Cinematic Rock Project Globus Release Their New Album "Cinematica"
Cinematic Rock project Globus craft a dense, headphone-ready experience on a mesmerizing new full-length album, appropriately titled "Cinematica". "Cinematica", released via the artist-run Imperativa Records, Inc, finds band founder, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Yoav Goren joined by a stellar cast of guest musicians.
Cinematic Rock project Globus craft a dense, headphone-ready experience on a mesmerizing new full-length album, appropriately titled "Cinematica". "Cinematica", released via the artist-run Imperativa Records, Inc, finds band founder, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Yoav Goren joined by a stellar cast of guest musicians.
Yoav Goren is no stranger to the music industry. As a composer working in Hollywood, he got the chance to score film trailers for franchises such as Spiderman, X-Men and Harry Potter with real live orchestras in large lush-sounding halls. This experience of working with soundtracks on an grand scale became a gateway to his current artistic expression which could be classified as Epic or Cinematic Rock.
Globus’ brand of music focuses on storytelling within various social and historical backgrounds, and as principle songwriter, Goren felt this was best accomplished via multiple and distinct vocal stylings. So the Globus body of work purposefully features many unique vocalists. Lisbeth Scott, whose voice has graced many enduring film scores (Passion Of The Christ, Munich), and is an accomplished film composer herself, is regularly featured on several songs. Anneke Van Giersbergen, whose had a long and storied career as a singer-songwriter in her native Netherlands, is a frequent collaborator. Dann Pursey from the UK and Ryan Hanifl of the US are the primary male rock and alternative vocalists, while Goren himself sings lead on a few of the more personal tracks. Legendary musicians Robert Fripp and Gregg Bissonette have lent their talents to the band lineup, which otherwise has remained a steady roster throughout the production of three studio albums - Epicon, Break From This World, and Cinematica.
Thematically, "Cinematica" covers a massive amount of ground telling deeply human stories, thematically drawing from war, peace, religion personal healing, inner politics, mystical, life-affirming wisdom and a healthy dose of the abstract unknown. The result is a truly monolithic, forceful expression worth a listen from any serious fan of progressive rock, psychedelic rock or soundtrack music in general. To top it off, there is a superb, rather cut-throat cover of David Bowie's standout 90's track "I'm Afraid Of Americans" Bowie fans should find original and worthwhile. "Cinematica" is musically grand, but manages to immerse the listener rather than overwhelm. Every element is carefully pre-meditated, with nothing out of place.
"With Cinematica, I wanted to create a musical journey, much like the best of cinematic experiences, which takes the listener through a myriad of visual landscapes and deep connections to the essential fibers of the human condition. The album contains a diverse representation of musical genres, with lyrical explorations of complex relationships, mental health, tyranny, war, unifying struggles, healing and hope. Much of the inspiration came from a familiar production process for Globus - using original orchestral instrumental compositions to evoke and inspire new melodies and additional arrangement elements, creating new Cinematic Rock songs. It’s vital to me that the intended result is a visceral, immersive, bigger-than-life aural experience for the listener." - Yoav Goren
Listen to “Cinematica” below, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with Globus on their website and social media.
Stream and Share “Cinematica” on Bandcamp
Connect with Globus: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Los Angeles Punk Band Get Out Release Their New Album "The Violation of Terms and Conditions"
Los Angeles punk band Get Out showcase their knack for heavy hooks, pummeling rhythms, devilish lyrical wit and an unfiltered rebellious spirit on new full-length album cheekily titled "The Violation of Terms and Conditions"
Los Angeles punk band Get Out showcase their knack for heavy hooks, pummeling rhythms, devilish lyrical wit and an unfiltered rebellious spirit on new full-length album cheekily titled "The Violation of Terms and Conditions". Founded in the mid-90's, Get Out have had a long and storied career thus far, having released 8 albums and shared the stage with bands like Voodoo Glowskulls, Streetlight Manifesto, and Suburban Legends. With song titles like "Six Feet Apart", "The Right is Wrong" and "The End of Florida", Get Out have no shortage of grievances to air out on this dynamic new collection.
The band expand on the album's title theme: "When we released our last album “We Were Here First” in 2019 it was taken off Apple Music after one week because Apple claimed our album art “violated the terms and conditions”. After we changed the artwork and resubmitted, Apple Music listed it as Metal (it is not) and placed it under a different artist of the same name (we’ve had this name since 1994). We have tried to contact our distributor as well as Apple music so many times and no one will respond to us about it. The first song written for the album Rotten Apple is a criticism of a corrupt corporation that only cares about the elite. Other tracks were inspired by the pandemic of 2020 as well as the state of affairs in our country and society."
Noah Klein Shares His Brand New EP "whatdidyoudo2me"
“whatdidyoudo2me” is the newly released four-track EP written in the third person, with songwriter and producer Noah Klein as the deliberately unreliable narrator. Check out this DOPE new project now!
“whatdidyoudo2me” is the newly released four-track EP written in the third person, with songwriter and producer Noah Klein as the deliberately unreliable narrator.
The soundscape throughout the EP itself jumps from lighthearted to melancholic, and yet provides the perfect backdrop to the series of cautionary tales. The record was born out of an immersive musical retreat, where Noah invited producers Bearcubs and Aud Syn to experiment with sound production and vintage cassette recorders to find the EP's wide range of sounds.
Listen to “whatdidyoudo2me” right now, stream it on your preferred music service, and connect with Noah Klein on his website and social media.
Stream and Share “whatdidyoudo2me”
Connect with Noah Klein: Website | Instagram | Soundcloud
Emotional Oranges Share Their Last Project "The Juice: Vol.III"
Following the reveal of well received single “Let Me Go”, LA duo Emotional Oranges have revealed their new project, “The Juice Vol III”. Their final offering before promising to return with a whole new sound in 2023, this body of work captures the late night R&B vibes that have seen the duo pick up hundreds of millions of streams and embark on tours across the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Following the reveal of well received single Let Me Go, LA duo Emotional Oranges have revealed their new project, The Juice Vol III. Their final offering before promising to return with a whole new sound in 2023, this body of work captures the late night R&B vibes that have seen the duo pick up hundreds of millions of streams and embark on tours across the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Having collaborated with Vince Staples, Becky G, Kiana Lede, Chiiild and more, Emotional Oranges have left an indelible footprint on modern music since debuting with their hotly received first track, Motion. Since then, their music has been featured on such shows as Love Island and Gossip Girl, they’ve sold out shows tours in the US and Europe and built a passionate fan base. 2023 will see the duo fly to even great heights, with their upcoming Pulp Fiction tour set to span North America. See all dates below.
Not much is known of the LA-based R&B-Pop male/female duo, A+V. Described by critics and fans alike as experimental and futuristic, EO are the physical manifestation of alternative R&B, Soul and Funk. Provocateurs extraordinaire, Emotional Oranges have been unanimously lauded everywhere from Complex, Fader, Paper, VIBE, Highsnobiety to Hypebeast, BBC1, Triple J, MTV & more. They have established themselves as one of the most exciting new acts without ever truly revealing themselves. Their debut singles, “Motion” and “Personal” immediately created a cult following. The Juice Vol. I and Vol. II have amassed over 400 million streams globally. In June of 2021, they released their first collaborative mixtape, The Juicebox. With features with artists like Vince Staples, Channel Tres, Kiana Ledé, Becky G and more, the duo reached to shatter genre boundaries on the project.
Lollapalooza and Life is Beautiful kicked off The Sad Fruit Tour as A+V ventured across 24 US cities during the Fall of 2021. The Sad Fruit Tour continued in Spring 2022 with 12 dates in Europe, and two incredibly successful weekends in the desert at Coachella. They kicked the Summer off at Pharrell’s Something In The Water festival in D.C., followed by a co-headlining slot at Korea's Haus of Wonder Festival, 4 headline dates in Australia & New Zealand and a stop over in South Africa for a once in a lifetime festival slot at Rocking The Daisies. Rounding out the year with the release of the much anticipated The Juice: Vol. III, EO has never been more invigorated about the music they are making. The juice is certainly worth the squeeze.
Listen to "The Juice: Vol.III" below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Emotional Oranges on their website and social media.
Stream and Share "The Juice: Vol.III"
Connect with Emotional Oranges: Website | Instagram | Twitter
Grace McKagan Unveils Her Introspective Debut EP "Heart of Hearts", and the Title Track's Visual
Grace McKagan has stepped into her own with the release of her debut solo EP “Heart of Hearts”, and the music video for the title track. Check out both right now.
Grace McKagan has stepped into her own with the release of her debut solo EP “Heart of Hearts”.
The eight-track EP takes listeners through an introspective journey of self-realization for the 25 year old rocker and delivers a collection of work that combines a 2010's indie rock with 60's garage rock punch. Mixed that with sultry melodies and a bold yet retro vocal delivery, and you have a fully realized artist that is ready to be in a category all her own.
On her release, McKagan shares, "This EP represents softer aspects of myself. Listeners can expect a vulnerable and more honeyed sonic experience than they have ever received from me and my past musical projects. What I feel to be the whole ethos and resonating theme of this project is identifying with the commonality in all of us; insecurity, sorrow, heartbreak and kindness. Or perhaps, at least attempting to see the good in a world full of some many pre-disposed judgments and hate."
In addition to the EP, Grace has released a music video for the title track, which she shares is the most personal song she's ever written.
"I really always knew that I wanted the video to feature little kids at the end, when the song is peaking, and the lyrics echo 'When you see me, do you really see me?', the kids represent all of us, how we were all once those kids, and in our heart of hearts, we still are. We are those kids on the playground playing with whoever and expressing ourselves without the fear of judgement, we are naive to judgments and what people may say."
After fronting the critically acclaimed, alternative group, The Pink Slips, Grace is stepping out as a solo artist commanding audiences to rave reviews. Her vibrant sound is reminiscent of her musical heroes, from Iggy Pop to The Kills to Nancy Sinatra, intricately weaved throughout with her tough yet vulnerable songwriting.
Fans can expect more live performances, music and stunning visuals in the new year.
Listen to “Heart of Hearts” right now, stream it on your preferred music service, and connect with Grace on her social media.
Chicago Bedroom Pop Artist Walker Shares His Debut Album "Phew"
Songwriter and guitar virtuoso Walker Landgraf, who shares music simply as Walker, just self-released his debut album “Phew” independently.
Songwriter and guitar virtuoso Walker Landgraf, who shares music simply as Walker, just self-released his debut album “Phew” independently. He recorded, produced, and even mastered the entire album himself outside of a cello (Jonathan Gardner), trumpet (Noe Mina), and mixing by Daniel Hayn.
Blending literal bedroom pop production and classic R&B, the songs catalog a lot of Walker’s experiences over the past few years, from finally finding his “home” in Chicago after growing up in LA and going to music school in NYC to sorting through the bitter feelings that follow a break-up.
Atwood Magazine summed up Walker’s music well earlier this fall when they wrote, "his songs are catchy and fit into a greater pop frame, but within his music one can expect to hear everything from jazz, to blues, to classic R&B." Crossing over into other genres helped him to get on Spotify’s official playlist Fresh Finds Jazz too.
Citing artists like D'Angelo, Paul McCartney, and Shuggie Otis as inspirations, Walker is set on classic, soulful songwriting with a modern sound through (literal) bedroom pop production while recording and producing everything himself.
Walker said of the title and concept, “the album is called ‘Phew’ because it’s about the first time in my life when I stopped and took a breath. I had just graduated from NYU and moved from New York to Chicago. I slowed things down and took a moment to process my life up until then and take care of myself.”
He continued to describe the process, saying, “I made the album completely by myself in my apartment using my collection of drums, guitars, synths and audio gear The process was a lot about letting go of self criticism and just doing my best. I allowed myself to write about whatever, whenever. And at the peak moment of the recording process I was spending 5-10 hours every day.”
Walker started playing jazz guitar at 16 and then quickly picked up digital production and beat-making. As he studied music in college, he brings his adept skills as a multi-instrumentalist — recording every single instrument on his upcoming album at home — to create intelligent but soulful, pop-based music.
After working with two major labels for some of his previous singles and EPs, Walker proudly self-released his debut album “Phew”.
Listen to Walker’s new album now, stream it on Apple Music and connect with him on social media.
Review: "The Dancing Cavaliers" Album by KS
Los Angeles based artist KS brings the grooves in unexpectedly sly ways on his cinematic new album “The Dancing Cavaliers”. Check out our in-depth review of KS’s project now.
Los Angeles based musician/filmmaker KS brings the grooves in unexpectedly sly ways on his cinematic new album “The Dancing Cavaliers”. Forgoing vocals, there is a classic cool to the way that he stretches the rhythms out. Elements of trip-hop, folk music, electro, pop, and dance all blend together in this rather beautiful way.
The soaring elements have their own charm to them for KS possesses a great ear for melody, and various different details bounce off of each other. Instrumental variety ensures that the listener is kept on their toes for KS switches things up in a gleeful fashion. Layer upon layer is applied with the utmost of care.
Plenty of reference points exist for this rather eclectic mix. For the raw gritty approach, KS brings in elements of Portishead and the Sneaker Pimps into the atmosphere. Like those groups, KS certainly knows how to lay down the beats and bass in a way that feels quite natural. The work out of the dance rock mixture brings to mind a bit of DFA records output, though with perhaps a more surrealist bent. Despite these influences KS embraces a style that is distinctively his own.
Dusty beats and fanfare start the album off in grandiose fashion on “Boludo”. For the title track “The Dancing Cavaliers” KS brings together dance rock and funk in a way that has a fever dream quality to it. Light as a feather, “Nostalgia” has a delicacy to it. On “Dimension Latina”, KS employs quick, sharp edits. “Pop Stupide” has a lustful quality.
Going for something quieter and reflective, “Danse” begins quietly before working itself into a frenzy. Hip-hop aspects filter into the expansive “Gadabout”. Noir vibes with a hint of jazz comes together on “Mon Cul”. Keyboard chords swell on “Esperando” complete with a delirious soundtrack getup to keep it interesting.
Distortion defines the heaviness of “Lamento”. “Funky Church” is aptly named as there is a gospel meets electro aspect to it. Woozy synthesizers lazily weave their way through “Too Cute”. A mediative, reflective stance on “Topo” has an easy-going elegance. Completely spaced-out things come to a lovely conclusion on the finale “Soledad”.
A psychedelic swirl of sound, KS delivers a thing of exquisite beauty with his “The Dancing Cavaliers” album.
Stream and Share “The Dancing Cavaliers” on Spotify
Detroit Based Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer Moment Drops His New Album "In Time"
Detroit-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Moment (Mike Masch) does a deep dive into hip hop/rap music on his hook-filled new album "In Time". Listen to his DOPE new project now.
Detroit-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Moment (Mike Masch) does a deep dive into hip hop/rap music on his hook-filled new album "In Time", out now on streaming platforms. Sonically, listeners can expect 'a hip-hop fusion that integrates heavy undertones of electronica, classical, jazz, big beat, cinematic, and downtempo'. Moment expresses himself through these complimentary genres in order to express diverse emotions and energies while seeking to inspire. Mike Masch's creative ethos is to 'bring truth and excitement in the form of music.'
"The inspiration behind this album was to show a much broader range of not just musical production & ability but myself as a person in this world. So many different emotions, feelings & experiences mixed together to tell many handfuls of stories. I loved how this came together with a variety of my favorite genres, whether that is rap in general but also incorporating R&B, old school, electronic, classical, and jazz. The album is vital to me to tell my experiences and release the various thoughts & experiences in my mind. I believe this will inspire, motivate, and help others. I've always said that people have unique hobbies as a form of therapy and music creation just happens to be mine. It's real, it's authentic, it releases and frees. I know when others listen to it that they will understand this as I do." - Mike Masch
"In Time" finds Masch's extensive life-long study and appreciation of music coming to fruition. He's graduated from music production and audio engineering schools, performed extensively as a DJ, and attended countless concerts and classes of various genres to hone his signature sound.
Listen to “In Time” now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with Moment on his social media.
Psychedelic Rock Mystics Son Cesano Release Their New Album "Emerge"
Psychedelic rock mystics Son Cesano have released their new album entitled "Emerge" with Monobuster Records. This ambitious instrumental release should appeal to most fans of progressive, psychedelic, stoner and post-rock as well as heavy metal and jazz.
Psychedelic rock mystics Son Cesano have released their new album entitled "Emerge" with Monobuster Records. This ambitious instrumental release should appeal to most fans of progressive, psychedelic, stoner and post-rock as well as heavy metal and jazz. Son Cesano sound bigger than a quartet, each member accenting the rhythmic attack differently. The end result is a boundary-smashing and hypnotic tour-de-force through the Universal Mind.
After a few longer breaks, the four central-Swiss musicians had to find themselves again musically in a new line-up; always looking for the perfect flow. The style was further developed, they experimented diligently and refined structures and rhythms. Not least thanks to the new drummer Dominik Zgraggen, new influences and elements found their way into Son Cesano's repertoire without losing the band's characteristic groove.
Seven songs were created, which were recorded live and mixed by lead guitarist Simon Marty. From spherical and playful, to slightly jazzy, to hard riffs that make you shake your hair, a wide variety of soundscapes have been merged into one album. "Emerge" is psychedelic, heartily seasoned with post-rock and refined with a fine pinch of stoner. The listening experience is crowned by the enchanting album cover designed by Luzia Imhof, which also visually invites you to immerse yourself in the new album.
‘The Mystic Four’ has an immediate and undeniable calming effect. The thoughtfully arranged guitars and meandering percussion evoke a sense of wonder and awe, encouraging listeners to forget their worries and disappear into the soundscape, if only for a few moments. The lead guitar is reminiscent of yesteryear’s prog-rock heroes, yet distinctly modern in its approach. This is instrumental music that speaks directly to the heart.
High Vibe RnB Artist Mayyadda Gets in the Holiday Spirit with Her New EP "Holiday Joint"
It’s official — the holiday season has begun! Minneapolis-based alternative R&B artist Mayyadda is ready to set the tone for the season with the release of her new EP, “Holiday Joint”, out now!
It’s official — the holiday season has begun! Minneapolis-based alternative R&B artist Mayyadda (may-YAH-duh) is ready to set the tone for the season with the release of her new EP, “Holiday Joint”, out now. The five-track project was crafted to encourage listeners to focus more on the spirit of the season rather than the sometimes-stressful commercial aspects that are typically associated with this time of year.
On the EP, the high vibe R&B artist created an original R&B-soaked holiday track, “Holiday Joint,” about resting as nature does in the wintertime, as well as her original soulful takes on the Christmas classics “Jingle Bells”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Sleigh Ride”, and “Silent Night.” With her delicate guitar accompaniment and unique vocal arrangements, the artist seeks to provide listeners with a fresh perspective on the traditional sounds of the season.
As someone who doesn’t tend to subscribe to the tradition of this season, Mayyadda explains her intention and inspiration behind her new holiday EP, saying “I wanted to create a holiday project that my Grinchy self actually enjoyed.”
On Saturday, December 3rd, at the David Rubenstein Atrium, Mayyadda will close out the S3 Underground: Seen, Sound, Scribe series, hosted by Lincoln Center’s first ever Poet-in-Residence Mahogany L. Browne. Mayyadda will take the stage at 7:30pm and perform tracks from her previous album TRY&REMEMBER as well as her new EP, Holiday Joint. The concert is free and open to the public, find more information here.
Atlanta Based RnB Artist Kay Soul Drops Her Concept EP "Connections"
Kay Soul is a recording artist, songwriter, plus model and aspiring actress based in Atlanta. She just released her six-track concept EP entitled “Connections”, which she wrote, and features production by Erik "Mrdoublebeats" Ficklin and Anthony Smith.
Kay Soul is a recording artist, songwriter, plus model and aspiring actress based in Atlanta. She just released her six-track concept EP entitled “Connections”, which she wrote, and features production by Erik "Mrdoublebeats" Ficklin and Anthony Smith. “Connections” was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Miller Street Studios in Chicago.
Talking about her newly unveiled project, the multi-talented creative says, “The EP is a fusion of genres, including gospel, R&B, pop, Hip Hop, jazz, and Soul. Its harmonies are layered over bass-heavy synth beats with deep lyrical content and good vibrations. The lead song "Strong Connection", is about the type of love that I felt I always wanted but never had. It maps out a new way of loving by being patient, dedicated, and kind, and it's about something more than just romantic love. There's a universal theme of building strong connections in our lives with ourselves and others." The EP is completed by the tracks "Bad Connection", "Disconnection", "Reconnection", and "Lost Connection".
Speaking about the artistic vision for herself and her listeners, Kay states that “I am a healing artist. My goal is to share the broken pieces of myself through music in hopes that others will find beauty in their broken spaces. I'm hoping that my songs will provide listeners with hope and the courage to heal their souls.”
UK Singer-Songwriter Demi Jordanae Shares Her Debut EP "How Did We Get Here"
UK based Pop/R&B artist Demi Jordanae brings out an outspoken, expressive, and extroverted character in her music. Check out her newly released debut EP entitled “How Did We Get Here”.
From writing and recording as a D.I.Y introverted bedroom singer-songwriter from a young age, UK based Pop/R&B artist Demi Jordanae brings out an outspoken, expressive, and extroverted character in her music. Her artistry reflects versatility in her sound and style. Influenced by artists across multiple genres, she seeks inspiration from artists like Diana Ross, to Aaliyah and Amy Winehouse. Following her release “Smell Like You”, Demi joined all-female music LA label Powher Sound this past June.
Moving forward a few months and Demi has just released her debut EP, The "How Did We Get Here", which is an emotional rollercoaster. Each song has a different mood, emotion, sound and style, so it is evident why the EP ends with “How Did We Get Here". You finally get to that place or feeling in your life that you visioned a long time ago after the unpredictable, emotional journey.
Not only is "How Did We Get Here" the last track, but unintentionally also the last song to be created out of them all.
"I had no narrative or idea whatsoever for the EP. I was just creating and writing about anything I felt. I don't write from personal experience but from imagination. I get inside a character's mind with lyrical places that can resonate or relate with other people's life experiences."
Kihyun of Monsta X, Releases His First Mini Album, "YOUTH"
Kihyun, of Monsta X, is taking off with his 2nd solo journey with the release of his 1st mini album “YOUTH”. Dropping 6 months after his solo debut of VOYAGER, and 7 years after his debut in Monsta X; YOUTH is filled with songs stemming from personal stories and the things Kihyun wants to tell his own self.
Kihyun, of Monsta X, is taking off with his 2nd solo journey with the release of, KIHYUN 1st Mini Album YOUTH. Dropping 6 months after his solo debut of VOYAGER, and 7 years after his debut in Monsta X; YOUTH is filled with songs stemming from personal stories and the things Kihyun wants to tell his own self. Kihyun expands “YOUTH is about my current perspective on my youth and my determination as a solo artist. The lyrics include the things I want to tell myself, both in the past and present. Even though this album is my personal story after 7 years as an artist, I think many people can relate to my emotions because everyone reflects on their youth at some point in time.” Youth is a transient world that everyone visits but cannot return to, making it a world that we all wish to visit again someday. In this album, Kihyun acts as an observer and storyteller as he asks, answers and discovers himself.
Following the success of his solo debut in March, which entered multiple Billboard charts and also scored the year’s largest opening first-week album sales for a K-pop male soloists so far [Forbes]; this album’s title track of the same name, “Youth,” vividly expresses Kihyun traveling back to the raw emotions that he felt when he was younger. An alternative track that features Kihyun’s refreshing vocals, “Youth” has present day Kihyun alternating between telling his younger self about his past emotions and his current resolutions. From imagination to reality, Kihyun unapologetically tells the range of emotions he feels while on the path to his destination. The song offers a new experience for listeners to empathize with as Kihyun expresses his confidence as a seasoned artist, now 7 years post debut, and his newness to being a solo artist.
“It is really meaningful that I can share my story to all my fans through my music. I hope you will fully enjoy all the songs and stories I’ve shared with you through this album! Thank you!” - Kihyun
Through the album’s 5 tracks, Kihyun shows off his diverse range as a vocalist and the variety of genres he can perform. “Bad Liar,” written, composed and arranged by Hyungwon, an active DJ and fellow member of Monsta X, artfully expresses the bad lies and conflicted heart of wanting to break up but also get back together. Another track by Monsta X’s Hyungwon and inspired by the movie Closer, “Where Is This Love” expresses a love that cannot be felt. “Stardust” shows off Kihyun’s dynamic vocal charm. The full English-language track, “Where Is This Love” showcases Kihyun’s raw emotions through his vocals and powerful lyrics. “Cause of You,” an easy listening pop number with a bright acoustic guitar, closes out the album with a surprise appearance from Monsta X’s Joohoney. The support of RYAN JHUN, Ea Na Kim, Hyungwon, BrotherSu, among many others, boost Kihyun’s confidence in releasing this album.
Listen to “YOUTH” below, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with Kihyun on his website and social media.
San Francisco Indie Hip-Hop Trailblazers RPxSB Release Their Triple Album "Creatures"
San Francisco-based Indie Hip Hop trailblazers RPxSB (or Roddy Picante and Stay-Bizzy or Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt) have unveiled their ambitious and heavy-themed triple album entitled "Creatures (Acts I-III)".
San Francisco-based Indie Hip Hop trailblazers RPxSB (or Roddy Picante and Stay-Bizzy or Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt) have unveiled their ambitious and heavy-themed triple album entitled "Creatures (Acts I-III)". Act I was released August 26th, followed by Act II on September 2nd, and Act III on September 9th. The project is released through the artist's Vibeland label imprint.
Bold, genuine and uncensored, this project delves into real life themes and all their inherent problems while musically experimenting along the way with reckless abandon. Fans of artists ranging from Dom Kennedy, Earth Gang, Odd Future and Larry June should find something to enjoy in this wide-ranging collection.
“Creatures is a three act project. Each act is a different tone or mood that embodies our brand of RPxSB, an abbreviation for our names and our mantra, Rock Plaid and Survive Bullshxt. Act I (Things That Kill Me Inside) is the moodier, more melancholy side of us. When your friends and family and personal problems consume you to a state of anger and angst. Act II (Boar) is the aftermath of Act I. When you indulge in the vices and say f**k it. Nothing matters. This is the turn up. Act III (JOPO, an acronym for Jack Off Pass Out) is the aftermath to the aftermath. The come down if you will. A stop and smell the roses moment. Nothing still matters, yet everything does.”
Toronto Supergroup UWUW Release Captivating Retro-Soul-and-Pop Influenced Debut LP
UWUW have just released their debut, self-titled LP on We Are Busy Bodies Records. With some of Toronto’s most experienced and revered musicians making this project possible, it’s no wonder why the sonic presence of this project demands your attention and doesn’t let you go.
UWUW (pronounced you-you) have just released their debut, self-titled LP on We Are Busy Bodies Records. With some of Toronto’s most experienced and revered musicians making this project possible, it’s no wonder why the sonic presence of this project demands your attention and doesn’t let you go.
The impressive cast of players includes Jason Haberman of Dan Mangan and Yaehsun, Jay Anderson of Badge Epoque Ensemble, Biblical and Lammping, and Ian Blurton of Ian Blurton’s Future Now, Change of Heart, and C’mon. Giving the songs a voice are two of Toronto’s most distinctive songwriters: Chris A. Cummings (aka Marker Starling) adding his distinct, easy-glide, story-telling charm to Box Office Poison and Scattered Ashes, and Drew Smith (Bunny, The Bicycles), providing his trademark, 60s harmony pop and lyrical prowess to Staircase and Landlord.
Drew Smith, while commenting on his song writing process for their debut album, said “the overall theme to the songs was nature reaping what is sowed.” There’s a lot to unpack in this album, which contains old-school soul grooves, slow burning instrumentation, pounding rhythms and thoughtful lyrics that bring energy and life to the superbly-crafted songs.
The catchy lead single “Scattered Ashes” breathes soul and rock, while blurring sounds and influences which call to mind James Brown’s horn section and the compositional layers of experimental Beach Boys recordings. The track titled “Staircase to the End of the Night” is another wonderfully symphonic composition that gets in your head and won’t let go. It contains tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a heavy rhythm that surprises and delights.
Regarding the song, Smith mentions being influenced by The Doors: “The first rock n’ roll band I ever loved, for better or worse, was The Doors. That must play into the lyrics of this song a little bit - “The End, End Of The Night.” It's not a big leap to see that those tunes are imprinted in my musical DNA. Most of the lyrics and harmonies were suggested by the music. It's already in there. It's not even a case of heavy lifting, just listening. I was just interpreting what Ian, Jay and Jason put to tape. My job was more fun than work.”
Listen to the S/T EP now, stream it on Bandcamp and connect with UWUW on their social media.
Indy Punk Rock Quartet Bomb Cats Share Their New EP "Third Street Melody"
Indianapolis-based Punk Rock quartet Bomb Cats deliver equal parts heaviness, catchiness and fun on their hook-filled new EP "Third Street Melody". Listen to the “Third Street Melody” EP now.
Indianapolis-based Punk Rock quartet Bomb Cats deliver equal parts heaviness, catchiness and fun on hook-filled new EP "Third Street Melody". The Bomb Cats signature sound comes from their dedication to a lineage of legendary punk and rock bands, namely The Ramones, Social Distortion, Thin Lizzy and X. Their sound is proof that some musical traditions should be upheld and honored by sharing it with new generations. Punk is one such tradition. On "Third Street Melody", audiences can expect a dense, 5-track collection showcasing the band's raw, original, no-frills take on rock n' roll.
“This EP is the culmination of everything we have worked on to this point. It is both heavier and catchier than our previous work. It is more polished but also more raw than anything we have done before. We could not be more proud of this effort and we believe there is something here for everyone.”
“Third Street Melody is dedicated to the kinds of venues that allow bands like us the opportunity to perform: small, independent venues that care about original music from artists who do it for the love of the music.” - Russ Webster (Bass/Vocals)
“We’re super proud that everything you hear on this record is us, playing live in a room together. That’s our sound and our songwriting.” - Chris Farrell (Guitar/Vocals)
Listen to “Third Street Melody” below and connect with Bomb Cats on their social media.