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Enjoy the Silence (All I Ever Wanted Version) by Shervin Boloorian

Moataz Gwaily
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Enjoy the Silence (All I Ever Wanted Version) by Shervin Boloorian

Shervin Boloorian’s latest release is a thorough reimagining of the Depeche Mode classic ‘Enjoy the Silence’. In Boloorian’s loose reinterpretation, he alters the time and the melodies, as well as the arrangement, for something more moody, sensitive, and introspective.

The Bali-based musician, multi-instrumentalist, and sound healer Shervin Boloorian creates music that is immediately chill and cozy. On his version of the classic, Boloorian is loosely basing the lyrics of the original on an almost brand-new musical soundscape that is, if we’re being quite honest, just as wonderfully impactful as the disco pop original.

Throughout the ‘All I Ever Wanted’ version, Shervin Boloorian is utilizing a sensitive, wailing violin to accompany his restrained, comfortable, and heartfelt delivery. the stripped back beat and minimal bass line add so much new character to this rather inventive cover, and the composition, completely overhauled, now features a nuanced introduction and a drawn out, contemplative outro that draws the piece to a stunning halt.

 

Shervin Boloorian takes Depeche Mode’s words and general melodic direction and constructs with them something quite beautiful on his ‘All I Ever Wanted’ version of the timeless classic. The professionally executed mix makes this version shine in its own way, substituting the punchy synths of the original with the virtuosic vocalizing of Boloorian and his arresting arrangement of upright bass, soul drums, lush strings, and inventive song building.

EP: Love Kills The Monsters by Sunset Salore

Moataz Gwaily
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EP: Love Kills The Monsters by Sunset Salore

Intriguing melodies and a rich mix of electronica, glam, and darkness are the way of Sunset Salore’s latest release, the Love Kills The Monsters EP. Throughout Love Kills The Monsters Sunset Salore is taking us across an eclectic collection of memorable glam pop numbers that are colorful, lush, and endlessly enjoyable. 

An Australian singer and songwriter who is just dropping her debut, Sunset Salore is promising a truly distinctive sound with her musical introduction. With an inexplicable mix of elements gracing the 7 songs on this EP, Salore’s musical mind is showcasing a lot of promise for what is to come on her journey. From lush Bond-like strings to exquisite soul smoothness, all the way to alt pop darkness and to warbly synth funk, Love Kills The Monsters is a terrific journey that’s got something for nearly everybody out there.

Starting the album is the arresting title track ‘Love Kills The Monsters’, kicking things off with a grandiose chord sequence, Sunset Salore’s pulling vocal delivery and soothing timbre, alongside a Sunset Blvd. string arrangement that immediately elevates the whole affair into the stratosphere. Sunset Salore is definitely starting strong with this exquisite starter. Sunset Salore then strips back the lushness of the strings for a more subdued arrangement based on warm electric pianos, a mystery-laden progression, and a more streamlined and soulful atmosphere on the sophomore cut ‘Hope’. A one-two move that is displaying an enormous sonic range. 

‘Call It’ brings the glam vibes via snaking, sleazy synth leads. The gently overdriven guitar riffs are just as delicious. Balanced in tones and reserved enough to display a deep knowledge of Less is More. Salore’s voice is also lush and distinctive, and her belts are approachable and the control is phenomenal. A captivating and capable vocal performer. The composition is also engaging and is laced with a mystical melancholy, a note borrowed from outside the scale makes the chorus a particularly entertaining delight. ‘Mystery and Magic’ has an addictive groove that is pronounced with the twisty and delicious synth bass and funk rhythm guitar. Yet another piece of chill goodness that is loaded with infectious vibes. Showcasing maturity on Sunset Salore’s side, ‘Mystery and Magic’ is a song that could have easily been more bombastic with everything calling for a more pronounced drum part and a mix that is a little less smooth. Salore’s handling of the song brought a face to the composition that is distinctive and quite enjoyable, whimsical, and quite magical.

After a Fiona Apple-esque closer, a dramatic, piano-led ballad titled ‘Don’t Owe You Pretty’, a gripping debut that promises a lot more good to come from Sunset Salore is concluded. Showcasing musical maturity in all of its many, well arranged layers, and well crafted atmospheres, ‘Love Kills The Monsters’ got us excited for more from this talented, fresh face.

Ep: Love, Simply, Vol. 3 by SimplyRich

Cherine Abulwafa
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Ep: Love, Simply, Vol. 3 by SimplyRich

THIS IS WHAT WE CAN CALL A UNIQUE SOUND!

This release instantly sucks you in! It gets you moving, makes you curious, and demands your attention. SimplyRich’s latest EP release, featuring the tracks “King?” and “Heavy,” is a brilliant exploration of contrasting sonic landscapes, but with deeply connected themes. From aggressive rap to soothing ballads, this EP has everything you need to keep you hooked from start to finish.

The first track, “King?”, hits hard right out of the gate. It’s an energetic rap song that delves into themes of leadership, responsibility, and the internal struggle we all face with our insecurities. The Lion King-inspired samples add a playful yet powerful touch, and you can almost feel the “jungle” he creates in the beat. It’s raw, intense, and pulls no punches, perfectly embodying the weight of wearing the metaphorical crown.

On the flip side, “Heavy” slows things down with a gentle pop/rock ballad that touches on the burdens we all carry. SimplyRich’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics are a reminder that none of us are alone in our struggles. The phrase “heavy is the crown” ties the two tracks together, reminding listeners that we each hold the responsibility for ourselves, even when the load feels overwhelming.

Recorded in a closet studio, SimplyRich took full control of the production process: writing, producing, and engineering each track himself. His influences, from Usher to Kanye West, subtly shine through, but his sound is distinctly his own. His previous projects have earned him praise for his introspective lyricism and hypnotic flow, and this EP is no exception. “King?” and “Heavy” may be sonically different, but thematically, they’re two sides of the same coin; exploring the pressure and responsibility that come with simply being human.

SimplyRich’s duple is more than just two songs, it’s an experience. Whether you’re in the mood to turn up with the powerful energy of “King?” or reflect on life’s struggles with “Heavy,” there’s something here for everyone. This EP is an exciting showcase of SimplyRich’s versatility and vision.

Birds & Bullets (feat. Ben Beal) by Hollow Profit

Cherine Abulwafa
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Birds & Bullets (feat. Ben Beal) by Hollow Profit

EUPHORIA, SHOULD IT ALWAYS BE CHASED?

Brody Burke, aka Hollow Profit, has once again delivered a track that hits hard in all the right ways. His latest release, “Birds & Bullets” featuring Ben Beal, and it’s anything but your average rap song. This track takes you on a journey through jazzy, boom bap beats with punchlines and rhyme schemes that cut deep, leaving you wondering: should the pursuit of euphoria always be the goal?

Playing off Ben Beal’s 2020 track “Birds Aren’t Real,” and bringing in Hollow Profit’s alter ego, Crimson Dot, “Birds & Bullets” is more than just a clever title. The song’s production, handled by 47 Quid, is steeped in smooth jazz samples that bring a nostalgic vibe, while the duo’s lyricism adds a raw edge. Hollow Profit’s intricate lines like “I’m just trying to be Thomas, scrolling through the knowledge for some wisdom, oh goddess,” speak to the deeper questions of life; facing hardship, finding meaning, and chasing moments of joy that are sometimes fleeting.

Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Hollow Profit wears his influences on his sleeve, drawing from legends like Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan, and MF DOOM. His sharp storytelling is evident in every bar, as he reflects on life’s toughest moments, turning them into art meant to connect and inspire.

Meanwhile, Ben Beal, a rising force from New York, brings his smooth, laid-back delivery into the mix, and together, they craft a dynamic track that stands out as the seventh song on Hollow Profit’s 17-track album, “QUIBONO?”.

So, back to the question: should euphoria always be chased? If it sounds anything like “Birds & Bullets”, maybe it’s worth the pursuit, or not? With its blend of old-school hip-hop, jazz, and deep introspection, this track is a breath of fresh air in today’s rap scene. It’s something you can vibe to, think about, and come back to again and again..

 

Feel the Fierce Energy of Ain’t My Fault: The Ultimate Pop/R&B Anthem for Unstoppable Confidence

Sistra News Team
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Feel the Fierce Energy of Ain’t My Fault: The Ultimate Pop/R&B Anthem for Unstoppable Confidence

Nothing captures the spirit of girlhood quite like a catchy pop/R&B anthem that’s able to set the perfect vibe for a night out with your girls. This unapologetically confident track radiates fierce energy; it’s all about owning your allure and strutting your stuff, reminding everyone that you’re the one they can’t help but be obsessed with.

As you dance around your room, getting ready with your girls for the evening, listen to this song to get in the mood and have everyone around you simply captivated by your effortless confidence.

“Ain’t My Fault” is the ideal personal soundtrack, with an infectious rhythm and lyrics you’ll be singing with your friends in the car to, the song is bound to leave you feeling like your most confident, best self.

Kati Cooke may be a newcomer to the music scene, but she’s already making an impact with her own blend of pop and R&B. Hailing from the UK, Kati draws inspiration from modern pop icons like Ariana Grande, Madison Beer and Sabrina Carpenter.

These influences can be heard in her sound, yet she brings a fresh perspective and a unique voice that offers something completely new. With her debut single “shouldn’t i?” released in June this year, Kati quickly established herself as an artist with the ability to connect personally with her audience, offering emotionally compelling music that’s catchy and original. (Plastic Mag, Aug 2024)

 

Eat Alone by The Open Flames

Akram Soliman
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Eat Alone by The Open Flames

Eat Alone is the latest single by The Open Flames, and it is a wonderful and emotional Classic Rock Number.

The song deals with the heavy lyrical theme of a caregiver helping a patient in their final days, and the pure rock n roll delivery is what makes these lyrics work so finely and gives the song the authenticity it needs.

The song begins with the drums and vocals right away, and speaking of the vocals, their raspy husky nature is what makes this song a masterpiece for me. The verses have relatively short vocal lines, to put emphasis on every word, and thanks to the clear pronunciation and the awesome production you can hear and understand every word beautifully.

A special quality of this song is that the chorus is subtle and melodic, rather than deviating away from the verse melody, it just feels like an alternative way to sing the same melody with some higher notes here and there. This chorus stayed in my mind for days after the first time I listened to the track.

All in all, this is an awesomely performed  well-produced track that’s bound to remain on your playlist if you listen to it just once, and the emotional lyrics behind it are the most precious element of the song, at least for me.

 

Album: LAMINARIA by Concetta Abbate

Cherine Abulwafa
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Album: LAMINARIA by Concetta Abbate

Concetta Abbate’s LAMINARIA is a 13-track journey into the deep, unsettling realms of trauma, life, and death, framed through a folk horror lens. As a follow-up to her acclaimed Mirror Touch, this album sees Abbate take a bold step into orchestral composition, assembling a 10-piece ensemble to craft a sound that is as haunting as it is beautiful. Inspired by the Latin word for kelp, a plant used to induce both birth and abortion, LAMINARIA stands at the intersection of creation and destruction, exploring the liminal space between.

The album’s narrative, woven throughout its 13 tracks, confronts the listener with the emotional weight of confronting past trauma, symbolized by a shadow ghost lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. Each track offers a distinct chapter in this eerie story, drawing listeners deeper into its vast soundscape. The music mirrors the unpredictability of nature, as well as the cycle of life and death, creating a compelling experience that is both unsettling and cathartic.

One of the album’s standout qualities is its wide range of compositional styles, blending influences from folk, classical, and film score traditions. From eerie, minimalist sections to grand, lush orchestrations, Abbate’s ability to seamlessly transition between styles keeps the listener engaged, pulling them through a spectrum of emotions. The rich instrumentation includes low-end woodwinds like bassoon, bass clarinet, and alto flute, combined with string players who also sing as they perform, creating a ghostly, ethereal tone throughout the album. A rhythm section of guitar, drum kit, and keyboard adds grounding texture, while hand-built instruments by Skip la Plante produce analog foley effects that deepen the album’s immersive, oceanic feel.

LAMINARIA has already garnered a cult following through its live performances in New York City, where it was performed 11 times. Six of these performances were in collaboration with the Wendy Osserman Dance Company, who created original choreography that visually embodied the album’s haunting themes. These live interpretations only intensified the depth and emotional complexity of the music, captivating audiences with both sound and movement.

As a violinist, composer, and death doula, Abbate brings a deeply personal perspective to the album, intertwining her professional and artistic experiences into a cohesive narrative about the overwhelming power of nature and the inevitability of facing one’s own inner demons. The careful orchestration and unique blending of styles give LAMINARIA a fresh, innovative sound, making it a captivating experience from start to finish.

Released on October 25th, 2024, through Composers Concordance Records and the NAXOS International Classical Music Library, this release offers listeners the chance to confront their own shadow ghosts through a unique, eerie, and emotional masterpiece.

Six White Horses by Al Shalliker

Moataz Gwaily
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Six White Horses by Al Shalliker

Uplifting americana and Shalliker’s soft, impassioned voice makes his latest single ‘Six White Horses’ a thoroughly pleasant journey from start to finish.

English singer and songwriter Al Shalliker has a sound that is deeply rooted in the blues and roots tradition, which he explored on his 2021 debut, and is once again diving head first into, in his upcoming studio album ‘The Diamond Hill’. 

‘Six White Horses’ is a guitar based piece of songwriter folk pop. Rich strums accompanied by little more than Shalliker’s voice and a melodic bass line, ‘Six White Horses’ gallops along at a comfortable pace that is soothing. The hearty harmonica wails are charismatic and heartwarming, and the doubled acoustic solo is a moment of gentle, soft spoken triumph on this reserved and elegant piece.

With a wholly engulfing mix that is delicately balanced between its few moving parts, ‘Six White Horses’ is a song that’s simply gorgeous to listen to. Shalliker’s voice is lovingly strained and his performance is heartfelt, given the simplicity of the song’s few, memorable melodies.

A wonderful piece of music that got us more hyped for the upcoming album, ‘Six White Horses’ is open hearted and pleasant.

Casey Carmichael shares devotion in new single ‘Little Birds’

Sistra News Team
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Casey Carmichael shares devotion in new single ‘Little Birds’

Casey Carmichael’s campfire folk songs have spent 2024 cultivating a new audience. Infusing his graceful acoustic songwriting and emotional folk and an indie sensibility, he takes influence from Eric Clapton and BB King, mastering guitar and letting it help tell the story.

In the new single ‘Little Birds’, Casey writes for his young daughter, reflecting upon his journey as a father and capturing the tenderness of parenthood. A warming glow radiating from such an authentic bit of writing, Casey truly captures a moment in time, a capsule to look back on as he and his daughter grow together.

His attitude to writing is rooted in love, and that devotion is made clear with every lyric uttered and every note played.

Speaking about the single, Casey explains, “This song was inspired by our two year old daughter. She was only three months old when I wrote it, but I was already fearful of her growing up too fast. But since then it has been beautiful watching her learn and grow. She has all that she needs inside of her to spread her wings; my wife and I are so proud to be her parents.”

Plus Music PR

‘Little Party’ is a sleek anthem from KEKA

Sistra News Team
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‘Little Party’ is a sleek anthem from KEKA

Returning after vibrant singles ‘Home’ & ‘Healing’, KEKA is once again bringing pop, neo-soul and Kosovar heritage to the new track ‘Little Party’. The British singer-songwriter introduces a refreshing mix of funky tones and bouncy grooves.

Passionate and lively, the soul foundations and firm backbeat are topped with shimmering synths and melodic freedom. Interpolating club anthem ‘A Little Party Never Killed Nobody’, it’s a sleek rebirth of a track we’ve all had stuck in our heads.

The artist explains, “We wrote the record just by jamming with my manager and producer. I loved how the song gave off such a positive vibe, but also had that feeling of letting go. As I was humming and singing along, I started freestyling the lyrics and recording them in a voice memo. Honestly, I was laughing while singing because it felt like I was venting my real feelings—feeling burnt out and tired of the routine, but still loving music.”

Joyful, feel-good and invigorating, yet still laced with KEKA’s signature intimacy and relatability, she continues to stand out among the crowd.

Plus Music PR

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