“Skipping experimental production, a catchy chopped & screwed hook and laid back rap... Jamesbetamax is cooking. The raps let this one down a little but this artist is onto something fresh. Far from perfect there is enough to hear (more importantly, feel) in this record to know when he really dials into the sound he wants to create he’s gonna take the world by storm. Watch this space. ”
“This is pure poetry over an interesting beat. Strong Black Hair acknowledges all hair types that women have. He describes each woman in her element whether as a mother, an auntie, a sister or a teacher. He captivates our attention by describing the texture and the smell of pure coco butter. I also like the inserted audio that allows us to capture the power of black hair. ”
“From its infectious bass groove to its instantly memorable chorus, Paranoia is pretty awesome. Rec Halls lead singers voice cuts through the noise and serenades us as the band explores how familiar situations become unfamiliar and even scary when influenced by different emotions. The band has managed to find a fresh spin on that psychedelic surf sound and I’m here for it. ”
“This record is catchy and tongue in cheek in the way LCD Soundsystem was. The production might not be as infectious but this chorus is made to screamed at a packed show. The CrashMonkey tap into the kind of nostalgia that feels forever cool. The vocals are a little off but I think thats part of the charm and is kinda like LA in a way, its a little off but something about it just keeps you coming back.”
“Hip-Hop is a universal and Kourosh is speaking it fluently on Wolf. The Persian rapper by way of The Netherlands sounds sharp, clever and dripping with star power as he skates across the skipping production. The switch to acoustic guitar and sweet singing on the outro shows Kourosh is a 360 artist and could be about to put his city on the international stage. ”
“Self-reflection doesn’t always need to be drenched in sour minor chords and brooding grooves. Coma Girls prove that because Back To The Source just makes me want to move. Its ear-worm like melodies and true indie anthem guitars make you want to shake your demons off at a Coma Girls show screaming every lyric back at them. Subtle yet poetic with honest like “You were good at sex / But you’re bad at goodbyes” makes this a a true pop masterpiece without even trying. ”
“When you’re opening verse includes the lines “She knows she could sell, lies to the devil, I’ve bought them myself” you mean BUSINESS. Do Me Like You Do feels like being ripped apart and being put back together by the person who ripped you apart in the first place. Vocally MICAH has the rare ability to let him self be consumed in the moment but maintain control over his voice. As out of control as his lover makes him feel he keeps himself composed in the storm. ”
“To quote The Verve, this is a bitter sweet symphony. Never loud but impossible to be heard, Haley pours her heart out in this tale of betrayal and heartbreak. Writing and rewriting this song over a 4 year period, Haley really landed right on the heart strings in such a honest and raw way. *Standing ovation* ”
“Jon Vinyl is back is the beautiful breezy ‘Wasted’. From soaring vocals, to honest conversational lyrics, wasted feels like the perfect way to close out summer 23. It’s bittersweet with an emphasis on the sweet. ”
“I like how the guitar hits at just the right moment. This progressive rock track takes you down the road of life. It explores time and age on a fast pace tempo. Elsewhere gives listeners a moment of solo but also picks back up with a good hook. ”
“Jade LeMac might not be on your radar yet, but she should be. This talented artist has the emotive power to hook a listener with but a single line. ‘Got Me Obsessed’ has a touch of Amy Winehouse in the tone although delivered more in a Contemporary Pop vibe. LeMac has the driving force of Arista records behind her so I expect to hear mor of this track and this artists in the months and years to come. ”
“Is there such a thing a melancholy mosh pit?...
This chorus is infectious and raw. The whole record is raw AF. The beautiful strings juxtaposed over IGNORANT drums is glorious. Excuse me while I go yell ‘SHE WILL NEVER LOVE ME BACK’ while a make more morning coffee and think about the one that got away. ”
“Starbenders deliver a jam as nostalgic as their name with “Cherry Wine”. A fun, youthful love story about one’s last experience with the one they love. This song gives late 80s glam rock. It could be played and enjoyed from older ages to the new youth. This song jumps out the speakers and just makes you wanna dance.”
“Zikai takes us on a journey into her experience of love lost in “Summer 16” . An energetic, yet moody pop jam. Her vocals flow freely over a chill, simple production. The song is both catchy and relatable as we all have memories of things and people we have both loved and lost. Summer 16 is a must listen for 2023.”
“ Off Grid delivers a beautiful ballad. Angelic vocals over well played strings and a beautiful piano accompanist because the beat opens up into its full range. A well written story of romance that tugs at the heart strings of the listener. This song is an example of when music was music; full of feeling and well written, meaningful lyrics. Then as the song ends you’re given the gift of an insane electric guitar solo which only goes to add more texture to this already well put together composition. The masterpiece of simplicity.”
“The bass sets the tone of what’s to come on this dark, groovy tune. The instruments are masterfully played and perfectly in sync with the vocalist. Never overbearing or under bearing the artist. This is pure sound track music. From an 80s musical style to modern day com horror flicks. This song is a refreshing new sound that is definitely here to stay.”
“You ever just take a moment to lay down and fantasize. VCTR “Animation” is about thinking about your favorite person. This contemporary R&B track has an anime analogy to it but on a sexier tip. The song is smooth and keeps a consistent tempo.”
“If you ever been tired of working this is the track for you. Sometimes going to work and dealing with people is tiresome. Verse Coast lays every work ain’t shxt thought in this track. They are so low key with their delivery that its hard to take the track serious until you really listen to what they are saying. Then you realize you can really relate. I can see this track going viral in a lot of reels. ”
“Find a patch a grass, some headphones maybe a lil drink a lil s**** and lose yourself in this record. ‘Halfway’ is heady without losing you on the journey. All the vocalists bring something fresh a unique to the song and the soulful production is the glue. Everything about this record is hypnotic and effortless. A late contender for jam of the summer. ”
“I think we can all agree that life is tiring. Sometimes its so tiring I can’t even find the words to say how I’m feeling, and on those days I’m grateful records like this exist. Malcom & Bino dive into how people and life can be draining and well exhausting and say what we all wanna say when we feel like we keep taking losses I’M EXHAUSTED!”