The Shrimps delve into an intimate, folksy sound with the passionate “Abstracts and Keywords”. Akin to listening to close friends playing their hearts out on a porch late at night, there is something so comforting about their sound. Instrumentally the group draws from a rich variety of sound, from the choir of vocals to the…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
The Victory Drive – ‘Before I Self Destruct’
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Full of passion, the Victory Drive delves into a playful sound with the joyous “Before I Self Destruct”. Tying together dance, electro, and pop into an infectious whole, the songs are inviting. The Victory Drive’s vocals lead the way revealing a true ear for melody. Everything feels perfectly balanced, from the careful arrangements to the…
Mikhail Zagot – ‘Chosen People’
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Mikhail Zagot goes for a charming, celebratory style with the timelessness of “Chosen People”. Over the course of the album Mikhail Zagot opts for a sense of play, letting the songs unfurl in triumphant colorful ways. Arrangements twist and turn, full of surprises as they neatly incorporate elements of folk, pop, jazz, and classical into…
Soundstream – ‘Back Once Again’
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EDM or known to many as electronic dance music has more than one genre embedded within its genre. There is another known electronic genre known as eurodance or euro-nrg or euro, which is an electronic dance music genre that originated in the late 80’s out in Europe. It goes as far as combining multiple other…
Paul Childers – ‘Naked Poetry’
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Nashville homegrown, Paul Childers doesn’t recall any of the traditional country or rockabilly often associated with Music City USA. He does, however, neatly fit into the linage of top flight musical talents produced by the city and his considerable talents have earned him the notice of many industry professionals in relatively short order. His thirteen…
Shаdеd Glitсh– ‘Hit The Flооr’
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Shaded Glitсh iѕ аn indереndеnt Pор/EDM recording аrtiѕt from Boston, MA. Shaded has thе creativity tо сарturе listeners thrоugh hiѕ ѕtrоng mеlоdiс аnd hard bаѕѕ muѕiс, аlоng with meaningful, haunting lуriсѕ. Hiѕ viѕiоn fоr hiѕ muѕiс is nоt оnlу tо hеlр people еѕсаре thеir problems аnd fеаrѕ but tо hеlр listeners face аnd rеlеаѕе thеm…
Boy Band Trio – Forever in your Mind
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The L.A.-based Boy Band Trio has had a big head start, having toured North America on the 2015 DigiTour alongside Demi Lovato. Fans know Ricky from his starring role on the Disney Channel Original Series “Best Friends Whenever,” and Emery from his co-starring roles on Disney Channel shows such as “Dog With a Blog” and…
Downie Streahl – ‘I’m Alright’
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Adult contemporary when this word came across as a genre to me some time ago, it took me a back as to not understanding the genre it was really. For those who don’t know about it, it is pretty much a form of radio played music that is of the popular sense. It doesn’t matter…
Ashley J – ‘Trapped’
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Orlando based artist, Ashley J self-penned “Trapped,” and worked with legendary songwriter/producer and multi-platinum Grammy and Emmy winning, Narada Michael Walden to produce her new steamy single. The song was recorded at his famed Tarpan Studio complex in San Rafael, CA. Ashley’s sultry pipes gradually build a gravitating tension throughout the song, until it hits…
Blister – ‘No Good Deeds’
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Blister has turned the BIG 2-0 just last year. Now that sometime has passed so has the band of course. They now being of the age at 21, the years will continue to grow just as they do as musicians and individuals as well. In any case though, being together for 20 years, 10 years,…
The Corridors – ‘End Of The Times’
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Sung with great confidence, the Corridors delve into an impeccably crafted alt rock sound with the powerful “End Of The Times”. Poetic in nature, the songs are filled with bright airy textures. With great confidence, the Corridors bring hope and optimism through their thoughtful, reflective lyrics. Everything works together from the insistent groove to the…
Omid Master – “Only You” / “When I Close My Eyes”
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I have to admit that I’ve always been a bit of a music snob. To a large degree, I find pop music to be geared toward the lowest common denominator. If you think about it, for it to appeal to a wide range of people, it sort of has to be. You have to have…
Samantha Leon – ‘Bright Yellow Shoes’
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Whenever an artist or band goes as far as combining together multiple genres together to create something all their own, it could work out flawlessly or disappointedly for them. In the case of Samantha Leon she has taken into account three genre choices for her musical career path, which are folk, soul, and pop. How…
Julia McDonald – ‘Gravity’
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Here we go another person wanting to do music. Just like any other person that wants to do such and such in whatever it may be. In this case it is music of course, from an up and comer named Julia McDonald. But she is more than just another indie pop artist, breaking onto the…
Frank Migliorelli – ‘Bass,Drums,Guitars & Organs’
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Frank Migliorelli and The Dirt Nappers tap into the heart and soul of rock and roll with “Bass, Drums, Guitars & Organs”. Representing the best Americana can offer, there is true grit with the intimate, perfectly crafted sound. Besides these styles, Frank Migliorelli clever storytelling graces the entirety of the album with his strong expressive…
BUCHI
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Born in Kaduna, Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College, Uzuakoli and Federal Government College, Enugu. In 1983, he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos, obtained a BA in 1986, MA in 1988 and…
Uncle Tadashi & Da Boyz Feat. SandyT & Dino Bee – ‘Love Will See Us Through’
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With a timeless classic sound is the soothing nature of Uncle Tadashi & Da Boyz Feat. SandyT & Dino Bee’s “Love Will See Us Through”. A naturalistic airy atmosphere permeates the piece further emphasizing the optimism that helps drive the song forward. Never getting overly ornate, the thoughtful arrangement gives their voices room to soar.…
Devi – ‘Amazing’
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“One More Day”, comes off the EP “Heart Stone” by born again singer/song writer Devi. Not only was that song included on the EP, but was then made into a video to accompany said song, which was at the time a single, later turned video. Which would then be led on to being re-issued on…
Astair Nite – ‘Lovesick’
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Astari Nite first formed in 2008 and represent a thrilling evolution of influences they derive from iconic bands like The Cure and New Order. The first single from the forthcoming EP Dreams of Majesty, “Lovesick”, shows off the four piece’s unique combination of retro guitar work, modern electronica, and energetic drumming that has helped them…
Metaleptic Fit
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Metaleptic Fit is an industrial/thrash metal band based in the Chicago area, formed in 2013 and lead by The Reverend. The Reverend’s background has crossed through rock, blues, rap, hip-hop, house, and dance genres. From the beginning, he has enraptured heavy metal as a lifestyle of spiritual reverence. On the self-titled debut two track release…
Ann Faith Harris – ‘The Time Is Right’
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Ann Faith Harris was born and reared in the blue-collar music mecca of Buffalo, New York. Growing up in a household headed by her mother, a classically trained vocalist, Faith started singing hymns and anthems in her family church, St. Phillips Episcopal. Throughout her school years, she studied piano, sang in school choirs, ensembles, and…
Joseph Pagano – “More Friends In Heaven (Than In Hell)”
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Joseph Pagano sings a song of hope and redemption is “More Friends In Heaven (Than In Hell)”. With a playful attitude to it the way the song unfolds in infectious, with catchy hooks dominating the song. A swinging rhythm comes into play as the way that the song works itself into a glorious rush feels…
Jess Weimer – ‘Until You Drop’
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Jess Weimer is a nobody who wants to be somebody. Hence why she left her hometown of Wichita, Kansas to pursue her dreams of music creation. Heading to the wonderful lime light that is Los Angeles, California, where her background ranges from quite a bit of activity such as a bluegrass-fiddle band, to musical theater,…
Swaylex – ‘No Rules’
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If you haven’t already gotten to the memo, welcome to the new age. Swaylex’s YouTube uploads are a real one-man-band effort with the musician playing all of the electric guitar parts, bass, and drums. There’s utterly honest DIY productions are executed far better than some might expect and the intimacy of the surroundings is no…
Chameleon Project – ‘Funk ‘n’ Space’
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Based out of Toronto, the livetronica outfit The Chameleon Project provides a master class in genre hybridization with their unique and highly individual synthesis of funk, EDM, experimental rock, and slinky jazz grooves, among other elements. Their latest release Funk ‘n’ Space is a remarkable outing for this quartet and they pull off their sonic…
Jakob Pek “Acoustic Medicine”
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Too often today, instrumental albums promise greatness and fail to deliver because of lacking player skills, sub-par arranging and writing, and a plainly poor overall flow. Thankfully, this is far from an issue in Jakob Pek’s Acoustic Medicine album, and what might be its top track, “Sweet Memory’s Melody.” For once, to the benefit of…
Bongo Boy Records – ‘Homestead Volume One’
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Kathryn Shipley offers up a heartfelt ode with the glorious “Shine Your Love”. Crystal clear lyricism leads the way forward as the song swings forth with a classic style. Full of optimism and appreciation the song’s gradual unfolding feels masterful. “One Family Strong” shows off Hunter Sealy’s intimate approach. With only a guitar and a…
Heavy AmericA – ‘Proud Shame’
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How can someone or something be original like the legit original said thing, person, or place that it is to be original about. Sorry if that was a lot to take in, but when an artist or band goes into such detail declaring that they themselves, are for instance the “original alternative hard rock as…
Darcy Donavan –’ It’s My Life (Galilee RMX)’
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Full of energy and defiance, Darcy Donavan’s “It’s My Life (Galilee RMX)” is a compelling sound that taps into a rebellious spirit. Her voice soars full of commanding power. Lyrics are thoughtful and reflective while they emphasize a concept of individual self-worth. Such confidence lends itself well to the overall finely sculpted sound. Percussion reigns…
The Spiders – ‘Another Mile’
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The Spiders are led by Lead Guitarist and Vocalist, Nick DeStefano. Nick has performed all over North America, from the Stone Pony in New Jersey to the Troubadour in Los Angeles. He has appeared on MTV in two award winning videos from his previous bands, Faces In The Crowd and Y Fly 2 London. He…
ROUND EYE – ‘Monstervision’
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Round Eye are experimental, do feature a sax, and are no question a punk rock outfit. And yes, they are controversial and explicit, so, if that is not your thing there won’t be much to look-into. But if it is, there is plenty for the thrash lovers to slam around to on Monstervision, their new…
Les Fradkin – ‘Welcome To The New Age’
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The King of Midi Guitar himself, Les Fradkin, never ceases to amaze me by continuing to evolve with his innovative style of music. ‘Welcome To The New Age’ is just that with a whole new perspective and direction from Les guiding the listener through airy soundscapes. Fradkin and his Starr Labs Ztar incorporate elements of:…
Omiqron6 – ‘A New Kind of Lightning’
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Omiqron6 offers an otherworldly exploration of sound on “A New Kind of Lightning”. A highly unique approach is taken for this album, one which rests in-between the waking and dream world. Stylistically Omiqron6 weaves together ambient, classical, dub altogether in a quiet celebration. Rhythms exist in a mysterious fashion, as the cyclical nature of the…
Shahed Mohseni Zonoozi – ‘The Journey’
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Shahed Mohseni Zonoozi offers a sound of celebration and triumph with “The Journey”. Imbued with pure passion, the album’s sound has a mystical, enlightened quality to it. Every single sound is treated with the utmost of care throughout the album, with a colorful array of instrumentation utilized to great effect. Utilizing the sounds of both…
Jonathan Cavier – ‘Blue Room’
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I don’t think that any song here has any real issues. The album, though, is a bit lacking to me. Part of that comes from the fact that it feels too much like it’s holding back a lot of the time. It also seems to take the safe route throughout. It never really challenges or…
John Bunzow – ‘Counterfeit Salvation’
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There is a shared ground between a lot of pop music. Mind you, I’m referring to “pop music” in a very traditional sense, meaning “popular music.” In a lot of ways popular music trends vary over time. In the first part of the twentieth century, pop music often meant piano sing-along tunes, things that are…
Gentleman Jake – ‘The Black Sheep’
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Only one other place where the lyrics of “One for the money, two for the show” came into play and that was with Las Vegas metal rock stars Escape The Fate with their track “One For The Money”. Except their song lyrics for that track go along the lines of “‘Cause it’s one, it’s one,…
Laura Vecchione – ‘Love Lead’
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I want to like this album more than I do. I really like a lot of the songs. It’s the singing I’m not crazy about. It’s not the voice or even Laura Vecchione’s ability to hit the right notes that bothers me. It’s the vibrato on the voice. The whole “shaking” thing used to the…
Avery LR – “Never Surrender”
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Music has always been the freedom force for people who don’t say much normally. It gives wings to their thoughts that they have kept inside for so long that they can’t keep in anymore and they explode out of them like hot molten lava out of a volcano. This is exactly what you will feel…
Dru Cutler – ‘Hometown’
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Nostalgia has always been around for as far back as time can possibly go. But as of lately it seems as if the late 2000’s i.e. 2010-2017 present day time frame seems to bring out that nostalgia feel more so than normal. It being tossed around in different forms of media ranging from TV, film,…
