Radioindy Grindie Awards - Rock: March 2009

Sunday, March 15, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Oz Knozz with a GrIndie Award for the CD "10,000 Days & Nights"

"10,000 Days & Nights" is the impressive new release from Oz Knozz, a polished progressive rock band from Houston, Texas with a radio-ready sound. Their approach is highly melodic and characterized by heavy synthesizer work, hard driving guitars, solid grooves and wonderful lead and harmony vocals. The commercial "You Can't Win" is a great example of their captivating hooks, great vocal harmonies and powerful guitar riffs. The production is very professional throughout, producing a refined, marketable sound. "Hear What I'm Saying" and "Graven Image" are further illustrations of their signature keyboard sounds, multi-layered guitars and full, melodic vocals. The aggressive "Hi Fi" features the drums upfront, with a strong bass line and muscular guitar work providing a forceful, heavy groove. Fans of progressive and arena rock from the likes of Kansas, Europe, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer will definitely enjoy this release.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Oz Knozz 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Bordersnakes with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Blue Norther"

"Blue Norther" by The Bordersnakes is alternative/Americana album with a sound compiled from several influences. The basis is country, but throw in some blues and a blue collar rock element and there is a formula that equals high energy and a definite sing along ability. The arrangements are diverse and the performances are fantastic. Listeners will also appreciate the amount of passion behind the well-delivered, well-harmonized vocals. Overall, the band's sound is very complete and the song-writing ability is not to be ignored. The album sounds great, with evident care taken in heightening the experience by making every element of the sound represented. A highlight is the opener "State Road 7." There is and undeniable Springsteen element here, as this track has a raw power to it and a great piano line, and tears off the roof with a vibrant horn section. "Blue in the Face" features some great variation in the vocal performance, tons of energy, and clever lyrics. "Shadow On the Wall" has some beautiful harmony in the vocals and is hypnotic and mellow. For listeners that enjoy classic American rock, be sure to check out The Bordersnakes' "Blue Norther."

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out The Bordersnakes 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Naysayers with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Some Other Place"

The Naysayers latest CD "Some Other Place" is filled with Americana roots and is Inspired by traditional country and contemporary rock music. The lead vocals are strong, with well blended harmonies, and guitars that are driving and rhythmic. "Any Way to Stay in Love" features a great country rock mix with strong lead vocals and harmonies that are perfectly unified bringing together the feeling of this country /rock song. Honoring more of the traditional southern country feel, "Women Whiskey and Me" is a lively song with expressive lyrics and a nice twang on the guitars. The title track "Some Other Place" has exceptional harmonies and solid lead and rhythm guitars. Nice quality recording and great production value is evident as vocals and instruments are clearly heard with clean and crisp intonation. This album has a nice selection of country and contemporary rock with some sweet ballads and grooving rhythmic songs. "Some Other Place" is a wonderful CD to hear if you like music by Tom Petty or Graham Parker.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out The Naysayers 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Sam Pollard with a GrIndie Award for the CD "World of Difference"

Sam Pollard's recently released CD "World of Difference" is a poetic storytelling of songs inspired by making a difference in the world. Pollard's vocals are rhythmical and have a fashionable flair of alternative pop/rock. His lyrics are narrative and bouncy and he delivers a message within each song as a chronicle of events. The album is masterfully produced as each song is clean and clear with instruments connecting well with the vocals. Listen to a touch of horns on "The Other Side" as they add a distinctive flavor to this song while the lyrics speak of how things may be different somewhere else. "Out" highlights a beautiful piano solo adding eloquent diversity to the quality of musical styles throughout the CD. The guitars are edgy and hammer out strong rock power chords with a steady driving beat. You will find "World of Difference" quite enjoyable if you like polished alternative rock with a strong message.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sam Pollard 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present J.P. Ranger with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Living Here"

Inspired by generations of power house rock and a touch of blues, J. P. Ranger's newest CD "Living Here" is a compilation of artistic style and flair. Vocals are strong with an attitude of sometimes edgy and emotional appeal. The harmonies are sung in a higher register and are perfectly blended as heard on "Mr. Singer" and "America." The relationship between the musicians of this group is noticeably well connected. "Burning Up" gives an example of this great musicianship with a powerful rock guitar solo and tight, solid drum beats. Ranger's lyrics throughout this album are written from the heart and sung with the same conviction. You'll notice a nice change of musical style with a touch of the Blues on the ballad "Blue Moon Dreamer." The entire CD possesses a high quality of production as each song is well balanced between vocals and instruments. If you like the musical styles of Bob Dylan or Eric Clapton you will want to listen to J. P. Ranger's CD "Living Here."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out J.P. Ranger 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Centascope with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Coolgilly and the Freakshow"

"Coolgilly and the Freakshow" is a revolutionary CD by Centascope that is comprised of psychedelic, punk and British pop styles. By taking three generations of music and compiling them into one exceptional album each song produces a different quality. The titled track "Coolgilly and the Freakshow" features a dynamic, loud, driving punk beat with aggressive lead guitar. The vocals are nicely sung with ease and style with hints of complimentary harmony. The ability of the vocals to change from one chapter of music to another is a high point throughout the album creates a clear and innovative approach to this collection of genres. A good example of this versatility is on "Carter Takes a Train" as this is more of the mind transformation persuasion of the 1970's psychedelic time. "The Girl on the Left" and "Empty Head" are rhythmic and energetic with cool, bluesy Hammond organ riffs. This is truly a wonderful album as you can hear tempo's slow and easy or fast and powerful with styles of music from three time periods. If you like music by The Who with a taste of punk, you'll won't be disappointed with "Coolgilly and the Freakshow."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Centascope 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Luke Powers with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Texasee"

"Texasee" by Luke Powers is an impressive recent release in the Americana or alternative country/rock style. Each track embodies well-crafted songwriting from Powers, and many feature superb musical performances from guest musicians. Tommy Spurlock, a long time collaborator with Powers, provides great guitar work on a number of tracks including "Billy the Kid Rides Again." Listen to Spurlock's mastery of the steel guitar on the gently swaying "Tops of the Trees" and the upbeat "Indian Eyes," which also features a strong vocal from Powers. Suzi Ragsdale provides outstanding harmony vocals on many tracks including "Aron Presley," "Lower Broad," and the stimulating "In the Real World." Also noteworthy is the fine drumming provided by Jamie Oldaker. These musical performances serve to reinforce the strong writing abilities of Powers. "Texasee" by Luke Powers is a notable release that fans of Americana music in the vein of Neil Young and Bob Dylan will find very appealing.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Luke Powers's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Lynn Stokes & Sol Surfers with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Terra Nocturne"

"Terra Nocturne" by Lynn Stokes & Sol Surfers is a musical journey through many moods and emotions, highlighted by well-crafted songs, thoughtful arrangements and exceptional musicianship. Each piece is very symphonic and orchestral in nature, representing a single movement in the overall album, which is meant to be a cohesive and interrelated piece of music. The style of writing on this album draws a strong inspiration from the music of Pink Floyd. Listen to "Where Have You Gone" and "Let Go," for great examples of this in both the songwriting and the smooth, mellow vocal style. While this influence is evident, this material is also very well-written and unique, being calm and psychedelic while also complex and elaborate at the same time. The album contains many sections where instruments are panned throughout the stereo spectrum, providing an entrancing listening experience through headphones. This release also features many excellent musical performances, from the skilled saxophone runs on "Sacred Moon's Light" to the fine guitar work by Stokes on the title track "Terra Nocturne." "Open Door" and "Across the Barrier" are of a more upbeat nature, with great performances by all involved. "Terra Nocturne" by Lynn Stokes & Sol Surfers will be enjoyed by fans of rock music with the symphonic atmosphere of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lynn Stokes & Sol Surfers's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Lo Torc with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Rekindled"

If you like to hear albums that contain different styles of music you'll want to listen to "Rekindled" by Lo Torc. When you take distinct music genres such as soft rock, jazz, blues, country, and funk and merge them into one album you'll get a whole new world of music. Vocals are sung with clarity and style to which the music was written for. The general quality of the album is clean and well-produced. Try a little funk with some syncopated rhythms and soulful harmonies in "Sexy Lady." Creativity in incorporating the usage of different instruments throughout this collection is a great embellishment. If you're into the big band sounds, take a listen to "I Need a Cuppa Joe" and "I Need You" as the horn section blows out catchy fills in riffs. For fans of soft rock, jazz, blues, country, and funk, "Rekindled" by Lo Torc will be very much enjoyed.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lo Torc 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dangernut with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dangernut"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dangernut with a GrIndie Award for the CD

"Dangernut "

"Dangernut," a self-titled CD written and performed by Dangernut is a collection of upbeat alternative rock songs with a tasteful hint of classic rock. The lead vocals are strong and definitely have a rock and roll texture, and are nicely balanced by rich harmonies. The lyrics are relevant, effectively portraying everyday events in a person's life. Each song has a strong, powerful guitar sound and a tight rhythm section. "Monster" has a keyboard part reminiscent of the classic rock band The Doors. Nice energizing creativity in combining old style classic rock with Alternative Rock. The band shows versatility when they slow down the tempo to a nice pace in "A Candle for You." Although this band has only three members, they really put out a full sound in this aggressive, upbeat rock and roll CD. "Dangernut" is a remarkable alternative rock CD with an effective classic Rock and Roll influence.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dangernut 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Steve Meyer with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Dream On"

Adult alternative, down home southern rock and roll is what you will hear when you listen to "Dream On" by Steve Meyer. The lead vocals are strong and always right on the mark with the background vocals chiming in with perfect harmony. This collection has a great mixture of songs from adult alternative to straight southern rock. The rhythms complement the lyrics of each song. The balance between the instruments on "Wouldn't Change A Thing" is perfect, as the strings bring on the feel of an adult alternative ballad, although the feel of country-rock & roll is still there. "Don't Call 911" gives the reaction of instantaneous country rock, with the piano adds to the honky-tonk feel. Fans of adult alternative/country/rock & roll should definitely give "Dream On" a listen.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Team
Check out Steve Meyer's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites