"Bic Runga" - Ex Lilith Fair Rocker delivers a great album
Date 11/14/2002 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureA superstar in her native New Zealand while still in her teens, singer/songwriter Bic Runga has released her sophomore album. She was the voice behind 1997's top ten hit "Sway," which landed her a place on Sarah McLachlan's highly successful 1998 Lilith Fair tour. After three years, 12 different production engineers, and 8 eight recording studios, "Beautiful Collision" has finally made its way to the record stores. Bic Runga's time and dedication has produced a brilliant record full of beautiful melodies and breathtaking instrumentals. Along with playing the guitar, she took time to learn how to play the piano and drums for this album. If you are a fan of women's singer/songwriter music, this album is truly a must-have.
Kicked in the Head - Salita EP (Resurrection A.D.)
Kicked in the Head is punk-rock with an emphasis on the rock. Not only does Kicked in the Head do punk, but they mix in some metal, progressive and hardcore as well make a diverse sound. The "Salita EP," the follow-up to "Thick as Thieves," mixes vocal harmonies, fast, catchy guitars and exceptional drumming. Their high-energy sound leaves the listener craving the live show. Kicked in the Head has shared the stage with bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Godsmack and the Dropkick Murphys as well as performing on the East Coast leg of the 1998 Warped Tour. The Boston-based band has also been nominated for Best Punk Band for the 2002 Boston Music Awards. The EP shows signs of a promising full-length with standout tracks like "Arizona" and "Battle Cry".
Koufax - Social Life (Vagrant)
Don't let the name confuse you; this is not the music of 1960's Hall of Fame pitcher, rather it's a band that is turning heads in the music industry. Coming off the momentum of their debut album, "It Had To Do With Love," Koufax delivers an album fusing elements of 70's rock, 80's new wave and 90's emo pop. The band relies heavily on the sound of piano and synthesizer to give them their unique sound. "Social Life" is full of happy-go-lucky sounding songs that, despite their upbeat nature, are actually full of morose and downtrodden lyrics. Subject matter ranges from the unpleasantries of relationships to occasional drug use. This album is full of catchy hooks and sing-a-long lyrics that any indie rocker will enjoy.
Sunset Black - Common Ground (Beiler Bros.)
Coming out of Minneapolis's explosive music scene that has produced bands like Husker Dü, Semisonic, and American Head Charge and artists like Prince, Sunset Black follows suit. Their energetic and intense live shows fueled a strong fan base earning them a spot at the 93X-Fest and the chance to play in front of 30,000 people. Their debut album, Common Ground, has just been released on the Beiler Bros/MCA label. Sunset Black can be described as the hardest EMO (emotional) band in the world for their emotionally centered music set on a hard rock background. Their music is driven by strong lyrics and the uniquely intense voice of Brandon Sammons. The vocals are backed up with creatively appealing guitar riffs from Mike Evans. A subtle yet present bass line from TJ Matthews and dynamic drumming from Jaime Gehly complete a sound that is anything but bland and generic.
Sue Generis - Self Titled (Euphonious Records)
Sue Generis could be considered a "local band" in the eyes of many Luther students; this talented and youthful outfit hails from Apple Valley, Minnesota. The band formed in early 2002 while two of the band members were enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. On first listen, Sue Generis sounds a lot like a blend between the rock stylings of Ben Folds Five, the piano ballads of Billy Joel, and the jazzed-out-funky sound of early Incubus. At 19 years old, co-founder and front man Sebastian Davin is a classically trained pianist, an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. The lead guitarist, Sabastian's brother, is younger yet, a mere 14 years old. However, his guitar riffs are anything but young and unrefined. Sue Generis has agreed to play for SAC spotlight later this year. So keep an eye out for these guys.
I'd like to thank my magnificent partner-in-crime Lindsay Kimball for helping me this week with the Sunset Black and Kicked in the Head reviews.
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Sam Drong
Circulation manager
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