Martin Smith-Dancing In the Fire
Instead of listening to those relentless club anthems that all sound the same, shift to something that cuts out all the noise. I’m talking about Martin Smith’s new single, Dancing In the Fire. With the zeal to make you dance and the fury to make you rock, this is an amalgam you won’t regret experiencing. Opening with a Mark Ronson style funk dance sequence, Martin Smith changes gears with live instruments pulsating right from the first few moments. The synths are a supporting act for the guitars, adding great mass and volume to Smith’s lyrics and somber vocals. That is, till he gets to the chorus. A pumping jive, it is almost impossible to not have this whoop stuck in your head. The industrial heaviness of rock is heard, from NIN to the dance anthem styles of old Panic!, Martin Smith vows to change the atmosphere of the Church, and he is undoubtedly doing so. Testing your faith might not be that easy. Because of the nature of this addictive melody that Martin Smith has written, its important to know his musical journey, the tracks that he originated from. To no surprise, Exalt from 2020 is a phenomenal album with echoing synth soundscapes and motivational lyrics. Changing like the tides but keeping the solid message the same, Smith continues to impress with his latest venture. So when you want that indelible entrance into that party hall, you know what action star track will be playing behind you!
Charlie Freeman-It's Christmas (Let's Be Kids For A Day)
Very few voices comfort and bring us into the Christmas spirit like Charlie Freeman. His arrangements and vocal style incite a joyous atmosphere. The use of simple transitions makes his songs a catchy tale to hear and admire. This one is something that catapults us back to the past, his new single just in time for the holidays. This is It’s Christmas (Let’s Be Kids for A Day). Here is the kind of song that you’d like to see featured in a film. With soft piano chord changes and a full, voluminous strumming-he bakes in the essence of the holidays. This is where Charlie Freeman chooses his simple and inventive lyrics, asking us to forget the dull facets of reality We blast past to the innocence of the younger days. The chorus is an entertaining, riveting part of the song, engaging everyone who is listening to change into the holiday pyjamas. Charlie Freeman is known for bringing the listeners in with these kinds of gleeful and stupendous verse sections, things that ring out the true elements of the holidays. As the unity and purpose of coming together is understood, just listening to this song brings all those memories back. You can hear Charlie Freeman at his best with his detailed lyrics. His 2021 album Love is chock-full of experiences and shows the best of his songwriting. Christmas films like A Christmas Story & The Holiday come to mind with this exquisite song. Listen to Charlie Freeman’s beautiful song and enjoy the holidays!
Gary Dranow-Destiny Road
Gary Dranow has one of those elusive tones. I don’t talk about his instruments, but his phrasing. He and his band, The Manic Emotions, have brought about a unique spectrum, something that is extremely rare nowadays. It is a comfortable slice between Peter Frampton and Gary Moore, if they were to collaborate. This might seem absurd now, but hear it in his single, Destiny Road. With a synth punch and the band kicking in together, this is something you don’t hear much now. People try to build to their sound, but Gary Dranow gives you the whole story together. A beautiful guitar intro brings us into their well sculpted verse. The arrangement keeps the song exciting, trying to blend in the fresh aspects of instrumentals and the lyrical surrealism. The breaks also focus on the magic of the guitar and the kind of shift it can bring, to the style. I’ve loved the synth sound for the entirety of the song, almost carrying the background till it hands the baton to the guitar. This is a song I can definitely hear in films that would be defined by songs, such as Rock of Ages and maybe in The Karate Kid follow-up series, Cobra Kai. It has the definitive early 70s rock touch to it, yet has the soul to ride in to any rock packed film or series. Listen to Fool Outta Me and & Twisted Minds as well, to see his entire dynamic range!
Ruiz!-The Human Touch
Ruiz! is more than a one-man band. He creates songs with a soul and embodiment like no other, especially understanding the composition. As he floats through genres like a butterfly, he likes to bring something new every time to what he is making. Here is his melodic lament, crafted to perfection. This is his latest single, The Human Touch. There is a lot to unpack here, as a song. Not only does Ruiz! bring something unique to the table in terms of sound, but it is in each parcel of it. His vocals shift from his chest voice to a falsetto with the flick of a switch. As the rhythm teaches, he learns, alternating his percussions to this delicious off time fill before coming back as the spine. His instrumentals tread light, letting the vocals shine but taking the reins every once in a while. The effort he puts into production sees the picture as a whole, with someone who understands and feels this message. It has a duality, the human touch with music, and related to the clusterfuck that was Covid. I would have really enjoyed seeing this song featured in Her, or the Netflix series Black Mirror. As the malady of the lost human touch is talked about, I see us straying deeper into the cold metal claws of technology, forgetting our primal instincts and feelings. You can see Ruiz! and his brilliant work in songs like One Rule and Falling. This single belongs right up there, and it is in effect to affect. Enjoy his brilliant songwriting and crafting with his catalogue!
Merrymount!-The State I'm In
The sound that Merrymount! has is unlike any other. They have found it through constant experimentation, or plain chemistry. This is a band that chases tone as much as it is deserved, to make this enthralling, unique, enveloping sound. After their 2018 album release, they are back with their latest single, The State I’m In. It is a brilliant scuba dive into a lagoon that is as personal as it is invigorating. A wave that is characterized by flowing guitar sounds pulls you out from the silence. The percussion rhythm section is unique, almost a gallop. As you traverse through this pastureland, it is evident that what is coming from this band is something special. The vocals float gently over these tidal flows of chord changes. The marching band kind of beat is something that is apt, yet feels experimental for when the bridge section comes in. One of those things where the thing you hear is what is concretized. The bridge section is a lovely departure from the usual choice that could have come as well. The balance and mix getting louder towards the 3-minute mark is the highlight, feels like the tide crash you’ve been waiting for. This song would have been perfect for Blue Valentine or new love, like The Big Sick. Though both are contrasting films, it is transparent, the emotion of love at the end of the film. This is a song that is rich in dynamic shifts and strays away from the norm. Check out Merrymount! in their 2018 album Heart of Universe as well, to enjoy a band that is always growing!
Martin Reynolds-It All Feels Like Christmas
The trifecta of Tom Petty was tone, lyrics and rhythm. Martin Reynolds seems to have found the same niche with his sound. He has only one single out, but it’s during the happiest time of the year. This is his single, It All Feels Like Christmas. With chiming sleigh bells and a smooth acoustic transition, it is the perfect embodiment of the Christmas spirit. It is a brilliant way of telling a narrative, only using lyrics and a danceable chorus section. Harmonics ring out for the lines that carry gravity, while guitar flourishes add that mistletoe magic to the song. There is even a sax part aiding the verse section before the percussion comes in. The joyous occasion is framed almost perfectly with its entire heart. Martin Reynolds is an instrument for the season as well, with this simple and addictive song. The instrumental breaks don’t attract too much attention, they just vibrate with the same energy so that the family joins in for the festivities. Films like A Christmas Carol, Elf, and even the second instalment of Daddy’s Home come to mind. Refreshing and original, it is in all aspects a Christmas song. Martin Reynold brings a rich history and the joy of festivals with his sound. It might alter and vary, but he has established himself as a harbinger of smiles and emotion for all listeners, who are discovering this. So cheers to Martin Reynolds for spreading the spirit for the season. Listen to his single and follow him for more music which is to come!
Alec Berlin-Patchen Avenue
Alec Berlin can personify any place with sound. He has done it with his unique, vocal like approach to compositions. Each song has a different tonality and aspect of musicality to it. This is the title track from his popular EP, Patchen Avenue. Another guitarist who has this unique ability is Eric Johnson. Each of his songs actually sound like the music he makes, Alec Berlin has the same soul to his music. With a bluesy ring to his guitar, Alec makes a tantalizing composition that has a light marching percussive quality to it. Around this, he makes a simple, ringing chord change. There are some strong alternates to the lead, bringing you down different parts of the lane in Patchen Avenue. It is like he has a direct wiring to the place and completes the soul search with this booming sound. The soaring, joyful sound is accented by the wailing guitar sounds in the far background. The exceptional production work allows every part of Alec Berlin and his guitar voicing to be heard and understood. This is where he excels in his sound and performing capability, bringing the house down with arrangements that stick in people’s mind forever. Another listen, another playlist. This sound would have been a perfect interlude piece in Boyhood, or even in one of my favourites, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It is as fun as it is deep, almost a sketch of the lane and the happenings. Alec’s sound is something that is enviable, and has grown to be more unique and signature to his sound. We expect to keep hearing exceptional compositions from him. Till then, follow and listen to his brilliant compositions here!
The Art Crimes Band-In the Dark of the Evening
Some songs go down like finely aged whiskey. The Art Crimes Band makes songs like none other. Not only is their sound especially unique given their journey, their arrangement, approach and styles that confluence is a sonic delight to dance under. This is their latest single, In the Dark of the Evening. Whether you’re being muscled down by non-starter, boring conversation or just traveling, this is guaranteed to make your head turn. The Art Crimes Band open with just an acapella style opening, so that the instrument drop feels special. Now, any other band would have made a loud, presence-felt mess of the opening. Audio that feels hasty. This group slides in smoothly, imitating motions in the dark. It is important to hear those transitions, they revel in the detail of their music. The accents and flourishes in the middle of the verse parts is enjoyable, a delectable surprise of sorts. Hearing the whole track makes you feel excited, like a high using only the right notes. Then you see the scene the song sets. It is a dance, a dangerous dance within frame. Reminded me of movies like Focus, The Italian Job. There is a lot to learn that we can visualize within the scene, but the rendezvous takes convulsions we don’t get to gauge. It is a superb effort by a band that has settled into making some of the sharpest sounding arrangements in the indie band scene. Check out their tracks like Neon Skyline & If Only, for beautiful audio narratives. Follow them for some resounding compositions!
Carley Varley-Somehow I'm Alive
There is something in the water. This is a popular saying, and Carley Varley is another artist who reinforces that belief. The theory being, so much talent comes from that place that it might be a supernatural happening. Blending eras of music together that inspired her, Carley inspires others now. With unique idiosyncrasies, you won’t be able to find an artist with such an inspired sound. This is her single, Somehow I’m Alive. Tones of Linkin Park are clearly heard in her sound. This song opens with a wave of flowing synth, which elevates Carley’s voice. Her transition flow might be simple, but her inspirations make some unique changes in the overall sound. The rhythm section becomes fascinating and intense due to the percussion work, and her voice offsetting that. With truth and pitch perfect poetry falling in place, this song is heavenly. It channelizes a musician's fears, as a person, and expression through the outlet that is her passion. It is an emotional number, and the chorus proves that she flows against the river. With cool riffs, her modulation in tone becomes strong with the aggression. It is a cut clean transition, something that breaks the flow and reflects the lyrical gravitas. I could see this song in episodes of Scrubs & maybe the feature film Sweet Home Alabama. Her clear vocal delivery and well crafted lyrics flowing with the rhythm make it for an exciting listen. You can follow Carley Varley on Spotify for more music, and new twists in her music library. Honest Conflict and Fall are must listens!
Mark Winters- Copper Queen
Mark Winters is a barrier breaking musician based out of Texas. He has a mix of pop, rock, techno and blues with his music. Mark's musical repertoire ranges from singing, songwriting, guitar playing and Aeronautical and astronautical engineering. His songs are neither bound by genres or inspiration, he uses his life, poetry and his aeronautical knowledge to write his music. Mark Winters released Boundary Layer- his new album, last year and it is filled with such a wide variety of songs. “Heartbeat”, “Signal” and “It moves in you” being some of them. “Copper Queen” is a song that’s from the album Slipstream. The song doesn’t beat about the bush, it’s very obviously about his love and how he loves everything about her. There are two drum beats and Mark Winters’ voice immediately follows, we hit the ground running with this track. He serenades his lover with his favourite qualities of hers. He sings “Sails running into the wind, my copper queen, she’s all I see”. The song generally has such a laid back atmosphere to it but the beats are very much peppy rock in nature. Even though the beats feel very sharp, his voice adds such a rounded soothing quality to the number. Copper Queen being used in a live action movie could be unlikely. The song already has such a strong narrative of its own, therefore might end up overpowering a scene. However it can fit in extremely well within the universe of an animated film. The vividness of Copper Queen and the elaborateness of say a Pixar film can complement each other greatly. A WALL-E falling for EVE or Carl Fredricksen falling for Ellie Fredricksen (from UP) can be imagined with Copper Queen in the background. Mark Winters could be the face of Rainbow Rock as a genre if there ever was one. He is not only crossing boundaries genre wise but also nation wise as he has listeners across the US, Mexico and the UK. Mark Winters loves interacting with his listeners on all social media platforms and encourages it as they help inspire him.
Nick Noon- The Jejune Affair
Nick Noon is a rising mixed genre artist based out of Nashville, Texas. He is a singer, songwriter, composer and multi- instrumentalist. Nick's music is dynamic and extremely picturesque. He has constantly been releasing music over the past two years. The album has rustic quality that draws his listeners and transfixes them with his songwriting. The artist's music is an adventure and he surprises you every now and then with his commendable voice. An example of his distinguishable work is Don’t Let the Paper’s Get You Down which is one of his most listened to songs. Nick Noon does a great job with his descriptive lyrics that skirt around the right amount of ambiguity and particularity. The Jejune Affair is Nick Noon’s New Album that consists of a mix songs that has been out for a while and new music as well. We start off with Costume that talks about the theatricality of life and media. People on TV wear costumes to gain votes but we sometimes wear costumes to be liked. Begs you to question how similar or different are all of us? This is a theme we see in most of Nick Noon’s songs. He speaks particularly at points and somehow leaves a lot for interpretation. Another song that instantly commands your attention is Grant Me Speed- the last song in the album. It begins slowly with the piano, violin while the Cello adds gravity to the song. The track has such an English church vibe to it with the harmonising of voices and the words itself. The bubbling orchestra that builds like waves adds to this imagery as well. The way the electric guitar hits a sweet spot right in the middle of the song really takes you by surprise. The album has a universal quality, especially because it isn’t defined by a single genre. It has potential to be used in any movie because the songs dramatically rise and fall. A movie that would hold The Jejune Affair seamlessly is Lady Bird by Greta Gerwig. This album has all the complexities of a teenage girl that’s trying to juggle high school and her emotions. And that’s a wide range of emotions and thoughts, if you're wondering. Much like Greta Gerwig, Nick Noon does such a great job at showcasing the complexity of the mundane. Nick Noon has listeners across the UK, Indonesia and Switzerland. He clearly caters to a wide variety of listeners. The crux of most art is to evoke emotions. Nick does exactly that, his music acts as a catalyst for your emotions to rise to the surface. This album has a very church rock atmosphere to it and this is a style I have never seen before. If you want to tell your friends about how you knew of him before he was famous, because he sure as hell will be famous, I highly suggest you follow him on all his social media profiles.
Jay Roecker - Pour On Me
Jay Roecker is a Texas based singer, songwriter who released his new single Pour On Me. The song is an adventure filled number but somehow manages to be laced with love and adoration as well. Pour On Me is a collaboration between Jay, Christopher Lynn Shelton and Richard John Roecker. The song begins as though it was a protostar formation itself with Jay Roeckers voice. “We were the captains, mapping out entire seas.” hinting to a love story. The solid bass in the song oozes of such a Neo-Rock vibes that is a fairly unexplored venture. The futuristic keyboard notes in combination with the bass and Jay’s voice creates imagery as wide as the skies. The techno quality within the song adds a very futuristic landscape that catches your attention. The track is a lush techno filled rollercoaster of beats that does not fail to take you on an adventure. The clean production makes it smooth for the song to trickle down your ear and into your feet. It is a Techno dance pop number after all. Pour On Me plays with so much thematically- with the lyrics and genres as well. Space Force is a comedy drama that is created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carell. Jay Roecker’s voice is so similar to Ben Schwartz’s voice who plays a brilliant comedic social media manager. The series has a playlist filled with classics to enhance the scene and Pour On Me would fit in extremely well within this universe. Imagine this song plays as Steve Carell is in the control room and he successfully helps land a rocket ship on Mars Jay Roecker has listeners across the US, UK and France and his listener base is only growing. He does not stick to a single genre of music and successfully crosses boundaries between them, there is no reason why you mustn't follow him on all social media platform to listen to his exciting new releases.