Blurring - Marcane (Emo Rock) Marcane brings us his fourth release, “Blurring”, a track the artist describes as delivering a message about how a person’s emotions can be perceived by others. The record is imbued with danger—a punchy EDM beat with emo rock melodic sensibilities as Marcane sings his heart out in an echoing chamber. The track is driven by its distorted bass lead, accompanied by swirling synths and plenty of FX ear candy. The vocals feel almost choral in nature, building one on top of the other to a point where a heaviliy verbed sung chant is overlaid with a distorted spoken incantation as if Marcane’s performance is summoning spirits from another plane. Lush, large and full of tension, “Blurring” captures the soul.
Astralix - The Rhythm Fills My Soul
The Rhythm Fills My Soul - Astralix (EDM) Astralix arrives with a dancefloor burner in “The Rhythm Fills My Soul”, a self described “wild departure” from their well-known prior singles “Destiny Road” and “Never Give Up”. It’s a classic EDM dance cut imbued with 80s and 90s influences, from the retro analog splashy synths to the house style percussion—the thudding kick and crisp clap on the 1s and 2s providing the momentum for this classic 2-stepper. The track’s message is simple—the euphoric feeling of getting lost in the music, apt for a track that fills you up in the way “The Rhythm Fills My Soul” does. Put this on whatever playlist you include Cher’s “Believe”.
Dax - Catch The Rain
Catch The Rain - Dax (Rap) Our most prolific artist on the blog, who’s appeared more times than we can count and each time with an impeccably produced music video to match, Dax returns to form in latest effort “Catch The Rain.” The record is an ode to the internal storm brewing within that may not always be visible to those around us. In “Catch The Rain”, over a driving, anthemic pop chord progression and tight trap percussion, Dax tells us that he is more than meets the eye—his calm and introverted exterior masking roiling emotions that he suppresses until the weekend allows release, particularly using music and artistic expression as his therapy. As always, he relates to his audience, noting social media infatuation, liquor and women as other ways people numb their own emotions, creating another heartfelt record that speaks to a core element of the human condition—Dax’s musical sweet spot.
Best Lyric: “The cycle is a storm I chase.”
mia van de loo - open book
open book - mia van de loo (Folk) mia van de loo creeps into your ears with the heartfelt debut EP, “open book”. An up-and-coming singer-songwriter, mia combines her childlike optimism, relentless ambition and angelic voice to express tender emotion and emotion.
mia’s collection of songs were written as she “started to discovery [her] place in the world”, conveying the disappointment, hope, loneliness, frustration and reconciliation within that journey. Her goal—to impact her listeners, forge relationships and make new friends along the way. No better way to do that than opening your soul for others to experience, as mia has done in “open book.”
Vocally, mia’s performance is masterful. Her leads are very close, almost like an ASMR experience, a seductive whisper that conveys intimacy and vulnerability. She slips right into the ear, glossed with shimmering high end, as if planting a subliminal suggestion in the subconscious. The stylings border on spoken word poetry, with mia’s careful and patient delivery of her lyrics adding tension with their restraint. Apt with the title of the project, it feels as if mia is reading chapters from her own diary to a trusted friend.
The production is crisp and clear with pristine instrument separation in the mix, relying on the clarity of simplicity in the arrangements. Bongos patter like rain drops, the guitar strums twinkle in the ears and drive the tracks forward, an understated kick hits right in the chest like a heartbeat, and the bass enters to add weight to an otherwise lilting affair. Throughout, mia shows her prowess in song construction with each track featuring ever building movements that help keep the listener engaged throughout the project. Each track has a musical arc, which is quite the hat trick considering the lack of production bells and whistles—it is rather accomplished purely in the arrangement. Overall it leads to a quite mystical sound, evoking images of the woods at dusk, littered in fireflies as the fog rolls in and the remaining vestiges of the sun beams through thick foliage.
The album begins with tension. In “fairytale”, mia distrusts her lover’s words—sort of a meditation on love bombing—as she wonders whether her lover’s actions will meet the poetry of their words. The lyrics are delivered with curiosity and skepticism as mia fears fully opening to the experience, worried that things will not turn out as they seem. That tension propels the listener into the next song for release.
In “doll”, the fairytale imagery continues with metaphors of princes and princesses and the idea of a lover whispering a beloved pet name. But this is all revealed to be a dream, a desire to meet the person who will sweep in and change her world. It’s an interesting turn in point of view from the prior song’s theme—now she longs for the sweet nothings in fantasy that she seems to distrust when presented in real life. Relatable, for sure.
In the following “match”, mia picks up the tempo with a groovy tango of a track. Her innocence is on full display as she is swept up in the fire of new love, with absolutely gorgeous backing vocals sweeping her through the record, conjuring images of being whisked around the dancefloor of a masquerade ball.
With “goodbye friend” we move from the romantic to the platonic with an ode to the ending of friendships. Her trademark innocence on display, mia recognizes that she’s made the effort but ultimately is comfortable with accepting a setting sun.
Finally, the album concludes with a “lullaby”—a salve for the soul, soothing words of optimism and comfort. It’s an interesting followup to “goodbye friend”—in the prior she laments her unreturned efforts and departs, and now she shows just how valuable of a friend she is.
Sweet and sparkling, there’s a lot to love about “open book”, a project we recommend you get lost in the pages of.
vidpoet - Art Therapy, Pt. 3
Art Therapy, Pt. 3 - vidpoet (Hiphop) With a singular point of view, creative lyricism and unique sound, Vidpoet smashes it with his eclectic four track EP, “Art Therapy, Pt. 3”, which as definitely inspired us to go check out the prior two parts of this ongoing project. With the help of producer Steve Perry, vidpoet takes a core of retro hiphop sensibility and colors it with flavors of reggaeton, EDM and even ventures into the avante-garde, to create a trippy sonic soundscape to accompany a collection of thought provoking, expertly crafted rhymes. Before we dig into the tracks themselves, let’s address the project as a whole.
From his Spotify bio, we learn that vidpoet considers himself a proponent of “art rap”—a truly independent aesthetic with a focus on lyricism, devoid of the trope and cliche that he believes proliferates through mainstream offerings. Listening to “Art Therapy, Pt 3”, we can’t help but agree with the ways in which vidpoet stands apart from his contemporaries. The lyrics are the first to jump out at you—you can’t knock the man’s cleverness. From his off the wall references to his word choice to his juxtaposition, it is clear that vidpoet is an artist that truly appreciates the art of word craft, and his skill set in this area shines throughout, particularly in our favorite of the offering, “Mustache Blues.”
As to his delivery, it’s a rapid fire spit throughout, with the occasional breaking of the fourth wall to address the listener and describe what’s to come, or even deliver some smile inducing banter from within the booth. There’s an Eminem quality to his timbre at times, and specifically in “Present the Vid Humbly” we get a healthy dose of Wyclef Jean with vidpoet straddling rhyme and sung vocals. “Spacey” veers into the Kanye West “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” robot voice production. But throughout that melding of sounds delivers lyrics that would work just as well as spoken word poetry as they do song lyrics.
The production is steller, combining a classic hiphop drum core with Neptunes like strangeness of sparkling synths, particularly in “Spacey.” Intro “Microwave Burrito” sounds like something off an early Notorious B.I.G. record, while “Mustache Blues” is driven by a menacing analogue bass thrum that comes across quite hypnotic. “Present the Vid Humbly” gives us a Santana-esque guitar riff veering through a Caribbean/Reggaeton beat made for dancehall. Each track offers something different, each a distinct flavor from the other, and that helps keep the EP consistently engaging.
Our favorite track of the bunch is certainly “Mustache Blues.” The incessant bass permeates the track and vidpoet’s lyricism is in hyperdrive, evoking the great MCs of the 80s and 90s. And despite that retro appeal, it is certainly the most mainstream of the offerings, surely having a place on today’s charts. For pop crossover, we choose “Present the Vid Humbly,” a meld of hiphop and reggaeton that reminds us a bit of Lauryn Hill’s “Lost Ones.”
A clear student of hiphop with a devotion to his craft, get yourself acquainted with vidpoet’s trilogy.
Magdalia - Fault Lines
Fault Lines - Magdalia (Pop) Following “Great Expectations” and “Tunnel Vision”, Magdalia is back on our blog with her latest track “Fault Lines.” In “Fault Lines”, Magdalia brings us a piano driven ballad, whose first chords already pull on the heartstrings. The song is driving and rousing, setting Magdalia’s vocals front and center, as the miasma of an instrumental swirls behind her. We have come to expect a maturity in Magdalia’s work, from expert lyric composition to immaculate vocals, often dealing with deeply personal subject matter. This track is no different—you can feel her heart in this. With evocative and memorable lyrics and a swelling instrumental that fills the body, this is one you sing along to in the shower.
Best Lyric: “Nothing we could do but let it break.”
Yona Marie - Wade In The Water
Wade In The Water - Yona Marie (R&B) Yona Marie returns after our review of “The World All Around Me” with her take on classic spiritual—and one this author certainly remembers from middle school choir—”Wade In The Water”. Yona’s last track evoked the classic 90s/00s R&B sound, and this take on the classic choral song does the same, with an absolutely bumping production that takes us back to VH1 Soul days. We continue to hear our Faith Evans inspired vocals, strong and soulful, boosted by a thick bass line and old school hiphop drums. Inventive, inspired, heartfelt and a total groove, get this track on your neo soul playlist.
Natalie Clark - MIRACLE
MIRACLE - Natalie Clark (Pop) Natalie Clark is back for a fourth time on the blog, following “How High”, “Freedom” and “Mission”, this time coming hard with a power ballad in her latest single, “MIRACLE”. The song has all the ingredients of a top 40 anthem, from the driving bass to the punctuating claps and rousing chorus, this is quite a big song, beckoning for a sing along. But as well mixed as the track is, the true star of this epic number is Natalie’s mature vocals that oscillate from an airy vulnerability to a powerhouse belt. The former makes for some great ear candy layering, while the latter really punches you in the chest when she just goes for it. This is a “sing your lungs out in the car” kind of track.
Best Lyric: “Doing your best to stay alive but oh, all you need is a miracle.”
Amaya and the Echoes - Ghost Eyes
Ghost Eyes - Amaya and the Echoes (Emo Pop) Amaya and the Echoes pack in quite a few surprises in edgy new single “Ghost Eyes.” The song is deceptive at the start—dreamy and ethereal with a close and intimate vocal that lilts in the air with vulnerability. But expectations are swiftly subverted with the entry of a distorted bass lead and demonic vocal double, adding a new level of danger and unexpected tension to the track that makes for an extremely engaging listen. Amaya and the Echoes keep the vocals restrained throughout, which helps pull the listener into the song so that they can be lulled into that false sense of security, not realizing that they’ve been in a haunted house all along. Equal parts mystical, ethereal and dangerous, “Ghost Eyes” is quite the ride.
Keyyz Da Poet - ButterFly (ft Lehn Kessen)
ButterFly - Keyyz Da Poet (Hiphop) Keyyz Da Poet and Lehn Kessen are bringing the US/Europe collaboration in their latest R&B/Hiphop bop “ButterFly”. What we have here is a “drink in the air two stepper” kind of a track, with the punchy 808 and trap percussion making the perfect party jam where the artists hype their girls. The chorus is smooth and singalong able while the rap vocal keeps up the momentum, layered with some ear candy autotune. With “ButterFly”, we’re reminded of some Jamie Foxx tracks or even the T-Pain era—“I’m In Love With A Stripper” times. In fact, we think you should grease up your pole and take a swing to this track.
Best Lyric: “I be swimming, I be floating, I be dancing in her ocean.”
Melina Hazewood - Powerful
Powerful - Melina Hazewood (Pop) Melina Hazewood is here to remind us that we are powerful beyond measure in her latest track, “Powerful.” Melina tells us that the song is inspired by powerful women role models of hers, and the song is “about the universal power of women [that] brings us all together to remind women of their worth and how unique they are.” Much in the way Christina Aguilera all those years ago told us that we were beautiful no matter what anyone else might say, Melina is here with a similar message not on our aesthetics, but on our inner strength. With a strong and timeless vocal, Melina hits hard with some shining lyrical prowess as the keys twinkle and strings soar around her motivational message. Driving and meaningful, as a record, “Powerful” lives up to its name.
Best Lyric: “Our strength is eternal even after our funeral.”
Andrew Cärter - Perfume
Perfume - Andrew Cärter (Funk/Pop) Andrew Cärter is letting you know he’s moved on, and no sweet scented perfume is going to lure him back to what was apparently a pretty toxic relationship. Smooth and sultry vocals contrast with a punchy funk production in “Perfume”, led by a driving bass line and complimented with some pure ear candy in those plucky guitar riffs. There’s a Pharrell/Daft Punk feel to the track—some “Get Lucky” vibes. The artist tells us that this is a song meant to give the listener confidence, and make them want to sing their lungs out. With a catchy melody and memorable lyrics, we think Andrew Cärter has done just that.
Best Lyric: “Like who even are you?”
K.Kayne - All Alone (Extended Remix) ft Abbie Hill
All Alone (Extended Remix) ft Abbie Hill - K.Kayne (Dream Pop) K. Kayne with guest Abbie Hill paints from a lush pallet with the “All Alone” extended remix. The Reading-based rapper has been at it since the ripe age of 13, and tells us that he has added a “bright and more euphoric edge to the production this time around” to enhance the original recording of the track. The record begins underwater, dreamy synths and broad bass lay the vibe as the vocals surface from muffled to crystal clear, ushering in a melancholy that bleeds through the track. The compliment of the bass male vocal to the sharp soprano vocal shines as the song’s biggest strength. The vibe is the epitome of a hot bath, and belongs on every chill vibes lofi playlist. This is a track that fills the chest.
Best Lyric: “I need some assistance.”
Wotts - WANNABE
Wannabe - Wotts (Synth Pop) We’ve got some heavy 80s inspiration with Wotts’ synth pop single “Wannabe”, where are lead vocalist croons that he just wants love. This duo is back for a fourth time on our blog (following “Wheel”, “Blue” and “Garden”) with a track inspired by Aussie psych pop bands like Tame Impala and Pond. The record drives like a freight train—it’s a cruise down the highway led by a molten lava bass line complimented by a punchy kick and dreamy retro synths. The mix melts together perfectly, with silky smooth vocals pouring like honey all over the track. The song’s greatest strength, however, is just how catchy the chorus is. It’s a two stepper that we dare you to not sing along to.
7evin7ins - My Everlasing Isolation
My Everlasting Isolation - 7evin7ins (Pop) 7evin7ins delivers and impeccably produced, heartfelt and cohensive EP with “My Everlasting Isolation”, a project with a pop centric core that infuses influences from pop rock, alt and even hiphop/trap to deliver messages of heartache, frustration and the artistic pursuit of notoriety. As we tour through this carefully crafted work, we’ll start with some overall impressions and trends, then focus on a few of these single-worthy cuts.
It surprises us to learn that “My Everlasting Isolation” is 7evin7ins’ first project, following features on the NHL24 soundtrack, the Five guys In-Store playlist, over 50 Spotify editorial playlists and an impressive touring circuit. And that’s because each of the tracks on this EP are so professionally put together, creating a collection of gems that each stand on their own as single contenders. No wonder 7evin7ins has no trouble getting those coveted editorial playlist positions as every track is worthy of those spots.
What stood out to us the most was 7evin7ins’ genre blending, conducted in a way that creates his own unique style. It’s rock guitars and 808s here, with tracks bouncing back and forth between pop rock and trap/hiphop, with infusions of alt rock (specifically in a few guitar lines) and even R&B when 7evin7ins sets his more typical pent up punk rock vocals aside in order to showcase a more vulnerable side. It was interesting to us that the two themes of the album—frustration of being on the cusp and frustration in love—consistently link up with pop rock and hiphop, respectively, the artist clearly using specific genres to convey themes.
But that’s just one example of how meticulously thought out and well produced the album is. It wouldn’t surprise us to learn that this project was a long time in the making—and really impress us if it wasn’t—due to the clear craftsmanship on display here. The instrumental mixes are chef’s kiss, driving and full of tension, but the most love is surely given to the vocals. “My Everlasting Isolation” is no stranger to vocal ear candy, from the often distorted doubles, anthemically verbed vocals and high octave sweeteners that make for a lush vocal package throughout the project. Also, the tracks never overstay their welcome, both with respect to length and their structure of clearly defined movements and moments, resulting in an extremely engaging listen. The EP balances making every track primed for radio while still presenting the cohesiveness we want in a project.
We could write a full review on each of these tracks, so for brevity we’ll focus on a few moments from our favorites. When it comes to lyrics, 7evin7ins often finds creative word choice and phrasing to convey the universal topics herein, with several lines primed for merch. “I pull my teeth out for you” from closer “Hey Violet” stands out the most, but overall we think “THANKS FOR THE THERAPY“ and “Gun Shy” are the most exemplary of 7evin7ins’ lyrical prowess—the latter finding a way to take the imagery of not underestimating 7evin7ins because he’s packing heat without making the listener afraid of him. As this artist bursts with ambition, he always remains one you want to support.
Hats off to 7evin7ins on his first project, which makes one hell of a splash. We can already hear his audiences chanting back these catchy hooks.
Jayden Keita - Garden
Garden - Jayden Keita (R&B) Jayden Keita slips into our ears this week with his smooth R&B Jam “Garden.” The up and coming Minnesota born but Tampa Bay, Florida based artist tells us that his latest track is “about feelings of jealousy . . . watching friends achieve incredible things and feeling like I’ve fallen behind.” Sporting a silky baritone, Jayden evokes Sam Smith in his vocal styling, while adding a layer to the bittersweet jealousy by reminding himself that he’s on his own journey and he should just keep going. The production centers Jayden with few gimmicks, allowing the strength of his vocals to carry the song as a lush instrumental supports him. Relatable, positive and boasting maturity, we definitely thing Jayden’s time is now and he will will receive plenty of flowers to populate his garden.
Best Lyric: “It seems they got their flowers before me.”