Fistful Of Mercy - As I Call You Down (2010)

Don't let the name fool you as this is a band of a very calming nature.  Composed of members Dhani Harrison, Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur, there is nothing complex about any of these songs, this is just some fun folk and acoustic rock.  Songs can go from upbeat blues/folk stompers like "Father's Son" to instrumental acoustic ballads complete with violin such as "30 Bones".  For those unaware and/or pondering, yes, Dhani Harrison is the son of the late Beatle George Harrison and does he ever sound like his old man; the similarity in their voices is truly haunting.  Even some of the music sounds like it could have been written by George himself.  Dhani has gone as far as stating in a Rolling Stone interview that the writing process for this album was very similar to the way it was done with the Traveling Wilburys (which his father was a part of) in which each member retreated to their own corner of the studio and let the inspiration flow.  The combination of all vocalists' voices creates some very intricate and beautiful three-part harmonies which accompany the majority of the songs wonderfully.  They seem to have the right formula as to when to sing together and when to sing as individuals as the group singing does not seem overbearing on any of the tracks.  They could have gone in the opposite direction with each vocalist wanting to be at the forefront but vocal duties seem equally shared across the album's tracks.  This is a truly well-rounded album filled with acoustic rockers which come across as truly heartfelt.  I will admit, I'm not a big Ben Harper fan but this album was inspiring enough to want to pick up my guitar and try to work out some of the songs.  Give it a shot if you're into any of the 3 members' music or just a fan of acoustic rock, I don't think this one will disappoint.

www.myspace.com/fistfulofmercy

Evile - Infected Nations (2009)

Evile's 2009 follow-up to Enter The Grave finds more of the same thrashing madness right off the bat.  Don't let the slow lull of intro song "Infected Nations" fools you; it quickly launches into some of the most speedy and yet controlled riffage I've ever heard.  The punishing solos continue to be churned out, just listen to standout track Nosophoros and you'll hear exactly what I mean.  The fretwork is simply impeccable.  Needless to say, Evile has taken a huge step forward on their sophomore album and are making no plans to look back.  The songs are better structured, the lyrics are more focused and the amps have been cranked to 11.  Turn this one up loud when you listen to it!  Unfortunately in October of 2009, Evile would lose their bass player, Mike Alexander, whilst on tour due to a blood clot on his lung.  A replacement player was found by the name of Joel Graham (formerly of Rise To Addiction).  Graham is currently in the studio working with the rest of the band on the follow-up to Infected Nations which is scheduled for release in 2011.  Only time will tell if the music holds up with a line-up change under their belts now as the third album for most bands tends to make them or break them.

www.myspace.com/evileuk

Evile - Enter The Grave (2007)

This is simply a rip roaring album from start to finish.  This is full on thrash at its freshest.  In the vein of Metallica, Slayer or more recently bands like Toronto-based Rammer, Evile's debut 2007 album is one of the fastest I've heard in a long time.  The double-kicker stomps out ridiculous beats and the guitars chug along at full speed pumping out riff after riff and solo after blistering solo.  Songs like "Burned Alive", "Killer From The Deep" and "Schizophrenia" will leave you breathless with their face-melting solos.  The band also adopts time changes in songs consistently well going from a breakneck speed to a slow outro on a track like "We Who Are About To Die".  Lead vocalist Matt Drake occasionally comes off sounding like Tom Araya of Slayer.  his is not an album to be taken lightly.  I really only took an interest in Evile recently after seeing an interview with them on Aux.tv.  During that interview, the UK band mentioned that they hoped one day that they could be up their with the Big Four or that eventually when you went to the club that a band like Evile was as requested as somebody like Metallica.  They have already toured with bands the likes of Satyricon, Megadeth, Airbourne and Exodus.  If Enter The Grave is any kind of indicator, I'd say they are well on their way to the big leagues.  They have a huge sound and leave a lasting impression.  Let's see how their sound holds up 2 years later.  Up next, Evile's sophomore effort, Infected Nations.

www.myspace.com/evileuk

Horse Feathers - Drain You b/w Bonnet Of Briars 7" (2010)

Horse Feathers are a band from Portland, Oregon who play some very beautiful folk music.  Their latest release, a 7" vinyl, finds the band covering a Nirvana classic, "Drain You", from the Nevermind album.  The story goes that the band chose to play the song live at a show in their hometown as their finale.  Rumour has it, people were talking about it for days.  The band quickly returned to the studio to attempt to recapture the magic of the live performance so that they could share it with more people.  Anyone familiar with the original Nirvana version of this song knows what a rocker it is.  Now in the hands of Horse Feathers, the song is stripped right down to its most basic roots.  Gone is the raw sound and grunginess of its predecessor.  Using blends of guitar, banjo, violins and cellos, Horse Feathers make the song their own.  Lyrics are clear and sung softly rather than via the raging raspiness of Kurt Cobain.  Horse Feathers have completely turned the song upside down... and it's nice!  Without distortion, it shows just how well Kurt Cobain could pen a pop song.  On the flip side, we get a new original track called "Bonnet Of Briars" which is equally nice.  It was a good choice of song to pair with the cover as they are very similar in sound and structure.  "Bonnet Of Briars" almost has a Sufjan Stevens feel to it with the way it is orchestrated.  This single is a nice addition to the band's discography and shows they are not afraid to take a chance on a song.  Horse Feathers' pace has picked up and at three albums into their career they show no signs of slowing down.

www.myspace.com/horsefeathersmusic