Please Read: Close to Home.

A few weeks ago I attended a phenomenal Metallica show with some friends. After a four hour drive to the show, I expected nothing less, and my expectations were surpassed. I left the show, pleased, and made it home safely. But unfortunately, one member of the audience didn't.

From www.nydailynews.com:

"Police are looking for a Virginia Tech student who got separated from her friends at a Metallica concert Saturday and hasn't been seen since. Police are looking for 20-year-old Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen near the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville [Virginia]... Police say Harrington was wearing a black T-shirt with "Pantera" across the front in tan letters, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.She has long blonde hair, blue eyes, is 5-foot-6 and weighs about 120 pounds."

The concert took place on October 17th. Although some information has been submitted, she has yet to be found. It has been two weeks to the day now, and she still hasn't turned up. Metallica themselves have put up an additional $50,000 reward for any information leading to her being found.

This is a frightening story that is has such a sobering effect: a young fan going missing during a show, with no indication as to her whereabouts or safety. It could've been anyone.

If you or anyone you know have any information whatsoever, or wish to support the cause, please visit http://www.findmorgan.com/. I have no relation or affiliation whatsoever to her or her family, just a fellow fan that hopes for the best for them in such a difficult time.

Review: Harley's War - Hardcore All-Stars

It could be said that Harley Flanagan is an under-appreciated icon of music. Considered the youngest punk rock star, he got his start at age 12 as the drummer of The Stimulators. Several years later, he founded The Cro-Mags, an influential hardcore punk band turned thrash, which since 2002 has not included him in the constantly changing lineup.

Along with these, he also has a thriving “solo” project under the name Harley's War. This project consists of music he has created through collaborations with other big names in the hardcore scene. The highlights of these collaborations are featured on Hardcore All-Stars, the first release (which includes both a CD and DVD) under the name Harley's War.

The CD portion of the release comes in three parts: the studio album itself, Harley Flanagan's 1982 solo demo, and live CBGB recordings. The first few tracks, up to “Hardcore 'nyhc-og'”, feature ex-Cro-Mags Ryan Krieger and Gabby Abularach, on drums and guitar, respectively. These are easily the heaviest songs on the album, much different than any music the Cro-Mags produced. From the powerful blast beats of “Hardcore L.A.M.F.” leading seamlessly into the appropriately haunting “Nightmare”...

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Review: Loda Dimes - 10 Cent Instant Rebate

Self-produced albums are the hidden gems of the music industry. That's why I absolutely love independent music so much, because oftentimes, without the availability or desire to use higher end production tools (I'm looking at you, auto-tune), bands actually have to be talented in order to make a name for themselves.

Alas, as seen in Loda Dimes 10 Cent Instant Rebate, there is a fine line between the little quirks that come from self-producing an album and flawed, even rushed, production that unintentionally takes a listener's attention away from the music itself.

The album starts out less-than-promising, in “I Got Some Drinkin' to Do,” a song that takes it's inspiration, it seems, from classic country, with a slight classic rock edge...

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Review: Automatic Fire - Summer 2009 Demos

Rarely does a band come along that manages to completely sell out their very fist show. But upon listening to Automatic Fire's Summer 2009 Demos, I can understand why. An effort of members that have made their names known in other bands already established in the Philadelphia local scene, fans already had a good idea of what they were getting into.

The Summer 2009 Demos include only three songs, which would become three of the four songs featured on The EP. Even when limited to three songs, a listener can still get an absolutely clear picture of what this band is all about.

Opening with “What Are You Made Of?” the listener is treated to some very “old Guns'n'Roses-esque” instrumental work, with some classic wah guitar that sets the mood for the song....

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Review: Moraine - Manifest Density

When a band or artist decides that they want to create their own sound, like every good, or at least unique band does, they often break a few rules and cross that dreaded genre line. This has the potential for either being a huge success, like the thrash metal movement of the 1980s, which combined the speed of hardcore punk and metal sensibilities, literally changing the face of music. It also has the potential for fleeting popularity and eventual ridicule in some circles, much like the fate of nu-metal, which had its basis in the already iffy combination of rap and rock music.

With Manifest Density, the instrumental debut release from Moraine, the band completely destroys the boundaries of several hugely differing genres to create something totally unique. With influences including progressive rock, jazz, and world music, listeners are treated to new blend of refreshing, albeit nearly unclassifiable, music.

Moraine, thanks to their innovative choices instrumentally, has successfully created a sound that is both very modern yet classical in tone...

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Review: The Del McCoury Band - Family Circle

Having already been established in the music business for about fifty years, it's safe to say that Del McCoury has some idea of what he's doing. Between his solo career and his band that also features his two sons Robbie and Ronnie, as well as Alan Bartram and Jason Carter, he has won 31 International Bluegrass Music Association awards. And with his most recent release with The Del McCoury Band, Family Circle, he's sure to be at least nominated for yet another.

Beginning with “Sweet Appalachia”, fans will immediately take notice to the familiar Del McCoury sound. True to the attitude of the original version, although a slightly different take, it still keeps the essence while adding the McCoury touch that is so beloved by fans.

The next track, “Barbaric Splendor”, was a surprise to me. The song, whose title suggests a much different genre...

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Concert Review: Metallica

Where? JPJ Arena / Charlottesville, VA
When? October 17, 2009

After having seen Iron Maiden, Tool, and a number of my favorite bands in the past, this left one major concert-going goal: my favorite band, Metallica. I had already missed the opportunity for the pit in DC, and eventually the show sold out as it was. So upon hearing they would be coming, at least within the distance of a long drive, I was determined to get there. So obviously I did.

We got to the show late, midway through Lamb of God's set. Admittedly, I wouldn't have minded to see their full set, and Gojira as well, but I was there for 'tallica. And that's all that mattered, really.  I will say however, that the little bit of Lamb of God that I DID see, that they are excellent live. Nothing too flashy or anything, BUT the musicianship was on point.

Lamb of God got offstage, and the lights went up. As the minutes counted down, the excited tension of the place increased. And then, the lights went out. Completely. And all one could hear, at least beyond the crowd, was  Ennio Morricone's chilling The Ecstasy of Gold. It led straight into the heartbeats the began That Was Just Your Life. A dark blue light lit the place, and then, as soon as the distorted guitar kicked in, there were lasers. Oh my God, there were lasers. They changed colors with each chord struck, and changed motion with the tempo. It was both ridiculous in the best way possible, and just plain amazing. Metallica sounded on point, as expected, and I was blown away. By the first song.

To go through song by song and just talk about how amazing it was, would... well, take forever. So I'll give a summary of the highlights:

• Creeping Death - Definitely glad the old stuff showed up so early. It was heavy as hell. A lot of people say that James' vocals have gone for the worse when doing old stuff, but seriously, he was on point that night. No wah abuse :D  Great stuff. First time the coffin light fixtures were lowered, everyone was kinda surprised. This and Fuel, I'm pretty sure they played faster than the studio versions. It was insane.
• Fade to Black - This was literally perfect. Better than the studio version. Low lighting, perfect solos. Everything was just... amazing. I can't say that enough.
•  One - I'm just going to come right out and say it, the pyro gives Iron Maiden a run for their money. The multicolored flames, the floor fires during the intro. Awesome.
• Nothing Else Matters/ Enter Sandman - Nothing Else Matters was played absolutely beautifully, exactly as it should be. But as soon as that last note of that powerful solo was played, it led right into the distinct opening riff of Enter Sandman, a song every fan in the audience seemed to go nuts over.
• Encore -- Started with an absolutely on point cover of Stone Cold Crazy, originally done by Queen. Then, a huge surprise for the fans of the old days, they played Trapped Under Ice, the first time in.... a long time, if I'm not mistaken. Really good. And then there was Seek and Destroy. Throughout the song, the Metallica beach balls fell from the ceiling to the fans below, as they played, and the audience screamed every word. It's their usual last song for them, but is still an amazing closer to an amazing concert.
  

It was awesome, I don't know what else to say. I guarantee you I'll see them again. Epic.
Setlist:

1. That Was Just Your Life
2. The End Of The Line 
3. Creeping Death 
4. Fuel
5. Fade To Black 
6. Broken, Beat And Scarred 
7. Cyanide 
8. Sad But True
9. One
10. My Apocalypse 
11. The Day That Never Comes 
12. Master Of Puppets 
13. Blackened 
14. Nothing Else Matters 
15. Enter Sandman 

Encore:

16. Stone Cold Crazy (Queen cover)
17. Trapped Under Ice 
18. Seek & Destroy

Featured Artist: Scouting For Girls

Well, since The Pulse has gone British, I think now would be a wonderful time to introduce a recent "outta the UK" favorite of mine: Scouting For Girls

SFG is a London-based indie pop band comprised of Roy Stride (vocals/keyboards), Greg Churchouse (bass guitar), and Peter Ellard (percussion). This phenomenal three piece manages to maintain the ability to write a song that is, quite frankly, catchy as hell, but don't come off as too mainstream or poppy. Their songs range in subject matter from crushes and love to... spies? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, spies. The song "I Wish I was James Bond," easily the most recognized track thanks to YouTube, states the speaker's wistful desires to "kiss all the girls and blow the bad guys away," much in the fashion of his idol, James Bond himself.

SFG takes a different approach to alternative musicianship as well. Instead of opting for the typical guitar-bass-drums style of many indie bands, SFG takes advantage of the versatility of the piano instead of the "standard" guitar. Some might find themselves initially skeptical on this front, but I assure you it actually produces a refreshing sound. I mean, I'm saying this, and as a guitarist, I'm automatically biased, and I'm saying good things about it. Come on now.

Despite the UK's adoration for SFG, I've noticed that the only real US recognition they've received is one of their songs in a Vonage commercial. Unfortunately, unless something's changed, the album is not available in the US iTunes store, but they have an EP available on their official website for free download so I recommend you check them out.

You saw it first on The Pulse

Review: The Hit & Mrs. - Ashes of Bridges

I have always enjoyed garage rock. The gritty imperfections, the fun, loud riffs, and the overall atmosphere created by a band whose main focus is pure music. So when asked to review Ashes of Bridges, the newest release from The Hit & Mrs, I had high hopes, knowing that their previous release Buried in the Backyard of My Heart completely embodied all that is garage rock.

 

I soon realized to let go of my expectations, however, discovering, not even thirty seconds into the first song, “Cold, Cold Days” which begins with simple acoustic guitar and harmonica, that this was going to consist of music portraying a much different side to the band.

 

For a three-piece band I was pleasantly surprised to hear the different facets that make up this bands music. Instead of the usual guitar-bass-drums combination seen in most bands that brand themselves garage rock, most of the album's songs stray away from this formula, such as the keyboard-heavy title track and the banjo laden “Time is Running Out” (which I might add is not a Muse cover, if that is what you were thinking).

 

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Review: Clandestine - The Invalid

In the music business, big names often allude to big expectations from fans and critics alike. So, upon discovering that Sylvia Massy had considerable involvement in the mixing process in Clandestine's The Invalid, I had high hopes. After all, Massy had involvement with quite a few, now widely known artists. These include, most notably, Tool and System of a Down, with which she had worked on each of their full length debut albums.

However, it would be wrong to start out expecting to be able to compare Clandestine to Tool or System of a Down, which would be an unreasonable assumption in and of itself. A four piece progressive hard rock band from Los Angeles, Clandestine draws their sound from ideas that aren't always necessarily new, but combine them to create something unique.

One common characteristic I found as I listened to The Invalid was Clandestine's ability to build up a song, instilling an expectant feeling into the listener....

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