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MIDWEST RUMBLINGS

Regional Demo Reviews from Bubbling Under Artists

by Corine Jurgerson

It’s been an interesting month. I had the chance to sit down with several regional bands during the month of September to discuss music. It was enlightening and entertaining to pick the brains of these talented young musicians.

One of the topics that seemed to keep popping up at these chats was that of musical influences.

Bands are always eager to talk about what artists made them decide to play music, and most of the time a band’s musical influences shine through clearly. Often times, too clearly. While it’s great to pay respect to those that inspired you to pick up that instrument or write those lyrics, don’t forget to give your work your own flair. Think of how discouraged you feel when you flip on the radio only to realize that everything played on the station sounds the same.

While I am blown away each month by the abundance of talent right here in our very own region, I am also equally saddened by the fact that so many of you “play it safe” and restrict yourselves to the sounds of your influential heroes.

Look at history: Elvis Presley dared to be different. Madonna continues to reinvent herself (although lately, not as successfully…) every few years.

Prince, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Nirvana… these bands all created their own unique niches. How do you compare?

RATINGS SCALE: 1-5 Stars…with 5 being the highest!

Artist: SIGNAL

Between the Switch and Fade is the new album from Signal, a heavier rock band from South Bend, Indiana. If you haven’t heard them yet, take notice now, because you’ll probably be hearing a lot more from them in the months to come!

Their sound has a bit of that signature edgy Chicago-rock sound that Disturbed made famous, but unlike some of the bands I spoke about above, they’ve really got their own thing going on.

It’s a rare treat to hear a local band play together as well as these guys do. Hair-raising guitars and drums that pound so hard your heart should explode provide the perfect background for front man Jammie Bosstel, who carries the lyrics with vocals so strong it’s nearly impossible to believe that Signal hasn’t been picked up by a label yet.

Check these guys out on the web at www.signaltothenoise.com and remember that just like in the case of Disturbed and Soil in years past, you heard about them via The Midwest BEAT first.

RATING: 4 Stars

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Artist: BOBBY E. LEE BLUES BAND

The Bob E. Lee Blues Band is a fresh Chicago-style blues band with a CD called, Pieces Of Blues that we address here. A mellow blend of gospel, funk, Cajun and traditional blues makes this CD a pleasant listening experience.

Technically, these guys are quite talented and can really play. When you listen to blues, you know what you’re going to get. But while the music is enjoyable, it loses a bit of its energy halfway through. Overall, this band isn’t doing anything innovative, but the album is a safe buy and the band is worth the cover at a city bar.

RATING: 2 Stars

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Artist: FLYING JUST BELOW RADAR

This is one band to watch! Flying Just Below Radar is the latest gem to burst onto the Chicago punk music scene.

Recently signed by Smithseven Records, this band presents a melodic-aggressive indie-rock sound, similar to that of Armor For Sleep, Silverstein and The Beautiful Mistake.

The thing that makes this band great is that they perfect that middle-ground. They’re not too hard, not too soft. Oh yeah, and they have a female bassist that rocks out!

Check them out as they tour around the region and the U.S. with names such as Bleed the Dream and Quietdrive. You’ll be glad that you did!

RATING: 3 Stars

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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