Cole Hermer and the Ravens - Cole Hermer and the Ravens EP (AKA Quoth The Raven)

Cole Hermer and the Ravens – Cole Hermer and the Ravens (AKA Quoth the Raven)
2013, Cole Hermer

Cole Hermer is an 18 year old senior in high school.  In spite of that he might be one of the most convincing young heavy rock vocalists you’ve heard in some time.  With influences ranging from Axl Rose, Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley to Neil Young and The Black Keys, Hermer is able to surprise you at almost every turn.  Hermer’s songwriting is surprisingly supple for his age, reflecting the disaffection of modern youth as well as the pure joy of rock and roll.   After a number of years with bands such as Ultimate Concussion and Anathemas Blessing, Cole Hermer steps out into the limelight with his debut EP as Cole Hermer and The Ravens; a self-titled set alternatively titled Quoth the Raven.

Hermer plays homage to 1980’s heavy rock with “California Breakdown”, instantly inspiring thoughts of bands such as Poison, Guns and Roses and Cinderella, ripping up thoroughly vibrant and powerful sound in the process.  If someone had put out a song like this twenty years ago and it would be a chart-hogging monster.  “Exploitable” is cut from similar cloth, but with a darker, alternative edge.  This is radio for radio right now, and Hermer’s retro metal vocal style just raises the intrigue.  “Friends” is a different breed of song altogether.  Here Hermer is showing a softer, more pop oriented side while lamenting the rejection of ‘let’s just be friends’. “Maybe” is a melancholy, acoustic-guitar driven ballad with a distinct navel-gaze mentality. It’s a solid piece of songwriting that’s good romantic movie soundtrack material.  Hermer gets back into upbeat territory with “Teenage Creed”, a driven mid-tempo rocker with attitude and a memorable chorus.  The pacing here is a bit uneven, but Hermer is on to something here; the song gains intrigue as it bulls to its conclusion.

Cole Hermer and the Ravens offer up an interesting musical study with their self-titled EP.  Hermer refuses to be pigeonholed as a hard rock/heavy metal vocalist in spite of his rough edged sound.  What’s most surprising is how capably he handles the softer material. Everything on the EP is well-written and well-performed, although the pacing at times is a bit off.  This is a great start.  Cole Hermer seems to have what it takes to be a big time front man.  I am not sure if the current trade winds of popular music are in his favor, but with the right break Cole Hermer and The Ravens could be huge.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.colehermer.ca.  

Review: Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes - 10,000 Things

Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes - 10,000 Things

2009, Divalicious Publishing

How does one go from the lead guitarist of a heavy metal band to a singer/songwriter/purveyor of edgy Adult Contemporary anthems and ballads? When you're New Mexico native Cristen Grey you realize all things are possible. The former guitarist for All Eyes spent time on the road opening for acts such as Quiet Riot and Cinderella, but always returned home for a dose of peace and quiet. In 2007, Grey struck out on her own, writing edgy and energetic adult pop with a knack for melody and a dusky alto voice that draws listeners in. Her new band, The Moving Dunes, is a perfect complement for Grey's edgy appeal, softening the edges and blurring the hard lines and leaving behind a cohesive group that is greater than the sum of its parts. The recorded fruition of this union is 10,000 Things, the debut album from Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes.

10,000 Things opens with So Much Better, a cascading Pop/Rock tune that celebrates the joy in finding that special someone and the perspective that can bring. So Much Better won Best Rock-Adult Contemporary Song at the 2008 New Mexico Music Awards for Grey and has strong commercial potential. Rock Bottom has a classic rock song feel; this is one of those rare tunes that transcends genre and rises above simple monikers such as Rock or Adult-Contemporary. Grey is a fabulous songwriter and Rock Bottom is a turn of genius. It's not overly complex; just a near-perfect Pop song. I Want The World draws on Grey's days as a heavy metal rockergrrrl, incorporating some guitar work with big crunch and interspersing with a Rolling Stones style breakdown. This one is more a treat for the ears than anything else.

Out Of Control is another pure Pop song with a Rock edge. Originally licensed for the Independent short film Bloodline, Out Of Control would have real chart potential with the right break. Grey's best overall vocal performance comes next on Bad Emotion (nominated for Best Mainstream Rock Song at the 2009 New Mexico Music Awards). The feel here is sort of an Ann Wilson meets Pat Benetar dynamic with some serious guitar work involved. Grey's other award winning song, Absolute (Best Rock-Adult Contemporary Song, 2007) is a halting gem that creates a sonic pun in contrast with its title. This melancholic ballad might be the most commercially viable tune on the disc (and there are several that qualify). I wouldn't be surprised to hear another artist pick this up and make a hit out of it down the road if Grey doesn't do so herself.

Now You Know has an anthemic feel to it, with a chorus that soars in muted tones and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Sonically this is my favorite song on the disc; a blues-tinged power ballad that's not far behind Absolute for best on the album status. You'll Believe is another song on the disc with hit potential written all over it. There's a definite Heart-like quality to the tune and Grey pours her all into the vocal line for a stellar performance. Grey shows a Country/Bluegrass side on Stir Up A Swarm, highlighting the power of misdirected words. The surprising show of versatility cements the album and artist's status as essential. Sticking with the southwest/country theme, Grey launches into the closing number, God Drove By In A Big Limousine. This musical bit of whimsy is about as entertaining as they come, inviting you to get up and dance and remember that it's all in fun.

As a reviewer it's hard to not have some kind of notion about an album when you pop it in to listen. There's cover art or a press release or buzz you've heard about the band that informs your listening experience. Sometimes this is a good thing, and sometimes not so much. I try to keep these pre-conceived ideas out of the review process, and for the most part it works. I have to admit, however, that when I popped in 10,000 Things I was expecting a whole lot. Former metal guitarist performing Adult-Contemporary music. Hmmmm. Much to my surprise, Christen Grey And The Moving Dunes turn in a dynamite performance on 10,000 Things. The band is incredible and deserve credit for helping Grey refine her talents, but the songwriting and distinctive voice and personality of Cristen Grey drive this project from start to finish. Grey is a talent; one of those individuals who could likely thrive in any genre she made the effort at. As a songwriter she has a gift for melody, rhythm and the turning of phrases. As a vocalist she has a smoky sound that waltzes the border between sultry, refined and earthy; occasionally dancing into one territory or another but never giving itself away. Make sure you take the time to get to know Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes. You won't regret it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Cristen Grey And The Moving Dunes at http://www.cristengrey.com/ or www.myspace.com/cristengreyandthemovingdunes. You can purchase 10,000 Things as either a CD or download from CDBaby.com.