“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. ”
“Swedish rap artist, Xersize delivers a flow that certainly pays homage to Eminem in style and sound, and lyrically the track has the same style of emotion and punch. Alongside a chorus, delivered with spot of perfection from Madeleine Liljestam of the metal band, Eleine, Xersize unveils ‘Scars,’ but they are not alone as we all have marks upon our body and mind that shape who we are, and how we view the world around us.”
“While set in LA, this track has a universal appeal and perfectly captures the magic of a night where you are free to explore and take on the world soo or alongside friends. The chill vibe and silky vocals feel like that drive where traffic is light and you catch every green light along the way to a place you are eager to be. ”
“Blurring the lines of Punk, Alternative and Emo Rock, Sir Echo has a retro vibe that at times feels like the Bangles in a blender. ‘Raven’ is about the battle between fantasized or romanticized versions of a person, and the reality that they come with a complex history and set of flows just like every other person.
Love might be blind, but eventually every relationship is tested by reality and here those ideas take flight thanks to dark wings and thrumming guitar strings. ”
A smooth R&B groove with heavy Pop leanings about letting the bad stuff roll off and way from you. It is far too easy to hold grudges and plot revenge, but then the offending party lives inside your head so sometimes we have to let go of our resentment and trust Karma to work her magic. This song is an artful reminder of that.
“If you think Country Music is defined by the glossy, superficial pablum cranked out of Mainstream Nashville then you probably have no idea of the wide ranging talent that is keeping the traditional sound alive all across the country. Texas is no doubt the hub for Independent artists to not only honor the traditional sound but push it forward and Natalie Prauser is one of those genuine voices doing exactly that.
’East Texas’ offers a lonesome, down on your heels vibe. A classic drinking, or thinking, or simply living in reality song that resonates with heartfelt emotion.”
“Bad Flamingo is a duo I have frequently shared here at LA on Lock and ‘Devil and the Deep Blue’ continues their genre bending air of mystique. I’ll call it American for lack of a better alternative but this power duo refuse to be clearly defined in anyway and that is certainly part of the charm. This track has that dangerous spaghetti western vibe the band often exudes with a Rock and Roll edge that can’t be denied. ”
“The combination of attitude and strong writing sold this track for me. Lines like ... ‘I’d rather be paranoid than comfortable ...’ hooked me in and offered big perspectives in few words and that gave the track a powerful impact.
The tone of the flow is quiet confidence and a hard edged take on the world that is certainly warranted and accurate. Nep Jennings is a voice worth hearing with words that need to be said. ”
“CrashMonkeys are a bit of a throwback but I hesitate to call their sound Retro because the writing and delivery certainly has a contemporary edge. That said this is old school Rock and Roll with a down low dirtiness that lets you know they won’t acquiesce to outside forces for the sake of an extra buck. This is art with a serrated blade. Enjoy the cut. ”
“A smooth backing track and a steady flow gives this track a groove that is easy to fall in and connect with. BMB Mann introduces himself with this lyrical flow and the talent shines in not only the emotional strength of the writing, but is also evident in the timing and pace of the delivery. A track that hints of a lot more to come from this talented artist and I can’t wait to hear what’s next.”
“From Jolene to Roxanne, and of course California Girls in general there are plenty of songs about feminine charm and their effect on those who know them. This track is a bit of an ode to all of them. Delivered in an emotive singer/songwriter style reminiscent of Ed Sheeran, but Alex Marzejon stand on his own talent and delivery style giving him a unique and talented voice in the musical landscape. ”
“There is a haunting loneliness to Jake Thistle’s single, ‘Ghosted Road’ and the emotive delivery brings that element out very well. That said, the writing is every bit as strong and the entre track paints a scene and mood as well as anything I’ve heard recently. Roads and loneliness certainly are not new fodder for songwriters, but Thistle manages to put his own stamp on the sound and themes and I can’t wait to hear more from this talented artist.”
“Wake The Wild does a great job of straddling that line between fresh contemporary sound and a classic retro sound. ‘Need Your Love’ builds slow like a 90s R& B track but backs the build with a rhythmic Electro Pop beat that still reminded me of the Weeknd at times. An emotional build and strong arrangement makes this track shine in a subdued emotional kind of way. ”
“Isabella Kensington has the kind of emotive voice that emotionally hooks a listener with a scant few words. Couple that with strong, emotional writing and this upcoming artists is one with the talent to soar. I suppose an emotive female artists singing from the heart is always going to draw Taylor Swift comparisons, but for me Kensington certainly has her own edge and sound that makes her stand out on her own and “What We Had’ is a single that I expect to stand the test of time.”
“ I like the retro nostalgic sound this song gives off. The lyrics are very descriptive and engaging making you want to snap your fingers, put on an ugly sweater, and dance.”
“Sometimes things and people aren’t clear. However, Al Calderon is going to be the “Center of Attention”. This song misses RnB with Pop to create a sound that keeps you entertained. Al sings about the desire to have someone looking at you like you are everything in the world. ”
Rating: 5 out of 5
“I like how the song captivates a listener’s attention in the beginning. The energy is strong and will have you racing with excitement. “Telling Secrets” speaks on not lying but protecting the peace from people with fragile emotions.The dynamics carries you on every melody that changes throughout the song. ”
“Life always presents those problems that have no easy answer. And sometimes we want or desire something that is unattainable or nearly impossible and either way how we respond and battle is key to where we go from there. DEVADO performs this track with heartfelt precision and grace and in the vocals there is a thread of hope and understanding that will no doubt comfort others stuck in the same brand emotional situation.”
“Liv Hanna possess the kind of powerful and emotive vocals that hook the listener from the very first note. The emotion here is palpable and the lyrical build is emotionally tight making the track a tight grip on the mind and soul. ‘Buried Alive’ is the kind of writing that will no doubt mean different things to different people but our various life experiences tend to lead us to view and hear art in different ways and this track is definitely artfully performed. ”
“It is never easy to see the postives after a break up but, ‘Rose Colored Glasses,’ from North Carolina indie-pop band The Collection hopes to change that. The single is the third single released from their new EP, How to Survive an Ending, due out on January 27, 2023. The track has a Folksy Pop vibe and is easy to fall in and connect emotionally. A track of uplifting energy and hope despite the end of the relationship. ”