All posts by Anastim Ducray

NADROA – The Old Were Best

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The Old Were Best is a new single from Norway-based band, NADROA. The sound blends elements of alternative, grunge and hard rock. A lot of bands label their music “alternative” but NADROA’s The Old Were Best comes about as close as you can get to the original, authentic ’90s alternative sound. Stylistically, the vocals fall somewhere in between Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and REM but with a little bit more of a gritty edge. The singer is quite good actually and seems to have the ideal tone for this genre of music. His voice is just oozing with that contemplative, anti-hero charisma. The guitars are full and hit the sweet spot of grunge distortion without going into crunch overload. Production is clean and competent but not overly polished or as theatrical as something like glam rock. Despite the nostalgic title and ominous reflections, this isn’t one of those slow and depressing alternative jams, as the guitar pacing is peppy and vibrant throughout. There’s enough action here to keep your adrenaline going as the song quietly stirs up old emotions from the inner depths.

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M.A.T.T – Majestic

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Majestic is a new album from “M.A.T.T” This spicy EP features romantic tracks that blend elements of hip hop, R&B and pop. Repetitive, mantra like choruses make these jams instantly catchy. Songs like Thinkin’ Bout You almost immediately gets stuck in your head. M.A.T.T’s vocals convey sentimentality and humble strength against formidable backing beats and smooth instrumentals. Each of these tracks has a really cool and attention grabbing intro before it kicks into high gear. As an album, Majestic has a ton of pop appeal. The sound is very mainstream friendly, and the relationship dynamic in the lyrics should resonate with both sexes, depending on perspective. While the album has alludes to a sexually charged atmosphere, it isn’t particularly explicit. The ambiance is more oriented toward late night romantic encounters and the emotional bond being formed. This is a good mainstream friendly release with a couple of radio ready tunes. My favorite song on here is Tonight, which is graced with some memorably stellar female vocals.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/m.a.t.t_music/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMZtXLsj0bR_OIXvwF3TMQ
www.facebook.com/universalmattmusic

Vice Carter – Art of Wu II

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Art of Wu II is a new mixtape from hip hop artist, Vice Carter. This is actually the 15th mixtape this guy has cranked out and the sequel to Art of Wu. As the title suggests, the “Art of Wu” series is intended as an homage to the iconic hip hop outfit, Wu Tang Clan. This epic release features a whopping 25 tracks. With classic analog vibes and robust language, these songs capture the spirit of 90s hip hop. Songs like Cobra Clutch are bumpin’ from the opening bell with an assertive delivery, thick beat and no-nonsense vibe. There is just so much material here to peruse. Gumbo is another interesting mix with a more mellow and ambient vibe. With a plethora of samples, beat variety and performer contributions, Art of Wu II will keep you entertained for hours. You should definitely peep this recording.

For more info:

Facebook.com/vicecartermusic

Takis – Schwem

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Schwem is a new single from hip hop artist, Takis. This guy may not waste time on a lot of hype, but he definitely has some skills. The muic speaks for itself. He can maintain a tight flow at impressive speeds and adapts to abrupt pacing changes with ease as he raps over a surprisingly complex beat. It’s one of those quick witted beats that oscillates unpredictably and keeps you on your toes. The high degree of difficulty indicates this guy is no amateur and has a lot of street experience. The track utilizes some distinctive voice alteration processing, giving Takis’ voice a bit of a darker, supernatural edge. There isn’t a lot of flashy marketing or overblown production associated with this song. All of the focus is on skill, the substance and “meat” of the track, and it does indeed deliver in that department. Schwem is actually a pimp tight jam that’s worth checking out. You can give it a whirl in the links below.

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OLYA K – HOLLYWOOD

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HOLLYWOOD is a new single from Los Angeles-based pop/folk artist OLYA K. This bright and energetic synth pop track is pure retro-futuristic electricity. There are some elements of 80’s pop (even the idealization of Hollywood glamour has a fondly nostalgic twinkle). OLYA K combines classic, quality vocals with pulsating EDM backing music. The melodic, emotional delivery and sensory intensity it represents a kind of disco-like passion.

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OLYA K is a teriffic vocalist, and she doesn’t hold back. She belts out these lyrics with everything she’s got. The City of Los Angeles should consider using this song for a tourist promo. When she says “Everybody’s favorite vacation, everybody’s favorite location…Hollywood” the place sounds positively magical, and you’ll be ready to board the next plane out of Podunk and visit. Indeed, I used to live in Hollywood myself, and I quite enjoyed it. OLYA K was born in Bulgaria and there is a hint of Europop in this recording, which in my opinion greatly enhances it. HOLLYWOOD is a fantastic and fun pop jam that will put you in a good mood.

For more info:

https://www.reverbnation.com/olyasongs

God Jani – Underground Soul

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Underground Soul is a new solo album from Washington DC-based artist, God Jani. This avant garde release blends elements of soul, hip hop, experimental and go-go to create an experience that is fresh and psychedelic. The backing music is unique, and songs such as Like That (ft. Tolliewood) have an almost dreamlike collage feel to them. Underground Soul defies genre stereotypes and is a fine example of what can happen if a young artist allows curiosity to broaden his tastes when growing up. God Jani is clearly an artist who’s willing to take creative chances.

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These songs are very smooth and ambient, but not in the sense that they will put you to sleep. There’s a meditative vibe here that really takes you into the zone. God Jani sings well, and is something of a “jack of all trades.” His vocal delivery adapts to the different styles, tones and pacing of each song. My favorite track on the album is probably Get Me. It flows magnificently, contains excellent layering effects and the rapping is just totally on point. Underground Soul is available on Apple Music, and there’s a video for the lead single Like That, which you can check out below.

For more info:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/god-jani/1259880422

GAZBE DEBONAIR – PAIN (PROD. COOK MONSTA)

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PAIN is a new single from Brooklyn-based artist, GAZBE DEBONAIR. He also happens to be Haitian, and the Caribbean vibes in his delivery enhance the song, giving it a melodic and natural timing that blends effortlessly with the backing music. There’s just something about the combination of his performance and the mix that seems to flow very well here (COOK AKA COOK MONSTA is credited with the production side.) The sound is hypnotic and GAZBE seems totally relaxed and in his element. Where this track really shines are the points of emphasis on certain words and phrases, which really hit home. The pacing is stylishly more mellow and modest than most contemporary hip hop jams but GAZBE’s voice makes effective use of it through emphasis and musicality. This guy is one of those rappers that seems this all just comes natural to him. You should check out the video for PAIN as well (filmed by SIXRAYSPRODUCTION). It’s high quality and GAZBE rocks a pretty sweet Calvin Klein hoodie while he performs this number.

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Johnny the Hobby Artist – Planet Suicide

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Planet Suicide is a new single from Johnny the Hobby Artist. This clean and crisp apolactypic jam combines elements of hip hop, EDM and spoken word poetry with armageddon fueled anime visuals. This unique blend stands out, mostly owing to the commanding vocals and powerful delivery. Johnny the Hobby Artist (a native Texan whom is also known as JRS3) is a talented poet. The lyrics have a coherently creative structure to them and flow smoothly. Johnny has some oratory skills and would actually do very well as a narrator or voiceover artist. While the tone of the track initially appears ominous due to the aesthetics and subject matter, the message is actually a hopeful call to action as Johnny the Hobby Artist offers up his prescriptive vision for a path out of this mess. Believe it or not, there’s enough high octane energy that you could still dance to this music. I think it would be interesting to see this live as a performance art piece, complete with props and set design. Some cool stuff here. I’d like to hear more from this guy.

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Red Tan – Be There For You

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Be There For You is a new single from singer/songwriter, Red Tan. The song was written for her son while Red Tan was alone for a period of time in Southampton during 2019. The vibe is bright and optimistic, with a colorful and snappy synth backing. Blending elements of light EDM and pop, the song is ultimately driven by Red Tan’s delicately passionate vocals. Her voice combines sincerity with sentimentality, the tone conveying personal strength while retaining its softness around the edges. Red Tan proves she can really sing, too. Her vocals are prominent in the mix and can hold their own.

Lyrically, Be There For You reinforces the bond between mother and son, but the song will also resonate with anyone who has ever cared for someone deeply, whether a friend or family member. The reassurance of the commitment to mutual safety and security between two people is one of the central themes. Danny Hall is credited as the sound engineer on this recording, and it must be said that he does a fine job of capturing the spirit of what the song is trying to accomplish.

For more info:

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/redtanofficial
Website: www.redtanmusic.com

Dom3stic – How can I

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How can I is a new single from Dallas-based hip hop artist, Dom3stic. This song is a touching tribute to his late uncle Manuel, but the sentiments will resonate with anyone who has lost a loved one. Dom3stic’s vocals are honest and gritty, as emotion reverberates through every word. One has to believe that his uncle would have been proud to be on the receiving end of such a deeply moving homage. The song is well made, too. It features a suave, synth driven intro, and the beat has a groovy ambiance. The song maintains a modest and respectful pacing, escalating at certain points as the emotional intensity culminates. As the title suggests, How can I ultimates deals with the challenge of finding the strength to go on when you’ve lost someone you care about. Dedications like these and artistic expression of heartfelt emotions can be a great step in the right direction. RIP.

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