Monthly Archives: July 2017
GREYE – Windows
Daytona Beach, Florida based progressive Americana rock band “GREYE” have recently put out a new album titled “Windows” with the lead single of the same name. The album cover itself is impressive. Usually these types of bands are lacking in the aesthetics department but make up for it with good music. GREYE manages to do a teriffic job in both categories. Singer Hannah Summer’s dynamic vocals shine on the lead track as well as the others. There’s no self delusion or posing going on here. These people are great musicians that have created a solid work of art. “Windows” is a well-concocted blend of country flavor and indie pop. The band is currently touring the Eastern US, and I predict they will quickly develop a following if their live performances live up to what’s on these recordings.
https://soundcloud.com/greye-2/3-windows
Rome Alexander – L.Y.G.
Rome Alexander has a new single out titled “L.Y.G.” and is a collaboration with EDM DJ/producer Rederic. The song itself is a mix of EDM and pop, and when I listened to the intro I thought it had kind of a retro, early 90’s techno vibe. However, once you get into the song and the lyrics kick in, it has more of a contemporary feel. The melody and tone of L.Y.G. is very uplifting, a trait that lives up to the nature of this genre of music. Rome Alexander does a fine job with the vocals and the phrase “never gonna let you go” actually sticks with the listener and keeps the song in your head.
Madelyn Victoria – He Only Loves Me On The Dance Floor
Madelyn Victoria, a talented young singer-songwriter from deep South Texas, has released a single titled “He Only Loves Me On the Dance Floor.” Madelyn’s an authentic country girl, and her music illustrates that rather well. Only in her early 20’s she’s already opened for a lot of big names in country music, including legends like the Charlie Daniels Band. Something that sometimes gets lost in country music is the singing. There are a lot of great vocalists in the genre that don’t really get enough credit, because that’s not usually the focal point of the style. As evident in “He Only Loves Me On the Dance Floor,” Madelyn is actually a very good singer and could successfully perform in almost any musical style. On this track she comes across as extremely genuine as she articulates these lyrics of heartbreak and relationship frustration.
JJ McGuigan – Dissociative
Born in Wichita Kansas, JJ McGuigan is a songwriter focused on “lyrical creation.” His latest EP titled “Dissociative” showcases his songwriting ability. What’s refreshing about JJ’s music is that he isn’t just another one man band trying to mediocrely do too many things himself. He sticks to what he’s good at and does it well, leaving other parts of the song to be handled by those with corresponding skill sets. “Dissociative” strikes me as quality and “grown up” alternative rock for people who have grown out of teen angst but still grapple with emotions. The guitar tone has a really nice clean and bright shine to it without any abrasive elements. Some tracks like “Letter” have a mellow, echoey vibe which is kind of relaxing. My favorite track on the EP is probably “Home,” which is peppy and features some highly creative guitar work.
For more info:
S-EM-C – On the Go
I don’t know much about S-EM-C other than that she’s a “recording artist specializing in Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop.” I had a good feeling about her new single “On the Go” (Blackhawk Records) when I saw that the cover featured the Delorean from the original Back to the Future. The production quality of “On the Go” is exceptional for an indie hip hop song. What I most enjoyed about this track was the backing music, which was smooth and entrancing, almost hypnotic at times. Not the kind of hypnotic that puts you to sleep, but the sort of late night trance you can get into on the dance floor with the right music playing. S-EM-C is also a capable rapper and able to keep the pace with occasionally complex beats.
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/officialsemc/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-the-go-single/id1237010649
Kobi Arad – Ellington Upside Down
For a bit of background:
Kobi Arad, a professional Israeli-American musician who resides in New York, performs and composes in such noted NYC establishments as Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center and City Winery. Kobi has collaborated with Stevie Wonder (a co-production with Stevie Wonder’s manager, Stephanie Andrews and Stevie himself.) Kobi obtained a Doctorate in Music from the New England Conservatory and has released over 20 self-titled CDs. He has participated in different aired panels and interviews on IBA (Israeli national radio). In 2014, Kobi Arad received an award from the Israeli government for special excellence in Jazz and creative improvisation. Recently, Claes Nobel requested that Arad assemble 21 Grammy winners and nominees and produce them in Los Angeles with a band called Ganda Boys. His song ‘Forever’ recently won Silver Medal for Exceptional Achievement from Global Music Awards.
Kobi’s latest endeavor is his new CD “Ellington Upside Down,” which is something of a worthy musical homage to the late great Duke Ellington. It doesn’t take much listening to recognize that Arad is an excellent piano player and professional composer. What I’m also impressed by though is the recording technique, which manages to capture an authentic 20th century Jazz ambiance. A lot of people can produce great sounding jazz music, but these songs actually feel like you’re there experiencing the real thing. They have an organic, analog quality to them. Musically, Kobi works the keys with precision and lightning speed. This is a very high quality release and an admirable tribute that lives up to the name it’s intended to honor.
Aaron Beri – Connected
Aaron Beri, an Australian-based singer/songwriter, recently released and is promoting his debut album, Avalanche. The album itself features nine tracks, but we’ll be focusing on the lead song, “Connected.” It’s reverberating, spacey synthpop but with more of an R&B twist. The best way to describe it would be if you combined Erasure’s music with a contemporary Top 40 pop vocalist. Beri is clearly a professional quality singer and isn’t shy about singing about personal subjects like the delicate intricacies of relationships. when discussing his album he reveals that he “named it Avalanche as the tracks are about the cold and destructive side of love.” Knowing this is key to understanding the song, Connected. It’s naturally the first track on the album, because forming a strong connection with someone is often the first stage of a relationship. The Avalanche comes later, and if the connection forged was/is strong enough…the love will endure the collapse.
Fore more info:
http://www.aaronberi.com
http://www.facebook.com/aaronberimusic
https://soundcloud.com/aaronberi/connected
Ed Roman – Red Omen
Often times when I review albums from certain genres I don’t normally have much familiarity with, I have to try and put myself in the artist’s shoes, imagine their target audience and try to get a feel for what it is they’re going for and to what extent they’re achieving their desired sound. However, in the case of Canadian based singer/songwriter Ed Roman’s new album “Red Omen,” I don’t really have to do any of that because his music is the sort of thing I actually like and listen to. He describes it as an “earthy, funky and magical mix of music,” which seems accurate to me. It comes across as “funky folk.” It’s occasionally fun, sometimes serious/sad but always down to earth and above all…well made.
Side note: When I saw the name “Ed Roman” I thought it seemed familiar, because I remembered a somewhat infamous guitar maker with the same name ( he died several years ago.) This is not the same guy obviously.
Anyhow, Ed Roman’s “Red Omen” is a gem of an album. The title track is probably my second favorite song on it. It reminds me a little bit of quirky 90’s indie pop songs and stuff like The Aquabats. It is creative, fun, and impressively performed by the standards of this genre of music. Another standout track is “time itself” with it’s psychedelic backing that almost gives you the actual sensation of traveling in time (I can only speculate.) The best song though is “I Wish the Wolfman Was Back,” which should be an instant classic. Great work by Ed Roman. I enjoyed this music thoroughly and expect to hear more about this guy in the future.
On iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/red-omen/id1118673318
Buni Milani – Ride
Buni Milani’s new single “Ride” has an almost 80’s power girl rock or new wave vibe, which is interesting because Buni recently released a project that was called “The New Wave” (which may or not have anything to do with new wave music from the 80s.) The backing music is commanding and action packed. Producer Spider Deuce did a great job in putting all this together to form a solid track. Milani for her part carries the song well. Her vocals come off as passionate and emotive enough to engage the listener and make them feel like they are right there along for the ride.