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.
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.
British multifaceted and multitalented singer/songwriter TaniA Kyllikki manifested her love for music at a very early age, singing a vast array of genres including R&B, Pop and Soul. Not long after, she put out a series of Gospel singles and MySpace covers that would eventually amass millions of plays worldwide. She also started posting her covers to other social media platforms, further expanding her reach and fan base which would eventually lead to several prominent features/publications including the front cover for New Music Times UK, Premiere One, Top Hitz UK and several others. TaniA has also collaborated with several other artists including three-time Grammy Award-winning artist NeYo, who would end up presenting her smash single “Remind Me” on the industry world stage. Most recently, in January 2022, TaniA released her debut album Why Chapter One, debuting at #25 on Amazon’s Hot Top 100 New Pop Albums chart followed by an array of positive reviews and critical acclaim.
TaniA’s résumé is obviously impressive, which is why it’s no surprise that her newest single “H.W.C.” has already gained major traction. Comprised of her dynamic vocal range and storytelling signature sound she is known for, this passionate single right from the onset displays TaniA’s unmatched feminine energy and unwavering versatility. The production value and performance factors parallel perfectly in terms of quality, showcasing several angles of TaniA’s undeniably gifted vocal range as well as her ability to write a song that is not only effective, but memorable as well. Starting the track off with a more subtle approach, you can really grasp onto her artistic merit and atmospheric presence. TaniA’s voice is soothing, smooth, but doesn’t veer away from emphasizing certain aspects of the song when necessary.
This song has a storytelling format that really delves into TaniA’s multifaceted lyrics and concepts. It’s a scenario most listeners identify with, but it’s not done generically or stereotypically. She really grabs hold of the subject matter and truly puts her own spin on it, delivering a sound and stylization that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity. Her knack for high levels of emotion never waivers, and as the “H.W.C.” storyline plays out, it builds up to a climax that grabs your undivided attention and really gives off that first impression that is easily unforgettable, both musically and lyrically.
TaniAKyllikki grabs hold of the listener and truly delivers an anthemic experience with this song. It has that insatiable staying power – the power to stay with you even long after it’s over. It’s definitely a single that will entice new listeners to do a deep dive into her career and discography. If you haven’t heard her yet, then this song will win you over instantly. “H.W.C.” is available now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and all other digital streaming platforms. We can’t recommend this song highly enough.
Orlando, Florida’s Kevin Borland started making his impact in the music world with his 2016 debut album ‘Harbor City Meltdown’, a record that handsomely boasts his artistically progressive pop/alternative rock signature sound with a stylization that is original and dynamic. Tackling the realm of music with many successful releases under his belt over many years, Borland has a true knack and passion for being a composer/solo artist with several crucial influences from industry heavyweights like David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, as well as guitar pioneer Steve Vai.
Consistently putting out an array of notable releases since his debut in 2016, Borland has manifested into a thriving and rising solo artist, upping the ante with every record in terms of catchiness, coherence, creativity and originality. And this is heavily apparent with his newest album ‘Talking To Dead People’, a 15-track juggernaut that brings Borland’s colorful musical landscapes into to the forefront with cohesively catchy guitar riffs, progressive keyboard measures and melody-driven vocals fused together with well thought out lyrical themes. The track “Spoon Without a Fork” is a good example of this. With an unwavering groove from start to finish at the helm of this song, this track’s bass lines really tighten up the rhythm section in a way that drives the song in a dynamic direction alongside the story-telling narrative of Borland’s vocals. Topping the flavors off with prog/rock-style single-picking guitar riffs, this song is a standout of the album with its innovative verses and dangerously catchy chorus alongside all of the layers this song peels back as it plays out. If this is your first time hearing Kevin Borland, then this song will leave you with an insatiably unforgettable impression.
Another notable track on this record is the synth-driven “Autographed Picture of a Robot Dog”, a more jam band kind of approach with a gritty, bluesy rotund low end carrying an ominous melody that reminds you of the London nightlife. This song is anthemic, atmospheric and continues to demonstrate Borland’s inventive lyrical narratives – giving this song a distinctive edge that is sharp, witty and altogether innovative. Every part of this song is put together very diligently, especially the background vocal layers in the chorus that really give the entirety of this song’s melody an enhancement of compliments and style. It’s a brilliant listen from beginning to end and really solidifies the album’s overall tone.
One other song that really stands out on this record is closing track “No Love in the USA”, a more upbeat track with cruising tempos, diligently paralleled keys and guitars, and a big chorus that encompasses an anthemic arena of catchiness. This crafty closeout song not only wraps the record up with a shiny bow on top, but also entices you to start the record over again and do a deeper dive into Kevin Borland’s discography altogether. One thing this album has especially is multi genre approaches without crossing into absurd genre-mixing territories. It’s not some experimental craziness, it’s a diligently-composed and brilliantly themed collection of songs with crafty thought provoking lyrics that implement artistic outbursts of spoken word measures that really lend to the theming aspects of each song – coherently showcasing a signature sound that’s not only effective, but innovative in its execution as well. The attention to detail is amazing not only in terms of writing, but the performance factor as well. The production value is on point and doesn’t outdo itself in any way throughout the record’s duration. All in all, ‘Talking to Dead People’ is hands down Kevin Borland’s best release effort yet and will definitely hold a high regard upon those giving him a first listen. Those who are just discovering him will especially be impressed and will likely find enticement to go down the rabbit hole of Borland’s past releases, as well as pay close attention to the prospect of future ones as well. This album will not (and does not) disappoint in the slightest. ‘Talking to Dead People’ officially drops in June of this year and will be available across all digital music streaming platforms.
We’ve had The Harmalators duo on our platform before, and they have yet to do disappoint. Since that time, the elite Californi-natives have put together another plethora of colorfully eclectic songs with top notch production value and songwriting technique versatility – some which have landed them in award/charting positions. Comprised of eight amazingly blissful textures and structures that melodically soar throughout the musical landscape, the two brothers in The Harmalators have truly hit it out of the park with their 8-track collective, titled ‘Two Great Minds Think Alike‘, an exercise in innovation, thoroughness, blissfulness and so much more that’ll captivate your musical aura and ambience.
Opening track “Love On Fire” really emphasizes their vocal melody approach, all while keeping that indie feel at the forefront with several facets of different instruments playing their respective roles. Each vocalist really helps enhance the other and you can tell that their togetherness and solidification really puts the melody strength into the writing structure in its entirety. It’s a brilliant intro to the album that will easily entice you to listen to the duration of the record in its entirety.
“Where Would I Be Without You” is a much more simple listen but is undeniably a much more basic structure – and that is held to the highest regard. It’s a shorter song, one that is easily to take in as a classic, and could definitely be heard as an intro to one of those 90s sitcoms (a GOOD one, by the way). Another facet of this track is to find it impossible to get it out of your head. From its title track lyrics, addictive melody structure and just overall charming presence with its well-put-together.
Overall, ‘Two Great Minds Think Alike’ insatiably showcase both brothers’ strongest points in both production and performance value in ways that entice any listener to hear what they’ve put together over the years together and solo-wise as well. They’ve put out a small catalogue of their innovative gems in the past foür😝 its time, but this 8-track collection of highly-produces bliss will definitely turn some heads; especially when an album like this is in the band’s arsenal.
“Two Great Minds Think Alike” have also garnered them some award status. Including…
If this is the first time you’ve heard the first time you’ve heard The Harmalators, then it definitely won’t be the last!
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