of ennui, tone poems

of ennui, tone poems

Cutting their teeth in Chula Vista, California is doom metal band Of Ennui. Band members Christian Cate (guitar), Brian Strauss (vocals and guitar), Angus Garcia (bass and back vox), and Indigo Machado (drummer) have formed together to create music that fans and followers like have come to love. Their artistry truly lies in their ability to emote an amazing amount of feeling in what some have called, “poignant narrative lyricism.” Their latest EP, Tone Poems, is no different from all of the other music that they have put out since forming together in 2015. Not only does Tone Poems embody everything that their fans love about this group, but it also features new, insightful imaginative artistry that projects feelings experienced by the band members themselves. Not only does the music express difficult topics, but also addresses intense issues that make their work relateable to many of their fans.

Tone Poems was recorded in San Diego and mixed by award winning Jerik Centeno. This release has a tone that separates itself from their prior work, but still acts as nice addition to their collection of music that they have produced this far. Those who follow them are excited about this new release and, as always, are avidly awaiting the release of more work in the future as well as attending their live performances.

Tone Poems is out February 23rd. Keep up with the band here.

the new breed of jazz alternative

the new breed of jazz alternative

Formerly known as The Reign of KindoKindo has resurfaced after 4 years with a new single “Return to me” from their latest album “Happy However After” set to be released in April of 2018.
This 6 piece from New York has shown that you don’t need a major label and their money to gain an audience.
Giving the fans a new spin of alternative jazz that is fused with R & B, pop and soul shows that just like topping off your drink, combining old and new, can create something truly refreshing. Not only have they innovated a successful sound, Kindo has also proudly been at the helm of all their recordings.
“Return to me” begins with a rainy day stay in bed piano line. The vocals give a strange appeal to the jazz-ish backing music. Imagine Lenny Kravitz being backed by a piano at a dim lit jazz club applying his pop-rock vocal style and later adding a high gain guitar riff. I am amazed at how Kindoimplements all these musical elements and how they compliment each other. “Return to me” at first listen is calming. Once it sinks in what the lyrics are about it is hard to believe this song is depicting heartbreak. Especially when some of the rhythmic grooves wake you up and influence your body to take the hand of the beat and swing. The atmosphere of musical freedom and exploration is definitely a spark lighting a flame rich with creativity.
Kindo will be touring the Eastern U.S. in March and is surely not a band you want to miss. If they aren’t hitting up your hometown be sure to head over and check out their prior albums which should tide you over until “Happy However After” is released in April.

Keep up with Kindo here.
russian baths, “what’s your basement”

russian baths, “what’s your basement”

Brooklyn-based noise rock band Russian Baths will be releasing their debut EP, Penance, on February 23, having recently signed with Good Eye Records. Russian Bath is comprised of Luke Koz (guitar, vox), Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) and joined by Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). They have already dropped their first single, “Slenderman”, and have just released their brand new single “What’s Your Basement”, both of which will appear on Penance.

“What’s Your Basement” certainly packs a punch into just over two minutes, and will leave you wondering what just hit you. A masterful combination of noise rock/punk with intriguing, at times mellow, vocals provides “What’s Your Basement” with the perfect amount of juxtaposing sounds. With clean drums alongside excellent guitar and bass moments, “What’s Your Basement” makes a statement. While Penance will be their debut EP, Russians Baths has also previously released a split single, “Ambulance / Ghost”. Keep an eye out for Russian Bath’s EP Penance, out February 23.

Follow Russian Baths:
Facebook // Instagram

modern me, “dead to me”

modern me, “dead to me”

Noctis Magazine describes Modern Me as  …ushering in a fresh new era of indie rock. Noctis hit the nail on the head. Modern Me’s new track “Dead to Me” is a sharp, infectious, tongue-in-cheek epistle for the former lover that twisted your jaw to the point of “don’t text me anymore, I’m SO over it.”    The Southern California natives’ music video to the track opens with a couple in a café and lead singer looking upon them.  His contempt for the girl (ex) sets an absolute theme for the song and the video.

The video  moves to the band in a car unenthusiastically singing their lyrics with expressionless faces.  I love this song because it screams an I-don’t-care attitude while giving you courage to move on.  Modern Me is definitely worth checking out.  To keep with all things Modern Me visit http://www.modernmemusic.com .

the minnesota child

the minnesota child

Oakland natives The Minnesota Child  just released their new single “Stay With Me” off of their new EP “Fireflies.”  Proclaimed as an indie folk group,  the single “Stay With Me” touches on heartbreak and love.  Atwood Magazine describes the single as “…some sort of musical magic, ‘Stay with Me’ is a love song, a song of struggle, and a song of acceptance: From the heart, to the heart.” 

When I listened to “Stay With Me”  I was surprised as the song made me feel calm and tranquil while the background of the guitar and banjo evens the song out.  It is definitely a song that would pop up in a local coffee shop or a Nicholas Sparks movie…and I mean that in the sweetest, simplest way. 

To hear more of The Minnesota Child visit http://theminnesotachild.com

gyasi, “all messed up”

gyasi, “all messed up”

Gyasi has done it again, following up the release of “Sugar Mama” with new single “All Messed Up”, a rock song that is full of life. The song is catchy with a beat that is easy to dance to. It seems to have drawn influence from David Bowie or Slade with a new and vibrant beat. “All Messed Up” talks about being messed up over someone. Gyasi himself says that the lyrics came from some “characters” he met while being on the road with another band.

Hearing the song, it would be great to hear the song played live at a concert. Gyasi is able to draw the listener in with his raw talent which is prominent throughout this song

If you enjoyed this song, Gyasi’s debut EP Peacock Fantasies is available now. Keep up with Gyasi here.

brittany campbell performs on bric tv’s b-side sessions

brittany campbell performs on bric tv’s b-side sessions

If you haven’t heard of singer and actress, Brittany Campbell, get ready. Not only is the Brooklyn native a part of Chicago’s cast of Hamilton, she is also featured on Netflix’s remake of “She’s Gotta Have It.”  Most recently, Brittany has been showing us her musical talents on BRIC TV’s B-Side sessions. Brittany discovered her  for music at a young age when her music teacher insisted she enter an opera competition.  When watching this session I was truly blown away by her smooth yet soulful voice. On “Still In Love” she shows off her impressive vocal range while keeping you drawn in with her passion and energy.  My personal favorite is  Brittany’s “Mean.” This is her final message to a soon-to-be ex lover.  Its jazz undertones and poetic lyrics such as “…and shame on you for letting such a good thing go to pieces, and shame on me too” makes for an emotional performance and will leave you thinking about the  “one that got away.”  With a voice like Brittany’s, it is no surprise that she here to stay.  

Keep up with Brittany by visiting http://brittanycampbellmusic.com and be sure to look out for her album Stay Gold releasing April 10th.  

freja frances soars with “papercuts”

freja frances soars with “papercuts”

2018 is set to be a big year for rising London-based singer/songwriter Freja FrancesWith her new single “Papercuts”, Freja Frances displays her effortless vocal talents. The inspiration behind the track is very deep. “Papercuts” is about feeling isolated and being distant from the real world.

Sonically, the song seems like a fairytale dream. Freja pulls at the listener’s emotions with her raw and real vocals alongside a beautiful piano melody. The song is very relatable. “Papercut” is not only captivating, but it is authentic as well.

Keep up with Freja Frances here.

syre promises smith success

syre promises smith success

Critics have been raving about Jaden Smith‘s newest album Syre since the day it released this last November. American rapper Jaden Smith has become one of the darlings of the music industry and has since received attention from fans across the globe. Not only did the album hit the US Billboard 200 at number 24 for December 9, 017, but it has also received positive reviews from critics. This was a long awaited album, however for Smith’s followers especially after the music video for “Fallen” was released a few months prior. With the support of the social media crowd Smith has since become someone to watch in the near future.
To many who have heard her music, the name Syre was a point of interest and originates from Jaden’s middle name. The album features the many different facets of Smith’s talents. Upon listening to the album, those at Exclaim! wrote, “SYRE changes shape in such a way that it plays like two distinct albums; it’s a sonic playground, and Smith bounces from toy to toy, flexing his artistic muscle throughout.” Not only does the music favor the range and ability of Smith, but it also addresses several different topics of interest. For those looking to enjoy rap, this album is a twist on the norm and requires patience from the listener and attention to detail to appreciate the artistry.

Keep up with Jaden Smith here.