North Tonawanda Porchfest 2022
Facebook event page link for NT Porchfest https://fb.me/e/3h9ADAXEO
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Mr. Speed (KISS Tribute) - Cleveland, OH
Rob from the Talkin Bout Rock podcast invited me out to see Mr. Speed, Grosh and Hair Nation at the famed Showplace Theater. After having, #1 grown up on KISS music, #2 reviewed both of Grosh's releases and #3 reviewed Jim Crean's music I was excited to go. (Thank You Rob!)
After overcoming some ear pain I was able to take Rob up on his invite. Being late (as usual) I missed Grosh (darn it!) but was able to check out Jim Crean/Hair Nation and Mr. Speed. Here's a few pics of Mr. Speed, a band I've always wanted to see.
Friday, June 3, 2022
WNY Music page (Joe Tells Music Blog)
Hello, I have been asked "What's the best way to submit events or music for review?"
Bands can submit epk's or event flyers directly to Joe Tell @ jtellfotos@yahoo.com. I prefer music from the WNY area or at least the tri-state area but I have reviewed bands from all over the world.
I prefer (old school) CD's but I can review albums online with a link from soundcloud or bandcamp.
I can also be contacted directly on Facebook through the public page's entitled "WNY Music page" and "Forever Green Music".
Just an FYI: I moderate all comments and I usually don't repost anonymous comments.
Thank you in advance for any interest in my music blog.
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Hayley and the Crushers - San Luis Obispo, CA
Hayley and the Crushers - San Luis Obispo, CA
The band have recently released their fuzzed-out, sugar sweet rendition of The Go-Go’s “Lust to Love” https://youtu.be/yF8YZmqTswQ and it precedes more original music from the band this year!
Hayley and the Crushers - San Luis Obispo, CA — An irreverent punk ditty poking fun at American consumer culture is nothing new (Hey: the '90s called and want their rebellion back!)—but a tongue-in-cheek pit-starter delivered by none other than California power trio Hayley and the Crushers? That's one four-chord wonder that begs to be cranked to full blast. The band’s newest single/video "Click and Act Now!” https://youtu.be/BkQrKftIUjk is the latest installment of what will undoubtedly be an infectiously eclectic third full-length album bringing together the band's signature blend of sparkle and destruction (slated for release on Kitten Robot Records in Spring 2022). The Crusherverse, as always, is full of wild surprises.
Helmed by husband-and-wife team guitarist Hayley Crusher Cain and bass player Dr. Cain ESQ (with Action Ben Cabreana on drums), the band signed to New Wave icon Josie Cotton's Kitten Robot Records in 2021 and have already released two previous singles on the label this year: June’s moody anti-ballad “Cul-de-Sac” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vse4QKXAhkM and August’s fizzy, light-hearted summer jam “She Drives” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6YmY0aYims . The California power trio is guided by sonic contradiction: '60s girl group sensibilities meet grinding rock n roll heat; shimmering radio-ready melodies retain an endearingly quirky vibe, no matter how high legendary producer Paul Roessler (TSOL, Josie Cotton, Richie Ramone) ramps up the production value. A peek inside the Cains' record collection reveals the breadth of the band's musical maximalism: classic country greats like Waylon Jennings mingle with '60s exotica, ABBA, crust, and—a shared favorite of the couple—1990s Bay Area punk.
“I remember first hearing the sound of the East Bay at age 16 while crushing a 12-pack of Olympia under a bridge on the Crystal river in rural Colorado where I grew up,” Dr. Cain said. “My buddy Norton had mail-ordered a cassette of Operation Ivy from Maximum RockNRoll and we cranked it up on a beat-up old blaster he always carried around with him. We sat there, drank beer and listened to it on repeat for the day. 'Hooked' is a great way to put it.”
With straight-ahead punk rock riffage written by Dr. Cain and gleefully sardonic lyrics penned by Hayley (the chorus could be torn from a late-night infomercial of yore: 'Five easy payments of $19.99, limited time offer, be the caller on the line!'), the new tune offers up a one-two punch of levity and social commentary. “We laugh a lot and don’t try to take ourselves too seriously all the time, and this song totally reflects that vibe,” Hayley adds. “When it comes to straight ahead punk with a pop element, that’s my bread and butter—that’s what truly made me pick up a guitar as a young kid. We share a love for that kind of high energy music. So, when he came to me with this really punky riff I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the vocal. The result is a song that’s confrontational but with a little wink."
“The heavy bass, pop drums, jangly guitar, crazy male female dual vocals—and a strong message often delivered with humor and sarcasm—this is what inspired me about the East Bay sound,” Dr. Cain said, adding that groups like Jack Acid, Blatz, Filth, and Crimpshrine weren't far from his mind when sitting down to write.
Producer Mass Giorgini—who's worked with Lookout Records greats of the '90s in his own right (Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day; Operation Ivy/Common Rider's Jesse Michaels, to name a few)—mastered the song. According to the band, this is only a cool coincidence, if not a tiny gold star to add to their imaginary punk rock rap sheet.
“In the late '90s I moved to Oakland and fell headfirst into the scene. While the music by then had moved into crustier grind stuff, that exciting, punchy earlier music captivated a new generation of songwriters. That music still finds its way onto our turntable on a regular basis.” Dr. Cain said. “Some influences just die hard—but that doesn't mean we'd claim punk band status. I mean, we consistently advocate for 'more glockenspiel' in the studio. That ship sailed a long time ago!”
True to form, the Crushers have no plans to put out a string of hardcore hits. Instead, they'll continue to walk the line between retro and right now. What could be next for these troublemakers? Like digging through the discount bins, it's anyone's guess, really. With the Crushers, one should only expect the unexpected.
“Nostalgia is not inherently cool or even a little bit dangerous,” added Hayley. “But then again, we never set out to be either of those things!”
Monday, March 21, 2022
Thom Conde Project - Buffalo, NY
The Thom Conde Project - Buffalo, NY
Music video for the Thom Conde initial release After Tomorrow...
Music video for second release Dying to Live...
Third video release for Zero...
JT (Joe Tell): Which Thom Conde Project song do you think you sang the best on?
PV (Peter Vincent): You're asking the wrong guy! At my age, I'm just glad I made it through each recording session without needing medical attention! The songs are (After Tomorrow, Dying To Live and Zero) pretty demanding vocally, but they have to be as intense as the riffs that Thom writes and the band, in turn, intensifies...luckily, I get to dictate melody, cadence and key so I'm not at the mercy of someone else writing out of my (vocal) range. All in all, I think the whole body of work (released and unreleased) is my best hard rock endeavor to date.
JT: Is there plans for a full length Thom Conde release?
PV: Hmmmm...that's for the fates to decide! The Thom Conde Project, or TCP, (TM pending...) was born from the pandemic, as were many creative endeavors during it's reign of terror. With restrictions is place, we focused on recording music and producing/releasing videos, knowing we were onto something but not knowing how long it would last. I guess we'll answer that question when we've recorded and/or released enough songs to warrant a full length release.
JT: What song is the best musically in your opinion?
PV: I might be biased...but my favorite song seems to always be the one we're presently working out!! Really! All the songs (riffs, basic structure, title and often lyrics) start with Thom Conde (hence) but, that being said, there's no one person that dictates where the song goes. Everyone contributes, everyone has a say. We all whittle away at it until it makes sense to all of us. Drummer, Vinnie Andalora and Bassist Bruce Irwin never cease to amaze with their ideas as to what each song needs which is never confined to just the instruments they have mastered. Vinnie's vocal harmonies are usually written by him and Bruce has a particular ear for structure and nuance! That's my favorite part of the whole experience...hanging out with my brothers. Add recording the final product with Michael William Hatalak at the desk and that's the icing on these demented little cupcakes we keep churning out...mmmmm...yummy!
JT: What are your long term/short term goals?
PV: Short term goals: Saving Rock and Roll, One Song at a Time. Long term goals: Saving Rock and Roll , One Song at a Time...Music available on all streaming platforms!!!
The Thom Conde Project management/PR team is called The Thom Conde Divas. The Thom Conde divas will be in full force at the merch table for the show on 3/26.
JT: Who are the world famous Thom Conde divas?
PV: Our Thom Conde divas (or 'Con-Divas' if you will...) are our Street Team dedicated to public relations, advertising, marketing, merchandising and injecting ALL of the common sense into our organization that we in the TCP lack as neanderthal males! A BIG shout out to our ladies: Karen Irwin, Kelly Rowe, Danielle Bevacqua, Kimberly Ann Jenczewski, Jasmine Armenta, Paula Croisdale, Debbie Ann Fifield and Becky Chappell-Marchetti. Their enthusiasm for our music and our mission is unmatched and VERY much appreciated!! There's also a FB group named the Thom Conde Project Diva's Group with over 200 other Divas helping us to Save Rock and Roll, One Song At A Time!!!
Latest Stemm, His Name Was Yesterday, Thom Conde Project 3/26 show flyer.
Monday, March 14, 2022
George Puleo - Buffalo, NY
George Puleo is a Buffalo music icon whose guitar playing never fails to entertain, amaze and impress. His latest musical project is the jazz fusion powerhouse The Damone Jackson Outcome. The band is currently working a new album called Unstable. George has lent his guitar playing talents to many recording projects recently and has released albums with Haiku, The Need, Gamalon as well as releasing a solo album. My first musical memory of George was seeing him sit in with The Tweeds (Talas). I wanted to share some of George's musical insight and his unique outlook on the world of music. George agreed to do an interview for me and I am happy to share it with you on my music blog.
1. Please describe your first musical memory: Watching The Beatles live on the Ed Sullivan show with my 2 older sisters in Feb. 1964.
2. Who or what influenced you to start playing the guitar?: A 1-string plastic toy guitar I found in the alleyway on the way to school when I was 5.
3. Who are your favorite musicians and bands from the past and present?: John McGlaughlin, Alphonso Johnson, Damone Jackson, Jimi Hendrix!
4. Is there any song or musical passage that never fails to move you?: The Look Of Love by Dusty Springfield.
5. What is your favorite guitar and amplifier? My modified Strat (Strats in general) and my Roland JC120/90.
6. What musicians would you be anxious to meet, past or present? Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Seal.
7. How would you describe your perfect day (musically or otherwise): Feeling appreciated, No Drama, Good Food! and jamming with the Damone Jackson Outcome.
8. How long have you been playing/performing with the guitar? 50+ years.
9. What is your next musical project? The 2nd release from the Damone Jackson Outcome which is almost done!!
10. How do you stay inspired? Gratitude.
11. Where can fans buy your music? Record Baron, 3048 Delaware Ave., Kenmore N.Y. 14217, Noon - 6pm Tues. thru Saturday. Discogs and all digital platforms.
The latest release from The Damone Jackson Outcome is Unstable, which was released on 5/26/21.
Check out this Damone Jackson Outcome livestream from Asbury Hall at Babeville from 9- 30- 20.
George Puleo-Guitar
Jason Moynihan- Guitar, Saxophone, and Ewi
Jack Kulp-Fretless Bass
Damone Jackson- Drums
Some of George's musical highlights include ...
HAIKU. Haiku included local musicians Jim Wynne on Bass and Keyboards, Hugh Arthur on Drums, George Puleo on Guitar and Spencer Bolden on Percussion. Track listing includes, Univibe, Diamond Butterfly, That Summer Night, Chasing Jeff Beck Down A Dark Alley With A Loaded Guitar, Silkie and Tempest. Artwork is from Haiku's 2013 self-titled release.
The NEED were an award-winning rock band from Buffalo, New York. In 1992, Sue Kincaid (vocals), John Caruso (bass), George Puleo (guitars) and Jim Linsner (drums) he formed a group, simply called The Need. Their first release was a self-titled cassette in 1993. In 1995, with the help of Larry Swist (Spyro Gyro recording engineer), they released "It's A Beautiful Thing". In 1996 The Need released the self-produced album "From the Heart". They spent the next two years touring the Northeast, building a following where ever they performed. In 1998 they released "Wish", their most memorable work to date produced by Armand Petri (Goo Goo Dolls and 10,000 Maniacs). Cover art below.
Sue Kincaid - Lead Vocal, Percussion
George Puleo - Electric, Acoustic & Baritone Guitars
John Caruso - Basses & Backing Vocals
Jim Linsner - Drums & Percussion
In 1993 George had the opportunity to record some songs that were not at all right for Gamalon with keyboardist Bob Volkman @ John Valby's studio, the end result was puleo so low. The cover photo is from Gamalon opening up for Larry Coryell in Rochester, N.Y. @ the Red Creek in 1991 or 92. George on guitar & bass/Bob volkman on keyboards/Reggie evans on drum sounds. http://cdbaby.com/cd/puleo2
GAMALON was a progressive/jazz-rock fusion band from Buffalo, NY founded by Ted Reinhardt, George Puleo, and Bruce Brucato. Albums were recorded from the late 1980s to late 1990s, with the band performing with various line-ups until 2012.
Biography:
In 1982, Brucato and Reinhardt joined forces with Puleo and Greg Piontek and Rick McGirr to create Gamelon. In the mid-1980s, the classic line up of Puleo, Brucato, Ted Reinhardt, and brother Tom Reinhardt was formed, re-spelling their name to the more phonetically pleasing Gamalon. This lineup released their self-titled debut album Gamalon in 1987 (cover art below). Following that release the lineup was augmented by violinist Geoff Perry. They went on to record Aerial View and High Contrast. In 1995, Puleo left the band and was replaced by Tony Scozzaro. This lineup recorded one album, Held to the Light. After Scozzaro left, guitar duties were handled by Nori Bucci and Dave Schmeidler. After bassist Tom Reinhardt left the band, he was replaced at various times by Jim Wynne and Jack Kulp, before returning to the lineup in the 2000's.
The band played a reunion show in 2012 in New York with the classic 4-piece lineup.
Bruce Brucato died on January 15, 2014.
On March 4, 2015, founding and core member Ted Reinhardt died in a plane crash. Reinhardt has also played with Rodan , Taxi, Willie and the Reinhardts , Ron Locurto and the Reinhardts , the Dave Constantino Band , Junction West , Left Hand of Darkness and Spyro Gyra. In 1973, playing with a Buffalo band called Rush, Ted opened for Genesis in Buffalo, NY.
Three Gamalon members brothers Ted and Tom Reinhardt, and Bruce Brucato played in a band called Rodan in the 1970s, along with keyboardist Rick McGirr and bassist Bill Ludwig.
Discography:
Gamalon (1987)
Project: Activation Earth (1989)
Aerial View (1990)
High Contrast (1991)
Held to the Light (1996)
Live at The Tralf (1998)
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Vessels to Motherland - New York City, NY
Vessels to Motherland - NYC, NY
Bridging the ancient with the new, electroacoustic duo Vessels to Motherland create a music of its own breed, steering between heavy industrial and evocative ambient, navigating through seas of psychedelia, journeying with humans and robots alike.
Their debut album, MACHINE LIEDER, is a collection of songs by machines imbued with human urges. Screaming out of metal shells are memories of distant worlds, cries for lost connections, dreams of a digital utopia, soliloquies on the human condition. A song cycle for cyborgs, it expresses the complexity of the modern world. It is a return to sources and a scratch dance of immortality. A bright whisper from the future, and a muffled scream from inside the power plant. Living between chaos and order, the sound of Vessels to Motherland exists in the in-between, the interzones of human experience, at the junction of methods.
Vessels to Motherland consists of composer/producer/pianist Danica Borisavljevic, and composer/producer/violinist Nikita Morozov, based in NYC.
The union of the two classically-trained musicians coincided with a mutual calling for electronic music, psychedelic soundscapes, and otherworldly sound treatments. With decades of concert hall performances behind them, Borisavljevic and Morozov have synthesized a new chapter, a reminiscence from the future, with sails reaching to Roedelius’ piano tones, chains tied to Nine Inch Nails’ raw distortion, anchors extending to Murail’s spectralism...
In 2021, in collaboration with the New York Institute for the Humanities and Social Studies, Vessels to Motherland founded the NYCKeyboardFest, a 1-day festival featuring music performances for any keyboard instrument, both electronic and acoustic (synthesizers, piano, piano+electronics, toy piano, etc.)
http://www.vesselstomotherland.com/
http://www.instagram.com/vessels_to_motherland
Friday, February 4, 2022
Appice - Sinister
Appice - Sinister is the 2017 release from the brothers Appice, Vinny and Carmine, who have provided drums behind some of the most iconic bands of all time. Black Sabbath, Dio, Rod Stewart, Ozzy, Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, King Kobra, Blue Murder, Heaven and Hell and Beck, Bogert and Appice are just some of the standouts. The music is sure to please any fans of the drums and hard driving, powerful music. Sinister is the first album from the Appice brothers band and it features some big time, all-star musicians.
Before I start in on the Appice - Sinister review I wanted to give a little background about lead singer Jim Crean. Jim and I played little league baseball together and Jim came over to jam with me and a few friends when I began playing electric bass guitar as a teenager. It's amazing to hear Jim sing on the opening track by a band fronted by the Appice brothers. Jim has truly arrived on the big time rock scene. It's great to see and hear Jim doing what he always dreamed of doing and having a successful music career. OK on with the music review...
The beginning of Sinister begins with a heavy bass and drums back beat, the keyboard provides the melody and Jim Crean adds the icing on the cake. Jim provides a breathy vocal on the intro and follows the track as the energy and tempo ramps up. The Appice brothers offer an amazing drum volley to make the music that much more interesting. The song returns to the slow and melodic intro giving Jim Crean the chance to stretch out on vocals. Sinister also features Jorgen Carlsson on bass and Arty Dillon plays guitar.
Monsters and Heroes features the vocals of Paul Shortino (King Kobra, Rough Cutt) and Mick Sweda (King Kobra/Bulletboys) on guitar. This song is a tribute to Dio and the lyrics reflect the imagery Dio conveyed in his songs.
Killing Floor features the vocals of Chas West (Lynch Mob). Craig Goldy (Dio) plays guitar and Tony Franklin (The Firm) plays bass. Killing Floor has a 70's bluesy, boogie-based sound much like Led Zeppelin. Chas West sounds just like Robert Plant on this one. The mesmerizing groove at the end is expertly punctuated by the drums.
Danger features Jim Crean on vocals and Phil Soussan plays bass. The song features a hard-driving mix of amazing guitar playing, reminiscent of Van Halen/Steve Vai, and powerful percussion along with an pulsating melody. Jim Crean and Phil Soussan take turns soaring above the melodic and musical twists and turns of Danger.
Drum Wars features the Appice brothers on vocals and drums. Drum Wars is really a rock percussionists' wet dream. The Appice brothers give a clinic on how to play rock and roll drums, the Appice brothers version of Moby Dick.
Riot is a cover of a Blue Murder song and features Jorgen Carlsson on bass. The lyrical content reflects events of recent times and the wah wah guitar playing on this song is amazing.
Suddenly features Robin McAuley (MSG) on vocals and Tony Franklin on bass. The Appice brothers take a unique approach for the drum tracks, alternating takes. Most of the other tracks are in stereo with Vinny on the left side and Carmine on the right side.
In The Night features Jim Crean on vocals and Ron Bumblefoot on guitar. This song is heavy on melody with a 80's mid tempo groove.
Future Past features newcomer, Scotty Bruce, on lead vocals, Craig Goldy on guitar/keyboards and Tony Franklin on bass.
You Got Me Running features Tony Franklin on bass and Carmine Appice on lead vocals and organ.
Bros. In Drums features the Appice brothers revealing their love of percussion in a song, as brothers and performers. Tony Franklin kills it on bass.
War Cry features the vocals of Paul Shortino. Paul delivers an aggressive performance full of metal angst. Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) plays guitar and Tony Franklin supplies the low end.
Sabbath Mash is just what the title implies, a combo of some of the best Black Sabbath songs of all time. Jim Crean sings War Pigs and the song moves into Paranoid. After a brief guitar solo by Erik Turner (Warrant) the keyboards take over in a very Deep Purplesque section. The jam at the end of War Pigs takes the song out.
This review is dedicated to the memory of Rich Brown.
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Drum Wars Live! Carmine & Vinny Appice
Drum Wars Live! Carmine and Vinny Appice
Two Demi Gods of the Rock Drums
Live at The Iridium 2014
Featuring veteran WNY vocalist Jim Crean along with Ethan Brosh on Guitar and Jimmy Caputo on Bass.
When it comes to heavy, powerful rock and roll drumming, it's hard to beat the Appice Brothers. Highlights some of the dueling duo drummers' best work with amazing covers of The Mob Rules (Black Sabbath), Holy Diver, We Rock (Dio), Bark At The Moon (Ozzy) and Do Ya Think I'm Sexy (Rod Stewart). It seems unfair to have two drummers without 2 or 3 guitars, 2 bassists and a couple of background vocalists. The energy from the Appice brothers lifts the entire band up and they perform in kind. Percussion is the main focus and the Appice brothers are highlighted on Drum Wars (Part 1 and 2) with both Carmine and Vinny taking a solo on their own. Highly recommended for any drum player or fans of percussion.
Friday, May 14, 2021
Temple Garden - Austin, Texas
Temple Garden - Austin, Texas
"Redshift" is the first album by the psychedelic rock band Temple Garden. Formed in Austin, TX after moving from Canton, OH in 2019. "Redshift" is the culmination of the music written and self-produced during 2020's lockdown by the band. Temple Gardem was formed when brothers Eric and Brandon Carbenia joined with James Cosner to create new music in their home studio. The release of the 13 track album is accompanied by a 4 part radio drama mini-series inspired by the golden age of radio and Orson Welles. The release of the album is supported by a music video for Redshift and several 360-degree listening videos that put you in the driver's seat of the patrol ship as you listen through the album's leading singles Redshift and Vacuum Sky.
The sci-fi concept of both the album and radio play follows a space patrolman named Miro who is exiled from a galactic armada due to a forbidden romance with the patrol ship's AI guidance system. He goes on a series of adventures through the universe as he flees the terrible Galactik Kommandoh and seeks a way to hide from the all-seeing eye of the Matrioshka Brain, a supercomputer the size of a planet that monitors the universe for the armada.
Musically, Temple Garden takes influence from everything from modern psychedelic rock like Tame Impala and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard to classic progressive rock groups such as King Crimson and Magma.
Redshift by Temple Garden music review by Joe Tell.
First I must comment on the cover art, Temple Garden brilliantly uses sci-fi/pulp imagery create a mind-set before the music starts. After further exploring the CD art I found that the song titles further enhance the spacy artwork. Onto the music, the Intro is ominous and signals the start of the intense musical journey that is about to begin. Mourning Glory is a multi-instrumental, progressive, alternative rock track. The unique song uses a wall of sound to create a floating mood as the music plays on. For me the icing on the cake is a Zappaesque guitar solo that cuts through the mix like a knife. The next song, Android Babe (Luria), tells of a forbidden love between a man and a machine. What sounds like a mix between a keyboard and a guitar plays a melodic line that carries the song along until a psychedelic interlude/jam takes the song out. Galactik Kommandoh is an uptempo rocker that proves Temple Garden is a highly talented and well versed band. The main part of the song reminded me of Rush from there the song then morphs into another spectacular, spacy psychedelic jam which is then topped off with a fantastic Pink Floydesque saxophone solo. If that wasn't enough the song then uses a samba beat (wow!) to transition into the outro. This song has elements of jazz fusion, with its Jan Hammer like keyboard lines, heavy Led Zeppelin guitar sounds and amazing guitar/bass articulation reminiscent of 70's Yes. Galactik Kommandoh is my favorite song on Redshift. The title track, Redshift, is next and song is placed perfectly on the playlist to maximize it's impact. Redshift highlights the vocals and keyboards to create a haunting melody that will occupy your mind long after you're done listening. The intro for the next song, Starsea, conveys a feeling of loneliness and dread. As the verse music kicks in a feeling of hope takes over but the lyrics continue down a lonely path. The music blends the progressive rock sounds of classic Genesis and Yes. Vacuum Sky is another excellent progressive rock mind bender. A spacy guitar solo with plenty of digital delay brings in a high vocal part that dominates the rest of the track along with a wavy keyboard figure. Mr. Mikey's Megalithic Ziggurat is a fantastic title and the music matches the awesome title. Temple Garden impresses yet again with an intense, guitar heavy intro showing another side of the band. The band uses feedback and an overdriven bass line to create a sense of aggression. The guitar rules on this track as melodic lines and stinging solos weave in and out of the mix. The spoken lines reminded me of the end of the Rush song Rush:2112 theme song. This song is one of the best on the release. The Tower Of Infinity continues the previous song and serves to further the interstellar story line. The band performs another impressive musical backdrop. I was immediately intrigued by the title of the next track, I Left My Marlboros on A7C. I was happily surprised by the familiar and legendary When The Levee Breaks drum sound. The slap back sound peaked my interest and drew me into the instrumental music. This song showcases the excellent musicianship of each member of the band. The repeating percussion sounds are mesmerizing and they cut are short by an evil cackle. The Elders Of Tunkasilan is melodic but sounds somber and conveys of feeling of thoughtful sadness. Chameleon continues the mood with its hypnotizing mid tempo groove. A few spacy effects add to the soundscape. The groove builds in intensity and then slows down to a crawl ending with a huge bang on a gong. Vex uses a familiar sci-fi soundbite to set up the end of one of the most impressive debut albums I have ever reviewed. The final instrumental track creates the feeling that you are traveling through space and time on an intergalactic journey. Listening to Temple Garden's Redshift on a cellphone or a laptop does not do the music justice, I highly recommend wearing headphones when you decide to listen. Redshift by Temple Garden will take you on a musical journey and it is one of the best independent releases of 2021 so far, highly recommended! Check out the links below to hear and see more about Temple Garden.
Special thanks to Temple Garden for expressing interest in my music blog.
Temple Garden is an independent psychedelic rock band from Austin Texas. "Redshift" is our concept-oriented debut and will be released on April 30th, preceded by our title track single, "Redshift" on March 4th, as well as music videos, virtual reality listening videos, and an extended version that includes an Orson Welles style radio drama to be released with animated shorts on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/templegarden/
https://www.instagram.com/templegardenband/
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