Michael Massimo once had his whole guitar collection stolen. Now if that’s not a downer I don’t know what is. That’s like having a family member murdered in front of your very own eyes—okay maybe that’s a stretch but not by much. His self-titled solo album is somewhere between REM and the Goo Goo Dolls for a melodic rock journey that most would beg to be able to take. It’s head-nodding good and his songwriting is quite stellar on this album.
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As Michael Massimo sings his song “Mountain” on his self titled EP, he emphatically states-I am a mountain/I am a single stone/Defiantly I face the world alone, he certainly sounds like a mountain of a vocalist. He has an incredibly powerful delivery that instantly grabs your attention. There are not too many singers with this much energy and charisma. He makes the music a supercharged electrical statement. He gets some help from his mates,Roger Sherman (drums) Jess Converse (guitar) and Dave Bokour (bass). This adept trio helps to propel the commanding vocals of Massimo.

Oh, I did I mention that this is some great rock ‘n’ roll music? Yes, they opened up a can of whoop ass before they stepped into the studio for this session. The lyrics carry a spiritual earthy message that are a good fit for the musical atmosphere created.

I do have one complaint, why did it have to end so soon?

* Evolution Scale-8.5/10
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Michael Massimo is the lead vocalist  and namesake of Massimo - a rock quartet based out of New Jersey. Michael  composes lyrics that are poetic and perceptive. Mr. Massimo is a four-octave  tenor who sings with poise and passion. Michael plays guitar, vox and produces.  Roger Sherman on drums, Jess Converse on electric guitar and Dave Bokour on bass  provide strong support and musicianship for the band. This five-track EP  features well-produced anthem like rock songs. 'Anywhere But Here' has  contrasting acoustic and electric guitars, swirling around solid rhythms and  Michael's penetrating lyrics and singing. 'Accident' has a deep, dark reflective  tone with crunchy guitars, gritty vocals and a driving beat. 'Wasted' has heavy  riffs blending with melodic textures and supported by wide-ranging, versatile  vocals. 'Mountain' is earthy with its strapping, rock rhythms, soaring guitar  leads and singing that climbs as the song reaches its peak. 'Daylight' is a  six-minute epic about the sun shining down on a number of scenes including a  shipwreck survivor, a blind man and Michael himself. Massimo is a talented band  crafting music that is intense and intelligent!
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“Disillusioned, disenchanted/I’ve had enough, I just can’t stand it/All too many promises forgotten...” That is just one example of the amazing lyrics I had the pleasure of hearing from MASSIMO. Lead by the strong and hard voice of Michael Massimo, this EP is full of melodic rock that you come to feel and get into. The backing of Jess Converse on electric guitar, Roger Sherman on drums, and Dave Bokour on bass make it the complete package.

I enjoyed every song I listened to and had good thoughts on every one. I really liked “Daylight” for the lyrics and just pure rock feel of the song. “Looking skyward/It’s the living sun/It’s everywhere, touching everyone/Over my skin, as far as I can see/Daylight shine on me/Shine on me...”  “Wasted” was another one that had a great sound and after listening to it more then once,  I was singing along with Michael. “Wasted, wasted/Drink a toast to roads not taken/Wasted, wasted/No regrets so lets start singin’ yeah...”  I was really impressed with the great song writing on the part of Michael Massimo. Through his lyrics I feel a realness and honesty that you don’t find much these days in music.               

            MASSIMO delivers music that is great to hear and lived up to my expectations. I really recommend you check them out! If you want to know more, head to MassimoMusic.net.
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