STAY! is a new single from artist, William Wood. This high energy pop/rock song has already managed to get played on BBC radio, and its easy to see why. The production quality is top notch, mainstream friendly and on the level that’s on par with what one would expect from high budget, major label releases. William Wood goes about as far as you could go with an indie jam.

The beat is tight, and there’s some decent bass. Rockin’ guitars give the sound a nice, assertive kick and help to differentiate the vibe from something like EDM. This is one of those fast paced pop tracks with euphoric action coming from all directions. The mix is full and bright and provides perfect party atmosphere. William Wood is a capable singer, but just as importantly, his performance is brimming with enthusiasm, affable personality and casual charisma. Lyrically, this is a romantic song featuring a passionate appeal to rekindle passions with a former crush/partner. The presentation though is fun, and upbeat. There’s nothing dreary here. Ultimately, the specific subject matter of the song won’t matter much to the people on the dance floor, who will be too busy going wild and singing along. STAY! is a solid release that knows exactly the kind of song it wants to be and succeeds in getting there.

For more info:

https://musics.link/williamwoodstay1

Giving It 54% is the debut cassette album from Springfield Missouri-based band, Wölframandhartiger. The artists describe themselves as “two professional thumb wrestlers.” I don’t know much about the sport, but the manual dexterity involved should at least theoretically translate to some interesting music. In addition to digital format, Giving It 54% available as a limited run cassette (which firmly establishes the release’s indie cred).

With song titles like Mothman Prophecies and Castor Troy(named after Nicholas Cage’s iconic character from the 90’s film, Face/Off), you just can’t go wrong. The album is filled with these kinds of clever pop culture references, which are incorporated rather artfully. Containing 14 fun-filled tracks, there’s quite a bit of material on this release, too much to cover in this space. Musically, the songs blend elements from a wide variety of genres. They include synthwave, rock (various flavors), alternative, country, spoken word poetry, etc. My favorite track on the album is Representative, a peppy and melodic indie pop gem. The song features a voiceover portrayal of a disgruntled customer speaking with a customer service representative over the phone.

The presentation in Giving It 54% is creative and entertaining. While the artists obviously like to have fun and don’t take themselves too seriously, the humor works in this album because the music is actually enjoyable and the skill level is there. I’d recommend this to anyone who likes quirky and offbeat music. Those who pick up on the random references will appreciate it more, but there’s something for everyone. Giving It 54% is performance art in compact cassette form.

For more info:

https://wolframandhartiger.bandcamp.com/album/giving-it-54

Body (Ft. KZ $ L X M) is a new single from artist, ST1XX. Blending elements of R&B and hip hop, the song is backed by a chill, synth-driven beat. The music has an exotic, almost dreamlike “trip hop” quality, which distinguishes it from more standard hip hop and R&B. The pacing is mellow, and the vibe is relaxed for much of the track, while there are moments where the action really amps up, and we’re treated to some solid rhymes. The vocal delivery style is versatile and melodic, ranging from casual to exciting. It’s a collaborative effort, and everyone adds their own unique flavor to the sound with their contribution. The melody becomes quite catchy after a couple of listens as well. This single has a dreamy musical flow, and the beat has a nice boom to it. I would imagine this jam would sound even better in the car with the bass cranked up.

For more info:

Black Hurts is a new single from Chicago-based singer/songwriter, Terry Blade. Blending elements of R&B, soul, blues and folk, the song has a very organic and timeless feel. If I had encountered this song in the wild, I might assume I was listening to a classic recording. The guitar tone is rich with vintage warmth and sonic subtleties that instantly resonate. I used to work in the amplifier business, and I’ve met musicians who spent years (and many thousands of dollars) seeking out the kind of quality tone presented in this jam. Ultimately though, Terry Blade’s vocals are what fuel the song. An accomplished and award-winning artist, Terry sings with passion and sincerity about the Black experience. He doesn’t shy away from expressions of pain and vulnerability. This is a sentimental, sensitive and serious song, backed by music that is artistically constructed and has a stylishly groovy vibe.

For more info:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/terryblade/black-hurts

5G (Ft. Santa Sallet) is a new single from hip hop artist, Nemizzo. This collaborative effort is ambitious and worldly, utilizing 5G technology as a metaphoric motif throughout the song. The synth-driven backing music is wavy and entrancing. As expected, the vocal delivery is solid, as both of these artists are known for their professionalism. The lyrics are witty (ie. Mike Tyson references) and exquisite, spoken with a hypnotic tone that thematically correlates with the song’s vibe.

5G has a relatively chill ambiance while still maintaining its cutting edge appeal and business-like aspirations. Some of the musical effects are really cool and genuinely original. Conceptually, I think this track is highly marketable and could potentially be a breakout song. The performances are top notch and definitely 5G tier.

For more info:

https://www.santasallet.com/

Adjusting the Space is a new release from Austrian cyberpunk metal band, Pulse. Aesthetically and musically, this might be one of the most futuristic albums ever made. Blending elements of industrial, cutting edge synth rock, metal and EDM, the sound is impressive and formidable. It’s actually very difficult to bring together all of these genres coherently, but these guys have made it look easy. The band’s name is actually very appropriate, as this high octane music is brimming with pulsating intensity. This is like a 21st century space opera. It’s pretty much the opposite of “chillwave.” Songs like Points of Nibiru and Star Light have a theatrical, electric energy, but every track will get your heart beating. Thematically, the songs are dark and honest. Rich with imagery and provocative imagination, the lyrics will really confront you. The artists do not shy away from the morbid or uncomfortable. They face it head on.

Everything on this album is meticulously well put together. The production has incredible sonic clarity, on the level of a studio film or video game soundtrack. Unlike many other industrial music oriented releases, which tend to have a mechanical feel, the synths here are beautifully melodic, while the vocal and guitar performances provide the emotional depth and dramatic flair of great metal. Adjusting the Space is a polished, powerful album, and it really will take your mind on an intense journey.

For more info:

https://www.pulse-galaxy.com
https://www.facebook.com/pulseaustria/

Pushin’ On (feat. Frankly Speaking) is a new single from Fam Band, an Ohio-based duo. It’s difficult to classify this kind of jam. It blends elements of alternative, rock and hip hop, with a trace of Americana thrown in for good measure. The best way I could describe it is its like if you combined Modest Mouse with rap music and gave it a more classic, rock’n’roll sound. It’s worth noting that the rap on this track isn’t merely an afterthought to give the son a creative spark. The timing and delivery are phenomenal, and some of the greatest indie rapping you’ll ever hear is tucked away in this song.

I’ve reviewed releases from this outfit before, and one thing I recall is that the vocals were pretty excellent. The singing portions of this single once again demonstrate great technical ability. It’s not just that these guys are good singers, but the vocals are delivered creatively. They’re able to achieve sounds and tones with their voices that most people simply are not capable of. Musically, the song is colorful, and the melodies sparkle as Pushin’ On presses forward with its theme of spirit and determination.

For more info:

http://www.famband.co

PASSING THE BALL is a new single from 4N Boyz, a hip hop duo founded by artists 4NJig and 4NHammy from in Chicago, IL. 4NJig was originally born in India, while his counterpart 4NHammy is of Pakistani ancestry (but was born and raised in the US).

Featuring a trippy synth driven backbeat that’s surreal and punchy, this latest jam makes solid use of its compact, two-minute runtime. Seriously, the backing music is exotic and has an ethereal, cosmic vibe. There are a couple of strategic breaks in the track utilized to great effect, as part of the buildup to the catchy refrain/title. The vocal delivery style is lively and intense, with enough energetic charisma to keep the action high. The artists also prove themselves to be capable poets, with lyrics that are clever, imaginative and often humorous. This song really contains some choice lines, but I’ll leave it to the listener to see if they can locate them. All in all, this is a tight little party track that delivers the flavor.

For more info:

https://song.link/i/1536159986

With a runtime of nearly 60 minutes, Northern Lights is a collection of lofi beats from artist, Saigos Music. A blend of carefully curated tracks as well as 3 original works, this compilation cultivates a warm, analog appeal. Complete with subtle tape hiss and ambient noise, the songs correlate beautifully with the remote cabin setting and cozy, living room visuals in the accompanying video. The atmospheric elements of the music are such that it almost feels like we’re sitting right there and can hear the delicate crackling of the fireplace in the background. Most of these jams would probably classified as “chillwave” or some adjacent microgenre, but the vibe here is a little bit more organic and avant garde that what would traditionally fit neatly within a slick and futuristic framework. There are traces of jazz, psychedelia, and even “hypno” detectable.

The songs are richly distinctive and contain variety, while still remaining sonically consistent with the overall aesthetic. Nothing seems out of place. There are over 20 relaxing tracks contained in this collection, ranging from mellow to contemplative and surreal, and all the pieces of the playlist fit snugly. I would highly recommend this playlist to anyone who wants to meditate and reach a higher state of consciousness, or even if you’re just looking to wind down your evening with something superior to an ASMR vid. Ultimately, Northern Lights harnesses the cutting edge synth components and retro-futuristic beauty of vapor/synthwave yet ultimately presents with a more intimate and nature-inspired sound.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/saigosmusic/
https://twitter.com/SaigosMusic_yt

Dance With Me is a new album from the prolific Hesperia, California-based artist, Morgan Gavin. A true “full album,” this release contains 16 hearty tracks. Synergistically, the songs combine to form a broader narrative, which tells a story about a man who falls for a woman in a nightclub setting. Beginning with his first infatuated glimpses of his new romantic interest, Dance With Me basically gives a play by play of his various attempts to get her to dance with him. Spoiler: He is ultimately successful. Though there have been countless albums with similar themes, I guarantee you’ve never heard one like this before.

It’s difficult to even classify Gavin’s delivery style here, because he’s just such a versatile performer. The best way to describe it in the context of this release is that he presents as a kind of late night disc jockey, blending voice-over monologues with Tom Jones-style romantic singing, resulting in a vocal style that is both genuinely appealing and truly one-of-a-kind. It’s worth noting though that Gavin identifies as several different characters throughout the album, each offering its own distinct flavor and eccentricity. The musical backdrop has a loungy and mellow vibe. It’s like high octane elevator music you can dance to. One of the most powerful tracks is Dance Till She Love which incorporates some sweet synth sounds and invigorates with its quasi-disco energy. Another memorable jam is the haunting Supreme Natural, which channels the ghostly narration of legends like Bobby Pickett and Vincent Price. The snazzy Give You Rainbows has elements of hip hop and R&B and dazzles with a virile, fresh beat.

The storyline creates that classically charming, awkward, yet sincere character we often find ourselves wanting to root for. However, Morgan Gavin transcends the cliches of the genre through his wild and unpredictable presentation. Suffice to say, the creativity employed in this album is off the charts. While most songs on here deal sequentially with the events of the story, certain tracks which represent the dreams of our protagonists are interspersed, adding an imaginative, ethereal component to the machinery. Though I have focused mainly on style, I think it’s important to mention that Morgan Gavin’s actually a fairly good singer, and his performance is compelling on multiple levels. Dance With Me demonstrates what is possible when an imaginative artist has enough technical skill to make his creative vision an sonically enjoyable listen.

For more info: