Memory Trip is a new album from Space Engineer (the indie pop project of Sydney-based songwriter, Terry Lyndon). Much of the sound is has a dreamy and ethereal feel. One of my favorite tracks on here, How Everything Works has almost a 60’s psychedelic quality, with soft-spoken vocals reminiscent of classic groups like The Zombies. Other tracks like Circus World are poetic and boast a slightly mysterious atmosphere. Every song on here is “good,” but Modern Architecture and How Everything Works strike me as potential indie classics. Memory Trip is indeed transport you into a meditative musical odyssey and is a phenomenal album. This is an indie masterpiece from a genuine artist.
The Stillness is a new EP from Nashville singer/songwriter, Richard Schroder. This is a well established country (though this could also be classified as Americana) artist, and as such the songs on this release are commercial quality and top-tier. The tone is bright and upbeat. At their climactic points these tracks can be downright euphoria inducing. Though he’s a professional in terms of skill, the music has an organic and down-to-Earth quality. His performance comes across and very sincere, without any flashy gimmicks or smoke and mirrors. The mixes are brimming with rich melodies. Some of these jams have romantic and sentimental themes within their lively framework. My favorite song on here is probably Time’s A Wastin’ with its stellar guitar riffs, inspiring message and energetic ambiance.
Is Anybody Out There? is a new album from Wisconsin-based rock band, Mars Hall. This is clean, passionate and powerful rock’n’roll. The album itself is already making a splash with its amplified cover of the Beatles’ classic, Eleanor Rigby. The band definitely does the song justice, while giving it an energizing upgrade. The vocals on the songs are terrific. The lead singer’s voice has a 1980’s “hard rock” quality, with its emotive expression and technical prowess. Really though, the guitars make up the meat of these recordings, maintaining a peppy pace and providing catchy melodies. I couldn’t find any info to look up the backgrounds of the actual members, but these guys are so good at playing instruments, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out they were involved in some prior, legendary releases. Is Anybody Out There? is as solid and real as it gets.
ThinkJr (Sweet and Beautiful Inspirational songs for Kids!!) is a new EP that’s exactly what its title claims. The music is catchy, upbeat and fun, while offering inspirational lyrical content. This is of course children’s music, but the songs have heartening lessons that anyone could benefit from. Each track has its own theme. For example, there’s a “kindness song,” “an honesty song,” and a song which emphasizes the importance of respect. Other songs deal with embracing individuality and a willingness to try new things.
Musically, the melodies are colorful and innocent, and you’ll quickly find yourself singing along with the lyrics. The pace is peppy and kids will definitely not get bored. This is really an ideal children’s album. It manages to cover all the bases in its 17 minute runtime and balances enjoyability with learning.
Tales From the Edge of the Universe is the debut album from GRIF, a 24 year old musician from the suburbs of Philadelphia. You get the idea right away with the first track, Marlboro Memories. The sound is groovy, with a hint of funk rock. There is a subtle, stylishly employed tape noise/crackle, which gives the music a vintage, analog quality. Other tracks like the ledge have a jovial, sparkly, summertime vibe.
GRIF’s vocals blend fun, free-spirited innocence with sentimentality. His voice is upbeat and naturally good-natured. The lyrics are often humorous, but in a quirky, indie way as the recordings never descend into “singing comedian” territory. Tales From the Edge of the Universe is a good old fashioned indie album, but GRIF brings his own unique stylistic twist to these song by incorporating elements from other genres not typically associated with this kind of music. These jams would be ideal to listen while drinking lemonade with your friends in the backyard and reflecting on life.
Get Stung is a new EP from HIVEKICKER, a Raleigh-based rock duo comprised of John Flude (Dragstrip Syndicate) and drummer John Crouch (Caltrop/Black Skies/Solar Halos). They describe their sound as being “fiercely rock’n’roll,” and indeed it is all that and more. Released on Boxer Face Records, this 3-track EP packs a solid punch. I swear, after reviewing so many hip hop, pop and R&P albums lately it’s refreshing to listen to something with this level of musical prowess, and which is in line with my own personal aesthetic sensibilities. Even the retro-inspired cover (modeled after the 1973 Topps football card design) adds to the tasteful ambiance.
The guitars are sleek, high energy and powerful, with the drums bulking up the mix nicely. These guys can really play their instruments. Guitar amp aficionados will appreciate the vintage/classic guitar tones, which many musicians spend years tinkering with gear in order to achieve. The shouty vocals are charismatic and surprisingly melodic, reminiscent of old school punk (before the “whiny” pop punk trend set in). HIVEKICKER’s music is loud and invigorating while maintaining its avant garde, indie credibility and never venturing into obnoxious “bro rock” territory. This little EP rules. Get Stung was mixed by Track and Field Recording owner, Nick Petersen (Bon Iver – For Emma) and was mastered by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering LLC.
Shining Out is a new album from Minnesota-based singer/songwriter, Elisha Martin. Slated for release on June 18th, 2021, this folkish album is soulful and sincere. The guitars have a delicate and organic sound. Thanks to the stellar recording quality, you can hear every intricate detail in the strings as they’re being played. Elisha’s vocals are what really “shine” on this release. He’s an excellent singer, much better than what is typically expected in genres like this. His delivery is creatively dynamic, and he really hits those notes. Perhaps just as importantly, he also sings with sensitivity and authentic emotion. The lyrics seem spiritually oriented and the sentiments are well-represented musically. Apparently, Elisha Marin is also an art teacher. He definitely knows his stuff when it comes to music.
Sovereign is a new album from singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer, Chris Murphy. The full album is a officially scheduled for release on June 30, 2021, but some tracks like Till The World Lifts Its Head Again are already available to check out. The music is powerful and professional. It’s basically folk with elements of Americana and rock. The artist is well known for his violin playing abilities, and he delivers the goods here, with a meticulous performance that’s filled with energy and spirit. There’s a full band rocking along with him, and everyone seems to be having a blast. You can tell these guys just live to making music. It’s in their bones.
The lyrics have a contemplative and almost mysterious feel to them. There are parts which seem to relate to the struggles the world was facing with quarantine, but the principles could be applied a lot of difficult situations in life. The music is fast placed and action packed. Sovereign is an absolutely solid release. You can actually view a “behind the scenes” mini documentary where Chris talks about the album and gives a brief overview of his creative process.
Day 7 is a new album from Toronto-based artist, Jaz Valentino. Blending elements of R&B, hip hop, pop and a plethora of other genres, the songs are very eclectic. The synth-driven beats are ethereal and meditative, yet still have enough power to get your pulse going. Jaz Valentino’s delivery is melodic, smooth and often sentimental. His lyrics tend to center around themes like romance, loneliness, day to day action and philosophy of life. There are hints of spirituality as well. The ambiance of Day 7 is dreamy. It’s almost like you’re listening to someone’s thought processes play out in their head. The artists’s sincerity is admirable. Musically and cerebrally, these recordings are pleasantly satisfying.
Luved & Lost is a new single from Bex & Bright, a Baltimore-based musical duo with over ten years of combined experience in the music industry. This latest track features colorful synth melodies and an uplifting, peppy beat. While the music can’t be confined to any specific box, I’d say it’s basically dreampop, with a slightly retro, avant garde ambiance.
Even though it’s a song about having your heart broken and still being in love with the person who dumped you, the tone isn’t depressing. This music will definitely make you feel something inside. The sound is just very pretty. It sparkles actually. The synths have an 80s quality to them while the vocals have kind of an early 2000s (which was a “mini” golden age of bedroom pop in my opinion) indie vibe. The singing is perfect for this style of music. There’s a lot of energy and passion in the tone but with an underlying innocence and vulnerability. The artists aim to create a “real connection between artist and listener.” I think this song achieves that. It’s emotionally sensitive and artistically pure.
This is the type of indie music I always loved. If Bex & Bright had been making the scene in 2004, probably every person I knew would have heard of them and been a fan. The still has plenty of modern/contemporary appeal though. Production quality is solid, the performances are fresh and the content speaks to the timeless tumult of young romance. I think Bex & Bright can probably land a small showcase gig at SXSW if they put in the effort. Luved & Lost is ethereal and dreamy, but it’s a good dream, the kind you’ll still be thinking about after you wake up.
