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CD REVIEW: Backnbloom (Snob's Music)
The duo of Lori Steele and Alberto Beka make up the LA-based band Backnbloom. The pair have a new self-titled EP out that features a 5-song dose of polished electro pop.

Keyboards, drum machine and electric violin are prominent on the catchy dance-tinged effort. It's all topped off with Steele's vocals, often sounding like a cross between Shirley Manson and a Yankee Delores O'Riordon.

If you're a fan of groove-filled music, check out Backnbloom.

CD REVIEW: Backnbloom (St. Croix Music)
We recently received an EP from a band in Hollywood CA called “backnbloom” and I’m very impressed with. All aspects of the album including compositional quality, production, programming of instrumentation, and melodic and rhythmic designs are performed with extreme professionalism. The vocals are so dead on that I found myself listening for those give away overtones of pitch correctors. But except for a few places, the only thing that I detected was the goose bumps running across the back of my neck. This more than dynamic duo means business and their flawless musical adventures prove it.

Lori Steele and Alberto Beka are artistically using so many sonic colors (including some very cool violin) that I find myself pleasantly replaying their disc over and over in order to consume all of its lyrical and musical dimensions. So believe when I say that nothing that I write in this one article can put all their great music into one definable package. So I’ll just give you an idea of what you will be missing if you don’t get their EP in your collection.

“Hollywood blvd” is track one. It brings back memories of walking down that strip in the late 70’s with a huge natural high and eyes wide open. The atmosphere made me feel so good that I got a sense of floating along the pavement as I headed for the aroma of the nearest burger stand before going to the movies. The groove, melody, and overall feel of this song capture a mood that I hope still exist in this one of a kind place.

“Am I pretty” is up next. It has a floating groove that is a comfortable ride without many distractions. This one sounds like it could be in a movie as a mood setter for a traveling scene.

“This time” is on track #3 of the EP and even before the actual theme of the song came along, there is a groove that has a great change up in the intro that pulled me in right off the bat. This feel continues as it is kissed by angelic vocals and creates a feel that is captivating. And as it melts into what seems to be a bridge the melodic ride takes a few turns that leave adventurous impressions.

“New September” is # 4 and gets traditional right out of the gate. Cool groves and grabbing hooks with a lot of surprises. It’s one of the more “artsy” cuts in the collection.

The last tune is “Real to re – dance remix”. This is totally dance club material that still bares a resemblance to their more artist endeavors. With its steady beat and straight ahead concept this tune seems to be at the other end of the backnbloom spectrum. It’s definitely a great way to show the listeners just how wide the backnbloom range is. – JJ Rocks

Please visit this very cool musical duo at this link:

www.myspace.com/backnbloom

CD REVIEW: Backnbloom (MusesMuse & Indie Music Digest)
Backnbloom hails from Hollywood, California. The band is comprised of 2 core members; vocalist Lori Steele who also plays violin, and some guitarist, engineer, programmer dude named Alberto Beka. Their self titled, debut 5 song EP logs on at just over 20 minutes in length, and their internet presence is above average for a new band.

As this EP kicks things off with Track 1 Hollywood Blvd you can’t help but notice some pretty impressive musical soundscapes along the way. You will notice an impressive blend of guitars, violins, harmonies, and lots of cool things that add variety and depth to the music. The overall mix goes down clean, and the songwriting abilities are both consistent and rock solid. I might add Lori Steele also serves up some impressive vocals. Rather than play it safe, Lori confidently showcases a strong vocal ability by taking some impressive risks on several songs. She delivers impressive falsettos and pushes the natural accents extremely well. Her vocal harmonies are extremely effective and well placed, oh and did I mention she plays violin. The best songs on this EP are clearly track 1: Hollywood Blvd and Track 5: Real to Me – dance mix. This final piece to me really brings home what Backnbloom is all about. A catchy pop-techno, trance-like dance groove, with lots of musical depth, served hot via honey coated vocals. Track 5 Real to Me is a hit waiting to happen. It’s pretty much a grad slam, and clearly the best song on the EP. Amazing!

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