Joyce Tratnyek - Final Girl
- English (US)
For 21-year-old NYC-based singer/songwriter/producer Joyce Tratnyek, writing and performing music has always been a way to overcome her own shyness and sensitivity.
Sidiki Camara - Ankaben
Sidiki Camara returns with sparkling inspiration with 'Ankaben'! The multi-award winning, master of rhythm and percussion and cultural bridge maker, Sidiki Camara releases his most ambitious project to date, 'Ankaben'. Translating to 'Humanity', its a powerful reminder of the universal language that binds us all. A genre-fusing celebration of everything that music and rhythm means to us all. It features a select, hand-picked group of jazz, folk and contemporary artists from all over. In this own words, 'Ankaben is about meeting across genres and cultures through mutual respect and spontaneous creation. It's a reflection of my life's journey through sound." So, dear listener, lets embark on said journey with love in our hearts and a smile on our faces. And how could you not. 'Ankaben' opens with soft, caring strings leading. Warm, effative horns lean in, giving the track body nd soul. Airy atmospherics create an ethereal, other-worldly feel. A luminal space, crossing space and time. Sparkling rattles lean in amongst other layers, and before you know it, you're swept into 'Ankaben's magic. Magic is really is. Gentle vocals, contrasting male and female version lend their magic, singing in their native tongues, but the emotional tone is firmly one of love and togetherness. It's the kind of magicl score you'd imagine for a real life adaptation of the 'Lion King'. A festive, humbling and oh so colourful expression of the diversity of a tribe. Over its 5 mins, 'Ankaben' delights with an array of beautiful instrumentation and arrangements. It makes for compelling, beautiful listnening and we for one, feel blessed just to have the pleasure of this exeperience. Recognized globally as one of Mali’s premier percussionists, Camara is a pioneer in modernizing West African Manding music. His artistic footprint spans decades and genres—ranging from progressive jazz collaborations with Bill Frisell’s Intercontinentals and Ali Farka Toure, to arena pop with Karpe, and raw afrobeat with Sex Judas
R.Nelson - Cup of Tea
- English (US)
At its core, Cup of Tea EP reflects the songwriting philosophy behind R. Nelson’s work.
Infinite Light - Flo Frequency
Someone should write a paper on how R&B is the perfect genre to dance to, and Flo Frequency just proves it with her latest release, Infinite Light.
Danny Lee - No Question
- English (US)
Danny Lee takes his faith-driven songwriting into heavier territory with “No Question,” blending hard rock aggression with gospel soundscapes.
Brandon Archer - Where The Light Comes In
Very few songs have the ability to encapsulate a whole era in a song, but Where The Light Comes In by Brandon Archer does exactly that.
Redesya - TendeRage
Alt-pop duo Redesya release stunning debut EP, 'TendeRage'! The album's title and cover suggest a sincere reflection on the journey towards and into adulthood. Especially those tender and sometimes treacherous, rageful twenties. A time of vibrant spirit and gusto, but also being met head-on with life's realities. This EP is meant to take you through that phase, with all the ups and downs that come with it. All those raw, misunderstood emotions and feelings that make up that precarious step forward into adulthood. The Italian alt-pop duo, Redesya have a terrific coherence between them, owing perhaps to their real-life partnership that extends into everything they do. Having been working together for the past eight years, they've built an incredible level of trust and acceptance of each other wherein no idea feels too new or strange to explore together. Their sound blends pop with alternative and electronic vibes, shifting from groovy rhythms to introspective lyrics. That perfectly suits the theme of their debut EP, 'TendeRage' We open onto 'BLAH BLAH BLAH', boldly introducing to their sound, somewhere between dark pop and electronic music. What's apparent immediately is the fact that there's a remarkable balance between the duo, in sound and otherwise. Minimal, industrial and expressive, its darkly engaging. The contrast between the melodies and blaring sounds is certainly interesting and conveys great personality and character. We love how the tracks are designed and named after women, representing an archtype. 'Liv' is the anxious one, seeking space and distance. The track is moody and emotional, and has her expressing her concerns and anxieties in soft, melodious detail. 'Jessie' is upbeat, extroverted and full of life. Oozing charisma and sexuality, the track hits you with orgasmic bass lines and sultry vocals. 'Blue Nostalgia' is warm and inviting, a fitting close to the album with grace, love and lightness. After all, aren't our twenties a blur of experiences, learnings and so much more! This album is able to capture that range of highs and lows, diverse personas and shifting identities, figuring out who you are and how to be yourself. What makes Redesya's debut EP special is the range of storytelling and composition styles on display. It speaks volumes to the duo's creative talents and sonic identity. They are able to wickedly trasnlate their individual and collective lived experiences into a sound that modern, authentic and downright cool. With plenty of promise and potential going forward, Redesya are one to keep an eye out for! 'TendeRage' is a gem of EP, full of personality and electro-pop charm. We could see the album being the score to a teen rom com flick such as '10 Things I Hate About You' or 'American Pie'!
ReeToxA - Double A Side (Akaroa/Erica and the Stars).
There is a blissful abandon that creeps in as you listen to folk/Indigenous music, and ReeToxA has mastered the art of whipping up the perfect release, Double A Side (Akaroa/Erica and the Stars).
D.D.R - Blinded By the Blonde
D.D.R. delivers a stunning classic rock journey with debut EP, 'Blinded By The Blonde'! Divorced Dad Rock, D.D.R comes from the mind of Stephen Paul, novelist and musician extraordinaire! Take one listen to D.D.R's blistering debut EP and you'l know exactly what we mean. Think the thilling rock vocals of Bryan Adams meets the never say die riffs of Metallica and the overall impact of a supergroup like Journey, and that's what you're in for with D.D.R. They say challenges maketh the man, and its quite true that a divorced dad's challenge is a sight to behold. It's kind of extreme rollercoaster of emotions that reflects in D.D.R's music. A thrilling expression of freedom, love and beyond! We open with 'Never Forever' and right from the get go, this is track that means business. Layers of distortion get you amped up appropriately, leading into an electrifying solo, fingers racing ferociously across notes like a crazed roadrunner. The vocals, sung by Paul himself, are expressive and loaded with angst, delivered impressively. The compostion is emotional, confident and oozes rockstar persona and charm. The lyrics, hit home at a crushing truth. This, this love that felt so good was never meant to last. Perhaps it was its ephemeral nature that made it feel so so good. Paul drives home the point that he refuses being taken for granted and disrespected cos he knows the truth, finally. 'It was never forever...', he sings passionately, just as you would when he expressed his love. They say the opening salvo can tell you a lot about an album, and 'Blinded By The Blonde' lets us know of its high octane, riff driven, classic rock identity right away. The theme of the album reflects the journey, rather a game of survival, of playing your cards right, when you're faced with an opponent oh so bedazzling. Atleast on the outside, that is. 'Sleeping with the Enemy' lets us know of their true game, manipulating and cheating to make you feel worthless. 'Just 10 Minutes In' returns that thrilling, blood-pumping rock energy and tells a compelling tale to boot. What we begin to realise about D.D.R is that this is gem of a find, one that blends classic rock spirit with modern energy and excellent production. In a time of destruction of the classic love tropes, D.D.R's music resonates loud and clear. For anyone who's ever been led astray in love, this feels like the comeback album to revive your spirit and ignite your inner fire. There's plenty of quality, intelligent rock music loaded in this album. Jump on the D.D.R train and rock on! Its the kind of album we can see being the score for a racy, in-your-face movie like 'Marty Supreme'. Who says rock is dead? D.D.R dares to disagree. With this sublime, hard hitting EP release, 'Blinded By The Blonde'!
M & J - NOT A LOVE SONG
There is always a jazzy poppy number to brighten your day, and NOT A LOVE SONG by M & J is one such number.
The Mess:Age - Light of Blue “Sugar Ocean Girl”
- English (US)
The Mess:Age aka Glen Brandon “Ziggy” returns with “Light of Blue ‘Sugar Ocean Girl’,” a bright and romantic pop rock track that channels the colourful optimism of classic songwriting.
Throes NYC - Always, Baby
- English (US)
Throes NYC kick off their new EP "The Wires Out" with the hard-hitting “Always, Baby,” a ditty that trip hop with Lana Del Rey vibes, creating a fresh sound that defines the duo's music. Read The full review on IndieMusicFlix!