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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Painted on Water

Chicago Issue

Review by Gary Hill

I really like this EP a lot. It’s got an intriguing set of sounds. The female vocals often bring an epic metal texture. That said, the music also touches on that. Then again, there are times when it feels tied to modern pop music. I can even hear No Doubt and Gwen Stefani as references at one point. Still, there is even some electronic dance styled music here. While that combination of sounds might not be an obvious winner, it works extremely well here. This is definitely a winner.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
When I Need You Most

The mix of sounds on this is quite cool. There’s a great “talk box” sounding bit to the cut. It’s also got a driving riff driven element that’s more or less techno or industrial music. The female vocals seem to run between a modern pop sound and something like epic metal. This is hard edged and gritty, but it also has elements of electronic pop and dance music. Whatever the blend, it works quite well.

A New Me
Some of the music here actually makes me think of No Doubt a bit. There’s a cool groove to this piece.. All of that said, though, the electronic and metallic vibes are present here, too. The vocals really get pretty soulful, though and definitely call to mind Gwen Stefani at times.
Hating You Loving You
Although those electronic music elements persist, this is much more of a straightahead metal tune. It’s also very strong. It might be my favorite cut here.  It’s fresh yet familiar.
Why Do You Love Me
The verses on this are quite metallic. The choruses, though are more tied to a modern pop rock sound. There is almost a symphonic element at times to this. All in all, this is another great tune which brings more variety to the table.
Despite Ourselves
They saved the best for last. This has an almost progressive rock movement at the start. It’s mellower and melodic, but it still has some of that electronic pop sound in place. The cut evolves after that into a decidedly metal cut with a real European epic vibe. This is a great song to end a great EP the way it should, in style and classy.
 
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