Category Archives: Reviews

Blind Uncle Harry – Dopesmokers of the World Unite and Take Over

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Dopesmokers of the World Unite and Take Over is a new single from Indiana-based singer-songwriter, Blind Uncle Harry. This indie folk rock anthem contains elements of blues and Americana, as the artist playfully lays out his case for what he wants to happen. The backing vocals of the crowd give the song an “audience participation” vibe. One gets the sense this jam is a real hit at parties. Blind Uncle Harry’s witty lyrics and mellow delivery are those of a true hippie out of time. He really brings a lot of personality to the table.

The musical style is like if you were to blend 1880’s country with 1960’s folk, 1990s lofi and add contemporary social flair. Blind Uncle Harry does a nice job of balancing humor and fun with his underlying political message, which is that the world would be a much better place if everyone could learn to chill out and unite (at least over this one specific issue).

For more info:

https://blinduncleharry.com/
https://blinduncleharry.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BlindUncleHarry/

Avery Sennin – Pathway, Ultra

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Pathway, Ultra is a new album from Dallas-based rapper Avery Sennin. The production quality is pristine and professional. Avery has a distinctive style. Unique rhythmic cadences and complex structure give songs like Back In My Day a creative edge. The beats on this jam are exotic, avant garde and maybe even slightly futuristic. Some portions are musically minimalist, but the action is punchy and Avery maintains a consistent flow and keeps the focus where it should be.

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Another notable track is 222. The digits “222” are a reference to angel numbers that relate to balance and harmony in one’s life. his spiritually oriented song features a beautiful, ambient backing. Before settling into a robust beat, the dreamlike intro is downright mesmerizing. Musically, this is my favorite track on the album. A cool thing about Avery’s rapping is that he can sing pretty well, too. Not only is his timing is on point (even at impressive speeds), but his actual voice is rather pleasant to listen to.

Due to the elaborate choreography, there’s a high degree of difficulty to making this music work, yet somehow he manages to pull it off. The audio clarity in the mix is excellent, allowing the listener to appreciate every bit of sparkling musicality. Pathway, Ultra is a very cerebral and reflective release, one which deals with some of life’s central questions in a personal and sonically satisfying way.

For more info:

Jake Kelly – Stories & Feelings (Remastered) EP

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Stories & Feelings is a new EP from English-born artist, Jake Kelly. It’s a remastered version of his (also relatively recent) previous album of the same name. The sound on the opening track, This Should Be the End, is peppy and bright, blending energizing melodies with emotive vocals. In contrast, You Never Heard and Knocking are sentimental, acoustic jams. The songs have a flavorfully eclectic and carefree sound, perhaps owing to Kelly’s well traveled background. Even though he’s only in his early 20s, he’s already spent time living in England, Ireland, China, Vietnam, and Germany.

Jake Kelly puts a lot of passion into his vocal delivery. The musical side of the mixes is fairly minimalist, so his dynamic voice drives much of the action. Ultimately this is just a solid indie release, enhanced by the artist’s unique background, style and influences.

For more info:

Deep Rivers – Nothing Ever Happens To Me

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Nothing Ever Happens To Me is a new album from indie folk/rock outfit, Deep Rivers. The audio on these recordings is fantastic, as you can hear every delicate guitar detail and vocal expression. This is just a very intimate and emotionally satisfying release. It’s almost like you’re attending a personalized performance in someone’s living room. The title track is probably the best example of this. Other songs like Grave Digger Diaries combine a more intensely rocking sound with a quaint, haunting ambiance. There’s plenty of dreamy, wet reverb and creative effects that accentuate the sound. These guys are definitely professionals, as this album is meticulously constructed. Solid songwriting and execution, with just enough creativity to keep things stylish and interesting.

For more info:

https://www.deepriversmusic.com/
https://deeprivers.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/deepriversband/

Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man – White Haze

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White Haze is a new single from Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man. Blending elements of roots, country, rock and blues, singer-songwriter Margaret Anne has really cultivated a unique style. This avant garde song transitions through multiple different genres throughout the song, almost as if they were moods or seasons. Ranging from an epic rock opera style intro to sentimental folk to peppy pop, the sections of White Haze take the listener on an ethereal musical journey. Production quality is smooth and offers excellent clarity. Margaret Anne has a stellar voice. She really projects well and seems to put everything she has into every note.

This release also contains a second track, Cabin Boy. This jam has a bluesy feel to it. Grooving guitar melodies and a lounge-like atmosphere make for a lively musical experience. Be sure and check out some of Margaret Anne’s other recordings, which are equally captivating and available on Spotify.

For more info:

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

Brady Arnold – Existence

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Existence is an album from Ohio-based musician, Brady Arnold. Brady, a prolific artist who began making music in 1992, has released a whopping 60(!) albums in total. Blending elements of indie pop/rock, industrial and goth, the songs are emotionally deep, rich with abstract messaging and curious metaphors. The ambiance of Existence is definitely on the darker side, as this concept album explores themes like death, denial, and regret.

Musically, the tracks are intense and melodic, with guitars driving much of the action. Meditative and ethereal, these recordings have a retro-futuristic quality, reminiscent of groups like Erasure but with more of a gritty edge. The mix has a metallic, industrial-like feel which balances nicely with Brady Arnold’s passionate, dynamic vocals. His performance is introspective, and the lyrics reflect intensely personal experiences. He can actually sing, too. It’s incredible that an individual can put out so much material and have it be of such high caliber. This guy is genuinely talented and Existence is brimming with artistic substance.

For more info:

https://bradyarnold.bandcamp.com/album/existence
https://bradyarnold.bandcamp.com/

Wild Story – Rich Po ft Peter ParkWay

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Wild Story (featuring Peter Parkway) is a new single from hip hop artist, Rich Po. Citing Jay Z as his greatest musical influence, Rich Po maintains a smooth flow and conversational delivery style. This latest track is punchy and action packed, making lyrical use of almost every moment of its 2 minute runtime. The minimalist beat is crisp and has just enough musical elements to keep the jam melodious. Ultimately though, this is a vocally driven song with an emphasis on narrative and (as the title suggests) storyline. Both of these performers can definitely rap, and they project with confidence.

For more info:

http://www.instagram.com/RichPo732
https://twitter.com/RichPo12

Frally – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (feat. Rufus Wainwright)

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Girls Just Want To Have Fun (feat. Rufus Wainwright) is a single from artist, Frally. The song is a re-imagined version of the iconic Cyndi Lauper classic from the 1980s. Frally apparently recorded this jam as an homage to Paris Hilton. What’s interesting about this track is that the pacing is more mellow, and the tone is more sentimental than the original, which was lively and upbeat.

In Frally’s version, the mood has a tragic, almost haunting vibe. The element of rebellion is still there, but it’s more emo. There’s more of an emphasis on the struggle and the toll of becoming your own person, rather than just partying and letting loose in a shopping mall. This is a great example of how the listener’s perception of a song can be completely changed if the presentation is altered, even when the melody and lyrics are the same. It’s worth mentioning also that Frally’s gives a solid vocal performance, and the recording itself is technically competent.

For more info:

http://www.frallymusic.com/home-1
https://www.facebook.com/Frallymusic/
https://www.instagram.com/frallymusic/

Anna King – Keep Running Back to You

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Keep Running Back to You is a new single from Switzerland-based artist, Anna King. This sparkling and melodic pop/EDM track is brimming with positive vibes. Backed by an ambient and ethereal beat, Anna’s dreamlike vocals keep the listener enchanted. She performs with passion and genuine feeling. This is a sensitive and romantic track that deals with the triumph of the heart over the logic of the mind, in being unwilling you love go even though the relationship may have faults. The music really has a nice flow, and everything blends together pleasantly in the mix. There are some climactic moments of euphoria near the end of the song. Keep Running Back to You is a colorful pop song that should resonate substantially with its target audience.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/DragicaAnna
https://www.instagram.com/missannaking/

Stephon Foster – Love Adrenaline and Purple Sky

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Prolific artist Stephon Foster has bestowed us with two fresh new singles, hot off the presses. Part of a new album (the title of which has yet to be revealed) that will consist of peaks and ballads, chronicling Stephon’s survivability and shortcomings after the artist’s previous album, Beware. These latest tracks are intensely personal, heartfelt and brimming with psychic sensitivity.

Featuring bright melodies and delicate introspection, Purple Sky is all about seeing the light after facing difficult obstacles on life. Stephon Foster always somehow manages to keep a positive attitude. Survival and persistence are recurring themes. The lyrics offer encouragement and motivation to anyone who might be going through something similar. There’s a real passion for living in this song, and it contains one of Stephon Foster’s best vocal performances to date.

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Love Adrenaline has a jazzy, romantic vibe and a pumping rhythm. It keeps with Stephon’s trademarked “fun spirit,” but don’t let that fool you. This is an explosively romantic track, ideal for Valentine’s Day. Packed with passionately expressive sincerity, you can almost sense the fireworks going off and the sparks flying. The backing beat on this jam is really energizing and has a classic feel. At times this track almost seems like a 1950s or 60s pop song, with its innocent sound and bubblegum sweet tone. As the title would suggest, Love Adrenaline is vibrant and invigorating, just the way love should be. Stephon’s usage of vocal layering adds an element of euphoric togetherness and gives the mix a little extra sunshine.

It’s great to see Stephon still going strong and making music. These latest releases demonstrate that this relentless and unstoppable artist continues to reach new artistic and performance milestones. Keep your eyes peeled for the new album, where even greater power levels are sure to be realized.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mP01dHp8FdYVR5xcnmWSt