Category Archives: Reviews

J DaVon Harris – Egyptian Dreams

1200x1200bf-60 (1)

Egyptian Dreams is a new single from hip hop artist, J DaVon Harris. The title proves to be appropriate, as the backing beat indeed has a dreamlike and ethereal quality, with its modest paced-rhythm reinforcing the “mood” of the track. Some of the vocal effects are artistically effective to this end as well.

For his part, J DaVon Harris gives a charismatic and reflective performance. Unlike many rappers, he can actually sing pretty well, and his melodic delivery often incorporates strategic harmonies. His delivery style is conversational and contemplative. It’s laid back and chill, but his vocal presence is also commanding enough to assert itself and give the song a layer of intensity. The production is crystal clear and professional. There isn’t a bunch of autotune or unnecessary processing. Egyptian Dreams is an intelligent release that’s creatively structured, well-executed and sonically satisfying.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XkrdAeIcPbbE2PfPRLYie?si=CceY5YDiTJKjEH1XGe4VnA&dl_branch=1&nd=1

D.U.Nx.G. (D.U. Next Generation) – Evolution

Webp.net-resizeimage (10)

Evolution is a new single from hip hop group, D.U.Nx.G. (D.U. Next Generation). This groovy and flavorful jam is awesome. With its laid back style and fresh backing music, it has the feel of a an old school, classic hip hop song. The lyrical delivery is smooth and flows artfully, without ever coming off as overly assertive of tryhard. We’re treated to talent and personality from start to finish. I highly recommend the video, with has a retro quality and could have appeared on Yo! Mtv Raps back in the day. Evolution is top quality, and I feel like a lot of other artists could learn from these guys how to craft a timeless and pristine hip hop song.

For more info:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dunxgdigitalundergroundnextgeneration1/evolution
https://www.instagram.com/dunxgeneration/

Echo Messenger – Rocky Gibraltar

Echo Messenger cover art

Rocky Gibraltar is a new single from Echo Messenger (the musical project of James Bracken). This peppy, synth-driven track is surreal and action packed. Though this has plenty of contemporary flair, it wouldn’t seem out of place on an 80’s film soundtrack like The Wraith or The Lost Boys. This is synth rock music at its best, featuring mesmerizing melodies, with a slightly dark edge and an engaging intensity.The guitars really amp up the vibe. In fact, this song does a nice job of keeping things dynamic by constantly changing/evolving throughout. The vocals still manage to be kind of catchy despite allowing the instrumentals to take such a prominent position in the mix. Rocky Gibraltar is just a rad song, that’s well-produced and hits all the marks.

For more info:

https://echomessengersongs.com/
https://twitter.com/echomessengers
https://www.instagram.com/echomessengers/

Molly Jenson – Goodbye

GOODBYE (album) Cover small (1)

Goodbye is a new album from artist, Molly Jenson. This impressive release manages to be both cutting edge and beautiful. The retro-futuristic synths are some of the best I’ve ever heard and render this song an instant classic. Against a relatively dark, ambient and dreamlike backdrop, Molly’s vocals shine, living up to the stellar instrumentals that frame her voice. She’s an excellent singer and just has one of those voices that seems built for avant garde, indie pop. Having said that, this album definitely has potential to have mainstream appeal, particularly with audiences that enjoy artists like Bjork, ABBA or Sinead O’Connor, though Molly has carved out her own distinctive style. Goodbye demonstrates that Molly Jenson is one of the more promising singer/songwriters of her generation.

For more info:

www.mollyjenson.com
www.instagram.com/mollyjay
www.facebook.com/mollyjenson

Arienne Hearts Charlie – The Greatest Show

Webp.net-resizeimage (9)

The Greatest Show is a new album from Arienne Hearts Charlie. Scheduled for an official release of September 17, the songs on this release feature romantic themes. Blending elements of R&B with exotic guitar melodies, the music has a very intimate and personal quality to it. Heartfelt expressions are central to both the performances and the overarching tone. The vocals and guitar are conveyed with delicate sensitivity. My favorite track on the album is Solitude, which has a jazzy and almost classical lounge feel. Overall, The Greatest Show is an emotionally evocative and musically satisfying work.

For more info:

https://www.arienneheartscharlie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/arienneheartscharlie
https://www.instagram.com/arienneheartscharlie/

hendren – Hasjasjeen

coppersky berlin 24

Hasjasjeen is a new single from artist, hendren (real name Marty T. Zwart). Blending elements of R&B and stylishly avant garde, melancholic pop, this thought provoking track is a true indie gem. Subtle, dreamlike vocals are backed by futuristic synths, a crisp beat and groovy basslines (credited to Robert-Jan Zwart). This song is just very well-crafted and artistically precise, the extent of which can be further appreciated by watching the accompanying music video. The ambiance is slightly dark and abstract, while the pacing is peppy and energizing. Hasjasjeen is more than just a mere jam. It’s a full on, meditative and ethereal, virtual reality experience. The track is set to appear on hendren’s debut album, Hendren 1, which is being released in September of this year.

For more info:

Alan Gogoll – Sunset Heart

Alan Gogoll

Sunset Heart is a new song from Australian acoustic guitarist and composer, Alan Gogoll (who was recently named Acoustic Guitarist of the Year by Guitar World and Guitar Player magazine). This acoustic instrumental piece appears on his latest EP, EP Wombat’s Lullaby. Written while Alan was living in France, Sunset Heart is rich with delightfully bright melodies and colorful detail. The ambiance has a nostalgic innocence to it. Musically, it’s very advanced, yet it retains a youthful spirit. The audio quality is such that listeners are treated to every delicate detail in the audio.

Sunset Heart

Artfully condense, Sunset Heart packs a plethora of sparkling notes within its brief runtime, and there’s a beat that enters into the equation as the emotive action builds. It’s worth mentioning that Alan is known for having pioneered a two-handed simultaneous artificial harmonics technique he has called “Bell Harmonics.” He brings that same creative spirit to Sunset Heart, a beautiful and authentic track.

For more info:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/alangogoll/wombats-lullaby

Wild Other, The Sun Behind the Cloud – my boo

Webp.net-resizeimage (7)

my boo is a new single from Belgium-based artist, “Wild Other, The Sun Behind the Cloud.” Enveloped in a dreamlike ambiance, this soft and sentimental track is charmingly hypnotic. Backed by a mellow, yet peppy beat, the vocals are emotive and sincere. The lyrics have a very intimate and personal quality to them. As the title might indicate, the listener gets the sense the song is meant for someone special. There’s an almost voyeuristic element that we feel like we are listening to someone’s private diary or a reading their love letters. The emotional depth and romantic undertones are genuine. Musically the song is quite enjoyable. It’s very fluid and melodic, and the vocals are extremely soothing. my boo is a poetic and heartfelt indie pop jam.

For more info:

0.Fuxx – Good Times

goodtimes

Good Times is a new single from hip hop artist, 0.Fuxx. In addition to having one of the more memorable monikers, 0.Fuxx has a chill and laid back delivery style. He maintains a fluid lyrical flow throughout the recording, and his voice matches tonally with the ambient backing music. His performance is really smooth, and the timing is on point. The delivery just sounds very natural and down to Earth. This is a solid jam for any kind of “kickback” party or late night drive. The beat is pretty tight, so you can crank up the bass if you’re in the mood to spice up the experience. Apparently, he’s running his own record label, appropriately named @DGAFRCDS. 0.Fuxx is a rather prolific musician and has a number of other releases under his belt. I recommend you check them out.

For more info:

https://linktr.ee/0.Fuxx

Eli Manna – The God Complex

eli

The God Complex is an upcoming album from artist, Eli Manna and is scheduled to be released on October 15th. However, we managed to get our hands on a copy to get a little sneak peek. This album is notable for the fact that it contains 10 separate genres. I actually found it kind of fun to go through the songs and try to guess which musical style a specific track was intended to represent. Impressively, Eli is somehow able to hold together everything in an artistically cohesive way. The songs all feel like they’re connected to the same project. Nothing seems out of place on the shelf, despite the variety of flavorful jams.

Tonally, these songs all have an upbeat and jovial vibe. You really get the sense the artist(s) are enjoying every minute of the creative process. Spirituality and positivity are underlying themes in the lyrics, and if you pay attention, there’s a narrative storyline. The backing music is often groovy and delightfully melodic. It’s smooth and refined, while the beats have enough of a pulse to keep the dance party flowing. The rock-oriented tracks toward the end of the album showcase Eli Manna’s versatility as a musician. The God Complex is a groundbreaking release that will hopefully get the exposure it deserves. Mark your calendar for Oct 15, and keep your eyes peeled for this one to drop.