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Wolfmother Cosmic Egg

Wolfmother's second album Cosmic Egg delivers much of the same that we got on their debut album which is awesome, fast paced, hard rock.

If you're fan of '70s-era rock and roll and haven't heard Wolfmother yet, do yourself a favour and pick up this album. With a heavy riff-based psychedelic sound that evokes early Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, the band certainly doesn't try to hide its influences. Instead they're doing their best to bring back a great era in rock and roll.

The original drummer and bass player left the band since their debut album and frontman Andrew Stockdale brought in three new band members to record Cosmic Egg. The new band members complement Stockdale's sound quite well, though. Full of heavy, fast-paced songs and equally fast-paced guitar solos, this is a great sophomore release from these Australian hard rockers.

Highlights include California Queen, New Moon Rising and Pilgrim

Louder Gabriel

A Thousand Small Explosions

Moncton band Louder Gabriel has released its debut album A Thousand Small Explosions and local music fans looking for an injection of straight rock will be pleased. Singer and rhythm guitarist Phil Boudreau and bassist Chris Boulay have been performing together since they were 15. Drummer Denis Hache joined them a few years later, followed by local music veteran Derek Robichaud on lead guitar.

The fact that they've been playing together this long comes out on the CD. The band's sound is tight and, with only one, slowed-down acoustic song, the other nine songs on the album are all heavy, loud rock.

With great songwriting played by experienced musicians Louder Gabriel should make an impact on the local music scene with this stellar release.

Support local music, pick up this CD and check for upcoming live shows in our area.

Highlights include Blow, Walk Away and The Last Wizard.

Kings of Convenience

Declaration of Dependence

Norwegian duo Kings of Convenience's new album Declaration of Dependence is a mellow acoustic pop experience. In fact, there should be a warning not to listen to this album while driving late at night as you could fall asleep. It's not that it's a bad album -- in fact, it is quite good -- it's just really, really mellow.

Full of intricate guitar melodies and vocal harmonies, Kings of Convenience sound a bit like a modern day Simon and Garfunkle without as much poppiness. There are no drums on the album, just two voices, two acoustic guitars and some other string instruments on a few songs. There's a hushed, minimalist sound to the album that gives it a tranquil, serene feel.

While the album might be a bit slow for some people, if you're a fan of acoustic folk music, check out the Kings of Convenience.

Highlights include Me In You, Boat Behind and Peacetime Resistance.

* Adam Davis is an avid music fan. His column appears weekly in Life & Times.