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They Call me Old Man by JUNK

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If you’re thinking about calling someone old, make sure they won’t make a song about, call you out for it, and give you a piece of their mind wrapped in tasty horns, hot bass, and rapid-fire bursts of rapped, old people wisdom.

JUNK is the brainchild of bassist and music theory boffin Aaron Seener (Dubl A) from Long Island, California, and Dale Pearson (Dirty D) from San Diego. Their sound can be identified with acidic, jazzy funk. They Call Me Old Man is their take on an ageist comment Dirty D has received. His response is a hard-hitting display of both his and Seener’s musical prowess. The song is populated by mostly freeform saxophone lines, layered on top of one another, never overlapping or over-populating the mix, an ode to Dirty D’s long experience. Next to the horn richness, we have terrific bass playing and tones from Aaron Seener, whose lines are varied and expressive, getting milder or rockier progressively as the lyrics become more and less threatening. The production is neat and the plethora of instrumental lines are well placed in the tight mix, never making the sound claustrophobic, which is a very easy trap to fall into for a song as crowded as this one.

I truly hope whoever commented on Dirty D got his share handed to him; your comments must have been pretty rude to garner a whole song for a response, but luckily it’s a good song, one that can be enjoyed regardless of age. They Call Me Old Man is a commendable Jazz Funk offering from two musical veterans that should not go under your radar.

 



The High Priestess by Alice Jayne

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One of the most revolutionary and glowing moments in life is when one learns their authentic worth and stands up to those who once treated them less than they deserved. With her hypnotic artistry, Alice Jayne portrays the emergence of a fiery phoenix in her most recent edgy electro-pop song, “The High Priestess.”

Hailing from London, the artist Alice Jayne released her first two singles, “The Hanged Man” and “The Devil,” in 2022 and easily grabbed listeners’ attention on Spotify, reaching about 85k streams for both singles in just 10 weeks. She glistens in the pop sky with her distinctive sound, melodic vocals, hard-hitting lyrical themes, and tense, layered compositions.

“The High Priestess” is a song that carries both strength and vulnerability within it. Smashing the door in someone’s face ain’t an easy job, especially when they’ve been taking your presence for granted for so long; it’s a triumph, but kind of a melancholy, substantial one. Alice Jayne manages to convey these conflicted sensations through each element of the song, resulting in a tense yet celebratory output.

The atmospheric intro opens the single, sounding like it’s presenting a saga. Alice Jayne has a harmonic, dulcet voice with a dark undertone, a sentimental delivery, and an unapologetic attitude that will captivate you the moment you hear it. More density is added with the solid musicality, and each instrument enhances the jagged vibe; however, there’s an uplifting beat that gives a lighthearted glimpse into the crucially emotive sense.

With a futuristic production and lots of talent, effort, and passion put into its making, “The High Priestess” is the song you listen to charge your soul with the necessary confidence, determination, and splash of cruelty to exclude the one who sabotages you, stand on firm ground, and soften from the inside once more.

 

B.G.B. by Reue

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The boundary-pushing producer REUE has once again crafted a phat, funky realm filled with versatile sounds to speak to us on a level much higher than words in his instrumental piece, “B.G.B.”

Ethan Reue Berdofe aka Reue is a prolific musician from Texas who is currently challenging his artistic prowess to release one track every two weeks for a year, and so far, he’s killing it by releasing one dope number after another.

“B.G.B.” is the 16th single from the 27-song release project. It’s evident enough that the creative artist has his own tricks to blend genres, mix sounds, masterfully compose, and flawlessly execute. The nearly six-minute piece is a Deep House/Techno hybrid. The composition is minimal yet sounds rich enough to create a getaway to Utopia with its euphoric grooves.

The catchy rhythm is the drug that gets any EDM enthusiast hypnotized into repeating the song again and again. It has a captivating plot with subtle twists and turns that give the impression of opening another secret, miraculous gate. Quite a magician, huh?

Each instrument speaks its own language, yet collectively they sound like one comprehensible dialect. The dynamic percussion has a knack for engaging people with its mood-boosting pace. The tight bassline is energizing, while the colorful, stinging synth adds layers of dense sensibilities. As the song progresses, each element reaches its epic peak, giving the output a sultry vibe. The texture is delicate; however, it has a dark hint to give the lighthearted sonic ecstasy a mystic spark.

It’s hard to believe that one artist can offer distinct soundscapes, with none sounding like the other and all of them sounding exceptional! But as it has been said, he’s a “prodigy” in the making. I’m positive that he will soon be invading the electronic scene worldwide.

You can Click Here to enjoy some of his other outstanding singles and read our reviews about them.

Drugs Riddim by Akaleshnus

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“Drugs Riddim” has a killer sound, profound vocal delivery, and hard-hitting lyricism. Akaleshnus obviously didn’t miss a single detail to make a track that conveys his artistic identity and his message.

The Florida-based musician Akaleshnus has an exceptional talent that he uses to send noble messages. “Drugs Riddim” is his first single of 2023, and it will effortlessly appeal to any hip-hop fan with its modern execution, diverse, solid performance, and fusion musicality.

“Drugs Riddim” is like a sacred ritual delivered through a bouncy yet serious beat. The storyline escalates slowly and methodically, while the pace quickens, giving it an edgy, pumping vibe. The lyric content of the track, as well as how it is devotionally carried through natural flows, convey to us what the region believes of Akaleshnus and his perspective on how any problem can be wiped away when God is placed between you and that problem. He has an awareness objective that needs to be delivered to all, and if you’re a believer, it will reach your core twice as hard.

The song features artists Juggernaut and Catalyst, who together with Akaleshnus offer such a charismatic, tense, and sincere take. The instrumental is backing up the vocal performance well and builds the ideal atmosphere, with each element exactly where it’s supposed to be to give the best effect. The lyrics and vocal prowess, on the other hand, stand out and penetrate ears and hearts from the first listen.

This track, I must say, is not your typical rap song; it has exotic characteristics and a unique way of conveying a message, and that is what makes it worthy of attention and appreciation.  

 



Another Day by Julian Tran

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Artist Julian Tran released his melancholic indie single “Another Day” on the 2nd of February from London, United Kingdom.

Julian Tran is an indie singer-songwriter who writes, performs, records, and produces by himself, which gives his music a unique individuality and a vivid artistic expression.

Julian Tran previously released an album titled “Misery” two years ago in 2021, with eight tracks full of melancholy, nostalgia, and smooth, soulful instrumentation.

“Another Day” is the latest single released by Julian, and it builds upon the artist’s style once more since his previous release, with a soothing vocal performance, and calm instrumentation that starts with a piano, followed by a gently fingered acoustic folk guitar.

As the song progresses, more instruments come in, with synths and electric guitars filling up the soundscape following a subtle key change. 

Finally, part three of “Another Day” is where the dynamics really pick up, with strummed guitars on the guitar, bass notes on the piano, and drums playing kick, snare, and ride.

The song doesn’t overindulge in the performance of any one element but rather sticks to beautiful simplicity that works in elevating the emotional impact of the song as a whole artistic vision.

Love & War by Super Fëmmes

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On February 14, Super Fëmmes’ “Love & War” was released as Valentine’s playful anthem, with its bursting glow of divas squad power, energetic electronic character, and grasp of a blended sound that brings a brisk spirit.

Super Fëmmes is not the typical girl band; it’s the act that gathers witty, charismatic artists who collectively weave charming sensibilities with threads of talents, various flairs, and retro influences, which get you addicted instantly. The four heroines of Super Fëmmes are Emilia Mitiku, Denise Lopez, Josefine Willers, and Mia Schotte (from “Miio”), who combine their superpowers in one magical implement to capture the hearts of every pop and electronica fan.

“Love & War” is the lighthearted, dynamic sound of tug of war in love. In a funky manner, filled with grooves and sensational harmonies, the single presents the tangled kind of affection with much pushing and pulling, going to the extremes of both love and irritation, which many can relate to.

From the start, the song has a thrilling sense that levels up throughout. The fast pace is infectious and makes you vibe with every uplifting beat. The catchy chorus is a sing-along one that offers superb engagement, making the song familiar and compelling from the first listen.

The appealing composition invites the listener to a tempting dance with the rhythms, while synth helps you to move smoothly through that dance, the strings will help you heat up from the inside, and the drumming will help your feet shake till you’re fueled enough to jump up high.

The vocals are fascinating! The harmonized voices add a delicate, captivating feel. The vocal line is somewhere between sweet and savage, which strikes a balance that presents the theme well. The rapping part was a joyful surprise that added a fiery taste.

Featuring the tight, flawless production by Tor Eimon and Jakke Erixson, the song with all of its components offered such an irresistible atmosphere. The quartet collaborated with prolific producers to create an explosive pop-royal piece.

It doesn’t matter that we passed Valentine’s Day because, wherever you are, whenever you are, the song will cast its spell and put you in a generous mood.

 



I Can’t by Natalie Jean

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Natalie Jean’s “I Can’t” is a powerful and emotional single that showcases her diverse musical talent and songwriting abilities. Released on December 3rd, 2022, the song has already gained more than 30k streams on Spotify alone.

Hailing from the United States, Natalie is an award-winning, multi-nominated, and multilingual singer/songwriter who sings in English, French, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. She is also a co-founder of Sisters In Music, an organization that promotes and encourages educational opportunities, collaborative musical works, and performances among women to raise awareness and funding for various female-focused charities.

“I Can’t” is a unique blend of country/folk and dance elements that evokes a sweet-bitter feeling. The song opens with an upbeat acoustic guitar line that has emotional melodies embedded in it, joined by a bouncing banjo in the background. The dance element comes from the drums, adding a layer of energy to the song. Natalie’s flawless and powerful voice takes the spotlight right away, singing an emotional vocal line that perfectly complements the music. The lyrics speak to Natalie’s personal experience, as she sings about the emotional journey she is going through since she lost a dear friend, who was also her pianist for nine years.

“I Can’t” is an excellent example of Natalie’s ability to write and sing in multiple genres while infusing her own emotional depth into each song. The combination of country/folk and dance elements, paired with Natalie’s soulful voice and emotional lyrics, creates a moving and memorable listening experience.

EP: Shine on You by Piperlain

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The latest EP by Piperlain is called shine on you. Composed of four tracks with a common message of love and appreciation for nature and on a bigger scale, The universe.

Let’s dive into these four masterpieces I very much enjoyed and see what they’re all about.

1- I Feel The Sun

Composed of very nostalgic chords beginning with a clean and calm progression picking more momentum as the song progresses. One of my favorite things about the composition is the subtlety and great impact of the bassline and the way it supports the chord progression. The general mode of the song is highly uplifting as it speaks about how a person coming out of quarantine felt the sun grace on their face.

2- Shine On You 

The first thing that came to my mind was “Magnificent vocals”. I presume that the song revolved around the vocal line which is the main attraction. The lofi piano lines made it feel like we are the sole survivors of a dystopian future. The acoustic guitars and drums hit home in a way that transmits the listener from outer space back home. “A world that hides the truth” is a lyric that brings you to chill. What I like most about the song is the key change, it helps to make the song very interesting which is a skill not so many musicians can utilize.

3- I Don’t Miss You

More groundbreaking vocals which feel very rich and intimate start the song along with a lofi synth beat. Guitars and drums join and surround you with a climactic atmosphere. The instrumental part is very rich and shines well creating a balance between the vocals and the instruments. A very well-balanced track where more indie and folk elements show up.

4- Bloom

A very catchy name to begin with. Lyrics, vocals, and music are very in touch with nature and the rawness of the recording and the tribal-sounding percussion capture how the artists are reconnecting with nature and with their craft that they had been away from during the dire times of the pandemic. I especially loved how the tone of the piano gives a very vintage feeling.

In conclusion, this is an album that encaptures the feeling of longing for nature and for being in your element. The artwork is especially a tribute to nature, outer space, and the love of your significant other- all wholesome and heartwarming blessings we almost forgot about during the dire times of the pandemic. From a lyrical and musical standpoint too, the album is much tighter than your average indie record and it is a golden find that you will really appreciate on first listen and probably even repeat too.

Bonfire by Bring Prudence

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The latest single by Oleh Zaychenko (who uses the moniker Bring Prudence) is entitled “Bonfire”, and it is part of the artist’s upcoming EP “Dreamboat”. The EP aims to merge ideas from chamber pop, alternative rock, and folk to create a dreamy and creative style that emphasizes melodies and emotional delivery.

The track “Bonfire” begins with a soft chord progression and equally soft vocals, the addition of female vocals is a great choice in my opinion because of the contrast it brings. The singers’ voices match perfectly well with each other and maintain an amazing harmony.

The way the female vocals are introduced after the end of the verse speaks volumes about the emotional story that Zaychenko is trying to tell: a lover that’s fearful of the future with his significant other. But then she appears to calm him down and reassure him with not just words of consolation but an amazing and complementing harmony on the chorus, and a second verse that she sings almost completely on her own.

The strength of this song for me was in the simplicity of its chord progression and percussion which allowed the vocals to shine and show a lot of emotion in them. I really love the lyrical theme, the short duration of the song, and most importantly how the overall vibe of the song is to sound like a chamber pop/alt-rock ballad. I recommend this for people who like creative non-commercial pop.

 

Animal by mooncrüe

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What would a group of discarded NASA astronauts do? Stranded on the moon and with their identities hidden for national security, mooncrüe seem to have found solace in making danceable, groovy, and tight electronic pop with a spacey tinge that set them apart from us mere earth dwellers.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, mooncrüe is fronted by an artist whose name remains undisclosed. Their debut single, Animal, is exactly as described. A tight and punchy piece of dynamic, electronic pop, ripe with synthesizers and drum machines, and provocative lyrics with a soulful singing performance. 

The lyrics basically deal with what sounded to me like societal pressures that cause us to feel restricted, stressed, and restrained. On Animal, the singer wonders what it would be like to be an animal, where they’re not constantly being told to stop dreaming. The lyrics have weight to them, making them equally cool and meaningful, and they are delivered via a fitting lyric video that looks incredible and sticks to the theme of the group quite well. The song itself sounds amazing, with tight production and busy percussion tracks that clear up when they need to in the choruses, which are endlessly groovy and danceable.

Animal is a delicious debut single from a group whose influences are varied, and the results are quite unique to them, and for a group of astronauts stranded on the moon, they seem to be incredibly resourceful too. Or maybe, after all, the moon is in Austin, Texas.