“Kate Thornbury’s vocals have a hint of Stevie Nicks thought he delivery style is a bit more Phoebe Bridgers or Brandi Carlile with an sound that falls between Indie Rock and Americana.
’Napkins’ starts with a bit of sunny nostalgia but takes a deeper darker turn as the track progress and the dreams that were once written on disposable napkins are long gone but the emotions of heartbreak linger on.”
“This track is one of those that feels light and airy and makes you feel good from the very first listen, only after you take a deeper lyrical dive do you realize the writing is a touch darker than the initial vibe. This juxtaposition makes the song all the more interesting, and means you can listen and appreciate the intent no matter your mindset or mood. Give this one a go, and let backo warm your ears with some sweet ‘Sunshine.’ ”
“Written from the perspective of a child, watching his parents’ marriage fall apart, ‘Full-Handed’ is a slow burn. A sad track that gave me modern Johnny Cash vibes. There are Country elements here but the track has an edge that better fits Rock. Maybe that lands it squarely int he Americana category but trying to pigeon-hole such a track is a waste of time. The emotions is relatable to all and the slow build here sneakily punches you in the gut. ”
“We all live in our own little bubbles and Angel Abaya sings about that on this track. ‘The Bubble’ sounds a bit like Natalie Maines singing Pop and lyrically he track is about how sometimes we find comfort in our own little sanctuaries whereas other times we want to pop our protection and explore the world and meet new people that inhabit it. ”
“This track from Dogboy reminds me of the old saying ... No one gets out alive.
That statement is generally used to describe life, but in a more metaphorical sense, it can describe relationships, because while you can escape a bad relationship but the scars and emotions often lurk in the shadows and reappear to plague us somewhere down the line.
’Rush’ is a detailed look at that kind of lasting mark on our hearts and soul and the artistry on the track drives the point home with Rock precision. The track is a bit of a genre bender, but the energy and attitude carry the day quite well.”
“William The Conqueror captures simple brilliance with both their sound and writing. True artists tend to create works that defy just how talented they are, because they make it all seem easy somehow. That was the case here on the track ‘Somebody Else.’. The emotion and vocal nuance are understanded, yet impactful, not only from the first listen, but for many more beyond that initial experience.
Even though the band is British, this track might be categorized as Americana in some circles, or you can call it Indie Rock if you prefer, but the band offers the brand of timeless sound that really transcends genre.”
“Devon Thompson has a unique and sultry vocal tone and this talented guitarists offers up a Rock vibe that is every bit as seductive as the vocal tone. This track is about unrequited love and the emotional pettiness of the one whose affection is unreturned. ‘Napoleon’ is infused with attitude and grit and the result is this timeless track that feels modern yet could have arrived from a number of musical decades. ”
“Music certainly has its fads and trends, though sometimes a simple, yet timeless sound is what best captivates and holds a listener. That is the case with ‘Jetlag’ from STARRY EYES.
The writing is intricately delightful, and the classic build and sound could come from several musical eras though the end product does not feel dated in anyway. The vocals unfold in a smooth emotive tone and make you lose the world around you as the meaning and emotions penetrate your brain. ”
“I love music that can be taken multiple ways, because life is complex like that and we need music that fits different times and moods of our lives.
’Girlfriends’ can be taken as a straight up song of heartbreak and remorse for a failed relationship. Or it can be taken as an ode to that sweet girlfriend we call May Jane. Either way High Tropics delivers a gem dressed up in Indie Rock packaging that might remind you a bit of The Killers.”
“Nikki White taps into the past with her latest single, ‘Fairweather Friends’ which has a retro 80s feel at times, without feeling dated or coming across as interpretive. This track, about letting go of those friends who are only around for the good times, is original and fresh paying homage to the glory days of Pop.
White’s vocals sell the lyrics well, though the writing is strong enough to stand up to repeated listens so the emotional depth is there as well.. Overall, a solid Indie Pop track that highlights the talent quite well.”
“Shayla McDaniel delivers this track with a vocal precision that intensifies along with the lyrical build, and by the first chorus I was hooked for good. With each subsequent listen I felt more connected with both the words and performance. This is a track that wraps around you like a warm blanket and simply feels like genuine comfort.”
“As always, Bad Flamingo delivers a true vibe with their music. This latest single, ‘Keep Off of You’ has hints of Alt-Country with a bit of a Billie Eilish feel at times. The attitude, and mysterious sexiness of the band adds to the allure, though at the end of the day, it is rich vocal tones and a razor sharp lyrical edge that cuts through the fray and makes Bad Flamingo stand out.
I hope to catch these power duo live and in person one of these days, and until then I look forward to see what they unfurl next.”
“Prisoner & Key delivers a brooding track that is best compared to Springsteen taking a turn at an Outlaw Country song.
’Set in My Ways’ has grit and punch and almost slips into an Industrial vibe at times. The vocals are steady and moody with a dark undertone that defines the track overall.”
“The mood of the song is a vibe. The vocalist has an almost Giveon type of tone. The accents of the harmonizations add texture and volume to the hook which is already catchy in itself. The way the snare sits on top of the beat makes it hard to not nod your head to this one.”
“Anastasia Elliot is a vocal powerhouse that at times reminds me of P!nk blended with Brandi Carlile. And ‘Bones’ is the kind of soaring track that you can’t turn away from or shake from your head afterward. Like a musical hammer the staccato cadence of Elliot’s delivery bangs home the message with both precision and force. ”
“In and out of love. These kinds of tumultuous relationships often lead tp frustration and Talker takes on that dynamic with the single, ‘Don’t Want You To Love Me.’
This remix, created by Oceanator, dials in on the conflicting emotion such a relationship creates and the track comes away with a mixed set or sounds and vibes as a result. Fitting given the mixed up emotions such a situation crates. ”
“STARRY EYES has followed a tumultuous path, and at times a tragic one as well, given one of the founding members lost his battle with drugs. Still, the band has preserved and pushed on, and the rough road has perhaps made them better writers and contributed to the deeper meaning in their lyrics.
’JETLAG’ is about the toll of chasing your dreams an how what we find out in the world is not always what we imagined. I can’t wait to hear more from this talented band. ”
“Riding an almost sarcastic lyrical build, SUNKIN delivers this track with a subtle energy that sells the vibe and sentiments quite well. Each listen I gave the track unleashed new little lyrical gems and the wry delivery captivated me as well.
An Indie Rock gem that spoke to me louder with each replay. The chorus stuck in my head and I found myself signing along throughout the day which made me eager to give the track another listen.”
“Pauric O Meara offers this heartfelt track as an extended hand for those down and out and needing help or at least an encouraging word.
’Come Home’ is a call for those who have wandered off path and need a safe haven. The emotive vocal style and musical build combine to instill hope while still maintaining an edge of anxiety which gives the track an added sense of credibility and resonance.”
“Trying to love someone whose heart still belongs to another is a futile effort and on the track ‘Hanted,’ Eiza Murphy explores the frustration and hopeless feeling of doing exactly that. The emotive vocals sell the story and emotion quite well on this short but effective gut punch of a single. ”