Cassie and The Cassettes

Cassie and The Cassettes are a band that will brighten every crack and corner of your day. They bring sunshine to your heart and a smile to your face. Everything about them is bright and enjoyable, from vocals to instrumentation. 'I Don't Like You' is an upbeat tune sure to make you a fan from the start. I have a hard time describing just how much I enjoy this band. Cassie Layton has a voice that's light and delicate, but never seems to waver. The musicianship of this group is outstanding. There are so many sub par bands out there comprised of kids who merely pick up an instrument because it is "the thing to do". Not these kids, you can tell that they must greatly enjoy what they do, their music is punchy and unhurried. Their passion for the music they make radiates through to the listener. Cassie and the Cassettes are a contender for the ages, that in a few years you'll be saying " I knew them when they first started out"

Cassie and The Cassettes (myspace)

Burmese Days

Burmese Days is a personal favorite of this reviewer. In all honesty if I could listen to one band for the rest of my days, there would be a few contenders but Burmese Days would be the favorite to bet on. They are the archetype of British new wave, minimalist music. When delving into their pool of work for the first time, I was besotted. I can honestly say that I was absolutely smitten with this band. Their musings can only be described through their own lyrics. 'Every story has a sting and yours is impending.' Their sting will certainly have a long lasting effect on anyone that comes across them. Songs like 'Early Hours' and 'Giving Up On The Girl' will have you wanting more and more. This is the type of band that no one could truly dislike, even if it isn't your style, you will enjoy listening along.

Having heard Burmese Days' newest release 'Heaven Sent' I can say this is Burmese Days at their finest moment, and I didn't think they could get much better. This new wave-esque song is so delightfully poppy that nothing compares. The tune is so amazingly catchy, that once you hear it you will be addicted. This band is well worth the listen.

Burmese Days (myspace)

The Best Side Projects

In recent months I have come across many side projects that have kept me amused for a long while. Here is a list of side projects that are as good than any actual band out there.

▹The Country Side Project-
It doesn't matter if you like county/bluegrass or not this is simply good music in its purest form. Everything that comes from the fingertips of these lads is genius. Their music is entertaining and holds your attention, Their cover of 'Wannabe' is by far the best cover I have ever heard; it is amusing and makes you with they would cover every song ever done by the Spice Girls. In their own inimitable way.

The Country Side Project (myspace)
'Wannabe'- The Country Side Project
'The Country Side Project'- The Country Side Project

▹Police, Camera, Action!-
I think we all have out guilty pleasures, music that we know isn't good but when you talk about it, you can't help but smile. From the first moment you listen to Police, Camera, Action you won't be able to contain yourself. When first listening to this music you will go through a series of emotions: shock, confusion,stun, slightly uncomfortable, and finally the comical stylings will have you won over.

Police, Camera, Action! (myspace)

▹Rowan- Rowan Martins rendition of Dizzee Rascals 'Fix Up, Look Sharp' is one that you will find yourself going back to his page again and again to hear. 'Hailstones' and 'Tell me' will have you captivated. This is the type of music that when you need a break from everything you can turn to Rowan's musings and settle down. Rowan is a part of one of this reviewers' favorite band Burmese Days. It is not surprising that a member of that lovely band makes such amazing music of his own.

Rowan (myspace)

▹L'Homme Run- Not quite a side project, but one of the best nonetheless. Consisting of Ezra Koenig(Vampire Weekend) and Andrew Kalaidjian, this duo dabbles in the increasingly comedic field of white rap. 'Pizza Party' will have you sining it's hook all day long, it won't take you but a second to fall in love with their lyrics. "P-I-Z-Z-A P-A-R-T-Y if you got a blunt, then we can get high" there is nothing that compares to a little L'Homme Run on a rainy day.

L'Homme Run (myspace)

This Club

As a reviewer, there are three critical criteria to me.

The first is always first and foremost if the tune (or artist) I'm listening to makes a strong first impression on me. To me this means whether I can hear and feel the music, the artist's ability to reach their audience in the message or story of the tune and whether there's potential to impact others. The first criteria is, to me, the most important.

The second criteria is technical. Whether the vocals and instrumentation are strong and how they benefit or detract from the song determining if it's a professional effort or a work in progress.

The third is if the song has the potential to be a contender. The commercial market is war. I wish it wasn't so but due to the competitive nature of business in general it has, as a major industry, become a cut throat environment where artists are often supported not because of their natural talent but because of how much investment has been put into their careers, eliminating those with the most to offer as newcomers. I hate it but to exist and continue there must be either an excruciatingly commercial or revolutionary newness to the artist and or song.

This being said, this particular group This Club has a shot. I like her unusual voice (Malissa Layton), in an age where the soprano's mostly rule the songstress categories she's got a rich almost contralto fullness that blends beautifully with brilliant harmonies when they blend in the many hooks, and chorus' at the end of the verses. The only drawback is the mix isn't fully finished and the vocals waver in sound levels inconsistently at points, nothing a good mix can't fix. This Club has a very good effort going on. We look forward to hearing much more of them in the future.

This Club (myspace)
'Together Forever' - This Club