Triptaka's Second War

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Triptaka's Second War

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Triptaka

Title Second War

Label Self Released

Rating 4 out of 10

Triptaka creates a 1970’s flash back, using an old school method of creating hybrid sounds. Triptaka combines of the sounds of metal, industrial and progressive rock in their first album release, Second War, creating a hit or miss mixture of sounds.

Second War opens with Suspended, a track that makes you want to get up and move. The electronic keyboard sound matches with the electric rhythmic guitar riffs to create a contagious rhythm. The chorus is a masterpiece of soft moving vocals and infectious rhythms.

Yet, the first four tracks all seem to fallow the same song layout and pattern leading each to fall victim to an infectious case of bad reputation. Lost and Leading experiments with a techno-industrial sound, while Second War tries-out and electronic-metal sound to nearly the same song.

Graeme Cornies, vocalist, has a soft, calm, monotone voice that matches best with the brutal sounds of Dave Kelly’s guitar riffs and James Chapple’s experimental keyboard rhythms. The synths provided by Chapple are rhythmically aggressive, yet when the unnatural sound of the drums makes it hard to truly enjoy the creative sound of Second War. Track four, Tamed, masters the relaxing, mind indulging sound of electronic rock. Which is followed by the soft calming beach sounds of Mother. With a smooth thick voice, Cornies relays painful vocals over the distorted yet real sounds of Chapple and the breath taking rhythmic passages.

Although the hybrid sound of Triptaka is not capturing through tracks one though five. Skip up to track six, Slowburn, because Triptaka finally embraces their true talents with and intense metal and industrial sound and attaching vocals radiating anger. Chapple finally proves to be an above average musician with a capturing solo as Kelly experiments with insane guitar riffs.

Picking up the pace after track six, Second War still falls short of an album that must be added to a collection. Triptaka seems to be attempting to find themselves and their sound in Second War (and achieved success with Slowburn). Give them a chance at a second album and conquering their sound and they may amount up to a band worthy of applause.

Static X's Cult of Static

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Static X's Cult of Static

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Static X

Title Cult of Static

Label Reprise Records

Rating 7 out of 10

For those of you who thought Static X was a one-hit-wonder with Push It in 1999, you were wrong.

Releasing their sixth album, Cult of Static, and continuing to work on albums to come, Static X continues to prove they are more than just some boys who “struck it lucky” with their debut album in the late 90’s. Cult of Static is the bigger, moodier, layered epic sound that Cannibal (2007) was lacking.

Offering fans the new sound of continuous improvement, Static X starts things off on a fresh note. Lunatic has a raw sound and a gripping groove, and that is just the beginning of a nonstop ride. Terminal takes the sound to another extreme. Slowing the guitar tempo down providing the perfect backdrop for Static’s moodier, dark and deep vocals; Koichi Fuduka, guitarist, showcases his talents, picking up the speed during his provocative solos. Terminal captures the unmistakable and remarkable sound that simple riffs and rhythms are made into when played by talented Heavy Metal musicians.

The pounding sound and heart pumping beats don’t stop with Terminal. With a brutal assault, Nick Oshiro, drummer, captures a deadly and haunting beat that is unmistakably intense in Hypure. The drums are accompanied by the wailing guitar of Fuduka lying-in behind the demonic sound of Static.

Because your heart may be pumping too fast for your body to handle track five, Tera-Field slows the pace back down and provides a five-plus minute ride through groovy riffs, dark metal sounds and epic gritty howls. Tera-Field is a track you can sit back and completely escape the terrors of everyday life in.

Making sure you’re not too relaxed however, Stingwray picks back up the beat. But it’s You Am I that really takes the cake. With a unique cybernetic rhythmic, a breakthrough throbbing sound, and mysterious grooves, You Am I almost literally explodes with power.

Get ready to hit the gas, get up and move as the rhythms of Skinned take over your body! Then, ending on as brutal a note as they began, Grind 2 Halt is an electronic journey of distortion and brutal noises that spiral into oblivion. Sit back or stand up – your call… Grind 2 Halt is a distorted journey thrown together with the familiar Static X sound to create a musical ride fans will really want to experience.

With fast-driving songs, raw noises and somewhat absent-minded passages, Cult Of Static is evidence of the sweat, thrown-out voices and numb fingers that Static X puts into all of their work.

Lamb of God's Wrath

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Lamb of God's Wrath

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Lamb of God

Title Wrath

Label Epic Records

Rating 10 out of 10

Prepare to feel Richmond, Virginia's favorite hometown boy’s wrath, because Lamb of God is even better than ever. After three years worth of touring and recording the sound of “Pure American Metal” is back! Already at the top of their game and one of the most well known metal bands, Lamb of God’s new album, Wrath is destined to do nothing but put the band over the top. If Sacrament (2006) wasn’t heavy enough for you, Wrath will leave you in awe.

Opening with an instrumental track, The Passing provides a calm and relaxing preparation for the mind-blowing tracks to come. In Your Words reassures fans that Randy Blythe still has what it takes and his potent vocabulary and lyrical style have made continuous improvement, as has the entire band's skills.

By track two, Set To Fail, Lamb of God has you hooked (as if they didn’t already!). With lyrics invoking the familiar pain of betrayal, Bylthe uses a mixture of vocal styles that exemplify his lyrics which are matched equally by the brutal rhythmic sounds of Chris Adler, drums; John Campbell, bass; Wille Adler, guitar; and Mark Morton, guitar. As if the riffs, solos and beats weren’t mind-blowing enough, Set To Fail along with Fake Messiah amplify Lamb of God’s endless capabilities.

With lycanthropic ferocity, Wrath proves to not only be Lamb of God's most powerful album yet, but also the most harmonious. Working together, the entire band contributed to Wrath with more than just the final sounds. The pre-recording exchange of ideas, riffs, and lyrics is evident throughout the album.

With an acoustic opening that gives way for both Bylthe’s gnashing-your-teeth vocals and C. Adler’s pummeling drums, Grace is a stand-out song that showcases astounding musicianship and catchy lyrics. Making group vocals work to their advantage Broken Hands features a livid sound and deeply personal lyrics; if you have ever been betrayed, used or trapped in the memory of something good, Bylthe’s lyrics on Broken Hands will speak to you personally. With a mix of vocal styles and range working along side the the brutal soundscape, the track is made even more mesmorizing, leaving the listener with a decided feeling of empowerment.

Picking up the speed of things C. Adler, W. Adler, Campbell and Morton set a fast pace from the very start of the ninth track, Everything To Nothing. With a rhythm that will have you tapping feet and nodding your head, the guitar riffs and solos will blow your mind as they capture the talents of W. Adler and Mortons. Everything To Nothing exemplifies the talent of Lamb of God...

Keeping the show moving and the tempo upbeat, Choke Sermon is another get up and move track that showcases the band's talents.

Opening with another acoustic intro, Reclamation is yet another new sound for Lamb of God. With the soft sounds of the ocean in the background at both the beginning and end, the pastoral sounds work well with Bylthe’s lyrics about “the earth reclaiming it’s self and the waters rising.” Prepare yourself for a seven minute journey full of powerful sounds, vocals, vocal styles and assorted tempos, as Reclamation provides the perfect note to end on.

An album of back-to-back “Pure American Metal” masterpieces, Wrath is a must-own album. Metal fingers, head banging, belting of lyrics and immense amounts of movement are at the very least appropriate throughout. Lamb of God has once again come forth and proven where they stand—on top.

Scream Hello's Everything Is Always Still Happening

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Scream Hello's Everything Is Always Still Happening

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Scream Hello

Title Everything Is Always Still Happening

Label Red Leader

Rating 6 out of 10

Slightly ADD? Then you should enjoy the mix up of emo, punk and indie that Scream Hello dishes out in their newest album Everything is Always Still Happening. Combining some of the most popular genres of music, Scream Hello has created an album that, for a lack of better words, is unique.

Formed in 2004, these New Jersey boys already have three albums under their belts and are planning on more in the future. In 2006 Scream Hello released The Infinite Son fallowed by both Smart and Stupid and Everything is Always Still Happening in 2008.

Everything is Always Still Happening provides a listening experience that keeps you on your toes wondering what will come next. From song to song, listeners will notice that the only commonality is the lyrical style, and at times even that's likely to change.

Starting off with a relaxed pop sound, Everything is Always Still Happening opens with 35 Plums which is then followed by You Have Good Taste, or The Gilmore Girls song. Any fan of the popular WB hit TV show will fall in love with You Have Good Taste. Referring to the show's main charters, the song specifically addresses Rory, “If only you could watch out through the glass on your TV Oh Rory, you are the one for me forget about Jess and Dean…” James Caverly, vocalist and guitarist, then continues to address Lorelei, Rory’s best friend and mother, “Lorelei, I know I’m young but mature for my age,” asking for her approval. You Have Good Taste is not just for the Gilmore Girls fans though with a simple yet impacting vocabulary and catchy course, this song reaches out to everyone who is or has been in love.

But don’t let the sweet-sounding fool you. Keeping your ears in tune, the sounds of Caverly and Daniel Kluxen’s guitar continue to change right along with the rhythmic beats of bassist Chris Connallon and drummer Adam Manus. No two rhythmic beats on this ten track album ever sound the same!

Embracing all they did in previous punk and hardcore bands, Scream Hello’s Bullets, embraces feelings of fear and anger reflected in both the lyrics and arrangements. With more of a gritty edge and darker sound, Bullets highlights the talents of Scream Hello as they prove their sound is capable of going anywhere. For example, if you bought this album assuming the band would be screaming the whole time, your patience is eventually rewarded. Caverly’s lyrics are loud, spastic and honest, as the sound behind his words is just as loud, spastic, and dark as his words are, “Helpless held by the throat, a hostage does what it’s told. Fear is a powerful thing; I’ve got this gun to show I’m so scared, I’m so scared, I’m so scared.”

The 52 second Business Ethics catches your ear first with the recognizable The Entertainer, then makes sure you are paying attention with a sudden change to a punk-pop sound. “Hope this isn’t the start because efficiency kills the heart,” ends the song abruptly. Business Ethics is a new twist on the interlude track, and one that will hopefully stick.

The band is not planning on hitting the road with a tour anytime soon, so Scream Hello fans (and fans-to-be) will be excited to find out that at the start of the new year they entered the studio once again. Recording at Exeter Recordings with Joe Dell’Aquila in Freehold, New Jersey, Scream Hello is staying on track -- recording completely new material that will once again keep listeners ears wondering... what's next?

Knox Bronson's Pop Down The Years

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com

Knox Bronson's Pop Down The Years

By Heather Gioia
Intern

Artist Knox Bronson

Title Pop Down The Years

Label Tangerine Sky Records

Rating 5 out of 10

Prepare for a musical high. Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years is an experience unlike any other.

With a voice comparable to David Bowie, English musician, actor, record producer and arranger, Bronson has fused melody, rhythm, organic style and electronic style together to produce brightly colored modern and classical pieces.

Pop Down The Years starts with the simple up-beat electronic track, Hey Little Earthgirl that will brighten up any day. With a driving beat, Bronson puts his lyrical and electronic magic to work, accentuating the lyrics through a vocal distortion. The lyrics match the electronic style of song, “Hey little Earthgirl I think your fantastic, intergalactic, Hey little Earthgirl, electronic where I’m taking you its supersonic.” Be prepared to hum Hey Little Earthgirl for the rest of the day.

Bronson continues to distort his Bowie-esque vocals in Old Man Cold Man which features a much slower and relaxing beat along with a mellow pop sound. Also notable is 3 Seconds Before Maia Smiled which begins with an interesting electronic, asian-sounding beat that slowly transforms into another relaxing mellow pop sound.

Using electronics to set the mood, Bronson brings more energy to Bordertown then you'll find on 90% of the other tracks as he sets the stage for a mid-album pick up.

Taking a break from his Bowie-like vocals, Bronson distorts his vocals in a whole new way to create the unearthly electronic sound in Stay. Sit back and prepare to visit a far out place with one of the most relaxing, yet far out sounds you have ever heard. The almost six minute track is one you can put on and go about things while the mellow electronic sounds play in the background, or sit back and listen to the lyrics and unique style. Either way, Stay is one of hte more pleasurable listens on the album.

Proving his songwriting, arrangements and use of electronics is nearly endless, the do-it-all Bronson’s Pop Down The Years is an nearly endless mixture of one-of-a-kind sounds.

Ending with less reliance on the electronics, the album closes with its title track, a calming, enjoyable explanation for the title.

If you find yourself in a bad mood, pop in Knox Bronson’s Pop Down The Years, sit back and maybe play a game or chat on your laptop, but in the end... just relax. Before you know it your blood pressure and pulse will lower and everything will somehow feel okay. And if that doesn't work for you, put Pop Down the Years away and listen to something else for a while... then come back to it like I did. Chances are, Bronson’s unique sounds are bound to grow on you.

In Remembrance...'s Nothing is Forever

Music-Reviewer.com

March 2009 Music-Reviewer.com
http://www.inremembrancerock.com Woodbridge, VA

In Remembrance...'s Nothing is Forever

By Heather Gioia

Artist: In Remembrance…

Title: Nothing is Forever

Label: Unsigned/None

Genre: Acoustic/Alternative/Rock

Rating: 9 out of 10

Finally a tribute band with meaning.

In memory of Capt. Brian S. Letendre, In Remembrance… does not only share his story, but also honor every member of the United States Armed Forces who have fought for American rights and freedom.

On May 3, 2006 Capt. Letendre, a husband, father, son and brother, died during operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2008 Nick Letendre, Aaron Peck, Daniel Rastatter and Nick Harris brought their musical passions and talents together to create “In Remembrance…”

A combination of musical interments and lyrics with meaning, In Remembrance…’s Nothing is Forever is guaranteed to find a place in everyone’s musical library.

Their five track EP, Nothing is Forever show cases the exquisite mixture of the bands talents. With Letendre’s alternative and country-esk vocals, Peck’s lead guitar rhythms that keep you moving through the music, along with the sound of his alto saxophone, Rastatter’s classical rock, funk and progressive influenced bass and Harris’ progressive rock and hip-hop drum style, In Remembrance… finds their way not only into your heart but also your musical memory.

Brother is not only the feature tribute song but also Letendre’s temporary farewell and story about his older brother, Capt. Letendre. Pulling on the strings of your heart, Brother provides and an outlet song for anyone who as lost someone close to them.

With soft sounds and lyrics that everyone can relate to, Red Ink and This Life provide as a new twist on the softer side of rock. Be prepared for your ears to fall in love with Letendre’s voice, Peck’s guitar, Rastetter’s bass and Harris’ drums, while your mind gets lost in the words

From Red Ink’s “Well, wait a minute, just stop right there. Why am I the one who cares, someone’s missing but nothing’s wrong now that you’re the one who’s gone. Wait a minute stop right there, because I don’t care, I don’t care,” to This Life’s “This life aint good enough for me. This life aint good enough you see. This life aint good enough for me,” the sounds of In Remembrance… will stay with you long after you turn the music off.

With a goal greater then becoming the next big names in the musical word, the guys of In Remembrance… put their hearts and souls into the music making it a memorable experience. In Remembrance… strives to not only keep the memory of fallen soldiers alive, but also strive to make a difference outside of the musical realm. They are committed to donating 10% of their CD sales to Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).

A constant need for news

English 302-N14

February 19, 2009 George Mason University Fairfax, VA

A constant need for news

By Heather Gioia
Student Writer

FAIRFAX, Va.-Despite the downfall of print papers college journalism programs continue to strive. Keeping up with the changing times is not an easy task for colleges, yet they continue to find a way.

“Since 2000, under-graduate and graduate enrollments in the nation's more than four hundred journalism programs have been growing at a healthy rate,” said Jarreet Reshaw, writer for Colombia Journalism Review, in “Glass Half Full” stating how despite the “uncertainly about the future of newspapers” students continue to study in the field. Part of the reason Renshaw says is the fact that the traditional papers are spanning to the internet as new online journalistic options continue to arise (Reshaw).

Explaining how new focused areas of study continue to attract students to the field of journalism, Krein and Weir, writers for Journal of Sports Media, said that the “consumer demand for sports media has never been stronger, yet sports media studies have long been a low priority in traditional journalism programs” (Krein).

As times change schools are doing their best to keep up with the change in the growing demand for educations that provide job opportunities post graduation.

Prepared for the changing times George Mason University not only offers students Interpersonal/Organizational Communication (comm.), Journalism, Media Production and Criticism, Persuasive and Political Comm. and Public Relations concentrations under the comm. major but also a “create your own” bachelors degree.

Mason’s Individualized Concentration allows students, with an adviser and associate chair approval, to create their own degree from a mixed selection of comm. courses (Individualized).

The comm. program at Mason has yet to fall short of success. Graduates from 1997 to 2007 have found themselves careers within the communication industry. Brian Van De Graaff, 1997 graduate, has made his way to WJLA Washington, D.C., ABC-TV and WTOP Washington Radio News. 2002 graduate Heather Westorm became director of Ballpark Enterprises for the Washington Nationals and 2007 graduate Patrick Delaney has gone on to design and implement national multi-market radio promotions for ZComm clients (“Meet”).

Mason not only provides students with an amazing education, but also provides opportunities for success outside of the classroom. Both Broadside and VoxlPop allow aspiring journalism students to obtain published pieces of work, or clips, providing a creditable start to a portfolio.

The Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization with both professional and student chapters. Providing opportunities to their student members such as internships and scholarships, SPJ allows their members to embrace numerous opportunities . Mason is one of five universities in Va. to offer a student chapter of SPJ (Society). Mason’s chapter of SPJ stays active and provides students with opportunities to meet established journalist such as Steven Taylor, previous White House Correspondent.

The proximity of Mason to Washington, D.C. allows communication students endless opportunities. Not only are there numerous publications and media outlets in the area, but being approximately 30 minutes away from the nations capital allows students easy access to several events. As well with the increased look towards the internet as the future, students find endless opportunities for future success.

Fully embracing the change in times Robert Lewis is the editor of Music-Reviewer.com an online publication that has literally no face-to-face time between editor and writers; Lewis works with college students in the fields of journalism and English providing an internship feasible from anywhere.

“Email made it possible to stay in touch with people from all over the country keeping communications up-to-the-minute when needed,” said Lewis. “Between my computers at home and my iPhone on the road, I’m pretty well connected wherever I go.”

Music-Reviewer.com began in 1996 under a different name, Access to the Music Zone, landing its self ahead of the times. With over ten years and several thousand reviews under their belt, Lewis feels that Music-Reviewer.com has established themselves and found their place in an online medium where others are still stumbling to find their footing (Lewis).

According to Dodd and Tipton of Newspaper Research Journal studies have shown that over the years journalism has been moving up the popularity list of careers. While it has remained ranked third in terms of usefulness, in the area of prestige and concentrated works, “journalism replaced medicine as the most interesting” (Dodd).

Future careers do not only consist of the typical Washington Post reporter, but also a combination of all the communication fields of study that students will spend their time before graduation studying.

In 2003 David Isay, a radio documentary producer founded StoryCorps. StoryCorps preserves people’s everyday stories so that, as Isay puts it, people will know that “they matter and they won’t be forgotten” (Butler). StoryCorps broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) every morning and allows everyone to record their own portion of history. Each recording is not only shared, but also preserved at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is an online site that not only allows students a place to have their voice heard and story told, but also a job in the future (StoryCorps).

Mark Ethridge III, former editor of The Charlotte Observer and current editor of Carolina Parenting, Inc., said it best at the Turpin Lecture at Mass Comm. Week at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. “There is always a need for reporters,” said Ethridge. “The delivery system changes from trees and trucks to the internet, but the content need is the same” (Ethridge).

Works Cited

Butler, Kiera. "OTHER VOICES." Columbia Journalism Review 45.2 (July 2006): 28-32. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 5 Feb. 2009 .

Dodd, J.E., and L. Tipton. “Shifting Views of High School Students about Journalism Careers.” Newspaper Research Journal 13/14.4/1 (1992;1993): 111-9 Communication Abstracts. CSA. 7 Feb. 2009 .

Ethridge III, Mark. “Turpin Lecture in News Management.” Mass Comm Week. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. 08 Oct. 2008.

Individualized Concentration. University Catalog: 2008-09, 2008. George Mason University. 5 Feb 2009 .

Krein, M., and T. Weir. “If You Build it, they Will Come: Developing a sports Media Major.” Journal of Sports Media 3.1 (2008): 77-82. Communication Abstracts. CSA. 7 Feb 2009 .

Lewis, Robert. “School Project.” E-Mail interview. 07 Feb. 2009.

“Meet an Alum.” College of Humanities and Social Sciences. George Mason University. 7 Feb. 2009 .

Renshaw, Jarrett. "Glass Half Full." Columbia Journalism Review 46.3 (Sep. 2007): 12-12. Communication & Mass Media Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 5 Feb. 2009 .

Society of Professional Journalist. Society of Professional Journalist. 18 Feb. 2009 .

“StoryCorps.” StoryCorps. StoryCorps. 7 Feb. 2009 .