Author: James McQuiston

Posted on: October 3, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sauced (Mill 77 Brewing)

Mill 77 Brewing’s Sauced Double IPA is a standout in the hazy IPA category, offering a blend of tropical and citrus flavors with a solid 8.2% ABV. It pours a hazy, cloudy light yellow, immediately inviting with its thick, opaque appearance. Aromatically, it leans into mango, passion fruit, and bright orange notes, enhanced by the use of Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hops, which are popular choices in New England-style IPAs.…

Posted on: October 2, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Six in Paris Blu-Ray Disc (Icarus Films)

The Six in Paris Blu-Ray from Icarus Films offers a captivating look into 1960s Paris through six vignettes, directed by acclaimed filmmakers like Claude Chabrol, Jean-Luc Godard, and Eric Rohmer. Each segment is set in a different Parisian neighborhood, depicting the daily lives, challenges, and peculiarities of its characters, creating a rich cinematic tapestry of the city. The anthology blends humor, romance, and existential reflection, capturing both the whimsical and…

Posted on: September 30, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Pistols At Dawn “Not Sorry”

Pistols At Dawn’s “Not Sorry” immediately brings an intensity that few bands can achieve. The taut arrangements present on the band’s new single make Not Sorry into something that could easily gain radio attention. With nods to Deftones and Seether with a bit of the gutteral heaviness of mid-career Pantera, the act gives all fans of hard rock something to sink their teeth into. We love the sizzling guitar bridge…

Posted on: September 26, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The High Plains Drifters “Summer Girl”

Summer Girl has an absolutely timeless sound, with The High Plains Drifters linking together Roy Orbison, Jimmy Buffett, and a bit of later Beach Boys. Including steel drums to the band’s traditional guitars, drum, and bass is a massive victory here, as this song is able to expand upon the HPD’s inimitable style while keeping things absolutely within the band’s wheelhouse. The video (below) does a fantastic job in illustrating…

Posted on: September 26, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Kid Bode ft. Kash GoKrazy “747”

747 has some of the most intense flows we’ve heard from any rap music this year. There’s barely any time to breathe during 747’s runtime, keeping heads bopping as the booming bass beats keep shaking speakers. There’s a timeless sound to this track, a savvyness that ensures that fans of any distinct era can appreciate what Kid Bode and Kash GoKrazy are doing here. With a video that keeps up…

Posted on: September 24, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Ben E. Davis “Mind Games”

Mind Games, the latest track from Ben E. Davis will immediately catch fans’ attention. The charismatic vocals are matched well with a bouncy beat, as Davis blends a contemporary sound with a retro style. The range that Ben achieves on the track is substantial; he’s able to both build up a narrative while providing the piano, horns, and drums further melodic complexity. With nods to performers like Bruno Mars and…

Posted on: September 24, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

daFinchi – “Future Me”

Future Me is the latest effort from Connecticut’s daFinchi, representing considerable evolution. The track is able to effortlessly shift through different musial styles, with nods to more ethereal rap music, pop, and even hints of country before the song ceases to play. With supreme confidence that exudes through this single, daFinchi is able to catch the attention of listeners. There’s an honesty here that is hard to locate in most…

Posted on: September 23, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Honey Trap “Outlaws”

On Outlaws, Honey Trap are able to create some hard-hitting rock that blends together the late grunge of acts like Alice in Chains with acts like Heart and Audioslave. Confident guitars, splashy drums and supersonic vocals unite to make something that will tattoo itself deep into the minds of anyone fortunate enough to be listening in. Outlaws has just enough in the way of country-rock in its DNA that even…

Posted on: September 23, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Neon Dreams “Thankful For You”

Thankful For You is a hopeful pop-tinged track that will have listeners singing along after their first experience with the single. Nods to U2, Maroon 5, and Coldplay can be picked up here, while the bright vocals that bubble up after the chorus add mightily to the overall composition. Thankful For You is a track that we can see bubbling up on radio rotation throughout the fall. Check out the…

Posted on: September 22, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Ultimatch: Oodles of fun for the Family

Fireside Games’ Ultimatch is an engaging cooperative card game designed for players aged 10 and older. It is a versatile and quick-playing game that supports 1-5 players, making it ideal in both solo sessions and group play. The game revolves around making clever matches with cards, using colors, numbers, or even basic math, like addition and subtraction. The goal is to clear a pyramid of cards while strategizing which cards…

Posted on: September 22, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Harpoon L.L. Bean Harvest Lager Review

The Harpoon L.L. Bean Harvest Lager is a limited-edition, seasonal beer crafted in collaboration between Harpoon Brewery and L.L. Bean. This lager is designed to evoke the essence of autumn, capturing the warmth and comfort associated with the season. When this Harvest Lager is poured into a glass, the beer shows a beautiful golden hue with a small, delicate white head. The color is reminiscent of a sunny fall afternoon,…

Posted on: September 11, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Atmosphere Brewing’s 0.0 Pils Enters the NA Ring

Non-alcoholic beers are here to stay. We just checked out Woodland Farms’ Dark and visited Lancaster, Ohio’s FAUX bar in the last few months. Atmosphere Brewing’s 0.0 Pilsner sets a new standard for alcohol-free beers. This deftly-brewed pilsner adheres to the German beer purity law, ensuring a high-quality, refreshing taste without sacrificing authenticity to the style. Atmosphere Brewing uses non-GMO, all-natural ingredients; the brew is free from artificial additives, creating…

Posted on: September 4, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Woodland Farms Release A Fulfilling NA Stout

We were fortunate enough to receive a package from Maine’s NA brewery Woodland Farms. Dark is the first non-alcoholic stout we have ever covered. Dark offers a rich and flavorful experience for stout lovers looking to enjoy their favorite brew without alcohol. As Maine’s first non-alcoholic stout, it stands out for its bold roasted flavors. The initial aroma greets you with subtle notes of coffee and chocolate, which are a…

Posted on: August 26, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Boost Oxygen, must-have for bug-out bags.

Boost Oxygen is a portable, supplemental source of oxygen. The product offers an innovative solution for those seeking an easy and accessible way to bolster their oxygen intake. Designed for a variety of users, including athletes, older adults, and individuals living in high-altitude areas, Boost Oxygen provides a safe and effective way to enhance energy, recovery, and overall well-being without the need for a prescription. One of the features of…

Posted on: August 26, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Nick’s Venison Sticks, a great addition to the lunchbox

Nick’s Venison Sticks offer a high-quality, flavorful snack that combines grass-fed venison and beef with a carefully selected mix of herbs and spices. The result is a rich taste, marked by a mild gaminess that’s perfectly balanced by the seasoning. The sticks have a firm yet tender texture, providing a satisfying chew without being overly tough. These sticks are particularly beneficial for those following keto or protein-rich diets. With 11…

Posted on: August 25, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

A Refreshing Experience at FAUX Bar in Lancaster, Ohio

On our recent trip to Lancaster, Ohio for the 4th of July holiday weekend, we had the pleasure of stopping by the FAUX Bar, an alcohol-free establishment that offers a refreshing twist on the traditional bar experience. Located at 123 North Broad Street, FAUX Bar stands out as a unique destination for those who want to enjoy a night out without the presence of alcohol. Tremendously accomodating, the owner provided…

Posted on: August 10, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Pumpkin Ale (Whole Hog)

Whole Hog’s Pumpkin Ale is a flavorful seasonal brew that captures the essence of autumn in a glass. With its robust notes of pumpkin spice and a fair amount of malt, this beer stands out as a go-to choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced, spiced ale. The aroma of the beer is inviting, with strong hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, evoking the scent of a freshly baked pumpkin…

Posted on: July 31, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Karson City Rebels “Let’s Party”

The Karson City Rebels have released their new single, Let’s Party. This traditional rock track will make fans out of anyone that’s ever popped on a .38 Special or BTO track. The assertive guitars work well, as do the splashy drums and insistent vocals. With a chorus that will get one cheering along after their first listen to the track, Let’s Party feels like a song that will be blaring…

Posted on: July 31, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Kerlyne Liberus – You’re Good To Me

The sheer vocal range of Kerlyne Liberus on her new track, a cover of You’re Good To Me, is amazing. The backing instrumentation provides a hand up at points, but the overall sound of the track is guided to the heavens by Kerlyne’s voice more than anything. The bit of backing vocals that poke through at points during this single ensures that the resulting track impacts listeners greatly. The song’s…

Posted on: July 31, 2024 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Porter Block “Groove Goin’ On”

On Groove Goin’ On, Porter Block is able to link together funk, soul, and pop-rock to create an earworm that is nigh-impossible to remove. With vocals that are part Huey Lewis, part Jakob Dylan, Peter builds up a call-and-response chorus that assuredly will get flans out on the dance floor. The production of Groove Goin’ On is crisp, giving each instrument ample opportunity to shine alone while contributing to a…