T. John Cadrin ~ Nothing is Hidden

By Jason Savio

It’s easy to tell when artists are being honest with the audience; there’s usually a connection the artists establish with listeners when they lay it all out. For T. John Cadrin in his new effort, Nothing Is Hidden, the singer/guitarist is able to make that link and create a brief and personal relationship with his listeners.

Nothing Is Hidden is a balance of light and dark, ecstasy and despair. The opening number, “For The Birds,” starts off upbeat and immediately gives the impression that this will be another safe and forgettable pop-plunder, but halfway through the song ~ when the bridge hits with a dark and heavy swoop ~ it quickly becomes clear that this album is not what you expect. That notion is confirmed with “Wealth Is an Interpretation,” when Cadrin and co. defy expectations with a cynical, reggae-inspired verse hovering above an atmospheric backdrop that clears into a rock chorus.

The bluesy and lovesick dream talk of “Unlikely Human Condition” is the Boston musician at his most vulnerable, showing his fearlessness when he sings, to his own chagrin, “I’m too late for love and unattached action” and “I wasn’t built for happiness.”

Cadrin’s honest approach helps him churn out a welcome surprise of rare credibility and genuine emotion. When Cadrin asks “Who is not afraid to break the mold?” in “Wealth Is an Interpretation,” all he needs to do is look in the mirror.

For more information, visit tjohncadrin.bandcamp.com or facebook.com/tjohncadrin or follow him on Twitter @TJohnCadrin.

The Safety Fire ~ Grind the Ocean

Katey Khaos

Don’t let the name fool you ~ The Safety Fire is anything but one of the mainstream cookie-cutter bands flooding the music scene. The Safety Fire is actually a progressive metalcore band from across the pond. Their sound is chaotic, crazy technical and quite melodic at the same time, which ~ you’ll believe me after hearing it ~ makes Grind the Ocean an album that’s hard to put down.

The first track off the album, as well as the first single, “Huge Hammers,” begins with a muffled intro of a pinball machine that follows through to a predictable opener. However, despite the predictability, it still packs a pretty big punch to your ear drums. Every. Single. Time.

A huge part of this album is the wonderful technical work the band meshes together to form a solid sound, but its secret weapon is the vocalist, Sean McWeeny. His hardcore screams and growls are immaculate, and what’s better is that he also showcases the complete opposite of the vocal spectrum on the album by throwing down some killer clean vocals, which aren’t whiny or try-hard in the least.

Grind the Ocean offers up something that I find a lot of progmetal albums don’t ~ diversity. The Safety Fire proves its talent by keeping listeners glued to their earbuds, tossing out technical curveballs with each track.

Grind the Ocean is available now, both in stores and online.

For more information on The Safety Fire, visit www.facebook.com/thesafetyfire.

Owen Plant ~ Beach Busker

By Jennifer Russo

Ahhh… Spring Break 2008 … my boyfriend and I hopped on a plane and flew to the tiny island of Jamaica, where we were not only perpetually buzzed from all the free rum punch but also were surrounded by, what I believe to be, the friendliest and happiest people on the planet. A trip to a nearby dance club proved to me without contest that rhythm is simply in the air that they breathe ~ it comes across in their speaking, their movement and their music.

Fast forward to the 2012 Warped Tour, where I am sitting across from an insanely good looking man (sorry, ladies, he’s married) who has that same rhythm in his manner. Owen Plant defines his style as Jamaican-born, California folk music. He hands me his CD, and for nearly a year, it has not left my rotation. It brings me back to the island, with its mellow and relaxing acoustic vibe, reggae tempo and simply cool, kick-back sound. There are influences of Bob Marley and James Taylor throughout. It’s thoughtful music that delves into love, peace, home and even addiction ~ topics that are relatable to almost anyone ~ fused with a beautiful, soft resonance that makes you feel good.

“It’s probably the most unified album I’ve done,” Plant said. “It came about over the last three years … it’s pretty much my brain on a CD.”

When I asked Plant what he hopes people will get out of listening, he told me he hopes they can understand that pain passes. I can personally attest that if you are having a crappy day, you will feel better after listening to the song “This Side of Happy.”

Owen believes that through music, “you can soothe yourself without escaping ~ life can be beautiful and relaxing. Melody, even in sadder songs, can show you what the redemption is behind it.”

To find out more about Owen Plant and pick up his feel-good, perfect-for-the-warmer-weather album, check out owenplant.net.