“How can I believe” is the first track from Steve Barton‘s latest album Tall Tales and Alibis. “How can I believe in God when you’re the one who’s divine?”, that line is absolutely brilliant. Part 1 of this 3 album release is filled with predominantly acoustic, folk-ish style music with a lot of great vocal harmonies. “Shadow of the Bride”, even with it being acoustic has a hint of some old punk influences as the song speeds up and states, “I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to do, about you.” There are some elements of surf rock, old punk, and David Bowie. Steve’s vocal range produces a low, soothing, yet haunting tonal quality similar to Johnny Cash.
His diversity comes as no surprise when you start turning the pages of his resume. Having a publishing deal at the age of 14, touring in a Beatles cover band, and in 1979 forming the band Translator. Some would go as far to say Steve and Translator were the first actual “alternative” band.
Part 2 of the album is more melancholic. It’s as simple as a man and his guitar. A more serious and emotive feel that opens the door to explore his depth a little further. “Haunt me tonight” being the most upbeat track on part 2, shows no shortage of Steve’s amazing way with words that really paint a picture you can see and feel.
“Promises and miracles pour like honey down the street.” Grim yes, but man, why didn’t I think of that. He is truly the master of analogies.
“Wake up in roses” begins Part 3 and does it full on. Horns, full band, rawk, and roll. It’s astounding this is the same guy. Like a change of season, this 37 song triple album release covers every spectrum you could ever desire. For me, the true shining moment on Tall tales and Alibis is “She is the girl.” Returning with a blues style that is complemented by an organ creating a nicely dusted and subtle psychedelic aftertaste. The beat is straightforward, simple, and that perfect repetition that makes you just zone out into the song. So I was little disappointed when the song ended, that so could have kept going.
Seriously, if you have never heard of Steve Barton, let “She is the Girl” be the track that opens the door. He has captured the fantasy and reality of “that girl” far better than Sting did with “Roxanne.” The entire album is loaded with actual storytelling style songs that do not skimp on originality or brilliance.
Don’t be put off by the 37 tracks, you can purchase each song for only $0.99 from Steve’s Website or get the entire 3 part album for only $14.95.
LA-based electro-pop KAYLS inspires with her latest EP Modern Savages. The EP explores a variety of struggles Kayls has faced spanning from relationship woes to her past industry struggles. Her goal with the album is to encourage listeners and invoke strength within them.
Modern Savages perfectly demonstrates Kayls’ new-found confidence after years of feeling underestimated and mistreated throughout her career, specifically by music industry men. The EP’s second track, “Porcelain,” depicts the hardships Kayls faced. Her honesty and authenticity shine in this track as she expresses the trials and tribulations faced early in her career.
“Champagne” explores Kayls’ distaste for the expensive things in life. The soft yet intense piano ballad superbly showcases her raw yet powerful voice. The following track, “Modern Savages,” continues with a similar theme. Kayls flawlessly expresses her concern for human connection through the lyrics “what can you give me that money can’t buy.”
Both “Carousel” and “Summer” explore past relationships making the album relatable and showing listeners yet another side of such a multi-faceted and complex artist.
Kayls’ Modern Savages EP is supremely cohesive work of art that sends a musically pleasing and powerful message. With its haunting indie pop vocals and electronic, futuristic mix of musical elements, this album creates the perfect indie-pop atmosphere.
Since their debut as a group in 2009, Candace (formerly known as Is/Is) has created a name for their group in the music industry. Together, Sarah Rose (guitar/bass/vocals), Sarah Nienaber (guitar/bass/vocals), and Mara Appel DesLauriers (drums/vocals) have worked long hours and are happy to announce that they are releasing their next full length album March 2, 2018. Just days after President Trump was elected, the girls decided to take their talent to Iowa to work on new material and continue the momentum that they have been gathering for years now. Not only is Candace releasing this new album, but in order to share their music with fans and music lovers alike they will also be going on tour around the country in the coming months.
Not only have they been gathering fans and followers since the formation of their band, but they have also been working on solidifying a sound that would be uniquely theirs on and off the stage. Their newest album, New Ruins, is proof of their success and work in trying to hold their own in the music world. All of the tracks featured on the album capitalize on their ability to bring out delicious melodies and dreamy rhythms. With so many records and tracks out for their fans to enjoy, it is hard to deny that Candace is a band to keep an eye on!
American rock band from New York, Sunflower Bean – consisting ofJacob Faber on drums, Julia Cumming on bass and lead vocals, and Nick Kivlen on lead guitar and vocals – is back with the follow up from their last album Human Ceremony titled TwentyTwo in Blue. The new album has eleven songs in total and is arriving March 23rd. The sound has a softer, sweeter, and more rich tone to it, honing in on topics people can relate to.
Singer Julia Cumming lends her vocals to the track “TwentyTwo”, which addresses about society’s expectation of women and what they are supposed to be in the world. Another single from the album is titled “I Was a Fool”. The song is about love that will make you happy, yet sad at the same time. The song is about the dizziness of love and how confused it makes you feel. “I Was a Fool” makes you feel all the emotions of love at once.
“Crisis Fest” humbles us, discussing men in uniform and a feeling of utter hopelessness in tense and uncertain times. Lines about storming the kingdom are highly relatable to modern militant rules, though might be super relatable in the every day, a sad but lesson-inspiring truth.
It is clear that Sunflower Bean has found their voice with their new album. TwentyTwo in Blue will be available March 23rd. Keep up with Sunflower Bean here.
Folk-rock artist Greg Connors is about to drop his brand new record, Home Made Compass, on March 3rd. Today, we’ve got your first listen with a streaming premiere of it in its entirety, as well as the premiere of the picturesque music video for his single “Armadillo”.
Starting off with “BEGIN ANYWHERE”, Connors brings his own take on folk music with this raw track. Next up is ARMADILLO, a deeper track that focuses the listener into the multidimensional layers of his music. “ARMADILLO” is followed by “JUST TO BE”, which features some killer guitar moments; a truly laid back and smooth rock track that balances folk aspects as well. Taking a completely different angle with “BUTTERSCOTCH”, a spoken-word interlude, Connors moves the listener into “INVISIBLE AUDIENCE”, a gutsy song that takes the listener for a trip.
A groovy, almost psychedelic track, “ONGOING END”, follows up next. With emotion packed lyrics and some “radio” parts, it’s a unique song on Home Made Compass. “RAPTORS” takes the reins next, definitely leaning towards the rock side of the LP. The first few notes are almost Bowie-esque. “CALICO”, another spoken interlude, carries listeners into the final two tracks on Home Made Compass. “TENNESSEE’, the denouement of the album, is a lovely song filled with a love for home, even if it’s not where you come from. Closing out Home Made Compass is BOATYARD”, the last song on the album. With masterfully poised instrumentals, Connors ends his album on a nostalgic, yet hopeful note.
Overall, the album does an excellent job of marrying folk with rock, and balancing the strengths of the two throughout the record. Whether you prefer rock or folk, Connors has got you covered.
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages get it right with their new album Soul Flowers of Titan. The album consists of twelve songs that leave no disappointment, each song filled with soul that makes you want to get up and move. With sounds that make you feel as though it was made back in the 70s or 80s, the album has a unique and fun feel to it. The album is filled with a rock and soul mixture that sounds straight out of an 80s movie.
“Slowly Losing My Mind” is the first song from the album. The song starts off with an upbeat tempo that is a great song to begin an album with. The song is a mixture of rock and blues which makes it a great opening track for the album. “Let’s Go to Mars” is another unique song that shows proof that you can do anything you set your mind to.
“I’m Gonna Leave You” is a track that talks about a woman doing you wrong. The protagonist leaves the woman due to her infidelity. The last song on the album is “Don’t Say Goodbye” which is a great way to end the album.
Barrence Whitfield & The Savages maintain their signature sound from years previous, proving that you can disappear for a length of time and still make great music. Soul Flowers of Titan is one of the greatest rock soul albums of this decade.
Soul Flowers of Titan is out March 2nd. Keep up with the band here.
Nashville-based pop/rock quintet Pet Envy – comprised of Shelbi Albert, Jake Diggity, Matthew Singler, Jordan Kiatt, and Emma Lambiase – has really created some magic with their new dual track release Stripped Down Mixed Up Vol 1., due out Friday March 2nd. A luscious, sweet sound comes withe vocals and instrumentals, and mental struggle unwinding with the lyrics. We find ourselves completely captivated by Shelbi’s penchant for silky smooth harmonies.
Contrastingly, we are brought into a more EDM soundscape by the Foxy Lingo remix of their already stunning track “Lock and Key”. This time around, the vocals reach Ellie Goulding-esque ranges, and we’re moved to dance into the wee hours of the morning with this fluid, seductive vibe-inducing track as the backdrop.
Vivian Leva – who uses her country roots to bring life to her music – is set to release her new album Time is Everything on March 2nd, a ten track collection. In latest single “Bottom of The Glass”, Leva talks about a lover that has left and done her wrong. The characters in the song were engaged, and Vivian sings about the wedding ring being at the bottom of a glass she was drinking from.
“Sturdy as the Land” slows the pace of the album quite a bit. The song is about losing something that you originally thought would last forever. The song reflects on the love that was once there but is now lost. “Sturdy as the Land” shows that time and love are not sturdy.
Time is Everything is an album full of love, lost love and heartbreak. Each song on the album is universally relatable and pulls at the listener’s heartstrings. Make sure to nab it quick, and keep up with Vivian Leva here!
Musician and media installation artist Amy Raasch uses her latest project Girls Get Cold to examine detachment and disconnectedness in a world striving for constant connection. Raasch and producer David Poe produced the album in her apartment, which lead to the use of a variety of usually unconventional sounds.
The title song, “Girls Get Cold,” has a mellow, delicate aesthetic and depicts boundaries in relationships. While her songs “Kitty Decides” and “Straight Boys” offer a more upbeat attitude with lighthearted lyrics. “Straight Boys” is a feminist anthem which describes modern day toxic masculinity. It’s catchy melody and humorous use of lyrics allows her statement to stand out. “We’re in an unprecedented moment” says Raasch of the song, “where men and women alike have a unique opportunity to re-examine their entrenched assumptions about relationships. I’m excited to be part of the cultural reset.”
Raasch’s use of cultural television and film references gives her songs and extra layer of relevance and pizazz while making them fun and exciting to listen to. Amy Raasch’s Girls Get Cold is the perfect blend of statement-making lyrics and catchy instrumentals.
