Michigan Indie Review

For those of you out there who might be prog-curious but you're not sure where to get your ears wet, you're in luck. We've put together a side by side comparison of two 2005 releases that haven't received their fair due. If you're serious about expanding your musical horizons beyond the latest fad and into more adventurous territory, we suggest you check out Space Nelson's "Don't Panic" and Eyestrings "Consumption" , two impressive releases from two progressive, yet distinctly unique Michigan bands. Band Name: Space Nelson Source: Inspired by guitarist John Piasentin's "spacey" paperboy Band Name: Eyestrings Source: Taken from a line in William Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" Band Members: John Piasentin (Guitar/Vocals), Pete Hopersberger (keys/vocals), Gary Lock (bass guitar), Eric Fischer (drums) Band Members: Ryan Paramenter (Keys/Vocals), Mathew Kennedy (bass, moog, theramin), Alan Rutter (guitars/vocals)...

by mitch phillips I was graciously invited to attend the third CD release party for Stephanie Loveless' debut entitled, "Steffie Sings For Her Sex Change" which took place at her house in Ferndale last Saturday night. About twenty people were there when I arrived with prog-rocker John Ludi . I dragged him with me in case I didn't know anyone else there. John knew Steffie in a previous lifetime and incarnation when he was known as "Tim" in band called Soft War . Seems we all changed names or identities at least once since we'd met; evidence of a perpetual search for our place in the world, I suppose. As it turned out, Storm Records point man Norm Andreson was in attendance, as well as Cyndi Summers of Veggies in Mottion , three transsexuals, a handful of activists, and friends in every size, shape, age, gender and color. I ordered my Steffie' CD months before the party, but it never arrived. Apparently, the first recording was sc...