Flashlight: Jaymes Reunion

The revolving collaborative that is the Jaymes Reunion is fronted by Cameron Jaymes, a prolific songwriter from Southern California. Rather than approach this project as a solo endeavor (even though he is the songwriter, front man and lyricist), he functions as more of a big band leader, enlisting the services of a rather large pool of revolving musicians. With a serious amount of experience under his belt as a songwriter for Sony/BMG the Jaymes Reunion promises to have well-crafted artistry. At first listen, the sound is somewhere between Ben Folds and The Killers, though in actuality, the influence is far more broad.

Cameron Jaymes reflects about his goals and vision: “When it comes to music, my goal is to write about things that people really feel, things that people from all walks of life can relate to. There are so many things that can be said through music, and it is an incredible opportunity to be able to connect with people through one of their favorite avenues—music. I am just trying to keep the music positive and keep my integrity on both a personal and musical level.”

Admittedly, Jaymes has taken a more subtle approach to presenting his beliefs and will use his creative and unique approach to breach the general market. Expect great things, for even with this small taste of what is to come, this promises to be huge. The debut LP is coming in late spring via BEC. You can find out more at myspace.com/jaymesreunion.

Advent

Many in heavy music still lament the break-up of underground champions Beloved, a post-hardcore outfit form North Carolina which graced us up until their untimely departure in 2005. One of the reasons for the band’s break-up was a new project by some of the members called Advent. This band is a bare-knuckled brawl of an outfit, and what they lack in subtle approach they make up for in all-out tenacity. This is hardcore that is tough as a saber-toothed tiger. Advent is in the vein of bands like Hatbreed and Throwdown, though a bit less “caveman” in approach. The debut album, Remove the Earth, is now available through Solid State Records. Find out more at myspace.com/adventnc.

Here I Come Falling

A screamo outfit with death metal screams?  Yes, and unabashed about their faith, as well. The band’s MySpace says (in bold) “Jesus Loves You,”  and just as I read this, some kind of primordial, less-than-human growl escapes my computer speakers. This is about as extreme as it gets, the caricature of the screamo genre, which many say is the only place left for it to go. Monstrous power-pop melodies—which could easily fit in My Chemical Romance songs—break in unexpectedly, but as soon as they appear they disappear into the aforementioned death-metal growls. This is nothing if not pure entertainment, with more twists and turns than a Tom Clancy novel. The band’s new album, Oh Death, Where is Thy Victory, is out now on Rise Records. For the latest information, visit myspace.com/hicf.