BROLOAF - BORN TO PARTY

If there was an ultimate frat band, Broloaf would be it.  Don't kid yourself, there's nothing subtle about this group.  They're a hardcore party just waiting to happen.  If there was a stoner genre in rock, Broloaf would be the defining band.  

My first exposure to them was a live performance and it was an experience I'll not soon forget.  They started the show passing out beers, doing shots off snowboards to the fans in the front row and throwing what looked like a bag of weed to the crowd.

Musically, they're straightforward punk rock and every song is geared toward partying.  If you're looking for hidden meanings, or innuendos, this group really isn't offering what you're searching for.  But if you want to rock out, party and laugh your ass off, Broloaf has arrived and is ready to turn your party upside down.

There are certain songs that stand out from others.  'Shredded Weedies' is absolutely hilarious and brilliant.  It's easily my favorite track on the album.  'I Wanna Party With You' is also quite enjoyable.

'Skyping With Your Mom' is a track about online masturbation and cam sex.  The brilliance of this track is in the relentless combative lyric barrage hurled at you.  It's totally on point and not only descriptive, but funny as well.  Crude humor poetry.

Musically, they don't diverge from the party atmosphere they create both live and on the record, but that's perfectly fine as that's exactly what this group is trying to achieve.

The best compliment I could give this band is to say this is one group that amps up the energy both live and on the disc.  There are some groups who are amazing live, but have horrible albums.  And groups with astonishing records that don't convert into an enjoyable live show.  Broloaf give it in the studio just as much as they deliver onstage.  You'll rock out with this CD blaring from your truck speakers as you will banging your head in a venue!

For the record, I met and hung out with these guys for a few minutes after their set and they're genuinely nice guys.  I had an absolute blast meeting them and watching their set.  

There are 12 tracks with 2 untitled segue tracks.  You can find the titles to the segue tracks on their bandcamp page.  You can also order their CDs or download their digital albums there.  If you're looking for a soundtrack to the ultimate party, then pick up this disc and throw down with the bros from Broloaf!  My final words:  MUSIC TO BLOW THE ROOF OFF, DUDE!!!

BROLOAF - BORN TO PARTY
01. Legacy Of Bro-Tality
02. Winning Isn't Everything
03. For The Love Of The Game
04. Personal Best
05. I Wanna Party With You
06. Shredded Weedies
07. Rave Riot
08. Me Time
09. Skyping With Your Mom
10. Brand New Dad
11. Weekend Warriors
12. Executive Decision
13. Johnny Epic
14. After Hours

MARK MALLMAN - MR. SERIOUS

"Is that an Earthquake???  No - It's Mark Mallman!!!!"

I remember the first time I saw Mark Mallman.  I didn't know what to think.  I saw him perform live and I couldn't decide if I was freaked out or utterly and completely blown away by his onstage presence.  After I'd had time to reflect on it, I realized this was a dynamic musical force I'd just discovered.

Slowly, but surely, I've been picking up his back catalog on eBay and Amazon.  I'm exploring his work and I'm finally ready to put some of my thoughts down in this blog.  I've noticed a few problems with my writing lately and I'm trying to avoid making them again.  Sometimes, I get caught up in a band or an artist and I lose perspective.  When I try to write a fair review of someone I'm obviously fascinated with, it often comes out sounding like a sugary gush of rainbow word vomit I mean to sound fair and objective, but instead, it sounds critical or downright negative.

I've decided there's no point in trying to deliver an objective review.  Why do I need to find something wrong with a piece of music I'm listening to if I enjoy it?  Obviously, reviews ultimately reflect the taste of the reviewer.  They're just opinions; and since I buy this music and consume it, I might as well say exactly what I'm thinking.  Even if it comes out like a heaping pile of unicorn poo.

Mallman is the American amalgamation of David Bowie and Elton John.  Have you ever seen the absolutely brilliant Hedwig And The Angry Inch?  As stunning as the soundtrack to that film is, Mallman's music on "Mr. Serious" is just as intriguing.  He snatches the very essence of that blues based rock and roll sound, coupled with unusual subject matter I find absolutely compelling and drives it through this disc like a semi-truck bearing down on unsuspecting roadkill.  

I'm always drawn to musicians who find the nerve to write about something other than the standard pop fare of love and sometimes politics.  And Mallman does this extremely well.  He's not limited to conventional thinking about composition or lyrical content.  Take 'Executioner'...  This highly reflective and distinctive tune sounds like it could appear as a haunting background track for a Tarantino thriller.  There's so much happening in the ponderance he conveys in this track.  Listen especially to the lines about killing the sparrow.  There's regret, but simultaneous resigned acceptance.  Highly effective. 

In the grand tradition of musical storytellers, Mallman takes us on a journey with songs like 'Still Wasted' and 'Hard Night'.  There's the bubbling pent up Americana in songs like 'Anesthesia' and 'I Work Here, I Grew Up Here'.  

I'm torn between choosing a favorite on this disc.  'Heart Is A Loaded Weapon' is a track I repeat over and over in my truck because I love the sentiment while at the same time, I dig the pounding piano punctuation creating a rhythm that's so much fun to blast out of my truck windows.  I'm also deeply drawn to 'Hardcore Romantics' and 'True Love'.  'Still Wasted' is another track I can't stop repeating.  It's got all the pop sensibility of a radio hit and let's face it...  It's absolute joy to sing along with.

This rock sound, Mallman expresses sounds both classical and modern at the same time.  He's created a hybrid sound that sweetly frames his emotional voice.  You hear vulnerability and depth in the way he delivers his secret messages.  Words you feel are for you alone.  Listen to 'Simply In The Distance' and try to believe he isn't singing directly to you.

If you appreciate strong songwriting, unique voices and craftsman quality musicianship, Mark Mallman is an artist you need to explore.  And I mean as soon as possible.  My final words:  CLIMB ON YOUR ROOF, FLOAT OFF INTO SPACE AND GET WASTED ON THIS CD!!!

MARK MALLMAN - MR. SERIOUS
01. I Just Want To Play Paino
02. Hardcore Romantics
03. True Love
04. Simply In The Distance
05. Still Wasted
06. Executioner
07. Midnight Man
08. Hard Night
09. Proof Is What You Get
10. Anesthesia
11. Heart Is A Loaded Weapon
12. I Work Here, I Grew Up Here

RESIDUAL KID - FACES

Residual Kid are a band I just saw live in Flagstaff during an Electric Six concert.  They were the second of three bands and got upstaged by the antics of Phoenix based party band, Broloaf.  When they took the stage, the crowd was so wound up over the loud mashing metal of Broloaf, their alt rock sound seemed almost washed out. 

Still, you gotta give em credit, they got up and played their hearts out.  It's hard to follow a band who passes out beer and shots to the crowd.

I don't remember much about their set as I was sitting at the bar and by that time, Broloaf were hanging out nearby.  It was a bit loud around me and I had a hard time concentrating on what was happening onstage.  Still, I'd picked up their CD and was looking forward to giving it a listen.

When I met the band, I was initially surprised at how young they looked.  Some of that youthfulness is evident when you hear their album.  On first listen, the disc seems to revolve around extremely shallow concepts, but on closer inspection you pick up on the themes they're trying to get across.

For a young band, they've got some interesting musical ideas and I like the fact they don't follow a standard method of composition or playing.  There are quite a few outstanding tracks on this disc, but my favorite of the bunch is easily 'Friend'.  That song just hammers.

'Purple Shoes' is awesome musically, but the lyrics...  Lol, I can't get over the lyrics.  Residual Kid are strongly influenced by an alternative rock scene and there's a punk sensibility to what they're doing.  They remind me of bands like Green Day who dominated the Alt. Rock scene of the mid to late 90's.

Based out of Austin, Texas, Residual Kid may not be the torch bearers of a California punk movement, but they certainly may herald a new underground music scene happening in their native Texas.  You'll just have to stick around and see where they end up.

It would be interesting to see this band play again.  This time without the distractions around me.  I'd like to give them a fair shot.  Based on this disc, I suspect I'd really enjoy their show.

My final words:  A FINE BIT OF ROCK FOR YOUR EARS!  CHECK IT OUT!

RESIDUAL KID - FACES
01. Faces
02. Friend
03. Purple Shoes
04. Pulling Through
05. Lab Rat
06. Lost Cause

BEAR HANDS - BURNING BUSH SUPPER CLUB

I stumbled across Bear Hands the way I have a number of bands recently.  They turned up in a Youtube streaming cue as I was listening to music at work.  The first song I heard was 'Giants' (which actually appears on their second album).  I loved it.  From there, it was a fairly easy decision to check out more of their music and I streamed all three of their records.  

For me, this is a new group...  And for a hot minute there, I was running around telling everyone I know about them.  Imagine my surprise when I'd play tracks for people and they already knew who the band was.  I've obviously been living on another planet without knowing how popular this group already is.

Still, I'm really excited about this group for a number of reasons.  First and foremost, I find the lyrics fascinating!  The music is a blend of alt rock and electronica that's absolutely harmonious!  

I've streamed all of the bands albums and truth be told, this particular disc is my least favorite of the three, but I picked it up first because I had the chance to buy this exact version.  My copy is from Australia and includes a bonus disc featuring the band's first EP release, "Golden EP".  It also includes some mixes!  

There's not a single track on this disc that doesn't have something I love about it.  My listening investment varies on individual tracks, but there's parts I love regardless of the number.  'Crime Pays' is a stunning number and the piano is right up front and compelling.  I think this is an interesting choice for an opening track.  You wouldn't think it would be the right selection to open this album and yet, it oddly works.  It demonstrates the band's musical range all in one number.  Once you've digested it, you can move on and comfortably explore this groups diversity without feeling like you've been cheated or robbed.  All too often I've bought a CD because of a single song I've heard only to discover I hate the rest of the music the group is doing.  It's good to know what you're in for right off the bat and that's exactly what 'Crime Pays' does for this record.

The next two songs are great and there are certain lines in the lyrics I find utterly brilliant.  In 'Belongings', I love the line, "At the gentle age of 9, I bought my first 45".  That single line creates a visual image the rest of the song capitalizes on. 'What A Drag' is dominated by the "long nails" lines.  It's an excellent innuendo.  So cool.

'High Society' is one of my favorite tracks on this record.  I love just about everything about it.  From the lyrics, to the music.  If I were to include a track from this record in a playlist, 'High Society' would be it.  'Tablasaurus' is another stand out number with excellent music and a fantastic beat.  'Julien' may be my least favorite song on the disc, but it's not bad.  However, 'Wickey Boxing' is one of the most interesting and haunting songs I've heard in ages.  It's a strange narrative you can read just about anything into.  The metaphysical assertion in the chorus is in and of itself, stunning.  "if you believe in a miracle escape, I believe we will never pass away".  This is one intense track.

'Blood And Treasure' is a fun, pop sensible number.  I could see this one doing well in the charts.  'Can't Stick Em' is another track I'm heavily into.  The rhythm is on point and the lyrics are fun to sing along with.  'Camel Convention' is an odd number.  Reminds me of stuff bands were doing back in the 60's.  'Tall Trees' is another jaunty tune.  This has a line I don't like, but overall, I think the song is good.

The Bonus Disc starts off with the "Golden EP".  'Long Lean Queen' is the first number and although the music is adventurous, nothing stands out too much about this song.  I like it.  And for some reason, when I listen to it I think of Smashing Pumpkins and the Sex Pistols.  'Golden' has a country sound to it.  This one reminds me of something Midnight Oil would've done.  'Sickly Brunette' is musically the most complex of the four tracks on this EP while 'Bad Blood' is without doubt my favorite of the four.  There's an almost Hawaiian sound coupled with the type of rock I think Sublime would be jealous of.

There are four mixes here.  The first is 'Crime Pays' and it's extremely electronica.  I have to admit, I like it better than the original.  The 'Tablasaurus' mix is also heavily electronic and another quality track.  There's a lot of tinkling bell keyboard sounds used in this mix making is sound rather magical.  'Wicksey Boxing' gets a mix with a beat lifted right from Nine Inch Nails' track, 'Closer'.  It's a sinister deep groove and it's gripping.  I find it powerful and mysterious.  'High Society' appears as the final track with a mix that transforms the song into an 80's pop vehicle.  In this particular case, I'll stick with the original.  There's nothing wrong with the mix, but the in my opinion, the song can't be improved.  It's perfect just how it is.

There's a lot happening on these discs.  The lyrics alone are worth dissecting and exploring.  The concepts and ideas are fascinating.  If you like songs that tell stories than this record is for you.  However, be prepared to fill in a lot of the gaps on your own.  The vague nature of some of these songs leaves them dramatically open to interpretation.  But isn't that what makes them so much fun?  You can use your mind to imagine the rest.  And that's exactly what a good songwriter wants you to do.  Personalize the music and insert it into your own life.  Chances are, if you listen to Bear Hands, you'll do that a lot.

My final words:  AN EXCELLENT DEBUT WITH A SPECTACULAR BONUS DISC!  WORTH THE INVESTMENT!

BEAR HANDS - BURNING BUSH SUPPER CLUB
01. Crime Pays
02. Belongings
03. What A Drag
04. High Society
05. Tablasaurus
06. Julien
07. Wicksey Boxing
08. Blood And Treasure
09. Cant Stick Em
10. Camel Convention
11. Tall Trees
BONUS DISC
01. Long Lean Queen
02. Golden
03. Sickly Brunette
04. Bad Blood
05. Crime Pays (Cereal Spiller Remix)
06. Tablasaurus (Aislyn Remix)
07. Wicksey Boxing (Brahms Remix)
08. High Society (Gordon Voidwell Remix)

ABC - HOW TO BE A ZILLIONAIRE

ABC are a pop band from the 80's New Wave movement.  However, they combined a lot of acoustic instruments with their music to create an almost Motown feel to a lot of their songs.

For the most part, I quite like ABC.  I remember listening to their singles on the radio and really enjoying them.  But it wasn't until I was an adult that I bought any of their CDs and only then when I found them used and super cheap.  This particular version of "How To Be A... Zillionaire!" includes some bonus tracks and I sorta feel like I got lucky here.  

Compared to other ABC CDs I have, this one is sorta hit and miss for me.  It has some excellent tracks on it.  Some of which I'm completely into and some I have lukewarm feelings about.  For example, I love 'Be Near Me', 'How To Be A Millionaire' and 'Tower Of London', while other tracks like 'Ocean Blue', 'A To Z' and 'Fear Of The World' I'm not as excited about.  There are also a couple of tracks on this disc I don't like at all, but I'm not gonna focus on those.

I like how ABC settled into their sound eventually and focused on being a white band playing some soulful R&B.  I feel like this album was an attempt to create an image.  The songs sometimes seem like they were written to fit a popular sound and to climb the charts.  It definitely feels orchestrated to sell.  I don't usually have a problem with that because at the time, popular artists who sold lots of records enabled record companies to spend money on artists who were infinitely more talented but wouldn't cross over into the top 40 charts.  Of course, my opinion of that soured over the years, but I still don't have a problem with an artist trying to make a record that would sell.  They all need to survive and make money.

Regardless of how I view this record, the fact is it's a 50/50 for me.  I love the songs I love, hate the ones I hate and the rest just lingers somewhere in between.  The mixes included at the end are a nice addition, but I'm not sure they would justify buying this version just to get them.  None of them stand out as stellar.  But it's sorta fun to have them.

I'm not going to go into this release more than this.  I've listened to it quite a few times trying to come up with things to say and the fact is, it just doesn't grip me as intensely as other material they've released.  My final words:  AN OK EFFORT BACK IN THE 80'S.

ABC - HOW TO BE A... ZILLIONAIRE!
01. Fear Of The World
02. Be Near Me
03. Vanity Kills
04. Ocean Blue
05. 15 Storey Halo
06. A To Z
07. How To Be A Millionaire
08. Tower Of London
09. So Hip It Hurts
10. Between You & Me
11. Fear Of The World (In Cinemascope)
12. Be Near Me (Munich Disco Mix)
13. How To Be A Millionaire (Bond St. Mix)
14. Vanity Kills (The Abigails Party Mix)

SHITTING GLITTER - SIDESADDLE SWEET TALK

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VANDAVEER - A MINOR SPELL

"A Minor Spell" is an EP released by Vandaveer in 2010.  I've reviewed some of Vandaveer's other albums here and I'm excited to discuss this little disc because it's just as wonderful and gorgeous as their full length albums.

For those of you not in the know, Vandaveer are a quasi-folk/rock band.  I'd say they were alt country but they're so much more.  Nothing they do sounds like one particular genre.  It's more like the bards of ancient days.  Mark Heidinger is the poet bard wandering the streets of America sharing his unique point of view in magnificent songs.  His sound is authentic, soulful and deeply moving.

Somehow, the beautiful entwined voices of Heidinger and Rose Guerin sweep around the room and fill you up with all sorts of unexpected emotions.  These songs conjure such personal memories because even though he sings about specific moments in time he's experienced, the listener is able to relate them to their own life and find relevance.  For instance, 'Everything Is Spinning' is a tune about losing a love and without knowing his story or getting too wrapped up in certain lyrics, anyone who's felt the pain of breaking up with someone can find those feelings rushing back to crush your heart once again.  

Heidinger is more like the folk singers of the past like Woody Guthrie, Leonard Cohen and James Taylor without sounding dated and out of touch.  He's the sparkling new version of a lost art form and he's made it his own.  You won't be disappointed if you take the time to explore the music of this gifted artist and band.  My final words:  ANOTHER ASTONISHING DISC FROM THE COMPLICATED MINDS OF VANDAVEER!  MUST OWN!

VANDAVEER - A MINOR SPELL
01. The Waking Hour (A Minor Spell)
02. Everything Is Spinning
03. Good Morning
04. All Together For The Taking
05. Ways & Means