the Rantings of Eva

Lowering the Curtain on Memphis

Sorry I haven't been keeping up the with site lately, I've been incredibly busy. I wasn't even around this past weekend as I had to head up to the Midlands for a homestay. Let's just say I'm glad to be back in London.... Anyway, I've been spinning various Rantings of Eva demos for the past couple of years. After spending a good deal of time waiting for a proper release, I had almost given up hope. Fortunately, the other day, I got a message about the release of the band's first official EP - Lowering The Curtain On Memphis. Though I've featured the band a couple of times before, I figured I'd do it again in honor of the new release. It's been over six months, anyways - and good bands never wear out their welcome. While they've revisited some old tracks, they have included a few new songs as well. Honestly, I bought the EP on iTunes immediately after catching wind of it. This Atlanta based band, in my opinion, is phenomenal. The two tracks I've included are demo versions, so make sure to download the EP - I promise you'll dig it.

The Rantings of Eva - Another Memory Of You
The Rantings of Eva - Coming Down

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (iTunes)

Captain Phoenix

"People ought to learn to take the blame..."

You'll thank me big time for this one. I promise. I've had my eyes on London's Captain Phoenix since I first came across them a couple of months back. They're a tremendously talented group of four young guys (a couple even a bit younger than myself, I believe). Their music is a welcome reprieve from much of today's overproduction. Though the dance-rock phenomenon is certainly alive and well here in England (let's not discount the States, either), the work of Captain Phoenix is far more organic and unaffected. I was able to see the band play in town on Thursday night. Though I was only able to make it time for a few songs, they played wonderfully. Their music is so accessible, in fact, that I brought along a group of about 10 kids...every one of which loved the band. The band has plans to release their debut single soon. So, in order not to be counterproductive, we've decided it would be best to stream a couple of tracks instead of making them available for download. I'm absolutely planning on seeing the band play again, so you'll certainly be hearing more about them from me.


[ Note: songs have been taken down until I figure out how to keep the flash player from starting automatically. They'll be back up soon as I become computer literate... ]

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

London town

"Maybe what you said wasn't critical last night..."

Spouse

I leave this afternoon (Sunday) for London - gone a bit more than 3 months. I'll still keep this site up while I'm over there, but don't be suprised if you don't hear much from me within the next week and a half! I'll be around, though. I've got a pretty big list of my own already, but if you're in the area and you know any great bands/shows I should be checking out...please tell me. I'd love to hear from you, really.

Spouse - London
The Voom Blooms - The London Heads
John Mark McMillan - London Town

Like Lions

"When I talk it doesn't mean you have to listen..."

It's time that this band put the gears in motion. They're one of my unsigned gems (they do, however, have some big names backing them as management), and I've been waiting far too long for an official release. Like Lions strike all the right chords with me. The melodic melancholy of "Scared To Love You" teamed with the acoustic-pop chops of "Make It Better" makes for a great, and certainly appealing, combination. Fans of well-written, melodic pop music - take note. There's a good chance you'll really enjoy these boys from PA.

Like Lions - Make It Better
Like Lions - Scared To Love You

more info...
Myspace

Eric James & the New Century

"I remember feeling like I'd never see the daylight again."

I was revisiting some old songs the other week when I came across my early Eric James demos. I had heard murmurs about his new project (the addition of some more musicians), Eric James & the New Century, and decided to look into him again. While I was already a big fan of his effort, it's safe to say that starting a bona fide band was absolutely the right thing to do. The new EP, The City Lights, is a great debut, of sorts. Eric chose a few older tracks to include, but it's the new ones that I'm ultra impressed with. The band's new U2 stylings (refer to "Long Road For The Lonely) are right up alley. Appealing pop/rock music is Eric's specialty - I can't imagine that you won't love it. Thanks to his management for sending out the demo.

Eric James & the New Century - Long Road For The Lonely
Eric James & the New Century - Daylight

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

smallwhitelight

"Everyone was searching for lovers in the streams..."

Thanks, smallwhitelight. You certainly make an effort to stand out above the rest. This Brighton, England based band has earned a coveted spot at this year's SXSW in Austin. While the two tracks the band sent over for download showcase the band's the seemingly frenetic, garage-punk stylings, a recently released EP reveals something of a different sort. The band's Disco Love EP reveals more melodic pop/rock tendencies. After securing a management deal here in the US, and in anticipation of the SXSW appearance - you might be hearing a great deal more about smallwhitelight here in the states. Keep your fingers crossed, yeah? Good things come to good people.

smallwhitelight - Domino Chose To Stay
smallwhitelight - Spite

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Lovedrug

"Now you're searching for life up in these cold casino clouds..."

It's Radiohead for the masses. These Cleveland natives gone national are my go-to guys for the perfect mix of melancholy and pop sensibility. Lovedrug, signed to superb indie label the Militia Group, is an absolutely stunning musical amalgam of ruminative piano ballads and deep, guitar-heavy rock and roll. I've been a fan of the band since the release of their Rocknroll EP back in 2002. I can tell you one thing for certain, they've only gotten better with time. The recently released Everything Starts... EP, which is only available at shows and online, is a sampler from the band's upcoming sophomore effort. Look for the new disc to drop in late Febuary. While the first two tracks are from the aforementioned disc, I'd be remiss if I didn't include a track ("Angels With Enemies") from the band's sensational debut, Pretend You're Alive.

Lovedrug - Casino Clouds
Lovedrug - Heart Shaped Box (Nirvana cover)
Lovedrug - Angels With Enemies

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (iTunes)