The release of the Midnight Sessions EP constitutes vocalist Brian Hutson’s first full on attempt to capitalize on the success he’s experienced with a spate of singles. His initial single releases revealed him as a young vocalist with unusual versatility and depth readily achieving effects that it takes other promising youthful talents a decade or more to reach. Much of this has to do with innate talent, naturally, but producer…
Phil MC’S latest single It’s Christmas is a psychedelic-tinged effort that showcases an emphatic bass line, echoing vocals, and a frenetic pace that gradually open into something more contemplative and trippy. The distinct elements of It’s Christmas are able to combine into a stomping, strong song that will tattoo its melodies deep into the minds and hearts of listeners . Phil MC is able to make a Christmas track into…
The latest release from singer/songwriter-Americana act Django Mack, 100 Page Tattoo, continues the band’s creative progress while consolidating their past achievements. Few outfits working today in this style can claim the depth and entertainment value of the six songs included with this new EP release.
Otis Silver’s got a hell of a voice. On his new single, “Catch Me If You Can”, Silver is able to immediately place himself alongside performers like Jeremih and R. Kelly. We were absolutely stunned with how well the backing beat accentuates Otis’ vocals. Kidocean’s production is the glue that ties everything together, making for a single that could easily garner airplay on R&B, rap, or crossover stations. The intricate,…
Liquid Mind has crafted an engrossing release in XII: Peace. At The Center is Love opens up with confident synths that elicit imagines of a warm, inviting glade. The 6-plus minute run time of this introduction provides Liquid Mind the time to gradually move into a more richly emotive sound. There is a narrative that is weaved throughout the entirety of Peace that continues through to Communication and Person to…
Alex Stanilla creates a unique sound during his latest release, the 4-track EP WEN. Lehehiah builds off of the synth-pop of the mid eighties, with hints of Depeche Mode and Yaz influences present. Taking hints from industrial and gothic genres, this first song is a tremendous introduction to the performer.
Elena Andujar begins her new album Flamenco in Time with Fever. The track builds upon the dance of the 1980s and the R&B of the 1990s, establishing Andujar as an unique and exciting performer. The emphatic vocal / instrumental dynamic that leads listeners into the two-minute mark keeps the momentum high as more introspective and world music-styled approach. There are just so many things that are occurring at any one moment…
Never Too Late is a solid rock track from Canada’s Garrett. The track is able to link together the heavier styles of mid-1990s Ozzy Osbourne with the more introspective hair rock of acts like Enuff Z’nuff. The vocal harmonies, thoughtful guitar work, and splashy drums unite to make a catchy track.
King in the Belly’s latest single Magic Town is a funky sort of 1970s-infused rock music that draws upon the blues rock of The Rolling Stones with the vocal charisma of Frank Zappa. Emphatic guitar lines and ropy bass lines unite to create a robust, lush backdrop for the lyrics.
Matt LeGrand’s soulful cover of the Stevie Wonder classic What Christmas Means To Me further showcases Matt’s ability as a performer. The robust piano and bass line that plays at the bottom of the track further increases the replay value of LeGrand’s latest, while the inclusion of additional voices at points during What Christmas Means To Me provides a robustness to the composition that ensures that it will stay fresh…
Passion is a supremely confident track, ensuring that AWOLNATION can come forth with a considerably different approach from their last few singles. There are hints of The Killers and the same frenetic energy crafted in the late-nineties by acts like The Offspring. The falsetto of the vocals make for a nice counterpoint to the crunchy, intense tempo achieved by the drums and guitars. Together, these elements combine to make for a…
DYK creates a retro-sounding rock track with their latest single “The Procrastinator”. This single links together mid-eighties Genesis, Velvet Revolver, and Saliva into a funky, intense, and ultimately taut sound. The charismatic vocals will draw fans in while the slinkiness of the bass lines and additional synths provide a reason for fans to stay. The Procrastinator is surprisingly deep; listeners will continue to find new twists and turns each time…
Monique Barry’s Open Road is a powerfully-sang effort that blends together traditional vocal-heavy compositions with a hint of classical and more modern (e.g. U2, Mumford & Sons) style. This unique sound makes for an expansive and engrossing effort. Fans will need to play Open Road numerous times before hearing every twist and turn that Barry has included here. We were particularly impressed at the range that Monique reaches during this…
Alexa Friedman’s Meant to Be is a track that fills me with hope. Friedman puts her own indelible mark on the single with a voice that captures the low and high ends equally well. The track takes a bold new direction at the three-minute mark; this shift differentiates itself from the rest of Meant To Be and ensures that when Alexa’s vocals kick back in, they are given a whole…
Myles Marcus’ “Crazy” is a touching track that builds up momentum nicely from its first note. The track is able to work equally well in the pop and EDM traditions. With a gradually increasing tempo, Crazy ensures that fans will be sitting on the edges of their seats. Marcus’ vocals are supersonic and are able to both impart a certain sort of emotional intensity while contributing well to the overall…
Five Drexler’s “Smokers Section (Where It At)” is a catchy rap track. The rapid-fire delivery of Five Drexler’s flow is highlighted by a backing beat that draws upon the mid-2000s NYC scene, Hypnotize Minds, and trap producers.
Shane Palko’s Staring Out The Window is a telling piece of indie rock. Emotive guitar work, wide-reaching strings and a dreamy set of vocals join together to immediately draw in listeners. The narrative presented to fans during Staring out The Window is engrossing, matching well the richness of the instrumentation. Pegged at the four-minute mark, Palko’s latest single feels much larger – there’s a depth to this cut that few…
Oro’s latest single Escape features China Fox; a powerful arrangement rises and swells to keep listeners on the edges of their seats, while fans will be impressed with the sheer vocal range that is achieved by Fox. Taken together, what one will hear in Escape is an effort that touches upon EDM, pop, and singer-songwriter styles. It is this eclectic sound that distinguishes Oro from the rest of the performers…
Today, we were excited to hear a holiday single, “We’re Going Caroling” from two timeless comedians – Dick Van Dyke and Jane Lynch. The duo is able to craft a track that will work equally well no matter whether one loves the standards from the 1960s, 1980s, or today.
Laust Sonne’s ode to the holiday seasoning, X-mas Morning adds just enough in the way of festiveness to keep fans focused on in to the tremendous instrumentation and earnest sound crafted by the performers. We’re in love with the vocals – they are so smooth and proper – while the sweeping instrumentation is something that will stick with listeners long after the effort ceases to play.