The Brink of Sanity

Influenced by the likes of Miss May I, Lamb of God, and Dying Fetus, The Brink of Sanity is making their presence known.  Hailing from Myrtle Beach, SC, this metal band formed in 2010, adding a couple members in 2011. 

Their song "With Clarity Comes Psychotic Jealousy" reminds me a lot of Dethklok.  The vocals are different.  Each song has two different sets of vocals.  One being the low, growling, demonic sound, and the other is shatter the glass screaming.  They have on EP out called "Contaminate of Reason" (great name, guys) that is a really good listen.

I'm most impressed by the music. The vocals are great as well, but when blended with the talent of the guitar, bass, and drums it comes together to form something well blended. The double pedal drumming is absolutely wicked.  No doubt in my mind you could see these guys on stage with the likes of Mudvayne before too long.  I found a quote about them that's quite fitting.

"I say keep with what style you have, because it takes a minute to learn breakdowns, but what you guys play it takes talent."   - Kevin Zeigler, KT Magazine

I have to say that I agree.  Although metal is somewhat of a touch and go genre for me, when I find a metal band that I like, I stick to them.  Along with Bodybag, Otep, Lamb of God, Cradle of Filth, and Suicide Silence I have added The Brink of Sanity to my metal playlist, and if you're a massive metal head, you should too!  Follow the links and check them out!

Steve Duvall - Lead Vocals
Ryan Shaver - Guitars
Aaron Gruber - Drums/Percussion/Vocals
Wes Deloach - Guitars

http://www.facebook.com/thebrinkofsanity
http://www.total-deathcore.com/2012/05/brink-of-sanity-with-clarity-comes.html

You can also find their stuff on Spotify, cdbaby.com, and Google Play

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

Rachael Yamagata

This gorgeous voice hails from Arlington, VA.  Rachael Yamagata is a rare talent I could easily compare to the likes of Fiona Apple, Carol King, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, and Tom Waits.  She writes and performs songs that exude the dark side of a love song. 

I discovered this one courtesy of my Tori Amos channel on iHeartRadio.  The song started, and within 30 seconds of hearing it, I was on Google and Facebook sharing her voice for the world to hear!

Rachael sang with the Chicago based band "Bumpus" for 6 years, but went solo in 2001.  In 2002, she got a two record deal with Arista's Private Music.  Since then she's done some amazing things!

She's done one major tour with Mandy Moore, and has played at Bonnaroo.  Also, it is worth noting some of the collaborations she has done.  She has written/performed songs with artists such as Ryan Adams, Jason Mraz, John Francis, Terra Naomi, and many more.

Currently, there are three studio albums and five EPs available for her.  Her album Happenstance is a beautiful mix of mellow blues and soulful vocals.  She has a very addicting, hypnotizing voice.  Much like Norah Jones, I can put in one of her CD's and not have to skip a single song!  Many of her songs have been featured on literally 30 or more different TV shows.

Follow the links my faithful readers!  She's definitely one for easy listening!!

http://www.rachael-yamagata.com
http://www.youtube.com/rachael-yamagata
http://www.myspace.com/rachaelyamagata
http://www.facebook.com/rachaelyamagata

You can also find her stuff on Simfy, Zvooq,Rhapsody, iHeartRadio, IMDb, Slacker Radio, Deezer, MOG, Rdio, Jelli, and Spotify!!

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

The Sounds

A major band for those who know them, The Sounds hail from Stockholm!  They are an indie rock/new wave band that somewhat remind me of Paramore, Blondie, or the Epoxies.  I first heard this band, again, courtesy of Rock Band.  (Seriously, invest in the game.  You can find some really great music!)  Their song "Living in America" really caught my attention, so I decided that they were worth looking into.....and I was right!

The band recorded their debut album "Living in America" in Stockholm.  Shortly after its release, the band got some pretty serious attention in both Europe and the US.  In 2004 they played the Warped Tour, and in 2006 they played it again from the main stage.

They've toured with several big names including The Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Paramore, Panic at the Disco, and No Doubt.  The proudly promote four studio albums:

Living In America (2002)
Dying to Say This to You (2006)
Crossing the Rubicon (2009)
Something to Die For (2011)

Maja (Pronounced Maya) Ivarrson (Lead Singer) was named in Blender Magazine's "Hottest Women of Rock", and they weren't lying.  She's dead sexy!  A very old school vocal sound, they definitely stand out!  My favorite song by them is Living in America, but other great ones include Tony the Beat and No One Sleeps When I'm Awake.

Their songs are packed with very catchy beats, and a very cool mix of electronic sounds!  As always, follow the links and check it out!!  It might be your new favorite band!  =-)

Maja Ivarsson - Lead Vocals
Felix Rodriguez - Guitar
Jesper Anderberg - Keys, Piano, Guitar
Johan Bengtsson - Bass
Fredrick Blond (Formerly Fredrick Nilsson) - Drums

http://www.the-sounds.com
http://www.myspace.com/thesounds
http://www.facebook.com/thesounds
http://www.youtube.com/user/thesoundsmusic

They also have music available on Simfy, Rhapsody, Zvooq, iHeartRadio, MOG, Slacker Radio, Deezer, VEVO, IMDb, Jelli, Spotify, and iTunes!!

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

DJ Drew

Coming at you from Yuma, AZ I've got to introduce the one and only DJ Drew!!  This guy has some serious beats!  He takes the best of literally everything and packs it all together in one massive, pumped up jam! 

His tracks are never the same, but all together bad ass!  I jam his stuff when I'm cleaning, putting on my make up, folding laundry.  His music makes me happy, and it gets me dancin'!

I happened upon this guy via a "Like Ladder" on Facebook.  Initially it was I will follow you if you follow me, but when I checked out some of his page I was like, "Dang!  This guy is the business!"  As I've said before, I don't discriminate when it comes to music as long as there's talent involved.  A DJ can seriously spin some killer stuff if he/she knows what they're doing.  For example, DJ Rap is another amazing listen, and seriously, this guy's stuff is just as good! 

Though I've never met him, DJ Drew came into my life all the way from AZ to IL.  I bet he will do the same for you once you hear what he spins!  Follow the links below, and check him out, and if you live anywhere near him, throw him some love and book him for your event!  Make it one no one will forget!!

https://www.facebook.com/DjDrewaz?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://www.hulkshare.com/6cm4ygdijif4

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

PSA #2

Hey guys!  I just wanted to let you know that you can now follow me on Twitter!

 https://twitter.com/redlolli2012

Also, just a couple notes of interest.  I am working on a new page.  I'm taking the blog from Blogspot to an independent site!  It's very exciting!  Progress is ticking along, but bear with me during the transition!  I'm very excited to expand this operation!  The other note of interest is that if you haven't noticed the link on the side, there is a Facebook fan page for Hidden Gems as well!  I would love for you to become a fan!  The bands that have been reviewed have been known to stop by and post awesome stuff, and you can keep up to date with concert info, upcoming articles, etc.

Thank you guys for making this such a big success for me!  I have some special surprises coming up, and a couple giveaways as well!  Who wants free band merch?  Keep reading!  Leave me some comments, I love feedback, and please keep sending me those emails!  I love it!!

Have a great great week guys!

XOXOXO- Red Lolli

LeRoy Bell

Okay, first, I would like for you to take a long look at this picture.  Can you believe this guy is 61 years old?  I know the first time I saw him, I was in total shock.  LeRoy Bell is an amazing singer/songwriter from Seattle, Washington.  Some of you may recall seeing him on the first season of The X Factor.  He was eliminated in the final 8, but stood out to me.  I was very excited to see that, although he didn't win, he went on to make an album.  What I didn't know about this guy is the reason I'm writing about him.

LeRoy has been in and around the music industry since 1978.  In and out of a couple different bands, I found out that he has had some major accomplishments that have gone completely unnoticed by the general public.  As amazing a performer he is, he is a very accomplished song writer.  More so for other people than himself, allow me to give you a list of people he has written for.

1.  The Spinners
2.  The Ojays
3.  The Temptations
4.  Rita Marley
5.  Gladys Knight & The Pips
6.  Freda Payne
7.  The Three Degrees
8.  Elton John
9.  Teddy Pendegrass
10. Lou Rawls
11. Jeniffer Lopez

There are others as well.  Not only has he written songs for these artists, but all of them have been recorded.  How have I not heard this name before X Factor?!  There are some impressive names on that list.  I know that shows like this have a tendency to generate crap music because of the demographic they target, but I have always watched.  I find myself much more fascinated with the ones who don't win, because they usually have the most talent.  Think about it next time you're watching one!  You can easily find a list of artists and songs that he has written.  It's a very interesting read, just Google it!

Before the X Factor, Leroy recorded four EP's.  Since going solo in the 2000's he has released another four.  My favorite of the four is "A Change is Coming" from 2008.  The title track "A Change is Coming" reminds me sound wise of Marc Cohn.  Vocally, there are some similarities there.  The lyrics LeRoy writes are absolutely beautiful.

LeRoy also has spent time working with the project United in Song.  Several other artists including Michael Franti, contributed to this album.  It's definitely a noteworthy cause.  If you haven't heard of it, do a quick Google search!

I'm amazed by the talent this man has, not to mention he seems to have swam in the fountain of youth.  His music is beautifully written, and expertly performed.  He has a beautiful, soulful voice that is almost haunting in nature.  Not one to do many upbeat tracks, he's definitely an "easy listening" type of find.  Definitely hot date material!

You can find him all over.  Spotify, iHeart Radio, YouTube, Myspace, Facebook.  Don't hesitate to check him out!  As always, follow the links and maybe hit me with a comment.  I'm always curious to see if you like the artists I post or not.  Thanks for reading!!

http://www.leroybell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LeRoyBellMusic
https://twitter.com/LeRoyBell
http://www.youtube.com/user/LeRoyBellMusic
http://myspace.com/leroybell

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***

The Brother's Will

The Brother's Will hails from the great state of Virginia!  A fairly young group, these guys have really started making a name for themselves.  They have been featured in The National Local Showcase, had a front page article in the Virginia Gazette, and been on the 96X local show.  Quite the laundry list for these guys! 

Proudly calling themselves alternative, these guys have a sound somewhat similar to Plumb, Coldplay, Third Day, etc.  It's a sound I like to think is "coffee shop indie".  Very cool harmonies, very catchy beats, and very peppy guitar riffs.

I had a hard time digging up much of a bio, but from what I could gather, the band was originally started as a hobby.  They have one EP out called "Everything I See", and are currently promoting it.  I really enjoyed listening to this band that had been shared with me via e-mail.  I thought they were definitely worth a second look!  If they keep going with the momentum they have so far, they're going to go a long way!

Please, follow the links below and check out this unique sound!!

The Brother's Will:
Ryland Willis- Rhythm Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Vocals
Ben Willis- Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Harmonica, Vocals
Chandler Matkins- Percussion, Rapper
Nick Sydow- Lead Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Vocals, Rapper
Reed Willis- Synth/Keyboard, Rhythm Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Vocals

http://www.facebook.com/The-Brothers-Will

http://www.reverbnation.com/thebrotherswill
http://www.youtube.com/thebrotherswillmusic
http://www.fame2star.com/user_profile.ph...

***Have a band?  Know a band you want to see reviewed?  Send me an email and some links @ redlollimusic@yahoo.com***