CD Review: Welsh Singer Steff Adams Gives Us His "Pathway"

Singer/songwriter Steff Adams just released his solo debut album titled "Blue Pathways". This unsigned solo artist is no stranger to the music industry. His bands have toured across the U.K., opened for The Sterophonics and performed at the Glastonbury Festival. But as Steff Adams ventures on his own, you'll hear strong references to many of his influences including James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Elliot Smith and of course The Beatles.

The album does not stray far from his comfort of an acoustic guitar, overdubbed harmonies and minimal drums. His songwriting is the key ingredient that makes these songs more than just a one-off listen. "Misunderstood" follows in the footsteps of Crosby, Stills & Nash, while "Gonna Have To Last" shows some signs of influences from The Kinks. You can feel the gentleness in his voice in the songs "Too Long Losing" and "A Little Bit Of Something Else". The songs "Into Orbit" and "That I Have Found" show off Adams' talent for portraying the different moods of his lyrics.

For more information on Steff Adams, please visit www.steffadams.net.

CD Review: The Greening Arrive With "Midnight"

Indie-rock band The Greening return with their latest release "The Last Tibetan Midnight" which came out in February on Zai Records. Last year, the band released an EP to bridge the gap between albums that caught the attention of fans and critics alike. A video was also produced for the single "Sunday Afternoon."

The overall sound of the new album reflects what Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys were attempting to achieve with their experimental sounds and harmonies. On the album's opener "Black Lotus", the band tries to throw in everything they know to play to see what sticks. The song seems more like just a collage of sounds to grab the listeners attention. The aspirations of "Belong With Me" sound like a valid attempt of a timeless love song. The Greening's strongest talents are their clever song-writing (The Tangerine Floating In Ink) and their strong harmonies (Winter Sunshine). It's unfortunate that their best songs are near the end of the album. The single "Sunday Afternoon" has all the makings of a radio hit, with its steady beat and catchy lyrics. "(She's So) Electric" is the best rock song on the album. The lyrics and music just blend perfectly together. The album closes with the slow moving, 11-minute "Thought I Told You" which displays a Pink Floydian sound. Another great song, but seems a bit out of place on this mostly pop album.

For more information on The Greening and their new release, visit the band's website (www.thegreening.com) and myspace page (www.myspace.com/thegreening).

Concert Review: David Gray Returns To The Oakdale Theater

David Gray returned to the Oakdale Theater Tuesday night after a seven year absence to perform songs off his latest release "Draw The Line." Gray's voice was strong beginning the evening with "Fugitive" and "Draw The Line." Gray had no problem mixing in new songs with his older hits. "You’re The World To Me" and "Sail Away" drew the audience in early. His backing band was tight as Gray would switch between piano and guitar for whatever the song called for. His breakthrough hit "Babylon" faired well with a slower tempo as "Be Mine" and "Stella The Artist" got the people on their feet.

The acoustic rarity "From Here You Can Almost See The Sea" was a welcome addition, but it was the outstanding, epic version of "Nemesis" that stole the show. Gray himself said that this song "grew bigger" as the tour went on. Closing his set with "The Other Side" brought the crowd to their feet hoping for more.

The encore was near-perfect, beginning with "Life In Slow Motion" which started softly before the full band raised the volume. The addition of "We’re Not Right" from Gray's album "White Ladder" pleased long-time fans. David Gray finished the evening with a powerful version of "Please Forgive Me" as Gray conducted the audience to clap along. Hopefully the warm reception will entice Gray to return again sooner than another seven years.

Setlist:
Fugitive
Draw The Line
You're The World To Me
Sail Away
Full Steam
Now And Always
Harder
The One I Love
Nemesis
From Here You Can Almost See The Sea
This Years Love
Jackdaw
Babylon
Be Mine
Stella The Artist
The Other Side

Encore:
Life In Slow Motion
We Ain't Right
Please Forgive Me

CD Review: White Dice Return With "Better Than Wednesday"

English rockers White Dice have released their second album "Better Than Wednesday." Songs from the band's first album "What We Left Behind" have appeared in a number of Adult Cable TV movies and on Radio Station compilations. The band hopes that their new album will capitalize on that foundation.

This 3-piece band from South Wales seem to have the right formula for success. The album begins with a couple of modern rockers "Good Enough" and "3:24". Right from the beginning, you'll get hooked to their pop sound. "Silver" is a radio hit just waiting to be discovered. The album closer is a gentle acoustic song appropriately titled "Grand Farewell." All the songs on White Dice's new album fit together perfectly to keep the listener's focus on their music.

White Dice are currently on tour in the U.K., but you can check them out online at www.whitediceonline.com. Both of their albums are available on their website as well as on iTunes.

CD Review: I Yahn I Arkestra Start Their "Love Mission"

Newcomers I Yahn I Arkestra are on a mission, a mission to spread love through their music. Their debut album (released in 2007) appropriately titled "Love Mission" has a very heavy reggae beat mostly provided by keyboards of Ras Jah-D and Michael Kordish. Ras Jah-D deep vocals give off the impression as if he's preaching in the songs "Symbol of the Most High" and "Love Mission". The horns in "All Right" and "Warriors" is a nice touch as Kasiopia takes over the lead vocals on the latter song. "Conscious Revolution" and "Collie Weed" come off like songs that were created from live jams and "My Tribe" puts you right at the center of their mission.

The band has a great reggae sound, I only wish more of the music was heard without any vocals as the vocals seem to overtake the song's vibe. I Yahn I Arkestra are currently promoting their music around the Philadelphia, PA area. Check out the band's website www.iyia.com for more information on upcoming shows and music.