Shipyard Brewing’s Smashed Pumpkin Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a seasonal standout crafted to captivate beer enthusiasts seeking bold, complex flavors. This imperial ale, with its 9.0% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 26 IBUs, is as powerful in profile as it is in taste. Its inviting copper-orange color and aromas of pumpkin and nutmeg make it a must-buy for the autumn season and beyond. The foundation of Smashed Pumpkin’s robust character…
On Why So Busy?, the newest single from Shweta Harve, a tale of today’s life is laid out. The back and forth between Shweta and Daio’s vocals approximate the communications that occur between a couple. While there are moments when this pair are able to make a collaborative chorus, the different registers do well in showcasing how off-kilter busy individuals can get without any fault of their own. The guitar…
The Underdog is an inspirational track by Melaku that will immediately ensnare listeners with strong vocals and a deliberate instrumentation that is led by keys, guitars, and drums. Melaku’s vocals are able to rise to the occasion, building upon the arrangements while giving listeners an immense and detailed narrative. This is the sort of song that will get fans singing along after their first experience with it. Melaku’s ability to…
Nia Allen’s “Sunshine” has a timeless sound to it that incorporates soul, reggae, and gospel in a fashion that is eminently radio-play worthy. The keys, bass, and clap track all add depth to the composition, while Nia Allen’s vocals act as the cherry on top of the single sundae. The back and forth of the vocals further moor this into traditional blues styles, even as Sunshine takes a brighter and…
Eddy Puyol’s “Bang Bang Baby” has its titual phrase immediately draw in fans. The rapid-fire flow that presents itself beween choruses is some of the fastest we have heard since Chamillionaire. Hints of UGK can be discerned here as Puyol exudes tremendous confidence to match with his laser-like focus. Bang Bang Baby is a certified single for Eddy Puyol; there will be a lot of Shazaming as new listeners first experience…
Eddy Puyol’s “Like A Cadillac” is the perfect melange of modern and traditional music styles. Whether it is coming forth with something pulled out of Atlanta or Houston’s rap scene or the dulcet tones that draw the single to a more funk meets gospel approach, Puyol has incorporated a smorgasboard of approaches. The production on Like A Cadillac is fantastic, with airy synths, robust bass lines, and a style amenable…
(BR)OTHERS (Michael Bland and Sonny T, The New Power Generation members) are able to create a funky, laid-back rock effort that builds upon the work of Jackson Browne, Billy Preston and Randy Newman. The huge presence of bass on this single makes for a bouncy effort that will have listeners singing along with the tremendously infectious chorus. The level of camaraderie espoused here is hard to deny; this is one…
While we haven’t been fortunate enough to review Crystal Nicole before, we have experienced her contributions to Lecrae’s Anomaly. It’s fantastic to see Lecrae return the favor on Won’t Stop, Crystal’s new single. The track immediately primes the pump through the inclusion of a stomping element. Hints of 2000s R&B showcasing tremendous vocal range. The percussive elemnts tattoo the bottom of the track, keying listeners in to what Crystal Nicole…
Long Ride Home, the newest effort by the Ghost Hounds, is marked by rich vocals, hopeful guitar work, and an absolutely beautiful output. The act is able to blend lyrical and musical into an honest and earnest effort that defly moves between country, blues, and pop music. Long Ride Home has a truly timeless feeling, containing enough viscera for fans of the widest scope to eagerly devour. Patty Griffin’s contribution…
Nya’s “Beauty Comes From Pain” is a hautning effort that immediately showcases her vocal skills. There’s a bit of late-1990s Massive Attack meets Bjork sort of sound, albeit with a modern production that gives both instrumental and vocal sides ample times to shine. THe guitar line that is weaved through Beauty Comes From Pain is fascinating, as is the presence of an emotive and ropey bass line. The dichotomy between…
Secret Wish’s “Melody Of The Music Man” is a single that takes up the standard of all eras of dance music. There’s a bit of the 1970s Rasputin groove mixed alongside the late 90s / early 2000s “Infinity” remixes. With sweeping synths and booming bass, Secret Wish are able to make a song that is a must-include in the playlists of any DJs currently setting up their New Year’s set.…
VanMilli’s “Mary Jane” is a heartfelt ode to the herb, a track that showcases the central role of the herb in the pefroemr’s life. This is a love letter that a great many around the world can understand. While the song cuts off quickly, the patter of VanMilli will stick with fans long after the single ceases to play. There’s a bit of R&B, some rap, and a bit of…
V. Contreras’s “Done Playing Small” is a powerful, hopeful effort that blends pop, soul, and EDM styles into one cohesive effort. The vocal skills brought to the composition are amazing. Fans will be firmly planted on the edges of their seat as V. Contreras continues to weave this story. The percussion and synths encountered during “Done Playing Small” are given a new lease on life as a gospel-styled chorus starts…
Me And My Nightmare’s “Devil Inside” is a track that works mastrerfully the late-1990s output of acts like KMFDM and Assemblage 23. The sharp synths, a driving beat, and intense vocals unite to make Devil Inside’s melodies bury deep into listeners’ psyche. The chorus of the titular phrase acts as a rapid ramping up of the momentum before slowing things down to a more dark soundscape. Echoing vocals are absolutely…
“When I Fall”, the latest song from Diane Arkenstone, recalls the work of performers like Jewel and Natalie Cole. Little more is needed to wholly engage listeners than Diane’s vocals and a lightly-strummed guitar. The narrative built up during “When I Fall” will have one firmly on the edges of their seat. The gradual increase in instrumentation and tempo keep things interesting. Setting up the stage for a truly epic…
America’s Sweetheart’s “Girl Down” is a fun track that fdeels like some long-lost cut from early 1990s alternative music. There are very carefully-performed vocals that are included alongside a richly emotive guitar and drum arrangement. The decidedly lo-fi approach allows Girl Down to shine among other contemporary tracks. The production is the glue that holds these disparate segments together, making for a track that we’ll be playing here at NeuFutur…
Hula Hoop has a bouncy, fun vibe that will immediately command listeners’ attention. This latest effort from The Infamous HER deftly blends together rock and pop in a way that is unique. The assertive guitars comprise the meat of the single, while the vocals show supreme confidence and intensity. While there are nods to the late 1990s rock scene, the tautness of the composition ensures that Hula Hoop is a…
In terms of readily-accessible imperial IPAs, the Voodoo Ranger line is top-of-the-line. New Belgium has created a number of distinct offerings in the line, with the Fruit Force being one of the most innovative IPAs we had tasted last year. The brewery has expanded their line to offer Tropic Force, an IPA that pours with a very light yellow coloration and a goodly amount of persistent white head. Tropic Force’s…
Faithless Town’s “California Come Home” is a call-back to the 1990s alt-rock of the Gin Blossoms, Counting Crows, and Dishwalla. The vocals sit above the guitar fuzz and contemplative arrangements of the song. The repetition of California Come Home acts as a way for Faithless Town to change up their output. Keeping fans firmly planted on the edges of their seats until the single ends, Faithless Town showcases both their…
Adrianna Freeman’s “HALO” is a single that will immediately draw in listeners. The very traditional arrangement of the guitars, drums, and bass imbue HALO with a 1990s country vibe, while Freeman’s vocals recall a Jo Dee Messina, Carrie Underwood or Shania Twain. The sizzling guitar solo that acts as HALO’s bridge is something special, showcasing an intricatre arrangement that rises up just as much as Adrianna’s inimitable vocals. The bit…