Cattle Drums- The Boy Kisser Sessions +3

The thing that works with pop rock is the mix of catchy pop and heavy rock sounds. This EP by Cattle Drum brings that together, but in an unexpected way. Usually in pop/rock albums, the music is rock and the vocals provide the sing along pop but not with this EP. The music almost reaches the point of pop, the vocals definitely rock. It is possible to even go as far as saying the only thing that makes it pop is the guitar riffs that make you want to play along.

The entire The Boy Kisser Sessions +3 EP is full of cryptic lyrics and is wildly unpredictable making it really fun to listen to.

The first surprise is delivered with the first song. "New Furniture and Wigs" is a great opening to the album with an awesome riff that makes your reach for your guitar to try and play. The surprise is really the vocals. After hearing the riff you are expecting something a little  Fall Out Boy in flavour, but you don't. You get hit with impact making, tuneful shouting. The same sort of taste follows with "Who Punched Pat Moore's Face"- really great riff.

Just when you are thinking, “Okay... I think I can get what they are doing here...” they pop in "Sluts and Coconuts" which brings the two fast paced impact hitting songs to a slower more relaxed point. With a smoother, higher pitched riff and lyrics you can almost follow. "Bovrg the Nag" keeps you on the same wave as "Sluts and Coconuts", which is something you can appreciate in the roller coaster that is this EP.

 "Two Pigeons" has a sweet little opening, with acoustic guitar and soft drums, transitions into the faster paced, and backs off again later in the song.

"Just the Right Height" has an electronic start opening up to the tuneful shout that, at this point in the EP, you are beginning to really like. The lyrics still baffle you with things like-

“Doc scaled the walls of the typhoon front line, but I don’t mind the drive underground. Put em’ up high. A left handed pitcher who only throws curves, throws a fit”

"All the Electric Secrets of Hell" begins with my favourite riff of the album because it is soft and engaging. The obscure lyrics have also grown on you and you can almost find yourself wanting to sing along to the chorus of-

“Uh oh I’ve been waiting up all night, for something sweet, to crawl in my mouth.

You’re cutting out 'land ho' I’m wasting away out of bounds, scraping off my nails, and chewing off my tongue, but I’m at it again wearing in the wrong shoes.”

"I Know Who Killed Me" tops off the unpredictability of The Boy Kisser Sessions +3 by opening with lyrics, which none of the other songs have done. This is my favourite song because it provides me with a mental picture in my head of some crazy imaginary world thanks to the opening lines-

“I want to be more than a dramatic silhouette spilling gasoline on my paper shoes, to waste away playing kicking the can in an uphill landscape full of loose connections, a landscape prone to open flame.”

It can be also noticed, that in this song the shouting has almost dissolved into talking and the final half with just the tapping throws me out of my imaginary land into a jungle waiting for a cannibalistic tribe to eat me.

It is as if the Cattle Drums just went insane during this EP, and that is why I like it. You have no idea what is going on, where it is heading and you can't even sing along because you are never quite sure if you are going left or right. It appeals to me, and hopefully to others, because it is unlike most other productions. If anyone works out the meaning of it all, let me know.

-Koala

Buy here:  The Boy Kisser Sessions + 3

Ripple Needs Your Help - Writer's Wanted

Well, here it is.

The Ripple Effect is growing so big, so fast, there simply is no way for us to keep up with all the quality music that comes in.  Our poor little staff of Racer, Pope, Woody, and Old School -- aided and abetted on occasion by Iggy and Birdman-- have got stacks upon stacks upon stacks of great music to write about.  And now they could use just a little help.

Yep, the Ripple needs to expand and we've got openings for one or two more writers.  We'd love someone who has a mind for lots and lots of metal.  We mean heavy, dirty, deathy, blacky metal.  We could also use a great mind who loves emo, electro, and indy pop.  If it happens that both those minds are in the same person, then so much the better.

So, if you'd like to write about music, get lots of free music to review, and have your column syndicated across everything from GuitarWorld Magazine's website to USAToday, let us know.  We can't pay ya, other than in good music, lots of love, and a lifetime membership in the Ripple gang.

All it takes is a desperate passion for music and the desire to tell people about it.  As fun as the gig is, we'll only take people with a serious commitment to listening and writing.  Nothing half-assed about the Ripple.

Send in a writing sample about an album you love, 5 or 6 paragraphs.  Tell us why you love it, how it makes you feel and why the rest of the world should care.  Create some ripples.

That's what we do here at the Ripple Effect.  Create some ripples.

A Sunday Conversation with the Dolly Rocker Movement

Blissed out, T-Rex inspired, psychedelic pop.  That's what The Dolly Rocker Movement brings to the table and that's what caught us by the Ripple ears and spun us around like a heady case of vertigo.  Joining us today on the red leather interview couch is head Dolly, Daniel Darling to open up our minds to what makes The Dolly Rocker Movement tick.

When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphany's since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears.

What have been your musical epiphany moments?

When I was seven or eight my brother and I found some old cassettes in the family house and I remember we had a Best of The Sweet tape. I played that tape till it finally snapped. It was the wildest thing i had ever heard. I was rocking so hard to "Hellraiser" I fell off my bed and broke my collar bone. The next phase was probably when the whole grunge thing came along. Finally there was new music that divided a generation. Most parents hated that shit. Funny cause now I actually dislike allot of that nineties rock too. But it was fun at the time. Then came the sixties obsession. It seemed to go hand in hand with experimentation on all levels. While the jocks at my school were digging hardcore skate punk and Metallica, I would waltz into class glazed eyed grooving to The Monkees. It was a rebellious time. I loved being an outcast and 60's music was the perfect way of saying to everyone "you don't know shit".

Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?

Generally it comes from simple chord progressions. I pretty much use the same chord progressions over and over. Thats what rock n roll is. Repitition and familiarity. But the way the songs take on their own personality is adding melody. That comes next. Melody is the most important thing to me. It's the thing that people remember.  I also rely on the beat to give me direction. Beat is very important to me aswell. Thats what gets people moving. whether it be slow and swaying or down right jiving. I have a beat in my head and that gets things moving. If you marry a good melody to a sweet beat you can't go wrong. It seems like a very simple idea which to me it comes easy. But without an understanding and appreciation of simple music you'll be scratching your head in wonder.

 Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?

New inspiration can be found anywhere it's all about exploration. I'v had so many alter egos and personal adventures in my life it's hard to keep track of who i am sometimes. But thats where the songs are coming from. thats why I had to move to the United States. I need movement in my life at all times. I need to change my look, my personality, the way i think and talk constantly. Thats why no-one can guess my age. I refuse to fall into the trap of "oh this is me, i have to deal with it" Fuck that! At the moment i'm alreading changing into something else. I'm like 100% sober now. And ideas are falling from the sky. It's crazy. I'm all about looking ahead. My past albums when i listen to them are sung by someone else. I can't reach that person anymore. I'm far away. Thats why now I'm Daniel Darling. I must remain interested in myself before I take it to the streets.

Genre's are so misleading and such a way to pigeonhole bands. Without resorting to labels, how would you describe your music?

I have a signature way of doing things. Even though I change my personality I have a formula. I'm an outsider when it comes to scenes. Its Iike dressing in drag & walking into a bar then ordering an ice water and a newspaper to read. It kinda makes sense but theres something a little different about it that makes it stand alone. That's the way I look at my music. I'v dealt into many different genres. I'v played the copycat before aswell. To me it's just pop music.

What is you musical intention? What are you trying to express or get your audience to feel?

My intention is write catchy tunes. My last album "our days mind the tyme" is the showcase of what is to come. The next Dolly album is going to be something else. I write tunes to make me feel good. If other people can jive on that feeling too which i know they can then great! this is the entertainment business and it's my job to make the people dance.

In songwriting, how do you bring the song together? What do you look for in terms of complexity? Simplicity? Time changes?

It's all spontanious. i never like anything too "staged" it has to come naturally. Straight off the bat. Sometimes complex lines work, sometimes simple lines work. it's all about taste. Taste is everything.

The business of music is a brutal place. Changes in technology have made it easier than ever for bands to get their music out, but harder than ever to make a living? What are your plans to move the band forward? How do you stay motivated in this brutal business?

For years I put the business side on the back burner. Sure I had a great time but I wasn't going anywhere. I still don't fully understand the business side of the industry. Thats why I have an amazing manager now who is guiding that aspect for me and the band. Having other people believe in what you do is extremely motivating and comforting. The best thing I can do to stay afloat is play my role. Do my Job. And that job is being an entertainer. Whether i'm living on my mac n cheese or dining out I have to write tunes and perform them. The industry requires product and I produce it in the only way I can. 

Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?

Our bass player Jimmy plans to be slayed with an axe after performing "A Sound For Two". His boots will be taped to his knees so he resembles a dwarf. It's going to be wild!

What makes a great song?

 Your drivin in your car and you reach your destination but you have do  another round of the block because the song you were listening to on the stereo hadn't finished yet.

Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?

It was by my own group called The Dazzling Doodles. I played the lego box by hitting it with chopsticks. And i sung about how the Dazzling Doodles had the greatest hit's in the world "na na na na"

What piece of your music are particularly proud of?

I have a new song called "The Holy Son". It's going to be a hit on the next album. Also I really like the way "A Sound For Two" came out on our last album. It was never intended to have that Baroque feel, it just happened and I was like wow!

Who today, writes great songs? Why?

My favourite artist from the past decade would have to be Alison Goldfrapp. She is amazing. She's everything Madonna should be. I would love to colaborate with her in the future. Electro glam rock seems like a natural progression for me. But in her case she has done it & nailed it so well. Who can top a song like "Strict Machine" ?  I flip everytime i hear it.

Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?

Vinyl for sure. I don't buy cd's anymore. I love my I-pod too. Having and Mp3 player is like your own little weapon. Bake to your favourite tunes while riding the bus. It's so radical. Our last record just came out on vinyl which i'm so happy about. To have the artwork blown up to that size made me feel like i'd really produced something. It's so classic. They should print all albums on vinyl. Keep that spirit alive.

We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. When we come to your town, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?

Ahhhh in my current town (Los Angeles) I haven't had much of an oppourtunity to go record shopping as I'm pretty much broke. I'v borrowed a heap of records from friends. Ameoba Records is like the mecca record store, I'v been in there a couple of times and you can get lost in there for sure. You'd be best off ordering of Bomp! records. They have sooo much cool stuff. Depends on your taste really. In Australia you can't beat "Red eye Records" in Sydney & "Off The Hip" in Melbourne.

Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?

Keep Cool & Stay Warm Out There Waveriders!

D.I.Y. Ethic Lives On pt. 1- Featuring the Photons and 45-70

Time for another journey (a two-parter this time) through the hallowed basements, bedrooms, and home studios of some of the most interesting D.I.Y. projects to grace the Ripple mailbag.  Just like before, our hat gets tipped to the D.I.Y. musician, producing and creating when a whole world of naysayers may be standng before him (or her).  All for the love of music.  And what a varied set we have for you waveriders today.

The Photons - Glory! EP

A while back when perenial Ripple favorites, Grand Atlantic, were touring the US for the first time, me and the Mrs Racer set out to Hotel Utah in the City to watch our boys tear the place apart.  And they did.  But before them there was an entirely too long list of opening bands, most of which verged beyond the annoying.    At one point, me and the Mrs were going to step outside to let our ears rest before Grand Atlantic came on, but something about the band taking the stage made us stick around and check them out.  And good thing we did.

The second The Photons plugged in those little hairs on the back of my neck stood up to pay attention.  Mixing an eclectic, quirk pop atmosphere, like the Decemberists with some charming guitar-based jangle rock, The Photons took immediate control of the stage and all 200 of the ears packed into that tiny club.  A seven piece, multi-racial, multi-gendered outfit, The Photons threw every thing into the mix besides guitar, bass and drums, including bassoon, clarient, glockenspiel, bells, toy piano, gang chants and I believe a xylophone.  And somehow they manage to do this without ever swamping the sound in excess or noise pop, always maintaining the meat of the melody. "Glory!" the title song off their self-released EP is a dynamite example of how quirk-pop can be engaging without losing itself up the butt of  the Polyphonic Spree.  "Where Were You Last Night" follows suit, both songs carried by the energetic, near-frenetic vocals of James Parrish.  Both of these songs are impeccably crafted slices of quirk-pop perfection.  Can't-miss winners.

And talk about a cool D.I.Y product, each copy of the Glory! EP comes complete with an indy black and white comic book, "We Are the Photons," drawn by bassist/drummer Calvin Liu.

Fun and engaging, The Photons were for real.   Unfortunately, their webpage says that they've gone out on indefinite hiatus, but we'll keep our fingers crossed for more Photons to come our way.  In the meantime, you can download a couple of free tracks from the band at www.wearephotons.com.

 45-70 - Get Ready to Bleed

In case you need a reference, this minimally produced, self-manufactured disc comes complete with a photo of a gun chamber loaded with 45-70 shells.  Combine that with the tell-all title, Get Ready to Bleed, and you'll get a good idea what your ears are in for with this little retro-metal treat.  Rocking on like the '90's and all of nu-metal had never happened, 45-70 take their licks from the pages of early (still cool) Motely Crue, rough and tumble Metallica.  Toss in another chamber full of NWOBHM spit, venom and bile, plus the desire to pound their heads against any hard surface within reach, and we got the formula decoded.

I can't really remember where these cats hail from, but I think it's someplace way up in Michigan or such, far away from civilization, culture and non-fur covered women.  As such, the boys banded together to create what all men lost to the world need:  music to vent out all your testosterone and chest-beating manhood.  And do they ever.

45-70 have studied their lessons well and can take command of a riff like a general taking control of his troops.  Each track pounds with elemental NWOBHM guitar fury.  Drums explode with the frequency of blind man walking through a mindfield.  Bass is heavy and pummeling while the vocals add just the right amount of Vince Neil squeal.  The album kicks off with a fury.  Opening cuts "Under," and "Honesty" just may be as good D.I.Y. metal as we've heard around here in some time.   "Under" opens with a particularly nasty guitar riff, tearing right into a true "face melting" guitar solo.  The opening wailing scream leaves something to be desired, but once the verse drops in the vocals work out just fine.  Bass rules through the verses propelling things along like a tank cruising a battlefield.  Listening to this track reminds me of all the ballsy excitement that reigned through the record store when the NWOBHM was new and in full flight.  Each new release just brimmed with a punky-D.I.Y excitement.  You never knew what  you were gonna get, but it was all done with passion.  That's what 45-70 got going here.  An undeniable passion for their metal freakout.

"Honesty" ups the stakes a bit, showing some strong songwriting chops.  Yeah, sure the drum sound needs to be beefed up, but remember these cats recorded this album in their tundra cabin between deer and moose hunts.  You can almost taste that moose flesh here, as the song slinks and trods along to the raver of chorus.

From there the album doesn't let up.  Raw and bare D.I.Y. metal that's definitely worth the effort.

--Racer

buy here:  Get Ready To Bleed

The Photons



45-70



www.45-70theband.com