"Serving Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas"

Music News covers all kinds of music from Rock to Country and Alternative to R&B

Your complete source for everything musical

 

THE HOLLYWOOD SPOTLIGHT

by Steve Rangel

"Day After Yesterday"

Deaton Lemay Project

Attention all fans of world class progressive rock: your next obsession is here, and it's called Deaton Lemay Project. DLP is a match made in musical heaven, a pairing of brilliant instrumentalists and songwriters Roby Deaton (keyboards, bass, acoustic and Portuguese guitars) and Craig Lemay (drums and percussion). This dynamic duo fearlessly step onto a path forged by titans such as Rush, Queensryche, and Dream Theater, while establishing a distinct sound and style of their own. Make no mistake about it, progressive rock is the high rent district of rock and roll, and DLP settle into the neighborhood quite nicely. The new CD is entitled "Day After Yesterday". It's an impressive collection of twelve original songs, combining instrumentals along with tracks featuring the outstanding lead vocals of Hadi Kiani. DLP also utilize the services of multiple guest guitar players (Josh Mark Raj, Ehsan Imani, and Joel Gregoire). It's a risky approach in most cases, as it can result in a lack of both cohesiveness and sense of continuity. But the gamble pays off here, as these artists are perfectly in sync from the word "go".

There's a lot going on musically, to be sure. But rather than sounding cluttered or frenzied, the finished product is beautifully layered. The lush production and sophisticated arrangements combine with the individual performances to make this effort exceptional in every way. In addition to the obvious progressive rock influences, DLP sports just enough of a 70's arena rock feel (think Kansas or Styx) to make this product appealing to a broader audience. If your musical tastes tend to run to the adventurous side, you may find Deaton Lemay Project's "Day After Yesterday" to be one of the most enjoyable listens of 2020.

Deatonlemayproject.com

The Lovelace Brothers

"First Album"

In an era of over-produced studio efforts and albums that are created entirely on laptops, nothing is more refreshing than a good old fashioned rock and roll record. If you agree, not to worry. The Lovelace Brothers have got you covered. This new seven song release is entitled "First Album". (I'm gonna go out on a limb here and assume that this is their debut CD). It is enjoyable first and foremost because it is REAL.

No glossy "final mix" bells and whistles, just guitar, drums, bass, and a lot of attitude. The scorching opener "Leaving" is drenched in Hendrix. The Brothers next deliver a juiced up and inspired version of Earl King's "Come On", followed by the frantic, 70's infused "Running". Showing their versatility, the band served up a gorgeous, guitar-driven smooth jazz number in the key of A entitled...wait for it..."Jazz In A". "Whisper" is one of the more intriguing choices here. It has the undeniable feel of classic Black Sabbath, complete with nasty riffs and some brilliant Bill Ward-style drum work. The Lovelace Brothers stay on the heavy, psychedelic side of the tracks for the final two selections, "Ear To The Ground" and "Bad Ass Train", the latter of which features some equally bad ass bass lines. The album as a whole is intense, moody, and fascinating, leaving the listener satisfied but eager for more.

Joining guitarist/vocalist Billy Lovelace Jr. and drummer/vocals Paul E. Lovelace are bassists Sean Lewis and Mike Lee. All deliver impassioned performances on a finished product that is as consistent as it is invigorating. Let's hope we don't have to wait too long for "Second Album". Lovelacebrothers.com






Serving Houston, Tx and the surrounding areas.

Music News covers all kinds of music from Rock to Country and Alternative to R&B