Greensky Bluegrass releases live album

As far as bluegrass is concerned, Greensky Bluegrass may have written the book on how to play. Its new album, All Access Vol. 1, recorded live at the Riviera Theater in Three Rivers, Mich., is a knee-slapping, finger-picking good time for all.

Banjo and mandolin playing so fast it almost seems impossible, coupled with tremendous guitar, dobro and upright bass make Greensky Bluegrass a delight to listen to. Add in a half-twang, half-country singer and you have a match made in bluegrass heaven. The ambiance and random “woos” and cheers from the crowd make the album all that much better.

Anders Beck (dobro), Michael Arlen Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Mike Devol (upright bass) and Paul Hoffman (mandolin) create a fast-paced, foot-stomping atmosphere sure to ignite the inner bluegrass lover in everybody. All Access Vol. 1 is a two CD set of a complete concert by the group, consisting of two separate sets and a two song encore at the end of the second disk.

With two songs more than 16 minutes long – “All Four” at 16:08 and “King of the Hill” at 16:02 –there is no shortage of down-home bluegrass on the album. Add in songs of 13 minutes (“Train Junkie”) and 11 minutes (“Break Mountain Breakdown”) and you only have 19 more songs to enjoy, and if you enjoy bluegrass, you will love this album. Even if you don’t particularly like bluegrass, try this CD out, it may change your mind.

Kids in the Making soon to be "the talk of the town"

From its overly colorful cover to its cartoon laced CD, it becomes immediately evident that Kids in the Making is a high energy band. This assumption is proven true after listening to its five track album, The talk of the town. With a sound somewhere between Paramore and a heavier All Time Low, Kids in the Making has elements very similar to other bands in the pop/punk/rock genre.

Lead vocalist Danielle Buehrle draws obvious comparisons to Hayley Williams of Paramore, not only because she is a female singer in a rock band, but because she has a similar singing style. Zach Schwochow lays the framework for most of their songs with heavy, yet rhythmic, percussion. Nate Kohlenberg and Ryan Riffle complement the heavy drumming with even heavier guitar riffs and Greg Depp keeps it all together with awesome bass lines.

The fourth song on the album, “Inside every story,” begins with a metal-esque guitar riff that turns into a methodical chorus and ends with a breakdown featuring backup vocals from the whole band, before fading out into the same riff from the beginning.

Although many will see them as “just another band” because its sound is very similar to other bands out there, Kids in the Making have some very special aspects. It masterfully blends high-octane rhythms with catchy choruses that give it a unique sound rivaling other bands in its genre.

Record Store Day @ Vertigo (4/17/10)

Photography by Evan Daniels

Vertigo Record Store

Everything's Better in Neon

This is why raves are so awesome-- flashing lights, neon glow sticks, the pumping, pulsing beat of your favorite house beats; what could be a better way to spend your Saturday night?

No need to find a shady warehouse rave this weekend; infamous local event guru Rob Bliss is hosting Grand Rapid's first Electronic Music Night out in the open and under the stars this Saturday(August 1) in Rosa Parks Circle.

The party starts at 7 p.m. and doesn't shut down until midnight.

An entire wall of speakers will be pushing out the bumpin' beats of 5 different DJs, complete with a flashy light show sure to enhance your senses.

The DJs will keep it fresh all night with a mind-blowing mix of sounds, from Steve Swift's house/ tech-house/ progressive selections to Get Physical's electro house/Indie Dance/Nu Disco/Chill vibe. (For a complete line up of DJs, check out the event page on facebook)

Glow sticks, t-shirts and water bottles will be on sale at this otherwise free event. With over three thousand confirmed guests on the event's facebook page, Rosa Parks Circle is almost guaranteed to be glowing neon Saturday night.

If all goes well, Bliss says next year he hopes for a several day festival vibe with multiple stages and even more DJs.

Rosa Parks Circle is located at 134 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids.