Author: James

Posted on: December 31, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

ThaKayder “OMW ‘On My Way'”

OMW ‘On My Way’ has a solid bout of wordplay from ThaKayder. There’s a bit of Houston and New Orleans present in his cadence, while the laid-back instrumentation creates a dreamy sort of sound for the flow. The patter of ThaKayder’s lyrics continue to gain a bit more substance as the song continues to play. There’s considerable cohesion in this track; the backing beat works hand-in-hand with ThaKayder’s vox to…

Posted on: December 31, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Hot Flash Heat Wave “Grudge”

Hot Flash Heat Wave’s “Grudge” has a funky, angular sound that blends together bits of Bloc Party with The Bravery to make for a song that is tremendously reverent of earlier music while creating something that stands out from other rock on the radio. The softly-sang vocals encountered on Grudge are haunting while infectious, adding a further layer of harmony to the math-rock0infused composition of the guitars and drums. These…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Stacy Gabel “High Heeled Shoes”

Stacy Gabel’s “High Heeled Shoes” has a very traditional, mid-century sound to it. With Stacy’s vocals representing nucleus of the track, the additional instrumentation (guitars and percussion) fill in any of the gaps that still remain. The song speaks to all of our current routines. Stacy identifies the need for a bit of self-care. Touching, fun, and with charisma by the boatful, High Heeled Shoes is a song that will…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Lucky Harmon “Party Life”

Party Life is a pop-dance track that calls back to the days of Pitbull and Flo Rida. Lucky Harmon has a smooth, silky sound to his vocals that 6add mightily to the single’s harmony. A bit of crunchy, booming drums are the perfect counterpoint for the synths and Lucky’s lyrics. The drop that punctuates Party Life’s two halves is precisely what is needed to keep the momentum of the track…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Michael Ghould “Girls & Boys”

Michael Ghould’s Girls & Boys is a fun cover of the Blur classic. There are nods back to disco, the synthpop of the 1980s, and even a bit of booming EDM. The synth that is weaved through the entirety of the track will assuredly get listeners out on the dance floor, while Michael’s charisma (both in the audio track and present in droves in the attached video) is the cherry…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Chad Rico “New Level/Night in Barcelona”

Chad Rico has an interesting take on rap music. The song provides fans with very heartfelt and intitimate lyrical wordplay alongside with ethereal synths. The presence of booming drums in the mix gives New Level an additional oomph. There are nods to performers like Gorilla Zoe and Chance the Rapper all while Chad Rico comes out with an unique and unmatched style to rap. The song could easily make it…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 1

Jane N’ The Jungle “Lucky 7”

Jane N’ The Jungle’s “Lucky 7” blends together 1980s goth music (e.g. Siouxsie and the Banshees) with a bit of Hole and The Breeders. The taut guitar / drum dynamic that can be heard during this track keeps things pumping, all while the passion and charisma of the vox will speak directly with listeners. Wicked guitar lines unite the lyrical and instrumental side of things, kicking the song an ample…

Posted on: December 30, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Milquetoast & Co. “Hummingbirds”

Milquetoast & Co.’s Hummingbirds is a thoughtful and introspective track that shines through contemplative instrumentation and a brooding arrangement that will stick with listeners long after the song ceases to play. The single’s vocals call upon the tradition of performers like Chris Cornell and Perry Farrell, tying a 1990s alternative rock sound to a contemporary indie approach. Milquetoast & Co. are able to insert their own style into each second…

Posted on: December 23, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Tabytha Polaris – 7 Spheres of Light

New York’s Tabytha Polaris has a long-running podcast under her belt – new episodes are released on Tuesdays; previous episodes have focused on improving sleep and energy. Polaris has just released her new album 7 Spheres of Light, a work in which she facilitates the balancing of one’s chakras. Beyond the podcast and spiritual education side of things, Tabytha also has released a pair of singles for the holiday season.…

Posted on: December 21, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Jdot Breezy “All In”

All In is a track that has everything for rap fans. There’s a backing beat that will bury itself deep into listeners’ minds just as Jdot Breezy’s flow expertly blends speed with properly swag-laden braggadocio. There’s enough variation with the lyrical sections of All In that the effort ends up sounding fresh no matter where one is at during the track. The chorus links together the catchiness of the introductory…

Posted on: December 21, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Camilla Covington “White Kia”

White Kia has Covington create a beautiful track that blends dreamy vocals with an airy instrumentation. Taken together, these two distinct elements call back to a more laidback era. The dynamic that is established between the booming beats and soulful horns make for something that will tattoo itself deeply ijnto the minds of listeners. Camilla’s vocals achieve a considerable range during her latest single, establishing the track as one that…

Posted on: December 19, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 1

Saahil Bhargava – Wind

Saahil Bhargava’s Wind is an inspirational track that will immediately draw listeners in with compelling keys. After a few seconds, the single is able to incorporate Saahil’s vocals. Bhargava’s voice build upon the rich tradition of late-1990s alt rock and early-oughts emo music. This means that Saahil’s vox are simultaneously able to tell a rich and varied story all while contributing mightily to the overall harmonies achieved to the track.…

Posted on: December 18, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

David King Jones – The Covid 19 Christmas Song

David King Jones’s The Covid 19 Christmas Song is an effort that showcases the modern era in which we all find ourselves, with enough of a hook present that the song will garner quite a bit of attention on pop and urban stations alike. David King Jones inserts his own unique style of lyrical delivery to the composition. Charisma is present by the barrelful as Jones is able to continue…

Posted on: December 16, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Jeff Lake and Cellophane Flowers – Penny Lane

Jeff Lake’s spirited version of The Beatles’ classic Penny Lane is given additional oomph with the stringwork of the Cellophane Flowers. With Jeff’s unique ability to both lay out the lyrical content while building upon the single’s instrumentation, the cover version easily takes a life of its own. This take ties the modern sound of the middle 20th century with today’s experience, all while calling back to the classical performances…

Posted on: December 3, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Brooke Daye – Everything and Nothing

Brooke Daye’s Everything and Nothing is a strong effort that showcases the complexity of emotions that one will have about previous lovers. Anyone that has had a painful relationship will be able to emote with what Daye does here. The instrumentation that backs up Daye’s voice on Everything and Nothing fills in all of the track’s gaps all while pushing Brooke’s voice to some tremendous highs. The song will easily…

Posted on: November 27, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

ADIV “Blue Gene”

ADVI is able to create a laid-back R&B track that is tremendously reverent of the New Jack Swing approach, all while infusing the track with a luxurious backing beat. A clap track interlaces itself with twinkling keys and sweeping synths. Blue Gene is completed through the presence of a booming, bass beat. ADIV will keep fans out on the dance floor through soulful crooning and further harmonies added on top…

Posted on: November 25, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

KBS – Espresso and Mackinac Fudge (Founders)

Founders has normalized a few of the variants of KBS this year around with specialty 4-packs of their Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Of course, the company is making their mainline version (12% ABV) available as well. We were fortunate and received samples of each of 2020’s version of KBS. KBS – 2020’s KBS is well-balanced, ensuring that there is a bit of a burn in the initial sip. Hints of toasted…

Posted on: November 24, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Anthony Lazaro – A Minute to Midnight

Anthony Lazaro’s A Minute to Midnight is an interesting effort as it has a bright, airy sound. Hiding underneath that hopeful sound, Lazaro’s incorporated some thoughtful instrumentation. Through on a glossy veneer and you have an effort that could easily compare to the corpus of Rufus Wainwright or Michael Buble. The dynamic between Anthony’s vocals and the punctual percussion push each to an entirely higher plateau, all while the light…

Posted on: November 24, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Ariel Bellvalaire – Elastic

Ariel Bellvalaire’s Elastic is a powerful, assertive piece of pop rock that immediately showcases supersonic vocals and a very deliberate, almost “Hitchin’ A Ride”-era approach to the track’s beat. Every piece of Elastic – drums, guitars, and vox – are ratcheted up to 11. It’s that sort of bold sound (made all the more intense by a seconded set of vocals at points) that ensures that the song will tattoo…

Posted on: November 24, 2020 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Alix – Golden

Alix’s Golden is a delicate pop and R&B track that will get listeners jamming through Alix’s soft and sweet delivery. The laid-back instrumentation is a nod to the late 90s / early 2000s. Distinct, different, and unique her own, Golden is one of those efforts that showcases Alix’s talent. The song is an easy inclusion on a wide array of playlists. The range of approaches and styles that Alix includes…