Albums Reviewed

Blake’s interesting fourth album “Plainsongs” is a modern 60s dream

“I wanted to record this L.P. on tape without endless overdubs, like the recordings of the sixties, hence the double meaning in the title, ‘Plainsongs’. The aim was to capture the energy of the songs that I had been performing live with my band before we came into the studio. Musically and lyrically, the songs…

Queen Daxene amazing new album “Barnstormer”

Queen Daxene is Alex Denny’s music project. A London-based musician who has been writing and performing music all his life. Together with drummer Alex Reeves (Elbow/Bat for Lashes/Shania Twain) and Robert Ogden, they’ve created a whimsical and euphoric piece of art.

Feyer’s outstanding EP “Bridging the Gaps”

“This EP was birthed out of the Covid-19 pandemic when everything felt so uncertain. Outwardly with the uncertainty in the world, but inwardly too, I was struggling with my own future and the future of the music world in general. So, I hunkered down in my home studio and continued making the music I felt…

LAUTMALR – “In Between The Noise”

In this album, “In Between The Noise” LAUTMALR presents 8 tracks of mesmerizing sonic qualities, from somber to magical, the album moves forward like a motion picture, just like a soundtrack taken out of an art film.

DCxPC New Volume 15: No Coffin

I was hooked right away. This was some killer metal but with great ardcore/punk influences. It was fast as hell, dirty as fuck, and heavier than I’d seen in a long time. Mr. P (DCxPC) on the first impression of No Coffin

Clinically Sane outstanding debut EP “Tales Of No One”

Tiago Freitas, the man behind Clinically Sane, is finally revealing his upcoming EP. A rush of emotions, electrifying riffs, and over-the-top vocals are what await inside “Tales Of No One”, with five tracks that tackle different subjects inspired by real-life stories.

Occurrence’s masterful and impressive new album “Slow Violence”

Slow Violence by Occurrence is a massive collection of twenty-two songs, showcasing all of the trio’s abilities at once. Over the course of the record, we see the band creating powerful music, with dreamy atmospheres and vocal melodies alongside crashing percussion and a somewhat industrial influence.

Flatfoot Sam’s mature new EP “Zeitgeist”

The amount of care put on into every little detail in “Zeitgeist” can be literally heard, every kick and every snare, every reverb and delay effect. Flatfoot Sam has created a landscape so unusual that you might struggle to connect it to anything you’ve heard before.

Gunslingers’ promising debut with “Green Acres Motel”

Green Acres Motel is a powerful and promising debut EP by Gunslingers that takes folk in an unexpected direction. The nostalgic and melancholic feelings that each of the six tracks transmits to the listener are sure to accompany them for a good amount of time. Do not miss it!

Blu Joy’s vintage new album

Blu Joy was created by high school friends Kris Wilson and Niqo Robertson after meeting in their school band. Niqo discovered Kris’s passion for songwriting and soon after, the two were writing and jamming together. They are inspired by classics from the pop and rock of the mid-20th century, while also adding some 90’s influence…

Kimaya Diggs after dark there’s light “Quincy”

“Quincy was written and recorded during a really hard time in my life. But instead of writing sad songs (already did that on my first album!) I decided to chase the joy that I was missing in my life. I wanted songs that reflected my heartbreak but could also make you dance. I kept being…

Aggressive Soccer Moms “QUINT”

Aggressive Soccer Moms recorded a cover. A version of Yoko Ono’s “Why” “Her way of approaching music has many similarities to ASM’s way of experimenting with their music. The monotony of her song “Why” is interspersed with rock’n’roll vibes as in “Sisters, O Sisters”. If any genre boundary is identified, it must be broken.

Marta Per outstanding debut EP “Fragments & Fingerprints”

“This EP is a collection of pieces of my identity, both musical and otherwise. It is, not coincidentally, about having to redefine myself in a different environment and phase of life and the struggles that brings along. It’s uncomfortably transparent at times but also filled with riddles and metaphors that will make you want to…

Ali George’s beautiful EP “Platys Yialos”

This poetically told story by Ali George enveloped in a tender acoustic atmosphere depicting brokenness, terror, and despair taking place one awful night acts as a warning of what alcohol abuse can lead to.

MadZen – “El Mestizo”

“I’m now ready to reveal my next move. A four-track EP created as a way to celebrate my Latin heritage, and as a musical outlet to dance our sorrows away… Releasing this February 10th!” Madzen

Moon and Aries new EP “Break The Matrix (Episode Three)”

With Tom Aries’ memorable, seductive melodies and captivating instrumentals, blending with Jordana Moon’s thought-provoking, poetic lyrics and emotionally intimate vocals, they are back with the final Episode: Episode Three by Moon and Aries

Das Elite – “Landslide”

“Again very late I was reading in bed when this idea just came, a small melody line. So I instantly got up and started to make a simple demo and wrote the lyrics. I imagined something dystopian, but still beautiful, when you’re high up on a mountain or a roof with someone you feel comfortable…

Slim Loris- Red Loris Yellow Loris

“Listeners will hopefully find our music recognizable but original at the same time. Like you´ve picked up an old vinyl for your collection and realized you’ve never actually played it before. Mattias Cederstam / Slim Loris

Beatdenker’s new LP “Ethic Endless Fun”

“Ethic Endless Fun” by Beatdenker is a whole new territory for music lovers searching for something different, and not just noise music different, but an alternate and refreshing vision of the concept of rhythm.

JUNK – “Chromatose”

“The band JUNK plays its own original music made first to satisfy the musicians that make it. We blend styles to make us feel good when we listen to it.” Dirty D / JUNK

Tuulikki Bartosik “Playscapes”

“I always find something new in Playscapes for myself and often start thinking, wait, how did we do it and why does it sound like that. This is literally my playscape in music with all the different instruments and my voice used together and through with electronics. A Nordic innovative electroacoustic breeze.” Tuulikki Bartosik

Terry Blade – Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper

Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper is a personal album that explores the identity of Terry Blade. It presents us with a complex individual making us realize just how our own ethos is influenced by different factors: race, sexuality, history, culture, friends family, life events and many more.

Nick Noon – “A Jejune Affair”

All four tracks deliver a deeply personal feeling which can be easily appreciated. It’s safe to say that Noon’s lyrics come from the heart, and his voice is the conduit that delivers his touching messages.

Fantastic Frank Joshua’s New Album “Talk Of Things”

Treading between the upbeat and the beatless, the desolate and the uplifting, “Talk of Things” by Frank Joshua brings forth a glorious collection of music that transforms elusive emotions into captivating genre-crossing tunes that easily penetrate the surface for even the most reserved listeners.

Dylan Goff “Untethered (Side Two) EP”

“Thank you for listening and I hope you like my songs! You can expect lyric heavy, acoustic guitar-based music that is definitely indie-folk, but vocally I probably sound more like Matt Berninger or Eddie Vedder than the more folky artists of the genre, albeit with an Irish accent. Fans of Frightened Rabbit might also like…

Michael Donoghue & Pulses “Infant”

Home to 8 songs with total runtime of almost 42 minutes, “Infant” brings forth a blend of several different genres of electronica combined with smooth spacious soundscapes. There’s a perfect balance between the beats and the ambient bits, making “Infant” a pleasurable listening experience for all fans of electronic music. No matter whether you prefer…

Josh Martin – Notes From The American Rat Race

Though I have been playing music for decades I recently hit a dry spell. After getting married with a baby on the way I decided to get a corporate sales job which triggered some kind of crisis of identity. It was like by assuming this new responsible role of provider I could no longer be…

Richard Tyler Epperson- A Wandering Mind

The last main thing was the editing and molding of the songs. I tried to really limit any dead space within the song and have them under 4 mins if I could without losing anything. That was a tough one, but I think when listening to the album everything flows well and doesn’t drag on.…

Spirit Gun – “The Antonym”

The EP is an homage to their late friend Jeff Hewitt, who sadly left this world too soon. “He was a true artist who constantly pushed himself. Jeff was a champion of our city, music, community, arts, and us. We miss him and wrote The Antonym to honor him.”, Spirit Gun explains.

Winchester 7 & the Runners – “Uke Rock”

The EP consists of seven tracks, approximately a 26-minute voyage by virtue of synth-wavy, part-experimental, part-roots-rock n’ roll exposition. However, when ordering it on Bandcamp, the album also includes a bonus track, “Bizarre Love Triangle”- a New Order cover. A nice “crescendo” to the overall experience.

Lewca – “Friday Night Rockstar”

“Friday Night Rockstar” is Lewca’s new upcoming album made with long time collaborator S.O.A.P. both had a hard time thanks to Omicron, and they decided to spend their time creating a full-length album about time passing, personal doubts and demons, abuse and dreams that will never come true. Don’t look so sad, the album is…

Cris Cap ft. Tyla Raé “Feel The Love (Redux Version)”

“Feel The Love” is a song that seeks to reinvigorate that spark and to remind of all those reasons that brought the lovers together in the first place. Built as a duet, the single shines with wonderful vocals, caressing synths, and gentle percussion that slowly makes way to a dancy groove that invites to get…

KIMMERLY “Of Muses and Music”

Her exhibition aka the debut LP comes as a 11-track release titled “Of Muses and Music”, home to 4 previously released singles as well as a slew of brand new songs. Each song is titled after the piece or an era in art history it represents.

Some Kind of Nightmare featured on DCxPC Live Vol. 9

The label describes Some Kind of Nightmare as “touring machines,” as they spend at least half the year of every year over the last decade on the road. Their sound is raw, fast, and energetic. A live energy that transcends so well on record. The stage presence is felt on recording.

Temperature Falls – “Protagonist”

Subtle dark atmospheres, Industrial backgrounds, and pounding basses are also added to the table, making this album perfect and giving a great listening experience from start to finish, so hit that play button now!

An Epic Cast: The Palfreyman Collective

My overall assessment upon hearing the album is that it is just as advertised. The first thing that comes to mind is Rock Opera. Operatic in the sense of over-the-top performance and dramatics. Anyone who has an ear for that legendary classic rock sound is sure to enjoy this record.

The Goons – “DCxPC Live Vol. 5: The Goons Live At The Black Cat”

“During the first week of sales, all purchasers will be entered into a raffle to win the corresponding VML Live album. For example, this is DCxPC Live Vol. 5, so we will raffle off VML Live Vol. 5 Presents Sloppy Seconds. The album also includes a reversible cover, so fans can choose whether to display…

Indoor Friends – “Is It All Melting?”

Kat Delitto (Lead guitar), Krista Marie Setera (ukulele, vocals), Ben Bonadies (Bass) and Matt Wilson (Drums) came together musically to create songs that are both technically challenging and full of emotion. Lyrics are deeply personal, spanning from romantic disasters to emotional struggles and an inside rage that seems to only dissipate thanks to the high-gained…

7000apart – Feel Your Feelings (Side A) EP

Mental health is important, and 7000apart know that. The duo is making music that originates in dark places, but always moving forward and hoping it will be better. Hope alone won’t cut it, you have to put in the work – and these two are doing exactly that.

Major Kami – “Skandal” EP

Yet another amazing work of art is going to be released by these French artists and it’s all made in remembrance of, and inspired by, our dear Blackstar, David Bowie. Three tracks with a lot of depth, musicality, retro vibes and a contrasting modern touch.

Bridget Kelly Quinn “Dead Flowers LP”

Life has been bringing in surprising turns and changes, particularly in the recent years. But even if the changes are for the worse, there’s comfort and solace found in between. Bridget Kelly Quinn’s debut release was co-created with guitarist and keyboardist David Lennon, comes titled “Dead Flowers” and is home to 10 songs, which all…

Maybe Human Invokes “Ape Law”

“One day a voice in my head said, “You must make an album based on the original planet of the ape films” I followed that voice and worked diligently to complete the album.” Maybe Human

Maria Lane “Maybe I’ll Feel Better” EP

Her debut EP is full of such life-inspired stories, making it a release to listen to for comfort whenever you’re feeling low yourself. The introspective and diary-like release has 8 songs with a total runtime of about 25 minutes.

Tough on Fridays, Easy on the Ears

Already bolstering high praise and critical acclaim, this record is, in my opinion, one of the best independent records of 2022 amassing 50k streams and counting on Spotify. They snuck this one in right as we were closing out right before the holidays!

N4November – A World of So Much Hate (EP)

In his debut EP, N4November invites us all to feel the world with him. The good, the bad, the very unlikely and the somewhat possible. “I don’t know how to live in this world of so much hate”, he sings in the title track. None of us do, Alex. But we keep trying, and songs…

Quizboy – “Not Like The Others You Know”

“During this one [the EP], I’ve been sober, and I just felt like a stronger person that had finally dealt with a lot of stuff. In particular, the “regrouping” of myself mentally and physically lent a hand to diving further into more technical aspects of production, and I think the results reflect that.” – Quizboy

Gillian Stone’s “Spirit Photographs”

“My music processes riding the waves of mental health, particularly as it relates to dysregulation, addiction, shame, relational trauma, and dissociation. Because of this, I speak candidly about my lived experience through my music and expressions of artistic identity as an act of de-stigmatization.” Gillian Stone

Catherine Elms- I Have Seen It, I Do Not Fear It

I Have Seen It, I Do Not Fear It starts of as a powerful heavy rock album and transforms into something completely different, as we follow Catherine Elms’ emotional journey. She masterfully constructs a cinematic way to guide us through it in an original musical and lyrical sense. We experience anger, sadness, happiness and hope…

Lupis. It’s Probably More than Fine.

“Something I’d say to first time listeners to this album try to appreciate the raw sound of the album. It was entirely intentional, and we as a band feel it represents what we actually sound like…just maybe under ideal circumstances. We put our hearts and souls into this, and we hope you can hear and…

Moon and Aries, Stars Align for Break The Matrix (Episode Two)

“Break the Matrix” by Moon and Aries is a conceptual trilogy, each consisting of three tracks. In episode one, there were themes of “invasion” and anticipation for something (“Closer and Closer”). In this new episode, only two of the three tracks currently have accompanying music videos available to carry forward the visual part of the…

Anita Eccleston- Gala Gardens

I became overwhelmed by world events, the War in Ukraine is devastating, and the pandemic has taken such a toll, I needed to find a way to feel in control of something. Using creation as my vehicle, I poured myself into this in March of 2022 as a sort of side project challenge. It became…

Amelouk “..Like a Shroud” EP

The classically trained artist’s alias comes from the Finnish word for death “kuolema” spelled backwards. That little fact also gives a first clue on what her music is all about. Powered and inspired by the deep and multifaceted nature of our human experiences and looking into that from a different, not previously seen angle, the…

Xavier Bernazard- Balloons For My Funeral

Xavier Bernazard plays around with genres and instrument, setting up expectations and breaking them (exceeding them) throughout each track and throughout the album. He knows the rules and breaks them in every chance he gets, while tackling every theme with passion and honesty. He gives his all and it shows.

Painting By Numbers “Rivers EP”

The echoing nearly intoxicating sound has a slightly tribal feel to it, giving the EP a load of ethereal power. Along with the driving single “Weakness”, the EP has three other worlds to listeners to explore.

Rival Karma – “Powerduism”

There’s no boring bit in any of these tracks, as I’m sure Rival Karma very much intended so. Clever twists and harmonic changes keep the EP entertaining, making it an easy and exciting listen through and through. The heat is real!

The Margaret Hooligans – “Turntable Tribulations” Album

“I had been working on a musical that never came to fruition before teaming up with Strontium to create The Margaret Hooligans, so I had a desire to see if we could write a mini rock opera […] Psycho Diapers was a kind of challenge for ourselves, in that we admire The Who’s A Quick…

Jackson Watson’s Love Story Second Album

“”Numb” is about what it’s like to find yourself into someone and feeling that you’ll never love yourself that much. Through the first half of the album, you can hear me ‘fall in love’ with this person and get completely infatuated by them. However, by track 9 and onward, I take a step back to…

MAJOR KAMI – “MAJOR JONES” EP

The EP begins with “Major Jones”, a beautiful opener that tells the tale of Major Jones, a scientist, composer and designer, sailing in outer space, looking for the one he created and sent out into the cosmos all those years ago… Major Tom.

The Incredible Ari Raine

I’ve listened to a lot of stuff across the spectrum of several genres and skill levels. Ari Raine’s songwriting, production, and vocal delivery is nothing short of incredibly impressive.

Dale McPhail – “McPhailure” Album

10 narrative Antifolk songs recorded straight to tape at the beautiful Green Door Studios. McPhail uses the songs to express his experiences of everyday life as a firefighter, Glaswegian, and partner.

Amateur Ornithologist – “Building the Bird”

“Building the Bird is an album about coming to terms with who you are. I wrote it while coming to realise I have autism and ADHD, and that’s where a lot of the lyrics come from. But the music is just as much an expression of who I am – weird and hyperactive one minute,…

Language Games- Vignettes for a Sad Life

These songs represent moments in my life. The key word being “MY” life. So, use these as a sort of choose your adventure or starting point for things that occur for your stories. I will outline the different themes and characters and anything else I felt while making these songs. But like I said these…

Call In Dead – “Deepest Condolences” Album

Call in Dead is always the lightest band on a metal show and the heaviest band on a punk show, and this album really conveys that. The fact that even with families and full-time jobs these guys are still able to pull out great music like this is mind blowing. So, you better pay your…

Staytus- Disease Of The Mind

The debut album by Staytus Disease Of The Mind proves to be a force to be reckoned with. With the use of her instruments, her voice and her themes, Staytus’ debut album is more than an album itself, she constructs a complex mind to explore, to find ourselves immersed and to get ourselves lost in.

Paraphon “Anecdotes of Wired Minds”

“We‘ve recorded the album over the last year in our home studio. We‘ve done everything completely diy from songwriting and production to the design of the artwork and all the music videos for the singles. On the release day we’ll have a release show for the record in our hometown St. Gallen.”

Only Bodies – “Only Bodies” EP

“Hey there! Thanks for checking out Only Bodies. We hope you’ll go on a journey with our self-titled EP as it explores the difficulties that come with the emotional growing pains inherent to love. Our music aims to balance sincerity and honesty with thoughtfulness and tact. Also, to make you wiggle your booty.” – Only…

V/Terpan- Sun

I believe it is my most mature work so far both lyrically and musically and the one that is the closest to my personal music taste. It was mixed by Massimo Paramour whom I trusted for all my music so far. Those who haven’t listened to my music can always expect a mixture of genres.…

Kit Citrine “Midnight Masquerade”

Kit Citrine’s new album “Midnight Masquerade” is an autobiographical release looking into the artist’s life events from the past 2 years. Home to 15 songs and running for 45 minutes, the album covers a variety of highly relevant themes.

The Baker’s Basement “Wild Wild Sheep”

Expect each song to be pretty different. We view each one as its own personality, and we nurture them as such. Every creative decision is all about what will help a given song find its full potential and life. Some are extremely minimal, with just a couple voices and a guitar. Some are a lot…

ELJURI – “REFLEXIÓN” ALBUM

“You are welcome to dive into my heavy Latin grooves from rock and reggae to funk and dance. Get lost in the intersecting sounds. I wrote this new album, ‘Reflexión’ as an antidote to our recent shared experience of inconceivable isolation. The melodies will lift your internal vibration towards positive energy,” – Eljuri.

The Connecting Dots “Treasures in the Valley”

Each of the 10 songs have their own part in the whole picture, and none of them copy from one another. Thus, the listener gets to hear long dreamy guitar instrumentals along with Helena’s sweet voice, synth-driven ethereal soundscapes, cozy yet mysterious movie-esque tunes and rocking songs full of driving energy.

The Brouhaha – “The Brouhaha”

“Four of the most wretched, smug and off-putting people you’d ever be sorry to see. These vulgar and vile vermin got together and had the audacity to start a band – bunch of lowlife wasters. They think they’re really good but of course they would. Nobody else should like The Brouhaha but check ’em out…

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress.com.

Up ↑

%d bloggers like this: