by Tiffany Czech | Dec 14, 2020 | albums, review
Though she began making a name for herself with her band Alyeska, Alaska Reid is taking the next steps of her career as a solo artist. Her newly released EP Big Bunny is a monumental step in her own direction, showing off not only her ability to illustrate a story with her music, but also her eccentric vocal ability. What is to be appreciated is the diversity of subjects that Reid covers, ranging from the hope of moving away from a town that isn’t meant for you, as heard on “City Sadness” and “Boys From Town”, or the yearning for the feeling of comfort and stability that “Warm” and “Pilot” offer up. The final track, “Blood Ice”, calls for reminiscing on old times that felt more welcoming than the current ones, and it feels like a perfect way to wrap up the stories of Big Bunny.
Reid explores the trials and tribulations that we see in our lives with a release that can easily be described as perfect for those who are looking for something more in life, whether it be a new place to call home or people in our lives who make us feel warm. With splashes of personal detail, Reid is also giving herself the chance to feel.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 11, 2020 | albums, review
When tragedy strikes, artists often turn to melodies in an attempt to heal the pain. It was no different for Nathaniel Bellows, who turned to writing to cope with the death of his father. The result is his forthcoming album Three. This triumphant masterpiece starts off with “In the Wool”, an address of self-image and finding oneself amidst the chaos of the world. The heart stopping “Haul Me In” speaks of the need to feel weightless in treacherous waters. The breathtaking percussion creates the illusion that we, the listeners, are in the danger that he speaks of. “Split Lip” invites you to step into the feeling of being hopeful despite being surrounded by reasons to be hopeless. It closes out with “Move Away”, which weighs the pros and cons of leaving a place that has provided you both happiness and sorrow throughout his life. Here, Bellows reveals his intentions to, one way or another, look to the future.
Three is a raw and emotional record that sees every track masterfully tackling the struggle of falling into a pit and trying to find a way into the light, sometimes by hoping for a shoulder to lean on. It reflects a vulnerability that resonates with the listener and provides moments of solace and peace.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 10, 2020 | albums, review
If you have been sitting around looking for the perfect way to entertain yourself as a cure for your boredom, it is perhaps most appropriate to turn to Antidote to Being Bored, Oscar Lang’s folk-rock experiment. Lang promises a high-volume experience with his newest release, starting with the EP’s title track all the way down to the final track, “Something Has Changed”, and every track in between. The entire track list is a blesses us with piercing electric guitars and bewitching melodies, perfect for both your winter run around the block or your quiet fireside music listening sessions. What makes this release stand out is the ability of every song to fit different moods and still be a fantastic choice.
Lang says of the EP:
I wrote Antidote to Being Bored to be an absolute blow-the-roof-off-the-stadium rock banger and I think it lives up to that. I wanted to get a little darker with this EP, while continuing the sound of the previous one. I feel like I really found a style of music that I love and am just excited to play. So, this release was all about developing that sound further.
by Tiffany Czech | Dec 7, 2020 | albums, review
LA-based R&B star Taylor DeBlock is pulling all of our heart strings with his new EP Manque. It is appropriately named, seeing as the running theme throughout the 6-track EP is how it feels to miss someone. The up-tempo spirit of the opening track “NECESITAS” perfectly captures the feeling of losing patience while waiting for somebody that you feel really complements your life. This same sentiment is echoed on tracks like “SAY” and “CALL ME”, both of which showcase the DeBlock’s romantic availability. There is room to slow things down, as highlighted by “RIGHT WAY”, a more vulnerable take on trying to understand the thoughts inside someone’s head.
DeBlock is providing the world with the perfect winter soundtrack for feeling stuck inside not only our homes, but even our own heads. With relatable subject matter that can resonate with a wide range of situations, Manque is here to sooth that often-frustrating feeling of having overbearing thoughts.
DeBlock says of the meaning of the EP:
Originally taken from the French ‘tu me manque,’ meaning ‘I miss you,’ the EP’s title displays a two- fold meaning. A ‘manqué’ is also someone who has failed to live up to an expectation – accepting what has become, the manqué eventually sees where they fell short and must carry on.
by Sadie Battle | Dec 4, 2020 | albums, review
If holiday cheer is something that seems a little hard to find lately, then check out Toddie Time, a unique collection of holiday classics from Michelle Malone and The Hot Toddies. On all six holiday songs, The Hot Toddies dive into nostalgic hits while reinterpreting your favorite Christmastide classics that range from toe-tappers that swing to sweet ballads that pull on your heartstrings. Their fun new arrangements all their own that display Malone’s vocal prowess and Doug Kees guitar skills. Malone and Kees are joined by Tommy Dean on upright bass, and occasionally Chris Burroughs on drums.
A particular stand out is “Blue Christmas”, as their version features an electric guitar solo with extra rifs all around. Malone’s vocal style and mood on this track is such a fresh and new take on this bittersweet classic. Their arrangement on “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” really showcases a great pairing of upright bass and electric guitar – making you feel like you’re back at your favorite neighborhood dive bar this holiday season, tapping your feet at some live music, and ordering a Hot Toddie. So go on, stream this holiday gift of songs today and be swept up in the cheer you’ve been looking for!
by Elizabeth Schneider | Nov 24, 2020 | albums, review
The gift of music is always the best and I was recently gifted a vinyl remastered copy of Sign ‘O’ The Times by Prince. And it is the best.
Originally released on March 30, 1987, the re-release on September 25, 2020, was a much-anticipated balm for this year of canceled live tours and shows. The songs on Sign ‘O’ The Times sound as fresh as they felt to audiences 30 years ago. Prince created a tour de force with wide-ranging genres, rock-solid vocals, and lyrics that stand the test of time.
Although “Sign ‘O’ The Times” and “U Got The Look” were the two singles off the album that got the most attention, there are so many more choices that will become favorites on your playlists. “Play In The Sunshine” and “Housequake” are back-to-back songs designed to get you moving. “If I Were Your Girlfriend” also never disappoints.
I have discovered my own new favorites – “Starfish and Coffee” is one of those. Written by Prince with Susannah Melvoin, it sparkles with fun lyrics and bright beats. It’s catchy and surprising. Additionally, Prince performed it with The Muppets in 2016, which makes it that much better!
I have played Side B of Album number Two three times now while I write and I see a fourth play in my future. “The Cross”, “It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night” and “Adore” are the three songs on this side. They are completely different from each other, but each one is brilliant.
Sign ‘O’ The Times is becoming one of my favorite albums in my collection. Although I was aware of, and heard, all of these songs over the years, I had never purchased the album to listen to in its entirety . Now that I have it, I will make up for lost time.
