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Midwest Rumblings

MIDWEST RUMBLINGS

Regional Demo Reviews from Bubbling Under Artists

by Corine Jurgerson

By now many of you who are reading this have probably realized that one of Northwest Indiana’s beloved new/used record stores, CD Trading Post, has closed its doors.

CD Trading Post was a long-time supporter of Midwest Beat Magazine and local artists. On any given day you could walk into the small store and find old and new musical gems tucked away within the store’s bins. Vinyl, imports, DVD’s – this place had it all, including a certain personal “character” that just isn’t found in large chain stores these days.

I’d have to say that a good 70% of my CD collection came from CD Trading Post – whether they were used or new discs, because like Tom Lounges and others here at Midwest BEAT, I always felt that it was important to pay the few extra dollars to support a local store rather than throw my pennies at a corporate giant. I’m not sure of the details of the store’s closing, but I was told they simply were not generating enough business. How sad.

This is a prime example of what can happen when you don’t support local music, local record stores, local music venues, etc. This is what can happen when you steal music by downloading.

I like a freebie as much as the next person, but when a business that had established a genuine reputation in the community as supporters of music is forced to shut their doors because of low sales, something is definitely wrong.

Let’s try to make sure that this doesn’t happen to more of our favorite musical haunts. And to Jeff Scroggins and his staff at CD Trading Post who supported our magazine over the years – thank you and best of luck to you all!

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Artist: CORPORAL FLASHBACK

One of the most impressive demos that arrived this month is Corporal Flashback’s self-titled CD. Corporal Flashback is the latest project by Jeremy Van Hoose and Mike DeLeurere, also of the bands Othercide and Vasoline.

Corporal Flashback’s debut brings an eclectic blend of styles that simply cannot be compared to other local bands because of the variety. The opening track, “Red Room”, is super strong. I love the use of the megaphone with the vocals and the dramatic pausing in between guitar melodies. My only critique on this track is that several of Van Hoose’s vocal keys do not seem to match the melodies to their fullest potential.

Other notable tracks on the album include “S.I.B.”, which may have been influenced by Queens of the Stone Age, and the mellow “Yellow Roads”, which really showcases Van Hoose’s vocal abilities.

The entire second half of the album is pretty low-key, and this talented duo does an excellent job perfecting soft tunes that will make the local ladies swoon. Sorry girls, word on the street is that both of these guys are taken.

Great job on a debut demo.

RATING: FOUR STARS

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Artist: WOOKIE HANGOVER

So many things can be said about Wookie Hangover’s CD “If you can’t beat `em… join ‘em, then beat `em”. Let’s start with the good things. Although this isn’t my style of music at all, I can’t deny the band plays well.

Wookie Hangover is a hardcore band, reminiscent of bands like M.O.D. (Method of Destruction) and S.O.D. (Stormtroopers of Death). Lyrically, there isn’t much here that could be played on any radio station without being bleeped out, but it is pretty hysterical.

You’ve gotta love the brashness of “M.I.L.F”. … I’m sure that lots of mothers in the region would love to know that they’re still hot commodities and that they’re whores. Same for “Ana, My Polish Princess.” And where was “Beer Song” when I was in college? This one is sure to be a college anthem.

Now on with the “bad” parts of the album. I can appreciate the band’s style, especially since not a lot of artists are doing this type of music anymore. However, its just a little too abrasive.

The lyrics, although many are pretty funny, can also be a huge turn-off. Is it necessary to be so crude? And I’m still wholeheartedly opposed to the cookie-monster screams and growls. Although it works well on Sesame Street, it’s getting way too redundant in music.

I think its great that this band is clearly having a good time, I’m just not sure if there’s much of a market for it – in this area, anyway. This is a very talented group of guys, I just think they’re missing their mark.

RATING: TWO STARS

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Artist: EDENS LIE

Edens Lie is a metal band from the suburbs of Chicago. Their sound is a lot like those bands who brought us thrash metal like Iron Maiden in the ‘80’s. I’m guessing there is also a heavy Metallica influence, due to the abundance of long guitar solos by the talented Dr. Frankenshred.

The most notable track on the album is “Recurring Visions of Murder”, which features an exceptional piano line against powerful guitar riffs. Although the track contains no vocals, it paints a vivid, emotional picture.

I was also intrigued by the other low-key track, “Silhouette in Black”, a free-flowing tune topped with wonderful vocal harmonies and yet another impressive guitar solo. This is also the track that best demonstrates Michael Anthony Putignano’s soaring vocal abilities.

Overall, I think this is a talented band that would probably sound even better live. The genre is a little bit dated, but the band plays well together and Putignano is undoubtedly a talented musician. Great job.

RATING: THREE STARS

Email me at: corine@midwestbeat.com

MIDWEST BANDS…Send your demos to me at:

“MIDWEST RUMBLINGS” c/o Midwest BEAT

P.O. Box 9069 • Highland, IN 46322

MIDWEST BANDS…Send your demos to me at:

“MIDWEST RUMBLINGS” c/o Midwest BEAT

P.O. Box 9069 • Highland, IN 46322

Email: corine@midwestbeat.com

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