| HeevaHava -
Woopty Schwoopty |
| A friend of mine passed off this CD to me, said I might like to
check it out. Hmmm. It’s evident that this is a band after it’s own thing.
They’ve got a tight, methodical approach to their musical chaos. It’s apparent
that they’ve put several years into building their sound. Heevahava’s musical
blend falls somewhere between rockabilly, jazz, and punk. They carry a certain
Bungle-esque quality to their songs as well, although that doesn’t translate into any
musical genius here. Maybe I just don’t get it. But the whole time I listen to this
CD I keep thinking, "I wish I was listening to Barkmarket." Yes, I gave
Heevahava more than a single listen. But I haven’t warmed up to this disc much. The
parts I like remind me of such other bands as Trenchmouth or even Hogscraper to a degree.
But I’d recommend sticking with those bands and borrowing a listen to Heevahava
before you buy. |
Heevahava
19 W. 11th St.
Covington, KY 41011
|
| StepKings - Let's Get it on! |
| This just-released CD is a much-needed shot of energy from the
NYC trio. 1997’s "Seven Easy Steps" was a decent release, but I thought it
felt well short of the Step Kings’ energy and potential. This year’s full-length
disc updates several existing tracks and blasts out a hearty plateful of new NYC
"Stepcore," the Kings’ term for their bounceable mix of hardcore, hip-hop,
and power groove. "Let’s Get It On!" develops the Stepcore formula.
Mostly, it just makes me want to get up and dance. More impressive is that this band is
still unsigned and touring the country by sheer determination. Their first big tour was in
’97 with SOD and VOD. Since then they’ve played thrice more in Cincinnati, most
recently at Top Cat’s on August 6th. This CD might be a little tough to find in local
stores, but ask around. The stores should be able to order it for you. Catch this band now
and help them grow! |
|
The Step Kings C/O Fantastic Plastic Records
P.O. Box 212 Summit, NJ 07902-0212
www.Stepkings.com
|
| DemonSpeed - self titled |
| Hey! What’s this?
It’s just a little taste of an upcoming release from Demonspeed. I know nothing about
this band…just that I’ve got a 3-song tape. But that’s good enough for me,
for now. Its swing…no it’s metal…no it’s….Elvis? I’m just
bouncing along right now. This is one of the more fun developments I’ve heard in the
world of heavy music. It’s got a definite lounge-y feel in spots, and then it swings
back around and jumps on your neck. And they do a punkified update to "Movin’ On
Up," the classic Jefferson’s TV theme. Killer! Anyone else out there know about
these guys? I hear there’s at least one CD release to be had. I had planned to bring
this band to Cinci at the end of July….but powers that be decided it wasn’t such
an important show. It’s a shame, cz this is one band we deserve to see. Maybe another
time? Anyone feel frustrated here in Cinci? Yeah….we’re tryin. Stick with us and
show support to the locals. But I digress. Well, I don’t even know how to get ahold
of Demonspeed at the moment. They’re on Black Pumpkin Records….but everyone
there is keeping mum. Try blackpumpkin.com and see if you can order a CD. |
|
| Hero - Untitled Demo |
| Anyone remember Human Waste Project? How about some Snot
lovin? Well, Hero features members taken from the demise of both projects. It’s a
shame that we lost two bands of that caliber, but Hero shows what can be rebuilt from the
ashes of fortune. Don’t come here hoping to find the power-punk-porn sound we loved
Snot for. Nor the dark and edgy world of HWP. Hero finds it’s own niche in the
retro/synth/indie/rock vein…"Pleiadian Vampyre pop with a Mayan Disco
Twist…" as they call it. These four songs probably wont see the light of day in
their current form. But a recently-inked record deal and work with producer Josh Abraham
signals an impending full-length release. Hero is still a young and developing creature,
and it will be well worth the wait. |
| www.Hero-zone.com |
