Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

Vertacyn Arc Materializer Offering UP “Nicotine Chewing Gum”

Just based on the name of this band and the song, I know I am in for one wild ride! My notion is correct because Vertacyn Arc Materializer brings something completely different to the table with “Nicotine Chewing Gum”. This new single by VAM is off of the group’s album titled ‘Phlodd’ and will make…

@skopemag Review – Jen Ash – ‘No Lover Lover’

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press November 24, 2022 Following the acclaimed success of her single Crush On You, Jen Ash is back with her latest offering No Lover Lover. A track dedicated to rebuilding herself in what she calls the breakdown of a “cathartic” relationship. Doomed to fail, this relationship shaped the premise…

@skopemag Review – Pamela Hopkins – ‘Squirrel Train’

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press November 24, 2022 The ever-witty Pamela Hopkins is back with another thought-provoking introspective piece; Squirrel Train. A song that celebrates, pokes fun of, and mocks her scatterbrained mind easily distracted with ADHD. A Country track written in a blues format with the familiar train chugging rhythms to help…

@skopemag Review – Studio D’Lux – ‘Light Still Shines’

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press November 24, 2022 Set to release their debut EP in early December, Studio D’Lux teases the power and theatrics with their debut single Light Still Shines. The brainchild of Doug Kistner, this collaborative work features some of the biggest names from the most prominent mainstay acts of yesteryear.…

Tom Hampton Heading ‘Out To Pasture’

If you’re a fan of the long-running band Poco and love memorable, country rock ballads then you will love this new release by Tom Hampton. ‘Out To Pasture’ is an impeccable tribute album and also serves as a quintessential Americana record for today. Tom Hampton is offering listeners a glimpse into his vast musical history…

Richy Snyder Presents New Single ‘How Deep is the Ocean’

Nature has always been used in song to help describe romance. Certainly, no man would never compare his lover to another woman. Thus, humans need to reach beyond humanity to help approximate the grandeur of their nearly indescribable love interest. For his single, Richy Snyder has recorded Irving Berlin’s oceanic “How Deep Is the Ocean?”…

VIVIAN with Polished Cut on ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’

If you’re ready for an otherworldly experience that is mind-bending, then look no further! VIVIAN has got you covered with the intergalactic release titled ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’. Prepare to be WOWed by VIVIAN as this group brings an incredibly unique style and approach to the table. VIVIAN is taking Electro Pop and Indie music to…

Of Limbo’s New Single “Let’s Go”

At times suffocating and uncompromisingly groove-focused, there’s no getting around the riffing in Of Limbo’s new single “Let’s Go,” their latest potent dispatch from the recording studio currently out everywhere alternative rock is sold this November. You can’t have solid rock of any sort without some righteous riffage serving as a foundation to every sublime…

@skopemag Review – Rob Eberle Presents New Single “Reckless (featuring April Rose Gabrielli)”

Rob Eberle offers a hushed, reflective stance on “reckless (feat. April rose gabrielli)”. Storytelling is of the essence on here. The song feels fully lived in, completely real. Elements of folk, chamber pop, and classical enter the mix adding to its sheer immersive quality. A swirling around spirit feels doubly refreshing with each element feeling…

Waves_On_Waves and Collaborators with ‘Synthony of Destruction’

This new release is literally a global production with Waves_On_Waves collaborating with musicians, songwriters, producers and music industry professionals from all over the globe. Waves_On_Waves worked with: People Theatre (France), Mondmann (Germany), Vortex85 (Italy), STREETEMPTY (Portugal), SHIKIMO (US), Neutron Dreams (US), Katrine Stenbekk (Norway), Let Em Riot (US), Natsukime (France), Crimewave (UK), Pastel Arcade (US),…

‘Cleary’ by Sisters J

They say that first impressions are everything, and when I first came across the alternative pop duo known as Sisters J, I couldn’t help but be curiously intrigued by the regal nature of their moniker. I know that it’s silly to judge a book by its cover, but in a day and age where artists…

c h i Reveals ‘hddn Snd’

Just based on the title of this new album and the artist’s name, I can almost bet I will be hearing something fresh & original. If I was a betting man, this is one bet I would definitely win because ‘hddn Snd’ by c h i is beyond ordinary and more along the lines of…

AV Super Sunshine’s “Scarecrow (Rock Mix)”

Though subtle in its first appearance in the song, the vocal harmony in AV Super Sunshine’s “Scarecrow (Rock Mix)” is at the backbone of every provocative beat in this latest single from the underground-stationed songwriter, and while I wouldn’t say it’s the only element here that qualifies as spellbinding in tone and design, it’s one…

Fred Argir Releases ‘Despair & Ecstasy’

Fred Argir brings over 30 years of recording and performing experience to the table with his latest album titled ‘Despair & Ecstasy’. ‘Despair & Ecstasy’ is the perfect title for this new release because the record covers a wide spectrum of emotions that bounces from one extreme to the next. Never a dull moment when…

‘Prince Of Charm’ by Bobby And The Crew

Norwegian Pop Rockers, Bobby And The Crew have released their latest single. “Prince Of Charm” is a 3 minute, mid to up tempo, dance-flavored track. 3 guys and a gal, Bobby And The Crew boast a traditional line up. The band plays originals, but has the chops and the range of a cover band. Their…

“Ready Steady Go” (SINGLE) by Sick Puppies

If the name Sick Puppies looks familiar to you, you’re either part of their massive international fanbase or a recovering emo kid who came to know them from their breakout 2007 hit “All the Same.” It was a track that dug deep into that generation with its powerful lyrics and presence, and people began to really take notice…

The Real J Israel Releases New Music

Swinging with a casual beat that evolves into something capable of relaxing even the tensest of moods, The Real J Israel’s “I Am Me” – one of two songs you’ll find on his new EP Glass Half Full – is a song defined as much by its tonality as it is its tenacious sway. Singer/songwriters have been…

@skopemag Review: Otherish “Their Mistake” Single / Video

Otherish embrace the strange on “Their Mistake”. A wild mixture of jazz, pop, and psychedelic rock the playfulness has no limits. Interplay amongst the band adds to the flexibility of the rhythm. Things start and stop on a dime, without any further need for clarity. Lyrics embrace this jagged, giddy path as well, with the…

“Unfvckwitable” by Messer

The future of modern hard rock is in good hands with bands such as Messer. The young outfit’s new single “Unbreakable (Unfvckwitable)” surges with youthful yet polished power. You get the feeling when you hear the urgency in its vocal and the everyday truth of its words that the song’s message is derived from experience…

The Keystones Release “Chameleons”

’Tis the season to get spooky, and Milwaukee’s favorite rock group The Keystones are happily rising to the occasion with their new single “Chameleons,” hitting streaming services just in time for Halloween. It’s a rip-roaring rock track that feels indebted to modern rock acts like Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, and even The Black Keys —…

Chris Beland Standing Tall with ‘What I Believe’

The expression to hell and back can relate to singer/songwriter, Chris Beland in many ways, shapes and forms. From being homeless and addicted to drugs to locating his real father at age 32, Chris Beland has had his fair share of trials and tribulations in this thing called life but I say what doesn’t kill…

God bless Gerry Dantone and Universal Dice

He gives you faith that real rock and roll, not slam banging raise hell runes thought-provoking rock with muscle, still happens. I need that. A lot of people do. The band’s new singles “Last Prayer” and “One Out of Many, One” aren’t necessarily. They do, if nothing else, illustrate a point. Age matters too much…

Eduardo Presents ‘Time Machine’ – Single

From its first moments, Eduardo’s latest single “Time Machine” more than lives up to its name. The throwback rock ’n’ roll riff from the guitar feels like something straight out of a Beatles or Beach Boys track, and the lightweight chorus interwoven with lyrics that pack a punch are like something that feels as if…

The Matt O’Ree Band Present ‘Hand In Glove’ Album

“Hand In Glove” shows off the incredible chops of the Matt O’Ree Band in creating a wild, animalistic fury of classic rock n’roll. Stylistically they bring together gospel, soul, southern rock, and the blues into a cacophonous whole. Guitar work proves to be exceptional for they touch upon the unruly spirit of AC/DC at their…

Sugar Lime Blue Soaring High with ‘The Blackbird Sessions’

This new album is certainly bittersweet for Sugar Lime Blue because this record has been in the works for quite some time. During the making of ‘The Blackbird Sessions’, Sugar Lime Blue lost its founding member and bassist, Russ Dean back in 2020. Through perseverance and sheer will power, members Ashley & Dave Beth remained…

Enjoy ‘Present Company’

I don’t know how good your current company is, but this Present Company has an inviting sound and is very approachable. Come on in because Present Company welcomes everyone to this fun ‘n’ friendly show. Present Company is a Minneapolis-based group with a lot to say and you have a one-way ticket to the new…

PTtheGospelSpitter Releases “Kingdom”

Ashante P.T. Stokes, otherwise known as PTtheGospelSpitter, first forged his musical path as a hip-hop and R&B vocalist. The Atlanta, Georgia born singer/songwriter first experienced singing as a youth chanter in church and touring with his mother, a singer as well, as she toured the US and abroad with a gospel choir. PT, however, lived…

Sugar Lime Blue Ready to “Burn It” UP!

Sugar Lime Blue is an energetic band that crosses genres and is not afraid to do so. The nucleus of Sugar Lime Blue are Ashley and Dave Beth and unfortunately they lost the founding member and bassist, Russ Dean, back in 2020. With a tough loss, Sugar Lime Blue is moving forward and staying strong…

Moody Bank$ Releases Incredible R&B Concept Album FEELING COLORS

Moody Bank$ is a Texas-based R&B artist hailing from the state of California. Her unique artistic approach has driven thousands of fans her way in a few years. As an indie musician, she’s been able to create smoky R&B pop music for many fans and work with many other talented musicians. However, none of her…

Gungor – I Forgive You (feat. Isa Ma)

Adding to his already quite impressive catalog of albums and singles, Gungor has released the highly anticipated single I Forgive You. A collaborative effort featuring the elegant and sophisticated soprano vocals of Isa Ma. I Forgive You is a sleek offering as the softness and delicacy of the call and response style verses calmly and…

“Kaleidoscope” by Young Lions

Piercing but hardly colorless, the immeasurable strength with which the opening squeal of the guitar in “Kaleidoscope” starts up is intimidating and tone-setting, but it’s representative of a small dose of what Young Lions came to do in 2022. With rock n’ roll’s reputation in total and complete shambles, the legacy of its gods has…

‘Alternative Phenomenon’ By Meditative Animal

You could make a good argument for music being taken too seriously. Or at least have forgotten where it came from. With all the attention to detail, polished finished product, overheated to the point of sterile, commercially driven, focus group influenced music today, it is easy to forget its simple pleasures. Perhaps music is at…

Radio Drive Aiming High with ‘One Breath Away’

Radio Drive is a talented act out of Minnesota fronted by Kevin Gullickson who sings and plays all instruments on the new EP titled ‘One Breath Away’. Midi software was also used during the making of this record to incorporate more string & keyboard arrangements. For the drum tracks on ‘One Breath Away’, Radio Drive…

Alex Krawczyk – ‘Turning’

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press October 7, 2022 From her incredibly unexpected gem album, Le Olam, Alex Krawczyk has released another single; Turning. Following the widely successful singles; Better Days and There Will Be Light, Alex delivers a quick, fast-paced invigorating acoustic performance that charges at the listener and then cuts them off…

Jeremy Parsons – ‘Tickin”

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press October 7, 2022 The global pandemic has affected everyone differently, for Jeremy Parsons, however, he took this opportunity for self-reflection. The result of this reflection cultivated the single; Tickin’. This Country gem channels traditional Country stylings with contemporary melodies allowing Jeremy Parsons to incorporate his baritone voicings to…

Ashley Puckett – ‘Tequila’

Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan Evolution Music Press October 7, 2022 Synthesizing metaphors and blurring connotations, Country starlet Ashley Puckett delivers an expressive, intriguing perspective on searching for acceptance and feeling more noticed within the lives of others around us on her latest single; Tequila. By using the imagery of one talking to your drink, asking…