I have been following the career of Niki Barr for a while. I reviewed her last album, Lush, which really kicked ass. Now Niki is back with something that shows her music has even more intensity than before.
The new album is a five song EP titled Bloom. It is being described as Niki’s first true “band” effort. In fact, the EP is labeled as the Niki Barr Band instead of just Niki Barr. The members of this band are BJ Kerwin on drums, Island Styles on guitar and Scott Ensign on bass. Niki does the killer vocals, smoking guitars and hot key work on the album.
Undivided is the first track. It has an interesting, almost Middle Eastern sound at first. Then it kicks into a killer gunner style of head banging guitar. From there Niki cranks out her hot and harsh vocals. The song has a bit of Iron Maiden meets Jon Bon Jovi with some other tough rock music thrown in. There is a really good video for the song that is helping promoting the band’s upcoming DVD. The video shows some US troops in the Middle East rocking out to the song. This video was filmed during the band’s third stint on the Armed Forces Entertainment Tour.
Alone has a steady pace, with sometimes aching vocals by Niki.
Kicking the mode back to hard rock ballad, Niki and the guys come in steady with a tough song called So Cruel.
Burn has an almost circus, pop sound to it. You might almost be expecting an “oomph pah pah” as part of the lyrics in this one. But then at the end the guitar kicks into a solid heavy rock style.
The EP ends with a hard hitting, definite head banging piece called Drowsy. Niki has some killer vocals backed by smoking guitar.
In a way it’s hard to compare Niki to other female rockers. She at times sounds a bit like Pat Benatar, but mostly has a harder edge. Her guitar playing puts her on the same level of Nancy Wilson of Heart. Niki’s intensity matches any of her contemporaries, either male or female. And with BJ, Island and Scott backing her, the Niki Barr Band has become a rock music force to be reckoned with.
Bloom is out now. You can get it through CD Baby or other online or traditional music outlets. And the EP is also available on the band’s web site. The tracks from Bloom can be heard on the site as well. The site is www.nikibarr.com.
A Rock Extravaganza With Niki Barr
Independece Day Review
Not Your Average Foster Child
Bruce Von Stiers
They call their music “reminiscent of a time when rock n roll still had the swagger and bite, but was less consumed with being of-the-moment.” The songs have distinctive hooks reminiscent of hair bands like Poison and Cinderella. This is the band that calls themselves Fosterchild. They have put out a killer debut album whose title is Independence Day.
Kevin Miller was the drummer for Fuel before coming to play for Fosterchild. He joined up with Brian Quinn who plays guitar and does vocals. Added to the mix is bass player Erik Leonhardt who also does backing vocals. The frontman for the band is guitarist and vocalist Danny Beissel.
Right from the first song, you will be banging your head and screaming for more. The song is Let Me Down. It has killer rock guitar and hard, slick vocals.
Hole has too tough guitar riffs and hot vocals.
Rattlesnake begins a bit like it might come from Nickelback. But just for a bit. The song starts out slow and then cranks it with static, hard hitting guitar.
Crucified is a good solid rock anthem.
Don’t Let Go has some nice piano added to nice guitar for an aching love lament.
Trigger is another aching tune, at least at first with smooth harmonies. Then things get more into a solid rock format.
The title track, Independence Day, starts out like an old Southern Rock tune, possibly like something from Marshall Tucker. Then things go into more of a Poison / Bon Jovi mode. The song has full tilt guitar and vocals.
On My Own is one of those songs that you could listen to and immediately begin to play air guitar to the chorus. It has some really hot guitar riffs, catchy hooks and great vocals.
You will be banging your head, moving your body around from the very first licks of Sugar Cookie.
Bulletproof is a definite throwback to ‘80’s hair band rock music styling.
Mission is the album’s easy and aching love ballad. There is some great guitar near the end that reminded me of some stuff from Styx.
The album ends with a mixed bag of soft and rock sounds in a song called Hunger Strike. This is a special song because Hugo Ferreira of Tantric provides some terrific vocals for it.
Is this a pretentious band, too full of themselves to crank out hot rock music? No way! Fosterchild has taken bits and pieces from the last couple of decades of great rock music and molded them into a smoldering set of songs that make up Independence Day. Fosterchild truly has the swagger and hard bite of rock bands gone by. But they apparently haven’t got caught up in the trappings of being to famous for their fans. The band, if this album is any indication, just likes to rock out and wants to take the listener along with them.
Bruce Von Stiers
They call their music “reminiscent of a time when rock n roll still had the swagger and bite, but was less consumed with being of-the-moment.” The songs have distinctive hooks reminiscent of hair bands like Poison and Cinderella. This is the band that calls themselves Fosterchild. They have put out a killer debut album whose title is Independence Day.
Kevin Miller was the drummer for Fuel before coming to play for Fosterchild. He joined up with Brian Quinn who plays guitar and does vocals. Added to the mix is bass player Erik Leonhardt who also does backing vocals. The frontman for the band is guitarist and vocalist Danny Beissel.
Right from the first song, you will be banging your head and screaming for more. The song is Let Me Down. It has killer rock guitar and hard, slick vocals.
Hole has too tough guitar riffs and hot vocals.
Rattlesnake begins a bit like it might come from Nickelback. But just for a bit. The song starts out slow and then cranks it with static, hard hitting guitar.
Crucified is a good solid rock anthem.
Don’t Let Go has some nice piano added to nice guitar for an aching love lament.
Trigger is another aching tune, at least at first with smooth harmonies. Then things get more into a solid rock format.
The title track, Independence Day, starts out like an old Southern Rock tune, possibly like something from Marshall Tucker. Then things go into more of a Poison / Bon Jovi mode. The song has full tilt guitar and vocals.
On My Own is one of those songs that you could listen to and immediately begin to play air guitar to the chorus. It has some really hot guitar riffs, catchy hooks and great vocals.
You will be banging your head, moving your body around from the very first licks of Sugar Cookie.
Bulletproof is a definite throwback to ‘80’s hair band rock music styling.
Mission is the album’s easy and aching love ballad. There is some great guitar near the end that reminded me of some stuff from Styx.
The album ends with a mixed bag of soft and rock sounds in a song called Hunger Strike. This is a special song because Hugo Ferreira of Tantric provides some terrific vocals for it.
Is this a pretentious band, too full of themselves to crank out hot rock music? No way! Fosterchild has taken bits and pieces from the last couple of decades of great rock music and molded them into a smoldering set of songs that make up Independence Day. Fosterchild truly has the swagger and hard bite of rock bands gone by. But they apparently haven’t got caught up in the trappings of being to famous for their fans. The band, if this album is any indication, just likes to rock out and wants to take the listener along with them.
Not So Silent Tour- FOSTERCHILD
Photos and Interviews from Illinois-Missouri Entertainment
Rock On Request Magazine
I just have three words to say about Fosterchild. ROCK.....IS.....BACK!
Check out the interview by clicking on the picture.
Check out the interview by clicking on the picture.
Fosterchild Moves In
Marucci Artist is stoked to announce Fosterchild has joined our roster. Check back for all the blazing when and where details- In the meantime, check this CD review by Liz Ludlam from Rock On Request Magazine.
CD/ Independence Day
Long live Rock N Roll!!!! It is back with a vengeance thanks to the very talented new band Fosterchild. This is a well seasoned group with Danny Beissel on vocals, Kevin Miller (formerly with Fuel) on drums, Brian Quinn on guitar, and Erik Leonhardt on bass. The name alone should give you a clue there is nothing formulaic about this group.
Each member of this band brings something special to their debut album, Independence Day. The very first listen through this CD, one thought kept recurring track after track; amazing, perfect, kick-ass drums!! Kevin Miller is genius. Smokin hot!! Back that hard hitting back beat with the thunder of Erik Leonhardt on bass and there is no turning back. Brian Quinn on guitar is magic. And then there is Danny Beissel. What can I say about this frontman? Well, I love a guy who can scream as much as the next gal, but this guy can actually sing. Great, great vocals. Danny has that strong, distinctive sound with a dash of rasp, and just enough grit to make you want to listen.
One of the downsides to downloading music is that you do not get the details of who wrote what songs. So let me congratulate the entire group on the lyrics and melodies. The metaphors are brilliant and clever, the stories are honest, and you gotta love a band that can fit the word consecrate and decadence on the same CD. Seriously; great songs with their own brand of intros to each track.
Ok, here are some of my favorite tracks from Independence Day:
Independence Day - Great intro, drums are off the charts, really good lyrics.
On My Own - Catchy hook, super vocals.
Don't Let Go - Love everything about this track.
Sugar Cookie - Dare you to try to sit still through this one. Outrageously clever lyrics.
Mission - Great song, great vocals.
Hunger Strike - My first run through this CD and I am loving it. Then I come to the last track. Any time, anywhere, any place I would know that voice. So I check the old iPod thinking there was something wrong. Nope. It is still Fosterchild. But that voice is Hugo Ferreira from Tantric. Hugo teamed up with Fosterchild for this amazing song. It is powerful, relevant, and hauntingly beautiful. This song will blow your mind!!!!
Congratulations to Fosterchild on their debut album. It is clear that this group is here to stay and I plan to catch them somewhere, somehow for a live show.
CD/ Independence Day
Long live Rock N Roll!!!! It is back with a vengeance thanks to the very talented new band Fosterchild. This is a well seasoned group with Danny Beissel on vocals, Kevin Miller (formerly with Fuel) on drums, Brian Quinn on guitar, and Erik Leonhardt on bass. The name alone should give you a clue there is nothing formulaic about this group.
Each member of this band brings something special to their debut album, Independence Day. The very first listen through this CD, one thought kept recurring track after track; amazing, perfect, kick-ass drums!! Kevin Miller is genius. Smokin hot!! Back that hard hitting back beat with the thunder of Erik Leonhardt on bass and there is no turning back. Brian Quinn on guitar is magic. And then there is Danny Beissel. What can I say about this frontman? Well, I love a guy who can scream as much as the next gal, but this guy can actually sing. Great, great vocals. Danny has that strong, distinctive sound with a dash of rasp, and just enough grit to make you want to listen.
One of the downsides to downloading music is that you do not get the details of who wrote what songs. So let me congratulate the entire group on the lyrics and melodies. The metaphors are brilliant and clever, the stories are honest, and you gotta love a band that can fit the word consecrate and decadence on the same CD. Seriously; great songs with their own brand of intros to each track.
Ok, here are some of my favorite tracks from Independence Day:
Independence Day - Great intro, drums are off the charts, really good lyrics.
On My Own - Catchy hook, super vocals.
Don't Let Go - Love everything about this track.
Sugar Cookie - Dare you to try to sit still through this one. Outrageously clever lyrics.
Mission - Great song, great vocals.
Hunger Strike - My first run through this CD and I am loving it. Then I come to the last track. Any time, anywhere, any place I would know that voice. So I check the old iPod thinking there was something wrong. Nope. It is still Fosterchild. But that voice is Hugo Ferreira from Tantric. Hugo teamed up with Fosterchild for this amazing song. It is powerful, relevant, and hauntingly beautiful. This song will blow your mind!!!!
Congratulations to Fosterchild on their debut album. It is clear that this group is here to stay and I plan to catch them somewhere, somehow for a live show.
Listen UP!
Click on the Undiscovered Radio Network logo to hear the Niki Barr Band Interview.
Myanmar Relief Benefit Concert
Local musicians and media celebrities are organizing a benefit concert for the Myanmar relief effort on May 18 at the Rock and Roll Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.
The “Music for Myanmar” concert will air nationwide on D.C.-based XM Satellite Radio and worldwide via D.C.-based Worldspace. The concert starts at 6 pm ET and can be heard on XM music channel U-Pop hosted by XM and WorldSpace's Ted Kelly, Dee Dee Watters & Rob Timm of WRNR Radio. U-Pop is channel 29 on XM and WorldSpace Satellite radio. U-Pop can also be heard on the Internet at XM Radio Online, DirecTV music channel 824 and WorldSpace Satellite Radio throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Organizers say the concert will benefit the American Red Cross’ International emergency response to the Myanmar cyclone.
Local and national musicians will perform acoustic and full band sets, there will be a silent auction, authentic Burmese food and DJ Zoltar from XM and Worldspace will spin music between sets. Tickets are $15.00 and available in advance at
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
The “Music for Myanmar” concert will air nationwide on D.C.-based XM Satellite Radio and worldwide via D.C.-based Worldspace. The concert starts at 6 pm ET and can be heard on XM music channel U-Pop hosted by XM and WorldSpace's Ted Kelly, Dee Dee Watters & Rob Timm of WRNR Radio. U-Pop is channel 29 on XM and WorldSpace Satellite radio. U-Pop can also be heard on the Internet at XM Radio Online, DirecTV music channel 824 and WorldSpace Satellite Radio throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Organizers say the concert will benefit the American Red Cross’ International emergency response to the Myanmar cyclone.
Local and national musicians will perform acoustic and full band sets, there will be a silent auction, authentic Burmese food and DJ Zoltar from XM and Worldspace will spin music between sets. Tickets are $15.00 and available in advance at
www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
Bloom
UNDIVIDED, the opening track from BLOOM the latest EP from the Niki Barr Band has been picked up by Clear Channel Radio. Click on the Band Picture to the right to access Clear Channel to listen.
Also the official release for BLOOM is May the 24th. For ticket information visit www.the8x10.com
Also the official release for BLOOM is May the 24th. For ticket information visit www.the8x10.com
BLOOM Review
Label: self-released
Released: May 24, 2008
I had the chance to catch the Niki Barr Band open for the Cult a few months back and they were an outstanding live band. They played with the confidence and intensity of a headliner, not the caution and tentativeness of a local band opening for an international act. However, when I heard their previous releases, Lush and Go, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it lacked so much of what made their live set so good.
A lot has changed since those releases though and their new EP, Bloom finds the emphasis move from Niki Barr to band. This is the first time that all four members have contributed in all stages of the process and it shows. They've taken a harder approach this time and while songs like "Undivided" and "Alone" can tread a little too heavily in alt metal territory, they also have more edge and texture and that brings this album a little bit closer to their live show. On these first two tracks, they've tried to solidify their sound within the boundaries of rock music, making execution their strength rather than pushing the boundaries.
Things get a little more interesting after that though. "So Cruel" deals more in dissonance and sees the band stretching out a bit. "Burn" has a vaudeville feel that builds in intensity (and weird, creepy energy) until it begins to break apart, but it never does and that's the mark of a band that's onto something good. In a vague way, it reminds me of the trial sequence for The Wall (which is one of the few things Roger Waters did right on that album). "Drowsy" splits the difference between the more straightforward tracks and the tangents of the experiments, ending on a strong note. The doors are now open to experimentation and, despite not stepping all the way through them, the band is clearly on the right path to the Niki Barr Band sound.
Bloom is a solid set of songs. The vocals are richer, the music sharper and the band is more cohesive and focused. They sound better as individual musicians and better as a unit and strong production gives them a bigger, crunchier sound. As good as they were live a few months ago, I have even higher hopes now.
Catch the Niki Barr Band performing the new material at their CD release show on May 24th at the 8X10 in Baltimore.
Ratings
Satriani: 7/10
Zappa: 5/10
Dylan: 6/10
Aretha: 6/10
Overall: 6/10
Released: May 24, 2008
I had the chance to catch the Niki Barr Band open for the Cult a few months back and they were an outstanding live band. They played with the confidence and intensity of a headliner, not the caution and tentativeness of a local band opening for an international act. However, when I heard their previous releases, Lush and Go, I was disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it lacked so much of what made their live set so good.
A lot has changed since those releases though and their new EP, Bloom finds the emphasis move from Niki Barr to band. This is the first time that all four members have contributed in all stages of the process and it shows. They've taken a harder approach this time and while songs like "Undivided" and "Alone" can tread a little too heavily in alt metal territory, they also have more edge and texture and that brings this album a little bit closer to their live show. On these first two tracks, they've tried to solidify their sound within the boundaries of rock music, making execution their strength rather than pushing the boundaries.
Things get a little more interesting after that though. "So Cruel" deals more in dissonance and sees the band stretching out a bit. "Burn" has a vaudeville feel that builds in intensity (and weird, creepy energy) until it begins to break apart, but it never does and that's the mark of a band that's onto something good. In a vague way, it reminds me of the trial sequence for The Wall (which is one of the few things Roger Waters did right on that album). "Drowsy" splits the difference between the more straightforward tracks and the tangents of the experiments, ending on a strong note. The doors are now open to experimentation and, despite not stepping all the way through them, the band is clearly on the right path to the Niki Barr Band sound.
Bloom is a solid set of songs. The vocals are richer, the music sharper and the band is more cohesive and focused. They sound better as individual musicians and better as a unit and strong production gives them a bigger, crunchier sound. As good as they were live a few months ago, I have even higher hopes now.
Catch the Niki Barr Band performing the new material at their CD release show on May 24th at the 8X10 in Baltimore.
Ratings
Satriani: 7/10
Zappa: 5/10
Dylan: 6/10
Aretha: 6/10
Overall: 6/10