The Urban Existentialist

And so begins a new blog; a new outlet. I’ve been relatively absent from the world of social networking for the past year and a half or so. Once an avid writer and composer, I now attempt to ease my way back into this congested virtual landscape.

Monday, July 12, 2010

David Ramirez - American Soil Album Review

Austin, Texas - a green, freethinking southern mesh and marvel complete with it's own regional artist culture - the tiny blue dot in the midst of the big red state - the live music capital of the world - host of the well known Austin City Limits Music Festival, South by South West, and Fun Fun Fun Fest - home of Matthew McConnaghey, Sandra Bullock, Willie Nelson, Robert Rodriguez, Andy Roddick, and David Ramirez. Although David's name may not be household just yet, it's definitely poised to soon be lighting up a marquee near you. Smooth, soulful, folk-laden compositions that make even the most critical and cynical of listeners crave an aged oak rocking chair and vanilla pipe tabacco make up David's 2009 release - "American Soil". The album's doleful content can best be catergorized as an intimate journey...

Sunday, July 11, 2010

We Were Wolves/Cousin Phelpy CD Release - The Night in Review

As I retreated from the small furnace of a room where The Art Studio monthly hosts some of the Southeast Texas area's stranger and more progressive acts, I thought to myself, "Who ever heard of melodic grudge rock?". Cousin Phelpy had just concluded an engaging thirty-five minute set amidst a small crowd of perspiring fans who seemed to, for the most part, remain undaunted in the harsh face of the extreme Texas heat that radiated through the open air venue on Franklin Street. The three piece Beaumont based band consisting of Greg Busceme on guitar and vocals, Carlo Busceme on Bass and Keyboards, and Chris Sastre on drums called for crowd requests, and even managed to keep a crowd based game of "toss the beach ball" alive throughout. Upon my arrival, having already seen and heard We Were Wolves on...