Tag Archives: Album Review

Exclusive Artist Review: Ivana – “Can’t” Single

Posted in Music Review by

Up-and-comer Ivana is quite the voice and presence to behold since emerging into the music market last year in 2022. Originally hailing from from the Poconos, Ivana’s most recent digs in the Brooklyn sector of NYC have opened up many more horizons for her, both spiritually and musically. Ivana (appropriately branded as iVANA) channels her deepest and most raw emotions, through her musical expression. Her songs reflect significant moments in her life and are manifested through ethereal, dreamlike soundscapes. She is a multifaceted and versatile artist with the type of aura and ambience that will resonate with the hypnotic portion of your chemistry as a music listener. A vital connection, if you will; her melodies are designed to take you to a much farther, deeper musical landscape

Once you take a listen to “Can’t”, you’ll see (and hear) exactly what she’s all about. Authentic, bassy, and with a Middle Eastern swagger that really sucks you in. Throughout this track, you can really latch on to iVANA’s story-telling method; utilizing her more high ranged vocal approach while paralleling with a more punchy, rhythmic and ambient electronic aura. Basically, if you’re looking to satisfy a knack for a more aggressive bass, then this song will not disappoint.

One lovable aspect you’ll hear throughout “Can’t” is just how authentic iVANA is. Her voice gives you a visceral listening experience and she encapsulates a signature sound that isn’t meant to align with anyone else’s style or stature. She’s raw, original and truly knows how to tell her own story with hypnotic sensibility from the rhythms in her songs. One other thing worth noting is iVANA’s staying power – the power to stay with you even long after the song is over. She is an artist that will easily grab your undivided attention, whether it’s doing a deep dive into her discography or career; past, present or future. Either way, despite the name of the song title – iVANA truly can.

You can hear the single now at Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital streaming music platforms.

•Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0Hh5j1IetAacz9bA0ZBAwv?si=8f90f0f4ed854232

•Instagram: http://instagram.com/localhotdad

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Radio Drive Music – “Cast Out Your Light” Single

Posted in Music Review by

After several decades of being in the game, St. Paul- based Rock and eclectic powerhouse Radio Drive has been making his way across the musical landscape far and wide, amassing new fans just about everywhere he goes, and not to mention, has graced our platform here in the past. And if it’s one thing we’ve learned about him, it’s that he always knows how to step up the bar each time. And he has done just that with his latest monumental effort “Cast Out Your Light”.

This anthemic and chorus-driven tune plays out like chapters in a book. Starting off with pretty piano measures and ambient guitar swells, the buildup into the vocals and strings really add subtle yet effective foreshadowing into the more gain- driven guitars and snare driven tempos and melodies; all just to bring that subtlety right back as a pre chorus that leads into the full blown chorus. It’s this formula that truly encapsulates Radio Drive’s aura and ambience when it comes to song structure, balance, as well as composure, his compositions are very big in their execution and his use of chorus really draws in your undivided attention. If this is your first time hearing him in his full glory, then this will definitely be the track for you.

This is also the type of a song that’ll keep you coming back for more; perhaps delving further into his discography both past, present and future. RD has a lot more on the horizon and it’s a promising one to say the least. You’ll absolutely love this newest anthem. You can hear “Cast Out Your Light” on Spotify, iTunes and several other streaming platforms. You’ll be glad that you did.

Listen to the new single here:

•Website: http://www.radiodrive.net
•Facebook: https://fb.me/RadioDriveMusic
•Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/radiodrivemusic
•Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/•RadioDriveMusic
•Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/radio_drive
•Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5JZELlsigjpKLVji8J1n3e?si=0z00cEbgReCUflTkYoGsUQ
•iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/radio-drive/313677115

©️ Artist Reach, LL | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review – Matthew Smith – “Back To Me” Album

Posted in Music Review by

Hailing from the picturesque island of JeJu in Korea; a beautiful place that easily renders itself as the Hawaii of Asia, we find the successful climate and location of Indie/Pop-Folk/Rock Artist Matthew Smith. A rising Artist that so far has encapsulated an insatiable buzz with his highly eclectic and emotions-driven signature sound that gives off several nostalgic throwbacks to early-mid 2000s emo and folk, yet still implements fresh and innovative ideas. And with his newest album Back To Me, these crucial factors are made apparent from start to finish after giving the record a listen from top to bottom.

Matthew has a sound that is familiar but also provides a plethora of originality factors that serve up a style that perfectly implements a coherent balance of originality and familiarly; offering up a sound that is familiar yet identifiable to any of the indie genre. Opening title track “Back To Me” blissfully draws reminiscence to mid-2000s Spill Canvas record One Fell Swoop but there’s so much more brilliance among the song structures and mood shifts that Matthew himself puts into i hi s songs that also separate himself from that particular record as well. But either way, old fans of Spill will instantly fall head over heals for this song and immediately render themselves invested for what’s to come throughout the record’s duration. “Back To Me” is one of those anthemic openers that comfortably leads you in with Matthew’s more subtle vocal ques and tenderness, structuring his words in a way that gives it a more storytelling vibe all while paralleling the immediate vibes and moods the rest of his band are laying as the foundation. And as the somewhat-slower buildup takes place, your investment into Matthew’s craft rises right along the musicianship factors they collectively concoct into one big, anthemic song with an incredible climactic ending. This opener will leave a big impression on just about anyone upon first listen.

Another notable number is “Out Here”, a full band track that really brings Matthew Smith’s energy and versatility to the forefront. But despite how much energy is utilized in this song, Matthew undeniably effective subtlety still works diligently. This song just explores new depths, heights and multifaceted layers among the songwriting this album offers. It’s definitely a radio-worthy track with excellent crunchy guitar tones, a punchy rhythm section and some of Matthew’s more stronger vocals to accompany the shift in sound. Heavier fans will definitely take notice of this one.

One more album highlight is definitely the more ballad like and almost lullaby-stylized Tonight”, an unrelentingly gorgeous anthem with atmospheres of subtlety and ambient measures that are performed/sung in a way that will almost put you to sleep, in a very good way. It’s a soul soother from start to finish. The acoustic rhythms and subtle musical textures and additives make this song one you’ll be falling asleep to or perhaps listening to during a romantic dinner setting. Either way, the inescapable beauty in this song is impossible to go unnoticed. Any fan of any Indie era will appreciate this record in full without any reservations or hesitations.

The album is currently available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and many other streaming digital music platforms. You will not regret giving this one a listen.

Listen to the album here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4WbVyMq0RJw1JzFM0WkQm1

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjbt8VsLjU0

•Official: https://matthew-smith.carrd.co/
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewsmith254/

©️ Artist Reach | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Teoifolis & Malachi J – “Malachi On Mars” Album/LP

Posted in Careers, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Rap by

Colorado-based rising rappers Teoifolis & Malachi J have been putting in major work the past year since their inceptions into the market as current members of well-known rap collective, AP. Known for their innovative flows and versatile vocal deliveries, both artists have been a driving force in the Colorado Hip Hop scene and directly demonstrate their impact with their newest collab album Malachi On Mars.

This 10-track juggernaut is the perfect exercise in getting to know both artists as not only a collective, but individually as well. Teoifolis has been in the game as a writer/producer and artist for the last decade while Malachi J emerged onto the market around three years ago. But regardless of how long each rapper has been grinding, their collaborative efforts on this record are next-level, multifaceted and really set the bar even higher for the independent Rap spectrum. One notable track on this album is opener “Unstoppable”, a song that easily lives up to its name. Malachi J immediately explodes onto the track with an aggressive flow that is persistent, consistent and cleverly executed; putting together a verse of solid bars that deliver a story telling method that easily resonates with any fan of the genre. Teoifolis jumps in on the next verse and diligently compliments the heat that Malachi J just served up, but still brings his own spin and innovative flavors to the table. Both rappers present a fast-paced delivery on this song and their cohesive connection as collaborators are very present from start to finish on this banger.

Another honorable mention on this record is “42 Days”. A track with a little more subtlety from its predecessor but still delivers equal heat. This time both rappers tag team the same verse and you can really hear their individual versatility as the track plays out. The hypnotic beat on this song brings a hauntingly ominous aura to the forefront, giving each rapper proper direction for their overall vocal delivery and the coherent word-flow that both distinctively serve up. It’s a follow up track that explores new angles for both rappers but still keeps a consistent path for them as well, building on the solid foundation that has already been put forward since the opening track.

One more notable track on this record (and personal favorite) is the piano-based hypnotic flavors of “Wine For Me”. Once again utilizing a visceral storytelling technique that casts an effective spotlight on both rappers both individually and collectively. This one has a chorus that will stick with you for days. The beat on this one implements an almost R&B feel, but conjures up more of an old school sensibility that truly gives the song charm and character that goes far beyond the average Hip Hop approach. Several new crucial angles are explored through both verses, and the catchiness of the chorus wraps the song up with a shiny ribbon in a way that makes it a standout of its calibre altogether. If you’re cruising with your girl, this banger serves up the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable night. It’s definitely one of the next-level highlights of this album and will easily win over any fan of the Hip Hop world no matter what era they come from.

Overall, Teoifolis & Malachi J serve up several tasty flavors on this record and never leave you hearing the same thing twice. It’s not a one-trick-pony record by any means and both rappers utilize different crucial word flow styles in each song, demonstrating several angles of their talent, versatility and multifaceted approach altogether. Malachi On Mars has that insatiable staying power – the power to stay with you even long after it’s over. It’s also a record that will easily entice you to do a deeper dive into both rapper’s’ discographies and careers altogether. This is an absolute must-hear in 2023 for any avid Hip Hop fan; it’s truly a record that raised the bar for the independent artist circuit.

•Listen now: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/teoifolisandmalachij/malachi-on-mars?fbclid=PAAabccNJaTBuOyror3ugnRelIQRmle_9j_mgpH4-KGornc4C1ngIx_gCFelU

©️Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Berry_ – “Synthesis” Album

Posted in Music Review by

Hailing from the landscapes of upstate New York, Indie and Electronically infused Artist/Producer Berry_ has been self-producing and composing her own signature breed of innovative and catchy Electronic music since 2014 and quickly began hitting the ground running since her inception into the market. After a slew of singles and self releases, Berry_ has brought her sound to full fruition with her debut album Synthesis, an 8-track juggernaut that is all self-produced as well as written.

This versatile record delivers several angles and auras within the Electronic world. Berry’s signature style is an intelligently crafty one that brilliantly balances elements of originality and familiarity, serving up flavors of old school Electronica influences you might hear from the 90s but also diligently implements a modern sensibility with several Indie and EDM angles. Her ability to compose a song is immediately apparent and her melody choices with the vocal leads are not only catchy, but very effective in their execution as well. Starting off this record is the chaotically instrumental “Boot Sequence”, a track that builds your anticipation with the many tempo changes, takeoffs and landings as the measures play out. Utilizing a lot of the Nintendo-era style synth leads that just about anyone will recognize, this album opener appropriately sets the tone for what’s to come with the rest of the record and sets the bar high for the subsequent tracks that are about to take place throughout the album’s duration.

Another standout track on this record is the subtle and hypnotic “We’ve Changed”, an emotionally-charged song with a very effective storytelling method that gives the listener a truly visceral experience upon first listen. The Indie components are very apparent in this song especially, giving a sense of subtlety within the lyrics, melodies and chord progressions. This track is a brilliant window into the soul of Berry’s versatility both as an artist and songwriter. One more noteworthy track on this album is the more upbeat “System Overload”, a song with notable old school Hip Hop flavors combined with Berry’s Indie-style vocals to bring forth a tasty concoction that is both unique and multifaceted. There’s a jazzy trumpet-style solo mid-song that leads back into the verses that really helps thrust this song into truly versatile territories. That’s one noticeable thing on this record; Berry’s ability to implement small-yet-effective flavors whether it’s through instrumentation or melody choices among the vocal approach. This track in particular shines a spotlight on Berry’s production value as well song structures. It really brings her signature sound full circle and will easily captivate any listener upon first listen.

Overall, Synthesis is a uniquely effective exercise in balance, composure and coordination within the spectrum of self songwriting and producing. It’s a next-level record that not only breaks new barriers, but sets new ones as well. Just about any fan of the Indie Electronic and EDM world will adore this record’s charm and versatility. It has that staying power of staying with you even long after it’s over, and will especially entice any listener to do a deeper dive into Berry’s discography, whether past, present or future. Synthesis is available now on Spotify and several other digital music streaming platforms. We can’t recommend this one highly enough.

•Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/66jLsVrAakXgKy3Zb6CxmM?si=w_gGk0N9QqeuzAD13apTRA

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved