lines, clearly exhibited in the just-completed Presidential campaign. And we are experiencing economic strain and increased unemployment; which, if not remedied in a reasonable time frame, could fuel unrest and instability. We have mass immigration and border security issues, and more clearly defined cases of “haves” and “have-nots” in our society, with rich getting richer and poor…well, you know.
But while there are tough times and divisions here in America, I think that Mr. Panarin overlooks one important factor that always kicks in when our nation is in crisis: the resolve of the American people. We pull together when times are tough. It hasn’t been that long since 9-11, and although the war in Iraq has eroded some of our own unity, I don’t see us throwing in the towel, splitting apart, or allowing other nations to come in to divide up the spoils. While the political rhetoric between conservatives and liberals has been strong in recent years, I don’t think it is anywhere near the point where we have to worry about a civil war breaking out. If things don’t improve in the next few years, we have another mechanism that keeps our country together: the power to vote out of office the current politicians and elect new ones we believe can help turn us around. Barring some unexpected event of catastrophic proportions (I’m thinking the recent TV series Jericho here, where a domestic nuclear attack is carried out against major American cities), I don’t see an imminent end to America as we know it for a long while. Things would have to get a whole lot worse before Mr. Panarin’s forecast even begins to become a possibility.
The sky isn’t falling…at least yet.
AND NOW…SOME CD REVIEWS FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE
FIRST, A FEW CHRISTMAS CD’S…
LORDS A LEAPING – LORDS A LEAPING VOLUME III (no label) Clearfield County Christmas music ensemble Lords A Leaping has issued their third CD, simply entitled Lords A Leaping Volume III. As they did on the first two volumes, Lords A Leaping composes some new original Christmas-themed music, and offers two interpretations of time-tested Christmas standards. The musical variety over the album’s ten tracks spans rock, jazz, acoustic and classical styles. The album begins with a playful jazz/swing flavor and local reference, as John Cimino sings about the “Forty Foot Santa” that greets visitors to his hometown of Philipsburg. After Jennifer Bell’s soaring vocals and harmonies adorn a rock-geared arrangement of “What Child Is This,” husband Adam Bell sings the hopeful and uplifting “Silent Prayer.” (This song’s lyrics proved to be prophetic; Bell wrote the lines “For the soldier far away from home/Fighting battles that are not his own/Bring a harmony to find his solace there” shortly before he and his Pennsylvania National Guard unit were called to active duty to serve in Iraq.) “All I Want” displays a Brit-pop/rock flavor, followed by the gentle acoustic-geared ballad “Come, Christmas, Come” and the solemn, Latin chant-flavored “Venite Exultemus Domino.” Guitarist Brandon Giuffre ponders the real meaning of the season on the acoustic “Is This Christmas?,” followed by the playful and whimsical Beatles “Yellow Submarine” vibe of “Another Day Closer.” Adam Bell closes the disc with his soulful piano jazz read of “The Christmas Song” and a stripped-down acoustic reprise edition of “Silent Prayer.” The mood of Lords A Leaping Volume III is constantly uplifting and joyous; and the performances are inspired. The arrangements nicely bring out the magic of each song, and John Wagoner’s mixing and mastering gives the album a smooth consistency. Lords A Leaping has again provided a catchy and vibrant variety of original holiday music on Volume III; a showcase of well-crafted songs that could someday become new Christmas standards. (The CD can be obtained through the website www.lordsaleaping.com.)
PASTOR BRAD AND FRIENDS – HEAVENLY SHRED (no label) Pastor Brad is Brad Windlan, an Indiana (state) native who now serves as Pastor of Small Groups/Connections and Teaching at First Church of Christ in Juniata. Also a guitarist schooled in the 80’s classic rock/heavy metal shredding tradition, Pastor Brad has issued four albums to date. His latest instrumental CD, Heavenly Shred, offers heavy-rocking, guitar shredding renditions of classic Christmas songs and hymns, plus original compositions. Guitar histrionics are front and center throughout the album, from fast-firing, full-shred solos to dual-guitar harmonies and more. Pastor Brad provides much of the fretboard fireworks, plays bass on most of the tracks; and also recorded, arranged, mixed and mastered the album in his own studio. Several guest shredders help out as well, including Jeff Garner, Mario Barisic and David Wallimann; Jim Griffin contributes both guitar and bass work, while Saint bassist Dee Harrington appears on one track. Listeners will hear scorching metal guitar interpretations of such Christmas carols as “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and “Carol of the Bells.” Pastor Brad and friends also offer thunderous spins on Christian hymns such as “Nothing But the Blood,” “Holy Holy Holy,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Oh How I Love Jesus.” Inspired by a Christian heavy metal internet forum, Pastor Brad’s original composition “Christian Metal Realm” features cameo guitar or voice contributions from nine of that forum’s members; while another original instrumental, “Psalm 33:3,” ends the album. The overall sound is crisp and powerful; with the guitars sounding appropriately razor sharp, and the rhythms deep and booming. Heavenly Shred offers the perfect soundtrack for listeners who want to play air guitar while trimming the Christmas tree. (The CD can be obtained through Pastor Brad’s website, www.guitarjams.net.)
(VARIOUS ARTISTS) – A SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY HOLIDAY! (Olofson-Roush Productions) From the central Susquehanna River region, A Susquehanna Valley Holiday! offers a gentle holiday listening experience over nineteen tracks, as a variety of performers offer interpretations of Christmas standards, hymns and original compositions. A variety of musical styles are represented, from classical, gospel, jazz and barbershop to folk, blues, pop, electronic and more. Some of the album’s more notable offerings include The Rev. Dr. G. Douglass Davies Memorial Handbell Choir’s performance of the 16th century French carol “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,” the Frosty Valley Dulcimer Friends’ live performance of the traditional Irish number “Maggie in the (Snowy) Woods/Riding on a Load of Hay (on a Sleigh),” The Heart of Pennsylvania Chorus’ a capella medley “Three Carols for Christmas,” Steven Olofson’s unique a capella and rhythm barbershop medley “6c (a Carefully Coordinated Collection of Classic Christmas Carols),” and L.R. “Jason X” Perez’s light techno/funk/hip-hop composition “Kwanzaa Kuumba.” Two interpretations of the traditional carol “Greensleeves” close the album; the first a mountain dulcimer solo rendition by Danville’s A.J. Bashore II, and the latter a classical arrangement by The Valley String Quartet. Acoustic folk and blues are represented by Liana Whitmer’s minor-key treatment of “Let It Snow,” Paul Farnham’s solemn “Oh Holy Night,” Chris Whitmer’s “Tannenbaum” and the Steve Hebbard/Gail Shifflett duet “In the Stillness.” While much of the album is reverent in tone, there are two lighthearted tracks; the playful electronic-flavored boogie of Joe Gaughan’s “Mrs. Santa,” and Steven Olofson’s frolicking, acoustic pop composition “Christmas Cat & Mouse.” Most of the tracks were recorded at Kimbo Studios in Lewisburg, along with Heart to Hand Studio and Brews N Bytes in Danville; and three live performances recorded at the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomsburg. A Susquehanna Valley Holiday! presents a number of unique curios beyond the scope of the more commonly-heard Christmas season fare, as well as intriguing and captivating interpretations of holiday season classics. (To obtain the CD, visit the website www.orproductionsweb.com.)
THE CLOVER – 13 STEPS (no label) Featuring five State College punk-rocking vets, The Clover evolved last year from a St. Patrick’s Day collaboration called 69-Leaf Clover; as their brand of infectious Irish-flavored punk rock quickly caught on with audiences in Happy Valley, Altoona and elsewhere. Bassist Greg “Mudzo” Mudzinski, lead guitarist Patrick Newby, rhythm guitarist Dan Johnstone and acoustic guitarist Lance T. Burgess all share singing duties, with Matt Floravit providing the drumbeats. The Clover’s debut CD, 13 Steps, is a celebration of hard rocking, hard drinking, and the group’s blue-collar roots. Their forte is hard-driving, punked-up Irish- and folk-flavored songs; with simple, catchy melodies and rowdy shout- and sing-along choruses suitable for lifting bottles and beer steins. Drinking is a popular theme on this album, evidenced by such fast-firing and fun anthems as “Drink This Problem Away,” the group’s beer jingle “Old German,” “One Part Whiskey” and the album-closer “It’s Time for Work (And I’m Still Drunk).” The group offers odes to brawling with “Let ‘Em Go” and “Meet the Lads,” celebrates their punk rock pedigree on “Last Rock Soldiers, and crafts a surefire St. Patty’s anthem with the rampaging disc-opener “Kiss Me I’m Irish Today.” The Clover also taps rural roots, acknowledging country and punk influences on the cow-punk stomp “Bastard Picker,” and displaying an acoustic, folk-rooted sound on the somber “Vicarious,” “21,000,” and Mudzinski’s father-to-son dedication “Hello My Son.” The performances are appropriately proud and robust, with passionate vocals and effective two-and three-part vocal harmonies riding atop hearty, driving backdrops. Newby’s father, Paul “Papa Newb” Newby, contributes harmonica on two songs. Produced by the band, recorded and mixed at State College’s Demon Drive Studio and mastered at State College’s Frigo Recording, 13 Steps sounds full and vibrant, with swarming guitars, booming rhythms, and the vocals distinct and clear atop the mix. With 13 Steps, The Clover delivers a fun, raucous debut that should serve as an appropriate soundtrack to any hard-rocking St. Patty’s Day party. (The CD can be obtained through The Clover’s Myspace website, www.myspace.com/69leafclover.)
NITEKAST – THE BEGINNING AND THE END (no label) First formed a decade ago, Cambria County’s Nitekast forged a Green Day-like pop/punk-geared sound over their first several recordings. But a roster transformation has changed the group’s overall sound and dynamic on their latest 8-song CD, The Beginning and the End. Singer Lily Taylor and bassist Bobby Boring join singer/guitarist Brandon Scalese and former bassist-turned-drummer Josh Oaks, and Nitekast tests some different musical directions as a result. Driving pop/punk is still present on such numbers as the opener “This One’s for You,” “Poker in the Rear” and the title song “The Beginning and the End.” But Taylor’s vocal power, range and dramatic singing style bring a feisty female-fronted edge on the boisterous “Get In Line” and the darker “Where the Devil Sleeps.” Scalese demonstrates his own maturity as a singer on the somber and expressive ballad “Down to You.” Nitekast also crafts a driving and hopeful rock anthem in “Stay Strong,” strengthened by guest Dave Villani’s supportive keyboard presence; and taps a slight Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe on the closing track “Lost.” Nitekast is a work in progress; their overall musicianship is stronger and ups the ante with more detail and variation, and their songwriting has improved with catchier, more developed melodies and superior lyrics. Still settling into his new role as drummer, Oaks’ powerhouse style is loose and sometimes chaotic. Recorded at Altoona’s Data Music Services, the album sounds crisp and balanced, with Scalese’s and Taylor’s voices shining through clearly and up front. The Beginning and the End portrays a band in flux, as Nitekast branches from their early pop/punk persona into new stylistic terrain. The album shows a diamond in the rough that should shine even brighter once all the pieces fit more smoothly into place. (The CD can be obtained through Nitekast’s website, www.nitekast.com.)
THE JELLYBRICKS – GOODNIGHT TO EVERYONE (Primitive Records) Harrisburg foursome The Jellybricks has been honing their brand of power pop ear candy for nearly a dozen years, and their fourth album, Goodnight to Everyone, shows their skills to be as sharp as ever. Guitarists Larry Kennedy and Bryce Connor, bassist Garrick Chow and drummer Tom Kristich (all four sing) deliver a crisp ten-song set chock full of catchy melodies rooted in the traditions of the Fab Four, Cheap Trick and Goo Goo Dolls. The group’s formula remains intact; short, sweet and efficient song hooks propelled by tight, punchy arrangements with varying combinations of swarming guitars and snappy beats, and topped with smooth vocals and bright two- and three-part harmonies. Any of these songs would sound good on a radio, from hard-driving fast rockers like the opener “Eyes Wide,” “Broken Record” and “Up to You” to muscular midtempo numbers like the title song and “Ruin Us,” to the playful Beatle-like pop of “Nobody Else,” “More to Lose,” “Put It Down” and the acoustic-geared closer “Heartache Begins.” The performances are often brisk and enthusiastic, reflecting The Jellybricks’ live energy. Produced and engineered at various locations by Frank Silver and Saul Zonana, Goodnight to Everyone sounds consistent and full, preserving the band’s sharpness while fleshing out the sound with key and synth accents, layered vocal harmonies and more. The Jellybricks further establish their knack for hard-rocking, infectious pop songcraft on Goodnight to Everyone; providing another set of melodies that will bounce around listeners’ heads long after the first encounter. In a nutshell, fun and contagious rock’n’roll. (The CD can be obtained through The Jellybricks’ website, www.thejellybricks.com.)
HEAD CASE – HEAD CASE (Rock Hollow Records, Inc.) York-based quintet Head Case formed three years ago as a collaboration of past members of Seep, 3 Day Funk, Partial Post and Skinned. Their self-titled debut CD introduces a bristling, no-nonsense metal roar over its seven-song course. Guitarists Joe Nelson and John Golzari, bassist Earl Ruppert and drummer Ryan Bencak generate a thick wall of rampaging guitars and pummeling rhythms, setting the backdrop for frontman Dave Zienkiewicz, an angry snarler of the Phil Anselmo/Sully Erna tradition. Dave vents on mostly confrontational themes on the disc; touting a short fuse on “Not Like You” and being pushed to the brink on “Past Frustration,” forcibly setting the record straight on “Reality Check” and shouting down a challenge on “Back Down.” The opening rampage “Become” directs the anger inward, while the stern “The World We Know” offers commentary on today’s detached and misguided society. Head Case reveals their somber side on the closing acoustic memorial to a lost loved one, “All The Kings Men.” Head Case plays for keeps throughout the set, offering aggressive, savage rhythms and riffage and an overall assault that constantly pushes the boiling point. Produced by Joe Nelson, Tucker Carr and the band, Head Case sounds jagged and powerful; with Dave’s angry vocals front, center and in your face, and the guitars and rhythms constantly sharp and abrasive, with minimal touches of mixing and stereo effects to enhance the overall impact of the assaults. It amounts to a forceful calling card; Head Case is bold, proud, direct and to-the-point metal meant to be cranked loud. (The CD can be obtained through Head Case’s website, www.headcase5.com.)
BUSHMASTER – LIVE & BLUE (no label) Based in Carlisle, Bushmaster is the blues band brainchild of Washington, D.C.-born guitarist and singer Gary Brown. The group’s latest CD, Live & Blue, captures highlights from two Carlisle area shows, and features live performances of Bushmaster original songs and blues classics. Through the disc’s course, listeners will learn that Brown easily knows his way around a guitar fretboard, and that he channels not just blues influences, but rock and funk as well, into his own distinct style and flavor. Instrumental interaction is a constant highlight on Live & Blue, as Brown and his bandmates; bassist Jay Turner, and drummers Mark St. Pierre and Joe Schrum; mix it up and play off one another to create some dazzling musical magic. This interaction especially shines on the funky album-opener “Night Shift,” the instrumental “Nappy’s Boogie,” and the nearly 12-minute Jimi Hendrix-flavored blues-rock workout “Good Life.” Brown communicates with his guitar, conveying sullen emotion and feeling with his performances on Sonny Boy Williams II/Muddy Waters’ “Have You Ever Been Mistreated (Nine Below Zero)” and his own slow blues original “Thousand Miles from Nowhere.” Brown and Bushmaster sound like they’re having fun on the funky and playful read of Albert Collins’ “Lights On, Nobody Home” and Roy Alfred/Ray Charles’ “I Got News” (featuring David Ison on rhythm guitar and vocals); as well as the spirited blues-rock of “Drowning on Dry Land” and the upbeat shuffle “Four Times Better.” The disc finishes with a bonus track performance of Elmore James’ “The Sky Is Crying.” Recorded and mixed by Paul Wegmann and mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters in Memphis, Live & Blue sounds genuine as it retains the rough edges and imperfections without sounding squeaky clean. Listeners will hear these tunes as they were performed, and experience the nuances of these performances as they happened. Live & Blue offers honest and gritty live blues, and is an impressive live document of the talents of Gary Brown and what he and Bushmaster bring to the live stage. (The CD can be obtained through Bushmaster’s Myspace website, www.myspace.com/bushmasterblues.)
SPIRIT LOST – THE NEW BEGINNING (no label) Merging elements of hard-edged modern rock with detailed, progressive-geared song arrangements, Altoona-based quintet Spirit Lost guides listeners on an introspective journey from loneliness to self-realization on their debut concept CD, The New Beginning. As they traverse the musical middle ground between Pink Floyd, Tool, Alice In Chains and Disturbed, Spirit Lost explores a protagonist’s inner struggle over the disc’s ten tracks. The hard-rocking opening song “Alone” establishes the theme of loneliness-triggered turmoil, while the Floyd-ish “The Journey of a Lifetime” describes the passage of friends and loved ones through one’s life. Against a brooding, heavy-rocking backdrop, “The Misery of a Wounded Heart” ponders the pain of longing and regret, before that pain nears the breaking point of self-doubt and insanity on the psychotic “Pieces of a Stained Glass Mind” and the slow-building sonic thunderstorm “Lost Soul.” The introspection continues on the agitated “Soul Seeker (Can’t Stop),” before deceit brings things to the boiling point again on “Mistrust.” Self-realization and wisdom are achieved on “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” and the march-flavored “The Burden of Life,” before the protagonist takes on life’s new challenges on the closing rocker “Dreams.” Austin Tepsic’s dramatic singing style effectively conveys the story’s emotional rollercoaster ride, as his voice runs the gamut from subdued and sullen to anguished and agitated, and occasional studio effects enhance his vocal mood swings. Guitarists Brian Smith and Joe Harpster, bassist Russ Patterson and drummer Lisa Fazenbaker color and accent the emotional impact of each song with their surging arrangements, shifting rhythms and varying intensities of attack. Produced by the band and recorded at Range Recording Studios in Ardmore, The New Beginning sounds clean, balanced and full; with all instruments coming through clear in the mix. Each of the songs is distinct and stands on its own, yet the album is consistent and works as a whole set. Spirit Lost’s varied mixture of styles and cohesive story line makes The New Beginning an intriguing listen, and a strong and impressive debut. (The CD can be obtained through Spirit Lost’s website, www.spiritlost.com.)
THUNDERBOX – CONCRETE AND GASOLINE (no label) Thunderbox is the studio project creation of Philipsburg-based singer, songwriter and musician John Cimino. It becomes clear upon listening to the seventeen tracks of Thunderbox’s second CD, Concrete and Gasoline, that Cimino possesses the gift of a knowing good song hook. Such a multitude of songs might sound cumbersome in the hands of lesser songsmiths, but Cimino’s ability to craft a variety of catchy, hook-laden ear candy keeps Concrete and Gasoline captivating and fresh for the duration. The prevalent flavor is straightforward, guitar-driven, modern rock and roll, with the driving opener “Incredible Girl” setting the tone. Songs such as “Road to Nevermore,” “Novocaine,” “Rumble Strips” and the uptempo “What I Have Lost” display a Matthew Sweet power-pop flavor; while the anthemic “Simple Revolution,” the acoustic-geared “First Thing on My Mind,” the uptempo “Last One Out” and the punk-tinged “Drive” display a vigor more consistent with the Foo Fighters and Goo Goo Dolls. Other highlights include the playful and acoustic “Turnaround,” guest singer/collaborator Adam Bell’s clever, fast-firing lyrics and cadence on the piano-driven “My Favorite Pain,” the psychedelic Beatle-like pop of “Can’t Do It Without You,” and the Fab 4-rooted closing ode “December Skies,” accented by Brett Albert’s strings and horns. Along with playing guitars and bass, Cimino sings most of the songs with a calm, smooth and rangeful voice, with Bell offering a similar and soulful tone on five songs. Michael Hughes provides a steady and staccato drumbeat behind it all, Albert contributes piano, strings and horns, and Brandon Giuffre and Darin Warren make cameo appearances on guitar. Produced by Cimino and Hughes and recorded this past summer at the Philipsburg-Osceola Junior High auditorium and The Laundry Room, Concrete and Gasoline sounds bright and full on all of its flavors, with the variation of electric and acoustic arrangements plus layered vocals and harmonies keeping things busy, while preserving the catchiness and simplicity of the melodies. John Cimino further proves his songcrafting talents and versatility through Thunderbox, and Concrete and Gasoline is an infectious set whose variety sounds fresh throughout. (To obtain the CD, visit the Thunderbox website, www.thunderboxmusic.com.)
NATE MYERS & THE ACES – PERSIST (Merc Ace 13 Music) Singing and playing harmonica since 1992, Harrisburg’s Nate Myers uses the blues as a launching pad to explore a variety of musical terrain on Persist, his fifth album overall and latest with his band, the Aces. Listeners to Persist will find a catchy and inspired blend of sounds over the album’s baker’s dozen tracks. Constantly front and center in the mix, Myers’ passionately soulful baritone voice and greasy harmonica wail glue this blues-based variety into a flowing, cohesive set. His Aces; guitarist/singer Chris Purcell, bassists Pete Nedznik and Tim Myers, and drummer Mike Noll; offer a steady and textured backdrop, giving each song the proper coloring and mood without overplaying their role. Song-wise, delta blues meets a touch of rap in the feisty and lighthearted album opener “Jager & Waffles,” as Myers and the band celebrate a late-night meal scenario any nightclubbing musician or fan can relate to. Also on the upbeat side are the Fats Domino-like piano-blues “Never Had So Much Fun,” the swinging boogie “On My Own,” the funky “Put It Where She Told Me” with its slight double-entendre playfulness, and the traditional instrumental folk/blues stomp “I’ll Fly Away.” Myers and his Aces nicely slow things down on the Brook Benton-flavored piano ballad “Angel” and the Dylan-ish folk/blues of “Just Be There.” Other highlights include the smoldering electric blues of “When Are You Coming Home,” the J. Geils-flavored blues-rock of “Just Wait,” the hopeful “Beauty All Around” with its gospel-styled choral homestretch, the dark and tragic tale of “The Untouchable,” and the reverent album-closing blues/march homage to a fallen friend and veteran, “Buck’s Blues.” Produced by the band and Jason Shaffer, and recorded and mixed by Shaffer at After 7 Studios in Mechanicsburg, Persist shows a balanced and polished sound, yet allows the fullness of Myers’ voice and the grit of his harmonica wail to shine clearly in all their glory. Persist displays Nate Myers & the Aces’ heartfelt appreciation of the blues, and fluency in bringing all of their blues-rooted repertoire to life. This excellent album will persist in earning repeat listens, and is well worth checking out. (The CD can be obtained through Nate Myers’ website, www.natemyers.com.)
XHIBITION – TAKING BACK THE POWER (no label) Lancaster-based collaboration Xhibition revives 80’s-styled, feel-good, melody-based arena rock/metal on their debut CD, Taking Back the Power. The album’s sixteen songs were co-written by drummer Don Hosler and guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Bill Burns, with lead vocals provided by Hosler’s former Aslan bandmate, Chuck Clancy. Xhibition offers crunchy, guitar-fueled rock in the tradition of Dokken, Firehouse, Boston and Scorpions; with catchy song hooks, upbeat lyrics, driving rhythms, tight and tough-sounding riffs, searing lead guitar work, and soaring vocals and harmonies. The title track opener “Taking Back the Power” sets the album’s tone; a driving, fast-paced rocker with a high-flying chorus. Following are an abundance of powerful, upbeat, classic-styled rock anthems like “Better Things to Do,” “Bad Truth Good Lie,” “Til Hell Freezes Over,” “Hard Way Home,” “Never an Easy Way” and “Rock n Roll Party.” Between these mid-paced numbers, Xhibition mixes up the tempo, presenting faster assaults like “Closer Than You Think” and “Afraid of the Dark,” the surging and progressive-leaning “We’re Not So Different,” and slower ballads such as “Better Than You Know Yourself” and the apocalyptic-themed “The Last Two People on Earth;” a co-ed duet featuring Clancy and Diane Bender. The instrumental performances are strong throughout the album, comfortably balancing prominent hard-rocking crunch with touches of finesse and detail, especially on the slower numbers. Clancy’s clear, high-flying vocals elevate most of these songs to paydirt; lifting the melodies to a higher level. Produced by Burns and Hosler, and engineered, recorded, mixed and mastered by Burns at Lancaster’s Rampage Sound Studios; Taking Back the Power sounds clean, balanced and full, and maintains a smooth consistency throughout. Xhibition successfully refreshes classic-styled arena rock and metal on Taking Back the Power, and fans longing for melodic heavy rock will find plenty to celebrate here. (The CD can be obtained through Xhibition’s website, www.xhibitionpa.com.)
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