Welcome to the EvO:R Independent CD Reviews Section.
I would like to take a few minutes to introduce ourselves to everyone. The EvO:R review section features reviews from various independent musicians that submit material for our consideration.

I wanted to let you know a little about our review teams collective thoughts on music. It's important to let the people that we review know how we think of their music and how we listened to their creations.

First of all, we strongly believe that if your music stinks then the world should know about it! After all, you have the nerve to charge as much for your stuff as the majors do so it better be pretty damn good. If your material is good, we'll be glad to tell the world. I We will hold nothing back! That is a promise.
The EvO:R CD Review Team

Their DEBUT, called INDEPENDENCE, is a unique collection of songs that tell stories evoking a variety of social commentary, focusing on things such as domestic abuse, homelessness, the Iraq war, just to name a few. A standout track called ABATINA deals with a young woman’s tragic situation, where she is trapped in an abusive marriage. Most of the songs feature a blend of reggae bass lines with lots of syncopations, complemented by violins and flute melodies, and a variety of world percussion.

AT THE EDGE OF THE CITY is a track that has some haunting lyrics, I interpreted it as the writer, ( GONSALVES) finding beauty in the unlikely sight of the sun reflecting in the daytime and neon lights at night, on the seedy surfaces of the rundown tenements. This is my impression. The point is that all the lyrics are very detailed and give rise to imagery that is hard to shake.

This is a very stylized, lyrical work of poetry and music that has received notable and well deserved acclaim. The production is excellent, the music is infectious.

I am not a great fan of reggae type stuff, generally, but often find myself drawn into it despite that. This album did the same for me. It will likely do the same for you. I certainly would rank this CD 7 out of 10, as my personal impression. However, I believe fans of this type of music will give it at least a 9, if not a 10.

Song Samples from the CD
All song samples are from Kobo Town - Independence page on CD Baby.

Sing Out, Shout Out  Abatina  At the Edge of the City  Blood and Fire  Across the Dark Waters  Trinity  The Stranger  Beautiful Soul  Higher Than Mercy  St. James 

Conclusion:

INDEPENDENCE was produced and released in November 2006. Co-produced by Lyndon Livingstone and Drew Gonsalves., the album was named by Blogcritics as the best International album of 2006. CANADA’s CBC Radio One's "Fresh Air" and "Big City Small World" radio shows also chose the record among their Top 10 lists for 2006.

They are a working band, constantly touring and performing. Find out more about KOBO TOWN at www.kobotown.com.

Joel Pirard ...EvO:R Reviewer.

Joel Pirard- has been playing, writing, and recording original rock music for years, as a guitarist, bassist and keyboardist. Pop-rock and Progressive rock explorations, are a big part of Joel’s resume. Currently playing and writing in THE JDA PROJECT, and most recently, JESTER’S PROMENADE, Joel finds himself having the best of times working with musicians he has had a long association with. THE JDA PROJECT features Don Pitz whom Joel met in 1981 and in 1985, Arno Tietje.

JESTER’S PROMENADE features Joel, with ex-ORION and ex-AVALON USA bandmates John Curtin, and CJ Truitt, and ex-AVALON USA drummer and lyricist Bruce Henninger. Joel balances musical time with a rich family life, in New York State , with his wife Alexandra, and their 3 children.

Joel Pirard- staff reviewer

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Charlie Harrelson
EvO:R Reviewer
855 Markham Wood Rd
Longwood, Fl.
32779

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Reviews will appear in the order that CD's are sent so don't delay as it takes a few weeks for reviews to appear! If your CD is good enough it may qualify for the top 25 Indie CD's of all time.