This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
Come Alive
G.L.A.D.
The Enemy
Woke Up In Suburbia
Groundhog Day
Simple Things
Take Me Home
I didn’t know anything about this three piece band from Chicago when the cd landed on my doorstep. After one listen it reminds me of all that I’m missing out on that can be found from coast to coast every night in your city and in mine- passionate, talented, unsigned bands just looking for the right break. We don’t usually review unsigned bands in this section but after hearing this EP and knowing it’s better than a lot of the stuff coming out on labels I decided to do it anyway. For the record, someone needs to sign this band.
The EP opens with the song COME ALIVE. Great choice. Right away it gives you a taste of what they’re all about - big drums, dancing guitar, overtones of last night’s party, full arena rock vibe - I was waiting for them to bust through my speakers and play a show on my living room coffee table. (I’m still waiting!) Anyway, remember when rock was fun? Well, The Gelheads are making it fun again.
The second song, G.L.A.D. keeps the same momentum but displays a little more of lead singer’s Frankies vocal talents. I’m still trying to figure out if G.L.A.D. stands for something though.Can someone help me out? The drumming is amazing throughout the EP, that’s something to note because I don’t usually pick up on such a dominate drum sound. Tim kicks ass.
The intro to the next song The Enemy was definitely a highlight for me. Not just the guitar riff but how beautiful the lyric sounds with it as it collides into the rest of the band. This is one of my favorites on the disc. There’s a beautiful breakdown midsong too...sort of a kaleidascope of sounds swirling in your head.
One of my other favorites is Groundhog Day. There are some cool melodies on this song. It’s a little more mellow than the others but still maintains an edge. Great lyrics for this one, insightful without being condescending..such a fine line.
Other songs are Woke up in Suburbia, Simple Things, and Take Me Home. Overall a stand up and shout, clap your hands, jump up and down, shake your booty, totally commendable effort. I’m not sure who the band cites as influences but I can tell you that I hear influences of The Goo Goo Dolls, Cheap Trick and that eighties nuwave vibe.
In all honestly I’m just shocked that these guys aren’t on a label yet. They have the appeal. THIS is the kind of music people should be able to hear when they turn on a radio rather than mindless drones spitting out yesterdays recycled garbage. I wish them the best and can’t wait until they are on their big world tour where they belong - putting on the kind of rock show that I’d actually pay to see.
Reviewed by: Mary Ouellette | July 2005
