Morningblind is a duo that is comprised of Richard Hayden and Sandra Bossy Retti. The EP begins with The Spring, a track that immediately showcases the dynamic between the two. There is a rich narrative that is weaved through this introductory effort, with all of the passion and emotion of a play. The track is hard to categorize; the guitar work draws on a classical style while Sandra’s vocals build…
Many Mountains is a triad of performers from Colorado; their Lost in Love is an engrossing EP, conveying more over the course of four songs than many bands can hope to impart upon their fans in 10. I feel that this is due to the engrossing instrumentation, the ability for each member of the band to shine alone or together, and a sound that is wholly unique while able to…
Up and coming artist Pixelfox has really struck a chord, no pun intended, with his latest release “Journey Room”. The album is deep and melodic reminding listeners of 80’s pop with a modern flair. Compelling rhythm and solid production makes the album interesting and worth playing again and again. This is a very strong release for a debut album of such a young artist. The album itself is deep and…
I think we can collectively agree that 2016 was a fucking brutal year to be a music fan. The grim reaper took Prince, David Bowie, Leon Russell, Leonard Cohen, George Michael and Merle Haggard. It also took Guy Clark from us, one of the best songwriters of his generation and a wildly influential Americana-artist, a precursor to everyone from Todd Snider to Wilco and the Old 97s.
The single “I Am Love” by Montrell of 47radar is a soulful song about love in its truest form. Montrell’s voice is stirring and fervent, it perfectly complements the track allowing the sensual yet loving vibe to capture the listener.
18 year old Dallas, Texas native Colin Onderdonk’s debut album Proximity Effect has to be the single best album that I have heard in the Christian rock genre this year. His voice is powerful and projects his love for Christ while his talent is something that any fan of music can appreciate. Each song from the album is philosophical and extremely thought provoking.
There has been a shift over the course of the last few years regarding the flavor profile that is most desired when it comes to an India Pale Ale. In the late nineties and into the oughts, the dominant flavors one could taste included piney and citrus elements, with enough in the way of bitter to act as a refresher. In the course of the last few years, breweries have…
Soles Of Passion’s “Turned It All Around” is a musically intense track that is interspersed with Trump sound bites. The track is able to tie together psychedelic, alternative, and progressive rock. We are big fans of the dichotomy established between the softer, dreamier vocals and the punctual, on point drums, bass, and guitars that create the backdrop for the act.
Cara-Mel’s current mixtape, Racial Profile, begins with Music Diary. This track is hard-hitting, with a particularly evil sounding backing beat setting the stage for the rest of the release. Cara-Mel is able to tie together influences including Lil Kim, T.I., and MC Lyte. The repetition used for the chorus ensures that listeners will be sitting on the edges of their seats.
AV Super Sunshine’s Spider Wedding is a progressive rock track in the vein of Jethro Tull or Pendragon. The band intelligently uses silence to provide considerable highlighting to the contemplative arrangements and rich vocals interspersed here. I see Spider Wedding as a track in the mold of a massive high fantasy tome. The guitar that rises and falls during this single adds an additional level of depth to an already-heady…
Tasha Michelle’s Letter of Appreciation is a powerful single in the R&B and gospel traditions. This unique single effortlessly adopts bits and bobs of myriad styles. We were impressed with the vocal range of Tasha Michelle; the twin sides of vocals and instrumentation can be enjoyed separately or together. There is just so much that is bubbling under the surface of Letter of Appreciation, ensuring that listeners will have to delve…
EMELINE’s “Angel” is a pop track that pulls bits of Fiona Apple, Taylor Swift, and Megan Trainor. Breaking free from the numerous female performers out now, EMELINE is able to both tell a cogent narrative as well as further the over harmony of the instrumentation. Nods to rock and R&B are interspersed through Angel, making for a musically distinct effort that stands out boldly from the pack. The production on…
Owen’s “Settled Down” showcases a band that has built a distinct sound over the years. The single is emotionally intense with a layered approach. The fuzz of the guitars, complex drum lines, and passionate vocals make for a track that stands up to repeat play. The ability of Owen to go forth and change the tempo of Settled Down is impressive; the rising action that the band places here is…
My Demons Galore create a hooky track in “Empty Bottles” that stands up to a number of spins. The rapid shifts of My Demons Galore during the single is reminiscent of acts like My Chemical Romance and AFI. The simultaneous attack of the instrumentation and the emotive vocals are enough to keep the momentum high from the first note until the concluding seconds of Empty Bottles.
Emily Zuzik is able to link together performers as diverse as Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks with her latest track “Alone”. There are so many things for listeners to delve into when they play Alone; the story that is told here is incredibly deep and detailed. The tautness of the instrumentation during Alone will have fans digging deep to hear the different interplay between instruments, while the insistent beat makes it…
SPiN’s “Dig Your Own Grave” a gritty and dirty sounding rock track that takes up both the sound of 1970s Detroit and of oughts British rock (including Jet here) to make for something unique. The bold strokes that SPiN creates here, the supersonic vocals that are present on the track, and the stadium rock-infused drums makes this into one of the few legitimate rock singles we have heard this year.…
Jeff Rosenstock’s “Pash Rash” is a high-energy alternative / punk sound that has the warmth and emotion of The Descendants and The Appleseed Cast. Hints of The Red Hot Valentines can be heard in the emotive sound and warmth of the guitars, which threaten to take over the track. When the music drops out and Jeff’s vocals are given highlighting, listeners will be locked in for the last bit of fury. Pash…
John Paciga’s “Tickling the Ivories” blends equal parts Billy Joel, Ben Folds, and The Rocket Summer into a bouncy, poppy track. The infectious melodies that Paciga crafts here will tattoo themselves onto the hearts of fans. A bit of guitar provide a grittier counter-point to the angelic sound of Paciga’s vox. The punchy drums add the final piece to the puzzle; Tickling the Ivories is a fun track. Paciga is…
Ricky Lee’s “Looking For America” is a country track that builds off of the style of early nineties performers like Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt. Soulful singing, intense instrumentation, and a story that will keep fans on the edges of their seats.
Con’s Free Dreams is the rare example of a rap track that is able to have a down and dirty street rap sound while having a much more enlightened subject matter. The flows of Con and his feature Mvstermind are more than capable to keep listeners firmly on the edges of their seats.