"Christ VS Krishna" by Christ VS Krishna (Rock Artist from Ontario, Canada)

Whether building off a Velvet Underground with Strokes-style riff or plying a decidedly UK-influenced pop-rock sensibility and even experimenting with electronica dance grooves, the 5 songs and self-titled CD, "Christ VS Krishna" proves it has original and substantial musicality. Toronto based Pank Bagga is the singer/songwriter behind the moniker, and his unique sound succeeds not in spite of these different influences but, rather, because he blends them so seamlessly. So, while CD-opener, "Hollywood Torpedo" is raggedly insistent like the best of Strokes songs, and "Lemonade" features the kind of instantly hummable hook worthy of The Cure, neither detracts from the other-worldly dance rhythms of the synth-driven "Sub-crack Waves." The other 2 tracks, "At the End" and "Demons in the Church" lean more to the VU / Strokes influence, particularly in their effortless rhythms and irresistible melodies, but each is stamped with Christ VS Krishna's utterly original vision. As debuts go, Christ VS Krishna's self-titled CD is a memorable and provocative outing that delivers much, but promises even more.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Hip-Hop Rebirth" by J-double-R (Rap Artist from Ontario, Canada)

The solo debut album by J-double-R, "Hip-Hop Rebirth," is one collection of genuine hip-hop tunes that exudes intelligence and current-day relevance. Powerful beats fused with poetic, politically potent lyrics provides a perfect platform for J-double-R's pure talent to manifest itself. Opening with the gripping title track, listeners are immediately introduced to J-double-R's raw and hard-hitting rap style. "Changes (feat. kissroyale)" is a lovely collaboration focusing on the remarkable change and progression symbolized by the election of Obama as president, and displays unforgettable musical hooks. The slower-paced tune dubbed "Inner Thoughts" stands out as an exceptionally well-written and representative of J-double-R's sheer creative intelligence. Topped off with seasoned production, fans of honest, genuine, and prudent hip-hop will thoroughly enjoy this CD.

-Xavier and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Wild" by Making a Monster (Rock Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

With a unique approach to their alternative / modern rock leanings, Making a Monster's solid debut CD, "Wild," actually recalls an otherwise unexpected influential '90's album as a source of comparison. Even though "Wild" contains plenty of outright full-rock attack - with a decidedly Grunge bent, Making a Monster's sound, sometimes restrained and sometimes crash and burn sonic assault, reminds one of no less an historical document than Nirvana's "Unplugged" album. Like it, "Wild" is redolent with the aura of loose ends and jagged edges, of introspective pleas and scathing fury, and of finely wrought songs that can be both engaging and corrosive. For instance, "Blister" comes across like a straight-on Nirvana tribute, particularly with its discordant, vertigo-inducing guitar fills while the soft ballad "Light," built on a simple acoustic guitar backing, demonstrates leader Scott Auriat's keen melodic sense. Elsewhere, "Wild" bounces between sonic rage as heard on "To Be Young" and pure-pop sensibilities heard on "The Long Road," a split surely reflecting a restless need to explore the ranges and depths of their art. Fans of the group Nirvana will want to hear, the fine "Wild" CD by Making a Monster, as it is fired by a musical vision that also happens to echo back to one of rock's great visionaries.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Making a Monster's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites