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CD Reviews

Devola
Love And War (Independent)
by Dan Brown

   Billed as "a romance," Love And War is a modern day indie-rock opera written and performed by New York hard rock quartet Devola. This 11-track epic is quite an ambitious undertaking, and the band deserves props for rolling the dice on such a non-commercial project.
   The backbone of Devola's sound comes from the versatile six-string licks born from the hands and imagination of Joe Vega, whose playing style swings from the chopping buzz of metal riffs to the heavy crunch of echoing chords that bring an intensity to the album's darker moments. Singer Elizabeth Seward's vocals float to the surface of the mix in Amy Lee falsetto fashion, and the operatic quality in her voice fits well with the Love And War concept. Drummer Chuck Richard and bassist Mike Merlino bring influences in to the Devola sound that take the band into the areas of thrash and hardcore as well as old-school metal and mainstream rock.
   As an ensemble, Devola exploits the theatrical theme by packing each song with enough dynamics to turn every composition into a compelling and head-banging act.
   Love And War is a powerful effort that should go far in taking Devola to the next level. Get the big picture on Devola at www.thedevolavirus.com .

Danielia Cotton
Small White Town (HipShake Music)
by Dan Brown

   Big Apple siren Danielia Cotton taps into the roots of 1970s glam rock and soul for a retro-flavored masterpiece that captures an emerging young musician at her very best.
   No time is wasted on a slow build-up as the disc opens to the big fat drum sound that carries "Devil In Disguise." Cotton pushes her voice full throttle between the crunch of distortion-soaked guitar chords, laying down the law with empowered lines such as "You're the devil in disguise, and the last thing you'll see of me is my backside." On track two, Danielia keeps the rock pedal to the metal with a big-beat stomper about her passion for fast cars and fast boys.
"JC I Try" boasts a bone-saw guitar riff so nasty that it all but takes the tune across the tracks into heavy metal territory, while "Today" pulls in the reigns as a mainstream rocker with a pop chorus that makes the song a natural for radio play.
   Though the strongest tracks on the album are the songs that rock in high gear, Cotton is not without a softer side. "Pride" is a melodic R&B love song that stops just short of being a ballad, while "Chains" swaps energy for angst with awkward piano runs and a vocal track rich with the tones of a singer reliving a serious heartbreak.
Small White Town is an amazing debut from an artist who is destined for greatness. You can pick it up by visiting www.danielia.com .