Regular Columnists

Artist: Band: Player/Kommander
Album: on the eve of absolute get down
Label: Mighty Loud
Website: http://www.playerkommander.com
Genre: Indie alternative pop/rock
Technical Grade: 8.5/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Best Songs: White-Out of the Mind, You've Had Your Fun, All Night Wednesday
CD Review:

It seems that every month, in amongst the pile of CD’s in my mailbox, there is one that stands above the rest. This month it’s Player/Kommander’s debut CD, On The Eve Of Absolute Get Down. This guitar driven indie rock offering is strong on infectious grooves with a hard rock sensibility and a touch of pop experimentation.

Player/Kommander consists of guitarists, John Fuller and Jim Troglen, with Roman Glick on bass and Robbie Stephens on drums.  James Hall provides vocals and the band’s persona. Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox 20) lends his considerable production skills.

Billed as a concept album in four phases, the CD is about one night in the life of “a protagonist with a 'serious social anxiety disorder' and various chemical dependencies.” But the songs stand well enough individually that the listener doesn’t need to be aware of the concept to enjoy this music.  The first cut, Be This Way, sets the tone with a funky rhythm guitar riff before the band comes in rocking hard.  “If this thing blows, you’re walkin’ back,” sings Hall but these guys aren’t blowing it and they aren’t walking.

Favorite cuts are too numerous to mention but White-Out of the Mind with its hooky chorus and tasty guitar solo is a stand out. Hall has a Jagger/Dylan quality to his voice as he sings, “I see you powdering your nose ‘cause you're blind, baby, blind.” All Night Wednesday is a change of pace piano ballad with smooth background harmonies. But they don’t slow down for long.  Lay Back Down and Easy When It’s On are both strong rock tunes.

Player/Kommander is a Birmingham based band but recorded here in Atlanta. Maybe I’ll get a chance to catch a live act. Until then I’ll have to content myself with On The Eve Of Absolute Get Down. This is a good album, check it out.