Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews

Pagan Interface – Neuromantic Chillwave For the Post Apocalypse

paganinterface

The artist known as “Pagan Interface” describes his music as Neuromantic Chillwave For the Post Apocalypse. Suffice to say that this sort of thing is right up my alley. Like vaporwave, chillwave is just another tentacle from the genre of retro music that captures the abstract background aesthetic of afternoon mall ambiance of the 80’s and 90’s. With Pagan Interface though, it is thematically more like the ambiance of a mall that’s had a nuclear bomb dropped near it, yet one can still hear a cassette playing somewhere as they’re sifting through the rubble looking for radiation-proof snacks. The post-apocalyptic theme here also makes for some amusing song titles, such as Toothless Youths, Malleable New Flesh and Atomic Bald (lmao!) This music is in fact very chill. The pacing varies from bleak to upbeat, but the synths themselves are quite soothing and meditative. These jams are sure to animate whatever mutated survivors are lurking about out there whom have lost the will to live. I couldn’t help but think that this album would be great to listen to while playing a game like “Fallout” if one were to just turn off the game sound and enjoy the haunted future for what it is.

For more info:

https://paganinterface.bandcamp.com/

Reviews

Love Ghost – 24-7

24-7

24-7 is a new single from Love Ghost, a budding young alternative rock band from Los Angeles. When I say young, I do mean young. A couple of the band members are still just in high school. You wouldn’t necessarily guess it from the music though, which comes across as mature and professional.

24-7 deals with themes of anti-bullying. It has long been something of a paradox for bullied kids in school in that in order to get teachers to punish a bully who is tormenting them, they must have to be physically pummeled by the bully before the school will actually do anything. In order to prevent the bully from hurting you further, you must get hurt more drastically. If you yourself do something violent preemptively to the bully, well then you’ll be the one punished. It really is a no win situation. “There’s no escape from attack…Only after the bloody meat hangs on display will they give you, the time of day.” as the song’s lyric states succinctly. Another interesting line is “An elusive language sets the rules and governs the lunchrooms in school.” There is an entire framework and ecosystem at play in school cafeterias. One could write a whole dissertation on that subject, but what’s important here is that some student’s entire lunch experience revolves around evading bullies and avoiding humiliation. Of course, the teachers and lunchroom supervisors themselves take an elusive tact also. They tend to try to avoid confrontation or the uncomfortable responsibility of disciplining problem students. They map out their own “escape” route by looking the other way.

LG gig 1

Anyway, let’s get to the actual music. 24-7 is a pretty straightforward alternative rock song. The term “alternative” can mean almost anything these days, but Love Ghost actually has captured something close to the authentic original sound of 90’s alternative music. If I were to listen to this song without having any info beforehand, I would have guessed it came out around 1994. It could have easily found its way on to the Reality Bites soundtrack or maybe even one of the “angstier” teen episodes of Party of Five (thinking maybe season 2 with the Julia and Justin drama.) This music still fits with contemporary times as well. The whole emotive vibe here made me think of the show 13 Reasons Why. The singer here (despite complaining about bullies) displays enough charisma to make it work, as if the band is waging a kind of timid revolution.

The award winning video for 24-7 is worth watching. It features some excellent animation in the vein of a-ha’s Take on Me video. I wish more directors would bring back this style of animation instead of the 3-D, annoying filters or live action crap. Anyway, Love Ghost is a young band, but they’ve got a good thing going. I hope they manage to stay together for a while.

LG gig2

For more info:

http://loveghost.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loveghost.official/

Reviews

Diana Anaid – My Queen

diana_anaid

Australian musical icon Diana Anaid returns to the scene with a new album, My Queen. This LP doesn’t feel like a side project or casual effort either. This a full blown, chartworthy alternative/pop/rock record. She must have spent her downtime recharging her crystals because there’s a lot of energy in these songs, which contain trace elements of 60’s psychedelia, 80’s new wave, punk, pop, alternative and even country. The music is very fast paced and upbeat and shouldn’t be confused with the more “dreary” styles of alternative rock. Positivity appears to be one of the major themes of the album. An entire essay could probably be written about the lyrical meaning behind so many of these songs. They tend to focus on rather serious issues, but do so in a way that allows the listener to choose whether they want to explore social consciousness, rock out, or both. Diana’s vocals display such universal appeal and versatility that they could be adapted to almost any genre or era, which probably explains why she’s seen success in 3 different decades of music.

For more info:

https://www.dianaanaid.com/

https://open.spotify.com/album/32H60LhB0enuVC0H5F4RWY

Reviews

Zion Antoni – Clean

clean_zionantoni

Clean is a single from Zion Antoni, a fairly well known grassroots journalist / recording artist / producer from The Bronx. Zion’s sound is notable for displaying a level of authenticity that’s not typical of many of today’s hip hop artists. Refreshingly, he doesn’t go in for a lot of flashiness and posturing. Both Clean and another of his songs, Rain Soon Come, feature magnificent old school backing tracks. He foregoes gaudy materialism in favor of a more retro, avant garde aesthetic (I liked the cover art so much I included it in this review.) The songs have a very analog sound, reminiscent of the golden era of early 90s hip hop. This is of course one of the best compliments you can give to a rapper. This guy manages to capture the delicate balance between style and substance. Unlike so many others, Zion Antoni gets his point across without ever coming off like somebody who is trying too hard.

zion_antoni

For more info:

http://zionantoni.bandcamp.com
http://theurbancry.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Reviews

JMI – Bustin’ Seams

jmi

If you’re like me, you might have assumed that a song called Bustin’ Seams is a hip hop song and that JMI is a rapper. Well, you’d be wrong on both counts. Bustin’ Seams is actually the fourth single from New York City-based artist, Junk Made Ill (JMI.) Far from being hip hop, JMI’s music is actually avant garde, dark, brooding and somewhat abstract. Stylistically JMI’s sound reminds me a little bit of 90’s bands like Garbage (specifically Garbage’s song I Would Die For You comes to mind as a distant relative.)

Bustin’ Seams isn’t just music though. It’s also performance art. The video for the single is well produced and choreographed. Shot on “an undisclosed deserted island,” it features a set and costumes which wouldn’t seem out of place in films like Beastmaster or the original Clash of the Titans. Both the song and video emit a darkly subversive, yet intriguing ambiance. The viewer feels hypnotically drawn to the island, even with the realization that something bad might happen there.

For more info:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCViTyVsrjBkF1kcXgaRWHDA

https://www.instagram.com/junkmadeill/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlV-zRZ9NfA

Reviews

LAVAHI – Forever

lavahi

Forever is the ambitious debut single from LAVAHI, an up and coming singer/songwriter from Atlanta. For just being a “single,” the song is extremely comprehensive and contains a lot of musical variety even within the track. The music ranges from subtle, haunting chimes with delicate neo-soul vocals to the upbeat, vibrant, musical electricity which defines the final third of the song. LAVAHI is clearly a more than decent singer, but what’s more interesting is the dynamics at play here. There are many twists and turns and layers behind layers. It’s almost like with Forever, LAVAHI is attempting to use musical experimentation to open a door to another dimension. She may have even succeeded. If nothing else, Forever is a great example of how music with pop appeal can contain intellectual aspirations and still be fun.

For more info:

Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/lavahi

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2nnCFcwXFsylqmkI6eo8m1?si=HS4a457VQuywizLLuOz3NA

Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/lavahi

Reviews

DJPE and Venissa Santi – Songs With Venissa

ocean-of-emotion

Ocean of Emotion is a track from Songs With Venissa, a new 6 song EP from Afro-futurist producer “djpe” and Pew Award winning Cuban American jazz vocalist Venissa Sant. It is very difficult to pin this music down into a category. It defies compartmentalization. The best way to describe the sound is that of an avant garde, jazz-folk futurism. Though the songs develop in unpredictable ways, the excellent musiciansmanship is apparent throughout. djpe and Venissa managed to bring in some talented guest soloists who contribute trombone, flute trombone and saxophone playing into these songs. This is the kind of music that can’t be faked. I mean, either you can play the flute or you can’t. These people are the real deal.

Some songs, like Ocean of Emotion start off gently, with Venissa’s phonogenic, soothing, spoken word-like vocals leading the way, as the track slowly adds elements, building into a complex piece of musical machinery until before you know it you’ve got something you can dance to. With other songs, such as The Edges, are action packed from the opening bell and retain the same level of energy for the duration of the recording. If I Could Write You a Letter probably has the grooviest musical backing on the album. It gives off a trippy, kind of Halloween party vibe. My favorite song on the album, is My Schwinn, partly because it features some great lyrical depth, but also because I had a Schwinn bicycle when I was a kid. In fact I feel somewhat guilty that I didn’t appreciate it. Being a bratty 80’s kid, I always wanted something like a dirtbike or BMX. I didn’t recognize the superiority of the Sparkly Schwinn’s aesthetic and the comfort of the banana seat until I got much older.

Anyway, Songs With Venissa is a nifty little EP. It’s one of those albums that will receive instant critical acclaim and recognition for it’s artful mastery from anyone who stumbles onto it. In a just world these recordings would be broadcast to the masses. We don’t live in that just of a world, but if you’re reading this at least you’ll know how good these songs are.

For more info:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-with-venissa-ep/1419715080
https://soundcloud.com/djpe-1

Reviews

Amaru – Champagne Attitude

AMARU - Low On The Dough (Radio Mix)

Low On The Dough is a new single from AMARU’s debut album, Champagne Attitude. The song utilizes a lot of symbolism and conveys the emotional fallout one experiences emerging from a toxic relationship with a with a partner with materialistic gold digging tendencies. Champagne Attitude is an apt title for AMARU’s album, as he delivers this touch of bitterness with class and charisma. It’s hard not to be drawn in by his upbeat and energetic persona. AMARU takes bad relationship experiences and romantic drama and translates them
into party fun dance tunes. His original fashion style and precision trimmed beard distinguish him as an artist and recognizable personality. Low On The Dough documents a genuine struggle of being with someone that values commercial brand names over caring and affection. You can feel the impeding doom / sense of frustration in these lyrics:

Dolce & Gabbana
Coco Chanel, Prada
Trinkets you buy at the store
I wanna dress you up in my love
But that’s not enough
Now you’re running to the door

I have no doubt that the rest of AMARU’s album is every bit as entertaining and passionate as this jam. What separates AMARU from many aspiring pop artists is that AMARU’s personality is part of the music, and he is willing to share a more vulnerable side with his audience…while more generic artists work to sweep their romantic mistakes under the rug.

AMARU - CA Promo 1

For more info:
http://www.amaru-music.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAGj9Ega0fU

Reviews

Sherise

alone

Sherise is an eclectic vocalist and songwriter who draws from a wide variety of musical influences, including everything from classical to country to indie pop. She’s set to release her upcoming album, Dimensions of Beauty, sometime in the near future. She can certainly sing, having come through a substantial choir and musical performance background. Her vocals kind of remind me of a cross between Sheryl Crow and Ace of Base, with songs like On the Dance Floor representing the conventional dance music style and other tracks like Unfinished Business demonstrating alternative rock sensibilities while retaining a danceably pop dynamic. It’s my favorite of the songs I listened to. Divided utilizes some creative structure and probably the most dynamic vocal range. Alone is surprisingly peppy and upbeat musically, in contrast with it’s rather somber title. Sherise is clearly a talented songwriter and performer, and there is definitely an established market for what she’s offering.

For more info:
http://www.sherisedsouza.com

Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_srch_drd_B075KPTRJX?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Sherise&index=digital-music&search-type=ss

iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-the-dance-floor-single/1424983964?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Reviews

The Blankz – (I Just Want to) Slam

the_blankz

It was only recently that we wrote about The Blankz’  instant Arizona classic,  White Baby.   The impressiveness of that release set the bar pretty high. Bands often change, experiment and grow, which isn’t always a good thing if what they already have is working.  So when I discovered I had something new to review for The Blankz, I was curious if they had retained the magic that was captured in White Baby.

Thankfully, their brand new EP, (I Just Want to) Slam wisely sticks with the same formula of weirdo pop punk + synth, which won them some small scale critical acclaim. The first thing that came to mind when listening was that (I Just Want to) Slam would have been a perfect for one of the obligatory slam section parts of  just about any 90’s skateboard video.  It’s kinda too bad they don’t really make those kinds of skate videos anymore, and it’s all pretty much on youtube now (or maybe they still do, and I’m just too old and out of touch to know about it.)

One thing which defines The Blankz’ songs is how catchy they are. Even after only a single listening sesh, I find myself repeating the choruses in my head over and over. Hell, i’ts been almost a month since I heard White Baby, and that’s still annoyingly stuck in my brain. Time will tell what kind of mental staying power (I Just Want to) Slam has. It’s like they put drugs in these songs or some kind of MK Ultra style, subliminal mind control messaging. Anyway, potential listeners beware: these songs will stay with you.

I suppose I should talk about the actual substance of the music here. The title track (I Just Want to) Slam is fast paced right from the opening bell and maintains the same level of energy throughout. The vocal performance is among the better I’ve heard for this genre of music. Vocals are clear, on key and delivered with balls. What more can you ask for? This is music for moshing, just letting loose and having a blast in the pit….but of course it can be a metaphoric anthem for how to approach other areas of life.

the_blankz_band

There is a second song on the album, called Baby’s Turning Blue. It’s a short but punchy jam which gives a brief and peculiar narrative of a punk rock “baby” growing up to fall victim to drug abuse. The guitars in this song are awesome, tonally and technically. The timing here is great, with frequent breaks and pace changes which all go off without a hitch. This band is tight. Everyone is on the same page. If I have one criticism it’s that I wish this song was a bit longer and elaborated more on the interesting lyrical premise. The vibe of Baby’s Turning Blue reminds me of early 90s Orange County or San Diego punk music, even though there is nothing explicitly retro about this music, and I can’t think of any specific examples of bands these guys sound like. It’s more of a feeling.

Listening to The Blankz is like if you were to resurface a fond memory of being at the Warped Tour sometime before it started to suck. The good news is that The Blankz are in the here and now… and continuing to crank out cool stuff. Cover art has a great aesthetic by the way.

For more info:
http://theblankzband.com/
https://soundcloud.com/theblankz
https://www.facebook.com/theblankzband/
https://www.instagram.com/theblankzband/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxv-NZCJEws