:: Unsigned band reviews ::

:: 2004 REVIEWS ::
www.MadrasBand.com	Madras : Dimestore Raves Review: I'm sorry, but this band sucks. There's no way around it. I've tried to listen to this cd several times, and I keep coming to the same conclusion. Even if I don't like a band, I try to come up with at least one positive thing to say, but I'm at a loss for words. They sould like a really lame Third Eye Blind or Oasis, but without anything catchy to their music or lyrics. I guess you could use it as a coaster, but it would stick to the bottom of your glass from condensation. I hate that! Favorite Tracks: None of them Least Favorite Tracks: All of them By Ryan Lane
www.MattFig.com	Fig : Preoccupation Blue Review: Well I've had this c.d. here forever, and decided to pop it in and see if I would want to review this.. and all I have to say is Awesome Stuff! It's a one man band .. Matt Fig, he plays everything, writes everything and records it all in his home studio.. If your a fan of 70's ish.. pop rock, Enuff Znuff style.. this is the guy for you, great catchy lyrics, great songs.. period. Someone needs to snatch this guy up... Favorite Track: Well they all have there own style, but right off "The Good Together Brings" Least Favorite Track: "Time to Time" isn't thrilling me. By Spidey
www.MadderMusic.com	Madder : Static Reflux Review: This band fucking kicks ASS! That's all there is to say. Heavy, grinding, grooving guitars and intricate drumming make this band a force to be reckoned with. The singer has a very original sounding voice, which puts them heads above anyone else out there. They kind of remind me of a heavy Pearl Jam. The production quality was pretty good, but no cover or other information. The only regret I have is that this is only a 4 song demo. I want more from these guys! This band needs to be signed, NOW! Favorite Tracks: "D.D.D.", "Sour", "Lost", Temporary Insanity" Least Favorite Tracks: None By Ryan Lane
www.AnyGivenDay.co.uk	Any Given Day : Perverts and Pornstars Review: Any Given Day is hard rock with a punk attitude. Influences of the Ramones and Sex Pistols can be heard throughout. To be honest with you, I didn't care for this the first time I listened to it. Must have been a bad day for me. Each time I put it on though, I found myself liking it more and more. The message finally got through to me. "Long live rock n' roll, and screw anybody that gets in my way!" Sorry, that was cheesy, but that's how I felt. I have a feeling this band would be kick ass live, so check them out! Favorite Tracks: "So Pretty", "Lipstick Sex", "Rock'N'Roll Rehab", "This is my Rock'N'Roll" Least Favorite Tracks: "St. Insomnia", "Guess it Aint You" By Ryan Lane
www.LewdBuddha.com	Lewd Buddha : Soap and Tobasco Review: This is a band who problably won't appeal to most people who are into this site, but I kind of enjoyed this. They're kind of funky rock with some soulful singing. You can tell that they really feel their music. It's got a great vibe. The production quality is outstanding, and they're all pretty good musicians. What the vocalists lack in technical skills, they make up for in feeling and soul. Very creative band name and CD cover concept. This band sounds like a lot of fun! Favorite Tracks: "Habitual Ritual", "Pieces", "Eight Days Ago" Least Favorite Tracks: "She's So Cool" By Ryan Lane
www.SpineBand.com	Spine : S/T Review: Well first off.. I swore off the unsigned band reviews.. but these are my boys! This is my favorite band here locally.. they just plain KICK ASS.. Kinda the Disturbed, Godsmack, heavy groovy sound.. this c.d. does NO justice for how amazing they sound live.. I even put off reviewing even longer, till a new c.d. came out, all though it's ok mix... they just need that HUGE Pantera sound.. anyway, enough babble.. just got listen for yourself, and if your in the Florida area. FIND THEM! If I could pluck one band out of the unsigned world.. this would be them.. they need to be huge! Favorite Track: Love them all... but I love "Sick".. and "Stand in Line" those are sick! live! Least Favorite: none.. By Spidey Review: This band is the kind of stuff I really get into. Heavy guitars and screaming vocals. There are several bonafide hits on this cd, but also some filler. Some tracks really stand out, but some I couldn't get into. Overall, a great cd though. The production quality is a little muddled, and could be cleaner. I think that would make a huge difference in their sound. Great cover design and complete lyrics inside make it a great offering from this band. Can't wait to hear more from these guys! Favorite Tracks: "Sick", "Deceived", "Stand in Line" Least Favorite Tracks: "Silenced", "Miles Away", "Spine" By Ryan Lane
www.MeetTheElectric.com	The Electric : The Electric Review: This band reminded me a lot of The Hives or The Vines. Heavy rock. I felt that if they had a better recording, this would have appealed to me more. The singer is right out in front, but the music is muddled. There's pretty much nothing to the package either. Just an empty case, with a picture on the CD itself. Overall though, I liked some of the songs, and they had some kick-ass lyrics. This is only a 4 song EP, so I wish I could get more of a taste from them. Favorite Tracks: "Get To You", "Night On The Town" Least Favorite Track: "High Noon" By Ryan Lane
www.TheTreat.co.uk	The Treat : In Technicolor Review: This is my first review for Musicmayhem.com, so I'm glad it doesn't have to be a bad one. These guys are pretty good! If you like straight ahead rock with a catchy, poppy feel, then check these guys out. There are a trio from Oxford, and you can tell they've been influenced by such bans as the Beatles. I found some of these tunes rolling through my head all day. Great guitar work, and good lyrics. The production quality on this CD was fantastic. I was blown away by how technically good it sounded. Not like what you hear on a lot of demos. The case had a great cover, and complete liner notes with lyrics printed. Favorite Tracks: "Don't Think Twice", "Agent 555","Let's Get Beautiful" Least Favorite Track: "Silver Eye" By Ryan Lane
www.RebelRebel.org	Rebel Rebel : Explode Into Space Review: Well this is an interesting c.d. to say the least... When I read the bio.. and looked at the pictures, I really expected something more like Manson, or something super heavy.. But it's not like that at all.. very heavy punk influenced. They have like 6 c.d.'s out and are still going strong. The low point of this c.d. for me.. is the production .. I had to turn it way up to hear it.. and it still just doesn't kick.. anyone into this style of music.. will love it.. fast tempos.. and repetitious guitar work... It's just not for me.. Next. Favorite Track: Least Favorite: MK Ultra .. just bugs me.. By Spidey
www.R50Rocks.com	R50 : The Golden Highs Review: Wow... A new band, from my area that kicks serious ass.. I had this in my c.d. changer forever now, not realizing these guys are not signed yet.. the production is PERFECT. The writing is fun loving and catchy, there is NO reason these guys shouldn't be signed and all over MTV... and the radio. They have the look and the sound is right up to date with the new "NuRoc" sound... If you want to check out a band that wants to have fun, and not depress you with music, you will love these guys! Now I need to see them live! Favorite track: All of them.... Least favorite track: None.. I love them all. By Spidey
www.MartinGordon.de	Martin Gordon: The Baboon in the Basement Review: This CD doesn't fit the typical sound that this web site focuses on. This CD sounds like an 80's pop rock/top 40, INXS/George Michael mix. The songs are catchy and easy to sing along with. The vocals are heavily layered, and the music consists of synthesizers in tandem with the typical rock composition (i.e. guitar/drums/bass). The CD varies from funk, upbeat danceable tunes, and solid pop rock songs. The vocalist has a strong range and he has laid down some impressive harmonies. With the way music has been recycled every 10 - 15 years, it is possible that Martin Gordon may have a shot at top 40 radio. By Buck Dingo
www.DavidAaron.net	David Aaron: The Patchwork EP Review: This is a cool c.d.. it's on the mellow side.. but David can let loose when he wants.. It's like a lost Alice in Chains c.d.. his voice is so close to that grunge, Seattle sound it's unreal.. The production can use some help also.. but he does well with what he has.. He has a very bright future if he stays on this track.. Sole writer and musician.. something the world needs more of. David still has some tweeking to do.. but so far so good.. check him out.. he'll be going somewhere... And there is a hidden track, which is always fun.. just takes a super long time to get to it.. Favorite Song(s): "Someday" great radio friendly song, "Blue" I feel ya... Least Favorite Song(s): "My Stand" don't like the mix.. By Spidey
www.RockinWithTheGoose.com	H. Lynn Kitchens: Rockin' With The Goose Review: This is one of those, "What the FU#K" type of albums. It has your basic rock/blues band foundation + a full horn section and a string quartet. All of these talented musicians appear to have sat down and thought that it was a good idea to take traditional Mother Goose stories and re-interpret them as easily digestible kid friendly rock songs! We have your favorites and mine - Humpty Dumpty, Wee Willie Winkie and Jack and Jill (+ many more) repackaged so that the kids and their rocker parents can all enjoy these classics together. I remember my little sister (15 years difference) watching Disney channel and this song called, Haircut, would come on, a kids song about not being afraid of the barber. It was catchy and memorable and the whole family would sing along (don't laugh). I could see this album getting the same reaction. If you have kids, check this one out. It's also pretty cool as a novelty item. The best part about his CD is that if you have to listen to kids songs, at least this is presented in a way where the songs are tolerable (and possibly enjoyable) for the adults. Favorite Song(s): Little Boy Blue and Old King Cole Least Favorite Song(s): A Medley By Buck Dingo
www.SteveSaluto.com	Steve Saluto: All That I'd Be/ A Different Fire (ep)/ Under Review: Steve sent our friend here at Music Mayhem 3 CD's to review, and I decided to condense the review into one overview of all of Steve Saluto's CD's. All That I'd Be has a radio ready Dave Matthews/Stevie Ray Vaughn feel. Steve and his band incorporate the blues with some funk and a number of sweet jams during breakdown sections of some of the tunes. These guys use subtle organ/keyboards to accent their sound, which gives some of the songs a 70's retro flavor. A Different Fire (ep) contains 4 songs with a more direct and straight up blues sound. I'll Be There has some solid female backing vocals and A "Different Fire" (title song) is reminiscent of some of Extreme's acoustic work. Under appears to be Steve Saluto's first CD, dated 1999. It's interesting to hear how Steve and his crew have evolved over the years. This album has a total hair metal sound. The vocals were done by a Geoff Tate wannabe, and Steve's style was more Steve Vai back then. This album could have had potential, if it were released back in 1988. It seems Steve and his band have decided that a more adult contemporary/easy on the ears blues rock sound is the way to go in the 21^st century. Give Mr. Saluto some credit, he has stuck it out for the long haul, he sings lead, plays lead, plays bass at times, composed every song on his most recent album, and he is heavily involved in production. If this man and his band come to your town, buy him a drink and give him a listen. Favorite Song(s): "Life Is", "All That I'd Be", "SheCat" Least Favorite Song(s): "Strange Kind Of Woman" By Buck Dingo
www.MindlesSanity.com	Mindlessanity: Purely Mental. Review: This is normally why I don't like reviewing c.d's that just don't thrill me, I've been trying to review this one for months.. it's just not my cup of tea.. It has to really grow on someone, the vocal style is something that really needs to be acquired.. But it does remind me of the singer from Intice.. (a band here in Florida.. that I loved) so.. that's a plus... but that's the thing, these guys sound soo local.. there isn't much to the sound. They are half hard rock.. and half metal. but kinda in limbo in between.. If they could beef up the sound.. and make it a bit more crunchy.. it may attract your attention faster.. along with better production.. just come out slammin.. these guys have a lot of work to do..... The c.d. package looks cool though. NEXT. Favorite Song: I plead the 5th.. Least Favorite: "Davies Song" .. like the guitar riff in the beginning.. but then it gets all messy... "Rapture" it just starts dragging.. geez.. I need to just stop now....... By Spidey
www.TheHoneysRock.com	The Honeys: Hot Day In Heaven Review: I guess I will have to take over reviewing the unsigned c.d's and you all know how much I love doing that.. NOT.. lol.. but Buck Dingo is slacking.. soooo I've had this c.d. for a while.. and being that I'm a female musician, and there is 2 chicks in this band. I kept this one for myself.. also since the bio is filled w/80's hair band remarks, I had to check them out.. all in all it's new and refreshing.. "punkish, pop, raw, gritty, female fronted rock n roll.." How's that for an explanation ? The production is pretty raw, they could sound even better in a beefed up studio.. Most the songs deal w/something to do with relationships or sex.. which also works for me.. I can't think of anyone to compare them to (which is good) This isn't a well polished "female fronted group" sounding anything like Vixen.. it's more like a chick fronted Skid Row.. also the c.d. includes 4 extra tracks that are actually songs from the first release... which kick major ass.. and show they are not slowing down.. This is a band to check out! Favorite Song: "She's Hot & She Knows It" (reminds me of my ex-girlfriend ..lol..)..great guitar riff.. and catchy lyrics.. great song! Least Favorite Song: Don't like the talking part "Keep Doing What Your Doing" By Spidey
www.ConquestMetal.com	Conquest: No Boundaries Review: I hate reviewing unsigned bands, the production always sucks, and I just don't like the sounds I'm hearing.. but we are getting behind, so I figured I would start doing some, I popped in Conquest and was happily surprised. It is straight ahead - heavy metal music, as I remember from the old-school days. This fits right in with the old Testament, Savatage sound.. but doesn't sound out-dated. Double guitars, tons of double bass.. and thundering bass guitar, and a vocalist with a range from high, drawn out screams, to low, deep eerie sounds. If you were into the old school metal that has since disappeared, this is the band for you "No Boundaries" is an awesome album full of catchy riffs and lyrics ranging from topics about 9/11 to doom and evil and the gates of hell.. (see just like the old days.. lol) This is by no means a death metal band just a great straight ahead heavy metal band, and a band definitely worth checking out! Favorite Song: "Just Before the Dawn" Least Favorite Song: I don't like the live stuff added at the end.. the volume is too low on it, nice bonus, but could sound better.. by Spidey
www.FatalSmile.nu	Fatal Smile: Beyond Reality. Review: Fatal Smile are a new breed of old school metal. I'm hearing the recognizable background sing along choruses, solos, and that familiar verse/bridge/chorus structure. It's consistent, and enjoyable, if you are looking for rock from the hip. Fatal Smile remind me of a hard hitting Dokken/Ratt/Accept and they have my praise for keeping the fire burning! Check out their EP/sampler "Beyond Reality" if you are into the metal sound from back in the day. Favorite Song: "Hip Motherfucker" Least Favorite Song: "The Savior" by Buck Dingo
www.BullrushRocks.com	Bull Rush: In the Beginning. Review: How about a dose of Godsmack, a taste of Soil, and a dash of Sevendust with solid technical prowess and some serious backbone? The powerhouse described above is known as Bull Rush! Bull Rush burns through a mighty potent EP/sampler called "In the Beginning." My primary complaint is that I was left hungry and eager for more whoop ass thunder dished out by this talented band of musicians. "In the Beginning" consists of rhythmic aggression, pit ready fury, and enough hooks to keep you interested. I do believe that we will be hearing more from Bull Rush. Favorite Song: "Dig" kicks ass! Plain and simple, you can't deny the tension and then the devastation that this song stirs up. Least Favorite Song: "Running in Muck". This one feels like it's not completely sure where it is going. It has potential, but needs to clearly define where it's at. by Buck Dingo
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