Posts Tagged: iron ponies ep

2008 / 4 stars / reviews / the motel life — No Comments
18
Sep 09

We All Left Something Behind EP (2008) by The Motel Life

we all left something behind the motel life

The Motel Life
We All Left Something Behind EP
2008, UNSIGNED
indie rock, emo
4

Even though they hail fom Ontario, CA (California, not Canada), The Motel Life have a decidedly East Coast sound to them. I hear a lot of influences from As Tall As Lions, Brand New, and even some Canadians in there. That’s both a good and a bad thing, as it’s a bit hard to distinguish influences from the band’s true sound.

However, The Motel Life has some pretty intense lyrics that indicate this group is far more mature than any other two-year-old unsigned band out there. And when those lyrics are infused with vulnerable vocals from lead singer Michael Escanuelas, you’ve got a winner on your hands. I’m looking forward to more from these guys in the future, because they are definitely here to say.

Note to the band if you’re reading this: Thinking “I’ll Find Myself Another State” is similar to the Plain White T’s “Delilah” is sacrilege. Plain White T’s should be honored because that’s more praise than they deserve.

“I’ll Find Myself Another State,” “Presale,” “Ghosts.”
myspace, purevolume
Provincial Parks’s Iron Ponies EP, Annabel’s Now That We’re Alive EP

Disclosure: A free copy of this EP was provided by Nick Camacho of the band. You can now download it for free yourself – check out their myspace! Please see my review policy for more info.

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2002 / 2007 / 3 stars / gemma hayes / june is for women / reviews / singles — No Comments
18
Jun 09

Night On My Side (2002) by Gemma Hayes

gemma hayes night on my side

Gemma Hayes
Night Is On My Side
2002, Source Records/Astralworks
pop
3½

Hailing from Ireland, Gemma Hayes is another distinctive female voice I’ve recently found. While this album is from 2002 and therefore a bit old, it still has an appeal for those of us who still remember and appreciate 90′s pop and rock. In fact, I found this album based on its single “Back of My Hand,” which is quite possibly the most 90s-sounding track on the record. Listening to the rest of the album revealed country, acoustic, and dreamscape tinges that were appealing but also disappointing.

At the risk of sounding like an American Idol judge, Hayes voice isn’t merely imperfect – it’s pitchy beyond belief. She needs vocal coaching, particularly when she tries to attempt Sheryl Crow’s subtle twang in “Night On My Side” or “Over and Over.” Furthermore, the lyrics are kinda boring. Granted, Hayes has released two more albums since so she’s probably written more songs that actually suit her voice, but from what I can hear this album did not deserve to be nominated for a Mercury Prize, or any prize. It’s well-produced and catchy, but Hayes follows in the footsteps of Aimee Mann in that her voice can be appealing at times but it ultimately detracts from her music.

“Ran For Miles,” “Back of My Hand,” “My God.”
myspace, last.fm
Aimee Mann’s Lost in Space, Provincial Parks’s Iron Ponies EP

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2008 / 5 stars / provincial parks / reviews — No Comments
10
Apr 09

Iron Ponies EP (2008) by Provincial Parks

Iron Ponies EP by Provincial Parks

Provincial Parks
Iron Ponies EP
2008, unsigned
indie pop, alt rock
5

It’s pretty easy to give an EP five stars, considering that you have a shorter number of songs and therefore have more time to spend in concentrating on lyrical meaning when compared to a full-length album. Iron Ponies is probably the one exception to that rule, because it jumped out at me through the first listen. Though a bit overproduced for my personal tastes, I can find no other fault in the EP. Every song flows nicely, lyrics are impressively personal and yet universal, and it’s overall a very professionally done work. Lead vocalist Will Hemmings has a raspy voice that hints he could probably do a decent scream or two. Most other male vocalists would end up sounding a bit strange but his voice compels you to pay attention. Iron Ponies is not necessarily what I would crown the best album or EP of the year, but it’s interesting enough that I can’t put it away. It’s a shame it took me so long just to get to this review!

“Young Bride,” “The Wasp and the Dragonfly.”
myspace, last.fm
The New Frontiers’s Mending, Copeland’s You Are My Sunshine

Disclosure: A free copy of this EP was given to me by someone affiliated with the band. Please see my review policy for more.

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