Tag Archives: Band Review

Exclusive Artist Review: Earleybird & Maria – “Everything Is Imaginary” Album/LP

Posted in Album, Careers, Hip Hop, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, R&B, Rap, Soul by

Kevin “Earleybird” Earley’s love for hip-hop goes back decades, as he wrote and performed his first raps in elementary school at the age of seven years old. His rap name was given to him by a childhood friend, a pun based on his last name. Now, several decades later in the game, Earleybird has teamed up with female pop starlet Maria to put out a breed of melodic Rap and R&B that diligently combines a duet of perfectly balanced blend of old school sensibilities and today’s modern aura on his newest record Everything Is Imaginary.

This ten-track juggernaut meshes a signature sound that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; giving the listener a dose of old school Hip Hop countless Rap fans still yearn for along with today’s more modern calibre. Earleybird‘s meaningful, wholesome and undeniably real lyrics are cleverly executed with a mid-range approach with poetic justice often at the helm of his witty lyrical punchlines. Meanwhile, after some straightforward verses, in comes feature artist Maria with her higher-range vocal approach that is blissful and beautifully crafted. Each artist compliments the other, and ultimately resonates into a full-on duet album with a formulaic and multifaceted nature. Each track is supercharged with powerful vocals and versatile melodies rarely heard in a combination comprised in this way. It has a futuristic overtone with every old school component from the past that made Rap the genre we’ve come to know and love today.

Everything Is Imaginary is an absolute gem that deserves all the impact it can muster. It’s an album that invites you into a world that is nostalgically identifiable but also freshly crafted with top notch production and performance value doused with more versatility than one could ever expect between a duo like Earleybird and Maria. This album is a true soundscape of atmosphere and will be held in high regard by anyone who comes into contact with it.

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Exclusive Artist Review: Morningside Lane – “Temperamental” Single

Posted in Alternative, Careers, Dance, Electronic, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock, Single by

New Jersey quintet Morningside Lane has been hitting the ground running with their distinctive futuristic Rock signature sound and hit the market by storm with their 2015 debut EP ‘Mellow Drama’. Flash forward 6 years with a handful of catchy singles later and MS has proven that their hard work ethics and manifestation of their style has paved the way to a thriving career for the band – catching the ears of endless Rock fans of many calibers and eras. Now, with the recent release of their smash single “Temperamental”, the five-piece powerhouse has once again raised the bar for themselves and continue to diligently innovate their craft with new and improved musical angles.

Brilliantly crossing over a distinctive approach from bands like Walk The Moon and Franz Ferdinand, Morningside Lane serves up a flavorful pot of catchy goodness with many multi layered elements that truly bring out their sound. The funky guitars and 80s style synth leads perfectly embrace yesterday’s Pop music charm with today’s more inventive aura, delivering a catchy yet futuristic melody that parallels the specific vocals quite effectively. The subtle verses are very well balanced, leaving the perfect amount of room to introduce the dynamically placed vocal melody that sets the tone throughout the song’s duration in a way that is memorable and impressionable. It’s not your average catchy Rock song, it’s a diligently-written single with unwavering staying power that will tickle the fancies of both long time fans of the band and those just discovering them now.

And that’s the major defining factor of this song – staying power. The power to stay with you even long after it’s over. The five-piece unit not only delivers a solid and tightly knit performance, but really goes out of their way to showcase their innovative style and bring every element from each member to the forefront. From smooth bass lines, rhythmic drums, twangy guitars and next-level vocal hooks, Morningside Lane shines brightly as a whole from start to finish while still being able to highlight each band member’s specific contributions. “Temperamental” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave title a listen.

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•Official Website: https://www.morningsidelane.com

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Exclusive Artist Review: Anaphora – “Illusion” Album

Posted in Album, Alternative, Hard Rock, Indie, Industrial, Metal, Music Review, Press Release, Rock by

Lithuanian rockers Anaphora have only been active since 2017, but are making big waves throughout the heavy metal spectrum. Since their formation, the band has put together a very versatile and nostalgic signature sound that is effective in its execution and energetic in its performance value – and is clearly demonstrated in their debut 10-track juggernaut ‘Illusion’.

Fans of the Nu-Metal era will definitely appreciate this band. Combining a diligent breakthrough sound that has the heaviness of Killswitch Engage and the melodic approach of bands like Chevelle, Shinedown and earlier Staind albums, Anaphora puts forth an insatiable dose of energy you’d expect from a metal/metalcore outfit, but enhances their calibre with earth shattering drum grooves and dynamically crafty drop-tuned guitar riffs. Anchor single and opening track “Similarity” is a strong opener with a solid rhythm section and guitar arrangement. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album and delivers up the key ingredients we hear throughout the duration of this record; showcasing rhythmic vocal melodies, transitional breakdowns and atmospheric textures that are structured together by each member’s equal contributions.

“Fade Away” is another anchor track with a clean guitar intro that is effective and viscerally ambient. This song especially brings Anaphora‘s more crucial elements to the forefront and dives a little deeper into the band’s individual and collective musicianship factors; making the listener even more invested into the record as it plays out. However, it’s the hauntingly ominous “Ghost in the Mirror” that comes out swinging with all the right punches. This far-more-aggressive banger heavily delves into the melodic metalcore structure that really turns up the groove elements. The breakdowns in this song are well placed, well paced and solidifies an anthemic edge that is authentic and effective. The acoustic-infused “Shadows” is an atmospheric effort that closes out the album with an aura of content. It’s a song that further proves that Anaphora is not only a talented unit, but a versatile one as well.

‘Illusion’ is a solid debut release that sustains consistency and a truly developed sound. If you are majorly fond of the heavier 90s and 2000s rock eras, then Anaphora will be your new cup of tea (spiked with your favorite liquor). You can get a copy of the album on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Review: Jack Of None – “The Purpose Of The Moon” Album/EP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, EDM, Electronic, Experimental, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Industrial, Instrumental, Metal, Music Review, Punk, Rock by

There are some artists that come by that just casually impress you, or even passively intrigue you. But all that means is you have yet to listen to Jack Of None. A trio of composers rather than just a band. And when you indulge into the airwaves they unleash, you’ll know exactly what we mean. With a 7-track juggernaut concept album that brings creativity and theatrics to astronomically new levels, this quartet, with a female lead, is a plethora or sounds, feelings, emotions, anger, love, lust, secrets and energy all concocted in a way that dances on a line that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; giving each listener their own interpretation of the music all while conveying the exact same sound quality, textures and anthemic authenticity.

Right from the jump, opener “Maman” is lounge-y, and versatile; giving us a very versatile taste of the female lead’s vocal deliveries that come in a vast array of formulas stemming from whispers, spoken word, aggressive singing styles, poetry that is ominous and everything else in between to keep you on your toes (or frozen to your seat). Subsequent track “Pirouettes Of Night” brings out a vibe similar in this nature. But when we get to track “Mr. Lumpus Decides To Die”, the band becomes far more much to life with more in-your-face participation, complimenting the vast array of the lead vocals that have already set the groundwork for this album. With a more Tim Burton feel at the helm of this masterpiece, the story-telling like verses are ever apparent and the use of keys/synths are nostalgically placed throughout this track’s composition in a way that truly puts an ominous atmosphere into the air that is both interesting and bone chilling; especially when the genius of the synths are placed in measured moments that are completely unexpected and unrelenting. The heavy guitar-driven chorus comprised of distinctive leads of this one also fills in many possible loose ends, if any at all, but just add realms of power behind the project altogether regardless; along with the male vocal touches. This is definitely the highlight of the album.

Other tracks from this conceptual masterpiece also have beyond-worth mentioning moments as well. “Dark The Star” has beautiful subtlety in its intro and provides symphony-like guitar melodies that truly make this song stand on its own. It drives the progression very strongly and even leads up to a high ranged female vocal lead that sets off the goosebumps. “Houdini Whodunnit” is a very busy song with futuristic industrial vibes that could perhaps reimagine the genre altogether. And the gorgeousness of “The Game Of Dying” has some of the most intricately based guitar harmonics a subtle set of measures could ask for. And after all topped off with guitar-only outro “Monsieur X”, we have a record that is conceptual, riveting, storybook worthy and highly acclaimed in its own right. For musician’s out there, no matter the instrument or skill level, “The Purpose Of The Moon” is a record that will breathe music into your soul…with purpose. For fans of greats like Nightwish, Steve Vai, Mr. Bungle and an array of artists that fall somewhere into that spectrum, Jack Of None will be added to your list of instant classics, instantly.

‘The Purpose of the Moon’ is currently available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms.

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Exclusive Artist Review: 21 And 9 – “So…” EP

Posted in Album, Alternative, Careers, EP, Grunge, Hard Rock, Indie, Music Review, Press Release, Rock by

You just don’t hear bands like this anymore. Emerging from the musical landscapes of Ontario in Canada, Alt-Rockers 21 And 9 blasted onto the market two years ago with their dynamic Alt/Rock style accompanied with nostalgic 90s elements of Grunge and Indie – and began hitting the ground running pretty much immediately. With two years of writing and recording under their belts, the quartet have officially released their highly anticipated debut EP “So…”.

Comprised of six versatile and multifaceted tracks, 21 And 9 truly make an unforgettable impression with this record and any fan of the 90s will absolutely adore it. Combining a sound that is reminiscent to 90s nostalgic heavyweights like Oasis, Gin Blossoms, Weezer and Live, 21 And 9 serves up an EP that has intelligently crafted vocal melodies, powerful harmonies, a driving rhythm section and tastefully blended duel guitar leads.

Opening track “All Figured Out” brings this manifestation of their sound right to the forefront with a buildup intro that diligently merges into a climactic chorus and a slamming breakdown that cruises all the way to the end of the song. This song beautifully demonstrates how all opening tracks should present themselves – powerful, wholesome and well executed. Title track “So” continues to showcase the band’s distinctive style but shines a light on more crucial musical angles that makes 21 And 9 the versatile unit that they are. This straightforward Alt-Rock number is well put together and focuses more on the strong vocal melody factors, as well as effective vocal harmonies throughout the song’s duration. It’s the EP’s anchor single and easily stands out as one.

Another notable track on this record is the anthemic “In This Song”, a powerful number with rhythmic drum rudiments and ambient guitar swells. The blends of clean and gain-driven tones mesh perfectly and brilliantly parallel the vocals from beginning to end. This track will likely become a favorite for anyone that listens for the first time, but overall, it’s very hard to pick a favorite since all six tracks are absolute standouts. But nevertheless, “So…” is a far-above-average debut record for a band that has only been together for two years. 21 And 9 definitely will be going places, and this record will easily entice you to keep tabs on their career and subsequent releases. “So…” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen. For this debut record, the band has partnered with apparel company Tenfed (www.tenfed.com) and will be donating ten meals for every record sold to those in need – so it helps a great cause too. All the more reason to grab a copy today!

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