SINGLE REVIEW: FARLANDERS “THE LIGHTHOUSE LIES DARK”
Song of the Day
“The Lighthouse Lies Dark” sets its scene in a massive, immersive sound of the ocean. A solo violin wanders in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but the sound of nature. A cleverly paved soundscape emerges from underneath, simmering with a touch of light.
Located in Cambridge, UK, the folk collective Farlanders have a unique way of storytelling. Following their instincts, “The Lighthouse Lies Dark” explores hope and comfort through unconventional song form. Like lighthouse guides the lost boats back to dryland, the song has a warm and comforting aura.
“The Lighthouse Lies Dark” is inspired by those who provide light in the dark. A beautiful piano underneath a voice that sings to your heart, the song brings tears to your eyes, in the reflection of flame.
Absorbing influences from folk and world music, Farlanders also created their own music vocabulary. Unlike anything you’ve heard, “The Lighthouse Lies Dark” is a refreshing, out-of-this-world yet grounding sonic experience.
SINGLE REVIEW: MARY ELLEN “HE GOT A GUN”
Staff Pick
“He’s Got a Gun” has a bass-driven eerie vibe hovering over a heavy topic. Tackling violence and extremism, the Ireland-based Mary Ellen brings attention to the normalization of high school shootings in the US through her music.
With compassion and understanding, the verses explore the perspective of a 16-year-old facing the possibility of death before truly experienced life. In contrast to the shocking nature of this event, Raw, unembellished vocal delivery highlights the normalization of violence and danger children in the US are exposed to.
Photo credit: Mary Ellen
“I wrote this song during the pandemic; however, the idea came about while I was living in New York,” said Mary Ellen, “my manager (in a bar) at the time had lived in America for 12 years, and after her 6-year-old son came home from a school shooting drill that was treated as normal as anything, she decided to move back to Ireland. I just found it insane that children are just expected to be prepared for the possibility of getting shot at school.”
The perspective of the shooter has a psychotic glare on top of the eerie soundscape. Mary Ellen channeled a different personality through the change of tone in her vocal expression, introducing us to a sick mentality where the shooter seeks attention through extreme measures.
The haunting line “he’s got a gun” is repeated throughout the song. It makes you wonder if there’s a deeper message underneath the obvious. Maybe it was the lack of gun control, or in general, the lack of effort to keep our society safe.
MUSIC REVIEW: K4YLEE “HELL AND BACK”
Song of the Day
There’s no doubt that K4ylee can pull of hardcore rock and metal music like a man. The 19-year-old artist doesn’t lack maturity or masculinity in her vocal delivery. In addition to that, the extraordinary singer-songwriter has something raw and powerful in her voice that reaches deep into your soul.
“I’ve been through hell and back, but I’m still alive.” With her background in writing poems and short stories, there’s always a deeper expression underneath what meets the eyes. The captivating melodies linger in your mind; her image challenges normality, and her lyrics give people a little more.
Photo credit: Kaylee Rogers
Addressing the lack of female presence in a male-dominated rock/metal music scene, “Hell and Back” is a politically driven song that challenges the stereotypical fragile, soft female image. K4ylee is conquering the world with a deeply haunting voice and powerful road-worn scream.
“This song will resonate with any woman at any stage in life because underneath the glamour that society places upon the female experience, there is rage and vindication inside of us that society doesn’t want to shed light upon,” K4ylee commented.
MUSIC REVIEW: GABRIEL'S DAWN “I DON'T BELIEVE (IN THE SUMMER OF LOVE)”
Discovery
Following “We” and “Loose Canyon,” “I Don’t Believe (In the Summer of Love)” is the third release from Gabriel’s Dawn’s forthcoming album. Hailing from Midlands, UK, Gabriel’s Dawn is a five-piece indie-pop band bringing back the best of melodic, guitar pop.
“I Don’t Believe (In the Summer of Love)” invites you on an escape from this world where the charm of jangly guitar meets the voice of mermaids, taking you on a journey afar. Getting lost in its breath and vibration, Gudg’s dreamful, captivating voice floats into your ears.
There’s a sense of innocence and joyfulness in Gabriel’s Dawn’s music. Refreshing in its vibrant energy. The band creates an experience that draws you in and makes you want to stay forever.
Adhering to a fuller, richer soundscape, Gabriel’s Dawn reminded you of the beauty of fall, a fruitful season filled with happiness and memories. Magnificent and colorful. A nostalgic feeling emerged in the new experience.
MUSIC REVIEW: NOELLE “FOREVER YOURS”
Exploring a sensual, jazzy side of noelle, “Forever Yours” invites us to the moment of falling in love.
Noelle shares sensuous jazzy single “forever yours”
Following noelle’s breakout debut single “Therapy” early this year, the 20-year-old emerging pop artist noelle has brought forth another work of art. Exploring a sensual, jazzy side of noelle, “Forever Yours” invites us to the moment of falling in love.
Like a rose that blossoms quietly in the middle of the night, noelle's voice is intoxicatingly beautiful with a touch of fragility and distance. The modernity of pop has an edge of moodiness adapted from jazz, a wonderful soulful encounter when you least expect it.
The intricate chemistry between pop, jazz, and R&B has worked into the track’s sound print. The perfect atmosphere and the perfect person, the euphoria of new love unfolds in noelle’s breathtaking voice. “Forever Yours” is a special encounter you couldn’t forget.
From Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan to the music traditions from her Indigenous roots, the Canadian artist was exposed to a vast range of music influences growing up. Expanding the horizon, “Forever Yours” has introduced us to a versatile, sensual side of noelle different from what we expected.
SINGLE REVIEW: MAGIC SUGAR COFFEE “BLKOUT”
Discovery
Inspired by their favorite 2000’s pop-punk scenes, as pop punk is making a comeback in pop culture, the Switzerland-based duo Magic Sugar Coffee is re-introducing us to the classic, catchy, spirited pop-punk soundscape hauling from the best of time.
The fast-paced, heavily guitar-driven “Blkout” is a collaboration featuring local artist Joshua Howlett. The song remains an energetic, straightforward characteristic while adding their own personality into the song.
“In the Friday night glare, another dirty piece of you, guns outfight the truth. Can’t afford to buy the view, caught up in the flume.” A youthful sense of humor with an edgy, poetic twist. “oh, she’s always gonna find out when you going dancing in the dark.” Blkout” is raw and nostalgic, bringing back memories from the beginning of the 21st century.
Influenced by familiar names such as Machine Gun Kelly, All Time Low, and YUNGBLUD, Magic Sugar Coffee brings a unique palette of color to today’s sound. Derived not far from the modern expression, it is great to hear the way pop-punk evolves and catches up with the trend.
SINGLE REVIEW: NICK CODY AND THE HEARTACHE “YOU GOTTA MOVE”
Discovery
Vibration, moment, beauty, and energy; the saucy blues and rock combination on a soulful express. The electric, spirited sophomore release “You Gotta Move” from Nick Cody and The Heartache is a wonderful delight.
Revolving around a captivating hook, the melody sticks in your mind like an earworm cheerfully jumping and dancing around. “You Gotta move real slow, give your body and mind the chance to grow.”
You find yourself humming the familiar melody wherever you go. Can’t help but move your body, uplifted by its lighthearted energy.
Finding stillness in the constant motion, “You Gotta Move” has a calm, inspiring aura. Foot-tapping rhythm with light instrumentation, highlighting an authentic, flavorful vocal expression and lyrical line.
A fast-paced shaker taking a step forward in motion with a soulful choir in the background adding a spiritual experience. Introducing various instruments and percussive elements, the track travels freely in styles and genres, being its truthful self. A fluid-like texture sparks and reflects from underneath.
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ARTIST INTERVIEW: ELEANOR JOY “ANON. (GOLDFISH IN MY BATHTUB)
Staff Pick
“Though change is inescapable, our emotional connections always deepen and grow in ways that we can never predict. While nostalgia becomes our greatest enemy, it also becomes our greatest friend. The mystery and excitement we associate with elements of life isn’t a golden era because this morphs into our actual reality as we gain experience.” Eleanor Joy on “Alon. (Goldfish In My Bathtub)”
In a submerged texture, light piano introduced us to a fictional, metaphoric story of being in the bathtub with goldfish, from the beginning of feeling playful and new with the experience to forging intimacy with the goldfish to feeling resentful, trapped in the same, repeated experience to the eventual resolution in peace and acceptance, “Anon. (Goldfish In My Bathtub” explores a woman’s journey with menstruation in relation with her body and mind.
Photo credit: Alex Honour, Yvonne Han
When creating the song, Joy was reading a biblical story where Jesus healed a woman who has been suffering from bleeding for 12 years. According to the Old Testament, she would have been “unclean” for the duration of bleeding, and therefore anyone or anything which touched her would also be unclean.
“I was inspired by the stigma that has surrounded menstruation. The way it has been used to control and manipulate women through shame, the connotation that having a period suggests adulthood,” said Eleanor Joy, “Though a period is only +/- a week of bleeding a month, it feels like something we are constantly preparing for as if it is always at the back of your mind. I wanted to express the idea in a palatable way that reflects how I view my period.”
Photo credit: Alex Honour, Yvonne Han
As a child, we are often taught that the sign of our first period symbolizes womanhood. The expectation and excitement for a girl waiting for her first period kept building up to the point of arrival. It quickly faded, leaving days of continuing bleeding and years of the menstrual cycle to come. “I felt unfair,” she commented.
Eleanor Joy intended to contrast the default goldfish symbolism of good luck, prosperity, success, and wealth. “I wanted the respect of the symbol to be fought with the feelings of a character, a constant balance between loving and tolerating,” she said.
The theme of desire and longing for comfort and peace is explored throughout the track. “While understanding and connections deepen, we aren’t cut off from the positive we used to find within things that have changed,” said Eleanor Joy.
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SINGLE REVIEW: FLYGHT CLUB “DRUGS ON MY MIND”
Discovery
Tempting, dangerous in its sweet mist, “Drugs On My Mind” is a dreamful ear candy with a dark twist. Derived from Flyght Club’s usual creative process, the track has naturally brought forth his Indian roots while remaining in the route of mainstream trap/hip-hop. “Drugs On My Mind” is a result of freestyle and spontaneity.
Mesmerizing melody fills the dim, humid atmosphere, glaring colors, and whispers. The track revolves around temptation and the unknown. A subtle Indian music influence fuses into the head-strong urban contemporary hip-hop vocabulary, “Drugs On My Mind” has a mysterious, exotic color in its sonic mix.
Like a drug that gets you good and high, Flyght Club’s charming, flowing voice is impossible to resist. The smooth, ethereal vocal is a trap you can never get out of. Like a different kind of drug, Dr. Prime adds an interesting twirl to the song with an edge but the same level of addicting effect.
The music video aimed to criticize cheesy, contemporary rap videos in pop culture. Approaching it humorously and harmlessly with flashing gold chain, passing tic tac as drugs, and fake jewelry, the music video is a fun addition.
PREMIERE: SCKDRWR “INFREQUENT LIFE CHANGES”
New Music Friday
The journey starts with stepping into an elevator and ends with the starting car engine. In those fragmented moments, peeling off layers of noises, luscious pads twirls and sparks its gentle warmth, fluctuating like ocean waves or the first sight of dawn.
It’s hard not to notice the vertical, multi-layered percussion essential as the bone of the song. Scattered, spirited particles bouncing alongside glitchy, realistic clicks right under your nose while in the distance, a rhythmic jitter drives the motion forward. A sense of playfulness and brightness gleam in its rich, emotive melancholy soundscape.
“This song is my attempt to capture the brightness, and the melancholy in my infrequently changing, routine-oriented life,” sckdrwr commented, “the song is about finding the signal inside the noise. Finding a groove in the space between spaces and moments between moments.”
Pronounced as “sock drawer,” sckdrwr is an electronic artist from the Bay Area. “Infrequent Life Changes” is the title track from his forthcoming debut album, mending field recordings and lubricated pads with a personal touch of creativity.
PREMIERE: PRINCE OF SWEDEN ‘LIVE FROM A DARK ROOM’
New Music Friday
Underlining melodies guiding through the dynamic guitar strumming. Melting in Prince of Sweden’s contemplative vocal, drifting along the afterheat of reverb, Live From a Dark Room invites you to the unique singer-songwriter soundscape where the magic of folk is reserved.
Traveling between solitude, campfire, nature, storytelling, and warmth with a rocker spirit, Prince of Sweden captivates thoughts wandering in-between spaces. Recorded live from a dark room at Prince of Sweden’s friend's house, the debut EP Live From a Dark Room consists of four songs where the time is still.
“If You Speak to Her, Tell Her Thanks for Me” is a tender tune revolving around unsaid words. The rendition of the traditional folk song “Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie” has a blues twist in its deep, shivering guitar motif. The vocal-led “Henrietta on My Mind” brings a brighter color to the collection with lighthearted accompaniment.
Influenced by the 60s infused rock n roll of the Arctic Monkeys and the slow folk ballads of Leonard Cohen, the British solo act Prince of Sweden explores introspective lyrics surrounded by a folk guitar soundscape with a rock edge.
PREMIERE: ADDEZINE “STAIRS”
New Music Friday
Absorbing influences from a wide range of music genres and styles, “Stairs” stands on its own, on edge, and in between. Exploring the feelings of an intense crush, the track by the UK-based artist, producer, Addezine is impressionistic and evocative.
Photo credit: Sophie Holden
Stunning, laid-back, and surreal, “Stair” swirls in its orange aura. Visible and invisible in the fog, the beauty of obscure revolves around its surreal landscape. A twanging motif behind Addezine’s whispery, ethereal voice brings a hypnotic, narcotic factor to the track. “Stair’ tunes into the longing of romance.
“Flashing lights bounce off your eyes, first face in the crowd when I walked in. Every room is full of life; when the walls are closing in, to the bottom of my glass I go, I couldn’t hold the weight of it.”
Poetic, romantic lyrics with raw, authentic expression. As if the instruments know his heart, they resonate in harmony with the chorus as Addezine dives into the heartache that comes with longing.
“I can’t tell you what I’m feeling.”
PREMIERE: SABRINA CARMEN “DREAMING WIDE AWAKE”
New Music Friday
In Sabrina Carmen’s exquisite, poised voice, poetic lyrical ideas invited us to an ethereal wonderland with magic and dreams. Reminded of the stunning view at sunset by the shore, “Dreaming Wide Awake” has a calm, healing quality of the ocean on top of its mellow, epic sonic environment. Lana Del Ray-inspired nostalgic flavor is the perfect embellishment.
“Sitting under the stars, in a sea of lights; compass of my hearts, navigate the skies.” A sense of innocence raises as the wandering eyes linger as if seeing the world for the first time. Under the nightlight, by the ocean, where the fairytales and dreams savored in memories.
Photo credit: Mary Vincenti
“Dreaming Wide Awake” has a youthful, adventurous spirit that always searches for more. “The great unknown, where oceans flow, I ride the higher tide Painted dreams, and fantasies, open up my eyes.” There’s always more than what meets the eyes. One’s experience with the spiritual realm is often connected with one’s relationship to nature. Ocean’s mystery and secret whispers reach out to us in feelings and dreams.
“If I wake tonight, it may be the last time Two worlds intertwined, meet me at the divide If I wake tonight (it may be the last time) Fighting with my mind…” As intrigued by the secret of the universe, the struggle to trust our instinct or simply relying on what meets the eyes is the journey of spiritual awakening, but once the eyes are open, can one really return to the darkness?
PREMIERE: ABERGALE BREMNER “OPEN TO LOVE”
New Music Friday
“Open to Love” is an empowering dance anthem brought to life by the vibrant, fabulous Australian artist Abergale Bremner, who is also known as a Global Embodiment Facilitator and Feminine Leadership Coach. Embracing her inner creativity, “Open to Love” sparks fire and freedom.
Passionate and honest, sampling her voice with no holding back, Abergale has a unique chemistry with EDM soundscape. The track opens with a sensitive spacey texture, twinkling energy, and light as the deep, expansive bass introduces you to the lurking underworld. It blossoms into an epic celebration in the bouncy dance beat.
Intention is the first step into change. “Open to Love” has an important message imprinted in its sonic and lyrical space. The song invites us to step outside our comfort zone and expand our horizons. No longer being restricted by fear, the world is full of possibilities. We all have the power to change our lives and be anything we want to be, reaching our full potential.
“Open to Love” marks the exciting new beginning for the multi-talented artist. With good intentions and affirming messages, the artist is spreading love and changing the world with music.
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PREMIERE: KINDRED CONNECTION “What A Way”
New Music Friday
Like phoenix rebirth from the ashes, “What A Way” has the igniting creative magic dust deep in its sound and energy. Kindred Connection is a duo of Mattia and Gabriele from Italy, Turin.
At that time, Mattia was going through an emotional crisis when Gabriele was having trouble settling in a new city away from home. Confronting the difficult situations and feelings in life, the band channeled something deeply touching and beautiful with “What A Way.”
Photo credit: @giotograph
“A song is an intimate moment that makes you want to look up at the sky and feel that every single thing in the world is connected,” said Kindred Connection.
It reminds you of the burning clouds at sunset. From a single note on the piano, the sonic landscape revolves around the vocal. Strings, echoing percussion, and feathery, shimmering textures; the intricate, thoughtful production shed a different light to melodies, spinning to the anthemic moment.
“Although the premises were not the best, we believe that the song is able to dampen the sadness of the moment,” the band comment.
PREMIERE: THE BRAMBLES ‘CALIFORNIA’
New Music Friday
Like last century’s classic film that left a mark on your heart, or the one kiss that forever lingers, “California” by the Manchester-based retro-pop band The Brambles shares a similar cinematic, nostalgic, stirring effect, adding to their collection with another elusive piece of art, the band has again rocked our world with their lavish, intricate soundscape.
Soft whispers and rhymes fluctuate in the brisk, wind-blowing drone, disappearing in the subtle, evocative, airy soundscape in motion, submerging into a surreal, ocean-like world. The bouncy synth leads the wandering thoughts. Like traveling across the ocean, gazing afar the horizon with uncertainty as the sun goes down, or looking into the abyss, seeing your own reflection, a fictional world evolves in a droning escalation with a touch of sensitivity.
“You’ll never know what you want unless it’s given to you in a shiny box. With lights and sounds and pretty girls and boys that sing their songs. “
“And with their words, create flaccid tales of escapades. (and the father that you never had).”
There’s a delicate balance between the known and the unknown. The Brambles gives you just enough hint for the wild imagination without ruining the mystery. On the flip side, “Casting Couch” is an electric track paying homage to artists that influenced their sampling style.
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SINGLE REVIEW: EAMONN CONOR “BLINDED”
Discovery
Influenced by new jack swing, a fusion style that absorbs hip hop, dance-pop production technique with the urban contemporary sound of R&B and jazz, “Blinded” by the Australian recording artist Eamonn Connor is a delight to the ears.
In the lush, glimmering soundscape, accompanied by a welcoming dance beat, the saxophone quietly sweeps into a mysterious, spiritual atmosphere. It sounded like might night of an urban street, walking in between clubs, hearing vague music coming from a distance.
Photo credit: Hardik Shah
Continue to bring in more interesting elements to its sonic texture, Eamonn Conor’s voice tells a different story about love, maturity, and reaching goals. Setting its theme in teen pop and high school romance, Conor’s voice has the charm of bringing to life a sensitive, artistic character who sings about the girl he likes.
It stirs your heart as the lyrics dive deep into his feelings and innermost longings. In Conor’s sweet, alluring voice, jazz, and R&B elements adds a layer of sophistication and maturity to the evolving theme, broadening its horizon to more mature listeners.
In the twinkling, simulating soundscape, saxophone strikes through the air full of personality and attitude. As a huge fan of fusion, Eamonn Connor is not afraid to experiment in his debut album Thought.
PREMIERE: DANIELLA SPADINI “7:30”
Song of the Day
Narrated around the heart-wrenching story of broken promises, Daniella Spadini’s “7:30” is a song that drags you into its purple aurora. Floral vocal in the dim wavy soundscape, emotions highlighted by the falling piano chords. Followed by a moment of twinkling stardust, twirling into the next phase.
Intricate, subtle development with hidden details, the anthemic chorus is first brought out with the light piano. Introducing percussion and fascinating embellishment, the texture enriches as the narrative deepens.
A momentary stillness is a silence before the storm. An invasive distorted guitar strikes through the night sky, shuttling in organized chaos, the final climax blossoms and concluded in a beautiful choral soundscape.
Spadini’s stunning vocal delivery is flawless and breathtaking. The world fades into the background as the stories imprinted in her voice unfold. When talent meets professionalism, perfection is unavoidable. The 22-year-old artist/songwriter Daniella Spadini is currently an undergraduate student at Berklee College of Music, majoring in songwriting.
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PREMIERE: JUMP & TURNER “STEPPIN”
Guided by the mantra of no rules or expectations, “Steppin” steps into the cool, chilling sunset with luscious soundscape and lo-fi edge, dancing shapelessly to the joyous waves, moving in the space of possibilities. The summer breeze softly touches your hair, and whispers: “Make the art you wish existed.”
Celebrating the moment of freedom and creativity, the vibrant “Steppin” has a strong personality. Hip, nerdy bassline underneath a dreamful vocal. Lush soundscape twinkling like water’s reflection. Swinging dance beat; a humorous, expressive guitar solo concludes the song as if in conversation with the bass.
Bonded over the love of Peep Show, coffee, and music, Jump & Turner is a Cardiff-based pop production duo. Due to their professions, Jump & Turner spend most of their time perfecting other artist’s music. Every now and then, they let loose and allow the free-flowing creative sparkles to take their shape.
“Steppin” marks the second release from their upcoming EP by the end of summer. Following an atmospheric, evocative “Run,” “Steppin” adheres to the exuberant texture, stepping further into the moment to unwind.
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PREMIERE: POINT LOBO ‘TACOMA NARROWS’
Inspired by the infamous Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse, the title track revolves around life's unexpected ebbs and flows. Swaying from one side to another, life is a journey of constant rebalancing and juggling between series of events. Characterized by a bass-driven, glaring dissonance that reminds of tragic catastrophe bouncing in between the ethereal, piano-based introspective highlight of emotions and feelings, “Tacoma Narrows” sonically depicts life’s oscillation as its narrative evolves and the plots thicken.
The disastrous nature comes to life in its sonic form. The track escalates to its climax in an overwhelming turmoil, featuring free improvisation between horn virtuosos Hitomi Oba on Tenor Sax and Nick DePinna on Trombone, recorded while watching the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse footage. As if thousands of cars crash into each other as the gigantic concrete collapse, falling to the ground. Dust and smoke in the air, screaming and crying mudded in the circling ambulance alarms, burning the sky.
As a seasoned songwriter, composer, and producer for film, TV, and digital media, Point Lobo has displayed his precise, dramatic writing style and extended color palette in Tacoma Narrows. Post-punk influence coiled in the bewitching dream-pop candy wraps with neon beats and simulated pads and effects.
“Broken Parts” introduces you to a bizarre, wonderful, psychedelic world, dazzlingly in its captivating, anthemic chorus and the simulated sounds wandering wild in its dream-pop sound realm.
“Kita City” features an ethereal vocal blossoming in the electric drum machine and driving synth. The free-spirited “Low Flame” spins into the sensitive, melancholy world of “Helen’s Song.” The album concludes with a fun, bouncy, industrial “What Did I Drop.” The EP takes you to a movie theatre with your eyes blindfolded and all your senses heightened.