Set It Off - Cinematics

As I sit here listening to Set It Off’s debut full length album Cinematics, I try to find the words to describe the auditory excellence pouring out of my speakers.  The words aren’t coming to me easily.  They don’t fit into my usual “dark” style of music that I enjoy.  They’re definitely pop rock, but there is something so much more to them. 

    It all begins with front man Cody Carson.  By far, he’s the most incredible vocalist I have heard this side of Dustin Kensrue.  His voice is a Swiss Army Knife.  His beautiful singing ability and melodic runs can give way to intense screams and wails.  It’s very rare for a singer of this type of music to be able to truly convey a sense of anger and emotion in his music without it coming off as forced.  His lyrical content is as heartfelt as any I’ve heard.  In “Dad’s Song”, Carson croons about his deceased father over an orchestral piano and synth violin in a way that makes one almost tear up.  He beautifully sings the words “I finally wrote your song at last, sorry that this one came out so sad, every tear I had was shed for the man that gave me a better sense of life and meaning, to motivate, there’s no shortcut to success, I’ll wait for his guiding hands, my guardian angel until the very end”.  It’s a gorgeous song, and a definite highlight on an album chock full of them. 

    Every song is lyrically from the heart.  It’s easily relatable and very real.  His vocal performance drives this home.  It’s an incredible mix of heart, grit, and truth.  I absolutely love it.

    Now, for the music.  It’s well produced without having that “overdone” quality that some major bands have.  The album has a sticker on it that says “for fans of My Chemical Romance and Panic at the Disco”.  I don’t think those words do this band justice. 

    While they share a similar punk-pop vibe, there is some major orchestration underneath the guitar driven rock.  I’m talking full symphonies on every song.  Synth violin, trumpet, piano, clarinets, other strings, it’s a buffet of sounds that comes together in the most impressive and beautiful way. 

    That’s not to say that the band can’t throw down.  There are breakdowns and parts of songs that sound absolutely brutal.  If I had to compare these guys to any major artists, it would be Emery, Thrice, and I might keep the Panic reference.  They are heavy, but they don’t try to hide the fact that they see beauty in music. 

    My band had the pleasure of opening up for them in Columbia, South Carolina.  They top off this
incredible album by having one of the best live shows I have ever seen, and I have been to a ton.  The energy is intense.  Carson is electric as a front man.  He gets into the audience and engages them in a way that seems so natural that you just feel he is singing for you.  His band doesn’t stop moving.  Maxx Danziger, Dan Clermont, Zach DeWall, and Austin Kerr deserve an amazing amount of credit for the energy they bring to the stage and the album. 

    I have never been this impressed with a group that I had never heard of before.  They deserve every bit of success and popularity I feel they are about to get.  Please, I implore you… download or purchase Cinematics.  This orchestral rock band will not disappoint you.  This is easily one of my favorite (if not the favorite) albums of 2012. 


--Professor

Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth

It has been a trying week.  Nothing seemed to go as planned.  Drama and misfortune permeated the atmosphere.  I just wanted to escape.

Yes escape, but not in a fog of self medication.  This had to be soothing, yet adventurous.  I had the urge to travel in mind and imagination away from my daily grind, trials and tribulations.  I wanted to be here but feel as if I was somewhere else - just for a little while.

There's nothing new in that.  Long before recording, TV, even telephones, science fiction writers would sell dime store novels that allowed the reader to escape, at least for a few hundred pages, into an exciting parallel universe of the unknown where the physics of reality were a bit skewed.

One of the best of these early escapist tales is "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth",  written by French born science fiction writer Jules Verne and first published in 1864. It would later be published alongside other Jules Verne works, such as "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea"  and "Around The World In Eighty Days", as "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth."  Verne's stories explored impossible feats and journeys into the then unknown.  The tales are yarns and speculations about what man would find should he undertake these journeys or perform these feats.  Verne was writing at the start of the Industrial Revolution and there was a sense that man would soon turn these speculations into scientific fact.

I considered pulling out the Kindle and downloading an escapist book to read but I was really too tired to focus on reading and just wanted to let the evening wash over me.  I started to flip through my music collection and suddenly remembered a progressive rock gem of a recording from my high school days. Back in 1974 composer and keyboard player Rick Wakeman took leave from the band Yes to produce a series of solo recordings. One of them was a grandiose interpretation of Jules Verne's 1864 novel.  Because the cost to produce the album in a studio would have been prohibitive Wakeman recorded the album live during the second of two concerts at the Royal Festival Hall in London. To compose and perform the album Wakeman hand-picked the musicians, vocalists and the London Symphony Orchestra to help him with the endeavor.   Although Wakeman sought Richard Harris as the narrator, he rejected the job and Wakeman ultimately settled on actor David Hemmings as the narrator. 

I quickly looked up the album, started it and eased back in the recliner. For forty minutes Wakeman, his keyboards, band, the London Symphony Orchestra, narrator and live audience, took me on an adventurous orchestrated sojourn through the crust, mantle, caves and underworld before returning me to the surface. Wakeman's keyboards are mesmerizing, the points and counter points, chorales echo as if in cavernous spaces; it is an aural motion picture.  The soundtrack is provided; you provide the movie.

As the album ended I felt refreshed and invigorated.  I was again ready to tackle the challenges of the skin atop this world.  I had returned from my Journey To The Centre Of The Earth.  Man, what a ride!

- Old School

Motörhead The World Is Ours - Volume 2: Free Giveaway Contest and Pre-orders Available Now

 Killer News!

Motorhead Contest! You love Motorhead and so do we. So we're psyched to be able to offer you contest prize of one double-LP edition of the new Motorhead live! Just answer the question: What was the first release put out by our Label, Ripple Music. The winner will be chosen at random from those with the correct answer.

Motörhead have announced The Wörld Is Ours - Vol 2 - Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else limited edition Fan Package. This special limited edition DVD / Blu-ray and double CD comes with a 12x12” deluxe panel coffee table style photograph book. On 150 pages of high quality paper, you will be able to enjoy rare and unreleased photo material, stage shots and backstage impressions of the band, their road crew and the fans.

Steffan Chirazi, editor of the Metallica Fan Club Magazine and independent author, shares stories of his personal experiences with Motörhead and allows the reader to dig deeper into their daily routine, filled with anecdotes about the legendary rock`n`roll band.

This unique collector’s edition is limited to 1,000 units worldwide and is available only from Motörhead's label at the UDR online shop.

###

The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 2 Buy Link: http://bit.ly/QnGrKL

The Wörld Is Ours Vol. 2 EPK Video: http://youtu.be/Xo9C9GSGyog

Whitesnake - ST (aka 1987 or Serpens Albus)

The second or third cassette I ever bought... the first cassette I ever air-guitared with (the second was Great White's Once Bitten, specifically "Rock Me," to which I still rock out on occasion)....

And this rocking out, possible via the video for "Still of the Night," was engendered by who I thought was John Sykes, but was actually Adrien Vandenberg in the video (remember, this was pre-internet; I just went by who the J-card said was the guitarist)....

I recently returned to this record because I was listening to a lot of John Sykes-era Thin Lizzy (e.g., "Cold Sweat," a great riff and a great song), and this made me think of Coverdale and Co.....

Except for "Still of the Night," the best tracks are not released: "Give Me All Your Love," "Children of the Night," "Straight for the Heart," and "Bad Boys" are great hard rock tunes, and these less-indebted to the blues-rock that Whitesnake dealt in previous releases....

David Coverdale was "old" when this came out in 1987; how old is that fucker now? [Note: I just checked-- he's 61 as of this review; may I look that good in 20 years.]

Whitesnake (aka Serpens Albus in Japan and 1987 in the UK) is still, 25 years later, a great hard rock record: catchy yet heavy, the kind of thing you would only marginally be ashamed of blasting out of your vehicle of choice.

Not bad for a band whose name euphemistically means Caucasian Penis.



--Horn

Isley Brothers - The Heat Is On

 
 

"I try to play my music, they say my music's too loud! I tried talking about it
but got the big run around. And when I rolled with the punches I got knocked on
the ground by all this BULLSHIT going down!"

New Mighty High lyrics you ask? I wish! No, I'm quoting from one of my all time favorite, FAVORITE songs "Fight The Power" by the Isley Brothers, the opening track of their 1975 album The Heat
Is On. Public Enemy borrowed the title and made it a household expression but
old folks in the know appreciated the Isley's reference (and "Hot Pants"
sample). In the all time "monster groove" category, "Fight The Power" is pretty
high on the list. The high hat intro gives you less than 5 seconds of decision
to figure out whether your gonna dance, do some pushups or just start throwing
shit around. Cranking this one in the car is even better. No matter what the
weather, you've gotta roll the windows down and turn the volume UP to make
everyone's day a little better.

So how do they follow up this killer jam? With the title track that's just of
good, of course. Maybe even better! "The Heat Is On" is unbelievably funky.
Starting off with a quick drum intro, the bass line (doubled on keyboards) comes
in and sets the groove that's tighter than a frog's ass. It's six minutes that
go by far too quickly. About halfway through Ernie Isley uncorks one of his most
face melting guitar solos. Jeezus, Ernie is incredible! He also plays drums on
the album, which is very impressive, but it's his guitar work that's so
extraordinary. It's often said that Ernie was taught guitar by Jimi Hendrix when
he was playing with the Isley Brothers in the mid-60's but that's not totally
true. Ernie was 11 years old and watched Jimi play when he was living with them
in Teaneck, NJ but Ernie didn't start playing until he was a teenager and is
self-taught. The Hendrix influence is obvious, but Ernie's style is so
identifiable. He loves using an octavia pedal and, of course, a wah wah to create this insane screech that cuts
all that booming bass. A friend of mine is convinced that Ma Isley told the rest
of the boys to make sure that they let Ernie get at least one long guitar solo
on every album. I choose to believe that, too. He really cuts loose on "Hope You
Feel Better Love," too, the last song on side one. The first half of the song
highlights Ronald Isley's incredible voice and the second half is all Ernie's.

Side One of The Heat Is On was definitely for the rockers and perfect to get any
party started, but side two will help you get the pants off a lady. "For The
Love Of You," "Sensuality" and "Make Me Say It Again Girl" are all nice R&B
ballads with Ernie's guitar playing on a very short leash and cousin Chris
Jasper's keyboards dominating. Ronald's voice is up front and beautifully
supported by brothers Rudolph and O'Kelly. It's a shame this style got so
watered down into the dreaded "quiet storm" that I dread. The CD comes with a
killer live-in-the-studio version of "Fight The Power" that's ferocious.

If you come across a vinyl copy the first thing you'll notice is the brothers
cloaked in A LOT of smoke. Back in the 70's fog machines were unrestricted and
every band had to have a photo showing off how much smoke they had on stage. I
almost bought a copy of Oncer Were Once Vices… by the Doobie Brothers for this
very reason but played it safe and got Deep Purple's Made In Europe instead.
When you open up the gatefold sleeve of The Heat Is On you not only get to learn
what instruments everyone plays but their astrological sign, too. Fun, funky,
kick ass and educational all in one killer diller package. When the Heat Is On
you have no choice but to Fight The Power.


--Woody

Buy from Amazon (less than $7!!)
http://www.amazon.com/Heat-Exp-Isley-Brothers/dp/B0012GMVTE/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1349972965&sr=1-1&keywords=isley+brothers+heat+is+on

"Fight The Power" live in Aruba


"The Heat Is On"

Palkoski - Random Antagonist Complex/ The Oblivious Ape(Who Covets Its Own)

Hmmm...what do you think about this proposition dear reader? Would you dare taking a peek into the mind of a truly deranged person? Even taking a journey through this wrecked soul's inner turmoil? Are you willing to expose yourself to the madness trapped within this sad figure? You are? Fine, just strap yourself down because there is no turning back now....welcome to the insane world of serial killer Frank Palkoski!

Some years ago a band called The Seventh Gate learned about a troubled viscious man named Frank Palkoski and started to write songs about him and his ailments. First it was only the occasional song but eventually a whole album was dedicated to him, Random Antagonist Complex. Shortly after the release The Seventh Gate vanished from the face of the Earth and I can only assume that while writing about Frank Palkoski, the band were completely immersed by him and subsequently murdered and he disappeared....until now.
Out of the blue a band called Palkoski appears with a cd which features Random Antagonist Complex and their own debut album, The Oblivious Ape(Who Covets Its Own). I honestly don't know if it is a re-recording of Random Antagonist Complex or if Palkoski only put their own name on it. Regardless who recorded what, both albums complements each other perfectly where The Oblivious Ape(Who Covets Its Own) is the natural continuation in the story of Frank Palkoski. However I hope the three brave souls in the band - Kerch, Todd and Skip, can stay grounded and withstand the mania of this lunatic now when they brought him back to life.

The musical story about Frank Palkoski, so far, is covered by 41 chapters in this digi-pack, ranging from 7 secs to 8.22mins. And it is a mental rollercoaster if there ever was one. To get the story told in the best possible way the band play a truly unique blend of death metal, grindcore, black metal with a pinch of reggae, psychedelica and spazztic frenzy. And this is the perfect sonic amalgamation to portray a serial killer suffering from multiple personality disorder. By putting all their different musical leanings in a blender and run it at full speed while still being able to maintain a structuralized order, the band brings us horror in its most purest and evil shape.

One second you have Frank pleading to all his different personalities, the next he trashes and lashes out at victims killing them as brutally as possible only to be followed by serene spells and contemplativness. And this goes on non-stop, back and forth, soothing yet disturbing, twisting and writhing and playing havoc on my mind. But I guess it's working more like a catharsis than anything else for me, I mean I haven't turned into a serial killer...yet! How the band can do this without spazzing out and go postal on the world is beyond me.

In all it's maniacal, deranged portrayal of Frank Palkoski, Random Antagonist Complex/The Oblivious Ape(Who Covets Its Own) is a fantastic musical narrative. They manage to reach out and touch all the different emotions a human being possibly can have and show what can happen when they hit you all at once. Full force insanity, violence, love, abandonment, sickness, devotion and despite how weird it may sound, this concoction is so beautiful in all its horror, mania and brutality. Every time I listen to the album I feel like I've been put through the wringer but like I have already mentioned above it's a catharsis for me, a cleansing of my body and soul...and that is awesome!

If you like heavy, skull crushing music verging annihilation Palkoski is the band for you and of course their release Random Antagonist Complex/The Oblivious Ape(Who Covets Its Own) will be a fantastic soundtrack for you. All I can say is amazing and I really love this. But take heed of my warning in the beginning, there won't be any turning back for you once the listening commence. And reports tell me that Frank has claimed yet another victim in the shape of drummer Skip. He has vanished and after a long search and rescue he is still gone. Kerch - vocals, effects and percussion, and Todd - guitar, subsequently brought in Nick. Hopefully the re-shaped trio can withstand Frank....I'm just saying!


--Swedebeast

It Came From ReverbNation #23 - featuring Gamal, Firebug, The Controversy, Ryan David Orr, Alex DePue, and CJ Garton

From April 4^th to June 4^th The Ripple Effect ran a campaign on the excellent online music website ReverbNation (www.reverbnation.com).  This campaign allowed any artist or band registered with ReverbNation to submit their music to The Ripple Effect for possible review on the site and airplay on The Ripple Effect radio shows.  When all was said and done we had received 4,799 submissions!  Incredible!  The purpose of this column is to highlight those artists and bands whose musical submissions I accepted as being worthy of consideration.  While these are not reviews per se, I’m going to provide a brief rundown of what to expect from each artist/band, a sample when available, and a link to check out more on their corresponding ReverbNation page.

Gamal – Waveriders, you might not know it yet but I love hip-hop.  Socially conscious hip-hop especially.  So when I come across an emcee with a positive outlook or a distinctly sobering non-fiction approach to their music I take notice.  This gentleman from Laurel, MD impressed me with his clean, straightforward flow and the subject matter he chose to rhyme about.  Similar artists include Mos Def, Common, and Mannrock.  Check him out.

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/nysbgamal

Song Sample – Just Life  

 

Firebug – Ah, heavy throwback rock and roll.  It really gets my blood pumping!  This quartet from New Orleans, LA has clearly internalized the main points from the book of heavy blues rock.  Their song submission strongly reminded me of Clutch’s “Electric Worry”, especially the main guitar riff, but the feisty female vocals really excite and make this an entirely different animal.  Similar artists include Queens of the Stone Age, Led Zeppelin, and The Duke Spirit.  Have a listen.

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/firebug

Song Sample – Used To Be  

 

The Controversy– There’s no controversy here.  The two songwriters in this Los Angeles, CA band clearly know what they’re doing.  Their song submission is one of the most compelling indie rock songs I have heard in quite a while.  Laura Vall’s powerfully emotive vocals are stunning, and the musicianship supporting her performance is rock solid.  I am very impressed!  Similar artists include PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple, and Radiohead.  Click the link and hear for yourself.

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/TheControversyBand

Song Sample – Real  

 

Ryan David Orr– The song submission from this Lakeside, AZ artist and his band snuck behind my defensive listening fortifications and insidiously became lodged in my mind.  It was upbeat alternative folk/indie rock and I liked it!  I sampled a few of his other songs and found each totally ear pleasing.  One ultra-funky number really threw me for a loop!  Similar artists include Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, and Yusef Islam.

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/ryandavidorr

Song Sample – Carry Me Home  

 

Alex DePue – Let’s see waveriders.  What we have here is an incredibly talented violin player who began his classical training at age five.  Despite excelling in the classical arena he developed an interest in ‘fiddling’.  It would take far too long to list the mountain of awards his playing has won him.  Basically, he can play all kinds of music, and it all sounds really good!  His song submission was a fantastic Latin-flavored fusion number.  Similar artists include Itzhak Perlman, David Garrett, and Jean-Luc Ponty.  Trust me folks.  You want to hear this man play.

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/alexdepue

Song Sample – Paganini Into Yes/Michael Jackson  

 

CJ Garton – Anybody like outlaw country music?  Oh you do!  Well then, do I have an artist for you to check into.  His name is CJ Garton and he calls Nashville, TN home.  Prepare to be impressed by both his deep, rich voice, and also just how much southern rock he can pack into his music.  His submission was country through and through, but it also featured some pretty mean guitar riffs.  If you’re looking for some real down home tunes look no further!

ReverbNation Page – http://www.reverbnation.com/cjgarton

Song Sample – Hunting Trophy Whitetail  

--Penfold