CD Review: New Music From LP3 & The Tragedy, Places Erupt And Elephant Stone

From Southern California comes the debut album titled "Southland Hum" from LP3 & The Tragedy. The new twelve track release carries a southern, Tex-Mex sound featuring help from Louie Perez (Los Lobos), David J. Carpenter (John Doe Band) and Richard Stekol (Garage Rock artist). Beginning with the title song, "Southland Hum," which carries a spaghetti-western type shuffle rhythm, you instantly hear the chemistry between singers Louis Perez III and Ruby Rosas (both children of Los Lobos members Louie Perez and Cesar Rosas, respectively). The bluesy-country swing of "1979" tells a storied tale, while the more upbeat, country vibe of "Truth Untold" showcases the maturity in the band's songwriting. LP3 & The Tragedy explode with the punk-like energy of "City Of Dreams" and the raw, honky-tonk delivery of "Cold Hearted World," before closing the album with guitar-boogie-shuffle of "Dusty Trail." To find out more about LP3 & The Tragedy and their latest release "Southland Hum," please visit lp3andthetragedy.com.

From Canada comes the the full-length debut album titled "Breathe A Storm" from the alternative folk/rock band, Places Erupt. The new eight-song release begins with the acoustic, roots based "Anonymous" as the stark backdrop sets the tone for the rest of the album. Places Erupt develop a more mainstream sound with the pop balladry of "Mayday" and expand their sound with the neo-folk appeal of "Augustus." They pick up the tempo with the quick, punk-like acoustic strumming of "Vincent," before closing with the dark story of the "Storm." To find out more about Places Erupt and their latest release "Breathe A Storm," please visit placeserupt.com.

Canadian rock trio, Elephant Stone will be releasing their latest album "Ship Of Fools" digitally on September 16 and physically in early-November. The new eleven-song release begins with the album's latest single "Manipulator." The song contains streaking guitars and a synth-heavy pulsating rhythm that becomes very addictive. The electronic pop/rock of "Where I'm Going" and "See The Light In The Ship" are up-tempo, well-crafted gems that you can't help get lost in the energy. They deliver an eighties-inspired sound in "Love Is Like A Spinning Wheel," before the atmospheric, alternative rock of "Andromeda." The album finishes with the dance beats of "The Devil's Shelter" featuring Alex Maas (The Black Angels) and experimental dance/rock piece "Au Gallis." To find out more about Elephant Stone and their latest release "Ship Of Fools," please visit elephantstone.ca.