Category: Music Reviews

Posted on: November 23, 2017 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Liam Gallagher – As You Were

Much like Ray and Dave Davies before them, the Gallagher Brothers have nearly let their rivalry and constant sniping at each other almost entirely overshadow their talent. But as Liam Gallagher shows with his first proper solo effort, “As You Were,” when he’s focused on the music, he is one of the best pop singers going nowadays.

Posted on: November 21, 2017 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Black Sabbath – The End (DVD + CD)

In 2017 it’s difficult to believe any band that says their last tour is their last tour. Thanks to a list that includes musicians like Kiss, The Who, Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, um Ozzy Osbourne, you can’t help but roll your eyes when “farewell” is tacked onto the band’s tour t-shirt.

Posted on: November 18, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Ditz – Don’t Cry Wolf (Featuring Andy Court)

Ditz’s new single Don’t Cry Wolf is a powerful EDM track in the vein of Avicii and David Guetta. The assertive beat and smart synth-heavy arrangements will get listeners on the dance floor, while the contributions by Andy Court add a human component to the single. Together, these elements that listeners will be caught up in the unique but familiar sound crafted here by Ditz. The human and computer dynamic…

Posted on: November 18, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 2

Donna Zed – Morphine EP

Donna Zed is the rare example of a performer that can tell a full, deep, and detailed story over the course of an extended play (EP). Listeners will be given a very passionate and impactful performance during the release’s first single, High on Desire. Little is needed on this introductory effort than a piano and Zed’s inimitable set of vocals. Donna’s performance during the EP’s first statement is impressive. The…

Posted on: November 18, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Dizzy Box Nine – Electric Illusion

Open Up To Me is the first track on Dizzy Box Nine’s new album, Electric Illusion. The track is fun in that it blends together a number of distinct 1990s styles. Fans can hear hints of pop-punk (early Blink-182), a bit of jam band (Rusted Root, Dave Matthews), and even a hint of reggae before the track concludes. We’re a big fan of the very human component that comes forth during this…

Posted on: November 18, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Kemikal Storm – Spiritual Rebirth

Kemikal Storm’s Spiritual Rebirth is a track that skillfully blends together EDM, ambient, and new age music in a fashion that will draw in a wide swath of listeners. The ability of Spiritual Rebirth to tell a story through each distinct section is unparalleled in instrumental minutes. Each disparate element in Spiritual Rebirth is bold enough to stand on its own while contributing mightily to a unique sound. Kemikal Storm…

Posted on: November 17, 2017 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

The Church – Man Woman Life Death Infinity

Australia’s long running band The Church have had an envious career. Together since 1980, they’ve consistently managed to turn out one great record after the next and tour consistently without breaking up or even taking the expected decades-long hiatus like many of their contemporaries. There has been speculation over the years that singer/bassist Steve Kilbey would leave the band, but ultimately it was longtime guitarist Marty Willson-Piper who ended up…

Posted on: November 15, 2017 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Pistoleros – Silver

The Tempe-based roots rockers Pistoleros are hardly a household name. But, damn, they sure deserve to be. With only a handful of studio albums to their name, the five piece is celebrating a reinvigorated line up and their 25th anniversary with the stand out “Silver,” easily the best in their five-LP canon. Throughout the years, members of the Gin Blossoms and other local bands have joined and left the ranks, but…

Posted on: November 15, 2017 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Finding Joseph I (DVD)

Even among musicians, Paul H.R. Hudson is certainly interesting guy. As leader of the seminal D.C. punk band Bad Brains, his primitive vocal style has influenced hundreds and just as it seemed the band was finally taking off, he left the group. He flirted with religion and switched his focus to Reggae when the world was finally coming around to his take on hardcore.

Posted on: November 14, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Checking in with Palm Baker

Today, we are speaking with Toronto performer Palm Baker. Can you give us a little background information about yourself? How did you get into music? Yeah, uh, I guess a bit about me – I’m a singer, songwriter, producer, & DJ working out of Toronto. I was born in Mississauga, but grew up in Brampton. No one outside of the GTA knows/cares that Brampton exists though, & if they do…

Posted on: November 13, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Sonic Cartel – S/T EP

Sonic Cartel’s new EP begins with Fires, a track that blends together punk with alternative rock with a high enough momentum to keep listeners involved in the next three tracks. Point of View blends together angular rock and emphatic drums to tattoo the song’s melody deep into the minds and hearts of fans.Consumed changes up the band’s style to adopt more of a reggae / Porno for Pyros style. It…

Posted on: November 13, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

I, Useless – Out of this

I, Useless’ Out of this is an interesting and unique track that ties together electronic and alternative styles into a slinky, dreamy effort. The distinct sides to the track – the more ethereal vocals and the chunky bass lines – are lashed together by an on-point percussion. The resulting automata is something that has a tremendously deep instrumentation and an impactful emotionality. Fans of Owl City and the Flobots will…

Posted on: November 13, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Jesse Eplan – Earthquake (feat. Inf the God)

Jesse Eplan’s Earthquake is a track that blends together a T-Pain style of rap with hints of Riff Raff and Wiz Khalifa. A trap beat provides proper highlighting for Eplan, while the feature by Inf The God keeps things popping until the single’s last note. The hookiness of Earthquake’s chorus will burrow its way deep into the minds and hearts of listeners. By refreshing the late-oughts rap style with a…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

GV “Tunnelz”

GV “Tunnelz” has hints of Freddie Gibbz, Tyler the Creator and Tech N9ne. Dark subject material and a tremendous ability with the spoken word ensures that listeners will be focused in to any utterance from GV. The rapid-fire flow of Tunnelz works nicely alongside the industrial, cityscape-like backing beat. GV is the rare example of a rapper that can do more than just tell a story – he adds considerably…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Arisen From Nothing “Chaos”

Arisen From Nothing’s “Chaos” is a furious hard rock / metal track that starts with a breakneck speed. Sizzling guitar work, screamed out vocals, and boldly resounding drums unite to make something ferocious. There are nods to a number of distinct metal genres in Chaos. Hints of Hatebreed-styled hardcore, modern hard rock acts like Five Finger Death Punch and Avenged Sevenfold, and even sludge metal acts like Clutch and Corrosion…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

Kristy Chmura “Nothing’s Right”

Kristy Chmura’s “Nothing’s Right” builds off of the female singer-songwriter style of performers like Carole King and Carly Simon. The tempestuous instrumentation presenting during Nothing’s Right provides an additional twist to an already impressive style. Brooding emotions, a dark/light chiaroscuro, and utterly talented arrangement make this into an impressive work. There are numerous layers to Nothing’s Right that will have fans continue to play the effort. Kristy Chmura creates something unique…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 1

Anana Kaye “American Smile”

Anana Kaye’s “American Smile” open slowly with little more than Anana’s vocals and a soft guitar line. The drums follow up shortly after, and as the single continues to play, Kaye is able to gradually shift to a richer, modern interpretation of Americana/folk styles. Hints of Stevie Nicks and Cyndi Lauper can be heard here. Fans will need to play American Smile multiple times before hearing every twist and turns…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 2

My Silent Bravery “Girl You Think You Know”

My Silent Bravery’s “Girl You Think You Know” is a stripped-down track that gives the vocals ample chance to shine. The thoughtful instrumentation that is laced through this single swells into a wholly unique melange of pop, alternative rock, and modern country sounds. Emotion and passion are present in droves here, with the resulting effort building upon the style of acts like the Goo Goo Dolls and The Wallflowers. A magnificent production makes…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 2

The Dead Daisies “She Always Gets Her Way (All The Same)”

The Dead Daisies are back with a new single, “She Always Gets Her Way (All The Same)”. The track deftly blends 1980s hair metal with a current hard rock approach. Fans of Motley Crue and Ratt will find something they can appreciate, while the sizzling guitar work is top-notch. A slightly gritty set of vocals imbues the single with a weathered sound; this is an effort that will tattoo its…

Posted on: November 12, 2017 Posted by: James Comments: 0

TLUXX “7th Angel” and “Round And Round”

TLUXX have just released a pair of singles. On “7th Angel”, TLUXX is able to blend together the horns of a Pet Shop Boys with the scintillating, hard-hitting house of an Avicii. Vocals aren’t needed here, as TLUXX are able to take listeners through a wide variety of sounds and styles. A banger from beginning to end, this is infectious while having enough influences present to keep fans focused in…