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: Randy Stern - Give

New York musician Randy Stern has spent the last decade performing with punk/grunge band The Nerve and has recently established himself as a prominent solo performer in the New York music scene. Randy’s new album Give offers well-rounded and captivating performances as Randy defines his solo sound for the first time.

The first track on Give is Deeper and Deeper. It’s evident listening to this opening song that Randy Stern has chops not to be meddled with in this tune similar to that of later Tom Petty tunes.

Better Days has a very 90s pop feel similar to that of Hootie and the Blowfish and Soul Asylum. Once again, though, Stern throws in some classic rock melodies for a new, yet familiar sound.

Rita has kind of an old-timey Johnny Cash feel with walking bass lines and a little bluesy slide guitar thrown in. This track demonstrates early on the diversity that Randy Stern delivers to his audiences.

The Night is probably my favorite song on this album. The chorus is extremely catchy and Stern’s vocal performance is so full of energy and emotion and with a little harmonica thrown in there, you can’t help but like this one.

Give, the title track of the album, shows a little of Randy’s slower side. His voice on this song reminds me of an early Eric Clapton.

The Only Woman is a blues song that seems heavily influence by southern rock legends and gives this track an energetic and authentic bluesy feel.

Into Your Heart takes it down a notch with this emotionally moving song. It’s really impressive how Randy is able to capture so much energy in the vocals while barely letting out a whisper.

Home is just a great song. It brings to mind 90s icons Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen.

Life is Good is an uplifting song and so appropriately titled. It’s a laid back tune that will leave its hook stuck right in your head all afternoon.

Simple, simply isn’t my favorite track. I think it’s a little lacking in energy and, after hearing some of the previous tracks, I feel Randy has more to offer this song than he demonstrates here.

In The Midnite starts out slow, but builds into an epic song that’s just perfect. I couldn’t say enough good things about this track.

Ain’t Dead Yet is a little folk song at the end of the album. This acoustic track is an awesome performance by Stern. It’s nice to hear a more raw approach to his music.

Overall, Give is an awesome addition to any music collection. For fans of 90s pop/rock, classic rock, folk, blues and country, you surely will not be disappointed with this one.

4 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Randy Stern at www.randystern.info