Posts Tagged ‘Joe Stando’

NOISE! in the Enquirer: BC’s cheering for the Hometeam

Published by NOISE! Staff on August 18th, 2011 - in Featured, Other media



Hometeam


NOISE! writer and resident sandwich expert (for realz) Joe Stando penned the latest column/artist spotlight for the Battle Creek Enquirer. This is a bi-weekly deal and by default makes the Enquirer the coolest newspaper in the Midwest.

Anyway, Joe touched base with Cereal City natives, Hometeam, who are now doing their thang out of Lansing. With a new EP out and opening for bands like The Swellers and The Wonder Years, the guys are doing all right for themselves and pop punk as a whole. What might even be more refreshing is their drive to support the music scene in addition to playing in it. You’ll have to read the article to catch it, so do it.

‘HOMETEAM’ HEROES GAINING STEAM
Sometimes, it takes a band a while to define its sound.

Many times, that is a conscious effort to try something new and different.

But for punk rockers Hometeam, who originated from Battle Creek, it’s doing what comes naturally.

“We’re just a bunch of punk rock kids,” said guitarist and frontman Tyler Damron, a Harper Creek graduate. “It’s what we grew up with, and it’s who we are.” [ READ STORY ]

Review: “Shneal/Synergetic Productions”

Published by Joe Stando on August 8th, 2011 - in Album reviews, Featured



Synergetic, the new collaboration between local rapper Shneal and Synergy Productions, is serious business. It opens with clips of speeches and news reports of various conflicts and crises from the past few months, which sets a tone that holds throughout the entire album. We live in turbulent times, and Shneal doesn’t shy away from that.

Shneal’s verses discuss a wide variety of tensions and issues. Some of them are ripped from the headlines, covering topics like the Iraq War and economic recessions. Others are more personal and abstract, involving subject matter like career success and responsibilities. No matter the scale, Shneal keeps his rhymes universal and relatable. This is a very personal album, with a lot of passion and intensity behind each song.

The beats range from passable to occasionally excellent. Synergy isn’t hugely ambitious, and a lot of the tracks have pretty basic beats. This isn’t a bad thing, and it’s clear that there’s a level of craft involved beyond Soulja Boy-style Garageband loops. Most tracks are functional and to-the-point, which is in keeping with the message-based style of the album.

Synergetic’s strengths are also its greatest weakness: it’s relentlessly serious. While Shneal’s focus on real issues and emotion is admirable, the whole thing has a dour, protest album feel. War is repeatedly referenced, both literally and as a metaphor, with inconsistent levels of success. The first sign of something lighter comes five tracks in, with “Corona and Limelight”, and most of the relief is granted by collaborator Jon Harvey (who is first-rate every track he’s on). It’s not a super fun listen, and a couple party rap tracks could’ve really raised its replayability.

Still, once the album gets rolling, there are some real quality tracks here. “Flatline” has an intense beat and flow, and “Deep End” and “Relax” are great examples of Shneal’s introspection and commentary done right. “Deep End” especially has a great hook and manages to stay upbeat. “To the Moon in 24 Hours” is another song I really enjoyed, in no small part thanks to collaborator Audrey Marie. It’s a more fun track I could see myself listening to a lot, which isn’t always the case here.

Synergetic is an album designed to make you think and get you talking. It does, though sometimes at the cost of keeping you listening. Solid work by Shneal and Synergy Productions, and great verses by Jon Harvey and Audrey Marie. It’s worth picking up, and hopefully they’ll lighten up a little bit by next time.

ALBUM RATING (0-10)
7.0

Review: “If You Ride With The Devil” by The Mushmen

Published by Joe Stando on August 3rd, 2011 - in Album reviews, Featured



I’ll admit it; I’m a sucker for ska. From the Specials to Reel Big Fish to Mustard Plug, if it’s ska, I’ve probably heard it. But regardless of my personal inclinations, I have to recommend “If You Ride with the Devil”, the latest album by Kalamazoo-based ska/reggae group The Mushmen.

The Mushmen, who played last weekend for the Dog Days of Summer festival, are seven members strong, and they have a “big band ska” feel. A powerful brass section and driving drums underscore their songs, which are an eclectic mix of awesome stuff, including an instrumental track which cleverly incorporates Danny Elfman’s Beetlejuice theme and an ode to long-suffering late night host Conan O’Brien.

“If You Ride with the Devil” has a slower, mellower rhythm to it, reminiscent of The Pinstripes or some Mighty Mighty Bosstones. The opening track, “Wazing,” features a long, waltzy instrumental intro, foreshadowing the band’s sometimes sparse vocals. The Mushmen don’t feel the need to overload their tracks with lyrics, which is a nice move a lot of bands forget. Recurring two-tone guitar beats help anchor most of their songs, especially “Final Round” and “Plans”. The vocals are a little hit-or-miss, but there are some genuinely good chorus moments. I can’t say I was crazy about the lead vocal track on “Wazing,” but other than that, everything sounds crisp and well-produced.

Aside from the aforementioned “Beetlejuice” track which really appeals to the nerd in me, “Final Round” and “Anxiety” are really the tracks which stuck out to me. Guitars and drums on “Anxiety” are a good encapsulation of the band’s sound, and “Final Round” has a genuine, emotional feel which isn’t always common in ska music. Lead vocalist Scott Rouse sounds great here, and the background vocals really sell it.

The album’s one drawback is that, at times, it feels a bit too slow. The Mushmen definitely fall closer to reggae than punk on the ska spectrum, and while there’s nothing wrong with being chill, I’d like to see a few more tracks like “Kalamazoo River” and “Wild Turkey,” the last two of the album which both tease a bit harder, more punky sound. I’m harsh because I see potential, like a teacher in an inspirational movie.

All in all though, “If You Ride with the Devil” is a great ska album and a good album in general. It’s scheduled to drop Aug. 6 at the Strutt, and it’s definitely worth picking up if you like supporting local bands, listening to good music and America.

ALBUM RATING (0-10)
9.0

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