COCOPIPES has released her latest single Vibrant. The track works well in a traditional pop sound while having a backing instrumentation that is innovative. Different styles, whether it be R&B, EDM, or even post-modern compositions can be discerned here.
Los Angeles’ Hipnotics have just released Preacher Man, a single that links together The Clash, The Psychedelic Furs, and early Cure into a swirling mass of guitars, drums, and bold vocals. Preacher Man has it all including an intricate bass line, echoing and authoritative guitar lines, and an on-point drum beat that are all given a highlight at points during this single.
MARSH. is from Auckland, New Zealand and is dropping his latest EP, Hieroglyph in December. Hands is the latest single from Hieroglyph and has a funky retro-dance vibe. The harmony that immediately comes forth will tattoo itself deep into the minds of listeners, while there is a sultry and passionate thread that is weaved through the track. The intricate arrangements presented to listeners in Hands touches upon the Miami sound of…
Where I Am is the latest effort from York’s Dark Optics. This composition is a track building off the trip-hop tradition, with hints of Stabbing Westward, Massive Attack, and Portishead that can be discerned. The ample inclusion of samples feels like an homage to The Avalanches, while the brooding a deep instrumentation that is weaved through the single will appease fans of hard rock and metal styles. What results with…
On her new EP, Transfixed, Seattle’s Shelita Burke lets listeners in. Transfixed is a tender track that firmly places Burke into the singer-songwriter style, while adding hints of alternative and indie into the mix. The production of this introductory effort is tender, establishing a cozy sound to Burke’s music that will immediately draw listeners in. Pour allows the instrumental side of things to shine, with percussive and emotive guitar work…
Bad Girl Good is the debut single from Amity Rae, and this track works on all levels. Fans of pop, EDM, or reggae will have more than enough to sink their teeth into. Breathy vocals and a male/female dynamic makes this into a fun and alluring introductory effort for listeners.
Mr. Showbiz’ Showbiz Christmas is a high-energy track that hits on a variety of Christmas tropes while forging forth in a bold new direction. The track’s bells, hooky chorus, and smart repetition makes this into an earworm that will stick with listeners long after the season has came and went.
Episodes present on Elmo the Musical include Prince Elmo, Mountain Climber, Sea Captain, President, and the titular Elmo the Musical. The youngest set will appreciate the action which takes place in these episodes, while fans of Elmo will still be able to appreciate what is going on. The video quality of Elmo the Musical is absolutely stellar, ensuring that viewers will have an experience that parallels watching the original airing…
16-Bit DPA is a double pale ale from Manhattan, Kansas’ Tallgrass Brewing Company. The beer pours with a hazy dark-yellow to orange coloration and a small amount of persistent white head; lacing is spotty. There is a great blend of hoppy and wheaty that plays out as one continues to quaff. Toastier elements are present as the 16-Bit DPA continues to warm, while the floral and citrus elements remain considerably…
Based on the successes of their initial efforts in the Wild Sour Series, Bloomington, Illinois’ Destihl Brewery has continued to expand the line. We were fortunate enough to receive samples of their Lynnbrook, a Raspberry Berliner Weisse. The beer pours with a vibrant pink color and a complex nose that showcases the sharp bite of raspberries; Lynnbrook’s head sits on top of the effort for a short time before dissipating…
The quality in which The Halloween Tree was transferred over to the DVD format is absolutely stunning, making sure that viewers will be provided with an experience that is as near to the first time they watched the film. VHS editions of this title just pale in comparison to the Warner Archive edition. For those that have not had the opportunity to watch the film yet, it is framed around…
Bennigan’s has been a part of the American cultural landscape since 1976, and the company has taken it upon themselves to refresh and revitalize their offerings while keeping the same sort of friendly ambiance and authentic Irish fare. Along the way, Bennigan’s has included healthier options and have retooled others. We stopped in for a dinner at the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan location of Bennigan’s and were impressed at the overall…
2XIBA is the latest seasonal from Lakewood, NY’s Southern Tier Brewing Company. This india style black ale pours with a tremendously dark chocolate to midnight coloration and a fair amount of tannish head that creeps its way down a glass as one continues their journey. On the initial sip, imbibers will experience a blend of piney and fruity hops that are quickly followed up by a strong toasty, biscuity side…
A few months back, Teriyaki Madness opened in Akron. Any time we had driven out West Market Street, we always mused about stopping in. After a few months, we were ultimately able to visit. The restaurant is inviting without a hint of pretense, setting up the counter at the front of the location. When one puts in their order, they are greeted with a number of proteins (Spicy and normal…
Freeways of Time is a standout single from Morgan Washam’s latest album, Blood Moon. This track has a timeless feel to it that ensures that fans of the 1970s pop-country of John Denver and John Berry can appreciate.
Hobbsy have just released a single for their latest single, I Am. The track is a gritty, hard-edged rock track that has enough vocal harmony to keep listeners on the edges of their seats. The dynamic between the vocals and the drums, guitars and bass make for something that stands up to repeat listens.
There are a number of different BRAVO! Cucina Italiana locations scattered through our normal stomping grounds, but we had yet to visit the restaurant. We stopped into the BRAVO! Cucina Italiana location at the Summit Mall in Fairlawn, Ohio for dinner and had a memorable experience. The meal started with their inimitable herb bread and a spiced olive oil dip. The restaurant’s Calamari Fritti ($12.99) were succulent bites of calamari…
Sha-La Music, Inc. announces the release of Soul’d Out, the new Digital Single by Roots Rocker DownTown Mystic. The single’s release date is November 6 and will be digitally distributed via Sony Music’s The Orchard. Soul’d Out will get its World Premiere on the popular music site The Vinyl District on October 28. The single is now available for download to Radio prior to the official release date via AirPlay…
The major issue that we have experienced when it comes to pumpkin beers is the overwhelming tendency to make the efforts much too sweet to counteract some of the more sour and vegetal flavors of the aforementioned gourd. In doing so, brewers completely obfuscate what makes pumpkins so interesting. Idaho’s Tommyknocker brewery has created their Small Patch Pumpkin Ale, which is a well-balanced beer that allows the natural flavor of…
Rum King is an Imperial Stout from Minneapolis’ Indeed Brewing. The effort is aged in rum barrels, and pours with a dark brown to inky black coloration. A decent amount of mocha-colored head sits on the top of the pour. One can immediately smell the alcohol and rum burn issuing forth from a snifter; prepare to have your breath taken away with the first pull of Rum King. After this…