Friday, October 13, 2006

Orange Pop: A harvest of new releases

By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

From the powerful rock of Neverwonder to the stylish guitar work of Phil Keaggy and Mike Pachelli, several highly anticipated and noteworthy releases are worth exploring.

Neverwonder "Neverwonder"(independent) – In recent months, Neverwonder has picked up a number of awards and nominations, including being named Rock Group of the Year at the 2006 South Bay Music Awards. The quartet (whose members come from Orange and Los Angeles counties) plays modern rock that packs a wallop, but brings a strong dose of accessible songwriting to the 10 songs on its self-titled debut.

"Down to Me" is a convincing power ballad that showcases singer Joy Pearson's emotive delivery, while the fiery "Father's Children" finds the band equally at home rocking in a decidedly post-grunge groove. Recorded at For the Record Studios in Orange, "Neverwonder" is a great-sounding album enhanced by strong musicianship.

Guitarist Flint Mavis' chops are dazzling (notably on "Everywhere"), while bassist Vincent Ramos and drummer Andres Ramos comprise a particularly lethal rhythm section team. Neverwonder will perform as part of a benefit to fight colon cancer at Martini Blues, 5874 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Information: www.Neverwonder.com

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