Toronto-based electro alt-pop songstress X. ARI has done it again with edgy new track “Break Point”. With her signature robust, strong vocals, she takes on emotions we can’t all express correctly. Everyone’s breaking point is different, and we’ve all been in similar scenarios. To have it vocalized for us – and in such a vulnerable and beautiful way – is another step closure to collective healing.
“Break Point is about PTSD and it describes the moments right before I broke down late 2016,” explains X. ARI. “Having a mental health breakdown doesn’t just happen overnight. There’s a build up and a splitting point where you crack and you’re not really yourself anymore. This song describes that process and experience.”
Today, California songstress Alice Wallace released her highly-anticipated 11-track full-length, a beaut titled Into The Blue. Her fourth album, it is truly an exquisite collection of songs that evoke emotions over personal anecdotes, social issues, and the beauty of our natural surroundings, among other things. It’s a culmination of what we have come to know and love of Alice Wallace over the span of her career – the softness and vulnerability that we all feel at times, coupled with undeniable strength and intensity – and we’re absolutely smitten.
When the album starts with the line “What just happened?” during the lead track “The Lonely Talking”, we realize we’re in for a wild ride. After all, who else has had an adventure that’s started with those exact words? (Exactly.) Wallace’s emotional, deep, robust vocals carry us into “Santa Ana Winds”, an old western theme to it all. “Elephants” – perhaps one of our favorites on the album – is simplified instrumentally, more melodic as it addresses some very important social stigmas and issues. “The Blue” continues at the same slower, borderline meandering pace, as Wallace croons to us of “the mystery” of “The Blue”. “Desert Rose” does nothing to pick up the pace, but “charming” describes more than just a word in the lyrics. The guitar parts are magnificent, Latin-inspired instrumentals that serve as the perfect backdrop to such an emotional and specific story. “When She Cries” presents as more high energy, singing of rain”in the City of Angels,” a phenomenon we’ve all been privy to over the past week or so.
“Echo Canyon” is another favorite, simplified so Wallace’s vocals can take center stage, the exact emotional triggers placed perfectly, even without the aid of the instrumentals. Echoing a soulfulness only Wallace could evoke, the guitar parts are absolutely inspired. While “The Same Old Song” is pretty cut-and-dry blues in a very palpable way, “Motorcycle Ride” has a soundscape you will 0% predict by the title of the track. It’s sweet, mellifluous, and leads beautifully into ballad “Top of the World”. “For Califia” is the last track featured, instrumentals that we could easily see in an episode of The O.C. The lyrics are gorgeous, and it leaves an impact that only Wallace is capable of. Perhaps she really is the Queen of California.
As if the cover art weren’t enough to draw you in – HELLOOOOO Earle Rock Studios -, Holy White Hounds‘ sophomore full-length release is absolutely extraordinary. Blending in the signature “eff you” style that they established with 2016’s Sparkle, Sparkle, Say It With Your Mouth is an established alt-rock adventure, with high stakes energy from beginning to end. While first track “Thirsty” insists that “I’m not excited,” the intense lead-in would say otherwise, as “Lucid Kid” establishes an energy that we’re ready to bump from now into the summer months. “Perpetrator” feels like the perfect addition to “Guitar Hero,” catchy as all get out with a visual that will keep your mind reeling.
The quirky name of the project can be found in the lines of “No Teeth”, while “Big Heavy” boasts the perfect sound to be played during an NFL game. (Shameless plug.) While Dean struggles with his perspective in “Trifection”, the attitude continues – complete with a whole different level of percussion – in seventh track “Violence”. This one is a real banger, so make sure to allow plenty of space to move around when you press “play” on it.
Dave Keuning joins in on the fun with “What I Am”, and “Burnt Tongue” speeds things up even more than originally anticipated, guitar licks and a beat that doesn’t just pull you in, but drags you in by your shoelaces – or bootstraps, or whatever gets you going – and does not let go. The drums set the scene for “The Void”, coming in with bass that sets one of those “walking like a badass” vibes for the remainder of the track. (AKA add this to your life soundtrack and when you’ve got to raise that confidence, play it and strut your stuff!)
If you are really paying attention to the lyrics instead of just the mood the soundscape sets for you, you’ll notice a variety of emotions, stemming from personal anecdotes that have been woven throughout the work as a whole. Dean’s vocals drag more of that emotion out of us, highlighting moments of darkness and a questioning mentality while we all learn how to feel through it. “Tracy Free” is one of those introspective tracks that really entices you to think, though the title of its follow-up, “Aids Chimp”, kind of detracts from the weight of the words.
But that’s what we’ve come to respect and love about this band. They can sing about some dark, dark shit and keep this weightless feel to it all, and you can tell that they are a ton of fun live simply from listening to a few lines from Say It With Your Mouth, if you haven’t yet been graced by their live performance tactics. “New Blood” will further enforce the theatrical nature of the band, though they may be the last to admit it. With bits of comedy mixed in with self realization and that clear, gorgeous edge, we’re big fans of this album as a journey, and are stoked you get to hear it from beginning clear through “Thirsty Outro”.
Say It With Your Mouth is available now. Keep up with Holy White Hounds here.
You put your all into your music, it’s all you. You do everything yourselves with no other input from anyone. What is the importance of this to Filmspeed, to do everything yourselves?
Filmspeed: As indie artists? It’s everything. We’re in a modern industry that lives and dies by the innovation of musicians. Time, budget, schedules- these are all things you’ve got to constantly balance. The more we can do internally as a unit, the better chance we have at long term survival, and with any luck, success.
You thrive on the live experience, describe your typical emotions and feeling when you are all on stage?
Filmspeed: Its the rush. Its the purpose. Its home. A live audience is our drinking buddies, our close friends. It’s not quite the same to type it out in words. Its those moments where a whole room gets together and collectively loses their minds if only for a split second.
You hail from Orange County, I don’t know Orange County but I do know that rock and roll is everywhere and at it’s heart. How does Orange County reflect in your music?
Filmspeed: Well… although we live and work in OC and around Los Angeles. The soul of the music is directly channeled from the Motor City, Detroit. Nick and Craig are born and raised with the whole family still living there. “You gotta lose your mind in Detroit, Rock City”. Over the years though Orange County has sprinkled in refinement, professionalism, and tripled down our drive and passion. In a place where the weather is always great, it means we can gig 7 days a week.
You have your own podcast, so tell us more about it. Why did you decide to do the podcast and apart from the music what is all your artistic input into your podcast?
Filmspeed: Well it’s a recent development for us. We actually wanted to get much more candid with our fans. Since theres so many outlets for bands to reach people, (social media, gigs, albums, etc.) we wanted to peel back the curtain and have folks get to know us on a friend-level. So the podcast, “Consistently Off” is really just a recording of the 3 of us catching up for the week and whatever rants ensue thereafter.
Not good to hear about the break in to your rehearsal space guys, how did this make you feel and has it stopped you from doing what you do so well musically?
Filmspeed: Yeaaa, thanks so much! We appreciate the wishes. Being on the losing end of thievery is never great. Immediately following though, our close friends and fans all jumped into action. GoFundMe accounts were opened, plans were made, and guitars were replaced all without our knowledge. A few days of sorrow for sure, but instantly being reminded that we are loved, supported and respected is more than a fortunate turn; its fuel to put the pedal down and take this thing to the top!
Tell us a little more about Beer 4 Boobs, I personally take my hat off to you gentlemen for doing this but please tell the world more about the whole event?
Filmspeed: These events are always a privilege. Its not even a soft spot for us, it’s a requirement. Everyone has had their lives affected by cancer, most recently, both Nick and Craig had parents taken by cancer. Cancer benefits will be on our show schedule as long as folks ask us to appear.
Loving the Cold As Ice cover guys, what made you want to officially cover Foreigner then do a phone video of it?
Filmspeed: Hey thanks! Its all about thinking “outside the box”, as you can probably tell from the video, we didn’t take it too seriously. Best part is that all our closest friends got together for a night of laughs and drinks. In our opinion, theres no better way to make a music video.
Purple Rain, great choice of film and it’s soundtrack, can you all tell me your favourite films that have just as good soundtracks apart from Purple Rain?
Filmspeed: Sh^ttt manggg… theres no better production. That’s prime Prince. Better than that? Let’s put a small vote in for “Team America: World Police”, there’s a genuine brilliance to that whole work of art.
It’s time to go Hexadecimal, it’s time for you to have a great big plug of the great musical wonder that is Hexadecimal. Time for you to tell all Wicked Spins Radio readers and also their listeners (Will be plugging it on my show) all about Hexadecimal. AND 3….. 2….. 1…. GO
Filmspeed: ATTENTION ALBUM LOVERS! Repeat! ATTENTION ALBUM LOVERS: We have self-produced, full length album that covers over 2 years worth of material. It spans a massive range of stories, moods and energies. It is non-stop sound, filled with interludes and segues. It’s a record that you’re encouraged to press play and strap in for the ride.
I listen to all kinds of music, mostly anything that makes me feel something. When I started to write songs, I listened to a lot of blues and folk music. I got inspired by how people could express emotions through songs and I fell in love with it. I think that was the reason why I started to write my own songs.
What all these songwriters, musicians and artist have in common is that their music is pure, timeless and real. They didn’t let anyone get in their way, no matter what, they held on to what they believed in.
1. I know It’s Over – Jeff Buckley
2. Simple Twist Of Fate – Bob Dylan
3. Waitin’ Around To Die – Townes Van Zandt
4. Stars – Janis Ian
5. Words – Neil Young
6. Stuck In The Middle With You – Stealers Wheel
7. Meet Me In The Morning – Bob Dylan
8. Glory Box – John Martyn
9. Day Is Done – Nick Drake
10. River – Joni Mitchell
11. Nobody Knows You – Bessie Smith
12. Dink’s Song – Dave Van Ronk
13. Lover, You Should’ve Come Over – Jeff Buckley
14. Love & Hate – Michael Kiwanuka
15. I Found You – Alabama Shakes
16. Wayfaring Stranger – Emmylou Harris
17. Piece of My Heart – Janis Joplin (Big Brother & The Holding Company)
18. Wild Is The Wind – Nina Simone
19. Racing With The Sun – Ella Jenkins
20. Give me a smile – Sibylle Baier
21. Heart Beat Slow – Angus & Julia Stone
22. Folsom Prions Blues – Johnny Cash
23. I Love You More Than Words Can Say – Karen Dalton
24. How Can I Put Out The Flame – Candi Staton
My influences throughout the years have been a huge part of who I am today. Madonna I feel the biggest connection because of her emotions when she sings and her daring nature! I have a bit of an alter ego as well. Sia has left a big impact on me as well. Her songs hit deep within lyrically and are full of so much power. I can only hope to move people the way she does me. Others are Lana Del Rey, Christina Perri, and Lady Gaga. My moodiness in my songs often mirrors some of Lana’s. I love the storytelling nature of Christina, and Gaga is a powerful soul that I see moving through genres which I what I see myself doing. I feel I am a piece of all of them.
Keep up with Natasha Jane Julian here and at her website and keep your eyes peeled for her new album Happily Ever After.
On September 28th, New York-based trio Isla Invisible – comprised of Rebecca Adorno, Julian Brau, and Ryan Correira – released four track collection EP1, and we’ve got some thoughts. From the first, slow, almost trepidatious lines of initial track “Pillow”, EP1 seems to glide through the atmosphere, leaving showers of slow motion glitter in its wake. Even with the deeper, surf-friendly sounds of “Outward” – check out the lyrics that match the vibes of the instrumentals perfectly – and its punk-tinged follow-up “Frail Devices”, the collection boasts an ethereal yet raw sound that will stick with you hours past listening to it. “If All Is” rounds it all out with that same soft sound provided by the vocals in “Pillow”, though there’s much more intent behind this track. It might actually throw you into a state where you’re not entirely sure which emotion you should evoke, but that’s the beauty of EP1. It brings us to a place where we can lay our emotions bare and feel what the music has to offer.
You may have already heard of emotional singer/songwriter Harry Myers, also known as Thoreau from his interviews, reviews, works, or playlists with popular music accounts such as Billboard, Trap Nation, and many more, but you’re going to want to make sure you listen to his new EP Reflections that was just released. This entire EP is built up of the emotions that you may feel throughout a relationship which makes his music not only enjoyable, but also relatable.
“In For” and “Afraid” are the most upbeat tracks that you will hear on the album, and also some of the most emotional. These songs describe fear, weaknesses, and emotions that you have to push through and learn how to live with throughout life and relationships. And every single track has this smooth, intense and robust soundscape that makes the EP an easy listener with a few friends, or the backdrop at a big party. It fits into so many environments sonically that we’re actually impressed by it. This EP resembles some aspects from the pop genre, but also R&B which gives it a different feel from the usual singer/songwriter likeness.
Make sure to check out the new Reflections EP, and you will not be disappointed!
Houston band Jody Seabody and the Whirls take it back to old school punk rock with their latest single, which is off their upcoming third album Hawksamillion. “GrenadeGreen” is a long track, tapering off at six and a half minutes. And majority of it is high intensity — it’s loud and jarring and absolutely mind-boggling. The lyrics are screamed rather than sung, giving it the true angry garage rock feel. This is the kind of music that is easily forgotten in this day and age, but JS&TW manages to embody the genre and turn it into a stand-out track.
At around the 4 minute mark, the song does a complete 180. The rock vibe is still there, but it’s slower and more mysterious. There are no lyrics, no screaming. Just the instrumental. The shift is surprising, yet welcome. It allows the anger from before to dissipate and turn into Led Zeppelin-esque classic rock and roll. This song seems to capture the ever-changing emotions of rock music in such a way that shows how this is a band that does not stay in one place.
Be sure to listen to their newest album, due out on August 24, and check them out on their upcoming tour. Keep up with the band here.
