REVIEW: Graffiti Thrill - Graffiti Thrill

A fan of classic rock, Mark Pfau wanted to put together an album of classic rock riff driven songs and with the release of Graffiti Thrill’s self-titled album, I’d say he succeeded. Teaming up with Justin Brown, Tony Salvatore, Zach Eldridge and Chris Bonner, Pfau has simultaneously recreated the sounds of the great classic rock bands while mixing in a little modern influence and giving the album as a whole an original flare.

Sarah starts out with electric guitar and brings to mind the stylings of Bruce Springsteen with a little Foo Fighters thrown in. Leaving Home starts off with a hard-hitting riff and has a Blue Oyster Cult feel. Words has the feel of The Who, but despite the familiar sound of the song is completely new and original. Tonight has the energy of Van Halen and at the same time, the mellow vibes of Chris Isaac. Syracuse stands out from the rest as far as songwriting is concerned. This song is beautifully written and performed. Syracuse brings to mind a young Elton John - minus the piano. Fever is an extremely contagious track. One thing I love about this CD is the familiar sound, I feel like I’ve been into Graffiti Thrill for years and haven’t known it! Kaleidoscope has a Led Zeppelin vibe mixed with a little Lynyrd Skynyrd mixed in. Majestic sounds like a Doors tune when it starts off and then morphs into a more Alice in Chains sound. Girl is a light classic rock ballad full of heartfelt emotion and awesome lyrics. Euphoria closes out the album with a bang! With Van Halen style guitar harmonies, verses with Springsteen-style progressive guitars and and Alice Cooper-style chorus, this song is a great send-off for the listener.

All the fans of classic rock out there have been awaiting this release from Graffiti Thrill for years without even knowing it. Mark Pfau has done an excellent job in proving just how classic rock doesn’t have to be so ‘classic’ anymore.

4 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Graffiti Thrill at www.myspace.com/graffitithrill

REVIEW: Mark Radcliffe - The Sea Before Us

For all you music lovers out there looking for a musician with catchy hooks, professional instrumentation, unforgettable lyrics and a voice to top it all off, look no further. Former English teacher Mark Radcliffe’s latest album The Sea Before Us is all this and more.

The Sea Before Us starts out with In the Sun. From this track on, the listener is bombarded with the highest level of poetry topping off an overall addictive tune.

The Other Side of the Pillow evokes a darker mood from Radcliffe. The lyrics in this song are reminiscent of a young Elton John while the music has more of a Chris Isaak feel.

Tumbleweed starts out with an awesome piano intro and morphs into another of Radcliffe’s epic choruses. The dynamics in this song are evident throughout the album and definitely a songwriting skill Mark possesses and worth mentioning.

A personal favorite, Blow it all Away is probably the most catchy song on the album. This song hints at flavors of Duncan Shiek and The Fray. Blow it All Away is just an awesome song and perfect for mainstream radio play. This is really the kind of tune you walk around singing all day long.

Miss Hard to Forget is probably one of the weaker tracks on the album, but still a jam-up song. That says a lot about Mark Radcliffe as a musician and songwriter - even the weakest track is still awesome!

Santa Monica Daze makes clever use of mandolin for a little island pop feel. The poetry in these lyrics fits perfectly with the style of the music. This is a song that demonstrates how Radcliffe understands how less can be way more.

One Foot Out the Door is full of imagery and emotion. This track once again demonstrates both Radcliffe’s vocal range and dynamics as the song builds up and then comes back down to the finale.

Falling Star is more of a ballad type song. Most songs on this album aren’t really upbeat, but Mark has a knack for emitting tons of energy without playing energetic songs - surely something to be experienced first hand.

Breaking Up the Band has a classic rock feel and uses acoustic guitar and piano to round off the sound of this laid-back epiphany.

Pick Up a Mirror is probably the most ambient track on The Sea Before Us. This is one of those songs that shows the diversity and well-roundedness of Mark Radcliffe’s songwriting.

No Time to Lose, the ending track on The Sea Before Us, is an acoustic track that fits perfectly to the finale of this collection. As a peaceful, thought-provoking send off, this track is the icing on the cake for an awesome work of art.

Overall, The Sea Before Us is an album of which everyone should own a copy. This masterpiece proves not only that Mark Radcliffe is a master of his craft, but also leaves no question that he has a reserved spot as a prominent musical icon of the twenty-first century.

5 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Mark Radcliffe at www.markradcliffe.net