album review: Another 7 Astronauts

Technology has made it much simpler lately to create a brave new world in one’s cramped, debris-strewn studio apartment. Another 7 Astronauts, the vision of world-class drummer J.C. Denison (Lucky Pineapple, Invaders, Cheyenne Marie Mize), is such a world. Granted, it’s not an entirely new world. If you are familiar with modern composers like Brian Eno or Philip Glass, Vangelis’ “Blade Runner” soundtrack or nature films narrated by Morgan Freeman, you already have an idea of what this world sounds like. That doesn’t take anything away from the overall experience of being swept away by Move, however. If anything, it helps prepare listeners for the driving, purposeful sounds of a composer sure of his vision. From urban jungle textures to minimalized hip-hop beats to blissed-out spa treatments, this 20-song collection has plenty of choices for fueling your sonic adventures.

c. 2011 LEO Weekly

album review: Vibrolas

Hard rock and heavy metal fans can be well-informed and quick to champion new favorites. Just as often, however, they can tend to want the same thing over and over — Sabbath riffs and lyrics about hot rods being tireless favorites — with no sudden upgrades to a format that has held up remarkably well for most of the past 40 years. (We’ll pretend like the ’90s weren’t rough.) It can also be a very Louisville tendency, which helps explain the continued popularity of the scene here.



The Vibrolas aren’t breaking any new ground, but their contribution to the form is muscular, nicely groove-based and tuneful. Backing vocals from bassist Leila A. Coppala help distinguish the band from many others in what is often a “boys only” club. In fact, the lone instrumental, “Ass Ventriloquist,” suffers from the absence of Coppala and lead singer Chris Hosner’s vocals. But it’s called “Ass Ventriloquist,” so you get that.

c. 2011 LEO Weekly