Girl in a Coma “Trio B.C.”
This Texas band, composed of sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz (on vocals and guitar and drums, respectively), and bassist Jenn Alva was launched in 2007 with support from Blackheart Records (Joan Jett’s label). The Diaz sisters chose Trio B.C. as the album title because it was the name of their grandfathers tejano band in a the 50s. Nina Diaz vocals really stand out here, like a mix of Jett, Lene Lovich and Chrissie Hynde. The album is full of punk rock energy, great examples of this are “Static Mind” and “Baby Boy.” The soulful songs “Vino” and “El Monte” show a maturing band hitting it’s stride. The highlight of the album hits with “Pleasure and Pain” full of guitar hooks and harmonies through a crunchy guitar buzz. “Joannie In The City,” the is lone track produced by Joan Jett and is full of aggressive and addictive guitar hooks and a driving bassline that drives the song into your brain. The band takes influences from many sources (new wave, punk, rockabilly) and still pushes through it’s Latin identity, most notably on “Ven Cerca.” Keep your eyes on these women — they know how to rock without faking it.
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Calico Brothers “Tell It to the Sun”
In the farway land of Waitakere, New Zealand, the Calico Brothers broke into the modern music scene in 2008 with their debut EP, God Left Town. In the basement studio, Chet O’Connell (guitar), Jimmy Calico(bass) and Robbie Calico(drums) finished their debut full length “Tell It To The Sun.” This is gentle folk pop with a country twist, and it opens with the shimmering title track, complete with harmonica and slide guitar riffs. The wonderful songwriting pulls this album above the ordinary with the Lennonesque “Is There Anyone There?” and “Up For Air.” Fans of Wilco, Jayhawks, America and CSN will surely enjoy the wonderful harmonies and subtle Telecaster sound. The low key ballads are not that exciting, but the mid tempo pop gems more than make up for it. “Tread Carefully” sounds like a Gerry Beckley classic and “Weight Around My Heart” is another well written single. The heavy echo effects on “Always Said I’d Do” distract a little from the melody, but it’s still a keeper. This is a fairly successful album, with perfect rural pop songs for a sunny day.
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