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BrokenRail – Self-Titled EP (review

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BrokenRail

Self-Titled EP

Review by Josh Drespling

reducedThe hard driving, post-grunge, radio-ready outfit BrokenRail are set to release their Self-titled EP on November 25th. This four-piece hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, have released this EP as a teaser or an hors d’oeuvre, if you will, to stay off the loyal and rabid fans waiting for their full-length release that has been held up by production delays and mounting industry interest in the full album.

Upon initially listening to BrokenRail you will find an uncanny familiarity with their songs and style. Before you know it your will be singing along with the clean and crisp vocals that would make members of Shidendown, Three Days Grace, and Breaking Benjamin proud.
The EP kicks off with a crunchy palm muted guitar riff, coupled with a tribal drumbeat until they are met with Blake Clawson’s vocals on the track “Memory”. The chorus kicks in with a more guttural vocal style with the lyrics “What? I can’t hear you!” This particular track really reminds me of the band Skillet given the arrangement and vocal styles.

Up next is “Walk Again”, perhaps the most polished track from this well produced release. “Walk Again” has been give a video treatment. I can easily see this track being propelled to the top of the pack within rock-radio right along side of any Papa Roach song.

Rounding out the release is “Save Me”. I swore I was listening to Staind given the intro riff and the way that vocalist Blake Clawson pushes his vocal tone to the back of his throat for the verse. The track diverts from the liberal Staind influence to create another solid rock-radio-ready track with a rockin’ chorus and some squealing guitars jumping out of the mix.

The tracks on this release were were engineered by Joseph McQueen (As I Lay Dying) with mixing and mastering by Kane Churko (Papa Roach) and Logan Mader (Bullet For My Valentine, Butcher Babies) of MachineHead fame.

My only disappointment with this release is that it only contains three tracks. However I gather that was the point. To leave us, the listener wanting more.

BAND LINEUP:
Alex Hilton – Drums
Nelson Rezek – Guitar
Blake Clawson – Vocals
Dick Black – Bass

WEBSITE:
http://www.brokenrailband.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.facebook.com/BrokenRail
https://twitter.com/BrokenRail
https://www.reverbnation.com/BrokenRail
https://www.instagram.com/brokenrail
https://soundcloud.com/brokenrail

https://www.youtube.com/user/BrokenRailVEVO

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CD Reviews

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Ron

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Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002. 

I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream. 

The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included. 

Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue

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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

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9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah. 

Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics. 

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove. 

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”. 

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

Ron

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It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.” 

This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album. 

The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own. 

“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.

 THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY   

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