Rachel James New EP “Landing” November 20

 artists  No Responses »
Nov 162010
 

Here’s yet another Denver indie artist who is making waves (see my blog tagline above).  Rachel James and her band Brighton Boulevard have been spreading their brand of pop-rock around Denver for awhile now. But those who are familiar with Rachel James’ past musical efforts will find a different tone on the new EP Landing, which officially drops this weekend.

With this set of songs, James takes a more reflective turn than on her previous releases–less driving rock, and more relaxed. After seeing her perform several times with her band around town, my personal take on it is that these new songs really sit better with the band’s current overall vibe right now–kind of like things are fitting into place.  I look forward to hearing these songs played live.

If you’re in the Denver area this weekend and you like what you hear below, you’ll have the chance to catch Rachel James and Brighton Boulevard for the official CD release party. They’re playing at the Soiled Dove Underground this Saturday, November 20, the official day that Landing, um, lands.  Show starts at 9:00 PM.

Rachel James: “We All”

Joshua Novak: Dead Letters

 artists  2 Responses »
Nov 092010
 

One cool thing about indie music is the diversity and creativity you find in it.  Two indie acts can easily sound like they are worlds apart.  The flip side, though, is that sometimes indie music can be so far on the creative margins that not many people can relate to it.  It takes a certain amount of skill to be both creative and accessible as an indie artist.

Listening to Dead Letters, the latest release from indie-pop/rock artist Joshua Novak, I’m finding that combination. This is a nine-song collection of original tunes, creatively arranged and well-executed, carrying just a hint of a retro vibe, all overlaid with Novak’s signature falsetto vocals. The cool thing about the songs is that musically, they don’t leave you scratching your head going, “What was that?” They are accessible and singable, and they play well both in the background or in the foreground.

The first sample I put below underscores probably the best part about this record.  It’s a simple arrangement–only vocal and guitar, with just a bit of percussion.  My point?  It’s a good song; it plays well without a lot of bells and whistles.  And that’s the nature of the songwriting on this record. There are a lot of creative arrangements, but the record doesn’t rely on those.  Good songs are the backbone of a good record.  And this one has a solid backbone.

Joshua Novak: “Tidal Wave”

Joshua Novak: “New Start”

Dead Letters - Joshua Novak

The Congress: Americana of Another Shade

 album reviews  1 Response »
Nov 012010
 

Typically, when a band labels themselves “Americana”, there is a certain amount of expectation as to what it’s going to sound like.  So when Denver-based “Americana” band The Congress sent me their self-titled EP for review, I got a bit of a surprise.  T’weren’t at all what I expected.

Don’t get me wrong. This is Americana; they haven’t mis-labeled themselves.  It’s just that sometimes we forget that our roots aren’t just folky; there’s a bit of fried chicken and soul mixed in there, too.  This is the part of America that The Congress captures–the blues/jazz/rock part–and the result is that mmmm-hmmm satisfying kind of music, like soul food (blue-eyed soul, to be exact)–or like a really good back scratch.

This band is relatively new, but it’s apparent these guys aren’t novices.  This record has a foundation of rock-solid musicianship and equally-solid songwriting, overlaid by near-flawless vocals.  This is an indie band that isn’t striving to be edgy–just really good. And they are.

The only potential downfall I found with the record isn’t with the quality itself. There’s a smooth Hammond B3 throughout the record that really helps define the record’s sound; the only problem is, there is no organ player in the band.  That part was added by co-producer Daniel Clarke, who isn’t part of the band. Thus, while this is definitely a solid recording, one has to wonder whether it is true to the band’s actual sound.  Of course, seeing them play live (which I plan to do) could settle all those questions; just saying.

Anyhow, check out The Congress and see what you think.

The Congress: “Queen Mary”

If you like this band, buy their EP on iTunes.
The Congress - The Congress