Craig Cirinelli

Cover Songs: Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You

I have a list of 80’s songs that I have fond appreciation for. One of those songs is Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” I remember hearing it when I was a little kid and really thinking it was a fun song and would sing along to it. Even to this day if I’m flipping through the radio and I come across this song, I always stop to listen and sing along. And now it gets even better as one of my new favorite projects, Covert Stations, have released their version of this classic. The Covert Stations version adds a playful and fun sensibility to the already “cruise in the car with the windows down” vibe the song has. It’s quite fun to revisit these songs with a different perspective and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. And shoutout to my friend Craig and all involved in this project. You guys are on a roll!!!


Covert Stations (Modern English)- I Melt With You:

Cover Songs: Covert Stations (The Cult)- She Sells Sanctuary

Covert Stations are back with their second cover off their upcoming series of covers from songs of the 70’s and 80’s. This classic by The Cult is forever one of the best songs to come out of the 80’s. And to this day when it’s played on the radio or when The Cult plays it live, it is still an anthem. This version by Covert Stations keeps it close to the original with a bit of a “chuggier/slightly heavier” guitar crunch and the soaring vocals of Craig Cirinelli takes it to the other level a cover should go.

Covert Stations (The Cult)- She Sells Sanctuary:

Cover Song: Covert Stations (The Psychedelic Furs) Love My Way

There are certain people and voices that when I think of particular songs I can hear that person’s voice singing it. A couple weeks back I got a message from a favorite vocalist of mine that I’ve written about quite a few times. Craig Cirinelli (Damn, This Desert Air, Depsite The Raven, Hidden Cabins) told me about this new project he’s working on called Covert Stations, that explores different songs from the 70’s and 80’s and puts his and a collaborative spin on them. The first song released is “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs. And funny enough, when I got to what song it was and clicked the link, I knew instantly that the vocals on this were gonna rock. Interestingly on this song, the drums were provided by Larry Suglio of the band Digicide, who were one of the early bands of the week featured on Audioeclectica. The Quality Of Mercury guitarist Jeremiah Rouse rounds out the collaborative band on this one. The cover itself is a good one. It’s got this cool atmospheric moodiness in a fun 80’s playful way, especially with the keyboards. The guitars add a cool accent to it, layering the synths and giving it more texture.


Covert Stations- Love My Way (The Psychedelic Furs):

Band Of The Week (Updated): Hidden Cabins

13220819_1087791567950027_5163073956342461268_n.jpg

Over the course of the few years that I’ve been doing the Band Of The Week feature, I’ve been able to really watch and hear those bands I’ve written about grow by leaps and bounds. A great example of that is New Jersey’s Hidden Cabins. The duo consists of Craig Cirinelli (vocals/percussion) and Brian Hofgesang (guitars/effects/vocals). They deliver songs that branch out of the normal acoustic sound to allow space and ambience to play a big part. Hidden Cabins is the type of band that is the perfect accompaniment to any genre you might listen to. There is something special about this band. Their willingness to be vulnerable lets the music and words hit you in a way that connects.

 

Hidden Cabins- Bet It All on You:

Album Review: Despite The Raven- Hereinafter

Despite The Raven - Hereinafter1500px.jpg

One of the most fulfilling things about writing this blog is the chance to hear new music all the time. Sometimes out of the bunches that are sent my way, there are those that really stand out amongst the pack. Over the weekend I received that debut album from Despite The Raven. I’ve been looking forward to this album for a while now. After hearing Craig Cirinelli in his other bands (Damn) This Desert Air and Hidden Cabins, I had a feeling that this new project would be the next step in his musical path. Teaming up with guitarist Chris Homentosky, this dynamic duo has created an album that stretches past the influences of the 90’s contemporaries and pushes deeper with each song. The eleven songs on this album are full of great rock n roll with added elements of ambience and soulful melodies. Song’s like “Where Fear and Courage Meet,” “Contrition,” “Tarred and Feathered,” “The Opportunist,” “The Maven,” and closing track “Walk Alone (The Unapology)” really showcase what this band is all about. Craig’s lyrics are personal yet open to interpretation allowing an added sense of discovery throughout the album. Despite The Raven are one of those bands that when they start taking the stage you’ll be wanting to pay attention. By the indication of listening to this album, you’ll get swept away by the sheer beauty of it. This album is definitely a cause for celebration. Do yourself a favor and delve into this.

 

Despite The Raven: HEREINAFTER

 

By: Brian Lacy