Category: Music Reviews
Folk/Roots Duo, Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz, have collided and brought their musical synergy to life throughout their latest single, “Matterbloomlight”. Beginning with a soft stroke of instrumental wonder, “Matterbloomlight” is abounding with the unique feel of the natural world creeping into the digital world as Eric and Mark lyrically reach for the light within themselves beyond their current jaded sense of self.
Having met Mark O’Bitz at one of his solo shows back in Pasadena in 2002, Eric begin to find intrigue in music beyond his known and had never dabbled into creating music of his own prior to his meeting with Mark. Over time, the two’s creative visions came together fluidly and that very fact sticks out like a sore thumb throughout “Matterbloomlight”. Having released their highly-praised full length, ‘Of All These Things’, back in June, Mark and Eric are keeping the train rolling with a soft and ethereal single release that suits their harmonious musical alliance.
“Matterbloomlight” is the perfect track to provide comfort in both a period of transformation and change. Eric Anders has been one to express himself in a excruciatingly bold and honest manner, and that’s what keeps us traveling back into his works of art. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Old Crow Machine Show, Bon Iver and Of Monsters and Men, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz on Bandcamp.
Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz Social Links:
Facebook • Website • Soundcloud
Austin-Based Rockers, The Stone MG’s, leave it all out on the line throughout their dynamic new single, “I Need You”. Ensuring to make it known that there is a lack of satisfaction felt within Lead Vocalist, Rodney James, The Stone MG’s are close to throwing in the towel on a deeply entwined interpersonal connection or addiction that is now beginning to cause mental friction. Metaphorically rich and full of cool undertones that match the mood of unease, The Stone MG’s lyrically pick at a scab that they know in the back of their head is bound to form into a scar.
Smokey, rich and seasoned vocals of Rodney James add an invigorating touch to the track that flows seamlessly with songwriting that is abysmally deep and unafraid to dive beyond the surface. As the track flows, the pace gets picked up as the rose-covered glasses that once served to cover-up reality begin to be removed. Growing up in a family whose central core was centered around the love of music, the passion seeped into the veins of Rodney who is a natural when it comes to being an artist.
The Stone MG’s are a bundle of Rock ‘N’ Roll soul and we recommend to add “I Need You” to your weekend playlist. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire and Arctic Monkeys, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Stone MG’s on Soundcloud.
The Stone MG’s Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp • Instagram
Rock/Pop Duo and couple, The Velvoids, are no stranger to the glitz and glamour yet make it known that they find it more fulfilling to create away from it all throughout their new music video, “Absolutely Nothing”.
Wandering along what looks to be a calming trip, the two take it to the road to experience the manner in which a variety of others lead their everyday lives while stimulating the concept of being so absolutely in love with someone that no matter where you both are physically located, you’re home with each other. Keeping it Indie at heart with a very real-time view of the activities and escapades that they encountered while filming the music video for “Absolutely Nothing”, Dora and Vice brought a lyrically simple track to life through dialing down to the one key aspect of life that is the most rewarding of all; love.
Ever since the the formation of The Velvoids between Dora and Vice back in 2006, consistency has been a key component that has led them toward success and the ability to tour globally and in particularly throughout Europe. There’s a forthcoming album in 2019 which is sure to be an exciting journey as well. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons and The Flaming Lips, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Velvoids on Spotify.
The Velvoids Social Links:
Facebook • Instagram • Bandcamp
Coming together with the intent of creative release and uniting all walks of life through music is the name of the game for Funk and Soul Group, Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio. Having recently released their latest album, ‘It’s Time’, there’s a lot to celebrate for the multi-talented trio. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Forever Day By Day”, an eclectic array of instrumentals that represent the synergy amongst the three leads a listener into a place of total immersion in the lyrical trajectory that is present, mindful and meaningful. The second track, “10 Miles to Empty”, slows it down into a sensual burst of longing as Lead Vocalist, Rose Ann Dimalanta, eases the mind with her serene vocal style that is abounding with wisdom and strength. “Dinner For One” is the third track that is a lyrical slice of awareness when it comes to each human beings ability to create the version of themselves that will serve toward a life of wellness. The fourth track, “Seven Days”, begins with the feeling of an Alicia Keys track back in her ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’ days as lightly drawn out instrumentals serve to emerge a bright, open and easy inner space within listeners.
“Happily’s Never After” is the fifth track and album highlight that instrumentally grooves and aligns with the lyrical journey into the moment which leads to the most mollifying glimpses of happiness and pleasure. The sixth track, “Measure of A Man”, gracefully enters a locked inner chamber and challenges the release of rapid thoughts that hinder the maturation of a dear interpersonal connection. The eighth track, “Latin Soul”, is a vibrant burst of instrumental mystery and edge that creeps and crawls into the hearts of multicultural human beings swinging on the dance floor. “Miles” is the tenth track that is an intimate array of feelings that sprout as the song gently carries listeners into a place of mental clarity while Rose Ann lyrically examines her journey of Motherhood and more. The eleventh track, “No Goodbyein”, leaves one floating as the trio lead all into a place of assurance when it comes to the blooming of a deep soul connection. “Mad Run” is the twelfth track that mimics the ethereal energy of Sade in her ‘Stronger Than Pride’ days as Rose Ann lyrically travels through the rush that she has encountered through collision with one of her life’s most beautiful partners. Closing out with “That’s All”, Rose Ann solidifies her belief that the love that she shares with another is a key component of what makes her feel fulfilled in this massive world.
Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio has created an Adult Contemporary work of soul that leads the mind toward the release of control. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sade, Seal and then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio on Soundcloud.
Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio Social Links:
Facebook • YouTube • Twitter
NYC Experimental Artist, Max Lee, showcases his uncanny ability to read the state of our future throughout his latest full-length album release, ‘Colors of Noise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Finder’s Keeper”, Max laces in entrancing samples and musings that has stirred through his mind while his scratchy vocals serve to showcase that he is in tune with his discomfort as member of modern-day society. The second track, “No Debt”, builds castles in the sky as Max bleeds from the heart and calls out into the ethers to magically release the financial burdens that are holding him back in life. “Open” is the third track that creates the instrumental feeling of the dragged-down intricate detail that MUTEMATH shared with the world throughout their 2006 self-titled debut as Max lyrically attempts to open new realms and avenues of thought within. The fifth track, “History”, showcases the dynamic range that Max Lee is able to dabble in as hushes and whispers ignite his vocal style and add a touch of charisma. The sixth track, “2livealife” is the seventh track that feels like Brand New in their ‘The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me’ days as Max examines his woes and sees right through the pretentious antics of a certain breed of human beings. The eighth track, “The Key”, is the musical equation of liberation as Max has reached a place of assurance that he is ready to set himself and another free from the self-imposed restraints and restrictions that have hindered them fully uniting.
“C U Again” is the ninth track that fits like a puzzle piece right into the album’s flow as a moody soundscape leads listeners into the belief that Max is eager to reunite with a long-lost lover. The eleventh track, “Forever”, intentionally fades in and out to mimic the flighty feelings that Max has been encountering within a deeply intertwined soul connection. The twelfth track, “Painted Eyes”, tones down the album with a soft blast of grief as Max lyrically reminisces about the eyes that he stared into and saw remnants of himself within. “Never Going Back” is the thirteenth track that subliminally speaks of Max’s indecision as he lyrically bounces back into a place of ego and attempts to convince himself that he is not returning to a place that has once caused him emptiness and misery. The fourteenth track, “Btwn”, investigates feelings that have sprouted through the distraction (another human being) that has hindered the merging of two human beings that truly love each other. The sixteenth track, “Touchthestars”, carries an Electronic and Trip-Hop tone as Max lyrically declares his desire to learn about every cell within another. “Part of Everything” is the nineteenth track that begins in higher spirits as lyrics that dive into a variety of conscious connections throughout Planet Earth which feels like a psychologically pleasing and stimulating serving of intricate thought. Closing out with “Breathe”, Max reminds himself of his humanness as he slowly reaches for the surface.
Creating samples and the 21st commonalities of discontentment with the workings of the world is what keeps Max Lee afloat and alive throughout ‘Colors of Noise’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as MUTEMATH and Radiohead, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Max Lee on Spotify.
Max Lee Social Links:
Facebook • Website • Twitter
Independent and mightily talented Musician, Weather McNabb, takes us back to the days of immersion in moody trances that stemmed from female unease in the 90’s Rock circuit throughout her debut EP, ‘Cubicle Zombie’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Good Morning”, you can hear the seasoned undertone of grief in the vocals of Weather McNabb as she lyrically travels through an experience of distance that has grown to be between two human beings that once shared a potent interpersonal connection. The second track, “Adapt”, begins with the vocal style of PJ Harvey back in her ‘To Bring You My Love’ days as Weather McNabb lyrically challenges herself in quiet moments of solace to overcome the current distress that has stemmed from separation. “War Paint” is the third track that is an album highlight which lyrically speaks of the revealing of the truest self beyond the self-imposed masks that individuals hide behind to conceal their darkest lies. The fourth track, “Time Machine”, begins with an idiosyncratic and trance-laced instrumental that lead listeners into a pool of creative wonder as lyrics poke at the insecurities of another that once poisoned the spirit of Weather McNabb. Closing out with “User Error”, Weather McNabb opens with the industrial instrumental style of Nine Inch Nails and How To Destroy Angels over fed-up songwriting that is stuffed tight with a smorgashboard of feelings such as release, frustration anger and in time, closure.
You’re off to a great start with a promising future ahead in the world of music, Weather McNabb. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Garbage, Luscious Jackson, and Hole, then keep an eye out on the ride ahead for Weather McNabb on Soundcloud.
Weather McNabb Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • YouTube
Canadian Songstress, Elza, isn’t timid when it comes to navigating tricky inner waters and makes that candidly known throughout her latest album release, ‘Nothing’s Wrong’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Moonlight and I”, Elza slowly introduces listeners to her ignited core through a cryptic instrumental style that leads into the sweet pour of Elza’s sultry vocals as the lyrical trajectory speaks of the current balance of the fire, water, earth and air that she has cultivated within. The second track, “Endeavor”, carries a similar touch of the haunting instrumental style of Poe as Elza lyrically speaks of a sudden shift in experience and/or feeling that served to shock and sway her once composed inner workings. “Swayed” is the third track that swiftly bounces between artistically matching the style of Bjork and Alanis Morissette as Elza picks up the pace with an outspoken and impactful lyrical rush of her frustrations within an interpersonal relationship. The fourth track, “Hollow”, opens with experimentation with a wide array of simple sounds as Elza lyrically takes listeners for a mighty lyrical ride through the second-guessing she is encountering when it comes to the integrity and character of another.
“Simple Dreams” is the fifth track that opens into a wide open space in which Elza’s soothing yet rigid lyrical energy creates a magical blanket of musical warmth. The sixth and title track, “Nothing’s Wrong”, is the lyrical portrayal of the attempt to overcome an expansive and time-worn relationship that is getting the best of Elza. “Stay With Me” is the seventh track that frightently mimics the vocal style of Alanis Morissette in her ‘Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie’ days as Elza lyrically dips her feet into a pool of vulnerability and yearning. The eighth track, “Room”, is a potent lyrical mix of relational frustration and tension that is building within Elza through thoughts of creeping toward the end of a relationship eat her alive. “Can’t Heal” is the ninth track that pulls on the heartstrings of listeners with lyrics abounding with the truth about illusions that individuals tend to create in their minds as they wear rose-colored glasses that shield them from their reality. Closing out with “One Day”, Elza attempts to come out of the hazy fog of love within a beautiful ode to healing.
Elza sings and soothes listeners from a raw place within that she brings forward artistically in a compelling way. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Alanis Morissette, PJ Harvey and Tori Amos, then keep an eye out for the ride ahead for Elza on Soundcloud.
Elza Social Links: