[advertising]

By KRYS GRANDMOND
Staff Writer

Okay. First things first. YOU GOTTA CHECK OUT THIS COVER!!

I love it. Great job. I don't know what's so appealing, it's so PLAIN. Maybe that's what it is. Clean, simple, to the point. Fresh. I like fresh.

Considering all the punk I've had to endure coming from the speakers of my sister's computer, Federali was a breath of fresh air. No offense to punk listeners, I like it too. Just when you're forced to listen to it 24/7 and listen to the SAME songs again and again, it can get kind of annoying.

So back to Federali. "The Great American Novel" is the name of the CD and you can grab it from their website at www.holycowboyrecords.com. And I suggest you do. At least go and listen to a couple tracks.

I don't know what it is about their sound, but I can see quite a few house/bush parties in this cd's near future. Most of the songs make me think of summertime, kegs, lots of people moving and great fucking music pumping from the speakers.

I commend any rock band whose lead singer can hold a note without missing a beat and has true vocal talent. There's the bands and artists that we like to call "studio babies", where everything that's put out is so polished and perfect that you KNOW it's all technical.

Federali, while they sound perfect, have achieved that edginess to the vocals and instrumental performance on this CD that make them sound naturally talented. I've gotta see them live someday.

It would take me weeks to do a thorough review of each song on this CD, so we'll skip to my favourites.

Let's begin with the second song on the CD, "Kingsize". Great sound, great beat, great vocals. It was this early in the CD that I decided this group of guys was incredibly talented and bound for the big-time. The third song, "Seraphim" is another favourite. It's one of those songs that you can't wait till they reach a chorus again. The whole song rocks, but the repeated guitar notes during the hook make you want to jump around and scream.

The fifth song, "Love House Spy" sent shivers down my spine. If it wasn't enough to have just been through the 10th anniversary of the death of a rock icon, I had to listen to him reincarnated. The vocals in this song resemble those of Kurt Cobain so closely, I have to wonder if this group may be able to master the artistry of his lyrics and pick up where he left off. In their own way of course.

The song "Vanished Cage's" smoother, slower, more melodic sound had me startled for a second based on the things I'd just heard. But it's a perfect cruisin' tune. Doin' 120 up the highway with the wind in your hair, sun on your face and this song playing in the background. I smile now just thinking about it.

Every great band needs an incredible acoustic song and while most save them for live shows, Federali has made me an even happier person and provided me with one right on the CD. Number 9, "Someday (I'll Get You Back)" is a sweet taste of true acoustic mastery. Maybe I'm just a sucker for an acoustic guitar and harmonica, or maybe it stems from my childhood, but either way, they won me over with that single song.

And finally, "Freight Train", the tenth song on the CD. I had to mention this one because the name is perfect for the type of song it is. It's loud, fast, destructive and then it's gone before you know it.

Kind of like some people I know.