Exclusive Artist Review: Juan Manuel Ruiz – “Cutouts” Album

Hailing from the landscapes of Spain, recording artist and composer Juan Manuel Ruiz began his journey into the market when he released his debut album ‘Will’ in 2018. Since that time, Ruiz has manifested into a multifaceted and versatile artist with distinctively glistening compositions and melodies, creating a signature sound that is dynamic, emotional and progressively innovative. Ruiz throughout 2019 and 2020 would continue to write, compose and put together another album of songs that would enhance his stylization and showcase his compositions in a way that is genuine and effective; subsequently raising the bar since his debut. Now, in 2021, he has brought these songs to fruition with his newest sophomore release ‘Cutouts’, comprised of 10 visceral tracks that are crafty, creative and completely self-written and produced.

One thing you’ll immediately notice on this album is Ruiz’s composition style and ability to construct a strong melody. He takes a distinctive chord progression and diligently enhances its foundation into a glowing instrumental that really gives you a visceral listening experience. Opening title track “Cutouts” is a direct example of this and really showcases the anthemic aura that encompasses just about every song on the album. With the production value adding textures of chorus and reverb to give the song a more subtle tone, this track dynamically emanates passion, emotion and moods combined with rhythmic touches. It’s one of the unforgettable songs on this record and really casts a crucial spotlight on Ruiz’s musicianship factors. Another notable song with a similar approach is “In My Dreams”, which easily compliments the opening track in a very effective way, delving deeper into Ruiz’s overall signature sound. This song especially has an emotion-driven melody that brings out many angles of his talent, and really captures a melodic atmosphere that is heard throughout this album’s duration. These first two tracks start the album out very strong and really set the tone for what’s to come in the subsequent songs.

Another track that really grabs at your attention is “Fata Morgana”. Definitely one of the more upbeat tracks on the record, this song has a haunting melody that is ominous and mysterious. It’s a multi layered song with colorful interludes and transitions, giving it a more story-telling feel similar to a film score or soundtrack. This track especially explores many facets of Ruiz’s songwriting structures and really casts a spotlight onto the production value and artistic merit that is made apparent throughout the album. It’s a diligently crafted piece that is highly versatile and effectively showcases Ruiz’s skills both as a musician and producer. Overall, ‘Cutouts’ is a triumphant effort that will capture many musical hearts and fans of rising composers. It’s a glistening follow-up to his debut record that continues to set the bar higher as each fan discovers him. You can get your copy of the album on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad we recommended it.


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Exclusive Artist Review: Lorenzo Carulli – “Present Past” Album/EP

Italian Pianist and Composer Lorenzo Carulli began his journey into the music world during his younger years and quickly began hitting the ground running with both his writing and performance abilities. Over the years, his original compositions have successfully garnered him a vast array of achievements including scholarships and awards from national and international music contests like Fondazione Estro Musicale, FM Contest, and Call for Concert Musicopaideia. Now, with the recent release of his debut album ‘Present Past’ on April 16th, Carulli’s signature writing/playing style comes to the forefront in 8 anthemic and dynamic tracks that diligently showcase his versatile realm of musicianship factors, production value and artistic merit.

‘Present Past’ is a dynamically crafty album with melodically visceral piano compositions that are atmospheric, versatile and multifaceted. Throughout the album’s duration, Carulli brilliantly parallels both performance and production value in a way that showcases his skill set as a solo artist most effectively. It explores several angles of his artistic merit and truly brings his signature sound to the surface in a way that balances originality and familiarity; encapsulating melodic measures and rhythmic tempos throughout all 8 tracks and offering several tasteful elements as they all play out.

This debut record is beyond impressive and will undoubtedly build anticipation for any listener wondering what Lorenzo Carulli will have up his sleeve with subsequent releases. It’s a strong and solid first impression that will caress the eardrums of any musician with a music theory background, as well as fans of piano-oriented compositions altogether. ‘Present Past’ is a triumphant album that fully deserves your undivided attention. It officially released on April 16th and is currently available on Spotify and several other digital music streaming platforms.


Connect/Listen:

•Official Website: https://www.lorenzocarulli.com
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lozcarulli
•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lozcarulli
•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/lorenzocarulli
•Twitter: https://twitter.com/lozcarulli
•Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3s9uwG3wdpLbzlOaNaTFVR?si=7asXd50HQfG4juy9IdmB9g&nd=1

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Review: “We Are In An Identity Crisis, But We Really Like It” LP

This charismatic’s very bassy, ominous and whispery vocals that are heavily reliant on rhythm sections are almost impossible to go unnoticed. The jazziness is almost gripping when it comes to the UK’s Wild Horse‘s indie and relentless rock record We Are In An Identity Crisis, But We Love It that manages to put 16-brilliant songs in many multifaceted ways in the best ways possible.

Introductory track “Sympathy” is a very indie guitar-oriented track with a disco drum feel to its mantra. Lots of personality in the vocals truly brings enchanting choruses to the forefront with sweltering guitar swings and love for the power of the indie rock calbre….just the way it’s supposed to be. Moving on to track “Times Up“,There’s a plethora of dynamic story telling aura in this song, and Times Up is definitely one of them. Time to up our guy!

Moving into “Broken and Forgotten“, the perfect crossbreed of blues, indie and rock components all placed in the perfect but measuredly-measure among this song this one really brings the three-harmony, key-change and true emo-soul nostalgia completely to the forefront makes this one fun and truly a fun filled redemption .

So many tasty tracks. The bluesy indie-blues tastiness of “Eager”, the unrelenting energy of “My Friend Said”, the funky vibey and reggae-ish tone of “Can’t!” and the subtleness of “True”, a song that truly explores the upwards, downwards, and so much atmosphere that is implemented. All 16-tracks of have brilliant choruses, relentless choruses and full of life stories that truly bring life to the solid ground; without cooking cutting, without lies to make you feel better and with a cutting edge sword that truly comes towards you, but never hurts – just cuts delicately and delivering the hungry truth from the angle you yourself see it through your eyes. And that’s what this record is about — good times, the now-and-then wonders of life of putting one front foot in the other. Oh, and the occasional adversity, and how you deal with it.

This is 16-track really gets into your head and truly puts the depth into meaning. We Are In An Identity Crisis, But We Love It. It tells many stories, philosophies, fun, complain to, and tightly driven from beginning to end. You can find the band’s excellently crafted record on Apple Music, Spotify and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be picking this one up in no time.


Stream the album below:


READ MORE ABOUT THEIR FUTURE SINGLES…

CAN’T STOP (MEETING ON THE DANCE FLOOR) — A feel-good tune about being in love with your clubbing friend who’s in a happy relationship with someone else…”

Key artists influencing can’t stop (meeting on the dancefloor) – Stevie wonder, Martha and the Vandellas, Blossoms, Wham.

 

THE ROOM” — “This track is really just a reaction to 2020 as a year. The feeling of being confined to one “room”, as many people were during lockdown /quarantining, is a difficult one and the lack of human contact has made life feel a bit hazy. This track also touches on the increased sense of division between people this year, with violence becoming more and more prevalent, symbolized by the horrific murders of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor and so many more, and the fact that equal rights for all has become a political issue rather than a necessity of life. 2020 has been a strange year, one that I’m sure we wish we could all forget.”

Be sure to keep up with Wild Horse as they continue to write about the pandemic and be sure to all so to have a holly jolly Christmas!


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Exclusive Review: Pia Salvia – “Dark Longing” Single

Review by: Justyn W. Brodsky

Cover Art of Pia Salvia’s Single “Dark Longing”

Dynamic, atmospheric and versatile might be a few ways to describe the many facets of Pia Salvia‘s musical talent. But in the grand scheme, her stylization and signature sound has endless musicianship factors. And her fresh, hypnotic new single “Dark Longing” is a perfect demonstration of how effective her craft is when it’s brought out to the forefront. Salvia, raised in Belgium and now living in New York, began hitting the ground running in the music realm at the age of six; eventually becoming classically trained for the next 10 years. And some time later would also discover her love and passion for the harp and vocals. Since mastering her craft, Salvia has been composing, arranging and performing her own original material in a vast array of settings and styles of music. She even landed in the top 20 on the world renowned show The Voice (France) in 2012.

Now, with the release of her anthemic single “Dark Longing,” the track has been acquiring some major critical acclaim and recognition among the music world. This single, which is also featured on her album ‘Blissful Sigh,’ which released today, is an atmospheric and ambient song with beautiful harp swells and progressions, classical layers of Pop, Blues and Jazz, and shares reminiscent qualities similar to the likings of Regina Spektor, Dianna Krall and Nora Jones. Her vocal approach is unwaveringly effective and encapsulates an array of styles from spoken word and Hip Hop elements to mid-to-high range melodies that truly make her a standout with all things combined. Her poetic lyrics are also beautifully projected with a story telling method that can easily resonate with any listener. The production value is right where it needs to be and never outdoes itself with post production antics. It’s a song that is authentic, raw and performed with strong precision and method. Salvia‘s lyrics on this track are thought-provoking, poetic and really showcase a crucial angle to her principal songwriting structures.

Cover Art of Pia Salvia’s album “Blissful Sigh” – Out Today July 10th

Her album ‘Blissful Sigh’ just hit the market today and is currently available on Apple Music, Spotify and several other digital music streaming platforms. This is definitely one of the most notable artists so far in 2020 and we highly recommend checking out her single and the full album as well.


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Exclusive Review: Andrew Farstar – “Classics” Album/LP

Review by: Justyn W. Brodsky

Cover Art for Andrew Farstar’s “Classics” LP

This album of classics, just like the album name ‘Classics’ suggests, is a nostalgic treat from the way-back-when machine that features a vast array of songs from renowned artists that we’ve come to know and love over many years. With the voice of Sydney-based artist Andrew Farstar at the helm of this record, tackling these beloved anthems with a modern and youthful approach that gives us a whole new perspective on these high profile covers, ‘Classics’ is not just a run-of-the-mill tribute or half hearted renditions, it’s a visceral reimagination.

Featuring chart-topping hit songs on the record that includes classics like “Your Song” (Elton John), “I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love” (Crystal Gayle), “Sealed With a Kiss” (Brian Hyland), and many more, Andrew Farstar breathes new life into these songs with a modern millennial signature sound that brings out a whole new world to songs that have been loved for decades by a widespread of fans from many different generations. His versatile and multifaceted mid-to-high range vocals are precise and punctual as they are charming as well. He also brings these tracks out in a way that could resonate with younger generations, who will find an entirely new perspective and appreciation for songs older generations may or may not know…but most likely definitely do.

The musicianship factors and production value parallels perfectly with both performance and structure. A lot of the tracks have a distinctive sound that could be reminiscent of artist pioneers like Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, James Arthur, Harry Connick Jr., and those of a similar caliber. But, when it comes to the overall execution, Andrew finds a way to truly make these songs his own reimagining in a way that gets us to appreciate these classic tunes in a whole new spectrum. Basically, if the renowned artists that wrote these songs took a listen to Andrew‘s versions, they’d be definitely mind blown at the brilliant balance between the insatiable feeling of originality and familiarity he brings to these songs. It’s an album of nostalgia, skilled musicianship, and a demonstration of making something completely your own when it comes to artistic merit.

You’ll love every rendition of these songs that Andrew has put together and will remind you that these songs still can have a major relevance in your life. You’ll love ‘Classics’ from beginning to end, unconditionally. You’ll be glad we recommended this to you. You’re welcome.


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