2008 Woodie Awards
The Local Listen
Amy Salisbury
Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: Entertainment
Alta Voz "Makeshift"
Pretend that Chris Walla lent a hand while Radiohead produced the epic Kid A, and you'll come upon where "Makeshift" lays its head at night. Alta Voz has mastered the balance between guitar effects and organic sound, perched precariously on that ledge separating Progressive Rock from Indie Electronic.
http://www.myspace.com/altavozmusic
iTunes: No
Truckee Brothers "Amberbright"
"Amberbright" is the perfect blend of brooding riffs, melodic harmonies, and ambient pulse. The song's unconventional structure lets the artists' undemanding lyrics stand out among the multitude of sound, while still leaving space for a delicate interlude. It isn't often that a self-proclaimed rock band is able to bear a side this soft.
http://www.truckeebrothers.com
iTunes: Yes
Justin Froese "Don't Say More"
This floating, gentle ballad blends peaceful vocals with an air as easy as a balmy, summer evening. The personal lyrics loan themselves to more of a Pop classification -- the kind of material that wouldn't seem out of place if it was a featured single on MTV by tomorrow. Froese simply seems to glow brighter with each listen.
http://www.hererules.justingfroese.com
iTunes: No
The Silent Comedy "'49"
These are the kind of guys who are welcome to crash any party. Beneath the folk-inspired hooks and bluesy vocals lies a modern, indomitable construction that leaves the audience begging for more. The track smolders with an alluring appeal sure to reel in the entirety of San Diego. But don't get too close, you could get burnt.
http://www.thesilentcomedy.com
iTunes: No
The Drowning Men "Gun and a Reason"
It's hard to pin down what exactly makes "Gun and a Reason" such a key track for these up-and-comers. Their self-released 2007 EP rings out with an organized cacophony echoing the post-punk hum of Interpol while picking up a melodic English pseudo-brogue along the way.
http://www.thedrowningmen.com
iTunes: Yes
Sven-Erik Seaholm "Envy in A Minor"
Seaholm's solo act is about as far a departure from his band, The Wild Truth, as is possible. With swinging Latin-inspired rhythms and Django Reinhardt-esque styling, it's no wonder that Seaholm has been a staple in the San Diego music scene for nearly two decades.
http://www.svensongs.com
iTunes: No
Manuok "Happy Cause"
Off his self-titled 2005 release, Manuok's sole member, Scott Mercado, blends minimalist acoustics with ominous cellos and keyboard effects. Mercado's doubled vocals hover just above the heavy, minor chords, only breaking the clouds with an occasional baroque piano respite.
http://www.manuok.com
iTunes: Yes
Pretend that Chris Walla lent a hand while Radiohead produced the epic Kid A, and you'll come upon where "Makeshift" lays its head at night. Alta Voz has mastered the balance between guitar effects and organic sound, perched precariously on that ledge separating Progressive Rock from Indie Electronic.
http://www.myspace.com/altavozmusic
iTunes: No
Truckee Brothers "Amberbright"
"Amberbright" is the perfect blend of brooding riffs, melodic harmonies, and ambient pulse. The song's unconventional structure lets the artists' undemanding lyrics stand out among the multitude of sound, while still leaving space for a delicate interlude. It isn't often that a self-proclaimed rock band is able to bear a side this soft.
http://www.truckeebrothers.com
iTunes: Yes
Justin Froese "Don't Say More"
This floating, gentle ballad blends peaceful vocals with an air as easy as a balmy, summer evening. The personal lyrics loan themselves to more of a Pop classification -- the kind of material that wouldn't seem out of place if it was a featured single on MTV by tomorrow. Froese simply seems to glow brighter with each listen.
http://www.hererules.justingfroese.com
iTunes: No
The Silent Comedy "'49"
These are the kind of guys who are welcome to crash any party. Beneath the folk-inspired hooks and bluesy vocals lies a modern, indomitable construction that leaves the audience begging for more. The track smolders with an alluring appeal sure to reel in the entirety of San Diego. But don't get too close, you could get burnt.
http://www.thesilentcomedy.com
iTunes: No
The Drowning Men "Gun and a Reason"
It's hard to pin down what exactly makes "Gun and a Reason" such a key track for these up-and-comers. Their self-released 2007 EP rings out with an organized cacophony echoing the post-punk hum of Interpol while picking up a melodic English pseudo-brogue along the way.
http://www.thedrowningmen.com
iTunes: Yes
Sven-Erik Seaholm "Envy in A Minor"
Seaholm's solo act is about as far a departure from his band, The Wild Truth, as is possible. With swinging Latin-inspired rhythms and Django Reinhardt-esque styling, it's no wonder that Seaholm has been a staple in the San Diego music scene for nearly two decades.
http://www.svensongs.com
iTunes: No
Manuok "Happy Cause"
Off his self-titled 2005 release, Manuok's sole member, Scott Mercado, blends minimalist acoustics with ominous cellos and keyboard effects. Mercado's doubled vocals hover just above the heavy, minor chords, only breaking the clouds with an occasional baroque piano respite.
http://www.manuok.com
iTunes: Yes
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