“The music scene that sprang from Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills is legendary in its own right, and Annie of the Canyon taps into that with a vibe that matches that era but still brings its own unique modern spin.
There is a dusty sultry seductiveness to the vocals and a haunting darkness to the lyrics that lured me in on this track.”
“Is Commercial Folk a thing? If it is Emily Drinker is taking a big sip from that fountain, because while there are definite Pop sensibilities within the arrangement, Drinker’s overall vocal tone feels folksy and energetic with hints of blues and jazz coming through at times. The build and progression are engaging, and I was on the hook all the way through. ”
“Karamilk delivers a dark Pop song about the pressures of social circles and how easy it is to lose yourself in the demands of a group.
The vocals offer a haunting distance that echoes the emotions of the lyrics and the production behind the track adds a depth of feeling that creates a suitable mood for the entire track.
’Hurt’ feels like a bit of genuine honesty amid a see of artificial — in a time dominated by social media and snapshots of what life is supposed to look and feel like.”
“Coming with a nice combo of Dirty South grit, and smooth West Coast vibe, blueheartkonnie and Trip Carter drop their flows in ‘Girlfriend!!!,’ a track they describe as a ladies night anthem.
Lyrically the track drops hook after hook, and that beat combined with the bars, does a good job of blending an old school sound with a modern production sound.”
“The world has been weird and challenging for most of us in some way, and ‘30 Days’ by Skylar Dayne takes one dynamic of the quarantine life and brings it to light.
In the budding beginning of a new relationship just as lock-down came on, Dayne penned this track about the uncertainties of her newfound relationship in the face of a forced separation. The vocals bring alive the emotion and the production feels spot on here. ”
“Coming with a fun energy, Sam The Astronaut utilizes an Electro Pop vibe to deliver a light energetic track that feels a bit like summer without overtly trying to do so.
’Monster Squad’ is a groove you can fall easily into and ride out with enthusiasm.”
“Some flames simply cannot be reignited, and The Mandevilles give a classic Rock sound on “You Feel Like Nothing,’ a track that takes a dive into that very idea on relationships.
Coming with a raspy vocal sound that reminded me some of Bonnie Raitt, this song taps into the emotions of the singer’s own experiences and that fact shines through in the genuineness you feel while listening.”
“The stripped down acoustic vibe of this track allowed for the soulful R&B vocals of Gary Beals to take center stage. The emotion is tangible start to finish, and the vocal runs carry you with them, holding you tight while making sure you feel this track to your soul.
’Me For Me’ is honest in its bare bones plea. ”
“Knowing someone has your back means everything, and this tranquil tracks expresses that with a sincere bit of emotion that feels uplifting and affirmative in all the best ways. Could be a lover, or simply a friend, but either way STVN makes this performance come alive with a nice easy groove.”
“A nice contemporary track about the nostalgic days of old on Sunset Strip. The smooth flow is intoxicating, and you can feel the cool breeze on your face as you close your eyes and listen to these lyrics pull you along that iconic strip of West Coast real estate.
Ricci Paolo gives us a vibe on this single.”
“Nothing can bring out the ‘Goofy’ in a person quite like the initial euphoria of falling for someone new.
Mishcatt captures that sentiment so well here with an energetic flow and rhythm that is full of Reggae sound and Pop sensibilities. If you can’t get up and move to this beat — then you are an entirely different kind of goofy.”
“Cloudy June might sound like a weather forecast, but let me tell you this artist is bringing a heat wave of hits lately. ‘Pretty Pills For Broken Hearts’ as another tantalizing track blowing across the landscape. With word play that waters the soul, like that first rain after a long drought, and a beat just as refreshing, this talented songwriter and vocalist is riding high in the stratosphere.”
“The powerful vocals are engaging, but what makes this track work is the variation to the arrangement and build. The lyrics reveal the effort of maintaining a complicated relationships and the progression of this track sort of mirrors that with unexpected and shifting directions.
The energy is all Pop, but the depth of the performance and production give this track just a little extra oomph. ”
“A nice blend of vocals laid over top of a catchy beat, and centered around a nice hook, this track features iDaWill along with Ray Lavender and Gillie Da Kid.
’Let’s Make Up’ is a smooth groove that calls for an end to petty arguing and honors the idea of making up and making love all night. I don’t know if the song alone will be enough to keep from, or get you out of, trouble, but after you’ve soothed those bruises, this is definitely a track to put on and settle in next to your love. ”
Rating: 4 out of 5
“Salsa infused Hip-Hop!
3409 drops this fiery track that will definitely get you up and moving with its dance floor allure and lyrical hook.
’Small Talk’ is a true genre bending track that delivers high energy with a swagger. The Toronto based 4 piece band prides themselves on genre modification, and I can only imagine after hearing this track that their live show must be lit.”
“Coming at you with pure Pop sensibilities, Cat Janice drops a bit of ‘Luxury’ into your ears. The single captures that spirit and carefree vibe that comes with the perfect moments of life. The moments when even the simplest of pleasure truly feel like a luxury.
Light and fun, the groove carries you along as easy as a smooth ride down a scenic highway.”
“Sometimes songs speak for themselves. The melody, the lyrics, the emotive vocals. ‘It Was Ever So’ is such a song.
Written about the fire-fighters who lost their jobs when the oldest fire station in London was shuttered by Boris Johnson, the track is the first single from Our Man In The Field’s next album due out September 2020.”
“That beat pulls you in and each set of vocals delivers a flow that holds you to the groove. With a mix of styles and geographies, this track is hard to pinpoint to a particular sound, but it is a banger that just hits you in all the right places.
Foreign Skrilla brings it with her verve and attitude to represent the West Coast.”
“An ode to the big gas guzzling giant rides that get us there without style or the so-called juice. ‘SHAMOO’ was written in honor of a Suburban that belonged to the artist’s dad after his passing it was inherited by MEGG and the vehicle took on a new meaning in her grief process. This track comes together as a fun summer anthem for hitting the road, driving to the beach, or simply cruising around the block with friends. Pop with a little bit of a Punk vibe.”
“The lyrical wordplay makes this track mesmerizing even before you take into account the emotive and talented vocals of Sydney Lauren. This track reminds me a bit of the songwriting of Jason Isbell, with a vocal style reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves.
If I had to call a genre I’d say Americana, but really this well-written track is simply good music no matter what you call it.”