by Meredith Schneider | Oct 26, 2018 | albums, review
Swedish pop icon Robyn releases her highly anticipated new album Honey today, and we’ve been counting down the seconds until its release. The 9 track stunner stays true to Robyn’s glittering personality, wrapping her ethereal voice up in electronic instrumentals that feel, quite honestly, out of this world. While initial track “Missing You” feels like the sequel to 2010’s “Dancing On My Own”, “Human Being” features Zhala and feels earthy, more primal in its disposition. “Because It’s In The Music” has a throwback feel to it, “Baby Forgive Me” plays with some disco-era sounds while maintaining a fresh, pop/r&b feel, while “Send To Robin Immediately” is a whole other beast entirely, toying with dissonance and establishing itself as an inspirational dance track.
We reach “Honey” in the 6th slot on this collection. the track itself feeling as smooth as its namesake. This song is summer reincarnate, and we’re thinking we might be clinging onto it as the weather gets colder and daylight gets shorter. “Between The Lines” feels like the soft EDM track that a swanky hotel would play in their lobby, and that’s not a bad thing. Its beat captivates you, and sends you into a tailspin while “Beach 2k20” fuses island vibes with dissonance, spoken word, and simplified beach lingo. Honey is rounded out with ninth track “Ever Again”, which brings us back into an upbeat, disco-infused electronic dance space with lyrics that evoke confidence and tell a tale of learning from one’s past. It’s a message that will last, especially with such a catchy melody.
Keep up with Robyn here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 26, 2018 | albums, review
Nashville-based rock collective Taco Mouth – comprised of Erica Sellers (Vocals/Guitar), Shawn Hammer (Guitar), Flip Cooper (Bass), and Angela Lese (Drums/BGVs) – releases their new, hard-hitting, 10-track full-length A Deafening Silence today. We’ve been particularly excited about this release, as it ushers in an energy we’ve been ready for.
Keep up with Taco Mouth here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 26, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On October 20th, Kansas City’s 96.5 The Buzz hosted Brew at The Zoo & Wine Too at The Kansas City Zoo. This year, thousands from across the metropolitan area gathered to taste test wine new brews, enjoy full pours from more than 45 breweries, try out a mixed drink or two, enjoy live music and a night of frivolity, all in the name of the giraffes. Kitten headlined, with Fitness supporting while onlookers enjoyed a spirited, enigmatic performance from each.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 25, 2018 | albums, review
Having become a household name due to their unique sound and incredible live performance tactics, it is no surprise that the release of Young The Giant‘s new album Mirror Master was met with great excitement in the music community. The Los Angeles quintet – comprised of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar/vocals), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums/vocals) – has created 12 gorgeous tracks that will keep your ears perked and begging for more from the very first light, voluptuous lines of “Superposition”. Through the heavy guitar of “Simplify”, to the smooth sounds of “Call Me Back”, to the end of “Heat of the Summer” – which, to its credit, gives off that nostalgic, balmy summer vibe – Young The Giant has taken this opportunity to take you on a true audio adventure through genres, pulling inspiration from many soundscapes.
While “Oblivion” boasts a slight theatrical tinge to its rock roots, “Darkest Shade of Blue” slows everything down to a haunting, poetic crawl before picking up exponentially throughout “Brother’s Keeper”. “Glory” gives off a soulful vibe, a warmth not particularly noticed in its predecessors, as both “Tightrope” and “Panoramic Girl” re-introduce the head bobbing tempo we’re so fond of from this particular act. “You + I” has a glittery feel to it – perhaps most notable in the simplistic, puppy love-like lyrics – and the title track rounds out the collection with the most layered, danceable feel to the entire album.
Keep up with Young The Giant here.
by Christie McMenamin | Oct 25, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Phenomenal songwriter Butch Walker headlined a show at Irving Plaza in New York fairly recently, captivating the crowd as he has for years. The energy coming off the stage was palpable as soon as he stepped on, and we were regaled with a gorgeous evening full of amazing showmanship. Photographer Christie McMenamin captured that for us, and it can be witnessed below.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 25, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On October 17th, the stylish powerhouse CYN opened for Years & Years at The Truman in Kansas City, MO. We nabbed a few key shots to make you feel like you were there, front row, enjoying her thrilling live set.
Keep up with CYN here.
