Reviews

Mormor (Grandma) – short film about a surprising vacation at grandma’s

Mormor means “grandmother” in Norwegian. This short film is about a renewed bond that was formed between a granddaughter (Pia) and her mormor one fine summer. Pia’s parents are too busy with their lives to take care of her when the school’s on a break, so Pia takes a spontaneous vacation to her mormor’s home. Mormor is a widower, and so the young girl is such a delightful presence in her home. They have so much fun and so many adventures together. However, their adventures are cut short by those who do not get their idea of fun. Mormor is subsequently sent to the frightening “retirement” home, so Pia has to break in and enter the “prison” to save her mormor.

This Co. “This Co.” – free debut new wave/post-punk album

Who knew that the Chileans were such fans of the New Wave movement? This Co. describes itself as a "band that combines Post-Punk and New Wave into a hybrid between rock and electronic," which is, in itself, an apt description of many Indie Rock groups which are around today. The rock trio stamped their unique musical identity onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut album. Not too long after, the group's first single "As You Know" was preselected as a Top 10 most requested song on MTV. Since then they've been writing more songs, and of course, touring and doing gigs, most notably in Barcelona, Weimar and Berlin in July 2009.

Cartel – The Lost Tracks

Presenting talented MC slash Producer...yep, here's one you missed. Seems like every MC out there has held this title, but few who make the jump from producer to MC actually have what it takes. But trust me, you'll be glad that Cartel's Lost Tracks didn't remain lost for good. One half of the duo making up Homegrown Records, this isn't Cartel's first foray into releasing an album. Prepare for Glory was his first release followed by this true underground hip hop gem, The Lost Tracks. Cartel certainly proves naysayers wrong, being a producer/MC is possible especially if you have talent like this guy.

Paul Lisak & After The Ice – It Happens All the Time

Mashing old school rock with today's synth pop rock, tied with engaging vocals to match. Paul Lisak and After the Ice is definitely a band that's worth waiting for. Channeling both mainstream and indie at the same time, they reach a niche that few ever make. Their mix of psychedelia and indie rock along with easily likable rhythms and beats makes them an easy band to like. It Happens All the Time is the band's debut EP and comprises 4 solid tracks that embody what the band is capable of.

Closer at the Start by Jonathan Dimmel – Simple and Clean

Simple, simple, simple, but it doesn't mean it's not good. Easy listening pop rock is what best describes Jonathan Dimmel's music. There are times when we need simple and straightforward songs to make us feel good and Closer at the Start is the best candidate if you want something not so loud, not too quiet and not too sappy. According to Dimmel, the songs are "strait(sic) from the heart. I was over trying to make something commercial, this is my first attempt at just letting what comes out happen." Perhaps he should have tried this method sooner.

Warzone 2100 – open source real time strategy game

Want to play something that's more challenging than the usual shoot and kill? Warzone 2100 offers you a real time strategy and tactics game designed to make you think and destroy at the same time. Warzone 2100 was published by Eidos Interactive and developed by Pumpkin Studios. Originally, the game was released on a commercial status but by December 2004, much of the source code for the game was tagged with a GNU. Today, the title is a full open source game that you can download and enjoy right at the comfort of your own home. Take your wit and skills to help rebuild a new civilization for mankind or simply have fun blasting the enemy from beyond the gates.

Boris Kostin aka Restin presents “Not So Scary” – A Free LP from Mix Galaxy Records

Moscow-based Boris Kostin also known as Restin brings us “Not So Scary,” an EP of ambient music fit for sleepovers and storytelling sessions, wherein the theme is either a little scary-creepy, or somewhat freaky. Kostin’s EP title seems perfectly appropriate if you would listen to the singles individually. Listening to the entire EP is a different story because this EP could get your imagination going on and on, track after track.

Julandrew – Sings Your Favorite Songs II

Sweet married couple making great music together. No, Meg and Jack did not get back together. Most people might think that creating music with a partner is simply too much, as if it's not enough that you live in the same house; you have to work together? Well, not for Julandrew. Brainchild of couple Julie Handy and Andrew Philip, the band's latest lineup (as of October 2009) includes, Ryan Duffie on Guitar and K.C. Hawes Domingue on piano/keyboards. Sings Your Favorite Songs II is a 5 song compilation of some tracks that the band has recorded. They contain both new and old songs.

Angels & Airwaves give you Love – a free album download

I feel I should preface this review by saying that most Nu-Rock bores me. I kind of got over my rocker-girl phase as soon as I got out of high school, and to be honest I find that most modern rock bands don't really offer much I haven't heard before. That's why it surprises me so much that I absolutely love Love, the much-hyped brand-new album from alternative rockers Angels & Airwaves.