Ailanthus

Ailanthus describes themselves as industrial rock, however, their 3 song demo states otherwise.  Their sound is reminiscent of ‘80s rock with a heavy doom influence.  The musicianship is good but, let’s be honest here, the band really needs to update their sound for the 21^st century. Contact: www.ailanthus@yahoo.com or www.myspace.com/ailanthus -NIN

Fueled by powerful synth textures and colorful guitar work, Avenue in Oceania’s sound is a flashback to 80’s New Wave/darkwave.  These delightful offerings are complimented by Jason’s deliciously dark vocals, which are reminiscent of Justin Warfield (She Wants Revenge).  The album’s sinister dance beats and frenzied tripped out electronics will keep the dance floor going for hours.  Avenue in Ocean have put out a good record for the genre.  Check it out. www.avenueinoceania.com or myspace.com/avenueinoceania  -NIN

Sounding a bit like the White Stripes with a full band, The Break-Up combines good songwriting with minimalism.  They aren’t afraid of straying out of the conventional with songs like “Everybody’s Waiting for the Storm” in a dissonant tone.  Singer Jamie S. sounds an awful lot like Jack White.  Enjoyable.  -J

Italy’s Carnal Rapture has a unique style that mixes Primus’ progressive techniques with death metal’s unrelenting style.  To say the least, this quirky sounding band is anything but dull.  If you like adventurous, off-the-cuff music then shoot these guys an e-mail at: esseti1@inwind.it  -NIN

Even though it’s just two songs, this powerful little demo from the all girl outfit Cockpit is enough to intrigue, which is what any good demo should do.  Unlike most girl rock bands Cockpit doesn’t try too hard to be one of the boys, nor do they use their sex appeal to sell their music.  These four gals rely on talent and natural ability to rock and even though they are hot, their tunes are hotter.  Cockpit combines anthem-esque hooks with tasty guitar solos to create a sound that mixes old school rock ala AC/DC with modern hardcore aesthetics.  Cockpit – remember that name.  -NIN

Destination

Destination—a two man band from Ohio—is versatile and talented and their sound ranges from garage rock to death metal crunch (“So It Goes”) to speed metal propulsion (“Murder in the Streets”).  “Take a Stand” is a real gut buster, but “Ghoul Show” is the best track by far.  Destination has been writing music for over 10 years and has picked up a few tricks along the way.  They’ve got a decent fan base overseas, and now it’s a matter of cracking the US market.  If you’re an extreme metal lover you’ll be into what this band has to offer.  Century Media, Artemis, and RoadRunner may also want to take a look.  Contact:msmolen@sbcglobal.net or 440-237-1128  -NIN

The production on this 10 song demo is muddy, but the jams are smokin’.  Hailing from Chicago, The Drip’s music is reminiscent of Iggy & The Stooges with the spirit of Hanoi Rocks.  Overall, this full-length album conveys the heart and soul of a decent garage band.  The Drip has lots of energy and the right attitude.  Contact: info@thedriprocks.com or visit www.thedriprocks.com  -NIN

Drop Dead Beats

The production isn’t the greatest, but the songs are enjoyable none the less.  Drop Dead Beats’ self-titled effort features plenty of massively catchy hooks that will reel you in.   The singer is a little rough around the edges, but his distinct vocals give theses rock-a-billy tunes character.  Highlights: “Zombie Baby” & “She Makes Me Wanna Die”. Myspace.com/dropdeadbeats  -NIN

Kaura (Kaum Publishing)

If you enjoy the intricacies of A Perfect Circle chances are you’ll like what this L.A. group has to offer.  Formed by Malcom Guess & Benjamin Jones, and rounded out by Joe Hauler and Ben Rojas, Kaura blends various cultural influences into the mix and tops it off with a heaping scoop of skilled musicianship.  The end result is a sound that is both striking and distinctive. This five song demo is just a taste of what Kaura has to offer.  In this self-titled self-released EP, exotic instruments are used to create a myriad of unique textures and ethereal tones that enhance each tune and enrich the overall listening experience.  Kaura’s foundation may be melodic hard rock, but in the end they offer the listener a whole lot more.  Choice cuts: “The Falling” and “Becoming”.  For more on Kaura visit www.kaura.com  -NIN

Null_Objct – The Blind Clockmaker

This latest CD by independent artist Null_Objct fuses both guitar based rock with synthesizer based techno tracks.  This makes for a sound much like Crystal Method, but without the symphonic and dance elements.  Sparing and clean, where the songs themes unravel themselves slowly, The Blind Clockmaker is a good CD to have on in the background, or excellent soundtrack material.  I think we’ll be hearing a lot of Null_Objct in the future in commercial music.  Contact: gary@nullobjct.com or www.nullobjct.com  -J

Oblivion (Remixed)

Formed in 1987 Oblivion was Jersey’s heaviest thrash band.  This remixed CD features tracks from the band’s past three demos plus two live tunes.  I vaguely remember these guys from back in the day.  It wasn’t really my thing, but they did have a following.  Even though the tracks are remixed the quality is still shoddy.  The stereo was cranked past 11, but it was still hard to decipher instruments and vocals.  I’m sure die hard fans will be happy to have all the group’s material on one disc.  If you’re interested in a bit of nostalgia e-mail the band at oblivioncd@comcast.net.  It’s a bargain for $7.  -NIN

First of all I want to commend the band for putting out such a professional looking and sounding record.  Project 12:01, a sultry darkwave outfit, incorporates elements of synthpop, electro-pop, ethereal, and industrial in order to create their uniquely pleasant sound that is altogether dancey and melodic.  Each track is expertly orchestrated and complimented by warm sexy vocals and seductive beats.  The group is slightly reminiscent of Collide, just not as fine tuned.  The dance friendly “Taste” will certainly turns some heads.  “Are There Angels” entices with its relaxed friendly vibe, and the perky beats of “Shut The Door” will have you wondering why you haven’t heard of this band sooner.  However, the icing on the cake is the band’s smashing cover of Front 242’s “Headhunter”.  Do yourself a favor and check Project 12:01 out.  www.project1201.com/project1201@project1201.com  -NIN

This self released full-length from Raman Sachdeu - a three piece unit featuring Raman Sachdeu on vocals/guitars, Scott Oldacker on bass, and Gabe Wallace on drums.  All songs are written by Raman, and while they aren’t that bad, perhaps some input from the other members may add some more fuel to the fire.  The songs are melodic in nature and the overall structure is fair.  Some tracks are stronger than others such as, “Stopped to Care,” All For Nothing,” and “Leave the Past Behind”.  Raman Sachdeu’s melancholy mellow nature calls to mind Jeff Buckley.  They’re not quite as solid as Buckley, but their music will appeal to a niche market.  Contact: sine_of_infinity@hotmail.com -NIN

Sex Digital

Even though Sex Digital’s demo is simplistic in nature, it still conveys the band’s uncompromising uniqueness.  It is also a good sign when a band sends a decent demo with a note that says they are working on new material that is even better.  Sex Digital’s metal meets goth sound is a juxtaposition of distinct influences washed in dark, ethereal textures.  Bassist Suzanne’s odd-time approach and the jazz influenced percussion gives the music its unique character.  I’m interested in hearing the new stuff.  For more visit www.sexdigitial.org or e-mail sexdigital@sexdigital.org  -NIN

Skindraft – Demo Collection

This four piece rock band from Ireland features brothers Ryan Devereux (guitar) and Keith Devereux (guitar/vocals), in addition to Dan Walsh (drums) and Tony O’ Keeffe (bass).  This disc is akin to a “Best Of” release, as it contains the best tracks off the band’s demos from 2004 to 2006.  Skindraft were smart to start off with their most current material.  For the most part, the songs are inspired by the likes of Alice In Chains, Deftones, and the Foo Fighters.  The first couple of tracks are melodic in nature, especially “Dead and Gone,” which pairs haunting vocals with dreamy melodies.  Things get a little heavier on “Discern” and even heavier still on “Mulch,” which was from a 2004 demo.  It’s interesting to hear the progression from the band’s beginning until now.  This demo definitely showcases Skindraft’s musical strengths.  These boys are in the process working on their debut release, which should be out in September 2007.  Be sure to contact them for a copy.  www.skindraft.com or skindraft@yahoo.com -NIN

Trigon

This three song demo found its way to us all the way from Finland.  Trigon has been going at it since 1997 and has two self-released albums under their belt and one out on Moby disc.  The band’s three song demo presents a collection of pleasant rock songs with dark undertones that are slightly reminiscent of Alice In Chains.  With just three tunes my interest was peaked, which explains why Trigon already has a pretty decent sized following in their hometown.  For more info visit: www.trigonrocks.com or e-mail the band at mail@trigonrocks.com  -NIN

This band has many faces…old skool metal, nü-metal, a little bit of grunge…It’s their ability to mix things up that keeps the album interesting.  This self-released effort offers plenty of saucy guitar riffs that are rounded out by melodic vocals and a raw attitude.  Even thought The Unheard Of has been together for about two years, their 8 song disc covers a wide variety of dynamics, intensity, and range.  The Struggle brims with a fiery raw emotion.  Highlights: The attitude laden “Shake,” The Zep inspired “So Life Deceives,” and the GNR influenced “If You Wanna”.  Contact: Theunheardof.com -NIN

All-female indie pop-rock band Vervein from San Francisco tries hard to make their own voice among the many disparate in the indie rock world.  Sounding vaguely like an early Smashing Pumpkins with a dash of Kim Deal on a depressed day, there is an undeniably softer, hypnotic side to the band.  Vervein is good with chill out songs, but does love their swooshing indie-trademarked guitar sound.  If you are filled with angst that needs soothing, make Vervein a stop on your musical journey.  Contact: http://www.vervein.com  -J