J
Scott Franklin - ‘Chain Of Words’ (Infinite Number of Sounds Records)
To know that amazing
talent does exist in Cleveland, is always refreshing. J Scott Franklin is a
poet, who put his poems to the music of some Cleveland greats. This isn't
really a CD you'll find yourself singing along to, mostly because there isn't
much singing anyways, but it is one that you'll put on and enjoy. He's
Cleveland's Tom Waits or Allan Ginsberg. The music is also amazing, played by
skilled pros who do a great job of putting a backdrop to Franklin's words. This
is an album to put on when you're relaxing, or for when you are in an artsy
mood. Even tracks without music, like "R.I.P. God" are still entertaining.
Pick this up, it's different, and worthy of your support. For more info, visit
J. Scott Franklin's website.
(Eddie Fleisher)
Incaidia's six song EP is a
little too metal for me, I guess. The growling got pretty old to me quick. The
music is good, but not any different from any other hardcore / metal band. Their
drummer, Chris Froud, is an amazing player, and his double bass pedal mayhem is
really the only thing I enjoyed about this record. If you like a lot of low
growls, then you might want to go check it out for yourself, I'd have to pass on
this myself. For more info, go the band's
website. (Eddie Fleisher)
The Minds
– ‘Plastic Girls’ (Dirtnap/Alien Snatch)
Dirtnap brings us
(vinyl courtesy of Alien Snatch Records in Germany) yet another release of new-wavey
punk from the Northwest. This one is one of the best examples of the style
outside of the obvious choices (Epoxies/Spits). This basically sounds like a
more punk version of the Epoxies without the female vocals. The
super-catchiness is still here though – check out the title track, “Hot”, and
“Don’t Touch”. Though I’ve never listened to them, British punk fans may also
be interested to know that they do a cover of the Adverts’ “My Place”. Great
debut release. (Russ Romance)
One Day We Die –‘Live from the Grog Shop’
(Self released)
Formed
in 2000 by vocalist/guitarist Eddie Fleisher, One Day We Die began as just an
acoustic project, while he worked on writing and recording for other projects.
When that failed, One Day We Die returned, this time with Matt Michaels on drums
and bassist Chris Merritt. In 2003, Merritt was replaced by bassist Aaron
Donahoo, and since then ODWD has released two live albums on their very own LA
Rock Inc. record label.
"Live from the
Grog Shop" offers a raw-edge sound with strong guitars and a catchy beat. The
on-stage conversations add a funky, humorous touch to show off the band's
personality. The first track, "Liars", caught me slightly off guard and I wasn't
really feeling it, but the second song, "The Only Person Left Here", had a great
emotional vibe that I really liked, and intrigued me to continue listening. The
band even throws in a great interlude called, "Tuning is Lame" which shows how
they pass down-time onstage, which I found very funny. With the interesting
title, "Meetings, Malls, Stabbing People, Cutting Their Heads Off", I found
myself tapping my foot along, but the remainder of the album couldn't seem to
keep my focus. In general, One Day We Die has a very different and unique
approach to their music, and I definitely commend that. However, "Live from the
Grog Shop" isn't something that I will probably listen to again. (Melani
Alleshouse)
To know that amazing
talent does exist in Cleveland, is always refreshing. J Scott Franklin is a
poet, who put his poems to the music of some Cleveland greats. This isn't
really a CD you'll find yourself singing along to, mostly because there isn't
much singing anyways, but it is one that you'll put on and enjoy. He's
Cleveland's Tom Waits or Allan Ginsberg. The music is also amazing, played by
skilled pros who do a great job of putting a backdrop to Franklin's words. This
is an album to put on when you're relaxing, or for when you are in an artsy
mood. Even tracks without music, like "R.I.P. God" are still entertaining.
Pick this up, it's different, and worthy of your support. For more info, visit
J. Scott Franklin's 
Incaidia's six song EP is a
little too metal for me, I guess. The growling got pretty old to me quick. The
music is good, but not any different from any other hardcore / metal band. Their
drummer, Chris Froud, is an amazing player, and his double bass pedal mayhem is
really the only thing I enjoyed about this record. If you like a lot of low
growls, then you might want to go check it out for yourself, I'd have to pass on
this myself. For more info, go the band's 
Dirtnap brings us
(vinyl courtesy of Alien Snatch Records in Germany) yet another release of new-wavey
punk from the Northwest. This one is one of the best examples of the style
outside of the obvious choices (Epoxies/Spits). This basically sounds like a
more punk version of the Epoxies without the female vocals. The
super-catchiness is still here though – check out the title track, “Hot”, and
“Don’t Touch”. Though I’ve never listened to them, British punk fans may also
be interested to know that they do a cover of the Adverts’ “My Place”. Great
debut release. (Russ Romance)
Formed
in 2000 by vocalist/guitarist Eddie Fleisher, One Day We Die began as just an
acoustic project, while he worked on writing and recording for other projects.
When that failed, One Day We Die returned, this time with Matt Michaels on drums
and bassist Chris Merritt. In 2003, Merritt was replaced by bassist Aaron
Donahoo, and since then ODWD has released two live albums on their very own LA
Rock Inc. record label.
