|
|
CD REVIEW: Lisa Bianco - Momentum (2011) By: Cyrus Rhodes
"Bianco delivers the goods" - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST-
**********
Artist:
Lisa Bianco
Genre:
Rock, Alternative Rock, Power Pop
New York based Lisa Bianco releases her latest release entitled Momentum in 2011. This is her third release to date. Bianco plays guitar and sings. Other players include: Ari Sadowitz (Bass), Lou Petto (Drums), Bryan Russell (Keyboards and Programming), Produced by Bryan Russell of Seaside Lounge, Brooklyn, NY.
The CD quickly takes flight with “Breakin” an upbeat intro groove that serves up an inviting vocal groove against driving rock rhythm, rocking guitar and impressive vocals from Bianco. Track 2 Erase You” keeps thing moving in the right direction with its rocking intro, heartfelt vocals and defiant lyrical content. Track 3 “Charmed” dishes out jumping melody, catchy rhythm guitar against more impressive vocals and harmonies from Bianco. I would classify this music as rocked out Power Pop. The production quality is impressive providing much in the way of sonic touches, and the musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice lush instrumentation with things like rocked out rhythm section, sizzling solos, slamming guitar chops, combined with lush vocals and harmonies layered everywhere. The rhythm section pushes the natural accents well. Now turning our attention over to Bianco - as for her vocal abilities her voice works well within the confines of this rocked-out catalogue. I suspect some of her vocal influences are – Cheryl Crow, Liz Phair, Joan Jett and perhaps K.T Tunstall. Just to name a few. Song for song this is a very “sing-songy” marketable statement from Bianco. Momentum from Bianco delivers 7 compelling tracks all providing thought provoking wisdom with no holds barred messages that are uplifting, positive and positively defiant in nature. From passionate “Big City Lights” to heartfelt “Lovely” to dynamic “No Doubt About It” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Low” the perfect finale statement for a CD like this.
Unfortunately this 7 song release feels more like an EP than a full length release. Perhaps 3-4 more songs are needed to really seal the deal for me in a full length capacity. At the end of the day this CD feels like an incomplete statement to me. It's fair to say the cover art misses the mark completely, especially given the style of artist and genera. If I was her Producer I would definitely put more of an emphasis on Bianco and her rock solid look rather than some obsolete looking symbol.
From start to finish “Momentum” by Lisa Bianco delivers the goods and is an impressive collection of music nonetheless. If there were 3-4 more tracks it would definitely get 10 stars from me. The music is highly passionate, uplifting and entertaining. The songwriting – all songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is rock solid and extremely consistent. The writing and playing abilities of Bianco’s band are rock solid, the melodies and harmonies are well - crafted. The lyrical content is packed to the hilt with conventional wisdom. Overall Momentum provides an interesting snapshot of a up an coming talent from New York.
Cyrus Rhodes
|
