Review: My Calculus Beats Your Algebra - Pattern = Application

artist: my calculus beats your algebra album: pattern = application label: self-released released: by: dan phelps MCBYA is an experiment in noise and rock. The two men that comprise the band use a bass guitar, keyboard and drum machine as the focal points. On the experimenting side, an accordion, a small drum set (snare/high hat), and lots of pedals. What has been created is a unique, varied noise record. Nine tracks between thirty-five seconds and 8 minutes plus begin with "emer gen-c" and "i'll kiss the multiplication table tomorrow." An aggressive start, that soon squares off into a drum machine beat, and the aforementioned instruments. Gradual noise builds, calms, builds, etc. Great controlled chaos for song tension, and it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the cd. At times, mostly rock; the songs "487794A says 'you may not leave,'" "kenji urada vs. mechanized arm" and "because street simmering" are the longer arrangements with most of the beats. Three short, straight noise tracks break up the record, and prevent the rock from becoming old/going on too long. All three are loud and chaotic. A good show of the bands range. The cd ends with its longest (and calmest) song, "type answer end." Until 7:30 into the song, a quiet keyboard repeats over a dissonant aquatic noise, and spoken word. Interesting. Calming. In the last minute, the noise comes into play again, but it is more akin to the rest of the song: much more quiet and controlled. It is the perfect song to end with, and it shows just how varied this band can be. My Calculus Beats Your Algebra Pattern = Application. It's a winner people. favorite song: n/a rating: n/a listen to my calculus beats your algebra

Review: 30 Seconds to Mars - Self-Titled

artist: 30 seconds to mars album: self-titled label: epic records/immortal records released: by: rob tatum I admit it. I was skeptical of this band before I even heard them. They were touring with the likes of Puddle of Mudd and their singer is Jared Leto, of My So-Called Life and Requiem of a Dream fame. Now, however, I regret not picking this up a long time ago. This album is amazing. It has a very unique sound. The album touches base on a theme album, as each song has references to space or Mars, but it’s pretty apparent after listening to the album that it’s all metaphors. Musically, the band encompasses a hard rock sound, but not what you hear typically on the radio. There is a slight electronic feel to some of the songs, which really sets this album apart most the hard rock albums I have heard. Leto’s vocal range is decent and fits the band well. I really enjoy the flow and melody of the album. My only real complaint is the lyrical content. It appears that some of the songs were written to fit a theme, rather than to express a meaning. They aren’t awful or anything, but they leave something to be desired. The best songs on the album are “Oblivion” and “Mission.” Both are catchy, yet unique… which is how I would probably describe this band in a nutshell. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s a nice change from the typical garbage played on the radio. favorite song: "mission" rating: 88%/100% listen to 30 seconds to mars

Review: One Dying Wish - In Eidetic Resolution

artist: one dying wish album: in eidetic resolution label: none/demo released: by: rob tatum This is the first release from the Colorado band One Dying Wish. The band is melodic hardcore with emotional lyrics. Comparable to the likes of Poison the Well or In Pieces, the band possesses good musical ability and a sense of creativity. As someone who has been around the music scene for a while, this is the type of band Colorado needs more of. This four song CD demonstrates what the band is all about; heavy, yet melodic music with screaming vocals and background singing. The songs are well arranged and really grab the listener from the get-go. The guitar work is really good throughout the songs. The lyrics are the most appealing part of the music from my perspective. They may not be groundbreaking, but they are intelligent and heart-felt. “All that I love disintegrates. Is this my fate? Refuse the mirrors reflection. I will never see myself again. One Dying Wish has the potential to become something great. The band has a great sound and I am really looking forward to a full-length and whatever may come beyond that. As this band progresses, they will continue to improve the music scene and hopefully be a building block for more bands with the same passion for music. favorite song: “inamorata” rating: 85%/100% listen to one dying wish

Review: Turning Blue - Whatever 'Til We Die

artist: turning blue album: ...whatever 'til we die label: pal-tone records released: 1/21/01 by: rob tatum Alright, I’m not going to lie, I hate this type of music. It was a good listen when I was younger, but it really got old fast. I don’t want to take away from people who devote their time to music, but this is not my thing. This band has the potential to be good and there were a couple songs on this album that I really liked, but it was hard for me to stay interested. For those of you from the Denver area, this band is Rhode Island’s version of the Fairlanes. Pop-punk. The more I listened to the album, the less irritating it got, and honestly, fans of pop-punk will love this album. It’s catchy and heart-felt, two key ingredients in making a good punk album. It just doesn’t do anything for me personally The cover of “Break my Stride” was good for a laugh. I wouldn’t have put it in the middle of the album. It distracts from the pace of the album. There are some really melodic songs that I got into, but before and after each song there is a song I didn’t like. It made it hard for me to stay interested. My favorite songs were “Someone else’s song” and “Let’s get lost.” The band has the musical ability to be something great and they demonstrate that throughout the album. Lyrically… well, it’s a pop-punk album… I can’t really get into that. The vocals are good at times and irritating at others. I didn’t hate this album by any means, but like I said, unless you are into poppy stuff, this probably won’t float your boat. favorite song: “someone else’s song” rating: 65%/100% listen to turning blue