Leading with that same simple swagger and calm sense of awareness and intelligence as rappers such as Homeboy Sandman, A.C.E introduces himself as a clearly capable and compelling new artist, with a classic musicality yet a conceptually fresh approach to writing.
Rebecca Cullen
“You have to suck at something before you can be good at it. River of Suck is real-talk about struggles with confidence, self-doubt and becoming the youest you. Host Andy Reiner and guests ranging from musicians to scientists parse tough questions about maintaining a healthy attitude in the face of impossible obstacles to the tune of bespoke music.”
“Keep working hard and as I find myself more every day, I write my thoughts.”
Thanos’ writing style is increasingly conceptual, poetic, and provocative, throughout this EP. He’s a master of finding the right way to say things, simple yet captivating, and the right melody to really drive it home.
Always one to bend and even break the rules in music, Like Lions pushes through the confines of genre and style, leading with a concept and an inherent desire to craft something unique and meaningful. U Got Me makes for a strong testament to precisely these qualities.
Some Kind Of Voodoo opens up the playlist and kicks things off with a bang, seeing the band fuse a structurally complex and somewhat grunge-like aura with a melodic development and leading vocal that feel way more prog-rock and performance-based than anything else.
While the instrumental set-up feels reminiscent of the likes of Portishead or The xx, the vocal line adds a level of volume and intensity. It’s a powerful performance, one that takes the song from quietly compelling to incredibly emotive and decidedly uplifting.
Aratrea have put everything into this performance and writing process, and the result is something that boldly reaches out for your attention – and refuses to let go until the whole thing is over; much like the Python with his prey.
Stephon Foster’s writing throughout this project is decidedly emotional, beginning with the unmistakable Boy, I Quit, delicacy and regret intertwine as Foster pours truth and soul into the process. The finish, production-wise, really lets the intricate nature of these songs stand as tall as they possibly can.
Ayyv balances the nostalgic embrace of a retro, industrial-style hip hop beat, with an increasingly passionate and energetic leading vocal for this release – one that sees the intensity and boldness of the performance and the lyrics grow stronger every step of the way.
A conceptual and consistent presentation of deep-running artistry. What better way to spend your remaining time than to create from the depths of the soul and without a single restraint or concern outside of what needs to be expressed?
“Baltimore is an eclectic hodgepodge of artistic freedom. We have long stood with one foot firmly planted in the Blues but aspire to seamlessly pivot from genre to genre. I can’t stress how important it is to keep that other foot firmly planted in the Blues!”