Looking Backwards

“Looking Backwards” by Twenty 30

Twenty30’s sound rests on a foundation built by bands like the Deftones and Stone Temple Pilots with a subtle punk rock edge. Lyle, the singer and obviously the glue of the band, has a tonality and energy reminiscent of John Feldmann from Goldfinger -- especially on the heavier songs. He sings like his voice has a distortion pedal; the clean channel soothing and inspiring, the distorted channel aggressive and turned up to 11. An excellent rhythm section supports him, and this lethal combination might just be the band’s key to success.

Looking Backwards is a live recording of 6 killer tracks. It’s refreshing to hear a studio-quality recording without the use of Auto-tune and a gazillion overdubs. If this is the way they perform in the studio, I definitely want to see them live. My only negative comment is that I can’t hear the keyboard/organ. I know he’s there, but I rarely hear him.

Looking Backward is alternative at its best. Be sure to get your copy, and check Twenty30 out at the Brown Bear Festival at Clark Park July 17, 2010.

My Favorite Tracks:
#1 New Beginnings - is the band’s crowd pleaser – def. And talk about an epic intro!
#5 Bail Me Out - its got good energy, melody, and harmonies. Get that on 104.5.

twenty30.com
myspace.com

-Adam

The Blasting Concept - Buy Star Bombs

Buy Star Bombs recently released an album entitled “The Blasting Concept”. The CD’s DIY all the way, from the assembled packaging to the hand-written words on the CDs themselves. You know, when you get a CD and only half is worth listening to? Well, not here -- each of the 9 tracks has something to offer. They have this kick-ass Alternative/ Indie and in-your-face attitude throughout.

I feel the band’s sound is rooted in the connection between the singer and the drummer. Britten, the singer/ guitarist, has a cool vibe reminiscent of Sonic Youth and a vocal sound like Shannon Hoon. The drummer, Joe, is fast, intricate, and intense. (I want to see a drum-off between Joe and Jimmy Chamberlin!)

My favorite Track:
#5 - “Beyond the Sun”
About halfway through they break to 6/8 with an awesome melody and killer back-up harmonies rocks! This is by far my favorite part of the album!

Buy Star Bombs is a LIVE band. As great a job they did on the recording, you’ve got to see them live to get the whole picture and feel the magic of a great performance. Check out Buy Star Bombs next time they come to town and @ www.myspace.com/buystarbombs

-Adam

Part 2 - Take it Back

That’s the Way the Industry Crumbles
TAKE IT BACK

The Last Barbarians, Philadelphia’s savage funk-punkers, are breaking out their battle-axes once again and destroying all that remains of the once standard music business model.

Formed in 2006, the Barbarians have worked hard and partied harder but never stopped writing, recording or performing. After releasing the raging Weekend Warrior in 2008, and regularly tormenting venues like the The Khyber in Philadelphia and The Note in West Chester, The Barbarians are bringing you more tunes – their way.

How, you ask? These Barbarians are releasing an experimental series of free singles, dubbed ‘Digital 45’s’, throughout 2010. Every other month, two new songs will be available for FREE at www.thelastbarbarians.com. The second in this series, Take it Back, is slated for release on March 30, 2010, and is an explosive follow-up to January’s Don’t Feed Them.

“The record industry may be dead, but there’s still hope for the music industry,” said Adam Barbarian between grunts and growls. “Screw trying to prevent people from stealing our music. We’re just going to give it to them. Take it!”

WHO: The Last Barbarians
WHAT: Take it Back featuring songs: The Curse and Slave Dog
WHEN: March 30, 2010
WHERE: www.thelastbarbarians.com
HOW: Digitally, and on disc at shows
PRICE: FREE

WEB: http://www.thelastbarbarians.com
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/thelastbarbarians


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That’s the Way the Industry Crumbles

The Last Barbarians are chainsawing in the New Year with a swift kick to the crumbling ancient ruins of the once standard music business model. Philadelphia’s feisty funk-punkers have been in the laboratory since summer and will be releasing an experimental series of free singles throughout 2010. The first of the series, Don’t Feed Them, will be available physically and digitally starting January 19, 2010.

Formed in 2006, the Barbarians have worked hard and partied harder but never stopped writing, recording or performing. After releasing the well-received Weekend Warrior in 2008, a six-track disc that “effortlessly transitions between straight forward metal and solid grooves steeped in jazz and funk”, and regularly rocking venues like the The Khyber in Philadelphia, The Note in West Chester, PA and The Annex in NYC, The Barbarians are ready to dish out more tunes – their way.

WHO: The Last Barbarians
WHAT: Don’t Feed Them - the singles: eF and Mosquitoes
WHEN: January 19, 2010
WHERE: www.thelastbarbarians.com
www.last.fm
HOW: Physically and Digitally
PRICE: FREE