Tag: Review
West Coast Indie Folk Musician, Cindy Jollotta, lyrically yearns to turn back the hands of time and get another shot at connecting with an individual who she once perceived differently throughout the release of her latest single, “Ghosts”. Accompanied by a music video that is set amongst a balance of the natural world and the reality of her life back at home, Cindy Jollotta gets down to the bare bones of her feelings throughout “Ghosts” in an inviting and enlightening way for those who are currently experiencing heartbreak.
Having spent some time in Europe on tour in 2018 followed by dates throughout the states which started on December 18th, 2018, Cindy is globetrotting around the world and spreading her love for music in places and environments that captivate the intimacy in which she approaches her musicianship. As a proud supporter of LGBTQ, body positive, sex positive and women in the music industry, Cindy is a thought-leader who has aligned her music with her mission of using her platform to welcome any and all walks of life into her world fully as they are. Carrying a potent degree of mystery while lacing in her roots and musical history, Cindy Jollotta shines throughout “Ghosts” which is her first time spreading her wings and dabbling into a solo project away from her band, The Podunk Poets. Setting the trajectory for what’s to come in 2019, Cindy Jollotta is in exploration mode and her artistic prowess continues to bloom. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as LeAnne Rhymes and Shania Twain, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Cindy Jollotta on Soundcloud.
Cindy Jollotta Social Links:
Facebook • Website • YouTube
Detroit Rapper, Mack Tr3, makes your speakers bump throughout the release of his new single, “Dopeman Dream$”, which is accompanied by a music video that showcases that he has his sight set on his prize. Delivering the goods just as they are and never fronting about his scars through his artistry, Mack Tr3 may be new to the game in some ways, yet he has been spittin’ since the days of his youth and it’s time from his talent to be recognized beyond the booth.
Filmed with the nitty-gritty feel and appeal of the reality and human experience of those who are putting in the time in the studio while balancing the blue-collar work on the side, Mack Tr3 shines in a way that is both revealing and reassuring to those independent musicians who are following in his footsteps throughout the music video for “Dopeman Dream$”.
Embodying the guts, grind and glory of the 313 while on the grind, Mack Tr3 is steady making the necessary moves to live out his dreams and showcase his talent to a wider audience that continues to grow. Mack Tr3 is an individual with heart who is developing a signature style of wit and wisdom that challenges listeners to challenge their own manner of thinking before hoes, parties and drinking. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Young Dolph, 21 Savage with the old-school twist of Chamillionaire and Paul Wall, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Mack Tr3 on YouTube.
Mack Tr3 Social Links:
New Jersey Drummer, Sam Fishman, gathered an army of fellow talented musicians to accompany him along a spiritually rich and instrumentally extravagant musical journey throughout the recent release of ‘End of Time’. Here’s our track-buy-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “The Musings of Your Heart (A Path Illuminated)”, Sam opens up with a dose of psychologically intriguing storytelling that leads listeners to build castles in the sky in mind. The second track, “Sh’ma Sh’ma”, is a soft and slow blast of strings that sounds akin to the likes of Lindsey Stirling in her self-titled debut days back in 2012. “Don’t Forget You Can Breathe” is the third track that is the perfect storytelling reminder to listen to before bed after a long day of absorbing stimulus through simply being in the human experience. The fourth track, “Omens”, picks up the pace of the album with emotive instrumentals that feel as though Sam is encountering a dark space within while vocals from Samantha Cram elevate the denseness of Sam’s current inner world.
“Pure Kinetic Energy (Inside the Labyrinth)” is the fifth track that is abounding with childlike and mind-bending storytelling that is hypnotically absorbed by listeners who perceive and lead life beyond the surface. The sixth track, “Voices Emerge”, opens with an astounding and fluidly meshed array of instrumentals that mimic the likes of Dream Theater and carry a theatrical tone that is as inviting as the opening lyrical line. The eighth track, “Stolen Lives”, is an album highlight that subliminally serves to release the subconscious mind within listeners through instrumentals that take us back to the glory days of bands like Fuel, Our Lady Peace and Trapt. “Sulfuric Fumes of Fury (Enter the Dark)” is the ninth track that showcases Sam’s dynamic approach when preparing the instrumental, musical and production style for the release. The tenth track, “Mantra”, is a whirlwind of delightful juxtaposition that sounds furthest from the peaceful title in the most lovely way with high-power riff’s and drumming that showcases the amount of dedication Sam has put into his artistry. “Final Distance to the Clock” is the eleventh track that lights a flame through the hearts of listeners as a classic instrumental eruption of Rock ‘N’ Roll that is simply good for the soul. The twelfth track, “The Space Between Calm and Catastrophe (Approaching the End of Time)”, keeps the story spilling forward as Sam purposely entwines thoughts that he absorbed through being in tune with a higher dimension and thoughts beyond himself into his music. “The End of Time” is the thirteenth and title track that begins sounding akin to Phil Collins and Genesis and swiftly leads listeners to being tugged at the core by the hypnotic soulfulness within the vocals of Samantha Cram. Closing out with “A Short Dream Revisited”, intro instrumentals that mimic the likes of Glasser in her ‘Ring’ days soothe the restless mind and spirit and induce a state of emotional tranquility.
Taking over 18 months to bring together this work of musical art, it is evident that Sam Fishman had his heart set out to create his desire from the start throughout ‘End of Time’. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Megadeth, Porcupine Tree and Our Lady, Piece, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Sam Fishman on Spotify.
Sam Fishman Social Links:
San Francisco Musician, CarnyMusic, is transcending beyond his roots as the Lead Vocalist of Western-Psych Band, The Green Door. Having recently released his new self-titled EP, it is evident that Mike Carnahan has set his sights on getting deeply in tune with himself through his artistry. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Riptide”, CarnyMusic creates an environment akin to one amongst a cozy fire in the middle of a cool summer night as the lyrical trajectory hits the highs and lows of a riptide of emotions that have hit him directly in the chest. The second track, “Beetle In The Sand”, is humbling as the opening abruptly jumps into a soft lyrical journey into our small places in this massive world through our individualism and flows into the chorus that serves as a reminder of the ever-changing weather that has been encountered between two lovers. “Start Another Week” is the third track that lyrically speaks of the common attachment to a life of work and never slowing down that is poisoning the human race as CarnyMusic gently dabbles into the thoughts that have left his mind racing. Closing out with the EP highlight, “Close Your Eyes”, CarnyMusic lyrically carves into the remaining pieces of a tarnished love that still seems to linger in the air no matter the alternating experiences that each individual encounters on their own.
CarnyMusic embodies both his masculinity and femininity in a balanced way throughout his self-titled release which ignites the emotive element of the music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians with depth such as Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens and Sun Kill Moon, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for CarnyMusic on Soundcloud.
CarnyMusic Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp
Southern Rockers, Dead Friends 46, are a wild riot of Rock ‘N’ Roll thunder creating music that is both amusing and pleasing to consume. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts of their latest full-length album release, ‘Hardcore’.
Kicking off with a bang with the first track, “The Firm”, the guys of Dead Friends 46 rile up some daunting energy as aggressive Punk guitar playing smashes through the intro and swiftly leads into a dive into a ball of fire by the name of Don Mazda whose vocal style mimics the likes of Judas Priest. The second track, “Rise Up”, can get a crowd of maniacs tossing beer across a venue as the guys of Dead Friends 46 showcase their lyrical prowess with a politically potent spill of how corrupt our Government has come to be. “Whistling in the Dark” is the third track that is a seemingly spiritual ode to regret as lyrics bash living under the rules of society and how much it can destroy your one shot as a human being. The fourth track, “Banned from the Pubs”, is exactly as it states; rowdy, incoherent and balls-to-the-wall as the guys lyrically attempt to flee a frantic scene that they created.
“The Letter” is the fifth track that intentionally sticks it to the man as a blast of instrumental synergy shreds through with ease. The sixth track, “Mass Hysteria”, puts the cherry on top of the madness that has already come memories of the lack of trust in those who have f**ked the guys of Dead Friends 46 in the past are coming back out of the closet to lyrically confront with no remorse. “Blood Cot” is the seventh track that lyrically highlights a lack of self-discipline and control which is destroying the lives of an individual who is immersed within their own self-doubt. The eighth track, “Lady Doom”, is a lyrical shot at a lady who tried to run the guys of Dead Friends 46 for what they’re worth yet was found guilty in hindsight. “Devil and Don” is the ninth track that reeks of lyrically knowing that it is time to throw in the towel on relationships that aren’t going anywhere. The tenth track, “Black Eyeliner (April Harvey), starts off with streamlined instrumentals that leads into a dose of lyrical anger as the guys metaphorically travel through a chapter of sleeping with the devil. Closing out with “Dead Friends”, the guys pour one out for the ones that have come and gone in a classic Punk Rock way.
Mastered with precision by a group of guys who live and die by and with music, ‘Hardcore’ by Dead Friends 46 is an album that can kickstart your new year the right way. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Anti-Flag, Bad Religion and Authority Zero, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Dead Friends 46 on Soundcloud.
Dead Friends 46 Social Links:
Facebook • Bandcamp • Website
New York Musician, Gideon King & City Blog, is beginning to make a name for himself and his recent album release, ‘Upscale Madhouse’, is a deep dive into darkness that is pragmatic and creatively approached with the intent to heal. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Going Straight to Hell”, Gideon King brings forth an atmospheric dose of instrumentals that match the lyrical intent to reach a place of acceptance while righting the wrongs that he has carried around for far too long. The second and title track, “Upscale Madhouse”, slows it down to a whisper which leads into the manic thoughts that are spinning through the mind of his lover as he attempts to beg for another shot at love. “Broken and Beautiful” is the third track that begins with the feeling of a song by John Legend in his ‘Get Lifted’ days as Gideon King lyrically yearns to find clarity within an experience that has been heavy on the heart and soul. The fourth track, “Fake it on Facebook”, is exactly as it states as lyrics that call out the commonalities of the modern-way of being and digital world enlighten the minds of listeners who are hooked on a life of smoke and mirrors.
The sixth track, “Gun to My Head”, slows it down into a soft guitar opening that carries out the hefty emotions and feelings that Gideon has encountered which leads to a lyrical confession of immense pain that has been trickling down his spine. “For Our Own Sake” is the seventh track that opens with a mesmerizing piano that leads into pristine vocals by Elliot Skinner and Grace Weber that ignite energy within listeners who have deep appreciation for the simple luxuries of life. The eighth track, “So Evolved”, purposely contradicts itself to lyrically come to the realization that it’s been a cold relational journey and road that Gideon has been traveling down. “God I’m so Alone” is the ninth track that lyrically speaks of discomfort after having to remove oneself from a stagnant situation that no longer serves positive growth. Closing out with “Look Ma No Hands”, the thoughts that spin through Gideon’s mind open the track to stir up the listener right before the short downfall into lost hope.
Listen to ‘Upscale Madhouse’ in full on Spotify now. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Widespread Panic and Government Mule, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Gideon King & City Blog on Soundcloud.
Gideon King & City Blog Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Website
Jazz Collaboration, The Pearcy/Gratzmiller Jazz Quintet, incorporate the traditional components of instrumentals with electrifying modern-day technical elements throughout their debut album release, ‘Over The Edge’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Beantown Bahp”, the group mimic’s the intro of a Billy Joel song back in his ‘Streetlife Serenade’ days as the trumpets and horns adorn listeners with an uplifting groove that serves to soothe any ill mood. The second track, “Poor Man’s Doctor”, begins with a tranquil pour of instrumental enchantment that floats seamlessly on a musical stream of light. “Blues 88” is the third track that is perfect for a slow dance with a lover as the guys blend moody instrumental flair with mystery while the piano trickles its way into the soul. The fourth track, “Over the Edge” picks up the pace and feels like a fast walk through a frantic day in New York City as the group of gentlemen give birth to a sound that will grab the attention of members of both the young and old generation.
“Yellow Mood” is the fifth track that can be placed into the opening of a theatrical act to enhance the intimacy of the experience as The Pearcy/Gratzmiller Jazz Quintet overcome sorrow through expression and their artistry. The sixth track, “Something About the Moon” slowly eases the minds of listeners as the group create the feelings of wonder and awe with their instrumentals which is pleasing to the vulnerable heart. “The Defector” is the seventh track and album highlight that is tasteful and easy to digest with a glass of bourbon on the rocks in any bar setting. The ninth track, “Pieces of Mind”, is full of sunshine as the Boston gentlemen stroll through through a vibrant flower field and maximize their instrumental prowess to showcase the dynamic work that they are capable of producing. Closing out with “Feelings of Summer”, The Pearcy/Gratzmiller Jazz Quintet reminiscence upon days of warmth over a fun blast of saxophone and trumpet in a style that is abounding with creativity.
Crafted with care and produced with minuscule detail in mind, ‘Over The Edge’ is the perfect album to add to your holiday playlist. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Reel Big Fish and Weather Report, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Pearcy/Gratzmiller Jazz Quintet on Soundcloud.
The Pearcy/Gratzmiller Jazz Quintet Social Links:
Prestigious Composer and Musician, Patrick Grant, has reason to celebrate the 20th Anniversary Edition release of his acclaimed full-length album, ‘FIELDS AMAZE and other sTRANGE music’. Having curated a work of musical art that grabs listeners by the hand for a welcomingly chaotic journey into a state of flow, Patrick musically makes contact with the previously unknown throughout ‘FIELDS AMAZE and other sTRANGE music’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Keeping Still”, Patrick begins with an oxymoron that glides into the swift driving force of instrumentals that create a multisensory experience for the listener with cleverly arranged compositions serving as the golden ticket. The second track, “Fields Amaze”, jolts listeners into a tornado of wonder as Patrick expands his mind to create instrumental manic highs and lows that mimic the spontaneous patterned activity in the neural circuits of a creative individual. “A Visible Track of Turbulence I” is the third track that softly begins with a serene dose of instrumental tranquility which strolls into a quirky output of welcomingly overzealous energy that influences chromatic flights of thought within a dreamer. The fourth track, “Everything Distinct: Everything the Same”, instrumentally twists and turns through a darkened hallway abounding with past memories jumping at your core as Patrick waxes and wanes through the dark while reaching for the light that he knows is just beyond what he can currently see.
“A Visible Track of Turbulence II” is the fifth track that instantly gets a hold on a wicked mind and leads listeners into confrontation with the sublime as Patrick hits every bump along a tattered road to inflict the feeling of pain and fear which are all intricate parts of the human experience. The sixth track, “Imaginary Horror Film, Pt. 1”, drags listeners through a field of agony to in time come out purified as instrumentals hit high peaks just as fast as they fall. “The Weights of Numbers” is the seventh track and album highlight that mimics the instrumental prowess of Genesis in their ‘Abacab’ days as Patrick’s work morphs into a state of Progressive Rock which is reflective of the wide range of capabilities and techniques that he has cultivated through experience as musician. The eighth track, “Imaginary Horror Film, Pt. 2”, feels like the opening of a 1970’s Horror Movie as musical expression of the crepuscular thoughts that stir through Patrick’s charmingly bizarre mind gifts listeners with a chance to tune out of their present reality and take a ride into an immersive tunnel of kaleidoscopic awe. Closing out with “If One Should Happen to Fall”, Patrick closes with a introspective glance into a mixture of childlike and wizened thoughts that tend to occupy the brains of those who bend societies rules and branch away from commonalities.
Patrick Grant has worn a variety of creative hats throughout his seasoned lifetime, and it is evident that the world has been his oyster throughout his time in the music industry. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Creation of Sunlight and Elderberry Jak, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Patrick Grant on Bandcamp.
Patrick Grant/Tilted Axes Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Spotify • Website
California Psych Rockers, Crooked Flower, are awakening energy within and bringing forward a world of kaleidoscopic light throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Into the Light’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Dancing”, Angelina Dang’s vocals swiftly creep into the hearts of listeners as a simple lyrical journey speaking of swinging the night away mimics the likes of Eurythmics in their 1983 ‘Touch’ days. The second track, “Search Warrant”, slows it down to lyrically speak of tragedy that may be a therapeutic ode to closure when it comes to a personal experience or a dose of fiction that keeps listeners minds’ stimulated over Indie instrumentals that are smooth and welcoming to the spirit. “Freedom” is the third track that blasts right off with an edge as the California Rockers bring forward their mutual yearning for peace over toned-down instrumentals that match the lyrical intention of reaching a place of clarity. The fourth track, “Let You Go”, begins with a Groove inspired instrumental that gently takes listeners by the hand toward release of what no longer aligns with the life that the members of Crooked Flower are beginning to create.
