Musicianship – 9+ out of 10 Actually, there
is no fault I can find with this band or it’s members. All of the band has
classical/professional training & experience Xiren, included (Jessie Vanden Hogen: Violin, Joshua Skelton:
Guitar, Ben Jansen: Co-Producer, Arranger, Keyboards and Business Partner, Brian
McRae: Drums & Scott Bugher: Bass Guitar). Xiren himself has an excellent
voice and great stage presence. Since I am reviewing several different songs
from the past and present of this band, I really am unsure of what instruments
Xiren may play on any given songs or albums. However, it is HIS personality
that shines through in his music. Whether or not he is a virtuoso in particular
doesn’t matter. His musicianship shines anyway.
Songwriting – 10
out of 10 Xiren’s songwriting ability is what is really prevalent in all of his
music. Interesting Pop/Rock as opposed to mind numbing drivel that is sometimes
heard on everyday radio, he has excellent sing-a-long melodies, easy to hear
lyrics and the type of music you could pop in your CD player and listen all
day. Excellent is the only way to describe it –at least for me!
Sound
Quality/Professionalism - 10 out of 10 Having received
a promotional CD with videos & music, I also did a lot of listening on his
website as well as reading about the band, etc, and you can’t get much more
professional than Xiren.
Included on his website is X.Radio which is basically a radio program Xiren has
made of his music. The ‘show’ has very interesting insights into his music and
is very well recorded for an Internet playlist as well! His Net Radio station
has better quality than some Indie bands’ CDs have at times! He also had one
professionally done video on his promo CD which my teenage boys thought was
really cool. Not to mention the commercial ‘Everything’ was used for.
Packaging - 8 out
of 10 His promo CD
came in a nice protected plastic folder with a bio sheet. Everything someone
needs to review a disc. The only problem was in finding lyrics to the three
audio tracks on the disc. They aren’t even listed on the website! I would
think having them listed somewhere would add to the richness of Xiren’s
songwriting talent as well as great sound. Also, adding a credit list of
musicians and songwriting collaborations (if there are any) etc., give more
insight as to WHOSE talent really added to a particular project. I understand a
band wanting to be ONE entity, however, Xiren’s name (even if it is just his
middle name) is on the entire project so I think giving credit where credit is
due (even if it is to himself at times) is important. Plus, I like as much
detail on a particular song as possible, and NOT having the finished CD product,
it’s hard to really learn what all I need to do the best job I can in a review.
Favorite Tracks Circus
Summer of Love
*Standout Track – Everything
**I enjoyed ALL of Xiren’s music both past and present. These are only the FEW
favorite tracks that I have listed.
Overall Rating -
10 out of 10
Overall Xiren’s music deserves
a 10. I think possibly different projects I may give a lower rating here or
there, but overall his style, talent and sound is a favorite of mine. The
quality I would stack up near U2 in depth of sound and style, which I think
deserves a ‘10’ rating in any book! I am anxious to see his website updated
with a NEW CD and lyrics to see where he may be going next in his musical
journey. Although he has had some major success having had his music on
television for a commercial and having met and worked with some great artists of
our time (including Gene Simmons—hmm…unlikely pairing??) he still has yet to
receive the recognition he deserves. Let’s do OUR PART in giving Xiren a
‘helping hand’ by buying his CDs, popping them in our car stereos and exposing
our friends to his sound! Who knows…we may cause a new sensation across the
Midwest and beyond!—Jen Lush, Midwestbands.com, 10/29/04 *Listen to XIREN on
MWB Radio!
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