The BFTP section will be taking a break, as we will be running a special feature throughout the month of September on the “One Nation” release from Audio Visual Records.

One Nation

18 Various Artists

2005 Audio Visual Records

http://www.audiovisualrecords.co.uk

This 18-track compilation is to raise funds for two UK hospices that care for terminally ill children. These hospices only receive about 5% of their funding from their government and the other 95% has to be obtained through donations. The effort is lead by the labels founder and owner Ken Kelly who is a survivor from cancer himself. One Nation has a real diverse mix of styles on it including: Autoviolet, Fit of Pique, Sinister Footwear, The Mojave Collective and The Confusions to name a few of the awesome bands that have come together to help make this effort possible for Ken and his cause. This CD doesn’t have a dull moment on it and it also gives us a chance to realize that there are plenty of people all over the world that could have situations or problems worse than we do. I strongly urge you to take the time to check it out and honestly for about $10 US you could be helping a cause that will bring some help, assistance or joy and happiness to a child whose life could only be days from ending. If you would like to purchase a CD or contact someone to see if you could of any help please do so by using the links provided below.

http://www.audiovisualrecords.co.uk/onenation/one.html (for more information)
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/onenation (to buy it)

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Send e-mail with contact information to theaudionut@nutzworld.net to be considered for The Underground Spotlight.

To obtain a copy of the CDs found in The Underground Spotlight please contact the band/artist via their web pages unless otherwise noted.

Skeleteen
Bury the Seasons
2005 Unsigned

Grade: A

http://www.skeleteen.net

Skeleteen has a solid EP on their hands here with Bury the Seasons. The group really has a knack for sonically punching you in the gut with uncompromising and darkly twisted melodies. This trio can have your head in a lull with a soft, mellow riff and then attack you with a totally unexpected dose of heavy guitar and rhythms. While there are only three songs on the disc all three are very well written and well worth the listen. My personal favorite at the moment is “Not This Time”. I would say fans of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, and similar bands.

loopool
Dunes Soon
2005 Unsigned

Grade: A

http://www.loopool.tk

Ok, so this isn’t the CD that I should have put in at 1 a.m. and attempted to listen to for a review. Mood music at it’s finest, if you want atmosphere this is what you need. There is enough mind-numbing sound here to make you bump your head on one of Saturn’s rings. Almost twenty-four minutes long and I am not really sure what I gained from listening to it, other than some pleasant relaxation and an over all happiness.  I’m not really sure how to rate something like this, but I will say that I love it… There is no denying that this IS truly not for everyone, but if you are into trance, new age or any other mind-stimulating music get in touch with loopool about getting this disc.

Home Pharmacy
The Fascinating Life of a Businessman
2005 May Flour Records

Grade: A

http://www.homepharmacymusic.com

Home Pharmacy is comprised of two guys and a monster computer. The computer of course is used for programming in the drumbeats and any added effects that these guys may need during live performances. In an admirable mix of electronic music meets heavy metal, Home Pharmacy serves up riffs heavier than a gray whale on a feeding frenzy. Check out songs like, “185”, “Nine”, “TMFJ”, and “Next Biggest Thing” (which reminds me lyrically a lot of the Pink Floyd classic “Have a Cigar”). Fans of Megadeth, Voivod and Skinny Puppy will take pleasure in a dose from Home Pharmacy.

Phoenix Reign
3-Song demo
2005 Unsigned

Grade: A

http://www.phoenixreign.com

Phoenix Reign is for you if you remember the days of Headbanger’s Ball…not the Headbanger’s Ball that bogged down with the cliché metal of today; no I mean back when Metallica did the unthinkable (make a video), when Slayer was good, bands like Helloween, Iron Maiden and Nuclear Assault where household names. Back when metal was metal and spandex, make-up and hairspray where on the outside of the genre looking in. I am not trying to put a date on the band or say that they sound like a style of music that is dead or un-cool by today’s standards. I’m just trying to give you a little idea of what they remind me of when I hear this disc. This group has two guitarists that work well together along with a solid rhythm section and a really good singer. Check them out if you are into any of the bands that I have mentioned above.

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THE COL. MEETS THE PHANTOM OF GENE SIMMONS’ PAST FROM THE FUTURE
BY COL. LUMP

 Date:  8/10/05
Place:  Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL
Occasion:  The kickoff of the last leg of Green Day’s “American Idiot” tour

There was no question that I was in the right place. It looked like a Hot Topic had exploded in the parking lot. Long lines of hormone ridden, black preshrunk T-shirt clad ticket holders trying in vain to distance themselves from their folks. The more things change…

As my daughter and I took our place among the milling masses, a fellow dad with kids in tow donning a Motorhead tee, gave me the high sign and we shared a moment of Zen: this is going to suck!

You have to understand that I’ve never been a Green Day fan. Their target audience is too young to drive. I resent the band’s liberal use of other, more venerable group’s classic material (i.e. The Clash). The nasal vocal delivery of Green Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong painfully reminds me of the “surfer dude” style made popular by The Beach Boys’ Mike Love. And by the way, punk records never go platinum, even if Green Day doesn’t claim to be a punk band.

To get to the point I will say that the show was good old school arena rock in the grandest fashion, ear splitting volumes, lights and lasers, pyrotechnics, explosions and plenty of audience participation. The songs were familiar with a few surprises. I even caught myself pumping my fist in the air and shedding a tear when my kid asked for a lighter to raise during a tender number. Green Day’s rhythm section of bassist Mike Dirst and drummer Tre Cool rivals the best and kept the sell-out audience hopping. 

In the middle of the set I thought I recognized the scent of an illegal substance burning. I found “Motorhead” a few rows down, who much to my amusement was looking back up at me. We shared another moment of Zen: high signs for all! Move over KISS, we just found rock’s next guaranteed great night out!

Col. Lump is the drummer for Richard’s Nixon
They are delightfully non-punk
Visit their website at http://www.richardsnixon.moonfruit.com

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Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. (R) Rio, and I play bass/vocals.
(D) Dennis, I play guitar.
(B) Bernadette, I play drums and sing.
All: Then there's Lizzie, she's the other guitarist and vocalist.

Q. How did you decide on Sputterdoll as the name of the band?
A. (R): We wanted a name that described how we generally see people and what we think about it. The best example is that many people look down on those who are different, and we symbolize the doll because dolls sold in the market are all meant to be pretty and cute--the type of dolls everyone wants to have. But every now and then there's a weird doll with its own individual character that no one really wants. And it's for that doll we pull for, the underdog. As people, we sympathize with the one that no one likes just because of what they look like on the outside.

Q. What would you like to tell us about the EP Proceed With Caution? Also, I hear that you have a new CD slated for release this fall. Is there anything you'd like to tell us about that?
A. (R): Proceed Without Caution was kind of an experimental stage in Sputterdoll's career. We had a different lineup back then, and we were kind of going in a musical direction that eventually wasn't the right way for us. That lineup didn't work out, though it was one of our strongest at the time. Whereas, the new CD is more of tapping back into our roots plus the new stuff we have added to the music--it's a little harder, faster, and it's still the melodic stuff we like. We also have a new member on this record, and so far, it's coming along nicely.
(D): Proceed Without Caution was more of a growing
experience for me as a new member of the band, the new
record will embody what we've grown into as
songwriters and musicians. Basically I hope people are
as moved with it as we were when (and still) recording
it.
(B): This next album is going to be an interesting mix of our very first songs performed to our present. I think you’ll notice the progression.

Q. Who would you say has been one of your biggest influences both musically and non-musically?
A. (R): I learned how to play guitar and bass by playing to songs from The Ramones, Hole, The Cranberries, No Doubt, Nirvana, Green Day--the mid 90s alternative rock crop when it was actually fresh. The Beatles were also a very big influence since I admired Paul McCartney's bass playing. Non-musically, my distaste for the many things I won't get into pretty much gave (and will give) me ideas to write songs about.
(D): My biggest influences are Green Day, the Ramones, the Descendants, Alkaline Trio, MxPx, Blink 182, the Misfits, and many 80's bands.
(B): The earliest influence would be the Go Go’s. I think I was 6 or 7 when I first heard and saw them on TV. It made me want to be in a band. Non-musically, my family and friends for being supportive.

Q. What are some of your goals for the band?
A. (R): To come out with a strong record that defines where and who we are now as a band, and get it out to the kids who actually dig it.
(D): To write music that touches people and play many many shows for many many people.
(B): Keep playing and performing for people from different walks of life and leave a good impression.

Q. If you could be anyone in world history beside yourself, who would you be? Why?
A. (R): Probably someone from the medieval age. Joan of Arc has always been someone I've admired from history.
(D): I'd like to be one of my ancestors I think that would rock.
(B): Yeah, I’d say my great grandmother. I’d want to see what she saw and observed in her day.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Sputterdoll?
A. (R): Nothing more than a THANK YOU to every kid who has shown any kind of appreciation to what we do. They keep the fire going.
(D): Thanks for supporting us and the scene, show love for your local music scene because you might be part of something that introduces a life changing band to the world.
(B): We thank everyone who’s ever made the band smile and feel worthwhile.

Sick Sanity

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. My name is Ash and I’m the Vocals (ASH)

Robert V. Guitar/Backing Vocals (RWV)

Teddy, Drums (TR)

Scott Bearden Bass (SB)

Q. How did you come up with and decide on the name Sick Sanity?
A. Robert came up with the name Sick Sanity. Basically, in my opinion, it describes the world’s state of mind. For example, 95 % of the world will have a family, pay their bills on time and never break the law. These are the same people that will kill for profit or pride whether in business or person to person. The world isn’t crazy just it has a Sick Sanity (ASH)

Q. What can you tell us about the CD you are going to put out on Top Shelf Records?
A. The CD, which is called Displacement, will be a new reckoning of what is to be. We have a new sound called Jet Propelled Surfer Metal that is attracting new ears to the Rock N Roll scene and helps keep the Rocker Ears plugged into the speakers. (ASH)

Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and non-musical?
A. My biggest influences are all musical. To name a few would be Alice-N-Chains and Guns VN- Roses. (ASH) My biggest influences are 311 and Deftones. (TR) Mine are to name a few, Iron Maiden, and Led Zeppelin (RWV).

Q. If you could be anyone in world history, beside yourself, who would you, be? Why?
A. I would be the man that was standing just to the side of the Grassy Null in TX 1963. Just to watch and see what it is all about and when the government went to clean it up I would just walk away with a few pictures in my pocket (ASH)

Q. What are you listening to in your car/home stereo?
A. I listen to anything that will improve my instrument. Mainly, I am listening to old school styles, just to hear and understand the greats. (ASH)

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Sick Sanity?
A. The only thing that I have to say is check out our web sites at http://www.sicksanity.com Our CD will be out at the end of this year and well be rolling to tour that CD in the beginning of 2006, so drop us a line with some clubs in your area and well come and give you a taste and then buy you a beer and chill. We are nothing without the fans!! (ASH)

Essence of Logic

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I'm Jeff Nations, I handle lead vocals, guitar and some percussion here and there. In addition to me, the band consists of Dave Seithel on guitar and background vocals; DJ Mahf on turntables; Brian Schaeffer on drums and Dan Hunzeker on bass.

Q. How did you decide on the name Essence Of Logic?
A. We spent about our first 2 1/2 months together trying to figure out a name that was original; we didn't want just a one-word name. So through the course of racking our brains for ideas we decided we liked the word "logic" so we wanted that in there and one day I was flipping through channels on the TV and came across the show Essence Of Emeril (the chef). I thought, "Essence Of Emeril...Essence Of...Logic". I pitched it to the rest of the band and we decided since we had our first show coming up and that was the best name we had so far we'd use that until we thought of something better...we never thought of anything better obviously!

Q. What would you like to tell us about the new CD that you have out?
A. We're really proud of our debut album What's The Story?, it turned out so much better than we originally anticipated. Jim Callahan (the producer/engineer of the album) had some awesome ideas and it really amped up the sound and quality of the album and the songs. It came out having a big, full sound with some great effects added here and there. In terms of songs there is literally something for everyone on this album, which is one of our favorite aspects of it. Whether you like rock or funk or reggae or hip-hop, you're guaranteed to find one song on this album that you'll really dig. We also have some new demos coming out very shortly which will be available on our website, http://www.essenceoflogic.com and on our MySpace page, http://myspace.com/essenceoflogic

Q. What are some of your goals for the band?
A. E.O.L. is set on taking our music all the way. We want to be the biggest thing to come out of Missouri. That's for the long run. In the short run we're trying to spread our music to everyone and our main goal is to have fun doing it and make the people have fun. When you leave an Essence Of Logic concert we want you to walk out of it and say "Damn, I had a blast!". There's really nothing that makes us happier than seeing a crowd enjoying themselves as they listen to our music.

Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and non-musically?
A. Man, there's a tough one. We all draw from so many groups and styles it's tough to say, "This is who we look up to the most". We all look up to Incubus and 311, the newer groups like that who made it big with their own styles, they are real innovators but we all have roots in classic rock, stuff like Boston, Zeppelin, Steely Dan so our influences are all over the place. Non-musically? Hell I don't know...Steven Bochco?

Q. What are you listening to these days in your car/home stereo?
A. Me, personally, I've been jamming on America, Electric Light Orchestra, System Of A Down, Phil Collins, The Who, Kaki King, 311, Incubus, Journey, etc. I have a lot of CDs.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Essence Of Logic?
A. If we're coming through your town, stop by and see us. We love to meet new crowds and we appreciate the people who come to hear us. You're going to hear us eventually one way or the other. Make sure to hit up our website and our myspace page, drop us a line and let us know what you think. We've got some great stuff coming up in the fall/winter so stay in touch, and we want to thank everyone who has been supporting us thus far, it's been incredible.

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The featured web site is back by popular demand! Thanks to all of you that have requested its return!

http://www.rare-lyrics.com

This is a first-rate page with some hard to find lyrics to songs that make you rewind and rewind and say ‘What did they just say…’ Check it out; good site and they pride themselves on the accuracy.

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1.About a Burning Fire by Blindside
2.Absolution by Muse - Reviewed in Issue 1
3.Summer of Darkness by Demon Hunter - Reviewed in Issue 1
4.This Type of Thing (Could Do Us In) by Chevelle - Reviewed in Issue 3
5.Deja Entendu by Brand New - Reviewed in Issue 1