Month: January 2018

Posted on: January 28, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The Chicago Vin Coalition – Silence is Golden

The Chicago Vin Coalition’s Silence is Golden is an effort that effortlessly ties together the rock of the 1960s and 1970s, all while putting out vocals that are reminiscent of early Dylan or Tom Waits. The backing instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop for these vocals but do deserve their own time in the spotlight. The percussion, fuzzy vocals, and vocals unite to make for a track that simultaneously is radio-friendly…

Posted on: January 28, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Itamar Borochov – Tangerines

Itamar Borochov’s Tangerines is the lead-off single from his latest release, Boomerang. The single will immmediately draw listeners’ attentions with the thoughtful and intricate piano line that begins the song, while the horn that kicks in shortly after adds considerable amounts of narration to the effort. Through taking a vocal-like approach to the trumpet’s arrangements, Itamar is able to make a sub-three minute track resound loudly in listener’s ears long after…

Posted on: January 28, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

ShÄy – Birds

Birds is a tremendously emotive effort, the lead-off track from ShÄy’s new LP, Quest. The track blends together indie-rock with ambient and electronic elements. This unique mash-up of approaches and styles will have listeners focused in, as rich jazz horns and contemplative guitar lines unite into something special. The bit of vocals that are presented to listeners are the unifying element, making for a track that could easily make it onto…

Posted on: January 27, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Angela C. Howell – “There’s Nothin I Don’t Love”

Angela C. Howell’s “There’s Nothin I Don’t Love” is a sultry track that deflty links together blues, jazz, and funk into an alluring package. Angela’s vocals do more than merely building the lyrics side of things, adding considerably to the taut instrumentation that is present here. The sheer vocal range of Howell is a high-water mark for There’s Nothin I Don’t Love, further bolstered through the emotive guitars, the thick,…

Posted on: January 26, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Gran Sport Porter (COOP Ale Works)

It’s al;ways exciting to get something for review from a brewery that is new to you. It’s doubly exciting when they are fairly close to you (the brewery is located in Oklahoma City). COOP Ale Works’ Gran Sport Porter pours with a dark, rich brown coloration and a small amount of off-white head. The beer’s initial nose is a bit nutty, with bits of toasted male poking through. The full…

Posted on: January 26, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Billy Walton Band – I Don’t Know

I Don’t Know is a powerful rock track that takes up hints of blues, soul, funk and rockabilly. There is considerable charisma that is interlaced through the vocal and instrumental sides of this single. The tautness and robust sound of the guitars, drums, and horns here will have everyone up and active on the dance floor.

Posted on: January 26, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 3

NIK:11 – 6AM

Listeners will be immediately thrown into the fray with NIK:11’s new single, 6AM. An intense percussive track and sweeping synths immediately draw fans in before allowing the vocals ample opportunity to shine. The different styles that are built off of with 6AM is considerable. Hints of 1980s synth-pop like The Pet Shop Boys and early-1990s can be heard here. The vocal harmonies commonplace during this single provide a good counterpoint…

Posted on: January 25, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sitting down with Brendan McMahon

Today, we are speaking with Brendan McMahon. Can you give us a little background information about yourself? How did you get into music?   I’m a country boy born in a town of 900 people about 50 miles north of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. I lived in that area for the first half of my life. I recall loving music from when I was very young and…

Posted on: January 24, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Idealism – Inside/Outside

Inside/Outside has a slower tempo that blends together synths and a spontaneous, human element (drumming). The touching vocals build off of Momus’ work, while the presence of a piano provides ample highlighting to these lyrics. The different segments present here will keep listeners guessing, while Idealism is able to invite considerable unity among these disparate elements. By refreshing the electronic, chill, and trip-hop styles of the late 1990s, Idealism is…

Posted on: January 24, 2018 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Surreal Nation – I Know Better EP

Surreal Nation make something completely unique with the first song on their I Know Better EP. There are hints of punk, goth, rock, and even emo and alternative that can all be heard with Would You Do Me The Honor of Becoming My Mexican Divorce?. The guitar work is reminiscent of the surf rock stylings of Dick Dale, a decision which will have listeners bouncing around as they move into…