Bruce Kulick "BK 3," Prototype A “The Evolving Paradigm,” and Frankie Whyte and the Dead Idols "Hollywood Ending "
Last Updated on Monday, 10 August 2009 23:38 Written by Dee Haley and Allan Robertson Sunday, 09 August 2009 15:44
Bruce Kulick "BK 3"
In anticipation of Bruce Kulick's third solo project, BK3, a limited edition Australian EP, featuring three new songs, has been released. This Brooklyn-born guitarist has an extensive musical background that began in the '70's and has withstood the test of time. He is currently touring with Grand Funk Railroad, spent 12 years on lead guitar with KISS, and is getting ready to release his BK3 CD. The BK3 EP begins with "No Friend of Mine," featuring John Corabi on lead vocals (Bruce and John also performed together with Union) and Jeremy Rubolino on acoustic guitar. An acoustic intro breaks into a heavier guitar riff with a layering of guitars throughout the song. This guitar-heavy tune reminds me of "Childhood's End" from KISS's Carnival of Souls Album. Track two, "And I Know," is a softer song that showcases Bruce Kulick on both guitar and vocals. Bruce sounds as sure of himself vocally and lyrically as he does playing guitar. He even throws in a classic guitar solo to complete the package. The third and final song is an instrumental called "Between The Lines." Steve Lukather (Toto) plays lead guitar on this one. He and Bruce really compliment each other's guitar work. It's an excellent display of musicianship. The bass guitar and drums are more pronounced on this track, creating a powerful rhythm with an ultra smooth blending of guitars for a jazz fusion finish.
Listening to these three songs reminded me that Bruce Kulick was a driving force behind the KISS of his time. Bruce has a signature sound, he plays with passion and his music seems timeless. Plug in a decade, and it fits. This EP is a tease, leaving me wanting more. I can't wait to hear the full CD!
4 of 5 stars
Review by Dee Haley
Prototype-A “The Evolving Paradigm”
Prototype-A, a five piece band hailing from Montreal, Quebec, has been in existence for 12 years now. Starting out as a punk rock band in high school under the moniker Screwl Stew, they have evolved to what they are today, a diverse Rock Electro band. Having just released a new 6-song EP, with the renowned Matt DeMatteo behind the board, they are now generating a lot of buzz on the scene. The songs were recorded from November 2007 to July 2008 and when the band ran out of funding only 3 months in, the rest was worked out in trade. The band members rolled up their sleeves and built Matt a control room needed for his studio. The opener “Let Go” is the heaviest track and a great way to start it off. The song has just been released to radio and is already in medium rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio. “Dance” is a fun song with a poppy flair and “Along For The Ride” has a cool blend and really showcases Danick’s great vocals. “My House” is a dance-inducing tune with a rock edge. Things then slow down a bit with the up tempo ballad “Innocence." The EP concludes with a great rock number called “Wrong Way." This band is Canada’s best-kept secret and they are about to break out huge. They don’t play live too often but have opened for the likes of Papa Roach, NOFX, Pennywise, Hoobastank, Evanescence, Three Days Grace and landed a spot on the Warped Tour. They really have focused on constantly recording over the years and improving their musicianship. The sound on this offering is incredible, so many layers and depth to each and every song. They fuse dark melodic rock with electronic music as well as some house and trance thrown in for good measure. The music is fresh and unique and the guys are really in a league of their own. I can’t compare them to anyone presently on the scene. I would highly recommend checking this band out! The EP can be purchased right now from Indie Pool with a link contained on the Myspace page.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Review by Allan Robertson
FRANKIE WHYTE AND THE DEAD IDOLS "HOLLYWOOD ENDING "
This 6-Song EP has a very raw live feel to it and stays clear of the typical radio overproduced crap being released nowadays. Frankie, the ringleader who plays guitar, sings and drums on this work and is a force to be reckoned with. Her vocals are often compared to the likes of Joan Jett thrown in with some Motley Crue, and a dash of old school rock.
I couldn't help but to bob my head from the opening track all the way to the final note. The songs feature killer guitar riffs and in the tune "Hollywood Ending" you can hear the 70's Kiss influence in the guitar playing. "Casualty" is my favorite song on the disc and features some great talk box effects throughout. "The Fall" is her most diverse song yet and features some highly vulnerable moments and the piano fittingly compliments Frankie's vocals.
This is the group's best collection of songs to date. It's straight up, good old fashion rock and roll. It's meant to be cranked! Go check out the band live, throw them some horns and support one of the hardest working bands on the scene right now.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Review by Allan Robertson
