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Cartel”Chroma”Release Date: In stores
Since the 2004 release of their EP “Ransom,” Cartel has steadily gained more and more attention from both underground and mainstream media outlets.
With their first full-length offering “Chroma,” the buzz is only bound to get bigger.
Melding punk rock song structure with power pop vocals, Cartel’s music seems to be the variety that blends easily into the background amongst a slew of other like-minded musical acts.
Nevertheless, it is Will Pugh’s straight forward approach to songwriting that separates Cartel from the rest of the field.
The album has its share of radio-worthy singles, the most notable of which is “Honesty.”
Songs like “Save You” and “The Minstrel’s Prayer” showcase a maturity, both musically and lyrically, that belies the band’s age and experience.
There is a smooth transition from each song to the next, with the two final tracks blending flawlessly into a hectic conclusion that abandons the album’s former rigidity.
This unexpected break presents a unique problem in that while it displays the bands willingness to experiment with form, it seems to drag on and ultimately ends up as a loop of previous bits and pieces.
-Kevin Koeninger
Lady Sovereign “Public Warning”Release Date: In stores
Rather than naming her new CD “Public Warning,” Lady Sovereign should have named it “Surgeon General’s Warning.”
Lady Sovereign, a 20-year-old British rapper whose album “Public Warning” came out on Oct. 31, spits rhymes that hypnotize the listener with clever twists and bouncing beats. Her album and sound are as distinctive as her attitude.
Her first single from the album, “Love Me or Hate Me,” says it all. Nothing about this Londoner is impartial; everything is honest, meaningful, and loud. The song and video blatantly expose why this artist is so unique.
Another song on the CD is the title track “Public Warning.” It is equivocal to being on a merry-go-round at a mad carnival. There are children’s song lyrics being spun to a Mario Brothers game soundtrack that is warped and incredibly sped up. So intense it may cause motion sickness, the track displays the true character of Lady Sovereign as well as much of her talent as she rhymes at a very fast pace to keep up with this out-of-control song.
The rest of the CD is filled with fun beats, Lady Sovereign’s original rhymes and ideas of partying, going out and being herself. This unique sound is very infectious and sure to be a great success.
– Erin Kelleher
Rocky Votolato”Makers”Release Date: In stores
In Texan born Rocky Votolato’s CD, “Makers,” it is easy to see that simplicity plays a huge part in his music.
Most of the songs consist of Votolato’s voice with the acoustic accompaniment of his guitar and nothing else.
The songs are soothing and slow in tempo and his style is reminiscent of an early Elliot Smith or Iron & Wine.
In no way could you call the genre of this CD country, yet there is no doubt that country has had an effect on the songwriter, with a sharp twang slipping into his words and vocals.
Votolato incorporates the harmonica in a couple of his songs, which creates a reminiscent feeling within the listener.
Although there is a lot of good to be said about this artist, the CD does not go above average.
The melodies are pleasing to the ear, but after a while the songs become monotonous. The music does not continuously hold the listener’s attention.
It seems like a few songs would be worth buying off iTunes, such as “White Daisy Passing ” or “Tinfoil Hats,” but listeners should not waste $20 on the whole disc.
– DeAndra Hoppe
