Outlier - Eken is Dead

“Outlier”, EKEN IS DEAD's latest EP release which features five brand new songs and a bonus re-imagining of their anthem, “At Any Cost”. The EP was recorded at Fletcher Dragge’s Screaming Leopard Studios, Hermosa Beach CA, engineered and mixed by Prick Reuben (like the sandwich) aka Gagg Green and mastered by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering, Burbank CA. This is EID's third release on Blacksound Records, preceded by 2008's "Amendment" and 2011's "What Lies In The Mirror". The boys are gearing up right now to support the EP with tours across the Western United States now.

1. Outlier
2. Embrace
3. Fractured
4. Trained to Hate
5. As Soon As Tomorrow
6. At Any Cost (Acoustic) 

Eken's first official review. A lot has happened in the year and a half since I was first introduced to Vic, Chris, Gagg, and Jake, and in that time I have seen Eken a handful of times. Each time more impressed than the next. Like a ball of pure electricity Chris bounces around the stage, this sets the mood for a truly epic show. 

Having listened to this EP several times over now, I can see and feel the energy pulse through my head phones. As I write this I am enjoying the acoustic version of 'At Any Cost'. Tomorrow night, May 16th, 2014 Eken will come together in an EPIC night mixed with friends, music and celebration of Outlier. 

Highly impressed by the lyrics, vocals and clarity of the sound, this EP is definitely worth the time. EID has always had a unique sound, with lyrics and a sound so pure it tugs at your soul. Gagg mastering the 6 string bass, you can feel each note as it pumps through your veins, the sound of Vic's guitar serenading and hypnotizing you, you suddenly feel as though you were the only one in a dark room as Chris mesmerizes you with his voice. 
Eken is Dead is not just a band, it's an experience. 

Its always an honor to be a part of something bigger than my every day life, and this was the finalization that will make me an EID fan for life. 

My favorite tracks: 

As Soon As Tomorrow
Embrace 
Fractured

Join us tomorrow as we celebrate this most amazing EP, enjoy the presence of EID on stage and make sure you let go and enjoy the experience. 

Mouse Powell - These are the good times

Mouse Powell. An epic player in the valley's underground hip hop scene, as the host of Thursdays Blunt Club held at the Yucca Tap Room, he has made a name for himself. His latest project, These Are The Good Times,  has national and local celebs adding their creative juices for one XL power drink. 

I was honored when Mouse emailed me, giving me full access to his latest project on soundcloud, I had heard about him here and there, and speaking to JDV a while back,  was excited to see JDV and Mouse collaborating on a song. I think after this review, a follow up interview will be necessary. What do you think Mouse, will you let me crack open your brain to see your ideas and words? 

These Are The Good Times has several MUST LISTEN tracks. 

#3 Dancing In The Rain - Featuring the Veragrooves own Andres Rodriguez and Karly C. 
#4 Brass Monkey - because who doesn't like a brass monkey every so often!
#6 Cliff Clavin
#7 DGTW - Featuring Kristina Moore
#8 Good Times - Featuring Jason Devore 

If you have been following my blogs and reviews you know I write about how the music makes me feel, how it moves me and I always try to stay away from production values, sound and beats. But not this time. This time the production sound is fan-fucking-tastic, the beats dropped and lyrics are like no other. We all know that one song that we can sing to, the one we enjoy and yes I know you do, sing in the shower, well Mouse gives us that chance with Brass Monkey, DGTW, and Dancing in The Rain. Production on this project was spot on, kudos to The Ref for sampling, mixing and producing a quality set of songs. The overall LP was not overproduced and it didn't interfere with the lyrics and vocals. 

There were some trumpet samples, sending chills down my spine and giving me turkey skin. An amazing mix of harmonious vocals, trumpets and fresh ta def beats make These Are The Good Times one of the valleys top 5 LP releases. It's a close 3 to Fayucas Barrio Sideshow.

Want more info on this project? 

"These Are The Good Times" is the result of a year long collaboration with Tempe producer The Ref. Our project which was made possible by over 70 backers on kickstarter.com  is a unique blend of some of the Valley's best talent. We really wanted to step over genre boundaries and create something special while staying true to our Hip Hop backgrounds. We were able to accomplish this by bringing in musicians from different bands throughout Phoenix, and allowing them to add their flavor to our music. The project features and collaborations can be found along with the track listing in the description of the private soundcloud playlist. "These Are The Good Times"  will be available for free on November 12th, 2013 at MousePowell.com.  

Check out Mouse Powell on SoundCloud: 
https://soundcloud.com/mousepowell

Like Him on Facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/MightyMousePowell

And you can catch him most Thursdays at Blunt Club @ Yucca Tap Room. I have to say Mouse is another one of the valleys best kept secrets, but hopefully no more. Its time to rise Phoenix, from the ashes of our nearly deceased underground music scene and show that once more we rise and will stay on top. 

I hope you support the project 100% and get it once it drops, I know I will. 

I want to thank Mouse Powell for allowing me to review this project before release, I am deeply honored. 

Mr. Kitty - LIFE

    

     Close your eyes. Envision you're in a movie, following the lead character through twists and turns, plots and mysteries. This is the emotion invoked when listening to this album. I am watching from afar, alone in the theater, sitting in the middle, watching the characters on the screen unravel in their adventures. Maybe its a sci-fi venture, but I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next scene. 

     I am captured. Not a big fan of synth styled music, or electronica but I think I have found the perfect medium. With intonations of The Cure, Depech Mode, DnB, Techno and even some feelings of Combi Christ and Faderhead in the lyrics. I slowly start to move my body back and forth. Letting the sound and the lyrics rush over me like a tidal wave. Forcing my body to move. Could it be that my selective musical taste buds have found a new love for electronica? Could be.....

     The album has nothing but good-vibe feelings. Forcing you to focus on the lyrics, the sound and overall production of the album are impeccible. Well played Engraved Ritual. Well Played. 

     To quote the press release: "LIFE is an album with a destiny to inspire the deepest feelings, fears, and hopes within all, an enchantress inviting a poetic immersion into the brighter side of the shadows and sunsets wrapping our lives and an encounter setting Mr.Kitty as one of the truest souls within electronic/goth/synth pop"

Favorite Tracks: 

Dearlove
Insects
Unstable
Scars 
Choke

     There really is no bad to the album, I would recommend this to anyone reading this. I passed a song about from Mr. Kitty, Mr.Kitty - Unstable (Smokey The Bear Jew Remix), and received nothing but positive feedback from the different genre loving friends who have listened. 


Where can you get more?
Bandcamp: http://mrkittydm.bandcamp.com
Engrave Ritual: http://www.engravedritual-digital.com/album/life
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrkittydm

Want to know more about the Record Label? 
Bandcamp: http://engravedritual-digital.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/engravedritual
Tumblr: http://engravedritual.tumblr.com

Gods and Monsters / Blaze Rock - Black Talon - The Killer. The Butcher. The Mercenary.

     First off, the fact that The Ginger and Streets could possibly pull another LP out of thin air like Houdini and a bouquet of flowers is mind numbing. With The Company We Keep released in 2012, and The Second Coming shortly before that, once again one of AZ's most unique underground hip hop camps did it. 

     This collab featuring Blaze Rock, titled Black Talon -  The Killer. The Butcher. The Mercenary. Is out of control. These guys are fucking crazy. Dangerdoom? Nah, fuck that. D12, probably not. Again, more like Slaughterhouse, Public Enemy, And maybe even Run DMC. These cats are on point, like a fresh pair of Jordan 89 Fire Reds, GNM is just that. On Fire. These guys are eye catching. Maybe more like ear catching, It never gets old listening to their sound. Nothing ever sounds the same and the lyrics still, sharp as a samurai sword, cut through my headphones. 

     They maintain their posture, Gods among men, leading AZ hip hop to the top of the food chain. With shows on the horizon, GNM proves to be worthy to selective audiophiles like myself.  

     Like Single Dad Shit? Yeah Pt 2 will blow your mind. So many tracks on this LP, keeping true to how they feel about their lives, their music and their emotions. Audio Dope, will seep in your blood stream like a virus. Streets was right, having this in my ears as the blood pumps through my veins, sweat down my face as I go into beast mode in the gym is by far the best motivation. 

     Nothing compares to this LP, this is by the far the best Hip Hop LP released this year, world wide. Other artists, trying to represent what hip hop is about, falling short. AZ's true underground Hip Hop is what its about. They've taken over the block, next is the world. I expect nothing but excellence from them. I feel sorry for the 602 missing out on this LP. Time for some radio play.....what do you think? 

Where can you get it? 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DF3KODM/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

Video? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&gl=US&client=mv-google&v=p3JyH3knLiw&nomobile=1

Website? 

http://godsandmonstersaz.com/

Jason Devore - Conviction and the life after

Not many people can say that they've had the chance to hang with Jason DeVore and his wonderful family. I am lucky enough to be a part of this whole family. Today, March 19th, 2013 at 2 pm I sat down with Jason and talked about life, motivation, and how his songs make him feel. 

I have been able to to see JDV a handful of times, and each time it's a new experience, nothing in the world could compare to each show. No matter how many times you hear his songs, sprinkled with some A0 songs and some Bollox songs, JDV brings a certain vibe to the room. With his followers young and old, we all sit and watch in utter amazement as he belts out song after song, hardly taking breaks. Where does he get the strength? Where does this powerful amazing voice come from? This is all a secret I suppose, but where ever it comes from it has emotion, soul. It has a vibrato all its own and makes you want to be on stage with him. 
A few devoted JDV fans (you shall remain nameless chris ;-) DAMN! ) like to hop up on tables, show their love and dedication to this amazing story teller, this bard of sorts. 
With Tipping Point soon to be released on April 2nd, the East European tour that he leaves for on April 4th Jason took the time to sit with me and my nervousness and answer some questions about life, his music and his wife. I was joined by his best friend of 19 years, Saddy Combs owner of LaDep Custom Cruisers and probably one of Authority Zero and JDV's biggest fans. 
Growing up he was inspired by his mom, she knew all the words to the songs on the radio, and he was in awe at how she could do this. Coming from a musical family, J would travel to Mesa, AZ to visit his dad during the summer, and eventually one thing led to the other and they were playing the Nile Basement in MTAZ. This is the wonderful start to Authority Zero. Arizona's original punk band. While many other bands had come before A0, little did these skater punk kids know that they would make something out of virtually nothing. 
JDV wanted to be a professional Skater/Snowboarder and along with that career comes the music. We all know that good tunes on the street or slopes motivates us to shred that triple black diamond or master that rail slide.
He writes the songs that relate to us, he sings the songs we want to hear and he loves his fans and family. At one of the very first JDV shows I met a young man, who explained that One More Minute was what kept his head in the game in Afghanistan. Deployed as a naval Corpsman and stationed in the middle east, this was the song that reminded him of coming home safe. When I am at a JDV show, I watch people; I watch their reaction to how J sings, moves and the how he pumps the crowd up. To be a witness to the A0 mosh pit is exciting, invigorating. 
Talking to J today, I was able to see a different side of him. I was able to see the gleam in his eye, the passion in his voice and his nervousness as he preps for another tour. I can see that he is mentally prepping himself for whatever may come and you can see that, while a seasoned musician he gets on stage every night and plays as though its his first show. This is not a bout of nervousness, this is the feeling of adrenaline, the amped feeling you get when your faced with such an overwhelming task, but you complete it and at the end of the show, the end of the day your shaking, because it was one helluva ride. 
I can't wait to see what JDV and Authority Zero have in store. All I know is that after almost 16 years of being a fan and hearing their music I will always and forever remain a loyal and faithful A0 fan. 

Wanna hear the interview? Check it out here! 
https://soundcloud.com/ladepcustomcruisers/jason-devore


http://youtu.be/3aqi23-BBLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tonovKKYyxY&feature=share&list=AL94UKMTqg-9BEjg7PGgsk59GIZdxERswI

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorityZero?fref=ts

EKEN IS DEAD - PHONE INTERVIEW

I had the chance to talk with Chris from EKEN IS DEAD. And I am definitely impressed with the band, the music and how humble and dedicated they are to their fans and their music.

Let me start by saying that I had never listened to EKEN before Tuesday, I had the chance, but I decided I would let the music speak for itself. And on my ride down to the LaDep house, I did just that. I listened to what the music had to tell me. And I never would have expected it to tell me the story it did.

I usually like to compare bands to each other, its the easier way to identify their sounds, their behaviors, their personas and their vibe. I also like to hear the bands live before I interview them or even think about writing a review. So I'm sitting here listening to their reverb nation account listening to them. I think one of the reasons I am writing the review without listening them to live is because of how last night's phone convo went with Saddy, Chris and myself.

If you like Sepultura, Soulfly, Megadeath, White chapel or H20 you will enjoy EKEN.

Me: Where did the name EKEN IS DEAD come from?
Chris: haha That is the million dollar question. EKEN IS DEAD....Vic was in a band, Called EKEN and he is actually the sole survivor of that band, hence EKEN is semi dead...so that's what is stood for at the time. But was we toured and grew with our music, EKEN IS DEAD became what you think is dead, or what has moved on. Its about overcoming hardships, your beliefs and values. EKEN IS DEAD can be personal.

Me: Who has influenced you personally?
Chris: Nirvana, and a lot of the 90’s style rock bands, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, punk is where my roots are. Sound wise, I would say Tool, Deftones and Rage Against the Machine. Vocally, I would say more like Rise Against and Pantera. Its not just a scream, its something more.

Me:What are you long term goals?
Chris: Bigger tours. Touring with Authority Zero has been amazing. The entire band is amazing. Extremely down to earth and definitely a great experience. We really want to continue to tour and definitely continue to work with Authority Zero and LaDep. We want to go all the way. As far as we can possibly go. We practice 3 times a week, perform at 60-70 shows, dedicate ourselves and our lives and put up with angry girlfriends while we are on the road. Taking turns driving 5 hour legs from Vancouver to get to a show in Cali the next night. That's dedication to our band to our fans.

I didn't ask him directly what the inspiration for the lyrics were, we kind of stepped into it haphazardly, but I could tell that the words and lyrics to each of their original songs was personal. It came from experiences, life, and personalities.  One of the biggest things with EKEN IS DEAD is that there isn't just one person who writes the songs, the entire band has input and collectively they write the songs as one.


Saddy: Do you have any advice for bands looking to make it?
Chris: Show up. Dedicate yourself to the band, but more so to the fans. Always find a way to not cancel. Show commitment and dedication.

Saddy: What drives you the most to keep going from one show to the next?
Chris: Finding out what you're made of. Pushing your limits, knowing your boundaries. We drove in 5 hour shifts on a Friday night after a show in Vancouver to make a show in Cali. It took us 16 hours to get home, but we kept going. We refused to cancel. I think in 5 years we have cancelled once. That says a lot, not only about our dedication, but our love for the music and our fans.

I have to say it was an honor to talk with him and while I regret that I didn't get the entire interview recorded, I will have the honor of talking to the entire band on Friday. Something about EKEN moves me. So until I see you in the mosh pit Friday, keep it real. 

If you want to hear more from EKEN IS DEAD you can check out their Reverb nation page at
www.revernation.com/ekenisdead

Their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ekenisdead?fref=ts

and you can watch some of their videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/ekenisdead

Tune in Friday from 6-7 while we interview EKEN IS DEAD at KUKQ.com you can also download the app to your phone (available for iPhone and Droid) if you have something you want to ask the band email Alle at undergroundalle@gmail.com  

Thanks for reading and stay posted for more events and band interviews and reviews!

Poolsyde - Demo tracks

Emotion.
Feel good vibes.
Inviting.
Irie.

These words describe the feel good sounds of Poolsyde. Mixed with a blend of unique, witty, funny, and a slightly sarcastic cats Poolsyde send those feel good vibes up your spine. They sound exactly what fusion punk should sound like. Harmonizing delicately but melodiously making the sounds come to life.

Their stage presence is unique. You can tell they are ready to move when the band starts to move in unison. Todd (guitar/vocals) does a quick tune, closes his eyes and starts to sway, James scans the crowd finding the one person he can serenade, Carmen looks out and it seems like he prepares himself and Levi is ready.

The music starts, and the band sways. The music pumps through your veins and all of a sudden you want to be on the beach, listening to the waves crash, a cold beer in your hand and Poolsyde singing just for you. Gypse and The Love Around You are the two songs that really define the band their sound and their vibe.

Hanging out with these cats and being honored to hear them live, I've learned that they each bring the right amount of rock star to the stage. They have nailed the idea and sound of fusion punk and there is definitely room for improvement. Id like to hear more from them in the future. I've been privy to private sounds, I am impressed at the talent brought together to make Poolsyde. With the drive and desire they can make their name a household commodity.

Check out their tunes at http://www.reverbnation.com/Poolsyde

This video features Mike Malekar and Evan and is definitely one of my favs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sAwR9F2oy8

Like their Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/Poolsyde480?fref=ts

Inept Hero - Untitled

If ever there were a CD I listened to many times over that my CD player finally called me a filthy pirate hooker it was this time. I have spent nearly a year trying to put words to the sounds of Inept Hero and each time I sit down to write I come up with a blank page. The moment I was able to write something I tossed it because I realized that I didn't want to write a bad review on a good band, but rather a good review on a band that could use some live sound work but isn't close to be classified as bad.

That band is Inept Hero.

Listening to this band is like laying on your back in a field and letting the crisp and pure sounds of nature molest your body over and over. Aarin, Beau, Rusty and Uzziel come together to build the perfect house of punk rock sounds.

I would list them as my 3rd favorite punk rock band. They are melodious, with rock star drumming, musical guitar riffs, lyrics and vocals that you feel are slowly pulling your soul from your body, maybe speaking directly about the situation you might currently be in.

Inept Hero will clearly be amongst the giants to rise form the ashes of AZ Punk history. Following Authority Zero (cira 1995), Phish, Gin Blossoms, Meat Puppets, Phunk Junkeez, Opiate for the Masses and Carolines Spine (youtube that shit you newb!!)

I will gladly accept listening to Aarin serenade my soul as I board down the AZ slopes, ride my motorcycle across the desert or on a road trip. This is a necessary must have on your play list.

There is a downside. Yep here it is guys, Inept Hero is amazing, good sound, solid vocals and no one instrument drowns out the other....BUT...the live sound is not the best. I have had the chance to listen to them in several different settings but still their sound mutilates my ears. I want to blame the sound guy (you all know there is that one 'sound guy' who sucks a bag of dicks) and so for now I will continue to place blame there.

Here are a couple of goals I have set for Inept Hero:
1) Get your asses on the Warped Tour bill for AZ
2) We need to get you more radio play
3) You need to be on the 2014 bill for the Punk Bowl in Vegas.

I want Inept to be the band you notice when you walk into the room....and surely they will remember you when you're around. They love their fan base and are always welcoming and giving of hugs and smiles.

Check out their sounds at
www.ineptheromusic.com
www.facebook.com/inepthero
www.myspace.com/inepthero

Tha WiKiD onE - Cause and Infect

Tha WiKiD onE. 

Another mic killer from the 602. Moved. Motivated. Driven. 
With names like Bizarre from D12 reppin his Cause and Infect LP this kid should be going somewhere. 

I follow him, cyber stalking his moves from PA to Cali. Watching and waiting for his next move. With his Death of an Emcee video his words speak clearly on how he feels. Beats thump in my ears as I listen to his LP, mixed and dubbed, shaken not stirred. Smooth like a Mission Impossible agent can only be, he infects your brain with his words, his beats, his presence. 

I don't know what his purpose is. I don't know who his heroes are. I don't know his next move. I do know you will be sick with words from his mouth to your ears. Is Mission Infect Mission Impossible? You decide. 


Infect your brain. Infect your ears. Spread it. Infect


http://www.facebook.com/thawikidone
Http://www.thawikidone.net

SUPPORT LOCAL AZ HIP HOP!!!!!

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - 80 Proof

Spending time with these cats was insanity! From the campfire acoustic sessions, to their onstage presence. They are truly a Reggae/Punk band....they are the bastard children of the Sublime movement, this is the kind of band you listen to when you're surrounded by those you love the most, bbq'ing, sitting around the campfire, making love to your old lady (Better than the Lovage album I cherish so much!)

The ingredients that make up this amazing dish of reggae/punk/Sublime like dessert: 

Evan Manriquez - Vocals
Daniel Cooper - Vocals/Guitar
Joel Catello - Guitar
Aubrey Rivera - Bass
Sean Fleming - Drums
Alex Williamson - Keys/Percussion

It can only be described as being reborn. Music that makes your feet move, your heart beat to the sounds, the blood flowing through your body keeping perfect rhythm, hips moving, sensuality, nothing compares to this band. 

Yeah they sound like Sublime, maybe 311........but I think one of these cats was spawned from the loins of Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Bradley Nowell and Rita Marley. Goosebumps spread over my flesh sitting here in this swank coffee shop. I can't get enough, I'm hooked. They are the heroin I am the junkie. And I am OK with this.

Favorite tracks? #2 Vixen #4 Got UR # #5 Medicine and  #6 Joe Rogan

Inspiring. Relaxing. Addictive. I love the reggae beats, the true nature of their sound and their overall personalities. Sitting around the campfire on a cool Saturday night, Alex joined us for an acoustic jam session with Riley from Raina- Fire on guitar he flowed out an unforgettable song. These kids enjoy what they do. 

After 13 hours on the road from LA to get to Canyon Lake Campgrounds, they were in good spirits. After being ass tagged by a drunk driver, they were still in good humor. I had the honor of being a part of this weekend festival, so much talent, cute guys and a few cute girls. Evan, Alex and the rest of the crew proved to be the sound of the future.

If you ever had a reason to buy a CD this would be it. I can't wait until I hear their music on the radio, crank it up and dance shoeless in the grass. Thoughts, memories of those 2 days making me smile. I am forever addicted. Dont ever stop doing what you love! 

80 Proof! Be my heroin. Worth traveling for. 

http://www.facebook.com/80proofmusic

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744594270/80-proof-full-length-album

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - BirdCity

Two words come to mind when I think of BirdCity....

FUCKING RAD. 

Like a rare vintage wine, BirdCity brings a little Me First and the Gimme Gimme's to the table, and for those of you who know local band Carolines Spine, Loki brings that sound, the one you dream about. The one that makes you feel like you're in a scene from a Midsummers Night. THIS is the soundtrack for your dreams.

Forget Rick Flair and Nature boy, BirdCity is the only Flair that matters. Proud of their hometown, Phoenix, AZ, Birdcity represents everything that is RIGHT with local music. Fresh. 

I love the way they pull off the classic rock songs, hitting notes and beats that would make Jim Morrison tap his foot. You can't label their sound. They aren't punk, adult alternative, they aren't even rock. They will go down in history as being in a genre all their own. Legends in their own right.

Standing in the grass at the Canyon Lake Music and Arts fest, I realized that my feet were planted firmly, eyes closed, letting the sounds seep into my soul washing away my worries and giving me a chance to be a part of something much bigger. 

The sounds from Bird City gently stroking my ear drums, Loki singing his rendition of Awolnations Sail, I was transformed. Music feeds the soul, and I have a fat kid soul. Beautiful. Fresh. Heart thumping. Unbridled. 

Worth a listen. But only because Bird City is FUCKING RAD. 

 

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Fesitval 2012 - Libertine Social

When I listen to a band, I won't be like the anal retentive Driver's License dude checking you off for drifting around a corner. No. You will get my experience, how the music made me feel and if I felt it was worthy of actually writing about. 

Libertine Social, I had the pleasure of doing an acoustic jam the night before they played the Team Trick Canyon Music Fest, with these cats. A voice to serenade you on a cool night in October, the water lapping as they started playing. Eric started singing....and the rest just fell into place. The peaceful night was softly filled with the melodies of an amazing acoustic guitar, and a Bougarabou or better known as the conga...there is an enigmatic sense of being serenaded. Exuding a genuine vibe, they guys are just as down to earth as their music. 

Eric's voice is beautiful. Caressing your ears....playfully teasing you....

Don't believe me? You can become entranced by checking out their ReverbNation or Facebook pages.....You will thank me later.

http://www.reverbnation.com/libertinesocial

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Libertine-Social/292024154237821

Canyon Lake Music and Arts Festival 2012 - Radio Box

The collab on this band is insane. There are really only a few words I can use to define who they are, what they sounded like and well lets be honest, the talent in this group....

6 String bass? Check. 

Fearless sound? Check. 

Lets take a minute and do some Sci-fi low fi DNA mixing. Take 7 Mary 3, The Ramones, The  NY Dolls, The Misfits, with a sprinkle of Five Finger Death punch and bake at 500 degrees, serve with a side of toe tingling, finger gripping sounds and you get Radiobox. 

I enjoyed the sound, the stage presence but most importantly the sound and of course the 6 string bass (seriously fucking awesome!) the ambiance of the entire experience was worth listening to. My fave song out of the set? Someone Else Than me. 

You can cop their tunes on their ReverbNation site http://www.reverbnation.com/radiobox

Or check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/radioboxband

The after hours acoustic jam was even better. I was able to spend time getting to know Mike, feel his personality out, and enjoy his voice. 

Mike Engelhardt - Lead Vocals

Alfred Trujillo - Lead Guitar

Hans Homberg - Drums

Bruce Goode - Bass

Throb Zombie - Nameless

Sitting in the passenger seat on my way to Flagstaff for a mini vacation I decide I was tired of listening to the hip hop I had been listening to. I pull out the Throb Zombie Cd and giggle....."Insert Here" Is the only wording on the CD label.....with cute heart shaped buttons and a hole for the zombies belly button. 

OK, I think I can handle this I mutter to my roommate who is driving. "They better not let me down....."

My first impression was that of intrigue.....the opening riff resonating in my inner cortex. Making my medulla oblongata shiver with excitement. I could tell that this was going to be a good LP, something worth listening to on my way to work, something I would play over and over until I knew every inch of that CD. 

I pick up the small envelope like case the CD came in....flipping it back and forth in my hands. Trying to remember how I came across their CD in the first place.....and then it hits me like the man boobs the night I discovered Throb Zombie. I was with a friend at a local dive called Hollywood Alley, there was a drag show and we had just come from watching my favorite band Stitch Hopeless and the Sealegs. There were men everywhere dressed in drag. It was spectacular yet scary. but I liked it. I wanted more. 

Doctor Bones gets on stage....and like always I find a nice out of the way spot to watch the "show" from the sidelines.....and I look over there is this greenish eery light creepily displaying this CD wrapped in plastic, glimmering like Edward from Twilight. I look for others similar to it, wondering if it belongs to someone. It didn't. At this point I'm mumbling to myself.....getting interesting looks from the other drunks and drag kings and queens around me....but I don't care, my precious....

I quietly and discretely tuck it away in my back pocket. I can feel the CD calling me. Throbbing in my pocket. I get home that night, toss is on my stack of backlogged CD's for review and fall face first into my bed. Little did I know months later I would Consider Throb Zombie one of my FAVORITE punk bands to date. 

The CD has songs like: 

War on Religion

The Cage

First in Line

Bring it Back

Peace of Mind

Harold

Let Go

Neverwalk

Occupy

Throb Zombie

Body of Lies

God Loves Everyone

Down

Better than the Skankin Pickle, Mustard Plug and San Diego punk bands I grew up with. This is the epitome of what punk/ska punk/steam punk should be. This is the type of punk I know my son would listen to, the kind he would secretly put on his iPod. This is what Punk should be. I feel like I'm in Punk heaven. 

Throb Zombie......don't let me down. I need more of you. Please. Like a junkie that needs her fix, I need your music to soothe the savage beast laying in the dark. 

Make it so.....

Far From Finished - DoneOne

Maryvale, AZ. The back alleys, abandoned buildings. The wasteland. DoneOne calls this home. Classic beats ring through your ears as you listen to the words flow.

You get the feeling of personal experience when you listen. There are some pros and cons to this album....But im not here to tear this album apart. I want to sell you on the words, the man. The way he presents himself in public and the sounds he creates. 

Tracks on this LP include:

Intro

Far From Finished

Anyone There

Why Do I

Here To Stay

Interlude

Broken Words

The Crack Era

Cant Take It

Nothing I Can Do 

Addict in the Attic

Same Old Game

The Meaning

The American Skeem

Whats Done is Done

The Wasteland

Never Lose

Outro

Part of a bigger conspiracy, T.S.O.I., DoneOne represents everything that is right with the underground hip hop scene in this city in the desert. He is an alias with no name, words revolved around the meaning of HIS life and the type of music you need to fulfill your desire for true words. 

When I close my eyes I picture the images he is presenting, dark worlds, littered alleys. T.S.O.I. is  just that....The Society Of Invisibles. Underground scene, creating beats to pump the soul. There is no comparison. There is no equal. 

There is just DoneOne.

The Company We Keep - Gods And Monsters

Who, Feast, Mad Men, Catch Us, A Gentleman’s Bet, Team Grizzly II, HCMF, Heavyweights.

The Company We Keep is littered with Dela, Done One, Ruste Juxx,  Judgement, Joey Baggs, Blaze Rock, and Grey Fox.

After listening to this EP about 7 times in the last 2 days, I decided that the words I needed to formulate, scratch that….the words I needed weren’t going to come to me easily. Heavy hitters featured on almost every track this shit is the 602’s rawest underground talent throwing their 2 cents at your face.  An old friend once told me he worked in the belly of the beast; he must have been talking about Gods and Monsters.  Streets and The Ginger are the beast. 

I struggled, how I would describe these boys, these boys who have become men over the years. The only thing I can come up with, they are the modern day code talkers. Translating rhymes and words into something more than music with some beats behind it, these aren’t the old school pro-tools beats I messed with in school 15 years ago; these beats come from another planet. 

When I listen to G N M I have to pull out my Dangerdoom, Proof, Grimm, and Old School Eminem (circa 1997) I close my eyes and I’m drug through the hot sweaty nights of downtown Phoenix, destination 1145 E Roosevelt, crowds getting restless, hands shaking, hugs being tossed, Streets and The Ginger on the porch. The music starts. The crowd moves as one. We are the snakes they are the charmers. They are the puppet masters we are the puppets.

Nas, I suggest you get your daughters ready, Slaughterhouse 5 I suggest you make room for these Gods and Monsters. The mistress you thought was hip hop, well let’s just say she upped her game and like preachers at the podium you will feel the vibrations through your bones listening to these men.

I will be your judge, I will be your jury, I will not be your executioner. I will put these words on paper and let the crowd decide. I find you guilty of taking the souls of the lost who wander the streets slicing their throats from ear to ear and letting the beats flow like blood from their veins. Condemned to roam the earth hip hop whispering in your ear, your beats stalking the shadows.

The Company We Keep

The Second Coming

**I would like to thank Damien Streets, Brent William, Sarai Phi and all you other muggs for allowing me to be a part of your family. The Pics are from Sarai Phi from the 08/11/2012 FREEP party of The Company We Keep at Push Art Gallery in downtown Phoenix. 

The Second Coming - Gods and Monsters

Gods and Monsters

http://www.facebook.com/godsandmonstersaz

http://godsandmonstersaz.com/

The Second Coming

The Company You Keep

Damien Streets

Brent William

Who are they? Brent William + Damien Streets = Gods and Monsters. Just a couple of rappers who probably need psychiatric help, that and some money to pay bills and buy Jordans. 

This is not your old school new school hip hop. This isn’t your big brothers homemade mix tape. Flared with real world experience and dreams, a pumpkin spice coffee and avocado rolls, streets and “the ginger” roll through words and ideas, dreams and failures, heaven and hell. Never leaving you behind, tagging a picture of what ifs and could bes.

They don’t sound like House of Pain, and they aren’t a part of the Young Money Cash Money Millionaires. They are a part of the AZ underground hip hop scene, which seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Don’t look for DMX in this crowd, but rather young and old who can see the bigger picture, who want to be a part of this movement and are willing to march to a different beat.

Comparing them to other well-known groups is unjustifiable. But If I had to create a mash up I would say they have the stylings of slaughterhouse, some D12, and the powerful words of NaS. But to add a label to who they are would toss them into the pond of wannabe “rappers” and “Juggalos”.

Download their album, not because you’re a ‘hip hop’ follower, but because you want to support the AZ hip hop scene, you want to think outside the box, you don’t want to be a follower but a leader. Don’t be the sheep. Be the wolf.

Gods and Monsters……..lyrical serial killers.