INDIE MUSIC DIGEST - Independent Music Reviews

CD REVIEW: Spinn - She was Heartache

By: Cyrus Rhodes

"amazing"

- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:-

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Artist: Spinn
Album: She Was Heartache
Label: Independent Artist

Website: www.myspace.com/spinn3

Genre: Acoustic Rock, Pop

Sounds Like: Dixie Chicks, Wilson Phillips, Heart, Indigo Girls

Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Gone, High Road, One Good Reason

Weakness: Production is a bit short

CD REVIEW:

Acoustic Rock band Spinn hailing from New Jersey releases their debut CD entitld “She Was Heartache” 2009. This is their debut release. Spinn consists of 3 female singers & 3 male musicians. It's basically a 5 piece musical ensemble fronted by 3 female singers (Cheryl & Stephanie Spinner & Megan Battaglia) & 3 male musicians: Steve Desteno (Guitars), Matt McCarthy (Bass), & Dominick Velardo (Drums & Percussion).

Logging in at just over 29 minutes, the CD kicks things off with “Reckless” a dynamic intro piece that serves up driving rhythm, well placed harmonies, & acoustical backbone with a rich melody that peaks & valleys its way through fruition. Track 2 “Meri Goes Round” shifts gears a bit with a steady flowing piano driven melody, serving up full tilt vocal passion & melodic harmonies. Track 3 shifts gears back down another notch with “Praying for a Disaster” an easy flowing vocal vibe with driving percussive elements, infectious melody & impressive lyrical content. As this CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of such classic vocal acts such as The Dixie Chicks, Wilson Phillips, Heart, & maybe a hint of Indigo Girls. The music itself is an impressive modern blend of acoustic rock, with folksy-type elements, yet with an alternative rock aftertaste. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. I especially like the low end rock vibe a lot. I might add Cheryl & Stephanie Spinner play piano on the CD as well. The 3 girls take some impressive vocal risks on many of the songs indicating to me a strong & confident vocal ability. The CD catches solid stride around track 4, after that the songs one all possess solid grooves, unique personality & flair to call their own. The lyrical content is equally as impressive “Staring down a long dark alley somewhere, in between stubborn street & are you crazy avenue” Nice touch there! Indeed these song are rich with conventional wisdom - from mesmerizing “Gone” to songs with an attitude like “One Good Reason” to upbeat” Bottom of the Bottle” Spinn possess enough musical talent & diversity (between the 6 members) to be dangerous. I can honestly say I was entertained the entire time, with never a dull moment to be found. Note for note & song for song – “She Was Heartache” was am impressive musical production.

At 29 minutes & some change the CD is a bit short overall. Track 2 is a microcosm of the CD itself – feels like an incomplete statement. The percussion on Track 3 sits way too high within the mix & as a result is way too overbearing.

From start to finish “She was Heartache” is an impressive catalogue of music. The music is highly original, uplifting, & extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really weak piece on this entire catalogue. The writing & playing abilities of this 6 piece are rock solid, the melodies & harmonies are well crafted, & the lyrical content is amazing. Like the aforementioned I really enjoyed the low end rock groove on a lot of the songs. Last but not least the vocal presence from these 3 girls is world-class. They compliment each other extremely well. All in all - “She Was Heartache” shows a lot of potential. I just wish there were maybe 4 or 5 more songs on this catalogue. If there were – would no doubt render stars. I look forward to hearing more material from Spinn soon.

Cyrus Rhodes