Forever X2‘s new self-titled 6 track EP is thrilling, from the very first, edge-tinged lines of “Keep the Devil Waiting” through the last, soothing notes of far more ethereal sounding “Forever Times Two”. The four tracks between are simply the well-rounded center of the Oreo, AKA all some type of amazing. “Think About It” and “Walk the Ocean” have similar paces, the focal point, so to speak, of each track truly being the artist’s raspy vocals. “Mad For Me” sounds much more influenced by punk music, It’s our favorite, as it feels 80’s other-worldly and we’re more than into that headspace right now. If you take the time to sit and enjoy “God Don’t Want”, you’ll feel so much better about the world around you. And the inclusion of such varying soundscapes might inspire you in a different direction.
Forever X2 is definitely worth a listen. I mean, don’t you want to stay on top of new music?
Pop punk is a genre that many of us identify as our first real musical love. It’s the music that blasted in our earphones as we tried to survive eighth grade . And for many of us, that love fades away as our own teenage angst forms into something new, something “mature.” Belmont’s new self-titled album reminds us of that first love and how that music has involved in itself, while still being as cool and emotional and punk.
This album is the epitome of what pop punk music is. Each song showcases the band’s youth and talent. Frontman Taz Johnson’s vocals are hypnotic, and combined with Brian Lada on drums, Sam Patt on guitar, and Alex Wieringa on bass, the end result is magical. The moment the opening track “Empty” bursts to life with an explosion of guitar and drums, I am flooded with nostalgia and the desire to head bang like crazy. As the album goes on, each song seems to give off that same vibe that only this music can give. There are also so many lyrics that stand out because of their depth and honesty. “Interlude” is a slowed-down song that, despite its cool beat, has you thinking instead of head banging:
Do you know what it’s like to be alone?
To live life feeling numb and cold,
It’s a ******* nightmare on its own
And it just gets worse as we grow old.
The second half of the album picks up speed once again, with powerful tracks like “Hollowed Out” and “Convalescence.” As the album comes to an end with “BMC,” Johnson asks the million dollar question: “Why do I pretend to keep caring?” Belmont’s talent is undeniable in both their music and their lyrics, showing the band’s inevitable rise as the next great act.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joel Levi has just dropped his self-titled album. Honest and down to earth, Joel Levi explores challenges and difficulties of life on an Americana/indie-folk soundscape. Joel Levi: 1. “Middle of Everything” starts off the record on an upbeat note, setting the indie-folk tone of the album. Showcasing Levi’s great vocals, this first track sets the stage for the rest of the album. 2. “Will We Ever Change?” is up next, starting off with a smooth, angstier sound. As the title suggests, this track explores the fear of being stuck as you are. 3. “Honest Mistake” carries the listener into a more Americana sound, reminiscent of Springsteen. Featuring a great guitar solo towards the second half the song, the lyrics “I don’t wanna bring you down” echo throughout the track. 4. “Easy to Be Alone” is a more laid back folk song that moves along an emotional soundscape, encouraging the listener to hold onto their loved ones and fight for them. 5. “Harder Times” emphasizes perseverance, even through adversity. Well-placed guitar rounds out the track into a solid song. 6. “The Garden” brings the listener into a simple but touching melody, filled with well-constructed metaphors. 7. “All My Friends” changes it up, instantly upbeat and quickly moving into a feel-good chorus that will make any listener appreciative for the important friends in their life. 8. “Sweet Melinda” comes next, a beautiful love song that starts off with some acoustic guitar. An instant classic, “Sweet Melinda” encompasses what a romantic folk song should sound like. 9. “Blind Men Still Dream” is a painfully honest track that explores the challenges we face, and the support that we always can depend on. 10. “Hold On Me” closes out Joel Levi on a simple but touching note with a love song. “Hold On Me” shows just one of Levi’s many musical aspects and gently brings the record to an end.
Nora Rothman is to drop her brand new EP: Nora Rothman – Remix EP on April 20, which follows her self-titled EP that dropped in the summer of 2017. Featured on her remix record is “Lilies (QRTR Remix)”, a floating, driving indie folk track showcasing Nora’s ethereal vocals. Don’t let Rothman’s gentle voice fool you – she is a strong and versatile woman who seeks to empower others. The actress and singer-songwriter also was involved in Hillary Clinton’s campaign as the Colorado field organizer. Inspired to support women during her time doing political work, Rothman decided to remix her EP, with half the proceeds going to Planned Parenthood. “Lilies (QRTR Remix)” is one of the tracks on this record, and is filled the deep emotion that Rothman translates into song. The song both moves and inspires the listener, while maintaining the sincerity of sound that Rothman sticks to. The Remix EP includes the following tracks and drops in its entirety on April 20: “Lilies” – QRTR Remix “Note to My Ex-Lover” – Birch Remix
“Truth or Dare” – Libra Rising Edit
“Truth or Dare” – Suzi Analogue Club Mix
“Note to My Ex-Lover” – Ah-Mer-Ah-Su Edit
Alright, folks. I am pretty darn open-minded (if I do say so myself), but I never thought I would find myself saying (typing) the following:
Harry Styles‘ self-titled solo debut is my album of Summer 2017.
I will admit that One Direction wasn’t a half bad boy group, but I never would have put them anywhere near the top of any list. But, it seems that they are finding much more success (at least in playtime by me) since each went solo.
Styles solidifies his singledom by self-titling his debut album. And, it works, but if it were me, I would have named it something much more pretentious. Maybe: “Rockstar,” or “THE Album of Summer 2017”.
There are no outright pop songs. Instead, Styles has chosen 10 tracks with melodies and instrumentation – even recording style – that calls back to Brit rockers of the1960s (think: Beatles, Rolling Stones). I know that may seem like high praise, but give it a listen. You will hear it. On top of that, his voice – solo – can be compared to Adam Lambert if he were to tone it down and take out the theatrics. Or maybe even Bruno Mars…if he were to tone it down and take out the theatrics. His voice is actually quite similar to fellow boy-bander, Zac Hanson.
If you haven’t checked out Hanson in awhile, give a listen to “Broken Angel” or “Misery” off their 2004 album, “Underneath”…the resemblance is striking.
My point with Harry’s voice is: It is very smooth, remarkable, and easy to listen to.
It’s not just the sound that has me turning this sucker up on an afternoon walk, evening drive, or even while I make breakfast in the morning, but lyrics that are a mix of fun, soulful, and a bit angsty. No, he hasn’t left the teenage angst behind, but do any of us, really? He croons about love, lust, the past, and growth, never letting us forget that we are all constantly in a state of change, regardless of if we are in our early 20s or our late 50s.
My favorite, “Two Ghosts”, is all about a love gone cold. How everything is the same as it always has been, but the passion and feelings that once were there have left the building. It’s something in between a break up and a love song, and it is heart-shattering.
Harry isn’t just covering light and airy teeny-bopper stuff anymore, folks.
