Fozzy | Do You Wanna Start a War
I am a big fan of Fozzy … and for good reason. The band captivates me on its CD and even more so playing live in concert. And it’s no easy feat to grab my attention for an entire show. That’s really all that needs to be said, but as you may not be familiar with the music, I will continue.

Highly energetic (what do you expect ~ singer Chris Jericho doubles as a WWE superpersonality), this is a band that takes no prisoners with its musical assault. Fozzy comes out ready to go against any band out there, with an impressive vocal range and exceptionally well-thought-out instrumental. These guys are perfectionists, and it shows. Their latest album combines elements of speed metal, a hint of grungy reverb and easy-to-follow lyrics for a rounded-out completeness.

The first few songs come out with a rock anthem style, with Bad Tattoo being extremely catchy. The CD even has some power ballads, including Die With You, my favorite, with thoughtful lyrics and a great arrangement that is completely radio-worthy. Tonite was my least favorite song on the album. I just found it a little cheesy for my taste, but I can see other people digging it. That being said, Brides of Fire, which follows it, pulled me right into Metallica mode. Unstoppable, featuring Christie Cook (who has an amazing voice), is the perfect musical pairing. The closing song, Witchery, was another favorite of mine, with a driving rhythm that caught my ear and a spell-like chant that kept it tuned in.

The album is far more melodic in its delivery than the band’s 2012 offering (even sporting a beautiful piano intro on the cover of Abba’s song SOS). It almost has a Shinedown quality to it, but a little more rough around the edges. I find it safe to say that it will appeal to most audiences and shows a versatility that surprised even me.

To learn more, visit fozzyrock.com.

By Jennifer Russo

Ray Goren | LA Sessions
When legendary producer and engineer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) takes a new talent under his wing, you listen. But when that new talent is a 14-year-old kid, you listen closely because you know that he’s found someone special. And that’s exactly what guitarist and singer/songwriter Ray Goren proves himself to be on his debut EP, LA Sessions.

LA Sessions is a surprise release that comes out of nowhere. Goren is clearly a student of the craft, channeling the blues and R&B greats of the past while simultaneously carving out his own niche. There are flashes of guitar bravado in “You Gotta Learn” and “Stop Waiting” that are impressive (with Kramer mixing his psychedelic channeling on the former) and serve as showcases for the young prodigy to boost a rush of life into the otherwise predictable direction the songs take.

Bearing the sole credit for the words and music on LA Sessions, it’s hard to believe that Goren is as young as he is, not just because of his guitar prowess but because of his lyrics. Songs like the aforementioned “Stop Waiting,” in which he sings, “The ocean’s deep blue sorrow brush the waves of our emotions,” with a convincing and believable gusto suggest a lyricist wise beyond his years.

The only thing wrong with LA Sessions is that it’s only five songs long. If this is Goren’s calling card, then we’re in for a treat when he decides to record a full LP.

For more, visit raygoren.com.

By Jason Savio

Erasure | The Violet Flame 
A radio staple for three decades and counting, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke ~ or Erasure, as they’re better known ~ have been keeping thumbs tapping on steering wheels and feet hoofing across dance floors with easy-going, synthesized pop since the late ’80s.

Google their classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” and you’ll get the idea of how this well-oiled machine runs, in case you’re unfamiliar. But the short version of the three-decades-long story is that Erasure has been dishing out grooving rhythms for the ages, and with The Violet Flame, the 16th studio album, Erasure shows no signs of diverting from this well-worn course.

Yes, you’ll get more of the same from Erasure on Flame, and this can be considered comfort to some or maybe uninspired to those who are looking for something outside the proverbial box. But as the old adage goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And this UK duo ain’t broke, folks. As proven with its success around the country and across the pond for more than 30 years, Erasure has its grip on the psychology of synth dance pop ~ sound and lyrics ~ that makes people happy. It’s mostly soft electronica that meanders through the 10-track album, bookended by two superior songs: At the start we get “Dead of Night” (one of my personal favorites on the album) and, at the end, “Stayed a Little Late Tonight,” which will welcome new listeners and embrace fans from generations past … like a warm hug from a pair of very cool uncles.

For more on the duo, the album and fall and winter tour dates, visit erasureinfo.com.

By Mike Wood