ANGRY HILL

Writing a review is weird. Putting your opinion out there for anyone to read, and argue with, is a little surreal. Often I have to struggle to find something good to say, in an effort to be fair. I think about how others would hear the music -say, how my mother would like it. But I always try to be honest. Angry Hill's new CD, "Insomniac's Awake," posed the very rare exact opposite problem: It is too good. I honestly have not one bad thing to say. Keith Denehy's vocals are clear, powerful and melodic by turn. As the writer for all the songs on the album, both words and music, Denehy's vision is well executed. The lyrics are interesting and thoughtful. The music is heavy and tight. Even the production on "Insomniac's Awake" is fantastic. The music cuts through bright and clear; all aspects of the sound have great depth. It is hard to believe this is a "local" CD. Unlike a lot of local bands who forgo studios and record in their parent's living rooms, Angry Hill has taken the right tack and gone as professional as possible. And the results prove why spending the money and time is worth it. My favorite track today is "So What". No stomping ground/There's no parade/These cuts don't bleed/need no Band-Aids/To heal betrayal." This song moves and by the end is ripping it up in a frenzy of heavy rythyms and screaming vocals-"So fucking what! I've found different favorites on different days, depending on my mood, I guess. That is the true sign of a great CD. The first time I listened to the disc I was blown away. By the third time I wondered why I had never heard these guys before. "Insomniac's Awake" has fallen into my regular rotation of CDs, somewhere between the amazing new System of a Down CD and No Doubt's sophomore effort "Return of Saturn. If you haven't heard these guys, do so. "Insomniac's Awake" is, in my opinion, the very best of what heavy music has to offer, local or not. - Keith Demanche

This is by far one of the best, most professional CD's from a local band I have heard in a long time. As the Music Director at ROCK101, I receive a ton of new music daily from major record labels, but Angry Hill's independently released debut "Insomniac's Awake" far surpasses anything I have received lately! This band totally has their shit together musically and professionally. This is one of those CD's that grabs your attention from the very first note and never lets you go through the entire CD. I am certain that Angry Hill's superb musicianship and professionalism will bring them many opportunities for the future. "Insomniac's Awake" is a "must have" CD! Keith proves his incredible vocal ability on "Exhausted" and Josh's bass lines on "Numb" KICK ASS! But believe me, you will dig every song on this disc! Rock on, Angry Hill!" - Music Director WGIR Rock 101

With the recent chart success of Tool and Staind, it’s clear that aggro-rock is far from being yesterday’s flavor. As such, Angry Hill is well positioned to inflict its gruff guitar riffs and Alice in Chains-esque vocal chops on the world. The Boston-based trio wisely keeps its lyrics down to earth and accessible in “Exhausted”, a vivid song I fully expect is clicking with the young and disenfranchised. The next step in their ascent: take their more than capable unison vocals and make them sound less derivative of AiC’s Layne Staley." - Joseph McCombs (www.starpolish.com)