CD REVIEW: Pete Kilpatrick Band "Shapes And Sounds"

The last two albums released by Pete Kilpatrick Band we awesome. So it would only be fitting that they follow up those two with an equally awesome release. Well, the only thing that is not awesome about "Shapes And Sounds" is that it's only five songs long! Pete Kilpatrick and his musical buddies sure know how to put together quality collections of music. "Feel It" is classic PKB, full of catchy hooks, clever instrumentation, and their signature sound. It clocks in over five minutes, which is a change from the typical pop rock songs that Kilpatrick is used to releasing. Each song on the EP takes the band to another level musically, while still remaining true to their roots and their sound. The band will surely be adding "Dear July" and "Rock And Roll Never Changes" to heavy rotation in their live performances because they are destined to become fan favorites. Fellow Maine musician Marie Moreshead also lends her beautiful vocals as a guest on "City's Beating Heart." Hopefully this is just a prelude of the next chapter in the PKB story, because it's surely a tease to just have five new incredible songs, but it's better than having to wait!

CD REVIEW: Jason Castro "The Love Uncompromised EP"

When Jason Castro was kicked off of American Idol, it was just the career move that he needed. His debut EP, which includes an acoustic version of his debut single "Let's Just Fall In Love Again," is a testament to why he wasn't right for that competition. Don't get it wrong though, it was just the springboard he needed to make sure people knew who he was and what he could do. His must is so light and happy and sends a message of love all the time. Although he seems to fit many specific labels, his music doesn't really fit the mold of any one style. He just makes sincere and performs from the soul. His mellow voice is going to take the world by storm just as Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz have done recently, but for Jason Castro, it's not just all about the beach and the sunshine. The title track from the EP is a simple love song with a great message and the EP also features a guest appearance by bluesy singer Serena Ryder. Throughout the short EP he delivers a kind of pop rock that attracts fans of all styles of music. This EP is just a taste of what's to come and is sure to gain him more success than the title of "the next American Idol" ever could.

CD REVIEW: Trent Dabbs "Your Side Now"

Trent Dabbs has been around the block a few times so he knows a thing or two about constructing albums, songwriting, and connecting with the listener. On his latest, he has managed to do all of those things with such grace and has created one of his most heartfelt recordings to date. There isn't that huge radio hit or even that cult fan favorite that everyone is going to want to hear played live at every show. Instead, he has filled the album with eight songs that have meaning and a message for both himself and the listener. The title track and "Inside These Lines" are two of Dabbs' best compositions ever. He also shared songwriting duties on this album with the freinds and musical collaborators Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, and Ashley Monroe. All in all, Dabbs has proven yet again that a guy and a guitar and that Nashville music scene are one excellent recipe for great albums and great songs.

CD REVIEW: Passafire "Everyone On Everynight"

Passafire is an up-and-coming reggae influenced rock band that is destined to be huge. Their sound is similar to 311, Pepper, and State Radio and their songs are so radio friendly, it's hard to believe they are not all over the airwaves right now. This, their third album, is their best to date, with every song on the album showing off a different strong suit of the band. Their musicality is equal to a band who has dozens of years of experience and touring under their belt. The lyricism on the album is catchy and singable, two incredible qualities that make the music marketable. "Here In Front Of Me" is one of the best reggae rock songs that has been written in recent years, particularly from a band that isn't on a major label. Songs like "Queen Of Spades" and "49th" could also easily be heard on modern and alternative rock radio right now. Great things are abound for Passafire, and this album will help them to lead the way for the new generation of awesome alternative rock bands.

CD REVIEW: STS9 "Ad Explorata"

STS9 keep on reinventing themselves while still remaining true to their core character as an old school jam band. Boldly diving into the 21st century, STS9 is amongst the very few jam bands able to harness the power of electronic music and perform it as a live band. On their latest album, and frankly their most future-forward, the band channels the energy usually displayed during their live sets. The album has both the feel of a live show and a DJ set, with each song being displayed as a sonic work of art. Nothing holds this band back as the syncopated drumming, haunting keyboards, and rhythmic guitars in each and every song tell a story without the use of lyrics. The most precious masterpieces contained within this album are "Looking Back On Earth," "EHM," and "Oil & Water," all of which, and at different moments, could have been performed by the Grateful Dead or the Chemical Brothers. With the new indie movement leaning towards electronic rock, and bands like Animal Collective and Passion Pit spearheading the way, STS9 is bound to garner some widespread critical success on the heels of "Ad Explorata."

CD REVIEW: Vampire Weekend "Contra"

Vampire Weekend is definitely one of the most fun bands making waves these days. Their meshing of sensible pop with world music, reggae, and electronic music makes them a unique band, unlike anything out today. This album takes over right where their critically acclaimed debut left off and doesn't skip a beat. They up the ante on this one, adding synthesizers where necessary and even spice it up with some Auto-Tune. "Horchata," which they gave away for free when they announced the album to the world, is most like anything that you'd have heard on their debut. The coolest song on the album is "White Sky" with it's 80's vibe and clever lyrics. The lead single, "Cousins," is reminiscent of A-Punk but with more of an in-your-face delivery. You can definitely sense the influence of world music throughout the album stemming from lead singer Ezra Koenig's work with The Vest Best last year. In particular "Diplomat's Son" and "California English" showcase that electronic/world sound. Vampire Weekend are a breath of fresh air in a seemingly copycat music industry and this album proves that sticking with what works only gets better with time.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Jason Castro - The Love Uncompromised EP
• Charlie Hunter - Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid
• Matt Morris - When Everything Breaks Open
• O.A.R. - Rain Or Shine
• OK Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
• Vampire Weekend - Contra

CD REVIEW: Ashleigh Mannix "Sparkle"

Australia is a mecca for mellow music. They have yet to churn out, however, a really good mellow singer/songwriter that is a female. Someone to rival the likes of Tristan Prettyman and Colbie Caillat. Well, look no further than Ashleigh Mannix. Her second EP is a short display of exactly that: mellow acoustic rock music. Her songwriting is simple, yet poignant and her songs are sing-along tunes, once you learn the words. The entire vibe of this release sets you into a mellow mood and not matter where in the world, brings you right to the beach sitting at the edge of the crashing waves. The world is currently buzzing on her latest single, "Pieces Of You," which can be found on her first EP, which can only mean that a full album of all the good stuff is on the way. It won't be long before she's a worldwide sensation, but for now we can dig on this.

CD REVIEW: Soulive "Up Here"

Soulive's latest release marks a return to form for the trio, as this album is their most organic and original sounding since "Doin' Something." While they've had some underground hits and serious success between then and now, this album shows off what made Soulive a household name in the acid jazz world. The opening track, "Up Right," showcases the signature guitar/keys/drums sound that the band is known for with an exclamation point added by the guest horns section, musical cohorts Ryan Zoidis and Sam Kininger. Eric Krasno's guitar playing on this album is enough to rival guitar greats like John Mayer and B.B. King. There is much soul and blues throughout all that jazz, and vocals provided by guest Nigel Hall and Soulive's own Alan Evans sound like a throwback to the 60's and 70's era jazz and funk of James Brown and George Clinton. This is probably a huge statement, but this album proves that Soulive is the Jay-Z of acid jazz, and wouldn't that be a collaboration we'd all love to see happen.

CD REVIEW: Jason Reeves "Patience For The Waiting"

Jason Reeves is an excellent songwriter as he has proven on his own releases as well as his collaborations with other artists such as Colbie Caillat and Angel Taylor. This latest EP is a testament to his songwriting, as it is all about the lyrics. There's nothing more compelling than a collection of songs with a solid lyrical foundation. Although the EP is short, with only 6 songs, it is a good "hold-you-over" kind of release for his fans. His last album was released independently and then re-released by Warner Bros. Records, so it's been quite some time since Reeves has put out new music of his own. He is the real deal, and surely can stand to be his own artist, and not just a collaborator, as is proven by this collection of tunes.