Jacksonville, FL (Top40 Charts/ Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions) - Good news for the many and ever increasing fans both nationally and worldwide of the fast rising and hard rockin' rock/Southern rock/alternative band Lessmyself, as their much anticipated brand new CD, "
Ember" was finally and officially released October 1st. Was it worth the wait? You betcha! ...It's an absolute smoker!
Definite kudos, bravo and congrats are in order to all the members of Lessmyself on an outstanding job well done on the release of their brand new independently produced CD release, "Ember"; as performances by all members of this great band were nothing less than stellar, delivering to fans super tightly executed rock n' roll musicianship of a very high caliber on ALL tracks.
Highlighting performances on the CD... Quite notable is the exceptional amount of skill and finesse by Lessmyself's drummer, Robert Murray all throughout this CD. Robert Murray is no doubt, a world class drummer's drummer. A prime example of Robert's immense amount of ability is perhaps best exhibited on the tracks "Holy One" and "All That I Believe", which demands extremely tight maneuverability and a grueling amount of prowess at capturing both the dynamics and nuance as a drummer on these hard rockin' songs. No matter how complex the chops required, Robert Murray is capable of jumping on it like Sioux on Custer, Gallagher on a watermelon, and I-95 headed South. (...And that's on it!)
As soon as I heard the mastered tracks after the CD was recorded, I had to ask Guitarist David Trippe in a phone conversation, if legendary and smoking hot Southern rock guitarist Steve Grisham, (formally of the Outlaws and currently with Ghost Riders), had jumped in on guitar with the band; (as Lessmyself's CD "Ember", was recorded at Steve Grisham's studio, Mira Vista Studios in Tampa, Florida), as both Guitarist David Tripp and the band's dual Guitarist Reid McNellage, were absolutely burning up fret boards on this CD, reminiscently comparable in style, skill and speed of the great guitarist of some of Southern rock's finest bands such as The Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Both David Tripp and Steve Grisham, (who are both friends of mine), assured me that Steve had not jumped in with the band during recording. Steve Grisham had stated to me in a separate phone conversation that he was indeed impressed with how tight Lessmyself was able to perform in the studio. (And I'm pretty ol' sure Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Steve Gaines, Huey Thomasson, Henry Paul and Billy Jones can all be proud of the results of the sparks inspired by their influences in these 2 outstanding guitarists from Mobile, Alabama, Lower South Dixie). Though Lessmyself definitely have their own very distinct signature style and sound; glimpses of those great musical influences shine through. An example of this point can especially be heard on the CD's tracks "All That I Believe", "I Won't be Defeated" and "The Burn".
Lessmyself's musical influences include: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, The Outlaws, Georgia Satellites, Petra, Guardian, Kutless, Christian rocker Steve Taylor, Hank Williams Jr., The Charlie Daniels Band, Jack Johnson, The Marshall Tucker Band, Drivin' N' Cryin, and Rush.
Lessmyself's bassist Josh Cooper ain't no sissy Girl Scout himself when it comes to breaking bad on bass! Lessmyself's Josh Cooper is capable of delivering more solid, tight bottom end, (to the ears on bass), than one's eyes could find at Spring Break and Bike Week on the beaches at Daytona! The funky tribal vibes he puts down on the tracks "All That I Believe" and "The Burn" are good examples of Josh's very cool and innate style on bass. Josh also is credited for the notably smooth harmonica work on the track "Free", on Lessmyself's new "Ember" CD.
And last, but certainly not least, Mike Edmonds on lead vocals. Lessmyself's Lead Vocalist Mike Edmonds is one of those amazing vocalists that have a totally distinct and signature sound, that no matter who they choose to collaborate with musically, once you've heard him, you'll recognize that definitive voice forever without ever having to read the credits. Gregg Allman (of the legendary Allman Brothers Band), Darius Rucker (Hootie & The Blowfish), Doug Gray (Marshall Tucker Band), Mickey Thomas (Elvin Bishop and Jefferson Starship), Ann Wilson (of Heart), Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule), Melissa Etheridge, Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt, all have that unforgettably distinct and special quality; (whereas a lot of bands in the genres of rock and alternative today, many times sound like they are sharing the same vocalists).
Mike exhibits a very impressive amount of range, quality, control, sheer vocal strength and style on vocals on every song on this CD, and whenever he steps up to a mic. But it's that one defining factor even beyond range, strength, quality and control that makes a great vocalist unforgettable and sets them apart from all the rest. ...That element is character, and Mike Edmonds has an abundance of it as a vocalist.
If one could possibly, and absolutely HAD to compare his vocal sound and abilities to any well known vocalists, (which is difficult to do), I would have to say he sounds something comparable to Jon Bon Jovi, meets Allan Clarke of The Hollies, meets Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers...sort of.
Impressive harmonies and backing vocals were also contributed by Guitarist David Trippe who also shares an immense amount of all the same vocal qualities.
The fact that ALL tracks on Lessmyself's new CD are 'radio ready and quality' in their craftsmanship, and with no 'filler' tracks whatsoever on the entire CD; (which is a rare find even for long time major headlining acts); also speaks volumes about the high quality of Lessmyself's songwriting ability. With one listen to this CD, it is crystal clear why Lessmyself are rising rapidly as true contenders in the music industry, and gaining a significant amount of recognition both nationally and worldwide.
But face it folks, the sheer numbers of truly great artists and bands attempting to rise in the music industry are astronomical; and to gain that edge to gain major success and recognition, takes a whole lot more than just talent. Even beyond an immense amount of great talent, dedication, perseverance and professionalism that it takes to make it in the music industry; one must have a strikingly definitive 'something something' that sets an act in the forefront with both fans and music industry execs alike, that sets them apart from all other contenders.
The steadily climbing number of fans of Lessmyself, both nationally and worldwide, can attest that Lessmyself indeed has an immense amount of that 'something something'; and they have it to burn. (Very appropriately, Lessmyself's smoking hot new CD is titled "Ember").
That very viable difference and edge that Lessmyself has, is the fact that their music actually makes a difference! ...(And a big one!)
In a world that is constantly and steadily becoming more and more depressed, oppressed, regressed, and way too overstressed, and let's not forget trickled down on, (...and most of us are especially sick of that being 'trickled down on' thing), by a seemingly never ending barrage of rudeness, lewdness, violence, hate, greed, moral, spiritual, corporate and political corruption and decline, and all out war; coming from our fellow man, businesses, financial institutions, and even our own governments and world leaders, and no doubt, the devil himself.
Especially guilty are those who further promote such as the norm, and even glorify it within all forms of the media and entertainment industry. Quite simply, most of us have had ENOUGH. (And heads up, most of us don't find it at all 'entertaining' anymore.) In a world that desperately needs a break from all the negativity that we are constantly bombarded with on an every day basis, it is beyond cool when we can escape it all for a while, gain some inspiration, and better yet, reset our mind set, (which 'entertainment' is truly all about anyway), while getting thoroughly well rocked by a smoking hot band delivering outstanding rock & roll, and a message of encouragement, hope, deliverance, decency, inspiration, positivity, and universal peace, love and respect for our fellow man and Creator. That is the viable difference and definitive edge that Lessmyself brings to the table. Lessmyself is not just making great rock music, they are making great rock music that makes a great difference.
...A much needed one. Which in turn, makes Lessmyself the fast rising pioneering band of today that is setting a new standard. (And hey, isn't it high time that music and entertainment industry execs have the integral fortitude to promote the great bands that do such? After all, when it's all said and done, the entertainment industry has more power and influence to inspire and motivate the masses than any government on the face of the planet. Given the fact that we have all had enough of the status quo, (and the negative results and impact incurred on society thereof), and are more than ready for a much needed positive change, it well past time for artists and executives alike to step up to the plate to make those positive changes that are much needed today). Kudos, bravo and congrats again to Lessmyself for being a great band that does so.
But don't just take my word for it, one can check out for themselves the high quality of musicianship with a great message that makes a great difference, (and give yourself a much needed break from it all), at Lessmyself's Official My Space site at https://www.myspace.com/lessmyself.
Fans of Lessmyself can purchase this hard rocking and powerfully inspirational CD at CD Baby, at Lessmyself's upcoming shows, and at other purchasing outlets as they come aboard.
Currently, Lessmyself are in the process of putting together a tour to promote their CD, and are currently seeking and accepting dates, as well as sponsorship for this tour; which Lessmyself would like to tour as much of the US as possible, then extend their tour even beyond, to such destinations as: Canada, Europe, and are especially interested in performing for fans in Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, the Grand Cayman Islands, Mainland Asia and Japan, and embrace and deliver a dynamic and electrifying live performance in rock, praise and worship, and positivity worldwide.
Lessmyself, would be THE perfect opening act for any major headliner in the genres of classic, Southern rock or today's alternative music. Don't let the Christian factor of this great band fool you, as on stage, they are no shy choir boys. All members of Lessmyself know how to rock n' roll in true pro style and caliber! The Gospel truth is, Lessmyself are well known for their energetic and dynamic live performances, especially with their 'unencumbered' lead vocalist, Mike Edmonds, who likes to discover new things to jump off of. Ask anyone that has ever experienced one of their live shows and that fan will make you see the light on this matter. The members of Lessmyself have also expressed the desire to perform at colleges and universities throughout the US and beyond, as well as major Christian rallies, and everywhere that great hard driving rock and roll is performed.
Lessmyself has been known to 'tithe' their performances to select charities and performing in quite a number of rehabilitation facilities, to spread inspiration, a word of hope and great rock n' roll, by creating a very unique and 'authentic praise experience' to others in need; which speaks volumes about the character of this great band as well. No doubt, it is a pleasure to write about a truly excellent band that has an equal amount of character as they have talent. On both counts, Lessmyself possesses impressive amounts.
Interested festival promoters, venues, talent buyers can book Lessmyself by contacting [email protected], or by contacting me, Laura Jenney of Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions, at [email protected] or [email protected], as I will be assisting with booking Lessmyself, (as well as working towards matching them up to open for major headlining acts, and working towards gaining corporate sponsorship for this band, and of course, working on their press and media campaigns.)
Also in the works and currently underway is an ongoing radio promotions campaign in which Lessmyself is steadily gaining airplay on a number of mainstream, internet and college radio stations. Fans can assist greatly in bringing Lessmyself's great music that makes a great difference to the airwaves and to the masses by calling your local radio stations and requesting them to play your favorite tracks off of their sizzling new CD, "Ember". In doing so, fans too can partake and help shape on a large scale, whether we are bombarded with a positive or negative influence on a massive scale in our world today, and in fact, help shape the future of tomorrow.
Radio stations that do not already have Lessmyself's outstanding new CD "Ember", and would like feature their tracks, (all of which are great, and again 'radio perfect'), you can go to www.radiosubmit.com to gain their music for your station.
More good news from Lessmyself, the band that makes great rock music that makes a great difference...
Guitarist David Trippe has recently informed me that the band already has enough brand new material for their next CD; so there is plenty more where that came from!
