SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 13/11/23 - 19/11/23
Clint Reimann - Lady, I Love You
'Lady, I Love You' envelops listeners with its beautifully heart warming feel; the lyrics authentically capture the jubilation of love. The delightful vocal harmonies intertwine seamlessly, and the sun-soaked guitars exude a radiant happiness. This track is a stunning burst of Americana, inviting a carefree energy that resonates with the joyous spirit of love.
S.J. Armstrong - One of These Nights
'One of These Nights' stands out as an intricate production, weaving breathtaking, swooping guitars and captivating solos alongside hazy, semi-ethereal vocals that gracefully intertwine with the dynamic instrumentation. This track skillfully blends the swirling layers of shoegaze distortion with the grandeur and complexities of alt-rock, resulting in an enthralling and absorbing listen.
Noctvrnal Cvlt - Possessions Potion
Horror-themed with a plodding drum beat and a pummeling shock factor, 'Possessions Potion' is a hard rock belter infused with glam rock theatrics and gritty alt-rock gruel, complete with darkened gothic tendencies. The vocals are raspy and dramatic, while the sound remains elaborate and multifaceted, with a steady heartbeat weaving through sinister energy and eruptive qualities.
MACHINE 85 - 20 Days
Crafted as the perfect driving tune, '20 Days' roars as a foot-on-the-throttle banger. A sparkling fusion of alt-rock and power metal, it's a melodic blast with anthemic qualities. The bold and infectious sound is propelled by killer riffs and high-impact drums, creating a protest behind the glorious vocals that feature a wonderful soulful tone within their raw nature. The track weaves a stunning tapestry of modern rock melodies and energy, blending 80s power chords, fast tempos, and pop-infused hair metal hooks. A dynamic fusion of genres that makes for an exhilarating and memorable listen.
Hana Piranha - Wingspan
Overflowing with rockstar attitude, 'Wingspan' is a confidently eerie eruption of powerful riffs and driven drums. Captivating with a potent energy and a mystical wave of darkness, it stands as an anthemic blast of alt-rock with a blackened gothic edge. The bold track features versatile vocals, ranging from soaring and wonderfully melodic to raw and impending. 'Wingspan' is a fireball of emotion fuelled by both hope and fury, making it an infectious and addictive listen.
Fulton Calvery - Lost
Starting from a simplistic foundation, 'Lost' evolves into an alt-rock track with a futuristic edge and a touch of transcending psychedelia. Its melody weaves interesting twists and turns, transitioning from a soaring, full-bodied sound to a new wave air that incorporates soft synths for a chiming effect. The track skillfully blends nostalgia-infused '80s rock with beefy riffs and electrifying solos, seamlessly integrating EDM tendencies. The result is an elaborate, shape-shifting sound that adds a unique and captivating dimension to the sound.
The Toksin - DOMINATION
Delving into introspective themes of inner thoughts and emotions, 'DOMINATION' unfolds as a frantic guitar-driven burst of DIY garage rock. Exhibiting a rugged, deconstructed sound, it powers through with minimalistic instrumentation and a raw, rebellious energy. The vocals, fueled by attitude, rage with a jagged, unpolished fury and searing intensity. Loud distorted guitars take centre stage within the track's lo-fi production, as 'DOMINATION' maintains its straightforward approach, embracing a razor-sharp DIY ethos.
Zachary Mason - Quicksand
'Quicksand' paints a beautiful, picturesque soundscape with stunning acoustic guitars, gentle Beatles-comparable vocals, and a touch of psychedelia. Zachary's warm and homely tone is delightfully enchanting, creating a tranquil ambiance. The track is crisp, with a richness within its layers that convey raw, unbridled emotion. A delicate and captivating listen, it channels deep-rooted feelings, mesmerising with the notion of hopelessness and downtrodden thoughts, evoking the sense of falling into the darkness of the mind and getting lost in a void of yearning.
Guipago Dreams - Snake Mountain Blues
An intriguing and conceptual journey, 'Snake Mountain Blues' seamlessly blends elements of electronica with the distinctive expressive structure of blues, adding a jazz-like rhythmic swing and a country twang with rolling stylisation. The track also introduces an eerie segment of sinister atmospheric post-rock that smoothly transitions into ambient prog, merging with eruptive, disruptive noise rock tendencies. A surprising EDM break adds another layer before the journey circles back to its uptempo country-laced sounds. This creative offering utilises a plethora of sounds, crafting a truly unique and immersive listening experience.
Participant - No Ambition
Sweltering, shimmering guitars usher in the explosive debut single, 'No Ambition,' from the two-man band Participant. Thunderous and exhilarating, it's a blast of pulsating energy and effervescent alt-rock with simmering elements of progressiveness. Eruptive and executed with smouldering finesse, it stands as a fine and enthralling debut from these promising Brit rockers.
Manic Romance - Little Voices
A self-deprecating punk rock anthem, 'Little Voices' delivers a raw, raucous, and rough-around-the-edges blast of brutal honesty. It vulnerably acknowledges the challenges of dealing with inner demons, highlighting how internal voices can be more critical than external critics. The track is a raging and passionate sonic journey, driven by a determined sound featuring spiky, contagious riffs, frantic drums, and an addictive energy that captures the DIY essence of punk.
Build for Tomorrow - Don't Panic!
A dynamic burst of pop-punk, 'Don't Panic!' kicks off with explosive riffs and relentless drums, with the melodic vocals shining brightly above. Its infectious and addictive nature is heightened by a simple yet devilishly catchy chorus. The track is brimming with swirling guitars, flexing solos, and a charismatic, igniting energy. It's evident that Build for Tomorrow is crafting music they genuinely love, and the enthusiasm translates into a riotous and enjoyable listen that's sure to send the mosh pits into orbit!
Geister Deck - The Pain Within
Thunderous and eruptive, 'The Pain Within' fuses brutality with an uneasy, sinister sense of unrest. Its melodic and chiming elements blend wonderfully rhythmic vocals with gruelling snarls. Juxtaposing haunting melodies and soaring guitars with thrashing blasts of unbridled frustrations, the track seamlessly fuses elements of indie with gritty alt-rock and sweeping alt-metal tendencies. The result is a massive anthemic tune with a savage edge.
Andre Collin Glen - Shattered Dreams
Embodying laid-back charm and comforting energy, 'Shattered Dreams' is a delightfully easygoing jam with distinctive and charmingly imperfect vocals. Its delicately bright atmosphere radiates sophistication, complemented by a steady drum track. Eruptive, immersive guitar solos add dynamism, elevating the track from its contemplative foundation.
LeanWolf - Frustration
'Frustration' brings a jagged rhythm, growling guitars, and a nice blend of hazy fuzz along with a resilient groove. It's a powerful blend of bluesy and funky elements, with LeanWolf delivering rich, driven vocals that exude both harmony and melody, underlining a strong sense of determination.
The enthralling and absorbing guitar solo finale in "Frustration', backed by the relentless beat of the drums, is an impressive testament to LeanWolf's dynamic and genre-defining sound. As a versatile showman, LeanWolf seamlessly blends snarling riffs with electrifying impact, all the while showcasing dynamic and adaptable vocals.
The Imaginaries - Run Rudolph Run
‘Run Rudolph Run’ stands as a superb cover of Chuck Berry's Christmas classic. Resonating closely with the original, it embodies the high energy of rock 'n' roll, enriched with gorgeous male/female harmonies, electrifying solos, and enchanting sax breaks. This rendition pays a great homage to the original, magnificently capturing the essence of Chuck Berry's timeless style.
Wasting Time - Coffee Time
At just 1 minute and 20 seconds, 'Coffee Time' emerges as the perfect companion for caffeine lovers. A sensational burst of melodic Pop Punk, it features beautifully toned vocals delivering a playful, tongue-in-cheek confession of powering through the day fueled by a series of coffee fixes. Surfy riffs harmonise with bouncing drums, creating a relentless, high-octane catchiness. A fun tune that doesn't take itself too seriously, capturing the essence of energetic enjoyment.
Austel - Company
Dreamy and transcendent, ‘Company’ is a beautiful, ethereal synth-pop track radiating stunning, hypnotic kaleidoscope energy. Its dreamscape unfolds with uptempo yet mellowing harmonies, indulgent vocals, and intimate lyrics. The song gracefully navigates between modern dream pop and retro 80's synth-pop influences, weaving a mesmerising path with twists and turns, dancing like a prism of ever-changing colours.
Stephen R Williams - What You Waiting For?
‘What You Waiting For?’ skillfully juxtaposes bright, upbeat jangles with a sinister energy, delving into the toxicity of an abusive relationship. Transitioning from catchy indie to a nervous, immersive alt-rock atmosphere, it builds towards a sweltering, power-hungry guitar solo that erupts against the song's grain. The blending of tempos and tones poignantly channels the vulnerability of the abused contrasting with the arrogant attitude of the abuser. Overall, a well-constructed tune that perfectly encapsulates the complex emotions within a tortuous relationship.
Upon A Burning Body - Killshot
‘Killshot’ is a relentless fusion of alt-metal, drawing from the raw energy of nu-metal and rapcore. It unleashes unbridled fury, with thunderous drums creating distinctive, eruptive rhythms. The guitars triumph with electrifying riffs and searing intensity, adding a menacing and full-throttle dimension to the track.
Steve Lieberman the Gangsta Rabbi - Spotify Deleted My Offering To The L-rd! (Entr'acte 149)
I don't “get it” I'm afraid. I've never been one for noise rock and to my ears ‘Spotify Deleted My Offering To The L-rd! (Entr'acte 149)’ just sounds like uncoordinated chaos. Which I'm assuming is what Steve was going for but I like structure and direction and this track has neither. Its long, incredibly experimental and just lacks anything I look for in a song. The instruments spend the whole time fighting each other and the vocals are so masked I have no idea what they're about. It's absolute carnage! I can see the appeal for someone seeking something quirky, something eclectic and off the wall but for me it didn't tick any of my boxes whatsoever.
