It never ceases to amaze us how it's usually the bands who aren't running around thumping their chests and begging for attention that are, in reality, the finest local acts. Rockville Centre's Show Me Action debuts with this eight-track demo that reveals a powerhouse alt rock five-piece. This three-year-old band is already performing a host of out-of-state shows, proving, once again, that getting off this woefully uncreative strip of land is the best way to get ahead.
Show Me Action – comprised of the excellent lead vocalist Jack Tangney, guitarists Alex Lipton and Danny Rocco, drummer Jack Donoghue, and bassist Pete McGaughey – already sounds as musically accomplished as Taking Back Sunday or Straylight Run. We're not kidding; tune for tune, this demo is a better album than TBS' Victory Records debut, and a tremendous disc in its own right. Who could have imagined it – bracing guitars, real hooks, soaring harmonies, a pristine recording, and emotional performances. If this demo only had an actual cover, it could be sold at retail – and should be.
There's no doubt this is a band on the verge of being discovered nationally, as it already has a growing fan base and more than 28,000 MySpace fans. The stark "Veins Like Highways" is the second cut here but could become a signature tune for the band. "Figueroa" is just too odd to describe, but "Weights" is destined to be mosh pit, body surfing favorite. And the EP closer, "Up In Arms," is radio ready. Throughout, the tone perfect Tangney sings, screams, and wails as if his life depends on it. Show Me Action? Show us more!
For more information on the band, log on to MySpace.com/showmeaction. We're
not sure if this album is available commercially, but it ought to be –
it's one of the best of 2007 thus far.
– Syl Nathan
Looking Out is an eclectic collection of songs by this hard alternative rock
duo from North Babylon consisting of multi-instrumentalist Tom Pagano and
the mellifluous vocals of Kate McQuade.
The album has a mix of styles that represent the versatility and dynamics of the group. The opener, "Talk To You In My Dreams," has guitar and drums keeping a simple but upbeat tempo that allows the focus to be on McQuade's voice. Other songs such as "I Thought I Found Jesus" bring the instrumentation to the forefront and use the vocals as more of an accompaniment. By using synthesizers, delay, and reverb in the mix, Pagano fuses the electric sound of the 80s with modern alternative rock. He also brings hooks with his driving guitar riffs and drum combinations on "Support Groups" and "Come Back #3."
"Storm Chaser" is a fast-paced instrumental piece that is worthy
of a listen. With all instruments played by Pagano – who also wrote,
recorded, and produced all the tracks on the album – this song best
highlights his abilities. Unfortunately, on "We Are All Heroes"
and "I Feel Swing" Pagano brings an unexpected connotation to the
lyrics by singing them himself (a task best left for McQuade), as on the beautiful
song "The Earth Is Crying."
Looking Out is available at
CDBaby.com/cd/potsdaeha. For more information, log on to myspace.com/potsdaeha.
– Faith Rackoff
