Rock Fist Reviews

Review of Blair Crimmins & the Hooker’s EP “Meet the Hookers”
~Benjamin King

Sample if like: Billy Joel, Elton John, Radio Head, 30’s or 40’s big band.
Location: Atlanta, GA

Photo taken from www.myspace.com/blaircrimminsandthehookers

I am dumbfounded after hearing Blair Crimmins’ EP, given to me by the editor of RFR. You have to understand that I was handed a small stack of disks to peruse. I went home and flipped through the stack and was drawn to an E.P entitled “Meet the Hookers” by Blair Crimmins and the Hookers. It sounded incredible, and I couldn’t wait to listen to the entire disk. The next day I was eating breakfast with a good friend of mine and he says, “You got to hear this guy Blair Crimmins”. I think you all may see the pattern going on here. It turns out a friend of his, and an acquaintance of mine, recorded the EP. I run home and sure enough the disk says it’s mixed and recorded by Chris Unck; who’s music I also like. I can’t believe what I have heard several times now. This man has taken me back to the first conceptions of rocking and rolling. A time when jazz crazy people of the 30’s swung into a big band room. I’m talking about early stuff like Count Basie, Etta James, and early Ray Charles; into later music such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, or Elton John.

When listening to the first song, “March of the Hookers” I was blown away by the piano and the swing beat drums. I just love an off-timey beat, with big symbol crashes, and a hard bass drum kick. I just pictured a big band room with mobsters sitting around enjoying Duke Ellington. I almost thought I was in a movie. The EP keeps pace with the song. The vocals are incredible! That also equals a good record; I mean this kid has pipes. I almost think he could sing in a serious theatre production if he wanted to. I love his little ukulele and slide guitar love song, “Without You”. I am reminded of a nice beach front hideaway, and fifties surf. Without giving the entire record away, it later takes us to a song that sounds like he uses wash boards and a string bass to make. You ask, how good can that sound on record? All I can say is total brilliance and creativity. It’s like an old New Orleans marching band coming down the street, with the jazz horns and eurhythmic hand clapping. He finishes the EP on the song I think is his best vocal performance. He hits tones I didn’t he think he had. I stand corrected! This guy has something to say and he does it with some soul. It sounds like it’s poured out all over “Long Walk Home”.

Photo taken from blaircrimminsandthehookers.com

All I can say is go see this show. I can’t wait for my first Blair Crimmins show. I want to figure out who plays with him. I want to know everything about this band. How do they pull this off live? The record sounds so good I visualize the music and different scenes sung out in perfect tone. I’m sure it all fits together live. I hope I’m right on with the feeling and attitude I get from this E.P., because I’d like to ask these questions in an interview.

Rock Fist Rating:
lml  lml
Both Rock Hands Up (and playing air piano)

Blair Crimmins is:
Himself/ piano, guitar, ukulele, and probably many various sounds.
The Hookers are:
undetermined, but only seem to play some shows with him.

www.myspace.com/blaircrimminsandthehookers
blaircrimminsandthehookers.com

Kris Melton of Rock Fist Reviews interviewed the guys from Martians See Red just moments before they took the stage at The Masquerade for their CD Release Party for “Godot”. Be sure to also check out live footage from the bands’ set as well as a performance review- all here on Rock Fist!

Check out songs from the night of Martians See Red’s CD Release Party on June 19, 2009. This is just a taste from their set. You can also check out their performance review and a live video interview that night right here on Rock Fist.

Martians See Red “Open Words”

Martians See Red “Heartbomb”

Martians See Red “Drunks Awake”

Martians See Red “Channeling Aero”

Check out videos from the June 19, 2009 Martians See Red CD Release Party! The Drownout opened for MSR and below is live footage from their set.

The Drownout “High Waters”

The Drownout “In Flaming Desire”

Review of Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun @ The Earl 6-19-2009
~Benjamin King

Location: Atlanta GA
Sample if you Like: Ghostland Observatory, The Pixies, Portus Head, The Melvins, The Killers
Current Record EP: “The Lighting Exhibit”

I think we all should start this review by thanking God for independent music, and for incredibly creative people. I think Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun is one of those bands that are some of the most creative musicians in the south east right now. For that reason they can do whatever they want for this band. It was hard for me to say their music is easily classified. Hence all the different “sample if you likes”. For that reason alone, they appeal to me and should to the masses.

Photo taken from band's myspace page

The show started off with a melodic rhythm and just busted into heavy guitars, keys, and electronic sounds. I was super surprised at how heavy they came off at points during the performance. I loved the fact that they created all these sounds and combined them into epic songs. The main singer and front girl’s voice, Lauren, had me captivated for the word go. The rhythm section of Jeremy, drums, and Micah, bass and keys, made me want to dance. While on the other hand the guitar team of Lauren and Greg made me want to create a ruckus, but in a good rock show way. At that moment I knew what their “mission statement” meant on my-space; something to the effect of just four friends on a collaboration of music. Doing this project no matter what happens. These four make this band, and I would hate to see them try and do it with anybody else. The songs are put together with robot precision. I mean right when another melody intertwines with a bass line or guitar riff, there will be a cool guitar effect (that sounds like an organ) riding along with it. May I also say that the band just fits together? I know it has nothing to do with the music, but the two girls just look classy and a friend of mine thinks “the dudes are on point”.

I am in love with the song “Autonomic- traits of a traitor” the hard keys had me moving my feet. It reminded of my drum and bass clubbing days. It also made me think, I wonder if they feel like Blondie did at CBGB, just creating something that makes people want to dance. It’s kind of tough for a hard rocking guy to say that. The song “Arpeggiator”, which Gregg takes lead vocals on, let me know I truly liked the band. He has a style that made me think of The Melvins and they are just one of my favorite bands of all time. On record it didn’t come off as hard as it does live. The only down side I had to the show was that I wished the vocals were turned up 1 or 2 decibels. I mean just a few notches so I could understand more without having heard the lyrics off of the record. I also was trying to buy a disk, but I had no cash on me. I asked for a disk, but ended up just heading home (while they were loading up). I pay for the music I want enough, and I know I’ll just buy a few at the next show. I’ll need a few to give to friends that I know will just love this band.

I can’t wait to go see this band again! I went to their web page on my-space and they are playing all over the place. People: catch them sometime soon, just about anywhere in Atlanta, and around the southeast. I wonder if they have toured the country as I know this band translates to that quality if they want to do that. I just hope they don’t change the chemistry of the band.

Rock Fist Rating:
Rock Hands in the air
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Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun is:
Gregg –Guitars & Vocals
Lauren- Guitars, Keys, & Vocals
Micah- Bass, Keys, & vocals
Jeremy- Drums, & Electronic drums/sampled drum sounds

www.myspace.com/todaythemoontomorrowthesun

Enrique Diaz
Profession: Artist/ Graphics
Location: Lilburn, GA

Contact:
Enriquedp6@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/thisnino
www.facebook.com/ki.que6

Why he rocks:
What makes me rock? Well I’m an aspiring artist looking for a way to get my art out there. I have been told many times by a couple of friends I should go into doing tattoos; a field in which I have great interest for. Others say I would be great for graphic design. I have had an internship doing graphic design a while back and gained a good amount of experience. I like to draw and do graphics from time to time, currently working on a tattoo design and a t-shirt design for a local community group.

By being featured on ROCK FIST hopefully I can gain a few fans and people who would like some art/design for them. It would be great just seeing my work around the area.

(To view larger click on the picture)

Review of Jungol’s “Places” Album
~ Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Radiohead, Mars Volta
Other Rock Fist Artists you may like: Dead Confederate
Location: Atlanta, GA
If you’re looking for the next band to make an impression on the Atlanta music scene, look no further. The Jungol’s concoction of futuristic accents meshed with their indie rock backbone creates a sound of today with a hint of tomorrow. Add to that strong, smooth vocals, a sexy sax, theatrical instrumentals, and unexpected twists and you’ve got an album worthy of attention. Songs can be compared to Ben and Jerry flavors; there is no vanilla here but a vast array of sounds that pull off a unique taste.

Photo by Christy Parry

The album opens with the title track, “Places”, a song fueled by quick drums, deep bass, and an ambient guitar that pulls back and forth from tranquil to demanding. “Pulling Teeth” opens with a quicker, more upbeat sound, but leads back into a mellow and expressive verse. This is complimented by vocals that seem to hyptonize the listener into a drunken stupor. All in all this song is a beautiful, musical masterpiece. “Shock” combines both acoustic and electric guitars in a repetitive rotation with high pitched vocals and a catchy, melodic chorus. The country influence that is intertwined within “Digital Heart” was surprising, but works with the scratchy and passionate violin, harmonizing vocals, and delicate guitar. “Dirtland” really plays off the sax, creating a jazzy, ska rock sound at times, but then dramatically switching back to ambient guitar, vocals hitting high notes, and highlighting keys. “Junkyard” features distinctive keys, pounding drums, and really shows off Josh Yoder’s vocals. The guitar solo keeps with the flow and implies a sense of urgency with its repetitive race followed by its squealing cry. These guys really play around artistically with their progressive rock sound, and they do it minus the guy liner.

"Places" album cover

Jungol will be performing next with Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun at the Drunken Unicorn in Atlanta on June 10th. You can also catch them in Nashville on July 18th, Birmingham on September 11th, and various cities in Georgia throughout the summer.
RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
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Jungol is:
Vocals/ Bass/ Synths- Josh Yoder
Drums/ Percussion- Jason Monseur
Guitar/ Vocals/ Sampler/ Glockenspiel- Graham Yoder
Vocals/ Keys/ Guitar/ Sax- Zack Varner

www.jungol.net
jungolbooking@gmail.com
www.jungol.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/jungolband

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Review of Steadlur’s “Steadlur” Album
~Benjamin King

Sample if you like: My Chemical Romance, Motley Crue, Quicksand, or The Donnas
Location: Atlanta GA

Picture from roadrunnerrecords.co.uk

Steadlur is a band I have heard on many rock bills around Atlanta for at least four to five years. They put on a great live show, which they soon will be taking to Europe. On the other hand, this is about how Steadlur translates to a recorded form. I missed the show the other day. So I went to roadrunnerrecords.com, the band’s label, and pre-listened to the entire record. Something more labels should do.

This band is defiantly in line with our 80’s power rock and metal gods. Back in my pre-teen years, this record would for sure been a number one. Saying that I think this record falls right into line with some of the bigger records that are coming out today too. I was taken away on songs like “My Mom hates me”. It has a cool, funny, catchy hook (chorus). The lead guitar riff is ripping. It kind of reminds me of a strip tease with a big finish. “Bumpin” is a song I have heard before, by them, but it has never been done this well by the guys. The song has a gigantic refrain, bigger than previous demo versions and is produced to the tee. “Angel (on the wrong side of Town) is my favorite on the record. Then again I am a sap for the big power ballad with a solid lead guitar. I dig, what I believe the song to be about. The drums have an off timing feel to them which makes the song remind me of Angels for Air Waves!

Picture from roadrunnerrecords.co.uk

I commend the boys in Steadlur on a great record. The world should be in for a big treat now, and in the future. Pick up this record on pre-order at the bands web page. It’s a record to not miss in 2009.

Rock Fist Rating:
Rock fist up and banging my big hair
lml

Steadlur is:
Philip Steadlur /Guitar & vocals
Daniel Steadlur/ Bass
Tommy Steadlur/ Lead Guitar
Dallas Steadlur/ Drums

www.myspace.com/steadlur
www.roadrunnerrecdords.co.uk

Hello Kris (Rock Fist),

My name is Chris as well, and I am the exceptionally handsome bass player from Attention System. =P
I wanted to thank you for your kind review of our EP and wish you folks at Rockfist all the best. I check your site every morning after sitting down with my first cup of coffee. I enjoy it very much and you should know that it is partially responsible for my pathetic lack of productivity here at my day job. That being said, I already mentioned that I am a bass player, so luckily no one really expects to get much work out from me to begin with! Ha.

Thanks again. Easy – chris attn systm