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Tag: Music Review

  • Christophe Willem: Caféine Review

    christophe-willem-cafeine
    Elmer Fudd

    Thanks to my Kris Kindle pressie (a Voucher for Amazon), I’ve managed to get my hands on a couple of books and DVDs that I was looking for. I also got Christophe Willem’s second album Caféine.

    The follow up to 2007’s Inventaire has already featured the singles Berlin, Plus Que Tout and Heartbox. Willem has pop down to a tee.. Think a bit of Robbie, a dash of Kylie and drizzle of Madonna, mix ’em up and you have Mr Willem.

    It’s not surprising to see that Guy Chambers and Cathy Dennis feature on the album. The album also features duets with Skye and the talented Minogue sister. Another helping hand is that Willem is signed to 19 Management.

    Inventaire established Willem as one of France’s premier chanteurs, Caféine takes him a step further towards Superstardom.  To achieve this though, unfortunately I think Willem will have to sing a few more songs in English.

    The French have had a different way of doing CD releases for the past couple of years. Who needs CD singles if the industry are putting this much effort into physical albums. Pop the CD into the computer and you’re given a labyrinth of extras, videos, remixes, karaoke versions and a fantastic remix game where you can remix, Berlin and Plus Que Tout.

    Christophe’s website

  • The Skin We’re In EP Review

    The Skin We're In Logo

    I wrote this for MusicReviewUnsigned when I get a direct link I will update.

    Criky Markey is the man behind The Skin Were In. Based in Newry, Co. Down, Markey has just released his debut EP.

    The EP kicks off with Something To Prove, a mid tempo radio friendly track in the pop rock vein. It’s not bad, I just waiting for something else to happen. It has a nice build up to the chorus but I would have liked it to have more kick when it got there.

    Christine is a piano/vocal led track, reminiscent of something Train would do. (more…)

  • Frantic Jack ‘Free’ single review

    I wrote this for MusicReviewUnsigned when I get a direct link I will update.

    Just as they are announced as MusicReviewUnsigned artist of the month for December 09, Frantic Jack release their second single Free. Free follows a month after their debut single ‘Firefly’ entered the charts at number 23.

    Free is an uptempo track with a nice lead in. The chorus might be a little short but the hook is memorable and leaves lots of room for live singalongs. Its a good track with a driving rhythm section. Lead singer Daragh seems to be growing in confidence and gives a great vocal performance.

    The second track on the CD release is called Fallen Heroes. It’s a heartfelt song not dissimilar to Daughtry’s style. Good lyrics, good vocals nice guitar licks not bad for a ‘B’ side.

    2010 should be a great year for Frantic Jack as they took the end of 2009 by the scruff of the neck. Kudos to them for following up their debut ‘Firefly’ so quickly. As long as they can keep a good momentum going 2010 is theirs for the taking.

    5 out of 6

    www.myspace.com/franticjack

    Update: 12/12/09
    Many Congratulations to Frantic Jack – they scored their second chart hit and their first Top 20 when Free entered the Irish Charts at Number 20 yesterday.
    Here’s the Charts in Full: http://irma.ie/aucharts.asp

  • The Aftermath: The Power of Love Review

    The Aftermath

    I wrote this for MusicReviewUnsigned. When I get a direct link I will update.

    Its not necessarily a good idea for band trying to ‘make it’ to release a cover version. The Aftermath though, have just sent a radio only single to media. The band have already notched up three top twenty singles and a top twenty album with their own original music.What makes this different is its a cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s classic ‘The Power of Love’ but more importantly, its bloody brilliant.

    The Aftermath stay faithful to the original but singer Johnny Cronin brings a tenderness and frailty to this version that hasn’t been felt in the original song in a long time.

    The production is clear, and crisp, and often quite haunting as the band have recaptured the essence of this 1984 classic.

    You can’t buy it, I haven’t seen it or heard it online, the only way you can is to request it from your local radio station.

    After The Aftermath having a great ‘noughties’ this is an immense way to finish off the decade and they show they are comfortable in their own skins by not being afraid of conquering this magnificent cover.

    Can I give 10 out of 6?

    www.myspace.com/theaftermathband