As a performing musician in the Edmonton area (Canada), I've been frustrated with the lack of reviews that local bands get. I think bad bands need to hear feedback to improve, and I also think the good bands could use the publicity to build their fanbase.
Now, my opinion isn't the be-all-end-all, but it's feedback. If you have a song or two that you'd like an opinion on, send me some links to your MP3s online, and I'll give you a review. I'll review a whole album too if you want.
The review is simple: I simply ask myself "Would my wife like it?" The answers will vary, and I'll try to offer explanations as to why. You'll get a blend of my opinion and whenever possible, you'll get my wife's actual opinion.
I also attend concerts here and there, and when I do, I'll also write a review and include the "Would my wife like it?" question.
Pretty simple. If you like the review, feel free to use it in your press kit, on your website, whatever. You can link to it and all that stuff. If you hate the review, all I can say is it's just an opinion, and my intentions aren't cruel - I honestly just want to inform people about what bands are worth checking out and what bands maybe need some more gestation time before dominating the music industry. It's pretty much the same thing I tell my friends all the time, only now it's public info.
I'll also just note that this site is dedicated to Canadian artists.
So bands, if you want to know what my wife thinks, comment this blog and we'll get your reviews up.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2008/01/12
BAND(S): September Stone, Jezibelle, Sliver
VENUE: Hooliganz
CITY: Edmonton
DATE: January 12th, 2008
COVER CHARGE: Free
Sliver:
Would my wife like it? No.
Jezibelle:
Well, the mix wasn't helping any band tonight (no soundguy), but I know Amanda from Jezibelle can sing well, and the mix wasn't showcasing that. Other than some flat moments here and there, and the complete lack of being able to hear any harmonies, most of the show was good. The singer can SCREAM. It sounds great. The guitarist seems a little shy but that'll go away with time. The 3 girl band brought a variety of old school punk and modern rock/punk/metal to the table. Their playing is solid and their songwriting seems a little green but it's getting there. There are some great songs in their repertoire. A drunk audience will always enjoy the faster stuff, but a radio audience likes mid-tempo, so I think they need more mid-tempo stuff if they want a shot at more commercial success.
Would my wife like it? Some, but not all.
September Stone:
My first impression from looking at them was that they were going to suck. Their image is brutal - mainly because they don't carry themselves with confidence. And their clothing choices were not very rockstar. Plus, tuning by ear while the audience listens is not professional at all. I had low expectations by the time they actually finished tuning and got the first song started.
Then I was very pleasantly surprised. Once it song started, 3 of the 4 band members were giving a solid rock show with moves, expressions, and what I expect a good band to do while delivering some good modern rock/punk songs. Now, the songs were fairly safe arrangement-wise, but well done. Reminded me of Offspring. Which is good. The non-singing guitarist looked fairly uncomfortable and reserved - he played well, but wasn't giving it 100%. The other 3 members were visibly very into it and I have to say that song after song was easily enjoyable. It was a pleasant surprise and I thought to myself that this band would likely do well if they A. Focused on making sure the vocals were 100% and B. got a good producer. The singer was rough around the edges, but good overall. I walked away thinking they could sound and LOOK great with a little more work.
Would my wife like it? Some, but not most.
VENUE: Hooliganz
CITY: Edmonton
DATE: January 12th, 2008
COVER CHARGE: Free
Sliver:
Would my wife like it? No.
Jezibelle:
Well, the mix wasn't helping any band tonight (no soundguy), but I know Amanda from Jezibelle can sing well, and the mix wasn't showcasing that. Other than some flat moments here and there, and the complete lack of being able to hear any harmonies, most of the show was good. The singer can SCREAM. It sounds great. The guitarist seems a little shy but that'll go away with time. The 3 girl band brought a variety of old school punk and modern rock/punk/metal to the table. Their playing is solid and their songwriting seems a little green but it's getting there. There are some great songs in their repertoire. A drunk audience will always enjoy the faster stuff, but a radio audience likes mid-tempo, so I think they need more mid-tempo stuff if they want a shot at more commercial success.
Would my wife like it? Some, but not all.
September Stone:
My first impression from looking at them was that they were going to suck. Their image is brutal - mainly because they don't carry themselves with confidence. And their clothing choices were not very rockstar. Plus, tuning by ear while the audience listens is not professional at all. I had low expectations by the time they actually finished tuning and got the first song started.
Then I was very pleasantly surprised. Once it song started, 3 of the 4 band members were giving a solid rock show with moves, expressions, and what I expect a good band to do while delivering some good modern rock/punk songs. Now, the songs were fairly safe arrangement-wise, but well done. Reminded me of Offspring. Which is good. The non-singing guitarist looked fairly uncomfortable and reserved - he played well, but wasn't giving it 100%. The other 3 members were visibly very into it and I have to say that song after song was easily enjoyable. It was a pleasant surprise and I thought to myself that this band would likely do well if they A. Focused on making sure the vocals were 100% and B. got a good producer. The singer was rough around the edges, but good overall. I walked away thinking they could sound and LOOK great with a little more work.
Would my wife like it? Some, but not most.
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