Dixon Rose "Trilogy"

Most of you will remember Dixon Rose from a few months ago with his album titled "To The Moon and Back.".It was an outstanding record that took us from heartfelt ballad to upbeat headbanging. Mr. Rose is nothing if not consistent with his output - he's released a new album titled "Trilogy," an ambitious 19 track work that will make you believe that albums are still worthwhile. 

From the getgo, Dixon Rose meets us with the nostalgic ballad "The Day You Saved Me" an exquisitely crafted song with some of the best backup vocal parts I've heard in a long time. Sonically, it's a real treat of a track with synth strings and moody guitars all at a slow hypnotic pace.

For energy, we could listen to "Rise and Grind" which gives us a scratch to that screaming itch maybe you've developed. Just after you've enjoyed the aggression, we start to hear a rap verse come in, and I was listening and thinking "you know what, this really works," and to me, it's just proof that genre ought not to be a prison. There is a similar attitude to the fourth track "What Hurts The Most," at least instrumentally - this cover from Rascal Flatts rocks a lot more than the original. 

Track three is "Irreplaceable" - a very pop-sensitive song that offers a nice detour from the other music we've been hearing. It's upbeat and fun but rather optimistic at the same time. Something about this kind of reminds me of the Japanese rock band "Mr. Children," but maybe that's just the nostalgia kicking in. 

Next up, "That 50's Life" is truly a standout song in the album with its "Magic Changes" chord progression. I know it's a sonic throwback to early rock n' roll but there is quite a country charm going on here - of course, it might be because rock and country share so many roots, but from my standpoint, Dixon's given us something special here. 

In a perfect world I would give you the lowdown on every song in "Trilogy," but at 19 songs deep that makes you read this late into the night... Normally I would stick to the highlights but the truth is that this album is so varied from song to song that really the whole listening experience is such a journey. One such case in point is track 6 with a guest female vocalist on "Wherever You Go" and the song's very contemporary attitude. 

With the following tracks "Human," Gave it Away," and "Beside You" we return to male-fronted rock anthems with all the songcraft of the rest of "Trilogy," that being beautiful harmonies, terraced guitar energy, lovely chord progressions, and heartfelt lyrics. 

Another cover, track 10, features the song "This is Me" from "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack. Here, Dixon Rose takes a very orchestral approach to the guitar replacing the original instrumentation with shimmering distortion and a very daring attitude as the song takes on dramatic new meaning being sung by a male vocalist. 

There are more standout tracks on the album including "This City," "Bleeding Colors" and "Without Me." But I couldn't wrap up this review without mentioning how "Trilogy" ends in largely instrumental electronic pieces which contrast dramatically from the rest of the album. "Dance," "Dance Sequel," and "Dirty Synth" are all lovely electronic pieces, but were not for the variety present in the rest of the album would probably sound rather out of place, but because the diversity had been corroborated so well earlier on, our ears have been tempered a little for this much of a departure. 

Like I said in the intro, "Trilogy" is ambitious at its heart, and it pulls off a dynamic listening experience led by an obviously passionate and creative individual - It's obvious that Dixon Rose pays a lot of attention to detail and that his tastes are just as widespread as his albums, which we can hope for more of in the future. 

Shelter Red "A Visual Nerve"

Lately, I've enjoyed seeing the proliferation of instrumental groups playing rock. From Polyphia to mainstays like Dream Theater - it's nice to know that guitars, drums, and bass have a lot to offer sonically. So it was exciting to see Shelter Red's new music video for "A Visual Nerve." 

I really like the lo-fi way of doing the video with cosmic imagery but supplemented with grainy pictures gives me a very nostalgic feel. The music itself is very virtuosic and has elements of prog and math rock - but it's not some overly brainy technical jam, though, these guys are clearly passionate players and masters of their instruments, and the effected climax at the end proves that. 

Electric85 "Tomorrow's Life"

One thing I've noticed while keeping this blog, and I've said it before, ...there is A LOT of talent out creating art. I always should have added, however; that talent alone does not necessarily make for worthwhile music. Something that is sorely lacking in modern independent music, is originality. That's why I was very happy to stumble across Electric85 with their new tune "Tomorrow's Life." 

There is a beautiful psychedelic flavor to their sound with deeply reverbed guitars, some jazz-inspired soloing, dreamy vocals, and pulsating drums. Lyrically, there is a lot to consider as well in that the song wrestles with concepts like time and how we define ourselves. Overall it's nice to hear something that doesn't sound like anything else being played lately - and still has artistic merit. You can check out Electric85's website here. 

Patrick Noel Russ "Rise Up" EP

Alt-Country rocker and all-around busy guy Patrick Noel Russ is out with an energetic and melodious EP titled "Rise Up." The four-track album is laden with the professionalism and expert songcraft we've come to expect from the frontman of The Lucky Sevens (a successful CA Americana band, for the uninitiated). The release date is in only 2 days (Sept 25, 2021), so make sure to check out Patrick's website here. 

The EP begins with "I Can Take You" which has a lot of jam-band flavors; the pulsating rhythm guitar is a signature of the singer/songwriter genre and Mr. Russ gives us a two-fisted embrace of the style. Track number two is "Hero" which carries a bit of Calexico-esque vibe with lovely slide guitars and mild mariachi rhythms (it's a huge plus in my book). "Out Here" gives us a jaunt into a more folk soundscape, but the rasp of the vocals evoke a smoky dimly lit street outside a blues club, still it's an optimistic-sounding tune. Finally, we end with "All I Need to Be," a very anthem-like song that reminds us of resilience and strength. For fans of R.E.M., this last song is a welcome experience. 

"Rise Up" is expertly produced and the instrumental performances are first-rate. For his part, Patrick Noel Russ is a gifted singer and it would be hard to imagine any other vocalist performing these songs. I imagine most listeners will enjoy this newest contribution to our playlists as much as I did. 

Goyrd "Am I fake"

I'm always fascinated to see the multiple sides of artists after their first big success... It's like that scene in the film "Basquiat," one character says "you gotta keep doing the same shit, even if it's boring, or else people will hate you, which they will anyways." It's rather grim to be sure, but the point I'm making here is that it takes guts to sing from your heart, especially after people come to expect a certain style from you. 

Most people will remember Hip-Hop/Rap artist Goyrd from his recent breakout song "Gucci Coochie" (not to be confused with the Die Antwoord song of the same name) which was for all intents and purposes, a club-banger. Luckily though, in his most recent track "Am I Fake" we see a more thoughtful and reflective style - it's no less catchy than his previous hit, but this song takes a jazzier and more artistic flavor. It's nice to see artists like Goyrd can exist in multiple spheres, being successful in each. 

Listen to "Am I Fake" here. 

Suave Toronto "21"

Hip-Hop/Rap artist Suave Toronto is out with a new album titled "21," an ambitious 13 track jam. The songs run the gambit between catchy-sample-laden tunes such as "Baby Tron Flow," to profound and reflective tracks like "They Don't Love Me."  Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, it's nice to see an actual album (as opposed to a single) come out in the Rap community. Expertly mixed and produced, "21" is an adventure in sound - you'll be better off for checking this out. 

AJ Ongenae "Who I Used to Be"

As humans, especially in the western world, we make sacrifices in coupling - it's an essential part of getting along; we change our behavior in order to accommodate the other because having a partner is more important than said behaviors. So, it stands to reason that a relationship's end can be a catalyst for self-rediscovery

AJ Ongenae's new single "Who I Used to Be" from his sophomore album "Midnight Rain" is a heartfelt tune about the sadness and self-examination when love leaves.  A track that fits nicely in the singer/songwriter genre and a little bit of country flair plus catchy vocal melodies makes for a great experience. Mr. Ongenae's lyrics and sentiment are something we've all been through, so I'm guessing there is universal appeal here. 

 

NatStar "BBL"

The Hip-Hop self-confidence espoused in the Rockafella days was certainly revolutionary at a time of Grunge and superficial pop. Indeed, it seems as though the only movements for individual pride/self-confidence was coming from the Rap world and PBS kids' songs. There is also the embracing of raw sexuality which has always been a staple in this genre. 

NatStar continues this tradition in his newest music video for "BBL." where we see him accompanied by beautiful women (bearing much,) as well as lavish surroundings and food. The song is snappy and memorable - and the beat's instrumentation is interesting as a contrast to the music video (sounds somewhat like a lo-fi cheap toy sample, which is actually really cool). There's not a whole lot not to like. 

Mad Panda "Keeps Me Trying"

Mad Panda's newest track titled "Keeps Me Trying" (click the link for their Spotify page) occupies that gray space between ambient guitar and dreamy pop. With the haze of heavily reverbed vocals and hypnotic guitar chords, there's a hint of Velvet Underground (with way better vocals, though) going on here. It's a genuinely lovely sound that these chaps have worked up. 

"Keeps Me Trying" can be found on their 10th studio album comically titled "Not My Circus Not My Monkeys," which is pretty impressive in and of itself. Additionally, their audience might want to keep in their thriving teemill shop here. 

Isabel and The Whispers "Josefina"

I think that if we look at the simplistic harmonic structures, poeticism, and signability of modern music, we could call it a new phase of folk music (somewhat akin to what was happening during the '60s, '40s, and '20s respectively in the US - where college students donned guitars or simple instrumentation and sang from the deepest recesses of their hearts). We have a modern analog to such troubadours in the band Isabel and The Whispers" with their new release "Josefina." 

The band is composed of the singer/songwriter/pianist/poetess Isabel Marcheselli, drummer Alec Menge, and guitarist Octavio Pardon. "Josefina" is a heartfelt and lovely tune with simple instrumentation that allows Marcheselli to do what she does best - sing her poetry. If you're a fan of  Callers, Transister, or Rosewater Elizabeth, then you should definitely check out Isabel and the Whispers. 

Céline Schmink feat. Wannybabyy "Summer Cleopatra"

In this time of quarantine it's very easy to miss the simpler things in life we all took for granted. Imagine spending time on a warm beach, feeling the breeze, drinking a beer while happy young people all around are enjoying life (it seems like a distant memory at this point). This is the "big mood" of  SACEM member and singer/songwriter Celine Schmink's newest single "Summer Cleopatra."

The song itself has a bit of a Berlin vibe going on (think "Metro" slowed down and sexy) with plenty of attitude.  There is a short rap section towards the end by Wannybabby who holds up his part of the song nicely. The beat is very ambient and Schmink's voice is light and flirty, which is always a plus to these male ears. Speaking of things that men appreciate, the video is replete with eye-candy of beautiful women on the beach, so, she's not going to get any complaints from me on that front. 

"Summer Cleopatra" is pleasant and sexy - it could definitely go in your club-mix and fit perfectly amongst other chillwave and ambio artists. Celine Schmink can be found through her iTunes page here.

Ratinoff "Let it Out" Album

So, we've had our eye on Ratinoff (born Joaquin Torres) for a while now. A former pop singer in his youth, and YouTube viral sensation with that genre of music. Later he changed his name, style, and approach and has now embarked on a remarkably ambitious LP titled "Let it Out."  Set to release Sept 17 (2021) I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy, and I gotta say, there is a lot going on here - from the somewhat rockabilly sentiment, to punk, and even some darker synthpop appearing, the record is an experience to enjoy. 

A more substantial review would be necessary to really delve into all the nooks and crannies of "Let it Out," but for this writeup, I'd like to focus on a couple of the tracks that have been in rotation on my sound system. "Light Me Up" is the second track on the album, an upbeat and driving song that packs a punch - featuring synthesizer beds and rock vocals that shout but are still very sensible.

Track five is the song "Take Me Away" and if I didn't know better I would assume this number is a beautifully blatant homage to both The Cure and The Smiths (probably the two most iconic bands of 80's British rock).. The rapid guitar strumming, slick bass lines, and forlorn love lyrics make for a nostalgic and blissful listening. 

The 9th song "Hot as Hell" lives up to its name. Drum machine and synth-bass pulses underneath Ratinoff's voice. There's a hint of early NIN tempered with Jim Morisson-Doors inspiration here which again, is something that I really love. Everything about this song and the album, in general, is deeply atmospheric and contains a passion deeply lacking from a lot of what we hear dominating commercial airplay these days. 

For more information on Ratinoff, you can visit his website here.

Artist Review - Briya Jordan

If there is one thing that is proved over and over again in this new age of communication - it's that there is a lot (and I mean A LOT) of talent out there. It seems like every week someone introduces me to a thriving, passionate, and deeply committed individual making music and hustling, deserving of attention, but lost in the quagmire of sensory overload that is modern media. With that in mind, let's take a look at the following music video. 

Briya Jordan is such a talent, a (beautiful) 22-year-old young woman with a song lineup that never disappoints. She's a lyricist and a songwriter - her vocal style is essentially melodic rap; it's like she has all the singing chops she needs but seems to favor speech rhythms as a platform for her often poetically profound lyrics (see the above "On My Own") Ms. Jordan is a strong female figure, but her strength is tempered with an attractive feminity allowing her to show a vulnerability rarely seen in the hip-hop world. 

Case in point, in "Prove It" we see Briya dressed down amidst broken cars singing about being independent, which is awesome, but seemingly open to the idea of seeing what's in the "Duffle Bag." There's a comedic element here, but its homage to gangster culture comes off as very real. 

Briya Jordan is available on just about every social media - she's got a thriving IG page here, as well as a YT channel (which I already subbed to, so you should too), and looking forward to anything else she puts out.