Album Review: Cartwheels (2014)

Frenchy and the Punk. We can't get enough of this bohemian-folk-punk-cabaret duo. Their latest EP, Cartwheels, was released February 18th of this year. It features five songs that weave the musical magic we've been so accustomed to with Frenchy and the Punk - including two new songs, "Mulina Mulina" and "Halloween for Christmas." Again, for those who aren't familiar with Frenchy and the Punk, I suggest you check out some of their other works, including their 2012 album, Hey Hey Cabaret (review here).

And now for some news from the duo that everyone should be aware of...

Frenchy and the Punk have been working tirelessly in the studio to bring you a new album which is projected to be released this summer. Also, this summer, they will be touring with The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing (UK) and The Nathaniel Johnstone Band (US) on selected dates. Here are the tour dates announced for May:

May 20 Trundle Manor, Pittsburgh, PA
May 21 Molly Malone's, Covington, KY
May 22 Mahall's, Cleveland, OH
May 23-26 Comicpalooza, Houston, TX

Cartwheels. This album is a colorful fusion of folk, bohemian, and the unique sound that can only be found in the very best circles of (steam)punk cabaret. The album includes three re-recorded, older songs and two new ones that live up to the band's sensational reputation. 

Track Listing

1. Le Train (featuring "Tyrant" Taylor Galassi of This Way to the Egress on accordion)
2. Caravan
3. Mulina Mulina* (featuring Michael Lunapiena "The Wandering Cellist" on cello)
4. Oh Jocelyne
5. Halloween for Christmas*

"Le Train" is a rather bouncy number calling on a simple, yet incredibly catchy melody. It features lyrics in all French - and though the fans that don't speak French can't understand it, that doesn't seem to matter too much, as this track is one of the most played on the album (via targeted polling). On a side note, we were pretty excited to find that the accordion on this re-recorded track was performed by "Tyrant" Taylor Galassi of This Way to the Egress.

"Caravan." This track is gold. You can't find it for sale anywhere else because the original album is sold out and out of print. It's another punchy tune in the unique style we've come to expect of Frenchy and the Punk. It's perfect for a mid-paced foxtrot and the time signature works perfectly for the footwork.

"Mulina Mulina." The third tack on the album features Michael Lunapiena, "The Wandering Cellist," on cello. It's the second most popular track on the album. Personally, it reminds me of a Celtic lullaby I was sung as a child - though the name has long since been lost. According to the fans we polled and interviewed, this song has become loved due to its simple "rise-and-fall" melody, Frenchy's soothing voice, and the imagery within. If you only download the music by tracks rather than getting the full album, this is one of two songs you must acquire.

"Oh Jocelyne," a beautiful, unexpected gypsy-esque song about a fortune teller (or tarot reader) and her female client. We have to say, it has a nice twist. We won't spoil it for you - you have to listen to it for yourself - but it's well worth it. This song was originally titled "Oh Gypsy," and you can still find it floating around on YouTube.

"Halloween for Christmas." They saved the best for last. This song was recorded in December of last year and is by far the most popular on the song, surpassing all of the others. 10 of 10 in our focused polls rated this as the best song on the album and it is the most downloaded. We highly recommended this track and is the second (or rather, first) track you must download if you don't plan on purchasing the whole album (which is really a shame). It has all the elements of a great Frenchy and the Punk hit, and shares our views on Christmas v. Halloween. Spoiler: Halloween is awesome.

All in all, this is a fantastic EP featuring some of their best songs. We highly recommend the purchase! As discussed on our Facebook page, they've been on tour and still have a few shows coming up, so get out there and see them while you still have the chance!

Ninja Fish thinks this is great music to... get inspired with.
Album Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Band Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Our Hiatus and Missing Reviews: A Formal Explaination and Apology

There has been some talk (and a lot of questions) about two reviews that were to be published a couple of months ago, just before we fell off the map. Well, it's time to tell everyone what's been going on.

First, those reviews were given to someone (name withheld) to write. They did not write them, and after a long period of time, admitted they would not be writing them at all. This ultimately led termination. After this, it was time to find someone who would write them. Those reviews were written by founder Genrin619 and placed in the care of another to be published over her vacation. Upon returning, it was discovered that they had not been published as asked. When this person was confronted, they did not respond. After several weeks, they re-surfaced claiming that they understood the articles were given to them to do with as they liked. This was not the case. During our hiatus, we have been working to get them back from the person who stole them. However, the damage was done. The articles were now never going to see the light of day.

So, we now issue a formal apology to our fans, our writers, and to the bands whose reviews were absconded with: Jaggery and Fable Cry. We will do our best to remedy the situation and post a review for both bands as soon as we can. We only hope that everyone can understand. Thank you for your patience and loyalty.

Ninja Fish

Random Video Thursday: Fruit Ninja in Real Life to Dubstep!

This is a few hours late, but better late than never. Happy Random Video Thursday!

Random Video Thursday: Amazing Horse - Get On My Horse - The Nerd Follia Cover

WARNING: May not be suitable for young audiences...

Original Version: [Link]

Halloween 2013 (playlist)

These are some personal favorites that are great for the best night of the year! Enjoy your Halloween and feel free to post your costumes or photos of your celebration on our Facebook page. The winner will be determined on Sunday and free mp3s from this list will be given away! Share with your friends!

Random Video Thursday: Rasputin by Boney M

Happy "Random Video Thursday"! Please enjoy the song that has been my ringtone for a couple of years now - "Rasputin" by Boney M. Check out the lyrics below. (By the way, the guy gives a really long intro, so you might want to skip ahead to 1:10.)

Lyrics here.

 Just for you, because I like you, please have this totally badass metal version by Turisas.

Band Review: INFAMOUS

INFAMOUS is a kick-ass, wide-variety rock band based out of Richmond, VA. Their band consists of four members - Mike "Taco" Bell (vocals), Josh Misner (guitar, backup vocals), Thomas Peterson (bass, backup vocals), and Ted "BEAST" Marshall (drums).  The band was founded in 2010 and the rest is history - nay, legend.

INFAMOUS might not have the largest following, but they certainly deserve one. It's rare to see any band performance that can be both mellow and bad-ass at the same time. Take their self titled track, for example. It sounds a bit like a cross between a chilled-out Metallica and an early Ozzy/Black Sabbath vibe. Steady, smooth bass, original guitar riffs with an old school vibe that reminds me a little of Dream Theater, and a drummer that knows how to wail on his instrument.

I have to say, the more I heard of them, the more they impressed me. As seen in the video below (cover of "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd), even when doing a cover, INFAMOUS stays true to the original while still displaying their own style and individuality. This video was the first time I'd heard Bell sing, and I have to say, he doesn't disappoint. He hits every note with the acumen of a true pro. Oh, and did we mention Misner's awesome behind-the-head guitar solo at 3:17? Yeah. Watch it.



Now that I've gotten you excited about these guys (and rightfully so), go see for yourself what makes them so INFAMOUS. You can find their upcoming events here.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/infamousrva
ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/infamousrva
Facebook: www.facebook.com/infamousrva

Special thanks to INFAMOUS guitarist Josh Misner for all the work he put into finding a video and image for this review. You made this all possible!

Ninja Fish thinks this is great music to... take over the world with.

Band Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★