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The Hollywood Spotlight by Steve Rangel
Local CD Reviews
Deadhorse "The Beast That Comes"
Deadhorse are a busy bunch of headbangers. Only a year removed from releasing their epic double CD anthology "Day Of The Deadhorse", the band (Greg Martin/guitars, Ronny Guyote/drums, Allen Price/bass, Scott Sevall/guitars, Mike Argo/lead vocals) are back with another brutal assault on the senses. "The Beast That Comes" is a triumph, a fitting follow-up to "Day", and further proof that Deadhorse stands shoulder to shoulder with the heavyweights of the genre. Much like punk rock, hardcore metal is largely misunderstood. It's not about speed and heaviness for the sake of speed and heaviness. Rather it's about unique artists who have a genuine point of view. Outcasts, in a sense, who have developed their own opinions on the society in which they live. The aggression in their music is a direct result of those views. And expressed correctly, the message is a powerful one. The 12 tracks on "The Beast That Comes" leave no doubt that Deadhorse possess every one of the essential elements of true quality hardcore music: lyrical sophistication, effective musicianship, an authentic rebellious attitude, and the wherewithal to express it. The slick CD packaging comes complete with a lyric booklet. Normally, I might not mention that seemingly minor detail. But it is significant in this case because a large part of Deadhorse's considerable appeal lies in their words.. With occasional exceptions ("Horsecore" and "Let Me Drink"), the band's lyrics are deep, dark, and direct. Sometimes ominous, but always thought-provoking, they are the core of this very intriguing quintet, and they are not to be overlooked. "The Beast That Comes" is an album that makes an emphatic statement. Deadhorse is a band that simply refuses to be ignored. And they shouldn't be.
Kyle Cousins "Soft Shell"
Singer-songwriter Kyle Cousins scores big with his new modern rock release
"Soft Shell". A diverse and thoughtful recording, this 11 song
collection appears to be something of a piecemeal effort. Production credits
seem to indicate that multiple producers, mixers, and studio locations were
involved. Still, it maintains a consistency and an even flow throughout,
and the material is presented in an effective and impressive light. Cousins
himself is a complete vocalist. He proves here to possess both power and
finesse in his vocals, as well as depth. He seems adept at discerning what
approach a particular song requires, and he delivers appropriately. His
harmony work (assuming it wasn't achieved artificially on this primarily
studio-constructed work) is equally spot-on. The music is best described
as catchy, groove-oriented modern rock. This is undoubtedly radio ready
stuff, and I would expect this offering to garner richly deserved industry
attention for Kyle Cousins. The album is equal parts uptempo toe-tappers
("Hey Now", "Home", "Right Now So Far") and
heartfelt ballads ("Mr. Fly", "Here With You", "Jane's
Song"). Cousins also approaches progressive rock territory on "Not
What I Hoped" and goes for a straight-forward guitar anthem with "Say
What You Want". Again, "Soft Shell" is definitely covered
with studio fingerprints. But it still manages to retain a human feel. This
is entirely due to Cousins' genuine and passionate delivery. His voice is
pure and convincing. And considering that he serves as principle songwriter,
he also comes off as authentic. And that's not a quality that can be manufactured
in a studio.
Serving Houston, Tx and the surrounding areas.
Music News covers all kinds of music from Rock to Country and Alternative to R&B..