Category: Music Reviews

Posted on: March 30, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Double Vision (Ra)w Form EP Review

Nothin to Lose is a track that utilizes deep and dark production, creating a Three 6 or B.O.B. sound for the backing beat, while the flows themselves very between Del the Funkee Homosapien, J. Cole, and XV. The track is catchy while not eschewing the street aspects of rap. The lyrical flow is incredibly tight and complex, while keeping things interesting for those that are looking for music similar to…

Posted on: March 30, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Hooyoosay Come On EP Review

Few artists are able to provide listeners with a full semblance of the band’s nuance in the course of two tracks. Hooyoosay has stuffed each track on this single with enough passion and aplomb to keep things lively. Come On is a track that touches upon the sixties and eighties with a bouncy beat and a surfish vibe that permeates all points of the song. There is a tautness to…

Posted on: March 28, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual: a 30th Anniversary Celebration

Wanna feel old? Cyndi Lauper’s breakthrough debut, She’s So Unusual, the album that launched a career and a slew of hits that took over radio in the ‘80s (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “Money Changes Everything, “All Through the Night”…) came out 30 years ago! In its honor, Legacy is putting out a two disc box set complete with demos, rehearsal takes, remixes and a live track.…

Posted on: March 27, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

TaQuita Thorns Rough and Fancy CD Review

Few musicians are able to keep listeners interested through ten tracks, much less fifteen. TaQuita Thorns has imbued each of the cuts on Rough and Fancy with enough of her inimitable style and eclectic tastes in music to ensure that fans will stick with the album from the beginning strains of “Forever” until the last notes of “Believe (Power of Love).” The production of the tracks on Rough and Fancy…

Posted on: March 27, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Friend Slash Lover Don’t Retouch Me There Single Review

  Friend Slash Lover have just cut their new single, “Don’t Retouch Me There.” The track presents listeners with hints of Chromeo, Imagine Dragons, and MGMT. With equal parts EDM and seventies-inspired indie rock, “Don’t Retouch Me There” is as much of a dance single as it is good fodder for dorm parties. The band cultivates a crisp sound on this release, while keeping the echo-heavy vocals in perfect harmony…

Posted on: March 26, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Broken Gold Residency at Hundo Beach EP CD

  Punk rock has no shortage of super groups and side projects. The big question, after one of these projects surface, is whether it will be an ongoing occurrence (like Me First and the Gimme Gimmes) or a one-off moment in time (like Rumbleseat, the fantastic acoustic folk side project featuring members of Hot Water Music that only put out one full length). Looks like Broken Gold decided to keep…

Posted on: March 26, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Boswell Beryllium EP Review

Boswell immediately inspire listeners with their title track to Beryllium. The track comes forth with a blend of alternative and indie styling, touching upon Portishead, Bjork, and Radiohead. The band’s instrumental arrangements on this introductory track are very well thought-out, providing listeners with something meaty while providing ample support for Melanie’s vocals.  No, Miser! looks back to sixties rock and psychedelic, as the constituent elements of the band craft a…

Posted on: March 23, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Eluusif Aliens Do It Better EP Review

 / 2014 Self / 6 Tracks / http://www.eluusif.com / https://www.facebook.com/Eluusif / http://soundcloud.com/eluusif Hair Like Skrillex is destined to be a single; the track never takes a breath as it takes listeners on a ride and dumps them abruptly into the next effort, Justin Bieber Is An Android. Justin Bieber Is An Android is a slower, more trance-laded effort that is able to keep the sharpness of the dubstep style while…

Posted on: March 23, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Lael Summer Burden To Bear CD Review

I Need A Man has vocals from Lael Summer that blend together equal amounts of Donna Summer and Meredith Brooks. The soul / funk groove is the perfect backdrop for Summer’s vocals which will impress with their sultry fire and impressive range.  Too Much has the same laid-back approach of mid-seventies Santana or James Brown; the raw power of Summer’s vocals bubble just underneath the calm and controlled exterior that…

Posted on: March 23, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Marla Mase Half-Life CD Review

Drown in Blue is a track that touches upon the work of Joan Jett and The X-Ray Spex. The track needs little more than guitars, drums, and a sizzling set of vocals. The bounce between front-forward rock and hooky pop-laced rock makes this into a must-listen. With this high amount of energy, Mase is able to move to the titular effort, Half-Life. Half-Life has a slower and more electronic-infused approach.…