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The Days of Aqua Net – After Adam

The Days of Aqua Net is a pop-rock anthem by After Adam, and it’ll be a sure hit with Gen Z.

It’s an innocent recollection of the past, filled with nostalgia, regret and fresh perspectives.

Those were the days of aqua net
Those are the days I’ll never forget
I only have one regret
And that’s not kissing you

It reminds me of the kinds of songs that would be played in the disco scenes of children’s tv shows such as Lizzy Maguire.

The song and music video make more sense when you Google what aqua net is. It’s a brand of hairspray from the 1950s that had a huge comeback in the 80s when the trend for big hair returned.

An enjoyable and innocent tune!

This is a sponsored review via Fiverr.

Holly Anna Lisa – Tyme, LiL Flip & Killa Kyleon

Houston-born rapper Tyme has teamed up with Lil Flip and Killa Kyleon and released a new rap single called Holly Anna Lisa.

Jeseka Price of Price Royalty Publishing Company is the executive producer and music publisher of the rapping trio.

Honestly, rap is not my thing. So I probably don’t have the capacity to fully appreciate this song. But I hear that these three rappers are the real deal in the industry.

They speak so fast I can’t understand what they’re talking about. However, I do like the choir in the background. Combined with the high-pitched melody, it creates a spooky feel.

Check their song out on YouTube below, or head to Spotify!

This is a paid song review via Fiverr.

Under the Clocks (Stay) – Echolily

Echolily is a doctor by day and a bedroom musician by night.

Inspired by the likes of Sia and Bjork, this singer/songwriter is incorporating the best of her favourite artists while creating an identity of her own.

The song Under the Clocks (Stay) is an echoey and haunting song with electronic pop vibes. I could easily imagine it being remixed for the clubs!

I love how Echolily has produced the song entirely on her own. It gives the music a raw, independent quality that I really enjoy, because it’s not been overproduced or manipulated too much. I love her description of sound; electronica downtempo, synth pop, trip hop and ‘can you make that more lo-fi please?’.

My favourite thing about this song is the meaning behind it. Inspired by the love of the city of Melbourne, and the overwhelming emptiness of it during Covid. The singer says she met a man while busking outside Flinders Station (the iconic train station you would have seen on postcards), who told her that he used to meet his lover here. He’d just say ‘meet me under the clocks’ of Flinders Station. Hence the song title.

Having visited Melbourne several times, I know Flinders Station well. I totally understand the romance of its architecture, which is why I love this story so much.

Her connection with the pandemic goes beyond empty city streets. Echolily is a frontline health worker, and experienced Covid-19 head-on. I think that brings a new depth to the song.

Check out her song on YouTube or Spotify!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

No Goodbyes – Norman Alexander

R&B singer/songwriter Norman Alexander hails from Queens, New York.

His song No Goodbyes is a catchy yet solemn tune that showcases his natural vocal talent. Despite the electronic tinny drumbeat, Norman Alexander’s voice is a far cry from the auto-tuned, synthetic sounds typical of the R&B pop genre.

A song derived from the loss of his brother and sister, the mournful chorus certainly captures the sadness felt by the singer. I think the emotional heartbreak of the song is a welcome reality check to the genre that’s so often flooded with the far more shallow aspects of life.

An authentic and heartfelt song that is definitely worth a listen. Check it out below!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Turned to Stone – Lynne Taylor Donovan

I didn’t know there was a Canadian sub-genre of Country music. Yet, here we are.

Lynne Taylor Donovan is a country singer who has written a song called Turned to Stone.

The song itself is a pretty standard country pop song, but the accompanying video was a bit too DIY-looking, which simplified the music too much I think.

The Kim Day (from Kath & Kim) lookalike is a fair singer and is clearly enthusiastic about her music. But the melodramatics and appearance are stereotypical of the Baby Boomer generation, which took away from her vocal talents somewhat.

Having said that, I love the look of that country music bar. It reminds me of the line dancing in Thelma & Louise.

If you’re a country music fan, you’ll definitely enjoy Lynne Taylor Donovan’s song – especially the bridge, which is a very upbeat honky tonk solo.

Check it out here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Bright Light – Neil and Adam

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

The St. Louis-based duo have a few thousand followers across their channels, with Bright Light already receiving more than 8,000 plays.

While Neil and Adam’s song Bright Light does sound quite generic, I suppose that is the essence of the pop genre.

It actually sounds like the kind of song that’s played over the credits of a coming of age movie like Fault in our Stars or The Way Way Back. It’s very upbeat, positive and nostalgic.

Scared of the bright light
Burning in your heart
Waiting for the fist fight
That rages in your heart

With a catchy chorus and smooth vocals, you’re bound to enjoy it! It’s easy to sing along to, and it certainly gets stuck in your head.

Check it out:

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Storm Clouds in the Sky – Rev Peter Unger

Armed with a sliding guitar and a softly-spoken singing voice, Reverend Peter Unger is a hit in the religious community across the US. He’s won several songwriting competitions, and performs much of his work during worship services at churches.

Storm Clouds in the Sky was inspired by the questions asked by the songwriter’s granddaughter about the political turmoil in USA. The song is her grandfather’s reassurance that while things will get better, the actions of the American people will have implications for the future.

His granddaughter can be heard as the backing vocalist, which I think is a sweet nod to the conversation they had that inspired the song.

No doubt, the Covid situation also made for inspirational content for this faith-focussed song, which is why I think this song could be quite relatable to some.

Storm Clouds in the Sky honestly isn’t my cup of tea as the vocal techniques sounds a little old fashioned, but it’s a pleasant reminder that storm clouds come and go but a blue sky will always remain. Check it out here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Unhinge – Panophonic ft Dani Mari

Singer/songwriter Tom Hugo is the frontman for Panophonic, who hails from Philidelphia. He’s written this track, Unhinge, which reminds me of a classic ‘Lazy Sunday’ album jam; it threw me back to the early 2000s.

Described as electro rock/indie pop Panophonic has a unique sound, which transforms triumphantly in this track. It sounds like it should be featured on a coming-of-age film like Up in the Air.

I quite enjoyed this song, particularly the ethereal vocals of Dani Mari.

Check out their new album Awakening here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Made It Look Easy – Xavier Toscano

Featuring a rather basic lyrical pattern, sadly this song missed the mark for me.

Yeah, I made it look easy
And all I need is one shot
Because I do it like this
Yeah I do it like this

Based in San Francisco Bay, Xavier Toscano has gained more than 30,000 followers across his social media accounts, so my opinion is obviously not one shared by many!

Didn’t do it to impress
Did it to feel good
And if you dropped your jaw
Well, that’s just real cool

The amount of self-confidence in the song and video makes me feel secondary embarrassment, particularly with the overdramatic background dancers. But I suppose this goes hand in hand with this brand of pop music genre.

Nevertheless, I could imagine Xavier drawing in the crowd festivals, as his songs are easy to sing along to and would definitely create a high-energy and inclusive atmosphere.

Check out the song and music video on his YouTube account here.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go – Blow_flyy ft Kaleb Simmons

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Where Do We Go is written and performed by independent hip-hop/rap artist, Blow_flyy, who hails from Canada. But I’ll be straight up, this is not my genre of music.

“If they talkin’ money; gotta love it,
It means more stacks to maintain this life I’m used to livin’,
Cuz this will always be a part of me
I’ve just got a bigger vision”

As far as rapping goes, I couldn’t tell you if it’s good or bad. But I was under the impression that rapping was supposed to rhyme… At least that’s what I learned from the Real Slim Shady back in o-four.

“I gots to get it lit
I could get used to this complimentary thing,
Chardonay
I’m on my way to another city
They buzzin’ like bees above; I got the honey
Ladies fallin’ head-over-heels for me”

Despite the shallow lyrics, I enjoyed the melodic ooh-aahs during the chorus. It reminded me of 1930s Disney soundtracks, like in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

I can’t say I relate to the lyrics, and the sharp drumbeat bothers my baby, so I can’t listen to it as repeatedly as I’d like to write a more in-depth review. But, I can say in all honesty that if hip-hop and rap is your thing, then you should give blow_flyy a listen.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Oh God – Peace Spirits

I haven’t heard of Peace Spirits before, but they’re sort of hippie meets 70s slow rock.

The song writer wanted to tell the story of how everyone has a moment in their lives where they experience pain, fear and anxiety, and how in that moment they will reach out for God irrespective of faith.

We hope that this song, Oh God will help us keep the faith and help us help each other, with lyrics that will touch your hearts and music that will set you free on a wonderful and inspiring musical journey! – writer, Kyla Lynn Vezina

Despite the melodramatic vocals and video, I have to admit I found the chorus got stuck in my head every time. The guitar and longing chorus reminds me of a song in the musical War of the Worlds, The Spirit of Man. I think it’s the 1970s theatrics of the music.

The spiritual nature of the song is one that you’ll either love or hate. While I’m personally not a huge fan of the general tone of the music, I expect that if you are a cat-owner with a tie-dye shirt and various crystals in your home, you’ll really connect with this song.

Nevertheless, this might just be the song you need to hear during these uncertain times. Check it out.

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Oh Michaelangelo – by Alex Genadinik

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Alex Genadinik is an author, entrepreneur, life coach, marketer and small business owner, but he’s ready to add yet another string to his bow by turning his hand to writing and performing his own songs.

Oh Michaelangelo is a love song inspired by a Michelangelo painting called Creation of Adam, which is on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

While the video and song don’t yet have a particularly polished finish, Genadinik successfully draws parallels between the beauty of being in love, and the beauty of the infamous painting in the song.

The alternate spelling of the painter’s name in this song evokes the personal interpretation of the artwork. As though every love is unique, as is the individual meaning found in every painting.

Alex Genadinik is influenced by artists like Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan and poets like Vladimir Vysotsky, and Bulat Okudzhava, which comes across in his detailed lyrics.

And we surrender in ethereal sublime
Where souls touch and forever intertwine
With hearts in heaven while still on earth below
We’ll paint the world better than Michaelangelo

Despite the vocalist seeming more akin to speaking than singing, there is no denying the hard work that has been put into this tune – just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Listen below!

This is a paid review via Fiverr.

Down Down Down to the Wishing Well – Leafy Satori Risk

Leafy Satori Risk down down down

I have reviewed a Leafy Satori Risk song before called Cherry Blossom Trees. This song, Down Down Down to the Wishing Well, is of a similar genre – sort of folk meets electro/psychedelic.

Although, the band refer to their genre as ‘dream pop’, which is a great way of describing their sound.

The singer/songwriters Iris and Karl of Leafy Satori Risk both hail from Vienna, but have settled in France, Berlin, New Mexico and then finally in Los Angles. However, their hearts are forever in Tokyo where they spend two months of every year, and where many of their live shows are performed.

Both artists are creative by nature, both working in the film industry when they’re not performing in their band: Iris Karina is an actress and Karl Lohninger is a sound mixer and sound designer.

This new song of theirs takes a few unexpected turns in terms of its sound and tempo before reaching the chorus. The chorus (down, down down, to the wishing well”) strongly echoes the Johnny Cash song ‘Ring of Fire‘ (“I fell down down down, and the flames went higher”) and I wonder if that chorus was used as inspiration for this Leafy Satori Risk.

The ethereal vocals against the electric guitar, which acts as the rhythmic heart to the song works well with the haunting accordion.

As always, the lyrics are written with layered meaning. You can read into the song as much or as little as you’d want.

Why don’t you stay with me
Why can’t I stay awake
Why can’t I fall asleep?
Why can’t we fall in love?

If you enjoy folk/indie with a twist, then you should give this a listen:

 

Baby Let Me Go – Smoking Martha

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Stepping away from their more upbeat and rocky music, Baby Let Me Go by Smoking Martha is a soft rock acoustic song with dark undertones on their album In Deep.

Echoing the glamorous aesthetic of rock and roll singers from the deep south, surprisingly this band hails from Brisbane’s sunny coastlines.

This is the second song I have reviewed of Smoking Martha’s, and I didn’t even realise it was the same band because of how different this song is to the last one!

Baby Let Me Go is about death and grief, with the video using classic symbols of religion, angels and roses to represent the loss and acceptance associated with the song.

My only criticism would be that the song takes a long time to warm up with perhaps one too many verses before reaching the bridge. This plus the repetitive shots used in the video made the song drag a little.

This song in particular reminds me of the 2000’s Ashley Simpson and Avril Lavigne, with a rocky and smokey undertone beneath the feminine and melodramatic exterior, which I think would appeal widely to today’s younger generation. However, their back catalogue is far more typical of the classic rock genre.

Check out Baby Let Me Go on YouTube here.

Follow Smoking Martha on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It Don’t Seem Right – Eyal Erlich

eyal erlich

It Don’t Seem Right is an acoustic song with the raw and stripped-back sound of Eyal Erlich.

Erlich is a relatively new artist who is currently performing throughout Israel, and plans to release his first album this year.

His waning vocals makes It Don’t Seem Right an emotive tune, which reminds me of Cold War Kids, an alternative Californian band. The solo acoustic guitar supports Erlich’s organic and unrefined voice, but would perhaps benefit from a softer touch, or the accompaniment of a piano or harmonica to create a smoother sound.

Most of my influences aren’t really musical ones, but life experiences that just bring out the music in me. – Eyal Erlich

His unlayered sound is honest and shows off Erlich’s talent for songwriting. I think his style of music would be perfect for live performances, and may benefit from a more climactic chorus in the recording studio to create a more punchy tune.

Check out It Don’t Seem Right on soundcloud here.

Follow Eyal Erlich on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and follow his personal Facebook.

Cherry Blossom Trees – Leafy Satori Risk

Leafy Satori Risk - Cherry Blossom Trees

Cherry Blossom Trees is a lullaby love song to Japan by Leafy Satori Risk. It’s a cool blues/soft jazz song with an echo of folk that blends into a song that evokes a passionate and beautiful Spring romance.

The singer/songwriters Iris and Karl of Leafy Satori Risk both hail from Vienna, but have settled in France, Berlin, New Mexico and then finally in Los Angles. However, their hearts are forever in Tokyo where they spend two months of every year, and where many of their live shows are performed.

Both artists are creative by nature, both working in the film industry when they’re not performing in their band: Iris Karina is an actress and Karl Lohninger is a sound mixer and sound designer.

Inspired by the travelling duo’s dream of experiencing the bloom of cherry blossom trees, this dreamy song reflects on goals that may never be achieved.

Cherry Blossom Trees is a slow-tempo song about, perhaps, being shrouded in desire and aspiration. Just like the floating petals, the writer’s dreams are beautiful and bold, yet barely tangible. The showers of pink petals summons a scene of a soft, pink-hued world. Maybe we’re looking through rose-tinted glasses.

The lyrics describe tides of pink cherry blossom petals that rain down on to the palms of your hand. This imagery makes me think of opportunities that land in the palm of your hand, and it’s up to you to seize them, or ‘wait for the tide to turn’.

Stretch out your arms,
And watch them land on your palms,
We could drown in a sea of flowers if you want,
Or we could wait for the tide to turn.

It’s the theme of love and loss represented by the provocative saxophone and strong male vocals (reminding me of Barry White’s romantic ballads), and the breathy female vocals echoing softly-spoken French love songs.

These combinations of emotive genres and tones creates imagery within itself of a lost or unattainable love. Whether it be someone, something or some place that can not be reached. Judging by the soft strumming of the guitar and gentle hum or purr of the saxophone, I get the sense that as strong as this longing is, it’s been accepted that it may never be achieved.

My love why – why don’t you stay close to me,
The air is cool,
The light is strong,
And spring is near.

With inverted colours, the music video for Cherry Blossom Tree evokes a dream-like state as the singer wanders leisurely and reflectively through Japan. The video was shot by Karl Lohninger inside the Inokashira Park in Kichijoji and at the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

The video, although simple, reflects the melancholic subject matter. Combined, the song and images articulate and engage so much emotion while saying so little. Therefore, you can read and interpret so much into it, which I like. Perhaps partly because of the musicians’ multi-cultural influences, every listener can find a new angle and meaning for it.

Have a listen on YouTube here, and let me know what it makes you think of. Check out Leafy Satori Risk’s website and Facebook.

Mississippi Devil – The Darkest Hearts

 

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Hailing from Tennessee, The Darkest Hearts is a hard rock band recently nominated for the Nashville Industry Music Award for Best Alternative Rock Band. They are drawing attention world-wide for their unique combination of rock, pop and punk genres, featuring striking guitars and rich, theatrical vocals.

Their song Mississippi Devil is scheduled to be released October 6 of this year. It echoes characteristics of the likes of grunge band Nickelback with strong, melodic pop rock vocals against almost heavy metal instrumentals.

The deep bass that the band’s song sports creates the heavy atmosphere intertwined with punk and gothic undertones. This dark imagery combined with the complexities of the song’s alternative genre reminds me of Evanescence’s early work in album Fallen. I love the punchy drums; it’s the strong heartbeat of Mississippi Devil.

If you enjoy punk and dark, punk rock bands, you’ll love The Darkest Hearts!
Check them out on their website, Facebook and Twitter!

 

Miles Above the Baseline – I, Symptom

Miles Above the Baseline

Miles Above the Baseline is an astronomical-inspired song with emotive lyrics, self-described as ‘an unsupervised journey in space’.

This almost drum and bass, electronic rock & roll genre with extraterrestrial-inspired effects and material, reminds me of the theatrical sound effects in the War of the Worlds (2005) film. Yet, quite unabashedly, this concoction creates the unique and bold style of I, Symptom.

Miles above the baseline I lost control
I wonder who’s gonna save my rotting soul
Miles above the baseline I lost control
I wonder if anyone cares at all

The strong imagery painted by the meticulous lyrics certainly takes you on a journey. The passion and self-confidence of this band comes across clearly, despite the niche genre that they promote.

Check out Miles Above the Baseline on YouTube and find I, Symptom on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on their website.

In The Air Tonight [cover] – Peter Nordberg

In the Air tonight Peter Nordberg

Peter Nordberg covers the Phil Collins classic, In The Air Tonight. With Nickleback-esk vocals and traditional-sounding stringed and percussion instruments, Nordberg certainly brings a different angle to the well-known song.

Both hailing from Sweden, Nordberg teamed up with mixer/producer Fredrik Andersson to release his first song in English. With electronic twists and layered vocals against the punchy bass really puts chills down my spine.

Although, it is a more tame version than the Phil Collins original with the drums taking a backseat rather than being centre stage. Nevertheless, this is a brave, authentic and raw cover, which sounds original despite the well-known lyrics.

The drums sound almost tribal – something I could imagine hearing from talented buskers on the streets of arty Melbourne. Whereas the vocals are manipulated to create a modern and rich tone. Brilliant. I’m not surprised this artist was snapped up by a label by the time he was 19, and was such a hit in Norway and Sweden. I expect he will be incredibly popular everywhere else too.

Find Peter Nordberg on Facebook and on his website. Check out the teaser for the single In the Air Tonight here.

 

Let’s Make This Earth From House To Home – Lyrics of Two

lyrics of two

Lyrics of Two is an indie/folk/pop band from California with a unique style. They have been the #1 band in Los Angeles Deli Music Charts, a chart for emerging and indie artists, and have been well-received by a dedicated following.

Their recent single, Let’s Make This Earth From House to Home, is a tender and idealistic song about how our world could be a blissful utopia.

The lyrics are written by published poet and author, Marie Helen Abramyan, who founded Lyrics of Two Publishing and recently released a children’s book titled ‘The Rhyming Tales Of The Helpful Friends And The Garden Show’. Her story-like song writing captures your imagination. The rhymes and imagery used reminds me of a simplified Johanna Newsom or Kate Bush sort of style of song writing.

A mother’s gentle love, an elder’s wise words
Same heart and soul, no matter where in the world
So in this one world, we got one chance, under this one sky
Let’s come together for all mankind

Lyrics of Two’s single certainly channels eco-warrior values, with a gentle, swaying tune that taps into the idealistic point-of-view of how today’s world should be. To bring countries and cultures and peoples together, rather than living in war-town and fractured societies.

Let’s bring peace to this world
No more sadness, hate or hurt
Only kindness, compassion, and unity
For the sake of all humanity
Let’s make this earth from house to home

This song strongly echoes a less-dramatic and a more soothing Earth Song by Michael Jackson. It’s a nurturing and embracing song that features breathy and passionate vocals, which evokes the authenticity of the band’s message.

Check out their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Listen to Let’s Make This Earth From House to Home here.

Say You’re Mine – Smoking Martha

smoking martha band

Aussie rockers, Smoking Martha, are releasing their debut album In Deep.

After listening to their single Say You’re Mine, I would say that Smoking Martha is a traditional punk rock band, which is so refreshing considering the rock bands of today are becoming more and more plastic and glossy.

The melodic vocals remind me of Hayley Williams of Paramore; very strong and powerful with pop undertones. Whereas, almost in contrast, the heavy guitar echoes early Evanescence and Queens of the Stone Age. 

Style-wise, I got nostalgic flashbacks to Gwen Stefani in No Doubt, as I watched the lead-singer in the Say You’re Mine music video. Nevertheless, the classic punk attire reminds me of the old days when punk rockers were raw and genuine. Smoking Martha would be a wicked band to see live, for sure!

Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. See their single below:

 

 

 

 

Windows – Greye

Windows by Greye is a country-pop song, which echoes early Taylor Swift and Ashley Simpson.

With squeaky-clean, youthful and energetic female vocals – not dissimilar to the likes of Paramore’s lead vocalist – Greye certainly has a distinctive, almost acoustic folk, sound at times.

With vivid lyrical imagery, I could actually imagine this song featuring on The Hunger Games:

“…and shoot that arrow, who know if it’ll be there tomorrow.”

At more than five and a half minutes in duration, Windows is quite a marathon song. Nevertheless, this song has plenty of emotional suspense and instrumental build-up that keeps you listening.

With clear talent on the band’s behalf, I’m sure this song could easily find its way on to an easy-listening or country tunes radio station, if it hasn’t already. Certainly a harmless, sweet, harmonious and youthful group of musicians.

Greye will be hitting the road on July 15, 2017 for a tour of the Eastern United States in support of Windows. Information and dates can be found at here.

Follow Greye on Facebook and Twitter!

Method of Madness 1 – CG Kid

method of madness

Method of Madness 1 by CG Kid, is not a song I would typically listen to.

It is described as ‘dubstep techno metal rap’. A sort of rap music that is influenced by heavy metal and techno genres.

This song was written for the mosh-pit environment, with the ‘speed rap vocals’ bringing a particularly anxious and frantic air to the music – it’s hard to sit still while listening to Method of Madness 1! The auctioneer-style vocals against the 1980’s-inspired techno instruments reminds me of German rock bands and rappers.

The messages in CG Kid’s tongue-twisting lyrics, are that of staying sober and clean.

CG Kid’s accompanying music video is of the fiery-red-haired rapper sat on a chair drinking ice-cold water is a peculiar juxtaposition to the music, but intriguing nevertheless.

It may not be my style, but I can see that CG Kid from Texas could easily summon a dedicated following – particularly from Europe, perhaps.

Ithaca – Danny Baxley

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From Texas to Boston, this one-man band is making his way in the music industry with his unique genre-blended songs. Danny Baxley has independently released a single called Ithaca.

“…everything on my EP or anything I’ve done since November is all me.” –Danny Baxley

The song starts with a rhythmic guitar, echoing the artist’s rock band background. As the vocals come in so does the synth and electronic instruments, which took me by surprise somewhat. With instruments that remind me of Owl City’s Fireflies song, Baxley’s intriguing hybrid of genres is certainly a twist on fundamental electronica and rock.

“I’ve always attempted to blend genres – sometimes [they’re successful]…”

Baxley’s vocals are blunt and occasionally stray from the desired melody, yet they seem to ground the song rather than allow the listener to lose themselves in the electronic tones.

Certainly an interesting and unique sound that might very well make a permanent home for itself in the indie corner of the music industry.

Check out Danny Baxley’s website, Facebook and Twitter. Ithaca is available on iTunes!