Editor’s Picks from Jersey Stock

by Leigh Silbernagel in Editorials, Musician Reviews, News, Song Reviews, bands to watch

June 10, 2008: Last week was my last post as a blogger for Prex. This week is my first post as one of the newly appointed Editors of the Blog, making this my first Letter from the Editor. A response from a reader stated, “I for one am interested in learning about new and upcoming acts, I’m just interested in those that are a little off the edges of typical American pop music.” These are the Editor’s Picks from Jersey Stock 2008 (‘Jersey’s version of Bamboozle): 5 reviews of up and coming local ‘Jersey bands.

[Tell me tell you ] http://www.myspace.com/tellmetellyou

Bergen country: Rock/power-pop

This band sounds like Good Charlotte. They are upbeat, relaxing, radio-safe, not too bubble-gum but still melodic. It’s your standard early 00’s sounding band and I love the guitar playing. In every song, the vox is a talented, dynamic male lead with good control and a soothing voice. It has a pop-punk sound and it is your all American pop band. Songs: “Fast Company:” the guitar playing nicely compliments the vox and I love the drums. “Aces High”- has nice effects and cute/sweet lyrics: “don’t give up, don’t give in. take your time to breathe.”

[Belleview ] http://www.myspace.com/belleviewnj

River Vale: Ghettotech/Healing and EasyListening/Jungle (its pop punk)

Sounds like an indie-pop-influenced version of Valencia, and is self-described as “music to soothe you to sleep.” Their songs can pull off pop- punk, screamo and a little bit experimental in the same song. Songs: “Den Davis”- LOVE the guitar intro and skilled guitar playing throughout. The unexpected screamo and transition to an experimental-rock sound are surprising and refreshing. This song has the “American pop with an edge” that our readers requested. “I roll with Calamity, and “201 to know one” are your typical power pop punk. In “Ethan Riley” and “Drive Thrus and Driv” there are nicely done hardcore-screamo effects. Overall, the drums enhance the guitar playing which is solid and I love the use of the drums in the bridge.

[Chaplin] http://www.myspace.com/chaplinismusic

This is good music for people who don’t like the mainstream music: unique sound, solid musicianship. It is also safe for young kids and old adults. Play it on a road trip or when you want to relax.

[The lift ticket] http://www.myspace.com/theliftticket

Clifton, NJ: Pop punk/rock/ happy hardcore

I love the electric guitar playing and riffing in “Lead the Way.” There is an almost ambient, experiment intro. The vox has a typical pop sound, but his vocal control indicates that this is a passionate singer. I also love the guitar solo. Drums are little bit too stock, but they work well to enhance the vox and guitar playing. I would do more to enhance the guitar playing in “Lead the way.” ‘Say a word’ has a nice acoustic intro, but the vox is your standard pop voice. ‘This one’s for you’ has a surprising heavy hardcore intro. Overall, the guitar playing is solid but the vox sounds like what is out there already.

[Life without warning] http://www.myspace.com/njlww

ambient/Rock/Metal.

Confession is a unique song, but emo lyrically. Overall, it is well done- I love the piano playing, the drums enhance the vox which has soulful control and range. I love the hard intro on Last Chance. The guitar playing impresses me, and I love the hooks like, “We need to rise up.” “Rain of Chaos,” is my favorite. It has a standard rock sound, but I LOVE the intro, the guitar solo, and the build up to the final refrain. The bottom line: solid guitar playing, lyrics with soul—nice juxtaposition between the two grabs my attention and holds it.

[The Bottom Line]

Life without warning, The Lift ticket, Chaplin, Belleview, and Tell Me Tell You, Editor’s picks from Jersey Stock 2008.

To contact:

Life without warning, Lifewithoutwarning06@yahoo.com

The Lift ticket, http://theliftticket.bigcartel.com/

Chaplin, GiancarloDittamo@mac.com < GiancarloDittamo@mac.com>

Belleview (google Belleview band nj)

Tell Me Tell You (google tell me tell you band nj)

-leigh silbernagel; Editor, June 10, 2008.