SINGLE REVIEW: KOA “OUT OF MY REACH”
Staff Pick
Photo creditL @sakiakivilo
“Out Of My Reach” is a song you could really sit and let it sink you in. Inspired by the way people enjoy skipping to their favorite part of the song and changing it, KOA took a leap of faith and converted three songs into one. Representing the rapid change in the way we feel and see ourselves, the song breaks down to three different stages of the mental struggle between self and outside opinions: anger, frustration; pretend, and giving in to the black hole.
Maybe it was the way “Out Of My Reach” was produced, the song gives you a constant high that doesn’t resolve when the music stops. The distant “be greater” echoes in the background like a curse in the pain-filled texture, every word KOA wrote seems to speak directly to your heart. From its gloomy, slightly disoriented soundscapes to haunting, mesmerizing melodies, the surreal, distorted vocals, and chant-like rhythms only hit you harder.
KOA consists of two brothers from Arizona, Austin & Jagger Spacy. Coming from different perspectives in the creative industry, the two join forces with an even stronger collaboration KOA.
SINGLE REVIEW: LOULITA GILL “Will You?”
Song of the Day
Sometimes, when we seek out help by vocalizing our fear and troubles, the eager attempt from the others who always reason on how to fix the situation for us although in good intention can oftentimes leave us feeling unheard and even lonelier. Setting its scene in a gentle, emotive soundscape, “Will You?” sheds light on the lonely voice that is oftentimes being swallowed in defense and reasoning.
Feathery, immersive synth joins a tender piano in healing voices that touches your heart with its genuine, heartfelt lyricism. Simple but efficient, the production completes its aesthetic with a tasteful touch that brings out the beauty of the song even more.
Loulita Gill calls for listening, a simple act of kindness sometimes is all the support one needs from another person to regain the confidence and courage to navigate through a rough time. It is easier said than done, but active listening, being there for someone who is going through a breakdown or a tough time sometimes has the power to save lives. Concluding with a final response, “Then you will have loved me.”
ALBUM REVIEW: LA MVERTE “Alchemy Calls”
Staff Pick
Revolving around three stages in the pathway of philosopher’s stone in alchemy, a mystical object that could turn base metals into gold or silver and achieve immortality, which symbolizes enlightenment and perfection, La Mverte’s Alchemy Call illustrate and further interpret the stages with three tracks: “Nigredo,” “Albedo,” and “Rubedo,” which represents blackness (death/decomposition), whiteness (purification), and redness (reborn) respectively. The EP also includes two remixes of “Nigredo.”
La Mverte’s method of sonic symbolism in Alchemy Call is quite fascinating, where themes and variations spread out throughout the record with different underlying meanings, adding a poetic touch to its gesture. Observing the sonic development between death, spiritualism, and sacredness contrasting with the reinforcement of dissonance and theme while beats behave distinctly in different stages.
“Nigredo Ft. JC From Vox Low” spirals down a dark, eerie theme tackling elusive dark visions with a heavy, punchy beat that intensifies the decomposition. It reminds you of the constant industrial compression that beats an object to its very core, where Jean-Christophe Courderc’s vocal connects the idea with a confrontation with one’s own demon. In the brutal, repetitive self-interrogation, the idea of self is breaking down to what it’s truly made off.
Stepping into the second stage, “Albedo” begins with a constant ring carried throughout the track as purification gradually takes its shape. The same spoken line distorts according to the stretch of space in a penetrating beat, stripping down all judgments. “Rubedo” rises above the sky with a choir, organ-like brightness where the regroup of elements takes shape into the becoming of something new yet familiar, filled with limitless possibilities.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW LA MVERTE
GIANT HEAD COLLECTIVE “SIN (FT. SCOTT MULHEARN)”
Discovery
“Sin” is a warm, fuzzy banger that fills the frigid winter nights with fierce and smokey southern rock. Tapping your feet along with the punchy drum beat and slipping whiskey down your throat, the haunting, free-spirited electrified vocal filled the air with southern dreams where the big-sounding guitars swooped in dirty, saucy twangs.
“Sin” is a song of flavor and memory that hits your southern country spot with a fierce energy for celebration. Within the pulsing beat that drives you to dance, it constantly surprises you with exciting sounds that take the vibe to the next level. “Sin” is a song you could never get tired of.
Since the early days when music producer/songwriter Mark Breiningan had the idea for a collective, Giant Head Collective has been about international collaboration. “Sin” takes this idea across the Atlantic Ocean, featuring the Tennessee artist Scott Mulhearn, and smashed the air with energy.
SINGLE REVIEW: TAYIHA “GOTTA BE MORE THAN THIS”
Staff Pick
“Gotta Be More Than This” tells a story about breaking free and becoming. In the silvery warmth, Tayiha’s voice makes you fall in love with life again. From a person who used to be an image in the eyes of others to realizing her own story, “Gotta Be More Than This” is empowering. Walking away and not letting others take her for granted is a big step forward in personal growth although bathing in heartache and tears.
Her vulnerable, authentic storytelling makes the music highly relatable that almost everyone who has shared a similar experience could find solace in her sound at the same time begin to heal and let her voices fill the world with butterflies and sunshine again. Tayiha channels the beauty of transformation in her songwriting.
From the feathery soundscape of tender heartbreak standing up into an anthemic statement with full power, the artist drops a tear into her music that touches your heart. As an artist, Tayiha’s creative journey started at a young age. At 8, she has already written a song about bullying. The Australian-born young artist’s raw talent for songwriting and lyrics and a matured sound beyond her age is storming the creative industry.
ANIMA “SELF-ANGER THEME (FT. PHEAL)”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Valentin Folliet aka Odák
“Self-Anger Theme” is a unique experience that you simply can’t find elsewhere. Revolving around self-hatred and embracing the darkness within, Anima stretched beyond the further end of visions and imaginaries and created a world that didn’t previously exist from the ground up. It was simply shocking the way how different layers of sounds interact and merge into a multi-dimensional projection that continues to shift and move in time.
The violence of electronic music meets an angst-filled electrified, industrial texture that smashed into the aftermath of each drumbeat and on the tips and tails of vocal. An anthemic siren that shivers into your skin, while there’s a certain feel of hipness that puts you through a dark tunnel, glistening with black diamonds, glasses, and sands. “Self-Anger Theme” is hard to be pinned down to words, just as the way it was hard to be pinned down to genre or definition.
Born in a creative family, Matisse Roger lives to push the boundary of imaginations with genre-fluid, out-of-the-world aesthetics. He absorbs new ideas from different experiences where inspirations flow through and leave their marks. Dedicated to his craft and to developing new sounds, the artist has something exciting and unique for the listeners.
SINGLE REVIEW: BRIDGET KELLY QUINN “ISLA”
Discovery
Photo credit: emabat_
“Isla” is a lullaby Bridget Kelly Quinn wrote for her daughter. Starting out as a cappella, Quinn ornamented with a beautiful, flowing piano, played by David Lennon. The simpleness of the song astonishes you with its raw, refreshing energy as opposed to the heavy, buzzy feeling sometimes a loud, overly polished track gives you. Like the wind that gently and playfully lifts off a strand of your hair, “Isla” is stunningly wonderful.
It reminds you of a simpler time and the beauty of something so pure and real -- love and happiness. “Isla” creates a little happy bubble around you and folds you in with its tender, loving field of energy that instantly melts all the outside noises and voices. listening to Bridget Kelly Quinn’s stunning vocal where a classical influence meets a tasteful jazz twist is simply fascinating.
“Isla,” as a debut of Bridget Kelly Quinn’s own writing shows potential. As a singer, the artist surely knows the charm in her voice, which she brings out so perfectly in her own songwriting with melodies that are soothing, refreshing, and authentic to her voice. It’s quite exciting to see where the future holds for Quinn.
ALBUM REVIEW: EDDIE COHN “DYSTOPIAN DAYS”
Album of the Month
Dystopian Days is a record you simply can’t get enough of after the first spin. From the album opener “Broken Pieces” to “Kill Silently",” it fills the room with intense, psychedelic visions that make you stay alert and engaged at all times. Eddie Cohen is a perfectionist that manages to fulfill and extends your expectation of a record to every detail, ebbs and flows.
Written during a time of madness in Los Angeles when the world seemed to have gone crazy. Exploring anxiety, raw emotions, and our animalistic nature, the earthy percussion echoes in the background in relation to a dissonant resonance soundscape in the air that fills the space with entrancing, untamed energy that put you in a trance. Dystopian Days is a record that makes you want to turn the volume of your subwoofer all the way up and dance to its monstrous, immersive power.
“I live about 1 half a mile away from where a lot of the rioting took place in LA and it was a really unsettling time,” said Cohn, “When the lockdown happened and the riots and protests happened, all these cultural events brought up some raw emotions. I felt a level of anxiety in the air that I had never felt before. Or maybe the last time I felt this energy in the air was during the Rodney Kind trial or the earthquake in 93. It was a scary time and I felt the only way to get through this emotional roller coaster was to sing and write songs,” said the artist.
Eddie Cohn’s rock-fused vocal gives it an immediate angst-filled, isolated, yet vulnerable vibe to his mesmerizing melodies. From “Freedom” to “Animal,” the three songs serve an intensified sequence that kept you in the groove while introducing more interesting variations. “Freedom” has a folk-rock undertone that sets the mood and prepares you for further development. “Underwater” gives it a slightly eerie vibe with a straightforward head-hitting drumbeat that reminds you of an early PJ Harvey soundscape. “Animal” pushes the atmosphere to the climax with chant-like vocals and layers of strings, and then Cohn regroups and shakes things up with “What Do You Want From Me.”
“I found myself asking some deeper questions and wondered if human beings are not much different than animals. And as hard as we try to control ourselves, to tame ourselves to behave as civilized creatures, is that really even possible? There was a certain level of chaos in the air that was so thick and real, I wondered if we were going to be okay. It's scary to think how quickly human beings can turn into vicious animals and often, this strange world doesn't make much sense. This song tries to capture some of the fear and confusion I felt earlier in the air during the lockdowns and the protests and rioting that took place,” the artist commented on “Animal”
The second half of the album derives into even more fascinating territory. An unevenly grouped syncopation along with the chordal passages reminds you of a natural, unornamented Rite of Spring energy that weaves into chaotic, epic poetry with shimmering strings and choirs. Eddie Cohn concludes Dystopian Days with “Kill Silently,” which seizes you fully, but there’s an urgent desire for the music to keep going.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW EDDIE COHN
EP REVIEW: COLLECT CALL ”THE GOLDEN HOUR”
Staff Pick
In The Golden Hour, Collect Call creates an ethereal, whimsical, yet emotive world where the melancholy electronic dream-pop soundscape fills the air with nostalgic warmth. Lo-fi electronic beats travel in time with various versions of images and visions that meet a sensitive, sincere vocal. Obscure, shimmering dreamscape that is both alluring and glistening under the deep blue ocean.
The Golden Hour keeps you warm on a lonely, rainy day. Sentimental piano always fills the room with memories where the past floats in the thick, dusty air and time have come to a stop. “Chase the Light” introduces a light, energetic tempo within that universe, warming you up in the calming morning sun yet with a shadow of intensity. “Simple” dives underwater in a vintage, shimmering radio dissonance that exists between sounds. In a heartbeat, it swirls into a full-blossom of the dream-pop landscape.
Collect Call’s vocal gently hits you in waves on “No Amount of Medicine,” which sensitively contrasts with the vague, feathery vocal that tastes like a lucid dream in the title track “The Golden Track". The soundscape has become thicker and heavier in the lo-fi piano sound that seems to shift and twist slightly in the air.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW COLLECT CALL
ALBUM REVIEW: SCOTT KLEIN “JESSE’S HOTEL”
Staff Pick
Rusty Delta, a groovy country twang in combination with a brighter, colder underground Britpop sound and a nostalgic California dreamful whisper is quite characteristic of the Canadian-based singer-songwriter Scott Klein’s poised moodiness. Lyrical moans in the sense of smoky dizziness confess of sinful desire and dark romances, Jesses’s Hotel takes you to the underbelly of America where everything has a different texture under the dim light.
The effortless off-key slur in between the passage gives Klein’s vocal style a rusty old Delta slide guitar sort of vibe that is simply charming and fascinating to his storytelling in contrast with the reverberant, cinematic chorus.
The album opener “DOA” opens with a tempting bluesy riff that immediately drags you into a lonesome road of contemplation and dreams. In the whisper echoes of ethereal backing vocals, "the haunting melody surrounds you and swirls into the depth of imagination.
“What’s My Name” that revolves around questioning oneself within a dream is another country-fused fascination with a classic British glare that steps into a darker, more intense tone in “Houdini.” “LA Queen” is a rock n roll slow dance that fills the air with anthemic, captivating melodies. “Sunshine” continues brewing in the fuzzy, lo-fi California vibe under the sunshine layered a southern twist.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW SCOTT KLEIN
SINGLE REVIEW: LINDA “BALLAD OF ABIGAIL”
Discovery
Photo credit: Istvan Haag
“Ballad of Abigail“ is a new single from LINDA’s upcoming album Trip To Myself. It is a monologue that roughly inspired by a villain, Abigail Williams who was one of the first children to accuse their neighbors of witchcraft which eventually led to the Salem witch trials. Curious about what was truly on her mind and her intention, who was never given a voice in history, LINDA wrote the song because she sees them.
From intimate storytelling between a light piano and a captivating vocal, gradually adding percussion and a thin layer of pads and guitar. The stretching tension is all in LINDA’s voice where it goes up into the sky and keeps rising above the clouds and blossoming into a cathartic, psychotic full-on powerhouse that reminded you of many legendary female punk rockers such as Hole and Paramore.
She takes you on an adventure and emotional roller coaster. “Ballad of Abigail” is theatrical and powerful where the influence of Lady Gaga, Guns and Roses, and Miley Cyrus is somewhere unintentionally yet tastefully hidden. As a strong woman who competes in national flying competitions, LINDA’s heart goes to women in the male-dominated field who have not been given a voice or fair treatment, which became the core idea and inspiration for her upcoming album Trip To Myself.
“Born Out of Winter, Dreaming Summer” North Lakes on ‘Black Cat Music Volume 1’ (Copy)
Born out of the frigid winter, North Lakes bring back the vibrant summer, brewing the wonderful mix of power pop, proto-punk, and garage rock.
Photo credit: Andrew Cairns
“Winters in Atlantic Canada can be pretty miserable. It gets pretty easy to choose to stay at home and essentially hibernate for a lot of the year, so the songs tend to be from the perspective of someone who is reluctant to engage with people, places, and environments of that season,” said Nathan from North Lakes, “but the point is that you can find a lot of beauty if you get outside of your shelter.”
Born out of the frigid winter, North Lakes bring back the vibrant summer, brewing the wonderful mix of power pop, proto-punk, and garage rock. Featuring four high-energy, unique yet timeless tracks, Black Cat Music Volume 1 marks the beginning of a creative journey. A pinch of nostalgia recalling the classic modern rock sound mixed in with North Lakes’s intuitive visual sensitivity, Black Cat Music Volume 1 puts you in the scene while entrancing your ears. “Good for driving, good for dancing, good for daring to reach a little farther. We’re genuinely proud of these songs,” Nathan reassured us.
The journey of waking up and getting out of one’s own cave starts with “After The Drifts,” filled with mixed feelings and overthinking that gives the song a dangerous edge while contrasting the sonics. “Noise on the Anvil” lifts up the curtain and sees the ocean from the window, where the chill, surfacing soundscapes slowly melt the edge. “I like the invitation to ‘Meet me down at the concert hall with the night owls under the mirror ball, I wanna dance in a tape delay.’ That sounds like a pretty good night to me,” Nathan commented. “Jasmine the Flower” takes a dreamful retro down memory lane, while “Feel Nothing” steps boldly outside the door.
The creative process behind the band comes collaborative and interactive. “Typically, I write and record a bunch of demos. As a band, we choose our favorites and hammer out an arrangement or part ideas that would build upon what we already have. We mostly just stab in the dark until the light tears through,” said Nathan.
Interview & written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW NORTH LAKES
SINGLE REVIEW: WOTTS “SUNNYSIDE”
Discovery
“Sunnyside” marks a turning point for Wotts following what their inspirations and hearts lead them — a gradual shift from hip-hop to indie pop. The song aims to recapture the nostalgic, tickling feeling of defining first love that sets the foundation for all tastes and likes. Wotts traced back to the initial calling, tuned into the pulsing energy, and brought us back the fuzzy warmth of shoegaze — “Sunnyside” immediately drags you into the energy of a glory time when the sun was bright and everything was swirling under the disco light.
Despite the retro theme, “Sunnyside” is a celebration of the present. Heavily influenced by contemporary artists of the indie disco pop genre, such as Dayglow, Tame Impala, etc, the song finds its unique modern adaption with technology and re-imagination.
“The last couple of years have been tough for a lot of people. Towards the end of our time recording our last record, we started to feel good about life again. This song is a shoutout to that feeling, and our way to give ourselves a pass to enjoy a good moment till it lasts,” said Jayem, and Rick 100 added, “Even if there’s a lot of terrible shit happening, you shouldn’t feel bad about being happy and enjoying a silver lining. moments like that come and go, so hold onto them while you can”
Glistening soundscape and swirling synth pads, a retro beat in addition to an ethereal vocal with a speck of hipness, Wotts blends multi-genre on “Sunnyside” which in turn become the creation of their characteristic sound that reminds you of a little bit of everything but not tied down to anything.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW WOTTS
ALBUM REVIEW: MIND THE GAP “DROWNING IN MY MIND”
Album of the Week
Photo credit: Davide Minoja
As an album opener, “Wake Again” makes a strong statement introducing us to Mind The Gap’s sound - an immense, unique, highly relatable, well-absorbed, and immersive sonic world that is hyperconnected to the one we live in. Drowning In My Mind, the concept debut album of Mind The Gap, revolves around two parts of interconnected dreams, which were presented in song form. From the hypocritic world, we live in, war, loneliness, to the waking up and becoming of oneself, Drowning In My Mind is an album you can’t stop listening to from top to end with its introspective lyricism, fascinating storytelling, and kaleidoscopic soundscapes that you could never get tired of.
The lead singer, Valerio Villani has stories in his voice which intrigue you to hear the words he says. The lead guitarist, Giorgio Minoja, weaves his nostalgic, immersive dreamscape into the storytelling and completes the vision. His soaring solo on “Awake” is both a surprise and a highlight in the album. In addition, the interplay between guitar and vocal is one to savor. Luca Bellani’s bass guitar is the subwoofer in the band that adds another layer of subtle rhythm into the groove, and in addition to Raffaella Cipolla’s solid drum that creates a tasteful foundation — Mind The Gap has youthful, inspired sound with matured, a well-balanced vision that dips its feet in different forms of art without losing its direction, and Drowning In My Mind is the sonic realization of that dream.
Setting its scene in an indie rock-pop soundscape with a speck of youthful yet feeling-infused energy, “Nobody is Crying” is the half-time peak of this album, in which an anthemic choir with layers of harmony comes into an epic scene.
From “Get Away,” the album enters a different dimension and added in more characteristic, new sounds, which are really exciting to hear. “Awake” captures the shocking heaviness and complex emotions the moment you wake up from those dreams into reality (think about the moment when Neo woke up in reality in The Matrix), a very emotional moment when you can’t fully accept the truth yet can’t undo the awakening process. Mind The Gap concluded with “Now,” the rebirth after rebirth, that storms with a new high in the maturing and becoming of one’s true self.
SINGLE REVIEW: AREO “BRING IT ON”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Alexander Bagdahn
“Bring it On” is a surprise that will spin you off of the ground with its electric, constant inspired, swirling soundscape that creates a variety of images in your head. Created by the Germany-based electronic, house artist Areo, mastered by Iorie, “Bring it On” is uplifting and irresistible
Ground-shaking groove and guitar-infused organic house soundscape, Areo fills the world with layers of sounds that are cleverly arranged and located from all angles. From music loves to avid listeners who are on the hunt for more exciting new sounds, “Bring it On” certainly can bring satisfaction to every hungry ear.
The artist translated his sense of playfulness and uplifting energy into the music and become the pulsing force that drives the track to each new highs. “Bring it On” is infectious. It makes a strong impression that one hard to forget.
SINGLE REVIEW: GILAN “SCREAMING”
Discovery
Gilan’s voice has the texture of poetry that glazes in a natural richness that compresses layers of feelings in brutal honesty. Inspired by early PJ Harvey’s musical style and Fiona Apple, “Screaming” creates a world of true freedom where darkness and the real feeling can be explored and expressed.
Unlike most songs that cling onto certain textures or sounds, “Screaming” shifts between shapes and tastes in the vibrating reverberant electrified, glaring soundscapes that stimulate and communicate different stages/phases of the struggle with one’s demons.
Western grunge influences and Middle Eastern’s sophisticated, historical flavors meet at a crossroad of introspection where they weave into a unique yet personal expression of the UK-based artist Gilan’s music. “Screaming” is hauntingly mesmerizing and it gets under your skin.
As an LGBTQ+ person growing up in the Middle East where the discussion of many topics like darkness, mental health, or one’s true feeling is suppressed, music is where Gilan finds freedom where she can explore herself freely and truly and become who she wants to be.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW GILAN
SINGLE REVIEW: LARIZZLE, ROSES GABOR “OVER ME”
Staff Pick
Produced by Larizzle, “Over Me” fuses soulful Amapiano sounds with a funky UK house. Afrobeat-inspired funky, percussive house beats create a hypnotic, uninhibited, breathable sonic space. Combined with smooth layers of airy pads, Larrizle painted a feathery, cloudlike texture around Roses Gabor’s vocal performance.
As a professional DJ, Larizzle has a successful career spanning over 15 years. The producer/DJ approaches the fusion house sound with a unique, personal touch that is both meaningful and exciting. His take on the genre is inspired and exquisite. Singer Roses Gabor has a soulful, luscious sound that instantly dissolves in the music and your ear. Her beautiful embellishment with layers of tasteful harmonies is charmingly fascinating.
“Over Me” is a remote collaboration between two artists during a restricted time. The song was released on Larrizle’s own record Larrah Records, in memory of his late daughter. The song has been featured on BBC Radio 1 as well as other national radios, playlists, and blogs.
SINGLE REVIEW: MEZMAH “SMOKE + MIRRORS”
Song of the Day
Through “Smoke + Mirrors,” the rapper/artist Mezmah brings to light the tragic, untold story of a neighbor he used to live with next door being subjected to domestic violence. Reflecting and reinterpreting violent acts which he heard through the wall at an age when he could not fully understand the meaning, Mezmah approached this sensitive yet common topic with empathy and a heavy heart.
Punchy beats and moody backdrops paved the deep, emotive sonic background for his powerful storytelling in the piercing wordplay. Revolving around the captivating, punctuated hook, smoke and mirror had another layer to their imageries and metaphors.
Music is a form in which Mezmah voices his truth. Mezmah is known for his introspective storytelling and unfiltered perspective, shedding light on social-political unrests. His work is often deep and contemplative yet hits you right in the gut with raw and real lyricism.
SINGLE REVIEW: FERALMAN “THE BALLAD OF LIFE & DEATH”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Antelope Media
The idea of “The Ballad of Life & Death” took inspiration at a significant turning point in life when Feralman was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During the four long weeks of waiting for the test results, many creative ideas took shape in the form of songs and weaved into introspective, metaphorical lyricism.
Contemplating life and death, it seems that they are elegantly and delicately linked together where one cannot be without another. We cherish life and every single thing that makes our memory because of the destined end of death and even our fear for it.
Revolving around the metaphoric image between the hooded man and jolly woman, Welsh/Australian artist/songwriter Feralman approached this idea with a smooth, mellow duet featuring Nashville-based singer Rochelle Feldkamp. With the combination of silvery flute passage and hand clapping, “The Ballad of Life & Death” has a rich, heartfelt texture with a layer of abundance and festivity.
“At times, the balance between life and death can be very fine. One is often considered with fear and dislike, the other with enjoyment and happiness…two very different emotions. I liked the idea of bringing these together in some way and this song is essentially the story that my mind’s eye created,” Feralman commented.
EP REVIEW: BURR ISLAND “BAKER ST. BLUES”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Eddy Massarella
Baker St. Blues is a collection of four interconnected, magnificent short auditory films. Cinematic and dramatic, Burr Island has a very extroverted presentation in combination with their sensitive, introspective lyricism that forms a fascinating internal hurricane of tension and contrasts. They adhere to the folk spirit that often captures the grim truth of reality with wittiness and seemingly cheerful sonics. Acoustic guitar and a vocal duet with a sprinkle of production are all Burr Island need for its meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.
The album spirals inward with emotions and depth, self-examining as well as contemplating the outside world. “Why Is It?” reflects on the way our lives seem to rely entirely on technology. It stores our activities, memories, and dictates our thoughts and opinions. It’s horrifying in a way and it makes you wonder how far we have gone with “reality.” “All I Am” passes through the surface-level desires/needs to find peace from within. It peels off the glittering mask of the material world and questions our existence. “Courtroom of My Minds” takes on a brand new angle and examines the very process of doubt — the clouded room that is always filled with voices struggling between self-sabotage, social norms, and seeking for truth.
“Baker St. Blues” is the fearless, passionate color in a world of grey. Dream and love work its way into the sonics and remind us there’s always something worth fighting for in seemingly mundane life. It’s about the person you used to be and who you dream to be. Does the dream still exist? The song brings tears to your eyes as you start to remember and realize.
Burr Island is a band you can’t help stamping your feet and humming its mesmerizing melodies along the way. Their music is heartwarming and touching in the sense that it connects us through our very human experiences in its truthful, authentic, spirited storytelling. They give something back with their music and offer a moment of contemplation and pause.
Written by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW BURR ISLAND