Cigarettes & Wine Official Video

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PALACE OF ROCK ALBUM REVIEW

IN MY STEREO : JOSHUA KETCHMARK – THE BITTERSWEET

First appearing in 2008 with ‘List of Regrets’, an ambitious debut record that garnered significant praise form the media, followed up in 2011 with the equally impressive and well-received ‘Karus Cruentus’, the latest chapter in Ketchmark’s still-young career is about to be written. ‘The Bittersweet’ is the 1st of a series of 3 EPs from Ketchmark scheduled for release this year, showcasing his eclectic writing style and varied influences. “Some songs aren’t meant to sit on the shelf.” he says, and in that spirit these EPs take flight. Produced by Denny Smith (fORMER/The Great Affairs) & Michael Saint-Leon (George Thorogood, Buddy Guy), and recorded at The Switchyard in Nashville, TN, The four songs that make up ‘The Bittersweet’ are markedly divergent yet bound by an odd common aesthetic that somehow allows them to make complete sense as a collection.

“Covered in Roses” is the opening track; a slightly U2-inspired number, recalls ‘List of Regrets’, with its intimate verses flowing effortlessly into an electrifying chorus that is Ketchmark’s forte. The first single “All These Eyes” is the result of a collaboration with producer Smith, in which he delivers an understated and powerful performance on the yearningly yet heart felt lyrics, a track co-written by producer and artist. “The Take”, the most straight-ahead, roaring and ferocious rock tune of the bunch, comes off like a cross between Jimmy Eat World and the Foo Fighters, unapologetically brash with drums heavily featured in the forefront, and coated in layers of guitar. Finally, “Cigarettes and Wine” is signature Ketchmark, with its cinematic lyrics and fresh way of evoking sadness and emotional abandon. Showcasing another of Joshua’s strengths, his ability to take something intensely personal and give it universal appeal. Ketchmark and Smith have been friends for many years, and their joint history and shared vision have culminated in ‘The Bittersweet’, the first glimpse into what 2012 has to offer from Joshua Ketchmark. Release date : April 17th 2012.

Tracks : 1.Covered in roses 2.All these eyes 3.The take 4.Cigarettes and wine For fans of Swirl 360, Evan and Jaron, The All American Rejects http://www.Joshuaketchmark.com

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SCOPE MAGAZINE ALBUM REVIEW

JOSHUA KETCHMARK, THE BITTERSWEET

It is amazing what music can do in the respect of changing your mood, how you think or maybe even certain aspects of your life. Joshua Ketchmark has out done himself on his latest release, “The Bittersweet” and has the ability to do all the above.

The CD is pop music with an edge. The edge being that it has heart and you can feel it from the very depths of your soul. This music speaks the language of universal appeal and evokes passion on so many levels. It gets your attention right away and now that you are engaged his vocals kick in and leaves you spinning. He has a smooth sophistication that is belted with such conviction it can make a believer out of anyone.

This is the first release of 3 EP’s. His goal is to release 12 songs for 2012. I would say this is a very fine start. I do not mean to get ahead of myself but I can’t wait to hear what else is in store. He is a powerhouse house with the full package.

If you are looking to be entertained, then look no further. Joshua Ketchmark is a serious contender and is taking this music scene and making it his own. “The Bittersweet” is hooky and confidently executed. You only have to listen to it once and the songs will live in your head long after the player has stopped.

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REAL GONE ROCKS ALBUM REVIEW

JOSHUA KETCHMARK-THE BITTERSWEET EP

Singer-songwriter Joshua Ketchmark won a cult audience with his 2008 release “List of Regrets.” Following that release, there was a relatively long gap before he returned with his second full-length, “Karus Cruentus.” For his third release, Ketchmark opted to try something a little different: rather than leave things too long and wait until the next full record was ready to go, he decided that his next works should be split into a series of EP releases. In a world where physical CD sales are on the downturn and people are picking and choosing selected tracks for their portable music devices, releasing a few tracks at a time certainly seems like a good idea.

The first of these EPs, “The Bittersweet”-released in the first quarter of 2012- features four top class tunes. The opening number “Covered in Roses” is a superb piece of adult pop/rock which showcases a fair amount of Ketchmark’s talent. The guitars ring clearly throughout, and the mid-paced riffs offer something of an atmosphere that could best be described as vaguely U2-ish. Ketchmark’s relatively soft vocal is full of emotion while never overstretching itself and this already makes good listening. By the time the chorus chimes in, things improve farther; it’s immediately obvious that Mr. Ketchmark not only knows how to write and arrange a great tune, he also understands what makes a great radio hook. Combined with those reverbed guitars on show throughout, the hook has a really classic sound, using its late80s/early 90s influences to create something quite rousing. “All These Eyes” has a similar huge rock/pop feel at its core, though with one big difference; the U2-styled guitar parts are gone; in their place, some solid acoustic work backed by a fairly weighty sounding drum part. The chorus beefs things up to some rather safe-sounding, radio-friendly soft rock, which although could never be described as edgy is well played and superbly produced. Overall another good example of the kind of rock/pop Ketchmark does so well. {If you like either of these tracks, be sure to check out Dom Liberati’s album too}.

The other two songs change the mood a great deal. “The Take” presents something more in an alternative rock vein, but retains a shiny commercial edge. With a choppy riff, Ketchmark adopts a sound which borrows elements from Jimmy Eat World and American HiFi, melding the punchy elements with another great pop chorus. Across four minutes, his band sounds sharp as he delivers a vocal with a slight sneer which suits the piece well. Like most of the 2011 release by New Jersey outfit Readymade Breakup, this is hugely radio friendly and ought to appeal to a great many fans of the poppiest end of alt-rock music. “Cigarettes & Wine” leaves things on a gentle, somewhat downbeat note. Over a piano base, Ketchmark’s emotive vocal sounds great once again. However, as good as his vocal may be, it’s not as great as the sound of his backing band: the bass is hugely warm, the steady drum beat has a huge presence and the harmony vocals add depth without being overdone or sounding showy, while a selection of keyboards flesh things out farther with string sounds. Better still, the occasional moments of acoustic lead guitar have a great presence. The end result here is not only testament to Ketchmark’s skill as a writer/musician, but also Denny Smith’s production which is absolutely spot on.

With such a feel-good punchiness, “The Take” would be enough to warrant checking this out, but since it’s joined by three almost equally good numbers, “The Bittersweet” presents a great exercise in quality over quantity. With no obvious weak elements, this is a highly recommended listen.

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MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS NETWORK ALBUM REVIEW

JOSHUA KETCHMARK SET TO RELEASE LATEST EFFORT, ‘THE BITTERSWEET’ ON APRIL 17TH, 2012

First appearing in 2008 with ‘List of Regrets’, an ambitious debut record that garnered significant praise form the media, followed up in 2011 with the equally impressive and well-received ‘Karus Cruentus’, the latest chapter in Ketchmark’s still-young career is about to be written.

‘The Bittersweet’ is the 1st of a series of 3 EPs from Ketchmark scheduled for release this year, showcasing his eclectic writing style and varied influences. “Some songs aren’t meant to sit on the shelf.” he says, and in that spirit these EPs take flight. Produced by Denny Smith (fORMER/The Great Affairs) & Michael Saint-Leon (George Thorogood, Buddy Guy), and recorded at The Switchyard in Nashville, TN, The four songs that make up ‘The Bittersweet’ are markedly divergent yet bound by an odd common aesthetic that somehow allows them to make complete sense as a collection.

“Covered in Roses” is the opening track; a slightly U2-inspired number, recalls ‘List of Regrets’, with its intimate verses flowing effortlessly into an electrifying chorus that is Ketchmark’s forte. The first single “All These Eyes” is the result of a collaboration with producer Smith, in which he delivers an understated and powerful performance on the yearningly yet heart felt lyrics, a track co-written by producer and artist. “The Take”, the most straight-ahead, roaring and ferocious rock tune of the bunch, comes off like a cross between Jimmy Eat World and the Foo Fighters, unapologetically brash with drums heavily featured in the forefront, and coated in layers of guitar. Finally, “Cigarettes and Wine” is signature Ketchmark, with its cinematic lyrics and fresh way of evoking sadness and emotional abandon. Showcasing another of Joshua’s strengths, his ability to take something intensely personal and give it universal appeal.

Ketchmark and Smith have been friends for many years, and their joint history and shared vision have culminated in ‘The Bittersweet’, the first glimpse into what 2012 has to offer from Joshua Ketchmark.

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NOW THIS ROCKS ALBUM REVIEW

REVIEW: JOSHUA KETCHMARK “THE BITTERSWEET” [EP]

Joshua Ketchmark is a promising young modern rock and pop artist making his return with a new trifecta of three EPs. The first, due April 17, is called “The Bittersweet” and features four new songs that showcase Ketchmark’s eclectic musical influences. The EP was produced by long-time friend Denny Smith (fORMER/The Great Affairs) and Michael Saint-Leon (George Thorogood, Buddy Guy). The team is a sonic success whether producing emotive balladry or a crushing rocker.

“Covered in Roses” gets things off on a positive note, sounding like a song that would have fit comfortably on his winning debut record, “List of Regrets” (reviewed here). “All These Eyes” is the first single, which has some good lyrics and sounds radio-friendly enough, but gets a little cumbersome with its slow pace. “The Take” triumphantly storms back onto more solid, rocky ground, and is one of the most satisfyingly aggressive Ketchmark songs I’ve heard. On the closing piano-based ballad, “Cigarettes and Wine”, Ketchmark is back with his heart on his sleeve, turning in a fantastically earnest vocal, one that has a high probability of inducing chills.

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SMOKIN’ CHARLIE BROWN ALBUM REVIEW

SMOKING CHARLIE BROWN-THE BITTERSWEET

Joshua Ketchmark set to release latest effort, ‘The Bittersweet’ on April 17th, 2012. First appearing in 2008 with ‘List of Regrets’, an ambitious debut record that garnered significant praise form the media, followed up in 2011 with the equally impressive and well-received ‘Karus Cruentus’, the latest chapter in Ketchmark’s still-young career is about to be written. See below for more info!

‘The Bittersweet‘ is the 1st of a series of 3 EPs from Ketchmark scheduled for release this year, showcasing his eclectic writing style and varied influences. “Some songs aren’t meant to sit on the shelf.” he says, and in that spirit these EPs take flight.Produced by Denny Smith (fORMER/The Great Affairs) & Michael Saint-Leon (George Thorogood, Buddy Guy), and recorded at The Switchyard in Nashville, TN, The four songs that make up ‘The Bittersweet’ are markedly divergent yet bound by an odd common aesthetic that somehow allows them to make complete sense as a collection.

“Covered in Roses” is the opening track; a slightly U2-inspired number, recalls ‘List of Regrets‘, with its intimate verses flowing effortlessly into an electrifying chorus that is Ketchmark’s forte. The first single “All These Eyes” is the result of a collaboration with producer Smith, in which he delivers an understated and powerful performance on the yearningly yet heart felt lyrics, a track co-written by producer and artist. “The Take“, the most straight-ahead, roaring and ferocious rock tune of the bunch, comes off like a cross between Jimmy Eat World and the Foo Fighters, unapologetically brash with drums heavily featured in the forefront, and coated in layers of guitar. Finally, “Cigarettes and Wine” is signature Ketchmark, with its cinematic lyrics and fresh way of evoking sadness and emotional abandon. Showcasing another of Joshua’s strengths, his ability to take something intensely personal and give it universal appeal.

Ketchmark and Smith have been friends for many years, and their joint history and shared vision have culminated in ‘The Bittersweet’, the first glimpse into what 2012 has to offer from Joshua Ketchmark.