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 Colonel has been abducted and transferred to a recording studio somewhere in the US. I haven’t been able to get any information about his safety, health or exact location. He was able to sneak me an email a few days ago and mention that he misses you all dearly and will return as soon as he can find an escape plan. So… In honor of our musical comrade I will be posting a review for the Richard Nixon’s CD from a few months back. Here’s hoping the Colonel our best and reminding him (if he can read this) to get the drum tracks right and find his way back to Nutzworld safely.

Richard’s Nixon
Fixed-Find
2005 Unsigned Band
Grade: A
http://www.richardsnixon.moonfruit.com

This disc starts of with “Ballad of California” and continues the rock with alluring and upbeat songs like “Green Machine,” “Mercy Killing” and “Ode”. “ Crispen Glover,” sort of reminds me of The Monkeys with the way it’s catchy guitar riffs flow and how the beat is hopping around. I’m sure the band will be delighted to hear they have just been compared to The Monkeys, but I can imagine black and white television footage consisting of girls with thick black eyeglasses screaming and fainting when I hear this song. All eight songs on this disc are contagious, so when you get this recording be prepared to hum the tunes in your head for days.

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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Chris a.k.a. Metalhead –music promoter extraordinaire

Q. Who are you and what do you do?
A. Well my name is Chris. I go by Metalhead sometimes on the internet... I'm nobody. I'm just a music fan really, a huge music fan. I spend a good portion of my free time supporting and promoting various music projects. Unfortunately, I never learned to play an instrument, so I just do what I can do. In the last several years I have done promotions/publicity/corporate sponsorships/program guide ads/vending etc. for several large music festivals. I currently also do promotions and publicity for a number of entities including: Heavy Frequency Magazine http://www.heavyfrequency.com Hunt Industries, Pipeline Productions, Velocity Marketing, and Hi-Frequency Marketing as well as various other groups/bands around the four state area.

Those are all things I help others with. On my own, I also run:

*Four State Shows-concert promotion page http://www.myspace.com/FourStateShows 

*Metal Maelstrom show-I broadcast an internet radio show on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. Central Time.
 http://www.MetalNetRadio.com

*Metalhead Chat-In conjunction with the Metal Maelstrom show we also operate a chat room that I take requests from
http://groups.msn.com/MetalheadChat

*Battle of the bands-we've been holding a monthly online battle, but this is actually on hold for a month or two because I've been so busy.
http://www.myspace.com/MSBattleoftheBands

*Four State Showcase- Oct. 22nd-Foxtown- on top of everything else, now I'm putting together a show near Pittsburg, Kansas to showcase some of the talent from this area. We have a number of killer bands involved, including Torn, Everwill, Kalatria, Always John, The Lonely, Corners of Bellevue, and Shape Shift Revolution. All very cool bands from this area. I'd like to suggest everyone get out and see these guys, Even if it's not my show, support these local bands.

Here's a link to the event invitation:
http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=20494.23948&Mytoken=6DB41322-4C3B-4F83-A700D194051528F0544606312


Q. How in the world do you find time to keep all of your projects going?
A. Lack of sleep is really my secret… and a flexible schedule from being self-employed. I do taxes and bookkeeping part of the year and work on music projects the rest of the year.

Q. How can bands get in touch with you about being on your internet radio show?
A. My email is Chris.AOMusic@gmail.com email me and let me know what's up. In fact, bands can email me at that address for anything. I'm always more than willing to talk with a fellow music fan. They can also post on the Metal Maelstrom board at www.MetalNetRadio.com and let me know they are wanting to get played. Once I have the song in my library I will play it as often as possible.

Q. Would you care to tell us how your Four States Shows page works?
A. Contrary to popular belief it is basically just a concert promotions page (many think I put on all those shows).

Well, basically I just encourage people to give me information on shows in the Four State Area (Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas). They usually post it in the comments section (but i also get event invites, messages, email, etc.). As soon as I receive the information I post it in the calendar. Once it's listed I try to promote them as much as possible. It’s cheap, easy promotion for any band playing in the area. Does it get much better than that?

Q. What are you listening to these days in your car/home stereo?
A. In my car I’m stuck with radio, so I listen to Rock 105.3 out of Joplin, MO. They play all the cool, modern tunes. At home, I have quite a collection of CDs… right now a few that get regular rotation are: Nine Inch Nails-With Teeth, Static X-Start a War, and the Resident Evil: Apocalypse soundtrack. Of course, that changes probably weekly.

Q. If you could be anyone in history, beside yourself, who would you be? Why?
A. Hmm, I suppose it would be somebody that was very influential in music… I’m not even sure who that might be because there have been so many over the years... but definitely someone involved with music.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
A. Well, the main thing I'd like to share is that each of us needs to get out and support your local music. In many places, they are having trouble getting crowds out to see most shows... and they are in danger of not having ANY shows... so we all have to do our part. Get out and see your local bands.

Here are the important addresses again:
http://www.myspace.com/FourStateShows
http://www.MetalNetRadio.com
http://www.HeavyFrequency.com

Skeleteen

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. I'm Kyle... I play guitar & sing.
Chase, I play the drums and I play the drums.
I am Mia and I play the bass, do some back-ups, also, all around troublemaker.

Q. How did you decide on the name Skeleteen for the band?
A. K. When I was in another band years ago, I came up with the idea to name the 2nd album we were recording "Skeleteen". At the same time, I was also putting together a new band with a completely different style, and I thought that Skeleteen would be a perfect name for the band.
C. Kyle came up with the name Skeleteen before we met.
M. It's a great name and it was all Kyle's idea.

Q. What would you like to tell us about your EP "Bury the Seasons"?
A. K. It's the first Skeleteen release since reforming the band, so I'm really happy to see it come out! Skeleteen was originally a 2-piece. (I put the band on hold after moving to L.A. to concentrate on other projects)... now that we are 3 members strong, our sound has evolved & thickened quite a bit, so it's great to finally have a recording of the new lineup!
C. To me the EP is a starting point of the new line-up and a good sample of what’s to come.
M. I think that it's a growth from what we were doing before and we're all proud of it.

Q. What are some of your goals for the band?
A. K. We plan to continue writing and to do a lot more playing out in the present time. Goals for later in the year would be to record & put out a full-length, as well as doing a bit of touring (although if we had the means, I'd be happy touring all the time). As far as getting signed to a label, I've always said sure, that would be great... but if it doesn't happen, that's okay too! We're just all very happy to be creating together, so the most important thing for us is to just have fun and believe in what we are doing.
C. World domination of course!
M. I'm hoping that we can keep doing what we're doing and influence the scene a little. We need more underground bands shaking up the airwaves.


Q. Who would you say is one of your biggest influences both musically and non-musical?
A. K. That's a really hard question for me to narrow down to one answer, so I'll just say anything from Kim Deal to Aileen Wuornos!
C. Ace Frehley and Ace Frehley
M. Musically, I'm influenced by my friends that are/were amazing players like Blare -n- Bitch, Punky and the late Bianca Halstead. My band members are a great positive influence in my life. When I wake up in the morning, I start my day by asking "WWJJD?" (What would Joan Jett do) of course.

Q. If you could be anyone in world history who would you be? Why?
A. K. I really can't think of anyone else I'd want to be... Getting to know myself is enough work for now! :)
C. Ace Frehley because he must of had the time of his life and never regretted a thing.
M. I think I'm okay being me. We all got our crosses to bear. I'm happy with mine.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Skeleteen?
A. K. The three of us are not just a musical group, but also the closest of friends outside of the band, so it's a very fulfilling experience to be doing this together! We're also really excited about what the future has in store, so keep in touch and we'll find out together!
C. Come out to the shows, spread the word and support your music whether it be local, national or worldwide. SUPPORT what you like!
M. Those two are real music nerds but I love them. If anyone of you know Ace Frehley, tell him to give Chase a call, the number is 323.468-91__ (just kidding)

Soul Clown

Serpent Underground

Q. Who are you and what do you do in the band?
A. Tony… I'm the bassist, my friends call me "BoNe"
Ralph is the singer, main songwriter and keyboardist
Bryan plays all guitars
Rich is our percussionist

Q. How did you decide on the name
Serpent Underground?
A. Ralph liked the imagery of the serpent, who tempted Eve...The serpent from underground.

Q. I read that you guys are working on a CD. What would you like to share with us about it and when can we expect it to hit the streets?
A. We really feel this is the best stuff ever and hope everyone else does too...People are finally going to see there is a lot more to Serpent Underground then the 3 songs they've heard. It really shows our diversity without sacrificing our style... and OK, It's official it’s available online on Oct. 1!!

Q. If you could be anyone in world history, beside yourself, who would you, be? Why?
A. Leonardo DaVinci: It would be great to have so much vision, and be able to apply it.

Q. What are you listening to in your car/home stereo?
A. "System of a Down"

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about Serpent Underground?
A. Yeah, there’s gonna be a release of some new tunes online, just to listen to…
So, if ya wanna get an early listen, go to

http://www.myspace.com/serpentunderground

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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.scrubradio.com - Scrub Radio proudly plays music from unsigned bands and artists worldwide. You might even catch me there on occasion in the chat. I strongly urge you to check out Toe-Tag Inc., Coded Radio, and Drop Dead Radio. These are some of the Scrub Radio shows that are avid supporters of The Audio Nut. (Check the site for show times!)

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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