Boyd Tinsley "True Reflections" (RCA)
2.5 / 4 stars
The violinist for the Dave Matthews Band, Boyd Tinsley should know better, but his debut album, "True Reflections," proves that he doesn't. While Tinsley's musical contributions to DMB show that he is an incredibly talented violinist, his solo album lacks drive, vocals, and a catchy beat. It is a wonder why the violin, his feature instrument, doesn't make more appearances on "True Reflections." While the first track, "It's Alright," has a nice array of banjo-work, it is the only song on the album with a steady beat worth listening to.
The album hits an all-time-low as Tinsley whines through the song "Perfect World." However, the next track, a rendition of Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl," picks the listener's hopes up again, while the following track, "Run," lets them down. The high point comes with the title track, on which Dave Matthews makes a guest appearance.
Tinsley's musical capabilities are no doubt extraordinary, but with the debut of "True Reflections," we see that he should stick to the band thing. - RACHEL BURSTEIN
Sevendust "Seasons" (TVT)
1 / 4 stars
Sevendust recently released its fourth full-length album entitled "Seasons" - the most awful, boring, pathetic album that Sevendust has released so far in an otherwise illustrious career.
The first single off the album, "Enemy," does not really give the listener a clear idea of how "Seasons" actually sounds. In fact, there is not one other song on the album that carries the energy or sounds remotely close to "Enemy." It's a song used to trick you into buying the album. "Seasons" is a mellow rock album with slightly heavy beats that last for only a split second with continuous amazing, emotional vocals from Lajon Witherspoon the lead vocalist. For those who enjoyed "Animosity," "Seasons" will be a good, albeit lame, follow-up to the previously released album. In other words, if you like Staind, Creed and Evanescence then this album is for you; nails screeching across a blackboard sound better than this. - FRED NETZBAND
Misery Index "Retaliate" (Nuclear Blast)
2.5 / 4 stars
The first song on Misery Index's first full-length, "Retaliate," that actually grabs your attention is "The Great Depression." Talented guitar players Sparky Voyles and Bruce Greig seem to bring the music together, with solid backing from drummer Matt Byers. Misery Index sounds like a death metal band with a bit of a hardcore influence, because at certain times it seems like the band is trying to put some semi-breakdowns into its songs, which makes the music a bit more interesting. Other decent songs include "Demand the Impossible," and "Servants of Progress," which include a vocal blast typical of Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed, which is slightly amusing. The album itself is decent, and worthwhile to give at least one listen to. In a few years, when Misery Index makes its big break you'll be happy you purchased "Retaliate" today. - FRED NETZBAND
Presence "Rise" (Curb Records)
2.5 / 4 stars
Presence blends its beats with hard guitar riffs and melodic backing vocals to create a unique mixture of Rage Against the Machine and Linkin Park. "Rise" is the Florida band's third album and features great rhymes and vocals from front-man Jay Slim and bassist DJ Stange. Dan Fulmer's guitar is significant in only one song, "Van Down by the River," and drummer Nick Wells is solid but unremarkable.
About half the album rises up past mediocrity and makes it worth listening to. Tracks three through six expertly blend rhymes, riffs and melodies, but the action doesn't pick up again until the last three tracks. "Soundcheck" is the best track without any melodic backing vocals. Presence shows a lot of promise; if the beats could be a bit more varied the boys from Florida might rise up to the mainstream soon. - COREY PARKER
Charlotte Martin "In Parentheses" (RCA Records)
3 / 4 stars
There is no denying who Charlotte Martin's primary influence is. Her piano-driven rock and hollow vocals sounds so much like Tori Amos it might as well be unreleased songs from Amos' "Little Earthquakes" era. "In Parentheses" is Martin's most recent EP, which showcases four of her songs. All of the songs fall into the genre of piano rock that was made famous by Amos and is often characterized as "depressed girl music." Martin's version of this does not necessarily evoke the same strong sense of depression or anger as her precursor's music, but it certainly makes for a good soundtrack for late-night wallowing.
The final song on the EP, "Monster," is easily the stand-out track, and it's also the only track on which Martin does not play the piano part. Martin has strong, evocative vocals and a haunting sound, but unfortunately she might be five years too late; everything she is doing, Amos has already perfected. - EMILY ZEMLER
The Eels "Shootenanny!" (DreamWorks Records)
3.5 / 4 stars
The Eels latest full-length is not so much a cohesive set of music, but rather an eclectic collection of indie rock whose charm is in its randomness. This set of 13 lo-fi melodies, with a touch of bluesy-twang is reminiscent of Bob Dylan with a smoother voice. The album is original, but feels a bit cautious. The Eels front-man Mark Oliver Everett seems to be holding back at times, but his restrained nature works with the resulting music.
Everett's songs have a carefully constructed sense to them and are pretty much comprised of nothing more than vocals with some low-key background instrumentals. The variety of songs is the most brilliant part of this album; no two songs sound alike and the mixing of upbeat and mellow tempos creates a m?lange of sound that is sure to satisfy every indie rock craving.
"Shootenanny" is a dream come true for those discontented with today's underground rock scene as it offers an unusual, low-maintenance sound that contains no hint of pretension. - EMILY ZEMLER
ZZ Top "Mescalero" (BMG)
1 / 4 stars
The boys of ZZ Top are back to give you more of what you don't want - and this time with a spicy Southwest "flava." These hard rockers get props for singing in Spanish on the opening track, making it hotter than the desert sun. Speaking of getting hot, if cartoons are your thing turn to page three of the liner notes. There's a silhouette of a muy caliente broad who has got legs and knows how to use them. As for the old goats themselves, the beards have been tamed, but the guitar riffs remain as wild as a hungry coyote. On "Buck Nekkid," "Stackin' Paper" and "What it is Kid," ZZ Top live vicariously through song, following the example of controversial rapper Eminem. If ZZ Top was from Detroit, one question would be left - which one is Top? Bottom line: ZZ Top - Top + Z = ZZZ's - RACHEL SPIKULA
Lexicon "Youth Is Yours" (Spy Tech)
3 / 4 stars
"Youth is Yours," is the sophomore release from Lexicon, two brothers from California. Oak and Nick Fury put down their flow over mediocre beats. Lexicon's witty rhymes, mostly about drinking, smoking and girls, are what keeps people listening.
The first half of the album is slow, focusing on Lexicon's California lifestyle - sleeping in, going to the beach, and inhaling fine herbals. Finally, the duo brings it with track seven, "Party People," featuring Dizzy Dustin of People Under the Stairs. Dustin raps about being the obnoxious drunk who spills drinks, hits on people's girlfriends and throws up in their cars. Lexicon keeps the party going with, "Brokenhearted," and "Rock," making you wonder, "Where's the Bicardi at?" In "Bar Night," they confess, "I think you're much cooler when you're drunk." Put on track seven, sit back, light up, and let these boys get the party started. - RACHEL SPIKULA
