Jamie Alimorad - Cornerstone [EP]

Jamie Alimorad - Cornerstone [EP]
2010, Jamie Alimorad

Jamie Alimorad is a New York City born resident of Boston; an exciting young singer/songwriter with a voice that stands out in a crowded marketplace. With influences ranging from The Beatles to The Tubes, from Rick Springfield to David Foster, Alimorad’s songwriting is steeped in melodicism and a distinct pop sensibility. These qualities shine through on Alimorad’s most recent EP, Cornerstone.

Cornerstone opens on a high note with the pop/rock anthem feel of "What You Have"; a love song written amidst of confusion and longing for times of old. Alimorad is offering someone a new path here in glorious pop terms, complete with a soaring chorus and active arrangement you'll want to dance along to. "She Is..." is a classic ode; a love someone who is your home and world all wrapped up in one. The vocal harmonies here are tremendous, and Alimorad once again concocts an arrangement you'll find it difficult to get out of your head. Alimorad muscles up the guitar sound, Van Halen style on "Stay With Me". Drop this song at top-40 radio circa 1985 and Alimorad would have a major hit on his hand. Even today there's room for a song this infectious on the radio. Cornerstone closes on a more genteel pop note with "In Her Smile", a peppy, mooning love song with a chorus that sticks with you.

Jamie Alimorad has a more-than-pleasant voice and a knack for penning catchy pop/rock songs with tremendous upside. It's hard not to like Alimorad from the get-go, and this kind of material is always a threat to be picked up radio station in a big city and go viral. Don't be surprised if we hear more from Jamie Alimorad in the future. For now, Cornerstone is a tremendous start.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jamie Alimorad at www.myspace.com/jamiealimorad or www.facebook.com/jamiealimorad.  Cornerstone is a digital-only EP, available from Cornerstone, CDBaby and iTunes.

Serial Thrillers - F5

Serial Thrillers - F5
2010, Serial Thrillers

Boston is home to Serial Thrillers, a duo comprised of singer/songwriter Paul Ortolano and drummer Stephen Clements. The two have played together for years, sharing stages with acts such as Kings X, Godsmack, The Tubes, Warrant and Extreme. They also spent some time on tour with Dale Bozzio and Missing Persons. With both regional and national exposure, the Serial Thrillers have reached that point where the right song or album could catapult them fully into the national scene. Serial Thrillers may have found what they’re looking for in their latest EP, F5.

F5 opens with the catchy rock n roll of "Ordinary Days", complete with big chorus and a danceable rock beat. The pop sensibility and melodic sense of Serial Thrillers is top notch on this tune, and while "Ordinary Days" doesn't clearly fit the sort of fare commercial radio typically embraces, it's hard to imagine this song not getting some serious attention on that level. "The Floppy Swing" starts a bit slow, but by the time you get to the chorus you hear the same pop/rock sense that drove "Ordinary Days". Serial Thrillers get into a somewhat more jangly guitar sound on "You Can Say Anything" in an upbeat rocker that's infectiously catchy. Once again, Serial Thrillers are perhaps a bit off the beaten pop/rock path, but it's hard to imagine this song not getting serious attention from commercial radio. In fact, the band might be just different enough to catch on in a big way. "It Comes To You" is the obligatory power ballad, although it's actually quite a bit better than the usual fare. F5 winds down with "Yeah Okay"; an angular pop/rock tune that's light and easy fare but highly danceable and a lot of fun to listen to.

Serial Thrillers have a sound that's just waiting for the right audience. The band plays decidedly edgy rock music with real pop charm and a strong melodic sense. This whole music business is highly fickle, and it's impossible to predict success, but if the lords of musical judgment haven't lost their minds, Serial Thrillers are going to be huge one day. If rock n roll has a future in the post-genre world, then it rests firmly (and safely) in the hands of bands like Serial Thrillers.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Serial Thrillers at http://www.serial-thrillers.com/ or www.myspace.com/serialthrillers. F5 is available as either a CD or Download through the Serial Thrillers' web store.