XAmbassadors’ latest track “Don’t Stay” follows the release of “JOYFUL” adding a contrasting dimension to their upcoming album. While “JOYFUL” produced a light, airy musical tone, their latest single seems to bode the opposite instrumentally.
“Don’t Stay” showcases frontman Sam Harris’ vocal range with his soulful falsetto sitting at the forefront of this song. The smooth vocals are driven by the rhythmic beat of the drums making the tortured yet hopeful lyrics the focus of the song.
The lyrics are maturely crafted, cohesive, and painfully relatable. Harris repeats the phrase “don’t stay for me” quite frequently throughout the song’s chorus depicting pain and anguish as the singer wishes a lover the best, even if it means continuing on separately.
There’s something about a song that mixes dance-like rhythm with heartbreakingly honest lyrics that draw listeners in. At first listen, the melodic drums give an urgent sense to move your body and dance. As the lyrics move in, it’s easy to get caught up in Harris’ polished vocals and well-spoken lyrics. This song is the perfect mix of heartbreak and taking the higher road.
“Don’t Stay” is a powerfully written dance ballad that effortlessly illustrates a great blend of rhythmic, electronic drums, extreme vocal talent, and wonderfully crafted lyrics.
Russian musical group Tiavara entices heavy metal fans with their latest single “Celestial Dance” from the upcoming album, Delusional Tales of Grand Intentions. Guitar solos, haunting vocals, and uplifting lyrics give this song an old school metal feel while keeping it fresh and relevant. Hints of Middle Eastern guitar add an extra layer to this metal anthem while hard-hitting drums drive the song’s tempo making it mosh-worthy track.
Tiavara describes “Celestial Dance” as an objection to seeing the world in absolutes while accepting oneself despite flaws and virtues. Their evocative insight is a signature of theirs which is apparent in the band’s past discography. The band aims to encourage and promote open-mindedness through their music. This is apparent through the song’s lyrics “you are free, don’t let them clip your wings” which repeat frequently throughout the song instilling the idea of free thinking into the minds of listeners.
This song is sure to draw metal fans in with its gritty, expressive nature while its powerful lyrics make this song appealing to a variety of music enthusiasts.
Pop newcomer Maria Lynn’s “Petty” is the epic vengeful breakup song we’ve all been craving. If you’ve ever wished ill thoughts onto an ex or felt bitter after a relationship ends, this is the song for you.
Catchy vocals overlay an effortlessly flowing instrumental that creates the perfect song to sing (or scream) to the image of any and all ex lovers. A breezy guitar melody combined with beautifully composed lyrics and smooth vocals powerfully invoke feelings of strength and fortitude.
The upbeat tempo, electro drops, and synthesizer blends transform this personal breakup song into a spirited dance mix that somehow emits feelings of reassurance. There is a flawless balance between the calm of the verses and the hard-hitting chorus which, at first listen, is unexpected yet satisfying.
“Petty” exquisitely and refreshingly unites heartbreak with feelings of vulnerability, power, and empathy.
Disco Shrine’s “Up in the Air” grooves hard with a catchy synthesizer/drum mix making it the quintessential song to add to any party or road trip playlist. The uplifting fluidity of the instrumental makes this the kind of song you want to swim in. It’s easy to get caught up in the energetic, electronic beat and disregard the lyrics when a song has such a free-flowing, feel-good vibe. However, the alluringly crafted lyrics of “Up in the Air” invoke the desire to delve deeper into what Jessica Delijani, the mind behind Disco Shrine, is saying.
“Up in the Air” depicts the struggle Delijani’s parents faced immigrating to America from Iran during the 1970s Iranian Revolution.
Delijani beautifully describes the song saying, “’Up in the Air’ paints a picture of them literally on their plane ride over to America, leaving the past behind and looking toward the future.” She continues to explain the symbolism behind the phrase “up in the air” and how it relates to the feelings of uncertainty and unexpectedness her parents were facing by uprooting their lives at the time.
Not only is this song rhythmically appealing with brilliant lyricism, but it also effortlessly and impeccably reflects the current situation in the United States.
If you appreciate the sounds of The Beatles, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Rolling Stones, Lady Blue Beard is the newest band to add to your collection. Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Klaus Fischer immaculately creates a folk-soul sound with the band’s debut album titled Picture of an Elephant. He flawlessly combines speaking, mild scat singing, and whistling with modern rhythms to create a polyphonic pop sound that radiates vitality and raw musicality. The musicality of each instrumentalist is showcased in each song through guitar breaks and vocal riffs. Picture of an Elephant manifests a brilliantly cohesive sound with each song driving the next, sounding similar yet impeccably powerful on their own.
Lady Blue Beard excites listeners with the first track titled “Breaking Your Heart,” a catchy, high energy track that screams hit single. It has the perfect blend of memorable lyrics, melodious instrumentals, and foot-tapping beats guaranteed to subconsciously play in the heads of listeners for days. “Road to Heidenau,” the album’s fifth track, buries beautifully written lyrics among a vibrant melody featuring a loose, dance-worthy rhythm. “Nestling” is the epitome of cohesion, a song that begins with a lullabye-like energy and continues to grow throughout. A guitar break, scat singing, and the addition of the drums morph this song into an unexpected, energetic piece. The final seconds of the song illustrate the inner spirit of the band giving listeners a glimpse in the creative songwriting process; voices simply continue scatting on creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
The title song “Picture of an Elephant” features a euphonious guitar and vocal mix that is both unrefined yet soothing. The ambiance of street sounds, birds, and wind in the background adds a new layer of authenticity to the song. Soul is dripping from this simple, lyricless song that epitomizes the heart of Lady Blue Beard’s music at the core.
The final song, “Where the Blue Wind Grows,” supplies the album with a perfect resolution; taking qualities of each song to construct meticulous cohesion. It begins with delicate harmonies and somber lyrics yet picks up as drums and guitar carry the song in a new direction. The vocals follow suit with new intensity generating dynamic excitement. The final chords mimic the song’s opening as the ferocity slowly fades to a final few strums of guitar, magnificently bringing the song full circle
This album passionately embodies emotion and vitality through tranquil vocals and calming instrumentals while retaining an energy that leaves fans humming, scatting, and tapping along.
Picture Of An Elephant is available now. Keep up with Lady Blue Beard here.
“Torn Up” by Denny White effortlessly marries R&B vibes with futuristic synthesized beats. The layered textures of “Torn Up” instantly created an urge within me to move; without question I began nodding my head and swaying along to the uplifting sound.
White has worked with a plethora of notable artists including touring with Young The Giant, collaborating with OneRepublic’s Brent Kutzle, and penning songs for The Fray with Julia Michaels, Lukas Graham and Tiesto.
White’s warm, soulful, pop vocals coated over a smooth synth and drum mix draw listeners into the lyrics of the song which almost contradict the upbeat melody, adding an extra layer of complexity. This song flawlessly creates a bridge between yearning, anticipation, and hope.
“Torn Up” embodies a sense of vulnerability while effortlessly generating an infectiously catchy tune that grooves hard and gives any listener facing uncertainty feelings of promise and assurance.
Cue raw, psychedelic vibes and soothing vocals with FormerFaces’ latest single “Forc# Fi#lds” from their debut full-length album Foreign Nature. Vocalist and founder Ryan Parmenter explains the meaning behind the song stating, “it’s about letting your guard down and being wide awake to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.” This description seems fitting as the groove-indie rock quartet was rejuvenated just last year when Parmenter added three new musicians to the band.
“Forc# Fi#lds” creates a groovy vibe within seconds of the music beginning; the first strums of the guitar are reminiscent of a classic 1960s indie anthem. Rock meets ethereality creating the quintessential tune for an epic adventure.
Parmenter also describes the song as “steeped in sentimentality,” which flawlessly depicts the energy emitted from a song that I feel is dripping in nostalgia yet somehow generates feelings of majestic escapades and explorations.
FormerFaces’ first full-length album Foreign Nature is set to release in Spring 2018. Keep up with the band here.
