"Demo Reviews"
Sponsored In Part By
The Woody Brothers-THE WOODY BROTHERS
2123A S. 2nd St., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
This is a self-produced album from a band out of Florida. It has a
wonderful folk ballad core surrounded by a lighter pop tune feel.
I haven't decided whether it's folk or pop but I know it's not rock
and roll. The songwriters are also the musicians and you can feel
the story in the music. I like the variety of instruments I heard
in each song and the supporting vocals really complement the total
sound. I think the real lesson on this CD it that happiness in no
laughing matter. Great sound for local talent but I'd be afraid of
the big city spitting them out.
- Rebecca Szilvagyi
The Twistoffs-SONGS FROM CUP OF FISH
The Tahoe Agency, P.O. Box 11388, Tahoe Paradise, CA 96155
The music of the Twistoffs has been described as "quirky" and as
"eclectic circus rock". Both are accurate descriptions of this
sampling of songs from the Kent, OH-based band's third CD. The
songs are full of guitar and horn hooks, catchy melodies, and
impressive vocals (including standout vocal harmonies on "Burning")
that showcase the extensive musical talents of the seven Twistoffs.
- Cathy Clause
Tiles-FENCE THE CLEAR
P.O. Box 75, Trenton, MI 48183
Detroit's hottest progressive rock band, Tiles, has released a new
disc of its Rush-recalling, talent-rich musical voyage. Song
lengths range from a 50 second-long instrumental ("Gabby's Happy
Song") to a 14:43 musical opus ("Checkerboards"). The vocals soar
over top of some amazing guitarwork. Yep, definitely a progressive
rock band, and, given the level of musicianship and songwriting
skill, clearly a one of prog rock's elite.
- Geoff Wilbur
NOTE: Due to space constraints, the following reviews were not
included in the print edition of the RENEGADE. They are only
available here in the online edition.
Gypsy Wind-PRESSIN' OUR LUCK
P.O. Box 331, Pigeon, MI 48755-0331
This ten track demo from Gypsy Wind displays an uptempo blend of
modern country with southern rock influences, from the opening cut
"Good Country Music" with its fast driving rhythm through the
closing lament of "I'm Broke." Strong writing, solid musicianship,
and plenty of hooks help draw you in; the trading of vocals between
male and female help round out this impressive project. Gypsy Wind
shows plenty of promise, and while they may not be the most
polished country band on the circuit, they display the tools to
become just that, and this demo should provide a big boost... give
it a spin.
- Shane Copher