“Lyrical power and a hard beat lend this track all the punch it needs. D!V!DENT is joined by WESTSIDE BOOGIE on the track and both flows hit with the force of vintage Tyson. ‘YDYAIDM’ is the perfect blend of old school, in your face aggression and smooth Contemporary lyricism.
A true banger I needed to experience after starting to think modern Rap was trending too soft. ”
“Claire London blends the Blues with Pop sensibilities to give us this track. ‘Black Leather’ offers enough of that sultry edge to tease and enough dirt and grit to truly make it all interesting.
The track is loosely based on London’s first meeting her eventual husband but at its heart it is about personal confidence and simply getting about your business because you are truly feeling it.
That self assured groove comes through and carries the track on its back for a nice ride.”
“Riding a slow methodical build over the first minute, the track begins to soar with the chorus, but before that the strong emotive vocals will make you lean in in anticipation.
None of us truly stay ‘Forever young’ but good music is a good way to forget that that and lose yourself in time for a while. KTJ & CARLY know how to create engaging tracks that speak directly to a listener’s heart.
I did find myself craving more lyrically and the track ended a verse or so too soon for me.”
“Who would have thought a little bit of Memphis and a whole lot of New Zealand would hook up to establish a smooth groove like ‘CRASH DUMMY MUZICK.’
This is one of those tracks best digested in a cloud of smoke so you can kick back and enjoy the smooth ride. Each listen gave me a new nuance and thought. Simply a vibe!”
“The writing and premise of this track caught my attention and held me for the duration. I did crave more vocal variation from Shane Rennison on the track as the delivery stays with that one melancholic tone for the duration.
At its heart, ‘I Think It Is You,’ is a breakup song or at least one of self reflection that is going to lead to a breakup. Realizing the person you thought could be a long-term partner isn’t the one is a tough call and an emotional one a we first have to admit we were wrong in our original assessment. ”
“This track offers good artistic talent and yet it missed reaching its full potential. I liked the tone and the passion that pushed the flow forward and the premise or hook of the track is also rock solid but the elements did not quite combine to land with full force.
’LasT LetteR’ certainly owes a nod in style to Eminem, and Conflixx has that same sharp delivery that lands when he is truly feeling it. Though there are times when the delivery felt forced and artificial. However, in the end, it was the writing that just didn’t stick the landing. The rhymes often felt forced, or at least predictable. There were not enough surprises or twists to take this one to the next level for me despite the obvious potential and talent.
Give it a listen and let me know in the comments of you agree or disagree, and don’t forget to explain why or why not.”
“Kelly McMichael ignites the fuse on this ‘Bomb,’ with a sound that borrows from the retro vibes of the 80s.
That said, the track feels entirely contemporary so while yes, I was reminded of the Go-Go’s, I was also invested in the attitude and lyrical build that hits like the bluntness of today’s social media charged world. The vocal power and musical energy are up in your face in all the best ways.”
“Pure unadulterated fun!
Tom Mackell has a good time calling out his own behavior, and the honesty, along with his emotive delivery sells the track with ease. The melody is light and the tempo carries the listener along like a nice summer breeze.
This is a good little everyman kind of ditty, that will stick in your head long after the final note. ”
“deegie is back on the attack, unleashing to dirt on ex-boyfriends from her upcoming EP, ‘EXES.’
This song puts the spotlight on Eric, her high school sweetheart, who first broke deegie’s heart when she was seventeen. I
A Pop Punk hit in the making, ‘Old Spice’ unfurls like a movie and the the story is easily digestable.”
“A slow-tempoed jewel, ‘Thank You,’ from Matt McKnzi simply latches on to the psyche and refuses to let go.
Soulful and emotional, this Indie Pop track definitely takes the listener for a melancholy ride, but the midst of this the track has a uplifting gratefulness that recharges the soul.
Sit back and enjoy the emotions as the track washes over you.”
“This track comes in with a retro 80’s vibe. Not quite Hair Metal, but more like a Springsteen, Bon Jovi kind of energy and old school rock style that provides instant nostalgia. Beyond that, Vilhelm Buchaus infuses passion and talent into ‘Snow In The Summer,’ that keeps you glued in for the build and climax of the track. Along the way the song started to feel more contemporary for me though truthfully it delivers what I’d consider a timeless sound.”
“Velvet Rouge reminded me of Lucinda William on this track. Yes there are multiple voices, but the grit and overall tone had that same brand of defiant excellence that William does so well.
’Lonely Since The Day We Met’ builds in passion and energy throughout, and once it bites unto your psyche it refuses to let go.
This is the, in-your-face goodbye that we all want to deliver at some point in our life. Now we have an easy song to share with those offending parties as we say adios! ”
“I was hooked from the opening line. Annie Bacon & her Oshen delivers an emotional track that feels gritty and real.
There is more than a hint of Stevie Nicks to the tone, though the writing and overall vibe reminded more of Jason Isbell meets Lucinda Williams. Whatever you want to call it, this is songwriting glory performed by a talented and committed artist that ensures you feel every last word. Music as it should be!”
“Yung Jewelz brings the straight in your face passion on this track. The Dirty South is front and present on ‘Dirty Diana,’ a trap track with that deep south bounce pushing it forward.
The flow hits hard, and the writing cracks open your skull and lets the words pour straight in. A gritty and real, punch directly to the gut!”
“The groove here, is exactly what captured me. From that funky beat, to the vocal cadence this one is pure rhythmic groove. Which is no doubt why D4WN titled this one ‘Groove.’
I did find myself craving a touch more vibrancy from the vocal side of the production dynamics, and the few brief quiet interludes were more distraction than addition for me. But man when this one is flowing, it is undeniably smooth and infectious.”
“Other Gods gives us a reason to get out and dance with ‘GONE,’ and sure walking away from any relationship is tough but sometimes the freedom is exactly what we need most.
The lyrics here offer tangible advice and real word vibes but that doesn’t mean we can’t dance away from that toxic relationship and rediscover ourselves out there under the lights.”
“The tight harmonies demanded my attention right from the start, and then Frankie Bird soared even higher with captivating vocals that definitely fly above the fray.
’Unstuck’ is an upbeat and uplifting track that carries you on the current of its spirit and liveliness. We’ve all been stuck in one way or another, and it is only after freeing ourselves that we have experience true euphoria. This track captures that sensation quite well giving us a soundtrack to go along with the joy of newfound freedom.”
“Coming with a Pop Punk sound that has notes of 90s Grunge, EDIE unleashes her anger with ‘Lie To Me.’ Razor sharp lyrics cut to the bone in this break up anthem and EDIE’s vocals sell the anger and emotion start to finish.
This track is perfect for anyone going through a breakup or needing that reminder about the liar in their past. ”
“My biggest knock here is I wanted more. Celine Love offers up a haunting and vulnerable set of vocals on this track that elevates her talent and demands listeners take notice.
’Nude’ is a track that is laid bare by the performance and you can feel that in every single line.”
“A big and bold theatrical track brimming with talent, emotion, and a build that makes it hard to turn away.
The buzz effect did grow stale for me at times, but the vocal tone and engaging lyrical build overcame that for me.
This is a song to feel, so close your eyes, lean back and let it wash over you as it climaxes toward a satisfying end.”