Lockdown features Charlie Rose is a perfect blend of hard-nosed EDM and club-ready R&B. The tracks’ production is at such a point that a DJ could easily sneak it into a set alongside major-label performers while still keeping the momentum and energy high. Charlie Rose’s vocals are a blend of Gorilla Zoe and The Game while still possessing a unique quality that pushes the track to an entirely new plateau.…
It’s a year short of the album’s 20th anniversary, but I’m sure Oasis fans will forgive the transgression now that (What’s the Story) Morning Glory is getting a proper three-disc deluxe roll out.
Take This Love is a track that builds upon the work of seventies rockers and provides listeners in the current era with something rich and meaty to bite into. The overall production of the track is solid enough to let the vocals, drums, and guitars ample opportunity to shine alone and as a cohesive unit. The cogent sound of the tracks on Black Sky Blanket really speak to Levitas’ ability…
WydeFrame’s flow this time out builds upon the works of Fabolous and Big Boi, with hints of Jadakiss that come forth before the song ceases. The production keeps the energy of the track high, while the fat bass beats ensure that the cut will be blasted in cars throughout the autumn. There is enough variety in the subject material and overall flow that the track can stand up to repeat…
This EDM and trap – inspired cover of The Weeknd’s single is given a new lease on life. The heavy, dark sound of the instrumentation provides a solid backbone upon which Deja Mae can build. The production allows the vocal and instrumental efforts ample opportunity to shine, all while creating a cohesive and comprehensive feeling to the cut. The echoing, haunting vocals of Deja Mae will stick with listeners long after…
There is a skillful blend of pop, EDM, and R&B styles that will appease fans of Britney Spears, Ke$ha, and Lana Del Ray. March is a track that will keep listeners on the dance floor, with a backing back that links together rap, dubstep, and European dance styles. There are a number of twists and turns that are presented during this track, making for a much more fulfilling experience than…
The high-energy attack of The Royal Guard link together power-pop, punk, rock, and emotive styles into an easy to digest while still intricate effort. The disparate elements here – the supersonic vocals, splashy drums, and orchestral compositions – unite to create a track that will stick in the minds and hearts of listeners long after it concludes. The unique sound created by The Royal Guard during I Wanna Know gives…
Rough Times in America is a soulful track that resounds loudly even after the track ceases. A smart production allows each constituent element of the track to shine, meaning that the bass, drums, and multiple vocals are provided with ample opportunity to shine separately and as a contributing element. The track is a call to action, building off of the work of artists like Phil Ochs and USA For Africa.…
After more than a decade off, the Berkley power pop band Lunchbox is back with what is easily their finest collection of songs. A little goofy, but immensely fun, Lunchbox Loves You is 10 indie pop songs brimming with jangly guitars, sing-along choruses and plenty of handclaps.
I Am the Beast is a track that blends together catchy electronic, rap, and rock styles into something that is an expansion of P.O.D. and Eminem. The sheer quality of the musical arrangements during Rock-Rap Dynasty is hat sets off the title from other titles released this year. Lethal Weapon puts the instrumental side of things to the fore, creating a very quick tempo that keeps listeners on the edges…
The production of So Ashamed creates a vibrant backdrop for WydeFrame’s unique rap style, which touches upon hints of Andre 3000, 50 Cent, Killer Mike, and Young Buck. The high energy flow present during this track keeps things interesting from beginning to the end. The overall recording of the track is perfect, allowing for the lyrics to be easily digested. The track blends the gritty post-gangster rap of the early…
Foundation begins with She Hides Away, a track that touches upon progressive rock, alternative, and harder forms of music. The production is such that the dfferent elements of the tracks – guitars, drums, and vocals – are able to shine on their own as well as contribute to a very cohesive sort of opening. Awake begins with a very spacy / fuzzy guitar and shuffling drum beat before Faraday’s Zevon…
The titular effort on the Lovekill EP is a complex unity of synth-pop, The Anniversary, Say Anything, and Matt and Kim. The track is very dense and filled to the brim with different vocals, instruments, and arrangements. Amongst all of this material something honest and beautiful is created, with the introductory track dovetailing nicely into Honey. The more authoritative and emotionally heavy arrangements here showcase the instrumental side of the…
Shoegaze is still alive and well, thanks to bands like Denver-based A Shoreline Dream. Their fourth full-length, The Silent Sunrise, sounds like a band raised on old Lush, Ride and even a couple of Sigur Ros records. The nine-tracks here divert little from the basic formula of atmospheric guitars and Ryan Policky’s subtle vocals struggling to be heard over the deep lines of synth and guitars. The recording of The…
Duel is the latest effort from Vozerts, who are a cutting edge band from Macedonia. The single will immediately make fans of anyone that has listened to eighties and nineties dance music, industrial, and gothic rock. The production of the track is incredibly clear and allows all the constituent elements ample opportunity to shine through. The different elements – vocals, synthesizers, drums – all combine to make an alluring and…
Evangeline is Blind Lemon Pledge’s latest album, and captures a wide variety of styles and approaches over the album’s 10 tracks. Buley’s Farm is a very emotive and authoritative track that touches upon a much earlier blues and folk tradition. Each constituent element that contributes to this track (stomping, guitar, harmonica) is on-point. The multiple vocal harmony provides considerable energy to this track, ensuring that listeners stick with Evangeline. Jennie…
This Australian act has all of the energy and talent that they need to make the tracks on The Last of the Originals shine; over the course of 10 tracks, the band is able to establish their own unique style. Mrs Jones is a compelling track that settles in nicely to mid-nineties alt-country; hints of R.E.M. and Wilco can be made, all while the vocals provide a wonderful narrative quality…
Waterkeeper is a golden Hefeweizen that pours with lots of carbonation and a white head that laces down the glass. The initial bouquet is sugary with more acerbic hints that complete the nose. The initial quaff of Waterkeeper is very gentle and brings like a golden German before bursting forward with banana and clove elements. Subsequent sips provide malty and refreshing peaks that make it incredibly easy to finish up.…
The Posies were one of the best Power Pop bands to come out of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s (just take a moment to let that sink in…). And thanks to nostalgia and a slew of Generation X-ers now running boutique record labels, the world gets to rediscover a number of sadly over-looked beauties from the not too distant past.
Joe Purdy may have only been around since 2001, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting out an astonishing 13 records in that time frame. His latest, Eagle Rock Fire, is more of the same from this Arkansas folk/country musician.