Pouncing beats, street-smart vocals, and synthesized melodies are fused in a vividly surreal cocktail that can’t be resisted in the new single from Mic Nickels, “El Matador (feat. Method Man),” and even though it’s a rookie offering from an as of yet unproven artist, it couldn’t sound much more complete …
Read More »Single Review: An Old Friend – “Native Garden”
Thanks in part to bullish guitars, cutting lead vocals, and a well-delivered lyrical center, there’s no question as to whether or not An Old Friend is bringing their A-game to the studio in their new single “Native Garden” and its colorful music video; to be frank, they’re sounding as fresh …
Read More »Single Review: Bill Crews and The Crews Cartel – “People Get Ready”
Cerebral and deftly melodic to no end, the beat is at times even more defining than Bill Crews’ delivery of the verses in the new cover single “People Get Ready,” currently out this late summer and generating a lot of buzz in the underground. Where past releases bearing the Bill …
Read More »Single Review: Keyvous – “Catch A Wave (C.A.W)”
A gentle percussion and a gorgeous synth groove dance back and forth with one another as we listen in on the first few bars of Keyvous’ “Catch A Wave (C.A.W.),” and with the sway of every beat, we find a little bit more color within the growing melody before us. …
Read More »Single Review: The Curse of KK Hammond’s “Heart Shaped Box”
The world of music is in a constant state of renewal and expansion. As listeners, we crave an experience that expands our musical palette, daring us to step beyond the borders of the familiar and into uncharted territories. The thrill lies in unearthing a unique sound, one that compels us …
Read More »Single Review: Carly Hanley – “Ooh La La”
Gilded notes glisten in the echo of a gentle melody that leads us into “Ooh La La,” the new single from pop songstress Carly Hanley. Like raindrops pelting against a solemn dry patch of earth, the melody slowly mellows the hardened, silent backdrop until everything is melting under the warm …
Read More »Single Review: Greg Hoy – “Comfort Vendetta”
Not every rock song is defined by its guitar parts, but in a larger-than-life work like that of Greg Hoy’s new single “Comfort Vendetta,” they’re at the heart of every explosive moment in the track. Hoy gives a stellar performance behind the mic in “Comfort Vendetta” that doesn’t require adept …
Read More »Single Review: Battle Tapes – “Brand New”
A groove has the power to shape an entire song. From the mood to the very tone in which it’s delivered, the beat plays a role in making the new single from Battle Tapes, “Brand New,” as beastly as it can be, and I must say, it’s quite the monster …
Read More »Single Review: Smilez – “I Hate My Ex”
Smilez melds more pop elements than he does hard hip-hop rhymes in his new single “I Hate My Ex,” but while his lyrical wit is certainly something that should feel like the proper showcase here, it’s hardly the only reason why I would recommend serious rap fans give the track …
Read More »Single Review: Honey and Blue – “All in My Head”
Simple lyrics and untold melodies from a pair of artists who know their way around a beat or two – that’s essentially what Honey and Blue’s “All in My Head” is made of, and yet it feels as stacked to the brim with charisma as a song can be on …
Read More »Single Review: Vili V – “Tupelo Rhythm”
Vili V’s “Tupelo Rhythm” isn’t shy about trumpeting its musical debts. He’s an artist who wears his influences on his sleeve. The rough-hewn guitars, spot-on drumming, and robust vocals burning bright in this song are enough to put it over the top, but he adds a little extra fairy dust …
Read More »Album Review: Silent Skies – “Dormant”
Silent Skies’ Dormant is the third release from the highly praised duo of pianist/composer Vikram Shankar and Tom S. Englund. The pair are renowned for their work with other musical outfits; Englund with the band Evergrey and Shankar with acts such as Lux Terminus and Redemption. Their partnership under the Silent Skies banner, however, affords them …
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