Category Archives: Reviews

VeeA The Artist – Make It Happen

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Make It Happen is a new single from Virginia-based hip hop artist, VeeA The Artist. Featuring a performance that’s brimming with passion and enthusiasm, this high-energy song is actually quite inspirational. As the title suggests, this track encourages people to pursue their dreams and make things happen. Anyone who has ever been stuck in a dead end job that holds them back from achieving their goals will be able to relate to this. The video incorporates a complex “office” narrative component, like a short film (and also contains some amazing mural backdrops).

Musically, Make It Happen is backed by an ethereal and melodic beat. It’s one of the better backing beats I’ve heard and has an almost haunting, 1960s quality. For his part, VeeA The Artist has an assertive delivery and maintains a good flow throughout. He has great presence and raps at a modest pace His vocals are accentuated by some harmonious effects, which creatively interweave the vocals deeper into the rhythm. Overall, the mix is full and powerful. Competent production blends with genuinely good music to make this jam a worthwhile release.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/VeeATheArtist
https://songwhip.com/veea-the-artist/make-it-happen

Arcane T-Rubble – Forgive and Forget

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Forgive and Forget is a new mixtape from artist, Arcane T-Rubble. Blending elements of trap soul, R&B, hip hop and funk, this 11-song release is set to drop on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14th) via the label, Untouchables Records Realm. A prolific artist, Arcane T-Rubble already has a number of recent releases under his belt. His sound is typically vibrant and cerebral, featuring swift, well-timed lyrical delivery that frequently interspersed with smooth narration. Thematically, the songs have romantic undertones, while the backing music is high energy and club-friendly. Singles like Twix and Phoenix are perfect examples of this, although Arcane T-Rubble seems rather versatile and open to stylistic experimentation. Keep your eyes peeled for Forgive and Forget, as Valentine’s Day is only a week away.

For more info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zzrDXFdVJS1XKFckbncDw

Kemikal Storm feat Davedema – Beautiful Earth

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Beautiful Earth (featuring Davedema) is a new single from electronic music band, Kemikal Storm. This song appears on the recent full-length album, Orion Way. Idealistic and bold, Beautiful Earth is propelled by retro-futuristic synths and fronted by passionate vocals. The ambiance is dreamlike and melodic. There are a lot of space oriented motifs and related imagery, which correlate effectively with the overall sound.

Brimming with euphoric energy and positive vibes, the music approaches the universe with a sense of wonder and excitement, rather than focus on the lonely aspects of deep space. The backing beat is surprisingly dynamic. It’s much more creative and eclectic than what one normally expects from EDM-adjacent music. Interesting usage of vocal layering combines with tribal elements in the beat to create an almost spiritual experience. Beautiful Earth really does take the listener on an exotic and ethereal journey.

For more info:

Myles Maxwell – Circles

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Circles is a new single from Los Angeles-based artist, Myles Maxwell. This soulful rock jam is a breath of fresh air. Maxwell performs with a passion and sincerity that’s become so rare it almost feels like this recording is from another time. The production is clean and real. Unlike most contemporary mixes, you won’t find any excessive processing or smoke and mirrors.

Taking things at a modest pace, impactful drums combine with grooving guitars to create a full-bodied, melodic sound. Ultimately, Myles Maxwell’s vocals are what really carry the song though. His voice is dynamic and professional. Just as importantly, there’s authentic emotion in his delivery. Lyrically, the song has a rich narrative and deals with the toll that dating takes on a person. Circles is a solid single, and the artist comes across as someone you really want to root for.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/rockmillirock/

Always Tyrants – These Days

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These Days is a new release from Always Tyrants, a hard rock band based in Fremont, Nebraska. This track is the lead single from the group’s upcoming album (scheduled to be released on February 26th) of the same name. The sound is fresh and polished, featuring a robust mix and commanding guitar presence. These guys can actually play and have great synergy. Everything comes together meticulously.

There are some climactic points of the song where the music is really blaring and quite frankly, just rocks. The vocalist has some charisma, and you can tell this band definitely loves performing and putting on an entertaining show. Lively and brimming with youthful energy, this jam will get your juices flowing. These Days is a competent and straightforward hard rock song that delivers as advertised.

For more info:

Matilde G – Doorbell

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Doorbell is a new single from Singapore-based artist, Matilde G. This cutting edge pop track is brimming with style and confidence. Matilde G’s delivery style is assertive, sensual and dynamic, while the backing music is audaciously melodic. Matilde G’s gives a vocal performance that is off the charts. Classy and professional, yet seductive, her voice is a weapon. Excellent songwriting, clever lyrical hooks and a charismatic presentation give this jam all the makings of a pop hit.

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You honestly have to hear this song and appreciate just how good it is. Unlike most contemporary pop music, there’s nothing cheap or gimmicky about the sound. Matilde G makes the most of her vocal talents up against a backing track that is jazzy, futuristic and vibrant. Doorbell is incredibly catchy. Given the right exposure, this would easily climb the Billboard Top 100 and soon be playing in department stores everywhere. This artist can go all the way.

For more info:

https://www.matildegirasole.com/

Terry Blade – American Descendant of Slavery

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American Descendant of Slavery is a new album from Chicago-based singer-songwriter, Terry Blade. This epic release features a whopping 19 tracks. Amalgamating a range of styles like R&B, soul and folk, the songs explore cultural, racial and social themes from an African-American perspective. What makes this album particularly unique is that it utilizes genuine audio recordings of former African-American slaves (and their descendants), which were obtained from the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. These narrative snippets and monologues give the album a powerfully sincere quality, making this work not only an as avant garde musical project but as something for the historical record.

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The music itself is both haunting and inspiring. Terry Blade conveys a very real sense a pain (with songs like Black Hurts) that reverberates throughout, but there is also sensitivity and promise in his voice. His artfully passionate and honest vocals combine with groovy, mellow and exotic instrumentals for a fresh sound. Yet, the recordings also have a classic, minimalist feel to them. With the analog vibes and intimate presentation, at times this is like listening to an old soul or folk record. The narrative stories are fascinating, while the backing music enhances their delicate sentimentality. Ultimately, this is a very engaging work of art. American Descendant of Slavery is scheduled for an official release of February 5th.

For more info:

https://www.terryblademusic.com/

Khali Flock – Savage Shit

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Savage Shit is a new single from hip hop artist, Khali Flock. This appropriately titled track is hard hitting and fresh from start to finish. Backed by an ultra smooth and darkly energizing back beat, Khali Flock’s no-nonsense delivery is lush with intensity. He really does have some solid skills as a rapper. There are no production gimmicks or any silly stuff, just straightforward flow and legit timing.

The lyrics are mostly about stacking cash, handling biz, and taking charge of life at all times. This jam definitely punches above its weight. The mix and vocal quality are much better than what you expect from a typical indie hip hop song. Both the music and the performances on Savage Shit live up to the lyrical hype. These guys know what they’re doing.

For more info:

HEATSZN – When You Gone

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When You Gone is a new album from hip hop artist, Heat Szn. The beats on this release are hypnotic and high intensity, particularly in the aptly titled first track, Blacc Magicc. Darkly futuristic, the tracks have a full bodied and almost industrial feel. Backed by Earth shattering bass, Heat Szn’s delivery is formidable, straightforward and even philosophical.

One of the songs is amusingly called Low Quality Freestyle but is actually on of the most booming jams you’ll ever hear. It’s probably my second favorite jam on this EP. Even though there’s a lot of musical and instrumental variety (guitars, piano, synths), Heat Szn definitely has a consistent style and has cultivated his own distinct sound. The title track, When You Gone is creatively structured and features an attention grabbing intro. Heat Szn’s performance is packed with power and cosmic energy.

for more info:

Darrell Kelley – Kamala

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Kamala is a new single from artist Darrell Kelley, released through Viral Records. This R&B/soul track pays respect to Kamala Harris commemorating her ascendance into the role of vice president of the United States. It’s a sincere homage that reflects the jubilation many across the world feel about this event. The backing music is vibrant and energized, while high octane fueled vocals drive much of the action. Boosted by a robust and stylishly synthesized beat, this dedicated anthem would make a worthwhile addition to our contemporary time capsule.

For more info:

https://www.facebook.com/darrellkelleysmusic