Tag Archives: Pop Music

Exclusive Artist Review: The Harmalators – “Time Portal To A Better Future” Album

Posted in Album, Alternative, Emo, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

San Francisco-based Identical-twin-duo The Harmalators have graced our platform before and are well known for their charismatically colorful and catchy signature sound; implementing catchy riffs and sing-songy choruses into a tightly knit package of Indie-Pop Rock goodness with a familiar yet innovative approach. Starting off as a power trio in 2005, this duo has written and released a vast array of prominent records and have been a constant routine request among listeners on radio stations nation, recently taking the #1 slot on Chicago’s BMS Radio.

Now in 2022, The Harmalators duo have put out some of their most notable tracks to date with the release of their newest album Time Portal To A Better Future, a 10-track collection of well thought out versatile songs that showcase several paralleled angles of the brothers’ performance and production value, serving up a tasty concoction of glistening guitars, anthemic vocals and dangerously catchy choruses that are bound to stick with you. “Dream Dream Of Waterfalls” is an excellent example of this formula, starting off with the chorus immediately to set the tone for the rest of the record’s aura and atmosphere. This track will easily charm fans of the older Rock sensibility that they grew up with, putting catchy and easy-to-follow vocals into a structure that showcases crispy guitar swells to give the brothers a complimentary sound you can easily identify with. It’s a nostalgic song with magical vocal melodies, and provides a lovable chorus that will undoubtedly stick with you long after it’s over.

Another notable track on this record is the acoustically-driven piano track “Clean Cool World”, a track with several layers of synth-y and electronic touches. This inspirational song has very atmospheric verses and leads into a simple yet effective chorus that once again never fails when it comes to catchiness. This song in particular is a more experimental effort on the record, shining a light on more musical angles that both brothers explore throughout the song’s duration. One more noteworthy track on this album is “On The Way to Heaven”, a more subtle piece with inspirational lyrics, a serene chorus with very effective backup vocals and an aura of peacefulness that will have you playing this one in your most relaxed state. It’s a feel-good song with a glistening atmosphere from beginning to end, with an almost Pink Floyd type of ambience. This song definitely lives up to its title and is definitely a standout of this album in both performance and execution.

Overall, Time Portal To A Better Future is an exciting release for The Harmalators duo and is definitely a step up from their previous releases. It’ll easily entice new listeners, satisfy current ones and will have you putting this record on repeat anytime you need a musical uplifter in your day. The album is available now on Spotify, Apple Music and several other digital music streaming platforms. You will not be disappointed in the least.

•Apple Music Album Link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-harmalators-time-portal-to-a-better-future/1642526913

•Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/harmalators

•Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/normankay9

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Radio Drive – “One Breath Away” EP

Posted in Acoustic, Album, Alternative, Careers, EP, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

Emerging from the Minneapolis/St. Paul music scene, Alt-Indie recording artist and multi musician Kevin Gullickson (known under his solo monicker Radio Drive) has been writing, recording and releasing his own dynamic breed of eclectic Rock/Pop-oriented material since launching his solo career in 2008. Since then, he has undoubtedly hit the ground running and has amassed an impressive name for himself since emerging into the market; putting out an array of albums and releases at a frequent pace and constantly innovating his signature sound and stylization. He has received numerous glowing reviews and critical acclaim since his inception; receiving an array of airplay on several local and regional radio stations both in the US and Canada for his 2009 album Dream The Impossible, his sophomore 2010 follow up record Life Today as well as his subsequent release I Can See The World From Here. His release Life Today also hit the Top 40 charts on CJSW Radio in Calgary.

Fast forward to 2022 and Radio Drive has brought his inventive and cohesive sound full circle with his newest dynamic 4-track EP One Breath Away, comprised of some of Kevin Gullickson’s best work and most notable tracks to date. Each song is carefully crafted with fine detail, several coherent layers and a signature sound that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; delivering a solid performance that brilliantly incorporates Rock and Pop elements from older more classic flavors and today’s more modern sensibility. It’s not only a record for fans of the classics, but also for today’s hungry music fans searching for the next fresh take on the genres they have come to love. Fresh from the EP, the song “Be Yourself Tonight” diligently encapsulates the aura and atmosphere that this particular record gives off. It’s a minor scaled piano-driven tune with layers of complimenting clean guitars and a cohesive rhythm section to tie it all together. Kevin’s mid-to-high range vocals are very magnetic and anthemic, encompassing a style that cross breeds Rock vocalists like Sting and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. His melody choices are not just coherent, but brilliantly arranged and executed. His upper third harmonies in the second verse and octaves in the chorus are immediate standouts in this song and really demonstrate Kevin’s ability both as a singer and songwriter. This track will easily impress anyone upon first listen.

Another notable track on this EP is the more upbeat “I Believe I Believe”, a song with several impressive instrumental layers and a dangerously catchy title hook. Definitely the sing-along track of the record, this nostalgic track has surprises around every corner ranging from heavier crunchy guitars, a female chorus of background vocals, violins/strings and an anchor hook that will likely stick in your head like glue. This track definitely has staying power, and will stick with you even long after it’s over. “Don’t You Know” is another track with beautiful string layers and really showcases more of Kevin’s vocal range and arrangements. This Rock number has a nostalgic 90s feel that sounds like a song directly imported from that era. This ridiculously catchy song has shades of REM throughout the track’s duration and the glistening harmonies in the chorus’s “don’t you know, don’t…you know” will be stuck in your head for weeks. Lastly, the acoustic-oriented “Moment By Moment” is the final track and is an anthem all about life and living in that important moment, day by day, hour by hour. This feel-good track is a straightforward song with some tasty three part harmonies and really has that oldies vibe going on, but still has that same innovative signature that Radio Drive is known for. This track fits on this record like a glove and really ties Kevin’s sound together into a tightly wrapped package, with the bow and all.

Altogether, One Breath Away is a record for those seeking that dose of nostalgia, but still being able to indulge in that modern twist that we frequently hear with today’s more contemporary artists. Every track could easily be a radio hit, and the production value diligently parallels the performance value from beginning to end. Kevin Gullickson serves up a tasty platter of Alt-Indie songs on this EP with several key elements in each one offering a more cohesive finish product in whole. It’s a record that will easily capture new fans, satisfy old ones, and entice any listener to dive into Radio Drive’s impressive discography – as well as stay up to date on future releases as well. This is an absolute must-hear in every way.

One Breath Away is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen.

•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, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Artist Review: Dejhare – “Lovescape” EP

Posted in Careers, Dance, EP, Music Review, Press Release by

Emerging from the San Jose, California west coast scene, rising Dance-Pop artist Dejhare has been hitting the ground in the music world since 2018 and since that time has amassed an impressive buzz and presence since coming out the gate. Dejhare‘s musical vision is comprised of using her music to reach out to people on a very personal level, giving the listener a front row seat to her own life stories, trials and tribulations via musical form. And her most recent EP, Lovescape, is a clear demonstration of this.

Dejhare’s signature sound is very hypnotic, melodic and really captures her essence and aura through her instrumental structures and lyrical concepts. Lovescape, comprised of six well-crafted anthemic and atmospheric songs, does a very diligent deep dive into Dejhare’s overall vision that truly leaves you as the listener in complete awe of her craft both lyrically and vocally. Opening track “Light Up” delivers a perfect demonstration of this, serving up a signature modern style that is melodically visceral in its execution and innovative in its production value. This song showcases Dejhare’s mid-to-high vocal range very effectively and also shines a light on her ability to structure a lyrical concept that is not only relatable, but musically punctual as well.

Another highlight from this EP is “Under A Spell”, a hypnotic track with soothing landscapes of synth and melody that does perfect justice to the song title. This dream-like song explores the concept of challenges that come with a long distance relationship and also expresses the emotional devotion that takes place within it. Dejhare delivers sensual and soothing verses that build up to a very climactic chorus, giving the listener a rollercoaster of emotions as the song plays out to its cleverly faded outro. This one is definitely a personal favorite and truly captures some of Dejhare’s most notable elements as a vocalist and songwriter.

One last highlight on this EP is closing track “Going Solo”. A song that touches on the concept of moving on after a bad relationship and the emotional barriers that take place during the process. Once again, Dejhare’s vocal delivery is hypnotic and melodically visceral; paralleling perfectly with the uplifting tempo and synthy progressions. This is another track on the album that definitely has one of the most standout choruses. It not only gets completely stuck in your head, but really ties the whole EP together in a way that’ll entice you to do a deep dive into Dejhare’s career altogether. Every song on this EP is cleverly crafted and has been given the proper attention to detail it deserves. Dejhare’s vocal tracks are punctually perfected both lyrically and musically, serving up a strong delivery that showcases her abilities as an artist just about perfectly. If this is your first time hearing her, then Lovescape will make you an instant fan. The production value on this record parallels perfectly with the performance value, two key elements that are not only crucial, but game changing when it comes to today’s industry.

Lovescape is available now on Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music and several other streaming platforms. You can also find Dejhare’s other releases off of her discography as well. This is an EP that will easily amaze her current fans and create new ones. Once you yourself take a listen, you’ll definitely be enticed to check into other parts of her catalogue and keep a close eye on her future releases as well. We can’t recommend this one highly enough.

Listen to the EP:

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Exclusive Artist Review: Adriana Adeline – “Higher Consciousness” Album

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

Hailing from the five boroughs of NYC, R&B/Indie rising artist Adriana Adeline began her journey into the music universe in 2018 when she released her debut album Bona Fide, based on her very real trials and tribulations regarding a recent heartbreak in her life at the time. From that point on, Adriana began culminating a buzz around her record and soon enough would begin writing her follow up effort. Manifesting into her own signature sound, style and ambience within the Indie and R&B world, Adriana’s sophomore release Higher Consciousness is not only her newest release, but her most distinctive one as well; brilliantly encapsulating her style, spirit, musicianship and everything in between.

This 7-track release really delves into Adriana’s aura and essence, offering a window into her soul with glittered tasty ukulele riffs, intelligently crafted lyrics, effective vocal melodies and other catchy twists and turns that she implements diligently throughout the record. Adriana is very inventive on this record and she definitely serves up her own menu of flavors on every track. Opening title track “Higher Consciousness” introduces the record with a spoken word style delivery and leads into a vocal melody that showcases her diverse singing style that is breathy, passionate and crafty. Which eventually transitions into follow up track “Worries”, an R&B-oriented song that has a bossa nova tempo with a very effective yet subtle drum section. Adriana’s blend with the tasty ukulele progression really sets the tone on this song and uniquely encompasses an aura that is both diverse and distinctive. Her vocals are definitely at the top of her game on this song and really captures her true spirit both lyrically and melodically.

The more upbeat “Change” is one of the most notable tracks on this album with a very big chorus that truly demonstrates just how brilliant Adriana’s writing style is. It’s a passionate song that lyrically bares her soul, and is definitely a standout on the record with several angles of innovative approaches from both the ukulele progression and vocal direction. This song’s chorus will stick with you even long after it’s over, it just has that sort of rare staying power that is rarely captured in today’s music world. One more notable track on this record is the more Hip Hop and Soul-oriented “Safe” featuring rapper Saze. This unique and crafty song has a 90s vibe reminiscent of artists like The Fugees. Hip Hop artist Saze delivers an excellent flow that really fits into this song like a glove. The old school flavors are very apparent and the one liner “you wanna get up” will be singing in your head for days. This track really grasps onto an R&B sensibility that shows exactly what made the genre what it is today, lending a more traditional approach to Adriana’s sound that really showcases her ability to utilize both a modern perspective and an old school one. This track will definitely be one of your favorites on the record.

Adriana Adeline is a true Indie artist in every sense of the word. She is self made, passionate and writes about her real life stories through the expression of music, further proving that NYC is still one of the best music scenes in the country with no limit on diversity or versatility. She’s an artist that you will not regret following as her career goes forward and her album Higher Consciousness is a must-listen on all counts. You can get a copy now on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and any other digital music streaming platform. You’ll be glad you did.

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Artist Review: Kevin Borland – “Talking To Dead People” Album

Posted in Album, Alternative, Blues, Careers, EDM, Electronic, Indie, Music Review, Pop, Press Release, Rock by

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.

Connect:

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

•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinBorlandMusic

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwqBEbImP6SgSCYUhdMXpfQ

©️ Artist Reach, LLC | ASCAP | All Rights Reserved