Album Review-It's Not Over (It's Just Started)

Photo by Alexa DiMaio

Finally, we have the album we've all been waiting for! February 19th, Staten Island pop/punk band, It's Not Over released their debut full length, It's Just Started.

The band, formed by vocalist/guitarist, Mike Giordano and drummer, Matt Cabello, have been rocking around NYC since October of 2006. Along the way they have added lead guitarist/back up vocalist, Josh Cronopulos, and bassist, Gabe Ramirez.

In October 2009, INO released a self titled ep that received heavy college radio play at UCLA and WSIA Staten Island. Later that month, they won the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands at the College of Staten Island. Riding off of that high, they were later named in the Aquarian as an "On the Verge Band."

Fast forward to 2011, and It's Not Over has still proven relentless in their pursuit of success. In December 2010 at a Christmas show at the Full Cup, INO announced they had signed to Eclectic Records (EMC), fronted by co-founder and band manager, Alex Titta. "EMC has been great to us and we are really grateful for the work they have put into our career. They are currently booking us our tour, and getting a lot of things together for us, like getting this album out for everyone," said vocalist Mike Giordano on the signing.

It's Just Started, was a vision that started in September 2009 and lasted into April 2010. The process was long, and after a series of delays, the finished product is here and won't disappoint. INO did all the recording with Rob Guariglia (formerly of the Veronicas), and was mixed by Ken Harter.

The album is full of catchy and radio friendly tunes like "Better Off" and "Kiss Kiss." INO also expresses a deeper slower side with songs like "Never See Me" and "Hold You Tight." Showing off some versatility, rapper Jay Ax appears on "Sweet Heart Breaker" and guest singer Sabrina Fracchiolla of Spread the Rumor, sings on "You and Me."

Overall the album is a solid first effort for these pop rockers. With catchy pop hooks and tight instruments, this record is sure to catch the ears of anyone who listens and everywhere it goes. To help push the release out, It's Not Over is in the midst of a small tour hitting various places in NY and NJ, and even PA.

Also, be sure to check them out at Webster Hall March 19th in Manhattan. Tickets are available through the band. See below for tour information, contact, and purchase of the album.

TOUR:
February 16 - WSIA Radio Station 88.9 - www.wsia.fm
February 18 - Everywhere - 1 hour Album preview (8 p.m) & Q+A with band (9 p.m) live on Justin.tv/its_not_over
February 19 - SI, NY - Album Release
March 5 - Union, NJ - Soundwave Academy
March 12 - New Milford, PA - Blue Ridge High School
March 18 - Westchester, NY - Bricksplosion at Suny Purchase
March 19 - NY, NY - The Studio at Webster Hall
April 1 - NYogurt Acoustic/ CD Signing.
April 3 - SI, NY - The Full Cup w/The Sophomore Beat, and The Life I lead
April 8 - Rochester, NY - California Brew Haus with Heading North

Photo by Alexa DiMaio

CONTACTS
www.itsnotovermusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/itsnotoverband
http://www.twitter.com/itsnotover
http://www.facebook.com/itsnotoverband
http://www.reverbnation.com/itsnotover
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-just-started/id418171233
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Just-Started-Not-Over/dp/B004LVFA22
http://www.shockhound.com/albums/778042-it-s-not-over-mp3s-it-s-just-started
http://www.justin.tv/its_not_over
itsnotoverband@yahoo.com
Alex.Titta@eclecticmc.com

Book Review on Christopher Grant's "TEENIE"

Author Christopher Grant

I can't ever remember picking up a book that I knew nothing about that had me so engrossed in the story from beginning to end. I read this book of about 250 pages in four days. Last night, I had to finish it, and continued on to read the last 80 pages. As promised in an earlier post, I will now review the book after talking about the reading at CSI. 

Chris Grant center with Professor Conti's class at CSI

Here are some quotes from his reading and Q&A

A student from the reading asked Grant, "Why go for a young adult book for your first novel?"

Grant- "I was asked to write a book, but was let down and pushed the book away for a few years. I took a writing class and showed the first two chapters to the class and they loved it."

Another student asked, "Why did you write from the perspective of a young girl, and what gave you that experience?"

Grant- "I felt uniquely equipped to write from a woman's perspective. I was raised by my mother and three aunts. I learned a lot from listening to girls talk on the train, and from my niece. Just listen, dialogue is flying around."

Speaking of dialogue, Grant also wanted to make sure there was no use of the "N" word, or profanity. He wanted the language to be almost like you are talking to your parents, and that's exactly how you feel. 

The Review

Teenie is the story of a young 14 year-old High School Freshman named Martine (Teenie). She has a loving family, annoying older brothers, and a handful of friends she hangs with. Things start to change however when she is noticed by the most popular boy in school, basketball player, Greg Millons.

Teenie goes through all the ups and downs of a normal teenage girl and then some. She grows up fast as her naive innocence comes to an end, and she learns the world can be a scary place. There are moments of laughter, scenes of sadness, and even priods of anger as Grant makes you feel as if you are in the story. 

Some of the topics aren't for the youngest of readers, but adult subject matter is referred to tastefully and PG rated. The book is based on everyday life, but most importantly, it teaches kids to not be afraid to talk or speak up when something is wrong. 


Overall Teenie is a great read from start to finish, and I'd recommend it for ages 13 and up. 

(This story will be in Broken Records Magazine and the CSI Banner as well)

CSI Class Gets a Taste of Art, Literature, and Reality

This post is a little different from most of the others, because it has nothing to do with music, nevertheless I continue. A few semesters ago I had a Journalism professor named Peter Conti. I'm extremely grateful I wound up in his class because he got my writing back on track, and really helped me polish what creativity was there. I really wasn't writing anything at the time except for assignments and songs. Also, because of his class I joined the college newspaper, and fell back in love with the feeling of sitting down and putting words on paper.

I've stayed in touch with PC "Peter Conti" since our class, and I was happy to help when he asked me to come to his class for a story idea he had.

His idea is pretty unprecedented for a College of Staten Island teacher. Conti is in the midst of teaching a three week course-SLS 303 (Modern/Post Modern Culture). Within those three weeks three guest speakers of prominence are addressing the class.

SLS 303 by Justin Sarachik

Last Friday, January 14th, internationally known artist Jun Cha, gave his presentation via the web over Skype. One look through this website http://www.juncha.net and you'll see that this 21 one year old self made success story means business. He does tattoo work for celebrities as well as paintings, design, and free hand drawing. Cha's art is other worldly, and it's no wonder why he's gaining so much attention.

Jun Cha video conference by Peter Conti

Unfortunately I wasn't there to see him, but I did go on Tuesday the 18th to see author Christopher Grant's reading of his critically acclaimed book TEENIE.

Conti met Grant through a pick up basketball game in the city. From there the relationship grew and they want on to begin a project co-writing a book about rapper T.I.

Grant was nice enough to stop by room 2N-116 at 9:30am all the way from Harlem. The class was excited to listen to him read excerpts from his book, and was even more eager to ask him questions afterwards.

Christopher Grant reading from his book TEENIE by Justin Sarachik

On Monday PC's class will be visited by NYC gang police officer, Damon Valentino. He is sure to paint a grim and very real picture of an underground culture that most Staten Islanders don't know about. I'm choosing to not write about this until the full article comes out because it is not art or entertainment related like the other two.

Anyway, that was a quick update, stories on Courtney Zito of Hollywood Girl, Drew Torres, and Zo2 coming!!!