Handyman is a great track, blending reggae with pop-rap styles. Individuals that liked Master P, Akon, and E-40 will dig what Marlon Davis is laying down. There’s a hooky sound to the backing beat that will get one out on the dance floor, while the lyrics are firmly tongue-in-cheek. The chorus of Handyman has night right being so catchy, either. Handyman is a true bop, a song that could easily…
The Sextape’s “Queen of the Fools” is one interesting track. The song succeeds because it blends together a number of distinct styles. Keen listeners will be able to pull out hints of 1990s rock, industrial, and alternative styles all within the single’s first thirty seconds. The driving beat and charismatic vocals found here keep fans on the edges of their seats. Fans of Ween and the Bloodhound Gang will dig…
El Matador, the new single from Mic Nickels, immediately calls back to 1990s NYC in its overall sound. Sput-out vocals are lifted up with absolutely intense instrumentation, making for a true head-banger of a track. The bars laid down here by Method Man keep El Matador’s tempo high, further imbuing the song with an epic sound. Fans will have the songs’ beat tattooed on their hearts just as the lyrical…
An Old Friend’s “Native Gardens” is a complex modern rock track that stands up to multiple plays. The layered approach that the band takes ensures that there will be something new experienced by listeners each time the song plays, with thoughtful guitars, emotive vocals and a thick bass line that combine in numerous ways. The production is sharp here, giving each member of An Old Friend the ability to shine…
Bill Crews and the Crews Cartel’s People Get Ready (originally released by Curtis Mayfield) is a tremendously powerful track that links together traditional gospel music with country and soul styles. The narrative laid down here by Bill is honest and earnest in its execution, while the secondary vocals that match (and accentuate) Bill’s voice ensure that the resulting composition will resound with one long after the song ceases to play.…
Keyvous’s Catch A Wave is a single that will immediately tattoo its melodies deep into the minds and hearts of listeners. Booming bass lines and on-point percussion provide the perfect backdrop for Keyvous’s vox. The track sits at the nexus of R&B and rap, linking together performers as wide-ranging as Omarion, Trey Songz, and The Weeknd. There’s crossover appeal to Catch A Wave that will ensure numerous playlist placements and…
On Walk With Me, Diane Gentile and Alejandro Escovedo are able to create a tremendous duet. Filled out by the Gentle Men’s instrumental approach, Walk With Me is able to take up multiple genres during its run time. There are nods to John Mellencamp, John Hiatt, and Stevie Nicks along with hints of Roy Orbison and The Appleseed Cast. The guitar work stands up nicely as the single’s bridge, showcasing…
Carly Hanley’s “Oh La La” is a delightful pop track that will appease fans both with Carly’s inimitable vocals as well as the booming bass and sweeping synths that flesh out the bottom of the track. Oh La La shines because of this yin and yang approach. As the song continues to play, Hanley’s narrative will keep listeners firmly engrossed with the narrative of love that she weaves. Hanley’s able…
Greg Hoy’s “Comfort Vendetta” immediately starts with a bit of math-rocdk fuzz (imagine The Red Hot Valentines meets Weezer). The vocals immediately light up the single, working alongside the aforementioned instrumentation to push each side to new heights. Comfort Vendetta’s chorus has the act go all-in, making for a section that fans will be singing along with after a few short plays. This is a track that could work well…
Battle Tapes’s “Brand New” has a fun retro sound that is part Dire Straits and part Franz Ferdinand in its execution. The track links together electronic, pop, and rock in a fashion that will get listeners out on the dance floor. The silky-smooth vocals that play at the top of the band’s new single are the perfect match for the high-energy synths and insistent beat of the percussion. Brand New…
Smilez’s “I Hate My Ex” is an assertive pop track that espuses a sentiment that a number of individuals throughout the world will be able to understand. There’s still moments that I call back to my past and remember how former significant others have done me wrong. Smilez is able to blend together crisp and clear backing instrumentation with an emotive and rich set of vocals. The hook that they…
Honey and Blue’s “All In My Head” is a powerful R&B effort that builds off of the tradition furthered by performers like Kelis and early Bey. The back and forth of the pair’s vocals keeps things fresh throughout the track’s runtime. There’s a clarity here that ensures the vox are able to shine alongside the booming bass and more thoughtful keys. The presence of a bit of funk here further distinguishes…
Right Here is the first track on Pick Ups and Put Downs, immediately having Merit Maker kick things into high gear. This introductory salvo builds upon the trends of pop-punk acts from Blink 182, MxPx, and The Vandals. Two minutes go by in the blink of an eye, as the band moves on to False Starts. False Starts opens up with sick bass lines and splashy drums. There’s a surprising…
Jessie-May K’s Do What We Want is a hopeful track that blends pop sensibilities with a decidedly retro sort of instrumentation. Keys feel as if they are pulled from 1980s new wave while there’s a hopeful confidence that brings in hints of mid-1990s alternative (eg Elastica, Natalie Cole). The production imbues the track with a crispness that delineates it from the bulk of music put forth. Do What We Want…
Iowa’s Big Grove Brewery has created a decidedly-dangerous brewery with their current vintage of Richard the Whale, a Russian Imperial Stout. Clocking in at over 12% ABV, Richard the Whale is able to bring the heat while showcasing some of the most sublime smoothness that we’ve ever experienced with that style. The RIS pours with a dark brown, mahogany-ish coloration and with only the slightest amount of tannish head. There’s…
North Richland Hill’s False Idol Brewing has released their Nine Realms, a Baltic Porter. The beer is a gem which tantalizes the taste buds with its rich and complex flavors. As a beer enthusiast that loves all forms of dark beer styles, I must say this one stands out among the crowd. With a moderate 7.5% ABV, it strikes a perfect balance between potency and drinkability, making it a must-have…
Band Announces New Tour Dates with Rehab and Scotty Austin Columbia, MO based Heavy Rockers Dark Below have delivered their powerful new single “Make Believe”. What began as a humble trio making music for their friends in the Midwest has grown into a promising force on the national scene. LINK TREE: https://linktr.ee/darkbelow The song features a massive, wall of sound vibe – Thanks to award-winning producer Malcolm Springer (Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, Fear Factory, Josey Scott). The…
Great music is at the center of culture, no matter the genre we’re talking about or the audience keeping it alive. In this spirit, Kaitlyn Kohler’s new single “Everywhere I Go” sounds and feels like it was tailor-made for the contemporary era, wrapping around us like warm arms in a much-needed embrace from a friend we need to make. Kohler enters the mix with a voice as smooth as velvet,…
Over the last few years, finding Backwoods Bastard has been a difficult feat to the point that this eedition is the first time we’ve been able to procure a bottle. Backwoods Bastard is Founders’ Dirty Bastard (a Scotch ale) that has been placed into oak barrels for a year. The time spent in these barrels boosts the overall ABV from 8.5% to 11.2%. Backwoods Bastard pours with a rich, deep…
Will Rainier’s status as a fixture in the indie music singer/songwriter community isn’t a stroke of luck. It’s a result, first and foremost, of an unquestionable work ethic that’s propelled his prolific output. He has nine albums to his credit with his wife Jen Garrett under the moniker Stuporhero, one solo album, and another release with his band Will Rainier & The Pines. He has kept high standards throughout those…