The Lakewood Observer now has a local music reviewer who is looking to hear from local bands and musicians who have music or re-issues coming out, that they would like to share. Lots of bands are already doing it.
Here is the column from this week's Lakewood Observer:
Anarchy On Yr Face: Reviews Of Recent Releases By Local Bands, Pt. 7
by Buzz Kompier
Obligatory Disclaimer: Record reviews are a tricky business. It's one thing to enjoy music, but to, like, pick out what you like about it? That being said, if I review your thing and I didn't like something, don't feel too bad. My opinion doesn't matter all that much.
The Nico Missile - The Nico Missile - Quality Time Records - 4 songs - 7", download
Some really interesting pop stuff. The first song, "Holiday In Purgatory," sort of reminded me of The Smiths, though I liked this much more than I like The Smiths. Some of it was kind of pop-punk, but not in the way that Blink-182 is pop-punk or whatever, in the way that The Velvet Underground is pop-punk. On the whole, the record had a nostalgic feel, like The Velvet Underground or like Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, though all the songs had a more modern spin on them than that. My favorite was probably "Call Of The Wild," though I liked all of the songs. It's somewhat difficult to get a feel for the sound of a band in just four songs, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I thought that on some songs, the production was a bit tinny, but other than that I liked it. 4/5
Bad Noids - Rats Live On No Evil Star - Saucepan Records - 8 songs - 7", download
This is some somewhat demented punk stuff. I would advise you to stay away from trying to decipher any meaning, just accept that this guy, as he says on one of his songs, "chews on tape all day." This record made me think of what would happen if Ron House made the inexplicable switch to becoming the frontman of Zero Defex, and writing really odd Lyrics. Side 1, the "Yield Side," is really great all the way through. Despite the oddness of it, most of it is really catchy and, dare I say, good. "A Generic Song" is pretty darn funny, and "No Llamas Today" is a weirdo punk classic, though, again, just try to figure out what it means, if anything. "Stop Side" isn't quite as good, though it certainly has its moments. The best song on that side is probably the opening "Vwypr," (I'm not sure I spelled that right) which seems to have multiple movements within it. The following two are somewhat dumb lyrically, with one of them having such gross-out lyrics that it almost makes me gag. On the whole though, an enjoyable enough record. 3.5/5.
Go to this link to see the rest of the reviews, and spread the word if you--- or your kids-- know about any bands or musicians who would like to reach out to Lakewood listeners and club goers.
http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2015/07/07/anarchy-on-yr-face-reviews-of-recent-releases-by-local
Contact info is at the bottom of the link.
Betsy Voinovich