Archive

Archive for the ‘Zack Daggy’ Category

Michael Lee “Face Forward”

March 3rd, 2010

MichealLeeMichael Lee’s Face Forward is an album made for fans of melodic alternative rock. Its tracks are driven by Michael’s strong vocals and the band’s moody rhythms. The sound is a bit similar to that of the Goo Goo Dolls at times, with more soul. Lyrically, Michael’s songs are deep. They cover the traditional subject matter of life and love, as well as the standards of the genre, longing and angst.

The music behind Michael Lee is impressive to say the least. At times it clearly pays homage to great alternative rock bands like Incubus, Hoobastank and Audio Slave, while at other times it’s reserved, simplistic, and perfectly complements the singer/songwriter elements that Michael can project. “Mystery Of Life” is the perfect example of this. With “Mystery Of Life” it’s simply Michael, a guitar and nothing else. It’s this stripped down approach that allows Michael’s voice to shine and lyrics to stand on their own. The lyrics are those of longing and being lost in life; justwhat you’d expect from the genre. This isn’t a song whose hooks that will keep it playing on the airwaves, but it is destined to be a fan favorite.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the title track is purely instrumental. It’s mostly a piano and drum driven track, but make no mistake that the guitar, especially toward the end, elevates the piece to being much more than a bonus instrumental afterthought. It firmly ties together the overall aesthetic of the album.  On a side note, Michael Lee needs to write the score to a movie. There is something very cinematic about “Face Forward,” as well as the track “Never Enough Time.”

“Never Enough Time” is one of Face Forward’s standout tracks. It is incredibly cinematic, and sounds like something that would be featured in one of Robert Rodriguez’s films. It is a moody song infused with both Western and Middle Eastern vibes. While subdued at first, the vocals take on a gritty Audio Slave tone by the end and the music seems to capture some of the trance/rock qualities of Incubus.

While fans of melodic alternative rock will enjoy Face Forward, it may not be for everyone. Tracks like “Despite” and “Youth” are solid enough, but they are long. The former clocks in just shy of six and a half minutes. Also, the melodic sound falls into a trap that is common for the genre. At times it can be boring. Each track stands well on it’s own, but when listening to the album it becomes repetitive until the last half.

You won’t find tracks here that sound like anything on the Billboard charts, but that’s not a bad thing. Michael Lee is original. He stands apart. He sounds like what an indie artist is supposed to sound like. He sounds like nothing you’ve heard before.

Review by Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Man Called Noon “Broke and Beaten Down”

February 16th, 2010

man called noon coverMan Called Noon’s Album Broke and Beaten Down is utterly fantastic! With astonishing guitar driven tracks and heavily hook-laden melodies, this is an album not to miss and a band not to forget.

The Band:

Man Called Noon is Tony Giamichael (Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals), Mike Burns (Bass/Drums), Brian Sonnek (Lead Guitar/Harmonies), Zach Finch (Live Drums) and Katie Dingle (Cello/Harmonies).  Together they make a sound that can only be described as the combination of all my favorite bands.  It seems like every time I listen to Broke and Beaten Down the band reminds me of another one of my favorites.

The guitar rifts alone are mind-blowing. It’s The Who mixed with The Foo Fighters, Audioslave and Weezer. Fantastic!

Vocally, Man Called Noon is reminds me at times of Blink-182 and some of The White Stripes latest work.  It’s gritty, catchy and fits the band’s style perfectly.

The Tracks:

Burn And Grow – Off the bat I picked up a 90’s alt rock vibe with this track.  It has great hooks and awesome guitar rifts.  Overall it a great introduction to Man Called Noon but the tracks ahead keep getting better and better.

Dance Off – While this song sounds like it’s influenced by Nirvana (especially the rhythm), something about it has a British rock quality.  It just has a rawness that makes it sound real.  I’m willing to bet this song sounds awesome live.

Living My Obsession – For me, this is the first potential single off of Broke and Beaten Down.  It’s just an awesome pop/rock song.

Saturday – This is my favorite track off of Broke and Beaten Down.  It absolutely has to be the main single off this album.  With this track Man Called Noon blends Oasis’s slick pop oriented hooks and Red Hot Chili Poppers’ untamed rock style.

Dying For My Passion – This song chances up the tone of the album.  Put simply, it’s acoustic goodness.  With Dave Matthews-like vibes, this track is easily one of my favorites.  Not only does it show off the versatility of Man Called Noon, but it also teases how amazing it would be if they released an all-acoustic album.

Cotton – With chunky guitar rifts and a Weezer-like melody, this is another just plain awesome track.

Broken Man – This track is acoustic goodness yet again, but this time with a bit more grit.  I love the pop/rock style of Man Called Noon, but man can they cover folk/rock.

The Lonesome Gods – Dark Vibes.  Very cool.

Another Ghost… – The last official track off of Broke and Beaten Down is a light-hearted pop/folk track.  Keep listening once it ends because there is a fantastic bonus track at the end.

The Verdict:

Man Called Noon is an amazingly versatile band that covers rock, pop, folk and everything in between.  They may sound like all my favorite bands, but they are definitely original. If you’re looking for an album that has a bit of everything, then definitely check out Broke and Beaten Down!

Review by Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Gabe Hizer “Persistence of Memory”

February 10th, 2010

gabehizercover-150x150Gabe Hizer is a storyteller through and through. With bluesy grit and soaring falsettos, Gabe’s album Persistence Of Memory spins soulful tales of life, love and everything in between. It’s an album from the heart and for the heart.

The Artist:

Long Island born Tennessee based Gabe Hizer is definitely a prodigy of 70’s rock. Think James Taylor with a hint of The Eagles. It’s smooth rock for the soul. It’s the kind of rock that stays with you. Gabe’s mind-blowing falsetto paints dreamscape of life in motion. It’s easy to get lost in his voice. Still, there’s a fair amount of grit to Gabe’s style–vocally and instrumentally. I imagine this is due to his experience with the Gabe Hizer Blues Band. The infusion of a blues influence adds a rich quality to Gabe’s music and powerful lyrics. He’s not just singing about life–he’s singing about a life lived. There’s a major difference between the two, but unfortunately few artists seem to get that. Gabe Hizer gets it.

The Album:

Memory – Memory is a brilliant introduction to Gabe’s style. It’s a haunting melody with equally haunting lyrics. Its smooth subtle rhythm resonates with an Eagles influence.

Forever – This is the first track off of Persistence Of Memory that’s Gabe’s falsetto really shines. His soaring vocals establish a romantic mood effortlessly.

Time To Say Goodbye – The opening and closing rain sound effects add some cinematic flair to this track but honestly I could of done without them. It’s nothing major–and really it’s more of a personal preference, but I think this song is strong enough to stand on it own without the added frill. The extra effect just kind of breaks the album’s organic flow. The track itself is fantastic though. Gabe’s bluesy grit begins to show in this track. It’s not prominent, but it’s definitely just beneath the surface.

The Ballad Of Joey and The Bottle Of Booze – I love this song. It’s a simple hook-laden song that is just toe-tapping fun. I could almost picture this track being on the soundtrack to O’ Brother, Where Art Thou. It’s southern folk mixed with blue grass and a hint of Bob Dylan.

Lesson – This is a solid track that really showcases Gabe’s vocal range. The man has pipes. Moreover the guitar instrumentals in this track are incredible. This track has probably my favorite melody off of Persistence Of Memory.

Under Western Skies – Lyrically, this is one of the best songs on this album. It about life in motion and how truly fleeting time is. Again, Gabe Hizer doesn’t sing about life. He sings about a life lived.

Falling Down – Gabe’s falsetto is truly amazing. This isn’t my favorite track, but it really shows what he is capable of.

Searchin’ Outside For My Soul – This is a straight up blues track, and Gabe pulls it off beautifully. Between the harmonica, rhythm guitar and Gabe’s soulful vocals it’s hard not to get drawn in.

I Will Be There For You – The guitar is impressive on this track, but overall it just doesn’t stand out like the rest.

Some Things Never Change – This is a song about the darker side of aging. While the lyrics are sad, they are heartfelt and twinkle with nostalgia. I can’t stress enough what an amazing songwriter Gabe is.

Let Me Fall On You – If Persistence Of Memory has a single, this is it. It has all of Gabe’s best elements. It’s the perfect blend of blues influence and folk ballad. Gabe’s falsetto is at its best, and adding in the organ is just plain awesome.

Paris Café – All I can say is that when Gabe Hizer tells a story, you’re there.

The Verdict:

Gabe Hizer is an amazing singer with an incredible vocal range. His powerful lyrics put him in the same league as some of the best songwriters. The bluesy folk vibes of Persistence Of Memory may not be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of James Taylor or The Eagles, then definitely check out this album!

Review by Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Lily Sparks “Cooper Cobra”

January 20th, 2010

Lily SparksCooper Cobra by Lily Sparks is proof positive that classic rock albums are still being made and that it doesn’t take years to mature into a classic. When you have it, you have it–and Lily Sparks has it!

The band…

Lily Sparks makes up Niamh (Lead Vocals), KG (Guitar & Vocals), Nikki 7 (Guitar & Vocals) and Mick (Drums). Lead singer Niamh (Pronounced “neev”) is an Irish born classically trained vocalist, and it shows. About halfway through Cooper Cobra I fell madly in love with her voice. Niamh’s voice has the soaring melodic tempo of Heart’s Ann Wilson and the gritty soul of Janis Joplin. Some of the band’s punk-like vibes, especially in the track “Stars” I suspect is due largely to Guitarist KG, who learned to play in a punk-rock band. The punk influence gives the band an extra edge that cranks things up to eleven and allows Nikki 7 and Mick to amp it up to twelve, thirteen and well beyond.

The tracks…

“Stars,” the first track off of Cooper Cobra isn’t the deepest track lyrically, but who the hell cares? It rocks! Stars is all about the kind of rock that you jam out to and just let everything go. I have never been to one of Lily Sparks live shows, but this song makes me want to book a flight to New York just so I can hear them in person.

“Let Go” is a sultry little rock song that leads you into temptation and makes you feel good for all the wrong reasons. Again, Niamh’s vocals are stunning in this track, but more over major kudos go to the guitar rifts that are sinister yet extraordinarily sexy.

This may sound a bit out there, but the track “Walk Away” reminds me a lot of Meatloaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light.” Maybe it’s because both tracks are melody driven rock ballads about young love. Whatever the reason, this is one of my favorite tracks off of Cooper Cobra. Still…

 “Where Are We Today” is my favorite song on this album! I mentioned earlier that I fell madly in love with Niamh’s voice–this was the track where it happened. This girl has some pipes on her! I compared her to the likes of Ann Wilson and Janis Joplin, but in my opinion she blows them away! She very seriously could be one of the best female rock singers of our time.

The last song on Cooper Cobra is “The Girls.” This track is the perfect end to an amazing album. It’s soft folk-rock vibes just shows how versatile this band really is. Stunning. Simply stunning.

The verdict…

 Lily Sparks’s Cooper Cobra is by far one of the best rock albums that I’ve come across. With incredible vocals and a classic rock feel, this is an album for anyone that likes great music. Buy this album!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Lyra The Harp “Collideoscope”

November 5th, 2009

lyratheharp_collideoscopeFormed May 1, 2008 in Mesa, AZ, Lyra The Harp is Torrie Moore (vocals, bass), Ryan Carter (drums), and Sean Eaklor (guitar). These three grew up listening to such greats as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Earth Wind and Fire. It definitely shows.

 

If you’re a fan of Korn, Foo Fighters or Linkin Park, then you are definitely going to dig Lyra The Harp. Perhaps the band that they most put me in mind of is Hoobastank. Both bands are capable of delivering no-holds-barred straight up rock while still staying true to melody. “Numbers” is a perfect example of this. It opens with some incredibly chunky guitar rifts and then transitions into melodic yet raw vocals. The end result is moody, grungy and most of all fantastic!

 

Lyra The Harp’s style is absolutely rooted in rock, but I can also hear some progressive rock mixed with a slight reggae vibe as well.  It’s not a full-blown Bob Marley type of reggae, but instead more in the vein of 311. The track “Standing On Saturn’s Rings” (my favorite track off of Collideoscope) is an excellent example of this. The reggae vibe isn’t overpowering, but it’s definitely there. I could easily picture a song like this being a track on 311’s album Transistor.

 

I’m not a fan of long songs. Call it impatience, call it what you will, but they just aren’t my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong, I love bands like Iron Maiden to death, but to this day I still can’t listen all the way through their longer songs. Collideoscope features two longer songs–Numbers and Standing On Saturn’s Rings. I went into these songs immediately thinking uh-oh, but was pleasantly surprised! I actually really dig these tracks and continue to listen to them over and over again. Their length doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, these two tracks are a couple of my favorites off of Collideoscope.

 

Over all Collideoscope is really a great album. I’ve mentioned that I have some favorite tracks off this album, but honestly every single track is amazing. “Frequency” is a track ready for the charts. “Collideoscope” is an instant crowd pleaser. “Bermuda” is made to be featured in film and TV. This isn’t your typical album with one or two good tracks surrounded by fluff. Lyra The Harp has created a fully conceptualized and fully fleshed out real album. So if you are sick of Guitar Hero wannabes, then check out Lyra The Harp’s Collideoscope to hear what a real band sounds like!

 

Reviewed By Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Jennifer Lang “3 O’Clock Saturday”

October 15th, 2009

jennifer-lang_3-oclock-sat2Music flows through Jennifer Lang’s veins. Whether it was from her family’s aptly named band “The Lang Family” or growing up singing in a church choir, from a very early age Jennifer’s life has been surrounded and shaped by music. She lives it. She breathes it. She channels it. Is it any wonder what career path that the fates led her down?

 

Jennifer Lang’s album 3 O’clock Saturday is sultry journey into chilltastic realms. Jennifer’s voice is smooth, soulful and above all else extraordinary! At times her voice puts me in mind of Jennifer Hudson. It’s the kind of voice that’s capable of belting out rafter shaking ballads or sweet melodies whispered to the ear.

 

Jennifer’s style is absolutely rooted in R&B, but with that said a few tracks off of 3 O’clock Saturday have a bit of a new age meets trip-hop vibe about them. These tracks, “Fairy Tales” and “Hey Love” set her apart from all the rest. These are tracks that Jennifer truly hits her stride. This isn’t to say that her soulful R&B tracks are weak–far from it. Tracks like “Keep Your Head Up” and “Betcha Thought” more than prove that she could go toe-to-toe with such artists as Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and Angie Stone. It’s just that I’ve listened to quite a few chill, trip-hop, downtempo and electronica tracks and I can’t help but wonder what an album Jennifer released of any of these genres would sound like. Wishful thinking? Perhaps…

 

I suppose if I were to knit-pick, I’d have to say that some of the music (not vocals) seems a bit patchwork. That is to say that in some songs it comes off as a bit over the top or just doesn’t seem to quite sound right. I may be wrong, and it would hardly be the first time, but the music sounds a bit computer generated. I have nothing against computer-generated music when done well, but on some tracks it seems to come off as sounding a little cheap. Tracks like “Ya Keep Sayin’” should have more of an organic feel. I picture this song stripped down to just a drum, bass guitar and that’s it. It should have more of a bluesy atmospheric vibe about it.

 

The intro track I have mixed feelings about. On the one hand it shows off personality–which I give major props for. On the other hand it sounds a bit hokey. That’s a trap that every intro track of this type falls into, so I can’t really hold that against the album. Put the intro in the plus column!

 

Jennifer Lang is an amazingly talented singer whose voice will carry her far in the music industry. While her album 3 O’clock Saturday seems to have not reached its full potential, it is an album worth checking out.

 

Reviewed By Zach Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Ichora “Veins of Light”

September 11th, 2009

ichora_veins-of-light-review2Ichora’s debut EP Veins of Light is an eclectic mix of styles that is unlike anything being played today on terrestrial radio. With tracks ranging from hard rock to near dream-like softer melodies, Australian song writer/self-taught musician Chri has created and album that contains something that has sadly been lacking from the music industry in recent years; originality.

 

Chi of Ichora is a bit of a one-man show. This vessel of creativity is not just a musician but practically an entire orchestra. Within the entire five track EP of Vein of Lights, Chri plays–and quite well mind you, guitars, piano, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, cello, and probably much much more. Triangle? Possibly. Vocals? Absolutely.

 

Chri’s vocals are unlike any other. At times they are gritty and perfect for the hard rock scene. Other times they are smoother–reminiscent of the trance-like vocals of RadioHead’s In Rainbows, but with a fair amount of grit thrown in for good measure.

 

Veins of Light opens with the song “Lunafire.” This track establishes the Ichora’s style perfectly. It begins with the tropes of hard rock.

 

Chunky guitar: Check.

 

Dark vibes: Check.

 

Seems like the makings of pretty descent hard rock track. Then the chorus starts, and introduces some of Ichora’s softer elements. The end result is fantastic and definitively Ichora.

 

It’s difficult to say which Chri pulls off better–hard rock or rich melodies. On the one hand, tracks like “Haloma” puts Ichora in the same league as such artists as Marilyn Manson, H.I.M., and Mudvayne. If you’re a fan of these artists, you have to listen to this track. It’s dark, gothic, and atmospheric. It’s the kind of song that you’d expect to find on the soundtrack of a horror film, or perhaps played during a movie trailer of a summer blockbuster. If Veins of Light has a main single, Haloma is it.

 

Despite appearances that Haloma is the standout single off Veins of Light, “Returnity” is my favorite track off of this EP. This song in particular puts me in mind of RadioHead’s In Rainbows. It’s very dream-like and just plain feels effortless. The fact that Chri can so easily switch between the harshness of Haloma to the tranquility of Returnity is a testament to his skills.

 

My only concern is that some may find this pairing of styles a bit jarring and be turned off by this. I hope this isn’t the case. While I have to admit that Veins of Light feels a bit experimental, it holds lots of promise. According to Chri’s Web site, “Veins Of Light comes from the meaning of ichora, referring to the vast, limitless potential that flows through all of us.” This absolutely applies to Chri. After listening to Veins Of Light, there is no doubt that he is extraordinarily talented. His debut EP is a strong start for his career. Now I’m just waiting for him to release a full-length album that forever changes the music industry. The potential is there.

 

Reviewed By Zach Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Nico Adams “Nico Adams”

August 17th, 2009

nico-adamsNico Adams has the kind of voice that will support a career well into old age. On the one hand he swaggers with a youthful neo-soul/pop vibe that makes the girls melt, and on the other he has the presence of a veteran singer/songwriter that has been sharing his tales from behind the ivory for years. His songs “Tombstone Eyes” and “Rebel Baby Rebel” are just itching to storm onto the airwaves. These are the songs that will grab everyone’s attention, while it’s his songs like “Seattle” and “Letter” that will solidify a long lasting fan base.

“Tombstone Eyes” is a hit single waiting in the wings. With catchy hooks and a tittle that was made to be quoted, this song makes for a great introduction to the modern funk vibes of Nico Adams. This vibe is only further fortified by his song “Rebel Baby Rebel”; a sexy little song just begging to be made into a music video. With the right push, both of these songs could rapidly climb the iTunes singles charts.

It’s songs like “Seattle” and “Letter” that have staying power though. These are the songs that will capture people’s hearts. Nico Adams credits Elton John as one of his influences and that becomes very apparent in both songs. “Letter” in particular tonally puts me in mind of a more reserved version of Elton’s “Rocket Man,” but with more of a current flair. I could easily see this song being featured on a television series like Grey’s Anatomy, right along side the likes of Ingrid Michaelson and The Fray.

With songs rich in imagery that weave effortlessly between smooth melodies and soulful pop grooves, Nico Adams has a future in the music industry that could potentially last for generations to come.

Reviewed By Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy

Kito Peters “Stories”

August 17th, 2009

kito-peters_storiesKito Peters is Neil Diamond with an infusion of southern style. From the very start of Peters’ album Stories, one is instantly reminded of a time when such great performers as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Tom Jones dominated the airwaves.

 

Peters is a man of many styles, and Stories is a testament to his ability. From the country twang vibes of “Four Way Stop” through the swingin’ lounge singer style of “Flood Tide,” this album is full of catchy tunes that are sure to become instant favorites… The title track of “Stories” being mine.

 

With that said, don’t be fooled into thinking that Stories is just an album of sunshine and lollypops. Just as the earlier named greats of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Neil Diamond have proved themselves as not only performers but also songwriters, so too has Kito Peters. Such songs as “Ambivalence Kills” and “Take A Stand” firmly attest to this album’s relevance as serious form of art by interweaving prominent and poignant melodic tales throughout.

 

Stories is an album of exactly that; stories. In an era of songs with about as much lyrical depth as the message inside of a fortune cookie, it is incredibly refreshing to hear that artists like Peters are still building their music careers by being storytellers. From the political anthem of “Spirit Son” to the longing melancholy of “Love Song,” Stories is an album that will take you on a journey that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Reviewed By Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,

Mark Lassiter “Living Past”

August 17th, 2009

mark-lassiter_living-pastTo try and classify Mark Lassiter’s album Living Past to just one genre is about as impossible as trying to sum up “The Great American Novel” in just one word. Lassiter’s style seems to have roots from many genres of music. Tracks like “Living Past” and “Leave The Darkness” have some country/folk elements infused with the bravado of a seasoned singer/songwriter. Still, other tracks like “Goodbye Sunshine” and “10,000 Years” feature heavier vibes a bit the vein of The Goo Goo Dolls. “10,000 Years” in particular, a personal favorite of mine, puts me in mind of some parts of The Goo Goo Dolls song “Iris.”

 

I should note that though it’s a bit difficult to classify the definitive genre of Living Past, Lassiter manages to pull off a style that is uniquely his own. Vocally, Lassiter is INCREDIBLE! Throughout the album he channels the smoothness of Peter Gabriel and the soaring vocals of Phil Collins, and does so with just the right amount of soul thrown in for good measure.

 

As I mentioned, one of my personal favorite tracks off of Living Past is “10,000 Years.” While every track on this album is fantastic in it’s own right, this song in particular has “Hit Single” written all over it.  Other notable favorites of mine include “Through The Raindrops,” “Your New Life,” and the title track of “Living Past.” These three tracks alone prove that Lassiter is an artist that’s ready to make it big!

 

The very end of Living Past features two remixs; one of “Living Past” and another of “Through The Raindrops.” These tracks add some Electronica beats to the mix and really give their original counterparts an entirely different sound. The end result is fantastic! Are they better than the originals? That’s a matter of taste. Could a remix EP be in the works? I certainly hope so!

 

While I’m unable to classify Mark Lassiter’s Living Past to just one genre of music, I can say that it’s very good music. It’s the kind of music you can enjoy again and again, and always finds something new that makes it great.

Reviewed By Zack Daggy

Share and Enjoy:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • LinkedIn
  • Live
  • Reddit
  • Sphinn
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • email
  • Print

Reviews, Zack Daggy ,