CD and DVD reviews
LA-based singer-songwriter Maya Mendez steps into the spotlight this year with her debut single “Have your fun”. This single channels the emotional depth and grit of early 2000s R&B, with unflinching honesty and vulnerable vocal delivery reminiscent of Keyshia Cole’s early work. In Have Your Fun, Maya recalls her experience in an abusive relationship, using…
Austina Lee and Gareth Dylan Smith revisit a classical composition by Ludwig van Beethoven and add a new spin to the timeless piece. Lee is on piano and Smith is on drums making this an incredibly unique arrangement of Beethoven Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Opus 13 “Pathétique” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iVe4guFpEE). Prepare to reimagine this Beethoven…
Jaded Truth presents their latest album called ‘RX2’. The Canadian trio astonished and stunned the alternative rock scene with a heavy and long-standing record on April 25, 2025. ‘RX2’ is filled with an appealing amount of substantial and impenetrable work of art, while staying contemporary and creating a soundscape of heavy rock. Somewhere in between…
With elements of samba, forro and bossa nova, Unity Quartet delivers a masterclass performance with the new release titled ‘Samba of Sorts’. This is a refreshing jazz record that combines traditional and new-age styles making ‘Samba of Sorts’ a must listen! Unity Quartet looks to attract listeners worldwide with highly original compositions that pack a…
Clark Ford ft. Underground Treehouse Present ‘1961 The Musical’ Soundtrack Clark Ford ft. Underground Treehouse present their latest album called ‘1961 The Musical’ soundtrack. Clark Ford and the Underground Treehouse shocked and surprised the world with a wonderful and touching set of songs. ‘1961 The Musical’ soundtrack contains an interesting amount of prepossessing and beautiful…
The Grab Brothers Band shows the yin and yang of classic rock with “Traffic Jam” & “Lifetime.” Genres picked with the group run the gamut from glam rock to psychedelic folk pop. Whatever tactic they like, what remains the same is how they let the vocals rest at the center of the sound. Such an…
Electro-Pop sensation, KFIR, releases the new single “Bathwater” that is bubbling with excitement. “Bathwater” is the featured single off of the upcoming EP that is sure to turn heads. With hypnotic sensibilities in place, KFIR delivers a performance that will get people talking. “Bathwater” will entertain you and make for one, clean listen from top…
Rye Catchers presents his latest single called ‘Lie to Me’. The gifted songwriter out of Wisconsin, Brookfield will surprise and astound the music world with a substantial and entertaining track on April 21, 2025. ‘Lie to Me’ carries a good amount of pleasurable emotions and touches, while staying imaginative and building a soundscape of Pop…
Ken Holt doesn’t just write songs—he etches memoirs into melody. With his new single, I Did Not Know, the Florida-based troubadour continues his timeless excavation of soul, searching the wreckage of love, loss, and what-could-have-beens with the kind of grace that only comes from living through it. This isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake—it’s a blood-warmed…
Multi-cultural jazz compositions come to life on Patricio Morales’ new album titled ‘La Tierra Canta’. Classical guitarist Patricio Morales combines his Chilean roots with elements of classical, jazz and world. There is a sentimental value here for Patricio because the nine tracks on ‘La Tierra Canta’ were written when Morales was just starting out as…
Chilled-out jazz licks with synthesized bliss are woven together on ParaDyce!’s aptly named “Pacific Coast.” Rhythms keep things slow, the way they do things on the West Coast. There is something nice about the gait: it emphasizes the crystal clarity of the sound. Everything works, and the melodic richness shifts from instrument to instrument. By…
What do you get when an award-winning journalist/lyricist and versatile punk-rocker join forces? You get the dynamic duo of Bryan Russo and Ryan Abbott tearing up the underground Indie scene! Fresh off the breakout, debut release of ‘In The Key of WTF!’, Journos is back with a vengeance with ‘The Burning Question’. Journos is continuing…
Robert Sarazin Blake is a talented singer/songwriter who has a knack for storytelling and writing songs that relate. His latest release, ‘Let The Longing Run Wild & Free’, is Robert’s 13th album and it runs the gamut of human emotion. Robert throws in a splash of nostalgic charm and allows the listener to think back…
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix is a jam band for the ages bringing a sound and style that is refreshing and invigorating. ‘Crowin’ Around’ is the 18th album for Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and the band has toured the world extensively for over 25 years. Combining elements of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, folk, gospel…
I heard Nuke The Soup years ago and was instantly a fan! This band had such a contagious vibe with a signature sound that I immediately gravitated toward. I can honestly say Nuke The Soup didn’t miss a beat and if anything got better with time on the new release titled ‘Dancing On The Edge’. …
The Mezcaltones present their latest album called ‘Big Hat No Cattle’. On March 7th, 2025 the talented band out of Sydney, Australia shocked and astonished the music scene with an appreciable and pleasurable record. ‘Big Hat No Cattle’ contains a heavy amount of gratifying sensation and color, while staying innovative and creating a soundscape of…
One of New York’s finest from the underground hip-hop world is coming to you live! Flippin’ Gothic Fabp can rap for days and proves it at The Under St Marks Theater Open Mic in NYC. This is a recent performance in 2025 and showcases Fabp as one fresh rapper on a mission to put underground,…
Kathy Sabol presents her latest album called ‘The Great Divide’. On August 30th the talented singer songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA surprised and astonished the world with a new and profound record. ‘The Great Divide’ delivers an evocative feeling and touch, yet it stays innovative and spawns a soundscape of modern and cinematic music. Somewhere in…
Jazz and orchestra music unite in harmonious fashion on Jake Hertzog’s latest release titled ‘Ozark Concerto’. Hertzog designated these pieces for jazz orchestra, guitar and string quartet and the result is magnificent! ‘Ozark Concerto’ is split up into seven parts and each composition tells its own unique story. This large-scale project includes Jake Hertzog on…
A wild, celebratory side of Rob RISE on BELIEF goes for a punchy, muscular hit with “When Susie Puts On Her Makeup.” The sound should be played as loudly as possible, with the song going for pure physicality. This arena-filling atmosphere virtually invites the listener to sing along. Beyond the love of lyricism, the guitar…
Kelly Monrow is a multi-talented artist who fully exposes “Wounds” for the whole world to experience. There’s a sincere purity to Kelly’s voice that truly stands out and captivates the audience. “Wounds” is Kelly Monrow’s latest single and this new release is rich in substance and one buzzworthy gem. Kelly Monrow is originally from Austin,…
Ranzel X Kendrick shocks the folk scene again with his latest single called ‘Backpacking’. The talented singer-songwriter carries the listener into an extraordinary and illustrious musical experience unlike others. ‘Backpacking’ feels and brings an original, immeasurable, and infectious touch, yet it stays innovative and generates a soundscape of modern indie folk and pop rock sound.…
When you merge two ingredients together to make up one appetizing product, that is exactly what WDR Big Band has done with its latest release. This new project is titled ‘Bluegrass’ and includes elements of traditional bluegrass and orchestral jazz music. The end result will have your senses running wild from start to finish! ‘Bluegrass’…
The Heard Eye surprises the music scene with their latest single called ‘All Love’. The band released the magical and intricate track on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025. ‘All Love’ feels and brings an evocative touch, yet it stays fresh and creates a soundscape of modern rock. Somewhere in between funk, jazz, Latin, and world…
Seewolf presents their debut album called ‘A Bounce of Grace’. On March 28th the talented band from the Netherlands shocked and surprised the world with a new and nostalgic record. ‘A Bounce Of Grace’ delivers an evocative feeling and color, yet it stays fresh and generates a soundscape of modern and cinematic indie rock. Somewhere…
This new release by singer/songwriter Cary Aria is all about the salty seas and beach life. ‘Seaduction’ is a culmination of Cary’s decade-long career as a cruise ship musician landing in almost 100 countries. Being exposed to so many different cultures and lifestyles around the world helps drive the new album and inspires many stories.…
This new release has a total runtime of 44 minutes and every minute counts here as Mitch Towne keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end. This is a recording debut as a leader for Mitch Towne who is an accomplished jazz organist. With Mitch Towne on the Hammond organ, he also adds two talented…
Citi Hampton Aka Treal Smoke presents his latest album called: “Fa$t Time$ and Broken Youth”. Released on December 31st, the gifted rapper out of New York took ship on a renewed and invigorating path with the iconic sounding album. “Fa$t Time$ and Broken Youth” perceives and delivers an old school vibe, yet it stays innovative…
Brooke Moriber strikes again with her latest single called: “What If I do”. On March 14th the talented singer out of New York embarked on a new and magical journey with this track. “What If I do” feels and brings a nostalgic touch, yet it stays fresh and generates a soundscape of modern Country. Somewhere…
Col Gerrard presents his latest single titled: ‘The Way I Feel’. The talented and dexterous musician’s charming and passionate single was released on February 21, 2025. ‘The Way I Feel’ almost sounds and feels like a musical experience that not only connects all emotions, but also takes the listener far away into the otherworld. Col…
Bob Bradshaw brings his gritty & grainy style of music to the forefront with his latest release titled ‘Live in Boston’. This album was recorded in just one day at Q Division Studios in Massachusetts by Rafi Sofer while also mixed by Dave Westner and mastered by Adam Ayan. Even though this record only took…
Root Cellar Xtract brings us back to the mid 60’s and early 70’s when that classic country rock sound was on fire. Hailing from Cincinnati, RCx draws listeners back to the hills of Laurel Canyon, California where this style was born. Root Cellar Xtract adds its own soulful touch to the mix bringing a very…
Daniel Garbin is a highly-skilled guitarist and sitar player who has put together seven original compositions that make up ‘Rising’. This new release incorporates a variety of styles that will drive your senses wild and quench your musical thirst. ‘Rising’ is a jazz record that offers much depth and a distinct richness making for one…
Bluegrass has always had a way of looking backward while moving forward, and Ashleigh Graham’s latest single, “Who We Were Back Then,” is a masterclass in doing just that. Set to release on March 7, 2025, this duet with the legendary Russell Moore is a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and the memories that linger…
Paul Graves has always been one with nature and music and his latest song, “Move That Mountain” is a true testament to that. Not only do you get to hear a new original song, but Skope readers will also receive a stunning video to go along with the single. Paul Graves took a picture slideshow…
Of Limbo’s latest single, “Joke’s On You,” showcases a bold fusion of hard rock and retro grunge that is both introspective and empowering. Part of their upcoming OF LIMBO Unplugged album (set to be released later this year), the Long Beach, CA-based band is carving out a niche in the acoustic realm with this track, representing a significant…
Laura Sawosko’s new album is Not What I Do, continuing her line of Singer-Songwriter genre with country and Americana overtones. She has her own, unique sound, her own, unique genre spin, and Not What I Do feels like a penultimate accomplishment for now as her first record with major backing. “The most meaningful project I’ve…
You will instantly gravitate to Joe Boris because he has a likability factor as an artist that is undeniable. The aura that surrounds Joe and his music is a positive one and ‘Arising’ is upon US! This new release from Joe Boris features 13 original songs and will delight audiences everywhere! Joe Boris is no…
Dave Miles presents his latest single called: “Dichotomy”. Originally from Canada, the accomplished and talented musician recently released the dangerous and proficient single on January 17, 2025. “Dichotomy” almost sounds and feels like a musical highflier that not only wanders off into the rough edge, but also reminds the listener of the importance of rock…
Freemoor’s new release, “Affliction,” lands with the force of a sonic freight train, merging the raw energy of modern rock with unexpected electronic interludes that challenge the listener’s expectations. Hailing from Las Vegas, this emerging artist takes a familiar theme—our perennial fascination with the tragic, misunderstood creative soul—and twists it into a narrative that is at…
