Susan Aquila - "Miss Conduct"

F@#kin a is this some serious kick ass rock n roll. A woman that sings her ass off, a band that cranks out the tunes with fire and fury and kick ass rock and she even throws in some cool violin parts that don’t sound out of place at all. Forget all this rock n roll you hear this is easily the real deal and the songs are just so damn catchy on this it is not funny. Each and every track has its own identity and this is rock at its best.

- Metalcore Fanzine

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Susan Aquila – ‘Miss Conduct’

 

Whilst the name may not be familiar, New York based artist Susan Aquila is actually a Broadway star and has also performed with the likes of Deep Purple, , Steven Tyler and Roger Daltrey. Here, on Aquila’s second album, she combines a diverse, almost Symphonic, musical arrangement overlaid on to a Heavy Rock backbone with stunning vocal work, harmonies, thoughtful lyrical content and violin (yes, violin!).

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‘Dirty Delicious’ sets the stage with a heavy rhythm and a voice that is reminiscent of Doro Pesch. Turning from pussycat to tiger in the blink of an eye- this girl bites! We are also treated to the first electric violin solo here which sits really well in the mix and certainly adds something special. ‘Miss Conduct’ continues the aural assault with its fast-paced attack of guitar, violin breaks and a vocal delivery that could so easily have been lifted straight from Wendy James’ Transvision Vamp era. Aquila’s sexy Punky vocal weaves its web and captivates the listener with its Metal-tinged Rock’n’Roll. ‘Lightnin’ and ‘Why’ again illustrate how Aquila can move smoothly from soulful and passionate to an anger-filled, growling delivery. Rob Tomaro, meanwhile, lays down an iron clad set of power chords on these tracks and the violin work accomplished by Aquila is simply stunning.

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Atmospheric sound effects and the dark riff of ‘The Wall’ combine with intricate violin parts and some heartfelt singing which all adds up to an epic track and leaves you wondering whether you’ve been kicked in the teeth or kissed all over! ‘Sooper Gurl’, on the other hand, sounds like the result of Punk going to the movies-but it works! A well-constructed commercial hook sandwiched between good narrative verses and slightly quirky music timing ensures this is ear-worm territory.

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Susan Aquila and her Flying V-shaped violin have ventured into a genre that is perhaps staid in its ways and has brought something fresh to the table. Her sultry, husky vocal talents are undeniable and the violin adds another facet to what is a captivating, energetic, if heavy sounding album. Listen with an open mind and Aquila will soon get under your skin and may even convince you that distorted electric violin is the future of Metal!

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Paul Sabin
Fireworks Magazine, U. K. Issue 75
June 11, 2016

 

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“I have been listening to it over and over.  That is my kind of rock song!!”

 

John Rhodes, Program Director, 97.3 The Rock, Dubuque, Iowa

 

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 “She does amazing things with the electric violin!!”

 

Bill Hall, DJ, WDHA, 105.5 FM, New Jersey.

 

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Album review:  “Miss Conduct” by Susan Aquila, music and lyrics by Rob Tomaro – Susan Aquila – lead vocals and electric violin.

 

Review from February 9, 2016 -  AEA Zine

 

“My first impression of Susan’s vocal style is of a “cleaner” Wendy O. Williams.  She delivers the vocals in a husky, hard rock style that you would expect from a genre like this.   The songs are punchy and hit just as hard as they should.  Susan knows how to craft a track well.   Although Susan’s the star, the rest of the band is pretty great, too.  There is some awesome lead guitar sprinkled throughout, as well.

 

If you’re into rock, this is an album for all occasions.  I have never heard the violin used in this manner.  Susan’s violin delivers an extra dimension to the sound, yet never distracts from the thrust you would expect from an album like this”.

 

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Review in Skylight Magazine (Athens, Greece)

March 27, 2016

“Miss Conduct”

Original Kitchen Records

 

“Susan offers us well played hard rock with many similarities to artists such as Joan Jett and Pat Benatar.   The old school fans will have proof that there is memorable music here.   The album includes 12 tracks and the melody balances with the rough guitars and the "in your face" attitude of the band. 

 

 Fans of 1980’s Rock will definitely appreciate this album. The cover artwork is another reminder of the 80s that offers a sex symbol for fans that are hungry for flesh and (musical) emotion.   If you combine the fantasy promised by the cover art and the sound of this release, you get great music and pleasant thoughts.

 

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On the sound level, sometimes I feel that the voice overpasses a bit the other channels, but it has a minor effect on the final result. The deeper you dig into this release, the deeper meaning you get.”

 

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“I love it!  She is a hell of a talent.  I want to see her performing live!!”

 

Genya Ravan – Rock Star (Ten Wheel Drive), Producer (Ronnie Spector), Radio Host – Little Steven’s Underground Garage, National Sirius Radio- which featured her 2014 hit “Intervention.”

 

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“I love the whole thing; the tunes, the mix, the performance, the whole package!  She sings with such emotion that you can really tell she’s feeling everything she’s singing about.  The lyrics are deeply moving and struck a chord and her violin playing is hauntingly beautiful.  There is so much computer generated pop music out there that it is wonderful to hear something that has real warmth and soul to it.  You are going in the right direction! Keep going and never stop!”

 

Jerry Layne

Nashville Entertainer

Composer of “Carved in Stone”, number one hit on the Country charts from March to April 2014

 

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 “The power behind Susan’s music is truly inspirational.  The diversity of the tracks keeps this music on a ‘must hear’ basis. Strong instrumental influence with raw, sensual vocals and cutting edge sounds of the electric violin combine for a rare and enlightening experience.  All genres and all ages will enjoy it!!”                               

 

Paula Wilson- Tour Manager- Brett Michaels, Molly Hatchett, Eddie Money

 

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"Susan Aquila is a formidable and multi-talented performer.  Producer/composer/guitarist Rob Tomaro has created a powerhouse setting that beautifully supports and showcases those talents.  The music they make is high energy, danceable, and just plain fun!!”

 

 Dan Einbender – Grammy Award Winning Producer and Entertainer