#single review

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

New Audio: clo Shares Vibey Neo-Soul Track "appetite"

New Audio: clo Shares Vibey Neo-Soul Track "appetite" @heygroover @romainpalmieri @DorianPerron

clo is an emerging, 20-something, San Francisco-born, Brussels-raised, neo-soul/R&B and jazz singer/songwriter, who’s currently splitting her time between New York and Paris, where she’s simultaneously pursuing studies in Neuroscience while modeling, and starting a professional music career.  The emerging Belgian-born artist can trace the origins of her music career to when she started receiving…

[icravemusicx0x0]

Track Thursday #16 | Hiss - Megan Thee Stallion

On Hiss, Megan dissed all of the turbulent challenges and feuds she faced recently.

In 2022, Tory Lanez was sentenced up to 22 years in prison for many crimes. One of them being a shooting felony, the victim being Megan herself. And there is his campaign of spreading misinformation on blogs on the situation, blaming Megan for outright lying. As you can see, Megan is getting ridiculed.

However, Megan stood up. Two years after her deserving win for the court case, Megan Thee Stallion dropped Hiss. Hiss isn't even a diss, it's verbal assaulting.

I want to note that Hiss is technically not a diss because Megan address the problems in indirect nature. There was a lot of references that was meant to be targeted. But as she said once in an interview: "Whoever feel it, feel it." With that aside, it's her lyricism that matters. The artist addressed the whole feud through aggressive statements and clever references. Megan referenced Mariah Carey's song Obsessed, a diss track to Eminem after he made fun of her, which really fits with the situation. I was gagged by the Kris Jenner reference.

Over the tense trap with dark piano melody beat, you know she's fearless, serious but at the same time doesn't give a damn about what you did. She won the IDGAF war, yes.

[foultastemusic]

SINGLE Review – Lótus – Reia Cibele (2024)

I was sitting quietly on my couch scrolling through my Intagram stories when I came across a poster for a concert taking place on April 6 and 7 in Lisbon (Disgraça) and Ovar (Buraco Pub) in Portugal - with reference to the spanish post-harcore band FOSCØ and, for the first time in the history of portuguese cultural heritage, a band called Reia Cibele, subtitled as Screamo from Lisbon. Finally we have the scramz word in Portugal?! As a Lisbon native and fan of the scramz community, I rushed to see if they had published something. This single Lótus came out on March 27 and I didn't even know anything about it…

The heavy music scene in Lisbon is dominated by noise, crust and prog punk, classic hardcore and, more recently, strange and mesmerizing stuff by bands like Hetta, Linger and clericviolence, always with many musical references to power and emo violence, beatdown hardcore and punk, but with new ideas and textures. I think that when I heard Reia Cibele and their single Lótus I felt a big contrast to the "screamo" I usually listen to. It's much more violent than that, very attached to the roots and habits of the city. Portuguese people don't follow the rules of tonality, they don't like beautiful and predictable melodies or things with obvious emotional references. That's why I loved it. I can perfectly fit screamo and its new life in there. It makes perfect sense and I'll let you know why.

The drums and vocals are completely loyal to the subgenre and the guitar and bass play very well with distortions and other textures typical of the above genres, as well as with tones that aren't well defined. In fact, I can't even tell what key the song is and this isn't a very common thing in screamo. The unleashing is very satisfying and it's very difficult to describe what's happening there. A total chaos. The experimentalism is evident and it's a very positive aspect for the cultural growth of the portuguese music scene as well as scramz itself. There’s guaranteed suffering, a lot of people envolved in the pit and not much to dance about.

In short, I highly recommend people to listen to this single, and moreover this band and what it has to offer. The supposed cover of the album is itself ambiguous (illustration by @estripadores.malditos), with shapes that, although they seem obvious, you can't really understand what's there and that comes down to the music itself. Paradoxically, the lotus flower is a flower that represents rebirth and the purity of starting a new life, as is the case with Reia Cibele - I see them introducing skramz to the territory in a big way and influencing a lot of young people to play and make good music, as the concerts seem to be full.

What is truly spectacular about this type of music is that we can embrace various sounds and not deprive ourselves of the freedom of harmonic/rhythmic expression, without giving anything aesthetic continuity, but opening the door to new sub-cultures, introducing our own.

«my life is in your hands. free, i suffocate myself. a flower without a scent grows without a root. in a fragile soil, watered by the ego. history repeats itself. the fruit of a desire embraces the spines, this seed dies alone. in the shadows. it inherits a dream, almost impossible. it embodies a will that it cannot fulfill. it feeds on lack, it sustains itself with leftovers. it loses itself in its spirit. it lives alone, without warmth. without a stem, it flies with the wind. it grows, without a root. i will forever be a stranger to my gaze».

-Reia Cibele (traduced to eng.)

[poppletonink]

TRACK REVIEW: Our World - James

★★★★☆ - 4 stars

"Our world isn't your world. You just stole the world, just been free. Our world isn't your world. We don't own the world, she came for free."

Our World is the second single from James's upcoming album, Yummy, which shines a light on the fickle nature of our lives and the lasting impact we have on "our world". A cheery whistle opens the track - the carefree nature of humanity - though it quickly fades out as Booth's vocals enter the scene, accompanied by a cadenced drumbeat and a heavy presence of the creative synth arrangement. Criticising the human hand in our world's demise and the malevolent actions of climate change, the lyrics of the first verse are a brutal political diatribe that strike the very core of the listener's soul. The second and third verses have equally significant messages - exclaiming the equality of all people ("Why obsess with nationality? We're all mutts, we are family.") and deploring the state of the Capitalist, consumer driven world we live in. Though disguised in a sunny instrumental facade and maintaining James' undying ability to have you up and dancing, with it's catchy, yet cutting chorus, the message of Our World is an eminently important one. It goes without saying that the world cannot wait to hear the rest of Yummy.

[gbhbl]

Single Slam: Autopsy, Hearts & Hand Grenades, My Octopus Mind, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Earthside, IndifferentMonKeY, Krooked Tongue, Kingseeker, Colourburn, Little Thief, Broken Earth, Butterfly Hurricane, and Amaranthe!

This week’s single slam features Autopsy, Hearts & Hand Grenades, My Octopus Mind, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Earthside, IndifferentMonKeY, Krooked Tongue, Kingseeker, Colourburn, Little Thief, Broken Earth, Butterfly Hurricane, and Amaranthe.

This week’s single slam features Autopsy, Hearts & Hand Grenades, My Octopus Mind, Rok Ali and The Addiction, Earthside, IndifferentMonKeY, Krooked Tongue, Kingseeker, Colourburn, Little Thief, Broken Earth, Butterfly Hurricane, and Amaranthe. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below. Autopsy – Throatsaw After the announcement of their new album ‘Ashes, Organs,…

[brettdeadly]

Something about Left to Suffer tapping in with us to review some of their Trap Metal collabs got me feeling like I'm on the right track and I'm doing a good job. Cuz this is my favorite f*cking band right now so you can imagine the goosebumps I got when these submissions came in.The first review I'm dropping is on Artificial Anatomy off their latest record titled Feral. This track features Kim Dracula, a rising star/trap metal artist out of Australia for those of you who don't know. Community IG Post:https://www.instagram.com/p/Cso7WmnSYfl/Review: https://www.trapmetal.net/.../left-to-suffer-features.../

Review:

Left to Suffer Features Hobart’s Kim Dracula on Artificial Anatomy off their Latest Record “Feral”

Im so excited to review “Artificial Anatomy” from the album Feral by Left To Suffer, featuring the captivating vocals of Kim Dracula. Im a fan of both Left To Suffer AND Kim Dracula so I was particularly excited to see this submission! From the very first few guitar chugs, wasting no time leading into the drop, “Artificial Anatomy” captivates listeners with eerie melodies and intricate rhythms. Left To Suffer’s masterful musicianship shines brightly, creating a captivating morbid landscape that immerses the audience in a world of raw emotions and unyielding energy. Each instrument weaves together seamlessly, creating a rich and dynamic experience that perfectly complements the powerful vocals provided by Both Taylor Barber and Kim Dracula.

Kim Dracula’s vocals are nothing short of exceptional, adding a layer of intensity and Trap Metal spice to this already captivating track. With each lyric, he leaves an memorable mark in the listeners mind, evoking awe as listeners process Kim Dracula’s hyper-sinister rap verse / feature.

Taylor’s vocal delivery is unrelenting on this whole record, not just this song. Only rivaled by the depth of his own penmanship. And some of the lyrical themes he breaks into really strike a chord with me in regards to my own feelings on the subject of vengeance.

“Artificial Anatomy” delves into thought-provoking themes that resonate deeply with the right audience. The poignant lyrics explore the complexities of abuse and standing up for yourself. Left To Suffer’s ability to craft such profound lyrics that strike a chord with the people who need to hear it most, not only showcases their artistry but also creates a connection with listeners on a deep and meaningful level. The band’s vulnerability adds as strong sense of purpose to the music, making “Artificial Anatomy” an emotionally charged masterpiece and Left To Suffer one of the greatest bands on the front line of the underground.

The sheer intensity and aggression in not just “Artificial Anatomy” but a lot of their songs are unparalleled. Left To Suffer delivers a never ending onslaught of heavy breakdowns, blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and experimental frequencies that ignites a fire within me every time I tune in. The energy emanating from this track is infectious, leaving no choice but to surrender to its commanding presence and undeniable energy.  It is this unrelenting force that sets Left To Suffer apart and makes “Artificial Anatomy” a force to be reckoned with in the Trap Metal world.

“Artificial Anatomy” by Left To Suffer featuring Kim Dracula is a tour de force in the realm of heavy alternative music. Left To Suffer’s ability to seamlessly blend musicality, emotional depth, and technical excellence sets them apart from their peers in metal. I give this song a rating of 10/10 “Artificial Anatomy,” out now on all platforms.

[musicftmisfits]

Icarus Phoenix - Live. Give. Lose. Grow.

DIY indie rock outfit Icarus Phoenix have just released their album 'I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said' - a mouth full, indeed - on which we find mesmerising hazy folk rock track 'Live. Give. Lose. Grow.'.

DIY indie rock outfit Icarus Phoenix have just released their album ‘I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said’ – a mouth full, indeed – on which we find mesmerising hazy folk rock track ‘Live. Give. Lose. Grow.’. Icarus Phoenix have built a solid following through DIY tours, solid releases, and the fact that they’ve created a niche for themselves. Their sound is a refreshing indie folk one…

[roeknowsbest]

Salt in Wound - Single Review: “Capture the Flag” by Roe Knows Best

Single Review: “Capture the Flag” by Roe Knows Best

[randomjpop]

“Hana” is produced by A. G. Cook and I could not believe.

Why are Hikaru Utada and Fujii Kaze calling up A.G. Cook, just to not have him not A. G. Cook!?

💿 Single Review: Fujii Kaze - Hana

[milkywayes]

there's downsides to ranking high in the hierarchy [prints]

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

Raised in the East Village, acclaimed and highly sought-after trumpeter Dave Guy was surrounded by hip-hop and the hustle that seemed to define the city in the 90s. During those formative days, he and his playing style were influenced by the likes of Donald Byrd and Hugh Masekela, but also by A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.  His time at LaGuardia Performing Arts High School furthered this path. Guy remembers sharing playing time with  Big Crown Records co-founder Leon Michels and highly sought-after drummer Homer Steinweiss. “Being in the All-City Jazz Big Band, I would see them rehearsing all the time,” the New York-born and-based musician recalls. “They were already doing things with The Dap-Kings back then—which was crazy.” His voice as a player began to take shape and continued to be refined through his studies at The Manhattan School of Music and The New School — and then playing withSharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Charles Bradley and Menahan Street Band, The Sugarman 3 and more. He has played on albums from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Lee Fields, the legendary Al Green — er, correction, the Rev. Al Green — and a lengthy list of others. And adding to a growing profile, Guy currently plays with The Roots live and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Guy finally steps out into the much-deserved spotlight with his full-length debut, Ruby. Slated for a September 20, 2024 release through Big Crown Records, the 12-song album sees the highly sought-after NYC scene mainstay exploring New York jazz and pushing the boundaries of the style by incorporating elements of hip-hop and soul in a way that’s both unique and modern.  As fate would have it, a classic case of “when one door shuts, another opens” was really what got the ball rolling on the album. “I never wanted to force my own project,” Guy explains. “There was always a lot going on between things—the timing was never right.” But when The Tonight Show went on hiatus during last year’s Writers’ Strike, there was an unexpected free moment.  Within days, Guy started recording sessions with Steinweiss and Nick Movshon (bass). What initially started out as a just an opportunity to create music, quickly took shape and direction when they ended up laying down something that felt wildly special and authentic. The result is an album that captures different moods and serves as an invitation to the world as Dave Guys sees it and feels it.  Last month, the acclaimed and highly sought-after musician shared the album’s first single “7th Heaven,” a composition anchored around a bed of twinkling and dancing keys, a strutting Movshown bass line, swaggering boom bap drums from Steinweiss and ethereal backing coos from Clairo/Claire Cottrill serving as a funky and anthemic bed for Guy’s regal and soulful horn melody. The result is a composition that’s swaggering yet cinematic, while capturing the energy and vibe of a day — or night — in and around New York.  “It has a groove and is more in line with what the guys and I are known for with Menahan Street Band, but it is also in-your-face and catchy,” Guy says. “It’s a bit of an ode to Tijuana Brass too, a Herb Alpert-esque track with a tight horn line and has that energy that pops.” Ruby‘s latest single “I’ll Follow You” is a gorgeously serene bit of counterbalance anchored around a driving rhythm section and juxtaposed by Guy’s soulful and meditative horn melody with a subtle call and response. Sonically, “I’ll Follow You” — to my ears, at least — is a bit of a synthesis of Kind of Blue-era modal compositions with J. Dilla and Stones Throw Records-like beat tapes. It feels thoughtful and warmly familiar yet new — and much like its predecessors evokes the energy and feel of Guy’s hometown.

[icravemusicx0x0]

track thursday #15 | DON'T RELY ON OTHER MEN - JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA is a icon of the UNDERGROUND RAPPER/PRODUCER arts. his soundscape is DARK, ROCK-HARD, but AMBITOUS and ETHEREAL. he's a whole VIBE i cannot explain because of how INTENSE it is. but DON'T RELY ON OTHER MEN can explain it.

DON'T RELY ON OTHER MEN adds a more ROCK TWIST into PEGGY's PRODUCTION STYLE, however. the song has more use of RAW ACOUSTIC DRUMS and ADDITIONAL STRONG GUITAR RIFFS. with JPEG's iconic SHOUTING approach in RAP, DON'T RELY ON OTHER MEN feels so UNIQUE from his other works but also doesn't feel like an UNUSUAL work from him. it's like if PEGGY produced 10000 GECS by 100 GECS. looking like a great start to the album, i'll take a listen to the album later.

[heavythread]

Single Review

My first single review! Gonna go through a few singles released recently as well as some I might’ve missed in the past couple weeks!

Frost Children - Lethal

A *little* late to this, but it’s so different from their usual stuff and I love it! Very indie rock esque and while it’s not like their last album, I’m very excited for their new record! 8.5/10

Lovejoy - Normal People Things

An evolution of their EP, which I loved, so take a guess at what I think? (I love it btw, if you even care) I love how they’re leaning more and more into the pop punk direction as it suits Wilbur’s voice so so well! They’ve gotten the pitching on his vocals perfect as well, not too autotuned but also not completely raw, which was a problem for me in the past (what can I say? I love super melodic stuff 🤯). Overall a great 9/10 on that one

I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME - WHAT LOVE?

I’m so excited for new IDKHOW!! This is a good beginning to the album cycle! I love it, but I am really hoping for a bit more for the album. I think this sound could grow a lot and I hope it reflects on the record. Also Dallon’s high note? 🧑‍🍳💋 beautiful. Probably a 7.5/10 honestly. Hoping more comes out soon! Albums out in February so I have to wait 😔

AJR - Yes I’m a Mess

*I LIKE AJR I REALLY DO* but this song is just 👎👎. I’ve thought this album cycles been a bit weird and I’ve been really iffy on the singles, but this solidifies that I don’t think I’ll like this album. It sucks too cuz the cycle started SO STRONG with I won’t (probably my favorite song by them ever), but the DJ was just not for me, and the dumb song felt a little generic. Either way with this last single I’ve kinda lost faith in this record. Still gonna review it when it comes out and hopefully I like it. It’s hard to gauge the fan reception because of all the backlash from critics and general audiences, but I think I’m in the minority of fans, which is good! Glad people can enjoy something I can’t. 4/10 😕

[poppletonink]

TRACK REVIEW: Fire Drill - Melanie Martinez

In her 2020 single, Fire Drill, Melanie Martinez combines her 'Crybaby' era of soft, ethereal tones and pastel goth aesthetics with a discussion of societal control and criticism of the government. Throughout the creative track, Martinez tackles numerous topics of societal conditioning, almost like a musical reinvention of the messages of Orwell in 1984. It starts out with a discussion of a lack of autonomy; how people fail to be their authentic selves and if you do set yourself out from the crowd in any way, you are "deemed an outcast" and "weird". The main message of the song is expressed through the chorus: “What would happen if a nuke just hit? Would you say to your family, would you post about it?". Melanie questions the listener, begging people to be more present in a society that is emotionally attached to a glass box in their hands. Set up to be almost like a children's rhyming song, with giggles and backing vocals reminiscent of children playing at school, Fire Drill's message (that beautifully juxtaposes its rhythmic tone and sound) is a bitter yet brilliant reminder of the worldly state we live in.

[gbhbl]

Single Slam: Delain, Aphyxion, Anger Party, Carnage Void, Lovebites, Tempt, Memoriam, Acres, Stormo, Kamelot, Deadline, Remote Viewing, and Black Stone Cherry!

This week’s single slam features Delain, Aphyxion, Anger Party, Carnage Void, Lovebites, Tempt, Memoriam, Acres, Stormo, Kamelot, Deadline, Remote Viewing, and Black Stone Cherry.

This week’s single slam features Delain, Aphyxion, Anger Party, Carnage Void, Lovebites, Tempt, Memoriam, Acres, Stormo, Kamelot, Deadline, Remote Viewing, and Black Stone Cherry. You can read our thoughts about the latest singles from these bands below. Delain – Moth to A Flame Ahead of the release of their brand-new album, Dark Waters, to be released February 10th via Napalm Records, Delain…

[hamletthedane]

my brother just called me late at night, barely able to get two words out because he was laughing so hard. Finally, through the wheezing, he told me “go google the new Gollum game. Please”

So I did. And now I just spent half an hour on the phone nearly dying. We just kept sending eachother pictures of Gollum from the game and LOSING IT all over again. I haven’t laughed this hard in YEARS.