“Welcome to Murraysville” by Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury (Rock Artist from United Kingdom)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Welcome to Murraysville"

 

"Welcome to Murraysville" is a Brit punk album from Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury. Most of the album takes on the simplistic, classic punk rock sound with Ramones-style three chord progressions. However, it also incorporates the organ, hand claps and intense guitar solos that draw from pop rock, blues and rockabilly. Murray's vocals are very British and styled similarly to contemporary artist Art Brut, as well as likely influences The Ramones, The Clash, and The Smiths. PM&tBfB's lyrics are original, humorous and often about life (and "Rainy Nights") in Rotherham; their Northern England home town. "Welcome to Murraysville" is well-produced, intentionally giving the album that gritty punk rock sound of its predecessors. "Average Day" shows the band's musicianship as it opens with a great bass line that is soon after matched by the guitar. "High Visibility Packamac" is a humorous song about people who drive Jettas and play Yu-Gi-Oh. The catchy chorus says it all; "He wears a high visibility packamac/With security written on the back." "17 Stone," "I Can't Stop Eating Trees," and "Dying Turtle" are also rather hilarious, pouring memorable lyrics atop that classic punk rock sound. "Welcome to Murraysville" is a packed album that does not let up until we're all on our backs doing the "Dying Turtle." Fans of that classic Brit punk sound with a sense of humor should check out Phil Murray and the Boys from Bury.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Phil Murray and the Boys From Bury 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“This is a Test” by Solution (Rock Artist from South Dakota(SD))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Solution with a GrIndie Award for their CD "This is a Test"

 

"This is a Test" is a six-track funk EP from Solution that fuses their underlying funk sound with rock, pop, reggae and jazz. Solution is a musically sound group and shows their range by innovating their sound with each track. The lead singer has a naturally soothing voice similar to Phish vocalist Trey Anastasio, but his range will remind the listener of such bands as Wilco, Murder by Death and Primus - depending on the track. The lyrics are socially conscious, as "No Surprise" reminds the listener that "Around the world people are hungry" and asks, "Will reality just simply fall away?" "This is a Test" is well-recorded, but pushes the envelope as far as conventionality is concerned. "Hide Away" begins with a gristly, raw piano and flows into a sharp, crisp sound soon thereafter, indicating that Solution made a conscious effort to do so. "Hot Sauce" nicely fuses Solution's funk sound with jazz by incorporating jazzy flute, piano and horns with an outstanding funky bass beat. "Dig" is a fast-paced song with an overall funky beat and fast lyrics of which Les Claypool would be proud. "This is a Test" is a fun album with impressive and broad musicianship, nice vocals, and meaningful lyrics. For anyone in search of a good new funk album, here's your Solution.

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

"Seventeenth Parallel " by Seventeenth Parallel (Rock Artist from Ohio(OH))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Seventeenth Parallel with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Seventeenth Parallel"

 

Seventeenth Parallel shares their faith with you in the form of southern hard rock with this self-titled album. The power of this band is evident from the get go with a full sound, noteworthy lyrics, and an inspirational passion. The songs all have a great arena quality that makes you want to see the band live. The vocal performance is reminiscent of the southern alternative rock sound of the late '90s from the likes of 3 Doors Down and Creed. Musically, Seventeenth Parallel performs at a high skill level and the entire band is tight, so the arrangements are all solid, catchy, and immediately reel you in. The album is well mixed, putting the vocals right up front and allowing all the instruments to cut through the mix. Highlights include the opener, "Let me Run," which introduces Seventeenth Parallel as a spiritual southern rock band without delay and without question. The song has all the makings of a single. "Here I Am To Worship" is a powerful ballad of worship that features a piano-sounding guitar intro. "Shelter" opens with a thick bass line, with the track evolving into an intense rockin' journey. "Seventeenth Parallel" is a passionate and inspirational self-titled debut, and the experience is nothing short of a musical explosion. If you like powerful, spiritual southern hard rock, give Seventeenth Parallel a listen.

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

"Life Worth Living" by Ross Royce (Rock Artist from New Zealand)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Ross Royce with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Life Worth Living"

 

Ross Royce puts it perfectly in his short, spoken word opening to "Mrs. Vain," the second track off his album "Life Worth Living" - "this is rock & roll." Royce, who creates most of the sounds that you hear on the album, spans the genre instrumentally and vocally. He seems to transform musically from track to track, ranging from the masterfully crafted piano rock sound of Ben Folds to an acoustic Bowie to a bluesy number reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn, and finally to Floyd-esque space rock. The recording is clean, and allows each track to live up to its full potential. Ross's vocals work well in these rock and roll tracks. The highlight of the album, in our view, is the three track block of "Suzanne," "Hello People Pt. 2," and "Suzanne's Meditation." The tracks flow, each a response to the next, and give a crisp space/arena/art rock feel, thereby showcasing Ross's excellent songwriting and instrumental talent. For people who enjoy listening to albums from beginning to end and vocal stylings that remind you at once of the eighties and indie artists like Art Brut and Bloc Party, check out what this creative CD.

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

"Travelin' Show" by Bowen (Rock Artist from Alberta, Canada)

RadioIndy is pleased to present Bowen with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Travelin' Show"

 

"Travelin' Show" is an excellent adult rock fusion album from talented singer/songwriter Bowen. Bowen's lyrics travel straight from the heart to the page, and he expresses them with a great vocal performance similar to Chris Martin of Coldplay and Gavin DeGraw. He combines these talents with a cutting edge sound and great production to bring you an album that is here to stay. Above all, "Travelin' Show" is an album of great songs, each and every track so catchy that you will find yourself simultaneously singing along and reveling in Bowen's creativity. The songs are filled with great melodies and a nice layering of sounds both in the vocals and in the arrangements. If that isn't enough, the quality of the recordings is excellent with every facet of the sound represented throughout. Highlights include "Back On You," with a great vocal performance, intense lyrics, and a fantastic relationship of sounds in the arrangement. The title track, "Travelin' Show," features a tight beat and is as powerful as it is melodic. "Jaded" soothes your ears with guitar delays and gets your heart pumping with an energetic vocal performance. With "Travelin' Show," Bowen has created a memorable record filled with strong male vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and cutting edge production. If you enjoy the pop rock sound and male singer/songwriters, give this CD a listen.

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

"Taking Chances" by Gunner Jump (Rock Artist from California(CA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Gunner Jump with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Taking Chances"

 

Gunner Jump's "Taking Chances" is a Christian country rock EP brought to you by the powerful duo of Jon Jump and J.G. "Gunner" Franklin. The influence of '70s southern rock is a big part of the sound, as well as blues, funk, and R&B, and the emphasis on good songwriting is well apparent throughout. Gunner's vocals are energetic, and he delivers the inspiring and well thought out lyrics nicely with a great rock feel. The arrangements showcase Gunner Jump's great variance in what is largely an arena sound. There are some creative changes as well as instruments introduced that are clearly inspired by genres outside of Christian country rock. The production quality is good, so turn up the volume on this one. Highlights include "California," with its gritty lead guitar and great rock lyrics, and the addition of horns in the chorus adds a burst of power. "Remember Me" has a nice acoustic guitar progression, inspiring lyrics, and a great vocal performance. "You're My Girl" opens with an uncharacteristic drum machine and evolves into a beautiful love song. If you enjoy spiritual southern rock that takes a few chances, give Gunner Jump a try.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Shadow of a Mountain" by VIR (Rock Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present VIR with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Shadow of a Mountain"

 

"Shadow of a Mountain" by VIR is a dreamy and melodic shoegaze-style alternative rock album that features good songwriting and an innovative, experimental sound. The influence of early new wave punk is well represented in VIR's sound, but they bring it to you in their own original way. These guys are pretty edgy and aren't afraid to take chances. There is an ever-present, grounding rawness to the sound, and the power-packed melodies will entertain your ears. The vocal performances are excellent, with a great vulnerable quality that lies underneath a strong voice. The lyrics are interesting as well, displaying a lingual sense while tugging at your emotions. "Shadow of a Mountain" is very well-recorded and maintains a nice analog quality. Highlights include "Wake Up Son," with excellent layering of guitar sounds and cool effects. "The Kicker" features a great vocal performance, progressive rhythm, and nice melodies. "Montana" wraps things up nicely with an atonal progression and an overall broodiness. If you enjoy experimental, modern sounds combined with a new wave, shoegaze sound, "Shadow of a Mountain" will be right up your alley.

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