Steve Shiffman & The Land of No

Steve Shiffman & The Land of No – EVERLASTING NO EP – Bandcamp Site
Music Review by Brad Bugos (brad@fatrobotradio.com)

This EP is way too short, let’s start there. It’s only three songs, and as nice as it is to see a band not overdue it on a EP, this one could have used another song or two. The band has a nice groove working and then it’s over. What a shame.

The first song really jumps out the window at ya. Right off the bat you can hear the bands strengths. It’s nice too, because they don’t take that change in the middle like most bands would by upping the tempo and going into overdrive mode. Nice restraint, most bands could not pull that off like this band does, it’s very welcome. It’s a nice mood-tempo song and jumping off at that point to rev up the engine would totally ruin it.

The second song? Well, now here is the flavor, the little extra kick. See this band knows what the fuck it’s doing. I love the scream there “Runnin’ Around”, nice touch. This up beat number, about someone telling the other person in the relationship that they did them a favor by dragging them down and running around. I believe most people have heard that nonsense. “I had to fuck that chick baby, it’s for your own good”. It’s a catchy tune, a nice middle tune. I like the fuzz and distortion at the end too, a nice touch that I think some bands would just drive into the ground for the whole song. One of the hallmarks of a good band, in my opinion is the ability to know when to edit. Don’t drag out a good thing or a song when you can end it leaving the listener wanting more. Serves well on this song and really the whole EP.

Song Three is just a good straight ahead pop/rock song. There is a nice longing in the vocals on this song. I like the waving guitar that finishes out the song, the way some songs should end but never do (why? because we have to repeat the chorus fifteen times so you remember the name of the song when you hear it on the radio. that’s why!). This solid pop/rock song carries out the EP with a nice flourish, a little instrumental interlude to finish out a fine EP.

I would highly recommend listening to this full EP on their bandcamp site and then buying it for $2.97. I think the band has a full LP coming out this summer, keep an eye on Later Records and The Steve Shiffman website for more. Can’t wait to hear a full LP from this band, they can pull it off because they got the songwriting skills and chops to pull to do it. Get behind a good band, check out the new EP EVERLASTING SUN from Steve Shiffman and the Land of NO

Links for Steve Shiffman and the Land of NO:
Later Records
Steve Shiffman & The Land of NO website

Sleepwalker EP The Dark One

First off, let’s give some much needed credit to Tucker Riggleman here. I don’t know if he found these guys or they’re friends, but many thanks to him for passing this along. Tucker has got a good ear, The Demon Beat (which he is part of) and now this fine group? Dude should start a record label…oh.

This five track EP is available for free as a digital download on the bands bandcamp site (links above and below)or you can stream it there as well.

The First track makes me think of Pearl Jam, in a good way, like it’s a nice lost track from that band during the VS period. Really, if I played this song to most people I don’t think they would argue with me that it was a Pearl Jam demo. The singer sounds a lot like a troubled young Eddie Vedder. Nice track, I like the progression, it’s a bit held back at first, and then the singer delves into this howl. Nice touch. At first I wasn’t sure this should be the opening song, it really differs in feel and atmosphere from the middle two tracks but it shares a lot with the closing song “6s”. So it’s a nice bookend. Plus I like the heaviness of the guitar parts in the middle, a little weight is nice.

The Second track, “Burn up in Car” is my favorite. When the lead singer starts the song off with “Tell the waterfall to fuck itself” , I’m in. It’s a nice approach to a broken heart, a little venom directed towards the person who trampled your heart and soul. “I hope you burn up in that fucking car”, who hasn’t secretly wished that on a former lover? It’s a beautiful song, it never goes past the point of overdoing the pain, he seems almost overjoyed at the prospect of “her” burning up in that fucking car and the seat belt holding them in to feel the pain. I feel ya man, in my younger days I could feel that sort of passion for someone. Now, I’m just dead inside.

“Dirty as Hell” is a nice catchy pop tune, but I think it’s over too quick. I understand a band knows when to cut their songs and knows the life of a song, but this one is a little too good to end this early. Really, guys don’t be afraid to stretch it out, you’ve got good riffs and instrument chemistry.

“Red Balloons” is a slower lament. I’ve always wanted to use lament in a review, sorry. It is though, and even though the Eddie Vedder sounding singer is back, and that is no dis by the way, just a point of order. I like the guys voice, it’s just my way to distinguish between the two voices. Using two singers is a great idea now a days. When two lead singers trade off, it gives you so much more flexibility and a different type of song you can work out.

“6s” is the longest song on the EP and the last song. It’s a slower song, more of a groove than the other songs. It’s a nice slow jam, and the noise elements in the mix, I have no idea what that sound is in the background, but it works. It shows off the fine inter-play between the band, the instruments floating a wonderful bed under those pained and aching vocals.

This EP was a nice discovery, I’m glad Tucker sent me a note asking me to check out the band. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this EP, about 15 times all the way through. I hope the band is working on more music, this EP was too short for me. The only complaint I got is that this EP needed more songs, and the mix between singers needs to be a little more balanced. A wonderful find, these guys just made my year end best of show.

Brad Bugos – SLTM (The Podcast) Host brad@fatrobotradio.com

SLEEPWALKER BANDCAMP SITE

Museum Mouth LP

Museum Mouth - SEXY BUT NOT HAPPY- Bandcamp free download- Music Review by Brad Bugos

First off, and maybe most importantly, you can download this LP for free on the bands bandcamp site (link above and below). Why is that important? Well, it’s free music. Second, it shows that the band is confident in their music and their message. They can give it away for free because they know the music is good enough to spread around. I like that, it’s a nice tip of the cap to their potential fans and their confidence in their material.

There are a few gems on this LP, good solid pop/rock songs. There are two radio friendly singles (if that term still applied to anything but college radio stations). “Sexy but not happy” is a jaunty little tune, a little bouncy and fun, even if the message seems to be one of loss and forlorn. “Blood Mountain” is the other single, really nice guitar work, the vocal distortion (which I will get to in a minute) really works for this song. Another song of loss and regret? sounds like it, but the nice thing about this album and it’s different tempos and ideas is that the sadness of the subject(s) doesn’t overtake the overall pleasure in listening to the LP. At no point did I think “Get over it already, the time to whine is over” like I do with some bands/artists who write love and loss songs. It’s never over powering or cumbersome.

Song 6, “Certain Doom” might be my favorite, I like the low bass and the easy beat of the drum. The vocal interplay is a nice touch too, a little melancholy but not over-rot . The subject of the song seems to be relaying that even though he got dumped by the love of his life, it’s okay, he wanted to be single anyway. I don’t believe him, but it’s a nice sentiment and the first step to mending a broken heart.

Now onto the one thing that rubbed me a bit on this LP. It’s the only thing that I didn’t like about it. It’s the vocal distortion on all of the songs. Now some of the songs, especially the upbeat numbers, are guilty of using it more. It’s unnecessary and a bit off putting in places. It doesn’t need to be used. Sure the lead singer is not a strong singer in the world of THE VOICE, and American Idol. It shouldn’t matter, his voice is a conveyance for his words, it doesn’t have to be strong, powerful or thick. However, it seems like the band knows this and tries to cover up any short comings in over using the distortion. Fellas, you’re a good band, you got some good songs, some nice ideas about love and loss, please don’t over think the vocals. Let the guy sing.

Overall this is a good LP, it’s even better that you can download it for free. I would pay five dollars solid for this LP if it was offered. Well worth the money. I like their energy, I like that they seem to be writing a lot about heart break and getting over, and I like their musicianship, good simple, un-muckable playing. Get this LP for free and leave the band a nice note on their Facebook page (link below) and then see them live.

Museum Mouth Bandcamp Site
Museum Mouth on Facebook
Museum Mouth Tumblr

New CD from ALMAH

This CD reminds me of a lot of bands, some current, some older metal/hard rock bands. That’s fine, I don’t need every band that I hear to sound like something new and ground breaking. If a band, such as ALMAH does here, sounds a bit like other bands, that’s fine, they do it so well, I like hearing those styles again.

Now, with that said, some bands that sound like other bands tend to copy one style, if you sound like Queensryche or Iron Maiden or Avenged Seven Fold then that’s all you sound like. Those kind of bands can come and go, because they are only offering you one flavor of your favorite treat, the same flavor you’ve eaten dozens of times before but a bit inferior.

This ALMAH I really like. Yeah, I’ve heard these types of sounds before, but never this many previous sounds in one band. Let me explain. This band does all the copy catting or repeating that other bands do, but they take all kinds of different styles, so you have the best of the styles they are copying and they give it an extra kick. Are they as good as Iron Maiden? Well, no, but if you wanted someone to use those types of licks or singing styles, you would want them to mock them at their best.

This may not be ground breaking metal or hard rock. What is anymore? nothing. This is very well played, very enjoyable music with some different flavors added to your favorite dish.

Let me offer this analogy for this release. I love Papa Dells Pizza, it’s a local Champaign/Urbana, IL staple. Really good pizza, possibly the best I’ve had. Lots of flavor, lots of ingredients and just totally satisfying. Do I eat Papa Dells all the time when I want pizza? No, it’s a bit expensive and a little heavy, but so damn tasty. Plus who wants to wear out their favorite pizza? So? So sometimes I like to order Monical’s Pizza. It’s got a lot of flavor, nice crust, and some of the same ingredients that Papa Dells does. Is it as good? No, but it cost less and it’s a nice pizza. It does some of the same things as a Papa Dells pizza , with a little of it’s own flair. It’s worth keeping in the rotation.

Hence, this record should really be in your rotation. It’s a bit of heavy metal, a bit of old school metal, with some speed and some dirt thrown in. It’s a very damn fine record, and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Will it change the world of music? Fuck no, but your going to have a good time listening to it, and you’ll find a new band to follow and like.

Give it a listen, follow the links above. Please feel free to email me or leave a comment on here about your thoughts on this new CD from ALMAH. We appreciate your feedback.
Phil Chevron – Producer Sonically Loud Tuneful Music (the Podcast) philchevron@gmail.com

Black Box Revelation

Music Review by Brad Bugos – brad@fatrobotradio.com

Why do some albums just grab you and make sense when others seem to have the same components or parts but never connect? It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out and write about for over 15 years now. When it does, when that song comes out of the speaker, and you tell yourself “Yeah, I get this, I’m down with this”, it gives you a certain fulfillment that there is a reason you continue to listen to music and write about it.

Black Box Revelation is one of those bands, I enjoy the hell out of their SHIVER OF JOY EP, but why them and not other bands that come across my desk? Let’s assemble the pieces and see if we can’t come up with some coherent recipe of why this is good music and deserves to be heard.

First off, they are essentially a straight up rock band. Good hooks, nice guitar work and some power or heft to their songs. That’s always nice, nothing beats a good solid rock band.

Second, those guitars. I mean, come on, what pack of lame asses wouldn’t enjoy that fuzzy guitar work on “Love Licks” and that laid back jamming on “Sealed with thorns”?

Third, the last song “Sealed with thorns”. If the other five songs didn’t create some kind of stirring in that Hardees incrusted salt flat you call a heart, then this last song will take you on a nice slow trip. This is a really well played out song, some longing, and some slow progression into those guitar solos, oh so god damn beautiful and aching.I like that effect they use on the guitar too. I mean, Fuck, I feel that, it gets me. I understand that feeling.

The last song is over 7 minutes long, with most of it being the distorted guitar, and I never wanted it to end. What a perfect song to go out on after five completely wonderful rock gems. “I think I Like You” is so ready for rock radio that I feel like all I would have to do is show up with a copy of the single at WPGU 107.1 in Champaign/Urbana and they would let me introduce it on the air, and be so glad I shared the song with them that they would name me honorary Mayor of Radio for one day. Hey WPGU, contact me, I’ve got the sash and glad hand ready.

Another thing I would like to point out about this EP, it’s perfect length. It’s a nice introduction to a really good new rock band. Oh yeah, “Always together” sounds like a nice slow building Rolling Stones song from the early 1970′s. Just wanted to point that out.

What’s not to like? I don’t think anyone could come up with anything, and if they did it would be out of spite because the band they are pimping isn’t as good as Black Box Revelation. I like this EP so much and the joy that it brings me when I listen to it, and I listened to it a lot, I’m going to spend my own money on getting the album version. I’m going to buy the two set album package as a matter of fact, because I’m going to give a copy to someone because this music needs to be shared.

Giant Squid Cenotes Album Cover

Giant Squid – CENOTES- Translation Loss Records- Music Review by Phil Chevron (philchevron@gmail.com)

The band bio points out that his band is somewhat of a hidden nugget of joy that fans like to keep close to their cockles and not share with others. Hand it over, Goddamn it! This album was released in September 2011, and I’m sure this late review is not going to change how people already feel about the album, or make the hording fans of theirs share another spotlight on their band with others either. But, I get paid to listen to music and write reviews, so here goes. (ed.note- he doesn’t get paid)

Where this album really gets me, and it’s where I’m sure most people will find joy in it, is where the band picks up the moody tempo and begins banging it out a bit. Not to say that the slower tempo moody parts of the songs are not good set-ups. They are, it’s just nice that there is a pay off for the build up. I don’t mind the walk up to the place as long as I’m going to cum at the end.

Also, let’s be honest, without that awesome cello and some other nice tidbits (did I hear a sitar in there?), this would be just another standard progressive rock album. It’s really what sets it apart for me, the cello parts are mesmerizing and a bit haunting in their delivery. Never lose the cello. The cellist on this album, Jackie Perez Gratz, understands her instrument and it’s place on this album. Not only does it add atmosphere and mood to the album, but it drives it in places and I’m glad it took the wheel for a while.

Now, it’s only five songs, but it is 35 minutes and there was never a time when I thought, okay when does this song end? Soon? No, this band understands the messages they are trying to relay and although brevity may be the soul of wit, this story needs a few extra stanza’s. The stories never get stale even though the running times on some songs are over 5 minutes.

I’ve listened to this album more than ten times, I like to do that when I review a record, it’s probably why I only do about five or six a year. I think I’ve got a good feel for this one. I think anyone who likes metal and hard rock with some touches of the dramatic and maudlin will want to check this out. I think anyone who likes music would be good with this release as well, because it’s not a band that is going to bore you with long drawn out empty passages about being a dim wit fuck stick from the back woods of Indiana. Sit down with this one, let it soak in, and do some light reading or play a game on your iphone, it’s a nice companion piece. It gives a certain atmosphere and is never intrusive.

*Phil Chevron can be reached at philchevron@gmail.com. He is the producer for SLTM (The Podcast) and has been doing so for all 130 episodes. He likes Corndogs, Eric Powell’s Goon Series and Lawn Darts.

Parts & Labor- Constant Future – JagJaguwar- CD review by Brad Bugos

I know, I know. I take forever to write music reviews. That is one of the main reasons my zine (SLTM THE ZINE) only came out twice a year. It’s hard to sit down and write about music non-stop and come up with something fresh and interesting. Just look at my hero/mentor magazine The Big Takeover. Tons of music reviews, written by lots of different people. It’s a lot harder to do it when you do them all under fake names (more on that next time).

On to the review. Know what I like about this release? The rock elements to it. I mean this band fucking rocks out, they are not afraid to put some rock muscle behind these basic electronic and pop songs. I love that, it’s what really separates them from all the other indie pop/electronic pop acts out there.

Now there is some space in the songs, don’t get me wrong . Not all of the songs are going to punch you in the mouth, but there are more than enough rock beats there to keep it moving. Their press release calls them a “Noise-pop trio”, which I think is almost accurate. I think you need to mention the big drums and rock elements in the songs. It’s really their strength, yeah they write a nice pop tune with some keyboard and noise laid around it, but its those rockin guitars and heavy drums I love.

Here’s what else I like about this band and their release, they know that these songs have an expiration date. Meaning? Well, some bands decide that since they are going to add noise or spacey elements to their songs, it can go anywhere and for any length of time. This band gives you their best shot, keeps it interesting and tasty and then gets the hell out of their. It’s the mark of a good, intelligent band. Where you would want them to expand on these ideas is live, and some bands forget that mantra. Noodle and expand all you want when you are playing live but there is a certain genius in brevity and quick wit.

This album was released on March 8th 2011 in both CD and Vinyl form. You can buy the LP for $12 here and download a mp3 of their excellent single Constant Future too.

This album, which is 9 months old in a week, is one of my favorite of the year. It bounces about, gives you a hammer to the head and a quick dollop of drums in the sack, gets you home in time for supper and less angry than you’ve been in ten years. Enjoy this album, it’s why I do this the podcast and bother to write music reviews.
Brad Bugos – Host SLTM (THE PODCAST) brad@fatrobotradio.com

IRON LAMB – Original Sin – Music Review by Phil Chevron (philchevron@gmail.com)

Well, what could be better than a gritty punk metal band and their new slab of music? Not much to this podcast producers world worn ears. I’ve been listening to music, all kinds of music, and writing reviews for a long time. I started out as a contributor to Brad Bugos’ SLTM (the Zine) back in 1997, so I’ve heard my share of music.

This LP rocks, I mean really rocks. Not some approximation of where rocking might be located if you were fifty miles to the left and slightly over the top of it. No, this is it right here. Rock n’ Fuckin’ Roll.

This band throws it all out there with such verve and energy, I can only imagine the sweat soaked honies standing stage front at one of their shows. They cover Motorhead’s “Poison” with enough conviction to the original and some spice of their own that you might swear that this is a new song that has been dug up from Motorheads early days. There is a certain raw energy to it that I thought only Lemmy and Motorhead could do. Nothing will be like the original, that’s true, but this one makes a nice substitute and it gives a nice flow to the album, The Original Sin.

What else does this album have? Lots of speed, not speed metal, but speed punk rock. Well, that may not be accurate, as the guitar work on this album gets some nice stretches and flashes of arena rock, so maybe speed punk rock might be the bread that holds this sandwich together.

This record features 10 Tracks, including the Motorhead “Poison” cover. Sometimes the band reminds me of Motorhead. Other times, I get the vibe they have been listening to Pepper Kennan era C.O.C., Jane’s Addiction, and Black Flag. I can hear those influences, and I like it, it’s like this band got a glimpse at my record collection and decided to write a rockin’ album based on stuff that I like and that is cool. Good Choice. However, let’s be clear this is not a copy cat, not a band that just regurgitates what it has ingested. No, way to much talent with this band. Nice guitar work, where you would think there would be light guitar solos or shorter guitar passages, this band lights it up, which they should do with such good guitarists.

This is going to be on the best-of end of Year Show, it’s too damn good to just have on one episode of SLTM (the Podcast). We’ve got to share more, we’ve got to let this mother out. Know what would be a big shame? If this band and this record didn’t get the notice that it deserves. I get a feeling in my lower cocles that if this got enough attention, rock and roll fans would love this band.

Harder and Faster than a one joke band like the Darkness, but twice as fun, Swedish Rock and Roll punks Iron Lamb are my new favorite band from over there. I don’t say this often, but get this record and enjoy life for a while, listen, rock out and feel okay then go back to your crappy life.

Phil Chevron is the producer of SLTM (The Podcast). He wrote music reviews, and bits for SLTM (the Zine) from 1997-2006 when the zine stopped being produced. He’s seen a million faces and forgot them all.

The Demon Beat – Bullshit Walks- Big Bullet records- Review by Brad Bugos

This record is a garage rock/punk rock album. Thank you for making it, The Demon Beat. Sometimes I get the feeling that bands will work on a straight ahead rock album and then think “wait, is it cool to release just a garage rock album anymore?”. My answer is yes you can, if you’re The Demon Beat.

In their new album Bullshit Walks they start their songs in a straight ahead rock vein and then, guess what? they take it on a nice straight rock line and end it in a rock vein. It’s not that they don’t make the drive interesting, they just don’t throw in a bunch of dog legs to the left and hills with loose gravel. Oh you’ll enjoy the journey, you just don’t have to worry about the car spinning out of control. Now, I love some of the bands that take their records and infuse them with sounds and noises to complete the overall sound, much like my beloved Sparklehorse. However, when a band is this good at the rock “sound” (and by the way, great drum sound on this record, I like that, not overly heavy, but nice and punchy with a good feel), they don’t need to dress it up with a bunch of fancy window dressing. Here are the songs, they seem to be saying, enjoy them without all the hype and flutter. It’s nice to hear a band be confident in their songs, knowing that this is where their strength lies.

There is a nice dirty quality to the singing and playing on this album too, let’s not promote this as just a straight ahead rock record without noting that there doesn’t seem to that overall glossy sheen to it that many rock records think they need.

My favorite song on the disc is track #4- GET IT . Just some nice overall guitar work, the singing is perfectly pitched, the guy sounds like he’s really trying to get someone to understand him, to listen, then that chorus kicks in, a bit painful and tempered. Nice work by the band, this should be their first single and if I was programming a college radio station, this would get some heavy rotation. By the way, thanks to the lead singer Adam L. Meistherhans for having the perfect rock n roll voice that I so miss. Steven Tyler wishes that he sang rock n roll that good anymore.

If you would like to sit down or hit the road with a nice rock record that offers enough diverse material without the same old tight assed music producer sheen on it, then I recommend that you give this a listen. This record will be on the best of show for SLTM (The Podcast) Year End 2011.

Check out SLTM (the Podcast) Episode 124 to hear a song from The Demon Beat.

THE PARSON RED HEADS – YEARLING- Arena Rock Recording Company
Review by Brad Bugos

The Beautiful Harmonies are what you hear first when you pop this CD into the player. Just wonderful, beautiful harmonies. It’s hard to ignore them, especially when the first song “Burning up the Sky” kicks in with such lush auditory goodness. This band told me in an interview that it took them awhile to create these harmonies as they sound now. Thank you for spending that time working on it, because you guys really perfected it.

Want to know what the second thing is when I listen to this album? That this is a really good rock band. I mean rock band, as in there are some really good guitar powered rock songs on here. No, they won’t be confused with Incubus, or Van Halen, but they do make a fine rock song, something that really fits into the overall feel of the album. I get the feeling that they could just write these Jayhawk type rock/country tunes all day long but they don’t they flex some nice rock muscle.

Let’s look at song number Six, “SEVEN YEARS AGO”. It starts out with a nice acoustic guitar, some nice slide guitar, it has a nice warm country rock ballad sound. Evan Way has a nice plaintive, longing voice. It fits the song, but the nice thing about Evan’s singing is that this isn’t the only place the voice comes from, there area all kinds of stations on this radio. Then the harmonies kick in, just perfectly laid out and complimenting to Evan’s lead vocals. It’s a nice song that seems to be about being lost and moving along, trying to find that one thing that makes you stop and really enjoy life. What nice harmonies though, good lord, I’m not kidding it’s like treating my ears to the highest quality sounds the earth has to offer.

When the next song kicks in, with their touch harder guitar and still fine harmonies, if you don’t enjoy this group then I guess we’ll just have to agree to meet on the streets somewhere so that I can open hand slap you upside your head. What is not to like about this band? Well written songs, really good lead singer, fine musicians and great harmonies.

I’m going to have to start forcing people to listen to this CD, otherwise I might go completely off the deep end next time some crappy band (like NICKLEBACK) sells one album and this band is not a household name.

I like this band and so should you, we can’t be friends unless you do. You can’t watch another episode of HOUSE WIVES OF TILFORD COUNTY without buying this album first, it will help clean all the crap out of your brain.