MIND - IKON (Pop) IKON takes us to church with a mid tempo gospel infused cut, “MIND”. It’s a plucky production, with a thumping kick and minimalist instrumentation that creates a simmering tension throughout. There’s a bit of funk in here, as well as a sound reminiscent of 90s West Coast hip hop—you could totally hear Snoop Dogg rapping over a track line this. IKON’s vocals are pure pop with R&B influence, a tight head voice that slinks all over the seductive track. We really loved the deep choral backing, a baritone that played well as a contrast with IKON’s tenor, similarly the way that the rich bass also does this while centering the track. This one sizzles.
Odelet - PIsces Pie (LP)
Pisces Pie (LP) - Odelet (Jazz/R&B) This week’s LP is “Pisces Pie” by Odelet—a collection of jazzy mid tempos that feels like an intimate concert. With a distinctive sound and style, ODELET’s soulful stylings show a woman in her element—a mature vocalist who knows what she’s doing. Before we break into the lush album, we start with a little about our artist.
Odelet is a singer, songwriter, producer and visual artist born in Detroit, Michigan, though she currently resides on the west coast. She writes and performs all of her own material, impressively including the instrumentals, making herself quite the jack of all trades and a one woman band. Among her inspirations, she sites old school hip hop, soul, R&B, pop and beyond. It shocks us to learn that this entire album was produced on a drum machine and keyboard—we thought it was a live band! This is an incredibly impressive musician and creator working at the highest level. Further impressing us, Odelet has recently begun making an experimental form of music visuals that have been screened in more than fifty film festivals internationally, winning numerous awards.
Odelet keeps things midtempo on her project, with a consistent soundscape of a jazz club instrumental backing. The album evokes the image of a hazy underground club or speakeasy at dusk, with an intimate audience enjoying drinks and allowing themselves to melt into the smooth grooves that Odelet brings. The tracks feel like duets between our vocalist and the bass, with a soft, deep kick and other instrumentation serving as fill to let Odelet shine in the forefront. Though we feel the tracks are jazz at the core, there is an element of R&B to these as well, which helps bring more of a structure to the songs that you might not find in a purely jazz record.
The vocals are a husky resonant alto, smokey and rich. There’s a Toni Braxton feeling here, without the pop sensibility, and Odelet’s unique and distinctive timbre melts like butter throughout her tracks, smooth as honey. Her performance is also heartfelt, the emotion in her voice clear, as it rumbles like a stormcloud from her chest. It brings a sense of foreboding to the tracks—weighty with sincerity and maturity.
Among our favorites is “Supreme”—our most R&B of the tracks. A sizzling high hat brings tension to the song as Odelet’s silky vocals remind us of not only Toni but also NAO. A plucky guitar brings a middle eastern flare to the track, making it stand out from the others.
“Paired” also brings the R&B vibes with Odelet stepping up the vocal backings which elevate the track. It has a great pace and movement, not afraid to pull back the instrumental to relish in the vocals. It also has the strongest melody line of the album. A similar vibe is felt on “Mesh”, where the backing harmonies remind us a lot of fellow R&B songstress Tweet—specifically on her “Southern Hummingbird” album.
So we recommend you turn off the lights, pour a glass of wine, and slip into Odelet’s world.
Ghost Cartridge - Ghost Cartridge (LP)
Ghost Cartridge (LP) - Ghost Cartridge (Hip hop) We’ve got a whopping 36 tracks (20 original, 16 instrumental) on Ghost Cartridge’s self titled LP, standing as a salute to hip hop throwbacks. On this monumental release, Ghost Cartridge is joined by a bevy of collaborators—Stilz, Max Prime, Ricca Razor Sharp, Wyzaker, Iron Lion, King Lou, soleo333, Ol’ Gorilla Bones, D-Sisive and Baggy Lean—to create a complex and layered project that makes us miss the hip hop of yesteryear. Before we dig into some of our favorites below, let’s talk about our artist collective behind the hits.
Ghost Cartridge is a group of rapper/producer hybrids active since 2018, populated by hip hop veterans Mantrakid and The EquAzn—musical partners since the early 2000s—and infused with a crew of Canadian MCs. The crew hopes to take listeners from screw face head nodding to wistful gazing and back again.
This massive LP is steeped in 90s/00s nostalgia and overflows with pop culture references. Arkham Asylum, Sega Genesis and cerebro are thrown into the mix along with Bob Fosse and Andrew Lloyd Webber, displaying a vast array of influences and references to draw from which makes the lyrical content dense, rich and deep. While a lot of the album focuses on boasting the lyrical prowess and artistic value of the artist—as is expected on a hip hop project—we also get quite a few introspective moments, including a really great rhyme exploring the monotony of a corporate 9-5 and the pandemic.
At the beginning, we immediately got some early Eminem vibes, which later infused with some Jay-Z and Neptunes stylings. The 8bit effect is used frequently, which along with distorted vocals gives the entire project a unique identity, while at the same time exploring some vastly different soundscapes, which even include quite a few musical interludes. We have to admit, we wished some of those interludes were fleshed out into full tracks because every beat on this LP is superb.
“Xzibit” is a perfect opening salvo to the project, where Ghost Cartridge is joined by D-Sisive and Baggy Lean to list all the reasons why what you are about to listen to is worth your while—an exhibit list. This gives us that Slim Shady quirk that lets us know that there are some sardonic and tongue in cheek moments to come—that the project doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Our favorite track, however, is “Physics in the Music Section”, which feels right out of The Neptunes’ universe. While all of the tracks are expertly produced, the instrumental here has some extra magic to it, relishing in it for a good minute before Ghost Cartridge even enters the track. The distorted radar blip throughout also reminds us of Missy’s “Wake Up.” It’s trippy and a standout.
“808bit” features the 1950s announcer voice that shows up a few times throughout the project, on top of a retro video game instrumental that is made for all the 90s kids out there. The biggest diversion is “Antennae”, a lo-fi fantasy that’s more R&B than anything—we got Miguel vibes from this one. It’s different than anything else on the album—a lush and rich production which focuses on soundscape over the story, and puts our artist’s versatility and musicality on full display.
Finally, we also want to point out hard hitting “REJECT”, which we imagine would bump in your car. This track sizzles. Fire.
Devon Fouch - Existential
Existential - Devon Fouch (Pop/R&B) Devon Fouch collaborates with Cubanis on the hip-winding new track “Existential”, a song about been smitten with a new love. Straight from the Chicago music scene, Devon takes his inspiration from legends like Drake and Kanye West, additionally influenced by Michael Jackson and Tears For Fears. Beginning with plucky pop synths, the song delivers strong summertime vibes as our rappers pass the baton between them using the heavily tuned vocal effect over an afrobeat inspired instrumental. Make sure to check out not only “Existential”, but the additional six tracks on EP “Devotion On The Rocks.”
Best Lyric: “I’m just a Superman beat by your kryptonite.“
Rob Eberle - ILYM
ILYM - Rob Eberle (Pop) Rob Eberle wears his heart on his sleeve in his latest cut, “ILYM”, which stands for I love you more. The track begins with a perfectly focused pop vocal, as the understated instrumental undulates in the background. The track has a great build, slowly rising into a softly simmering and throbbing dance cut that we think is primed for a bevy of remixes for the dance floor. The track delicately balances the themes of love and conflict. It does so with hauntingly poignant lyrics, making it a great sing along in the shower or karaoke track. This one has Top 40 written all over it.
Best Lyric: “Try to fall asleep as I’m left on read.“
Kayla Oh - Self Defense
Self Defense - Kayla Oh (Pop) Kayla Oh reflects on former relationship toxicity in her latest single “Self Defense.” Reminding us a lot of a 90s pop ballad—think Sheryl Crow, Sara McLachlan—the track begins with a wistful guitar before introducing Kayla’s soft and intimate vocal. The track builds slowly to a powerful bridge—and a real bridge at that, something missing from a lot of today’s pop tracks—as soaring strings enter to fly us to the conclusion. What stands out to us the most are the lyrics—expertly crafted, memorable and touching. In addition to adding this power ballad to your playlist, don’t miss out on the accompanying cinematic music video.
Best Lyric: “You have to break it to heall.”
Molly Baker - June 28th
June 28th - Molly Baker (Pop) Molly Baker finds herself lost in memories every “June 28th”, the day she sends a happy birthday message to a former lover. The day brings regret and hopes for rekindling, each year thinking her message will result in reestablishing a connection she can’t believe faded away. The track begins with a soulful piano before Molly’s strong, intimate and close vocal begins telling the tale with memorable and clever lyrics that are the standout of the song—Molly is certainly an expert lyricist. Feels very Taylor Swift in terms of the storytelling, but with airy and lush harmonies and backings that gave us vibes of Queen, and goosebumps. Hats of to Molly, this is a Top 40 cut.
Best Lyric: “But my thumb slipped and I was thrown back in time.“
The Meyer Bros - Ain't No Love In The House (ft Katie Jones)
Ain’t No Love In The House - The Meyer Bros ft Katie Jones (NuDisco/Dance) Katie Jone and The Meyer Bros are sure to get you moving with their latest club cut “Ain’t No Love In The House”. The track fuses elements of NuDisco, funk and house to create a dance floor cut that feels like it was made specifically for tea dance and rooftop party DJs. Uniquely, the track not only plays with levels and instrument density throughout the production, but also explores changes in tempo. When we slow down, we really slow down, and allow Katie’s rich and full vocal take center stage. But when the chorus drops, it’s straight party, and certainly a dance floor spinner. Make sure to check out the accompanying music video—quite the AI trip.
Brennyboombox - Unhinged
Unhinged - Brennyboombox (Pop) Brennyboombox is worried for his sanity in latest track “Unhinged”, a driving dance floor anthem that hits that perfect combination of emotional catharsis and dance floor spin. Over the infectious beat, Brennyboombox pleads for stability, noting that his mind is playing tricks on him and he’s a bit lost currently, finding salvation on the dancefloor as he asks for help. The track’s standout is it’s choppy synth backing, which cuts in and out with a verbed piano and crisp snaps, driven by the chord structure and thumping kick. To us the track recalled those like Justin Bieber’s “Beauty and the Beat”, and like that track should be a staple of DJ sets.
Best Lyric: “I just wanna rewind to a simpler time.“
Proklaim - PRICE OF LOVE aka 4 THE GAME
PRICE OF LOVE aka 4 THE GAME - Proklaim (Rap) Our forever prolific Proklaim is back on the blog for the eighteenth time—this man does not slow down for a second—delivering “PRICE OF LOVE aka 4 THE GAME”—a commentary on recent news in hiphop, specifically touching on Puff Daddy’s recent downfall. Wistful for rap of yesteryear in a spoken word intro, Proklaim criticizes modern day rap’s focus on sex—calling out former strippers turned rappers—corruption of the youth and the lack of depth in the artistry. This is where Proklaim steps into the scene to be the change he wants to see, never afraid to stand on the pulpit and preach his criticisms and observations.
Best Lyric: “Higher ups corrupt the kids.“
Love Ghost - GOD DAMN
GOD DAMN - Love Ghost (Pop) Love Ghost delivers a brooding pop midtempo with “GOD DAMN”, a track about feeling paralyzed in your own mind. Our artist is going through a difficult time on the track, which follows a string of single releases praised by numerous outlets. Love Ghost is depressed and sick of life, feeling as if there’s no way to get out of the funk. The subdued production matches the mood, with a wistful guitar pushing the track forward before joined by a tight trap percussion. Love Ghost’s tuned tenor cuts through the haze, delivering vulnerability, with an alt rock/punk styling.
Best Lyric: “I feel like everything I do is for nothing and no matter what it’s always going to be something.”
Ninety9 - Caribbean
Caribbean - Ninety9 (R&B/Rap) Ninety9 brings a sultry track about infatuation in latest track “Caribbean.” Ninety9 rides the beat with ease, delivering a soothing trap wave midtempo. The production is sharp, with tight percussion over an intoxicating guitar and flute arrangement—very “Indian Flute” vibes. Ninety9 blends the sexual with the emotional, describing a relationship equal parts love and lust, which is mirrored in a ruby tinged music video. What strikes us most about the track is just how smooth and mellow it is—we think this number would pair nicely with a low key evening and an edible. It washes over you while also slipping into your ear like a snake charming siren song.
Anoush - Brave Girl
Brave Girl - Anoush (Pop) Anoush returns to us with latest track “Brave Girl”, an Amy Winehouse feeling jazz infused pop track about a woman preaching the good word about Christianity to a broken world, who at times herself falls into sin. It appears the message is externalizing Anoush’s own journey, switching from the third person to first person throughout, as a melancholy muted trumpet lilts in the backing. It’s definitely a departure from prior track “Cherry On Top”—a reggae cut about reigniting the fire of young love—though the accents on the 2s and 4s keep an element of reggae. This track is for anyone who’s been on their own, or begun their own, spiritual journey.
Alexia Vegas - At First
At First - Alexia Vegas (Pop). Returning for the third time on this blog, Alexia Vegas’ latest cut, “At First”, tells the tale of meeting someone for a one night endeavor only to find herself unintentionally falling in love and starting a relationship. “At First” features an 80s-inspired production, from the analog synths to the gated snares, giving an overall lush production. Alexia’s vocals are soft and soothing, the sweet spot for a nostalgic love song. It’s a departure from the other tracks we’ve reviewed, as “There’s No Way” gave us a jilted lover who’s holding onto pain, and “Feel This Way” describes sweet love turning sour. It’s thus nice to hear that after previous relationship turmoil, Alexia is blissfully in love.
Dax - Dear Alcohol (Mega Mix)
Dear Alcohol (Mega Remix)- Dax (Pop) Dax returns to us with the Mega Remix of track “Dear Alcohol”, along with yet another superbly produced music video, and joined by a supergroup of 12 different artists. In “Dear Alcohol”, Dax and friends treat alcohol like a former lover in a toxic relationship, relating the theme of substance abuse often beginning used as a way to self medicate for racing thoughts and internal struggles. What strikes us the most about this track is how each artist comes with their own style—from R&B tinged vocals to pop to a good dose of country. Aside from the universal appeal of the track and relatability, we think this crossover of styles will also help reach a very broad audience.
Best Lyric: “I keep drinking until I’m someone I don’t recognize.”
Edie Yvonne - Sometimes
Sometimes- Edie Yvonne (Pop) Edie Yvonne, a favorite on our blog, returns to us with latest track “Sometimes”, a No Doubt cover. The 15-year-old prolific artist notes that the song speaks to her mother and mother’s friends from ‘back in the day’ which we have to say triggers this blog as this writer’s first CD purchase was “Tragic Kingdom”, lol. In her cover, Edie retains the 90s alt rock/pop feel of the record, before transitioning into a funk infused bridge, painting a much more lush picture than the original. Dousing her lead in a warbly verb, this fresh reinvention adds far more melancholy, bringing a classic cut to the modern era.