Erica Lee is back to spread more, must-needed Sunshine in the music world. Dubbed as “The Hardest Working Woman in Country Music”, Lee proves this by indulging fans from all walks of life with her tenacious spirit/attitude. Erica Sunshine Lee is a real firecracker and one of Georgia’s finest proving that the peach isn’t the…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Bongo Boy Records Releases ‘Various Artists – Millennials 1’
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Giddy synthesizer magic lets Sharon Lia Band’s “Fairytales (Now I Know)” bounce with tremendous energy. Embracing a pop house aesthetic, the song builds. Vocals have a great chillness to them as they unfurl pitch-perfectly. Korvez brings industrial, ambience, and EDM together into a soothing whole on “Gravity Defied feat. JR Hilcher”. Stripping things down to…
Terry Ohms releases ‘Terryfirma’
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/terryohmsandthem/ Rigidly arranged drums color the opening bars of the song “Mind Blow” as we enter the hollow, chilling grounds that Terryfirma, the new album by Terry Ohms, makes it home upon. It doesn’t take much time before Ohms slides into focus, penetrating the robotic beat of the drums with his signature vocal stylings and…
RV Farms’ New Single “Too Much”
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A galloping beat stutter-steps as it comes into the spotlight, hesitant of its place in the forefront of the dynamic mix that brings RV Farms’ new single “Too Much” out of the silence and into the full-bodied warmth of our stereo speakers. A synthesized melody ominously skirts the line between dissonance and sheer unadulterated ambience,…
Solo 7 New Single “Just Wanna Dance”
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This isn’t your “Get Down On It” or “Shake Your Groove Thing”-type song but is centered around a first dance of sorts. Solo 7 is one man on a mission to tackle the theme of mustering up enough courage to ask that girl/first crush for a dance. Solo 7 is lovin’ life and hopes to…
‘NEON HIGHWAY BLUES’ Release By GARY HOEY
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This new release has old friend Gary running through virtually every phase of blues/rock with assistance from Eric Gales, Ian Hoey, Josh Smith, and Lance Lopez. It’s always nice to listen to a release that changes pace and sounds throughout. Whether it’s straight up blues, rock, or just instrumental, GH attacks it with a vengeance.…
Ronnue comforts the weary soul of funk fans everywhere w/ “Something About U”
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Kicking off the New Year with not one but two independent mixes of his new single “Something About U,” Seattle-based R&B crooner Ronnue comforts the weary soul of funk fans everywhere with this new track that is steeped in a familiar sound re-stylized for a complex and cultured generation of listeners. “Something About U (The…
Tom Flynn Releases “Automatic People”
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It’s hard to believe that this is a debut considering Tom Flynn has been playing live music since 1989. Back in high school, Flynn teamed up with his friend Tom Brislin, who has worked with YES, Meatloaf, Debbie Harry among others, and formed a band called Tachyon. Since then, Tom Flynn went on to play…
Bongo Boy Records Release New Single By Iron Core ‘Louder’
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Iron Core delves into a hard-rock, freewheeling sound on the aptly named “LOUDER”. Volume is a must for the song is meant to be played as loudly as possible. With lyrics emphasizing a fast-living wild and chaotic life the piece simply stuns. By tapping into rock n’roll’s unruly spirit Iron Core shows what rock really…
The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina release new LP
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URL: http://www.merrymakersmusic.com/ In a cloud of smoke and with a bluesy strut that is straight out of the 60’s, The Merrymaker’s Orchestrina slide into focus with “Hey Everybody,” the first track of their new albumLittle King and the Salamander (demos). Designed to draw listeners in through a gorgeous explosion of colors, textures and sonic grooves…
Mark Ambuter release new single “Love Is Everywhere”
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Mark Ambuter goes for a soothing, universalist style on the passionate rhythms of “Love Is Everywhere”. Done with the utmost of ease, everything about the track radiates a sense of contentment. The happiness of the lyricism adds to this overall sense of pure togetherness. Possessing a keen ear for melody, Mark lets the entire piece…
Sex People Offer ‘Cal-Island: Season 1’
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Synthesized melodies, sizzling vocals and plastic-faceted basslines forge a batch of surprisingly authentic grooves in Sex People’s Cal-Island: Season 1, out everywhere this January. The debut EP from the much-buzzed Californian duo comes jam-packed with boisterous beats and cratering emotionality delivered through provocative lyrics and highbrow arrangements that defy mainstream pop’s stylistic limitations. Anchored by the…
Danise Esswein releases debut EP, ‘Love Is Here’
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Danise Esswein’s fiery spirit ties together the passionately felt “Love Is Here”. Effortlessly combining elements of country, pop, rock with thoughtful Christian undertones the EP simply stuns. Guitar work goes for an intricate take, both going soft and hard, proving Danise Esswein to have quite eclectic taste. Arrangements build off each other, with each piece…
Rick Shaffer Releases ‘Creatures of Impulse’
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Rick Shaffer most certainly is a Creature of Habit, in a good way, because he sticks with a formula that works—KICK THE DOOR DOWN music. Shaffer continues to offer that distinct garage band effect that works so well and adds a classic touch to the overall sound. I had the chance to review Rick Shaffer’s…
AV Super Sunshine releases “Candyland Volume 1”
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AV Super Sunshine creates a sugary rush of pixelated happiness with “Candyland Remixes Volume 1”. Utilizing the template of EDM and completely turning it on its head, the songs are filled with a childlike sense of joy. The playfulness of the pieces comes with how the rhythm and riffs come to become one. By lending…
Jalal Andre a.k.a Glorybots releases new single “Nomad”
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Glorybots opts for a beautiful, soaring sound with the haunting “Nomad”. Done with the greatest of care, Glorybots mixes indie rock with an industrial edge helping to give the song such potency. Rhythm have a driving force to them as they power through never too intrusive. By far though the true heart and soul comes…
2019 – Sarantos ‘Happy New Year’ Official Music Video
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Sarantos offers a feel-good sound for the holidays on the highly optimistic “Happy New Year” a piece whose message lingers in the mind long after it is over. Quite joyous the song is a pure celebration. Nicely embodying the hope that comes with a new year, the melody is irresistibly catchy. By far the highlight…
Freunde releases new Single “My Heart is a House”
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Zurich’s Freunde channel the gods of American country music in their new songs “My Heart is a House” and “Probably Maybe,” but make no mistake about it – their sound is anything but a throwback. Fusing together influences that span both the western and eastern folk lexicon whilst compressing big melodies into sly, unpredictably brooding…
Dizzy Box Nine Release New Music ‘Pop Fantasy’
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LA-based Dizzy Box Nine return after 2017’s – Electric Illusion, with the full-length release – Pop Fantasy. This is an indie-pop outfit by all means, but they do make efforts to be accessible with short and precise pop tunes that rock without hesitation. They provide a well-balanced mix of catchy jingles, along with a couple…
Gary Gibson releases ‘Yahboy!’
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It’s likely Gary Gibson’s Yahboy! Is an album of steel drum music like you’ve never heard it before. Be honest: When you think about steel drums, you picture a group of lively players wearing colorful clothing and performing on a scenic beach, right? Now — in the most Rod Serling voice possible — picture if…
Tough On Fridays Present “Live at Texas Indie Fest”
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I got my first taste of Tough on Fridays back in August 2018 when I reviewed their single “The Waywards”, (https://skopemag.com/2018/08/02/tough-on-fridays-the-waywards). What I heard then was one uninhibited sound by two strong females living up to Cyndi Lauper’s famous song “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”. Tough On Fridays were having fun for sure sure…
ShaQ:Muzik drops new Single “Let Me Be the One”
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Tweets by ShaQMuzik On an ethereal wave of glowing guitars and decadent synthesizers, ShaQ:Muzik comes careening through the stereo and into our hearts with the all-new single “Let Me Be the One,” a soulful, dreamy love song that captures the warm, comforting feeling that arises only through finding the love of another. ShaQ:Muzik doesn’t waste…
Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout compilation LP is here
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DAY WIND: https://daywind.com/music/gonna-sing-gonna-shout/ In the most trying of times, music can be a beacon of hope, something to cling to when the rain doesn’t seem to ever want to stop. Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout is a compilation of various bluegrass artists including Claire Lynch, Jerry Salley (who also produced the record), The Cox Family, Marty Raybon, The…
Haley Brooke shines like the star she is in “One of These Days”
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/iamhaleybrooke/ Weaving a smooth sonic tapestry with her confident and commanding voice, Haley Brooke shines like the star she is in “One of These Days” her new single and follow-up to 2017’s “Where You Are.” Built on the foundation of a gentle rhythm that slowly blossoms into a somewhat orchestral arrangement of cascading instrumentation and…
Joe Miralles Trio Release ‘Narrow Path’
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The first thing that immediately draws my attention in is the cover art where I’m seeing a long pathway heading straight into the light in the sky with thick, fluffy clouds hovering above. This definitely comes across as heavenly at first glance just by the mere presence & vivid imagery on the front cover. ‘Narrow…
The Band of the Hawk & Whoa Vada Release ‘The Mothership Chronicles’
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Whoa Baby, buckle up and get ready to navigate through ‘The Mothership Chronicles’ as Whoa Vada & The Band of the Hawk breeze on through to the funky side. The new album contains 9 blazin’ tracks and is produced by Noah Archangel. I had the pleasure of reviewing a project by Noah Archangel & Band…
Ted Hajnasiewicz’s Release “This Is What I Do”
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In the opening track of Ted Hajnasiewicz’s new album This Is What I Do, “This Town is Not for Me,” a crude, deafening silence is shattered by the smoky vocal of Hajnasiewicz, which slowly but surely wraps around us like a warm blanket in the dead of winter. The pain in his voice is inescapable; the…
Dolla Bill Releases ‘Old Schoolin’’
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Atmosphere is a big reason why Dolla Bill is so successful. “Old Schoolin’” hits with listeners immediately because Dolla Bill knows how to weave a musical spell – we’re scarcely a few seconds in before it’s clear he’s laid down an indelible groove that listeners will follow from the first. He brings together a variety…
Russ Still & The Moonshiners New Album ‘Bootleg (Batch 432)’
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Listen and enjoy the album Bootleg (Batch 432) a wonderful creation by Russ Still &The Moonshiners. Catchy lyrics, fresh and collaborated instrumental arrangements, finely cooked music are the best recognizing elements of Russ Still and the Moonshines, Georgia Music Awards’ 2015 Country Band of the Year. Recently this band has released their latest music album,…
Daniel Oberreuter of The Thirsting Live at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
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I have to say that this review is extra special and dear to me because for the first time ever I am able to cover a phenomenal performance/event at our local church! With the Christmas season upon us, Daniel Oberreuter came to town bearing gifts of spiritually uplifting music. On Sunday, December 2, 2018, Daniel…
Fabp aka Fabpz The Freelancer Unleashes ‘Classical Rap @TheRealFabp (Explicit)
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This is the fourth review this year I’ve done for the tenacious Fabp aka Fabpz The Freelancer and he continues to churn up musical lyrics in the lab with his trusty pen and pad. It’s safe to say that Fabp is going out with a bang for 2018 with the new release titled ‘Classical Rap…
The Muddy Crows Release Self-Titled EP
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The Muddy Crows goes for classic sound with their powerful self-titled debut. Blending the old and the new in equal measure, their storytelling ability recalls Tom Waits, as do the raw intensity of the vocals. Everything has a welcoming, soothing quality to it. Volume deserves to be blasted for there is a rustic charm to…
David Graff Releases New Album ‘Supposed To Fly’
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This is instant enjoyment and music to my ears listening to David Graff’s new album titled ‘Supposed To Fly’. The overall artistry and musicianship on this record is magnificent and so finely-crafted. David Graff may have started his career as a drummer but there is no doubt that his songwriting skills are soaring high on…
New Album ‘Niño’ by Juracán
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Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Dominican Republic, Pierre Carbuccia now resides in the Portland, Oregon area and has rechristened himself Juraćan for his fourth release Niño. Carbuccia adopted his new moniker as a way of reflecting abusive childhood experiences and the self-recrimination that followed – the word’s origins are in ancient Tainos…
Giliard Lopes release ‘Caminhos’
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URL: https://www.giliardlopes.com/ Giliard Lopes’ solo debut Caminhos (translated from Portuguese into English as Paths) is an inventive and durable rebuke to anyone foolish enough to believe jazz doesn’t retain continued vitality in our modern age and isn’t an infinitely malleable form. Lopes’ six song debut as a band leader mixes the Brazilian native’s core South…
ALL FROM NOTHING Release New EP ‘Eyes To The Stars’
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All From Nothing sings with a fiery passion on “Eyes to the Stars”. Done with the utmost of perfection, these songs feel alive. Riffs have an infectious joyous quality to them while they rush through with the utmost of care. By opting for a free-loving, defiant take the pieces rush through in a glorious blur…
Pale Mara Releases Self Titled LP
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A tepid acoustic guitar slips through the silence and breaks the barrier that exists between an artist and their audience in the opening bars of “Not Like I Used To,” which acts as our foray into Pale Mara’s eponymous new album. Vocals echo against a patterned backdrop of tight drumming and simple piano, trying their…
Blue Wilson Releases “Big Rock” Video
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A melancholic melody is translated into a breathtaking piece of cinema in Blue Wilson’s new music video for the song “Big Rock.” Unlike similarly stylized singles released this year, the insular tonality of the original mix is preserved exquisitely in the video for “Big Rock” and matches the surreal imagery that it’s accompanied by exceptionally…
The Travoltas’ release self-titled LP
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URL: http://thetravoltasmusic.com/ Crashing guitars, cascading melodies that run head-first into percussive buzz-saws and lyrical imagery that captures the essence of yearning and humility are all mere ingredients in the sweet smorgasbord of rich tonality that The Travoltas’ self-titled LP brings to the table this December 7th. Boasting fourteen original songs that push the limits of…
New Release: ‘Suspicious Packages 2’ Produced by Dwayne “Muffla” Simon
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Dwayne “Muffla” Simon’s expertise in the music industry stems back to the Golden Age of hip-hop when rap music was on fire and had real substance. Dwayne looks to bring back that old-school flavor and quality that’s been sorely missed and lacking in Today’s version of hip-pop/rap. It is said that “Suspicious Packages 2” could…
