KYLE SEER- NUMERO DOS REVIEW
Kyle Seer -Numero Dos Review
Hailing from a small village in Norfolk, UK, Kyle Seer is here to do two things. Make good music and fuck shit up!
They say that the mark of a good musician is whether or not their second album is better than the first. I feel this is a marked improvement in most areas and I thoroughly enjoyed the first. The way he merges genres while keeping the 90’s alt sound overall is admirable. His creative output level is astounding.
Starting off with a kind of skate/ pop punk anthem “I Don’t Care” is a perfect way to introduce who Kyle Seer is musically.
Next up “Violence in the Streets” switches to a pretty dirty rock song. I really like the cadence and vocals in this song. The driving bass works perfectly here.
“Believe” slows things down for the intro before delving into a metalish riff. This song, I feel Kyle’s vocals are at top form. He knows his range and nails it on this track. This song has my favorite drums of the album as well.
“Addict” comes in with a really neat drum line and some interesting guitars before switching up to an almost Jellyfish at their loudest type song.
“Gun in Your Hand” reminds me of early Foo Fighters in the best way possible. I am a sucker for the guitar solo in this one.
“Tilly Norwood Must Die” goes even further into the good ole dirty rock and roll realm. Going into the song I had never heard of Tilly Norwood but after hearing this song I concur that Tilly Norwood must die. Love the way this one ends with “FUCK YOU” in binary.
Next “Run and Hide” goes right back to the 90’s alt style. This time with a more punk take on it. The vocal harmony parts are a nice touch and make me smile each time I listen.
“Serve and Protect” has a really cool bass line that sounds fun to play. I find myself singing this one at random times. Are you feeling safe now? Reminds me of the bands I loved growing up.
“Better Off Dead” rips. Plain and simple. If the guitar riff doesn’t pull you in and make you a fan you might be better off dead.
“Waste Away” caps off the album with a mixture of all we have heard. The great heavy hitting guitars. Mixed with a driving bassline and really interesting vocals. I feel most of us know or are the type of person this song is written about. It’s kind of an emotional sound if you listen to the lyrics and relate.
Overall if you are a fan of rock music there is something here for you. A well crafted album from a wordsmith whose guitar tone rivals the best. Kyle Seer’s Numero Dos is a must listen. His entire catalog is must listen with truly no skip songs in my opinion. My only qualm with this album is really only because of how well he ended the first album this one petered out at the end in comparison. If you haven’t jumped on the Kyle Seer bandwagon yet you should. He has the tools and songs to blow up and I hope I get to see these songs performed live one day.
Dead End Lane-“Crush” Review
A little backstory:
I have been going to Dead End Lane shows for a long time. Over 15 years at this point. I have probably seen them more times than any other band. It has been an amazing experience seeing the band grow, evolve, and persevere through the years. It was an honor sharing the stage with them in the early years of the band. One hundred percent if I do not find them playing a Halloween show at the Sidebar in Baltimore, Erin dressed as Peggy Bundy, Tyler in a sleeveless Dead End Lane shirt looking cool as hell, my old band Axe the Stache never exists. They blew the roof off the place that night and every night I have seen them since. They also gained a lifelong fan that night!
Album Review
Dead End Lane is:
Erin Maltese-Vocals
Tyler Soprano-Guitar
Josh Douglas-Bass
Will West-Drums
This is a polished, honed in, years crafted Dead End Lane. Erin’s vocals are absolutely stunning throughout. Most notable for me on “Antisocial” and “Invaders”. The latter giving me chills during the harmonies. Anytime you add one of my favorite voices, Colleen “Tuff Cookie” Curran of The Soularites, you get magic. “Gwen” and “So Fake” showcase not only the two’s natural chemistry vocally but the bands versatility as well. I find myself singing the choruses a lot. Tyler Soprano’s guitar work is as salacious as ever. His tone and style is truly his own. The way he seamlessly mixes 50’s style, punk, and chaotically unique solos/riffs is impressive. Most notable on “The Limit” and “Zero”. Josh’s bass playing brings a new energy to the album. Great tone and RUNS throughout. The wonderful opening track, “Paper Heart”, and “Zero” really show his chops. Will’s drumming is top notch from start to finish. Reminds me of one of the most underrated punk drummers, Yuri Ruley of MxPx. Huge sound, technical and creative. “Crying Over You” is a beautiful ode to who, through only this song, I can tell was a good man. You can really hear the emotion resonating in Erin’s voice as she sings about her father’s memory. The violin was a wonderful touch. Truly a stunning way to end a wonderful album. Get this on vinyl from shakin hips records before it’s too late. I think Dead End Lane’s stock is about to skyrocket with this release and it could not happen to a more deserving band. HELP EACH OTHER UP IN THE PIT!
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