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JPKALLIO.COM

 

Play it Loud

Three piece alternative punk band JPKALLIO.COM debut EP Play it Loud does what it says on the tin, it will have you playing it load, four tracks of pure dirty melodies and underrated guitar hooks, this is a band that just loves playing music, after listening to the EP you will hear the experimental sound that JPKALLIO.COM creates on the Play it Loud EP.

Track one is called "Everybody Dies", well that's true when their time is up, but not like the title the song is far from being morbid, full of melodic guitar sounds with an uplifting sound coming from the vocals, Green Day meets JPKALLIO.COM on a warm day for some tea? Maybe, but I like it.

Let Me Tell You Tonight is track two and it's got that deep moody gothic rock sound, dirty guitar licks and grunge sounding bass groove, chorus is a bit disappointing needs a bit more umph! and I feel it weakens the song even though it has got the potential of being a great tune.

The third song on the EP is called Right Out Of Here, rockabilly beats with blues rock guitar hooks drives this song, it has a real good catchy chorus and the song has just the right dynamics throughout it, sounds like Rory Gallagher got a sterile punk injection.

Final track is called Alive, the intro has a nice slow build up in this song, great lyrics and very raw in parts, Alive has got that anthem rock feel you know the ones that you have to wave you lighters or candles to, I have to say for a debut EP Play it Loud isn't half bad, it has a real nice mix of music and definitely a band worth checking out.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

https://www.facebook.com/jpkalliomusic

Juliet's Rescue

 

 

All I have to say about this band is "oh my god get this CD", I have them on my iPod now. They are an all male band, but do not call them a boy band, as they are far from it.

Daire, Mark, Darragh, Eoghan and Dermot, they put the band together just to jam and took it one step further to write their own material, they truly know how to pin a song. Guitar riffs, strumming bass lines, sensational drum beats are all thought out to perfection with the perfect lyrics to go with it.

These guys have the hunger to succeed but most importantly have a great sound. Juliet's Rescue is one of the most promising acts I've heard this year.

Review by Jennifer Ormsby

5/6

http://www.facebook.com/julietsrescue

Joey Ryan

 

Dusk

Wexford/Cork resident Joey Ryan makes a swift return to the singer/songwriter circuit with his third release “Dusk”. This is the third album in as many years from the Irish blues singer and highlights his impressive songwriting progress and development as a vocalist.

Highlights from the eleven-track album include the foot stomping “Devil on my Trail”, and the heartfelt “Take a Chance”. Clodagh Kearney provides backing vocals on two tracks including the intimate “Black Lion Cross” and slow burning “Lost”, which closes the album.

Ryan’s love of the blues permeate throughout the recording and a cover of legendary American blues musician Blind Willie Johnson’s “In My Time Of Dyin’” is a perfectly apt addition to the record.

In terms of the recording, the simple stripped back setup is quite effective; nonchalant slide guitar and hints of flute and violin add subtle texture to the record; however, it is Ryan’s simple yet effective guitar playing and intimate vocals that make “Dusk” such a good record. His ability to effortlessly draw the listener in with his deep drawling vocals could see this hardworking musician make inroads in the music industry.

Review by Stephen Walsh

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/joeyryanacoustic

Jody Has A Hitlist

 

'Boy Caught Envy' EP Review

Jody Has A Hitlist have come a long way in their relatively short existence with a Meteor nomination for 'Most Promising New Artist 2010' and numerous UK tours. Their three track EP 'Boy Caught Envy' is available from http://jodyhasahitlist.bandcamp.com/

The lead track 'Boy Caught Envy' shows the band developing and maturing their sound, not sounding as poppy as their previous releases. It’s an uptempo track with a nice intro build up. Production is spot on for the genre and features a nice breakdown in the middle of the track. This gives the track a little more room to breathe and the inclusion of layers of vocal harmonies. Good musicianship, manic drumming!

'See You Around' immediately catches your attention. It's melodic, great vocals, great structure good danceable tempo. Why isn't this on the radio already? It should be, full stop. These guys know their sound and know what their potential audience want. Excellent.

The piano led 'Remember The Forever' shows Jody Has A Hitlist in what seems like a more thoughtful mood. The uptempo cleverly builds up and the addition of a second vocalist's refrain adds to the track. Again, JHAH know their sound and are bloody good at what they do. If they have the legs to out run their competitors, the future will be bright.
Review by Nessy

http://www.myspace.com/jodyhasahitlist

Jezzebelle

 

Never Coming Back Single

Once again Jezzebelle puts together another superb musical piece, strong rhythms and soulful grooves creates a very natural environment for Katie Carpenter's voice, Never Coming Back has a real smooth soulful feel to it with a nice touch of flamenco style guitar from Gary Burke this track has got to be aired on radio to get the recognition it deserves,superb stuff.
Review by T.Halpin

6/6

http://www.myspace.com/jezzebellemusic

Jester

 

See Saw Review

I hadn't heard of these guys before so who are Jester? Well, they're a Tipperary band who have had two previous Irish Top 40 singles, namely 'Maria' and 'Scream'. Their upcoming single 'See Saw' is due for release in July 2010.

'Scream' is a hard rock track with a slight punky edge. Some slight effects on Colin Dempsey's vocals add a professionalism to the overall sound and feel of the track. Good musicianship, clever all round production, good arrangements and a thumping drummer could make this track one of the ones to watch on Irish radio this summer.

If the guys are like this when recorded, live: I'd say you'd want to hang on to your hair!

Review by Nessy

Pumping!

5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/jestermusik

John Enghauser

The three track sample of John Enghauser's 2009 album Lost in the Pages which
I've had the pleasure of listening to is a fantastic showcase of an enigmatic
performer and songwriter.

The title track begins with short and sharp acoustic guitar stabs which
immediately have you thinking "oh its one of those singer-songwriters". However
soon the rest of the instruments come in, which bar the drums is all Enghauser
himself, and it becomes an entirely different beast. Impressive guitar lines
and a head-bopping chorus calls to mind such 90s alternative giants as Pearl
Jam and Soundgarden.

Burning Ladder starts with a crash of distorted guitars and drums but settles
into the quieter verse quickly "Chapter One, very long ago, there lived in a
valley the heart of a broken man". The song carries on with quite impressive
lyrics in a similar story structure plus it packs another killer chorus and
ends with an extremely impressive guitar solo led jam.

Cognition Inc. takes the mood of the previous two tracks, throws it out,
replaces it with something even better and confuses the hell out of you forcing
you to ask "is this seriously the same guy?" The track will immediately have you
thinking of Jamiroquai and the Red Hot Chili Peppers because its funky-soul
infused rock from top to bottom. The lyrics are genius and sinister and are
wrapped around a melody so infectious you will find yourself absent-mindedly
singing along on public transport in no time.

John Enghauser has clearly done his homework in the 14 years since his first
musical release. Entirely self produced Lost in the Pages appears to be a well
thought out and well executed collection of alternative rock songs with enough surprises to keep listeners very interested all the way through.

Review by Kevin McCabe

4.5/6

http://www.myspace.com/johnenghausermusic

Jennifer Hurley

Jennifer is a r’n’b, hip-hop singer and songwriter who hails from Dublin. On
first listen, I was ready to hit the dance floor, get up, and boogie. Jennifer
has a lovely soft voice that is accompanied by beats that make her voice shine.
Her songs tell stories about their nothing better than the boy your with right
up to partying. Upbeat tune ‘’Lets Party’’ has you wanting to party. Jennifer’s
duet with hip-hop legends Naughty by Nature ‘’Nothing Like You’’ has all the
elements to be a number 1 single. Right across all her songs Jennifer does not
fail to make her mark. With the hip-hop beats that make you want to dance and
the beautiful voice and catchy lyrics add up the recipe of success and this
girl has the talent to reach the stars.

Review by Jennifer Ormsby

6/6

http://www.myspace.com/jennihurley
James Vincent McMorrow

 

Sparrow & The Wolf

‘Sparrow and the Wolf’ is the new single taken from James Vincent McMorrow’s debut album ‘Early In The Morning’.

Sparrow and the Wolf is an up tempo folky jazzy track. McMorrow’s vocal style not unlike like that of John Mayer. Its a catchy tune and given the current success of Mumford & Sons, this should do pretty well. It’s the kind of track Mr Ray D’arcy could play to death on Today FM.

I like it!

Review by Nessy

5.5/ 6

http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com

James Guilmartin

 

Intro into Exile

On my first listen to Exit into Exile, I felt bewildered and confused and clear out of ideas to describe these eclectic pieces. However, young James left some words of wisdom on the back of the booklet inside. His tip; the higher you climb, the greater the view helped me.

“Breadcrumb Trail”

Beginning with electric guitar chords and busy bass, this track involves soothing vocals backed by distortion laden, rock guitars. Some wonderful instrumentation is going on throughout, with masterful riffs that command the listener and won’t let you out of their power. Harmony is almost like a monastic choir in the chanted chorus, surrounded by Zeppelin/Nirvana-styled lead and an amazing baseline.

“Untimely Minds”

Flamenco-style guitar chords take you into this three four time track. Chord combinations are appealing, along with key changes to create mood. I particularly love the bassy tones and find the melody line stimulating. Further into this track a harmonica is introduced, plus cymbals which add emphasis to the drama in the lyrics about a vixen with her cubs, which are in danger from the hunter and his son. The sense of danger comes through in the notation, as the hunter warns his son in the same way as the vixen; I hold my hand dear, for the storm is rising. Your not strong yet, but you’re trying.

“All the dogs are howling their own tune”

This jazz waltz is blissful, played on a guitar with a beautiful tone and I detect a second guitar in there which makes it extra special. It has a seductive melody and delicious lyrics; A little wine, to soothe my nights, a little flower for me to inspire. For all those crazy moments when you think you’re alone. For all those crazy moments, right before your mind has gone. I like how the pace alters for an instrumental break later on in this number. Crashing cymbals, lots of distortion in the guitars and a repeated riff come in, with faint vocals to build up to a dramatic crescendo. It just winds down with the original two guitars.

“Come by the fire” has a trickling acoustic guitar intro, close harmony in the chorus which is sung like a mantra, James singing the line; Come by the fire it is burning in a kind of monotone. It’s quite hypnotic music and very powerful, but certainly is an acquired taste. Guitar does a haunting lead solo, with lots of note bending and eerie slides.

Slow and sweet, but a delightful piece is “Wet black velvet blues”. Guitars are jazzy and lazy. A clarinet adds to the wonderful atmosphere here, harmony is sung behind James’s excellent bluesy vocals as he pours out the sorrowful story, “40 smokes and 10 coffees through, I still don’t know what to do”. Chords are lovely and help create the subdued, drowsy atmosphere.

I find “wise up” very dreary, with a sense of tragedy in the melody that wouldn’t exactly cheer a person up during a recession. However it has some very interesting discords in the harmony and a marvellous arrangement. It has a complex chorus and is like a concerto of both electric and acoustic, with throbbing percussion, building up to a full sound that seeps into your soul.

In “Naked sacred son” the chords are really pretty, as trickling acoustic guitar and percussion give it a real sense of movement. Harmony seems layered here, adding greatly to the overall piece.

By far the most outstanding song on this whole album for me has to be track seven, “Gypsy love song”. Brushes are expertly drumming out the beat, while a slinky song unfolds. There’s an exotic quality to this number, with a riff played softly behind each line of the chorus. Easy, laid back and totally adorable, it comprises a simple melody and a really cool performance from James.

“Spirit of Haum”

Very abstract, this song has mournful lyrics. Harmony is close, vocals brilliant and the rhythmic acoustic guitars and eclectic feel make it quite soothing.

“Long Path”

This is a very long song, so it is well named. It’s yet another haunting piece of music, with big sustained notes framing lovely plucked guitars. It’s a person who is reflecting on his life, loves and experiences. Lyrics are deep and regretful;

“There was a sun setting deep behind his eyes. There was a loaded gun strapped to his mind. There was a kindred lady who brushed a loving smile. She said ‘where you going honey? Why don’t you stay for a while’?

The last track is “Nightly blossom”, a chant which is really pretty. An array of voices, almost choir-like repeat a line “Her lies opening out”. Lots of interesting instruments gradually join in as the dynamic increases, a bongo drum beating out a soft rhythm. This extra track of the album has a weird ending, with James singing a chant in a foreign language. It drags on a bit and is a bit creepy.

Hearing this album is like going on a strange trip. The title Exit into Exile is very apt. But it’s worth the journey when you find a few really beautiful jewels among the dowdy, sombre dirges as I did. The CD itself reflects its contents in that it is quite mysterious looking, coloured in sepia tones and seriously abstract.

Review by Angela Macari O’Looney

http://www.myspace.com/jamesguilmartin

Juliet Gough

 

Rays Around The Sun

Debut album from this emerging Danish singer songwriter Juliet Gough has 12 tracks of pure warmth and depth, with previous success on the release of the single "Rays around the sun" I think Juliet seems to have found a notch in the UK market with this album, it brings flavors of indie rock and some pooped up folk tunes, each song is caressed by the warm and gifted vocals of Juliet Gough adding a very nice ambience feel to every track. some highlights for me on this album is the intro track 1 "Rays around the sun" nice easy listener with classy lyrics and the warmth of Juliet's vocals brings you deep into the melody of the song, excellent stuff. Track 5 "Our open Place" this has a hint of gospel blues to it's melody with some hearth felt lyrics by Juliet, uplifting and moody. Track 7 "The world has not lost it's beauty(calling you)" super little song almost acapella from Juliet with the slight touch of some piano alternates the rhythm to give a real folk blues feel this is the anthem song for me on the album, superb. Track 11 "On my swanwinged highbike through love's kaleidoscope night" upbeat and with a nice happy summer feel this has a lot of commercial potential, catchy with some nice hooks this how songs should be written, class lyrics and top marks on Juliet's voice.

Review by T.Halpin

6/6

www.myspace.com/julietgough

John, Shelly and The Creatures

 

Listening to the new single by John, Shelly and The Creatures proved to be a slight headwreck. Where did I know that song from? Back to the PR notes.

'Long May You Reign' is currently featured on the TV advert for Discover Northern Ireland, though we only get a glimpse of what a great track this is. Sometimes listening pleasure can be changed by knowing a songs history, not this time.

A folky guitar intro is the perfect intro for whispering vocals. Add in a mandolin, slide guitar and is that a harmonica I hear? You've got a perfect sonic soundscape. Production is pristine.

While knowing a clip of the song from TV, this offers so much more. 'Long May You Reign' is taken from the Belfast based band's new album 'Dinosaur', due out in March 2010.

If the rest of the the band's material is like this it should be a hell of a year for them.

5.998 out of 6 (I'm being a tougher reviewer this year)

Review by Nessy

www.johnshellyandthecreatures.com

Joey Ryan

 

"Fracture"

Wexford singer songwriter Joey Ryan loves to play his acoustic guitar in a folk roots rhythm way, you can hear blues folk and some nice grooves on this album, as Joey comes from metal orientated bands in the past, you can hear this has passed on through this album in both lyrics and playing styles especially in the song "Side" it's got the groveling vocals and mood tempered feel to it. The blues side of Joey shines on track four called "Fracture" bluegrass rhythms with dark intention, The highlight for me on this album is "Lost Open Road" Joey let's his folk roots take control here, nice flowing rhythm guitar can be heard beneath Joey's voice. excellent stuff.

Review by T.Halpin

Rank: **** 4 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/joeyryanacoustic

James O'Connor

"Out On A Limb Review"

I think country is making a comeback... maybe its the recession and images of crying into beer.
'Out on a limb' is the new single from Laois' James O'Connor and features Audrey Trainor on violin.
The production on this track definitely gives it a country feel but the introduction of the violin certainly nods at the folk/trad field.
Track 2 features what has now become the unusual decision to put an instrumental version in there... Hmm! Haven't seen that in a while!
Overall the song is not entirely my cup of tea, I would have like to see more troughs and hills in the verse/chorus/verse production. I feel though that the one thing that may stop the track getting a decent amount of airplay in the length. I'd do a radio edit, at 4.30 I think its a little long.
It's a good start but I need to hear more before making a solid judgement.
Review by Nessy

Rank:**** 4 out of 6

www.myspace.com/jamesoconnormusic

John Orr Franklin

 

"Transformation"
John Orr Franklin from Austin Texas USA set up his own record label called Blue Room Digital and released his second cd Transformation, produced and written by John in his studio in Austin Texas he has created eleven tracks of progressive rock with some kick ass blues riffs! So if your into your Dave Gilmour and Joe Satriani you will enjoy this Album.My favorites on the Album are "Dance Till Three" the ambient feel that the acoustic guitar creates is almost a Spanish feel blends quite well with john's voice as it flows gently over the song.
"Flow" This is a instrumental well worth the listen,this is for you guitar musers out there! it has a real jazz fusion feel with a Latin rock edge i love the harmonies on the guitar it really offers a real flare to this track super playing.
"Transformation" this has Gilmour written all over it with a twist of folk in the vocals John ha cleverly taken some progressive notes to create this rock ballad.
"Summer" i like the Summertime riff John uses in the intro in this moody jazz number, John does add some of his own guitar flare to spice up this song.
"This Day" slow with a ambient feel, if you loved chilling out to Pink Floyd then you will with this song, John is playing some nice hypnotic guitar through out the song and giving off a real relaxed tone.very enjoyable to listen to.
Review by T.Halpin

Rank:**** 4 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/johnorrfranklin

Jon Scott

 

"Some R Beautiful"
Jon Scott a London/UK lawyer decided to go back to his real passion in life and has created ten songs with one element holding them all together and thats pure love for music.. you can hear how Jon has experimented with pop,jazz and some catchy dance tunes that any of todays DJ's would love to get a mix of, my favorites on the album are
"Suzi Walker" low key motown feel from this track with some soulful singing by Jon, the mellow bass groove and sexy rhythm tells the full story for this song. "Summer" here is a tune for the clubs the heading speaks for the song Summer its got your pure Ibiza club party mix and some fantastic lyrics catchy and commercial.
"Thats the Way' smooth and silky tone with an 80's flare coming from the brass section adds to this song giving it the soulful pop feel that it deserves.
'Everything's Beautiful" this song has a real happy tone and with the African styled rhythm Jon is due some credit for this song in the way it has been written,this song will have you moving on the dance floor for sure.
"Mood 4 U" nothing like a good love song and if you like your candle lit dinners and trying to impress your woman here is your perfect song to do it with..the vocals and feel from this tune is full of undesirable passion. Jon Scott is well worth checking out and I'm sure you will agree this is one talent to be heard!
Review by T.Halpin

Rank:***** 5 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/jonscot

JIMI CULLEN

The Junkyard Poet
Review
Wexford's hardest working singer songwriter Jimi Cullen with his rich folk roots tone and political lyrics, Jimi has out shined on this ten track album and still expressing his message of love,hope and how messed up our world is, I feel Jimi has found a more solid notch in his sound and in direction, there is a few songs to mention on this album that has real strong country blues feeling from them and the harmonica adds just what is needed to blend the sound into its correct tone, "Messed up world" is uplifting and very commercial this could be a great EP to release and "Not going home" class stuff now your talking the talk these are very airplay friendly and should be! The fist track on the album to me still has a bit of work or maybe it's not fitting into Jimi's style but this is still a cracking album..
Review by T.Halpin

RANK: ***** 5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/jimicullen
JAMES SULLIVAN

THIS IS JOY

James is from Tramore/Waterford Ireland he has produced some wonderful and spiritual tracks on this Album with the help of some talented musicians he has put together an arrangement of extended mind blowing melodies, track five “hopes and dreams” (feat. Ross Kearley) is very commercial for its class of music with lots of folk flare, overall it's not a bad little album with it's mixture of folk and indie melodies.

Review by T.Halpin

RANK: **** 4 out of 6

www.myspace.com/jamessullivanmusic

JEROME’S LAW

 

DEMO EP

Five piece band emerging from Dublin, Ireland with this Demo Ep full of a mixture of melodic tunes and some heavy pop influences with a mainstream folk feel from the vocals the second track on the Ep grabbed the top listener for me called “Kicking in the brain” Laid back rhythm section with powerful vocals, great structure and the lyrics have a real catchy feel to them with a sly jazz beat you can hear in the song excellent stuff.

Review by

T.Halpin

RANK: ***** 5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/jeromeslaw