Where in the beginning this feels like a cinematic composition, in the end it’s far more of your go-to banger as the winter rave season kicks in.
Rebecca Cullen
P.M.K.S have crafted this one with care. As far as Christmas songs go, this is undoubtedly one of the more easy to access, humble, enjoyable releases to date.
In the way that songs like Where Have All The Cowboys Gone? offer unexpected melodic strength & power, The River utilises contrast in an equally clever & effective fashion. This is not purely a relationship song, with a basic, familiar story-line. On the contrary, this is poetic & expressive – inspiring travel & deeper realms of thought.
While the sound of this project has a fairly classic feel by nature, there are several ideas that offer something a little left of the expected. Anderson’s story telling & his own honesty & often vulnerability fuse beautifully to lead the listener through a series of deeply thoughtful, poetic moments.
Artist and songwriter Kiid aims high with this release, showcasing both his professionalism and skill as a producer, and his smooth flow and lyricism as a rapper and writer.
Austin’s Jony Shelby & Mad Nice collaborate to become DRK Sharlo this year. Changes brings through a melodic brightness and a simultaneously mellow vibe – not unlike the recent sound of the mainstream, but done in a fairly emotional, personal manner.
The clever thing about this is that it takes that key vocal idea & initially uses it to represent a gentle, calming aura. Later on, the very same vocal part suddenly seems much darker & even slightly haunted. It’s a superb way to highlight the power of music & the great effect a change in key & atmospheric elements can have.
Where Michael Bublé has quite famously re-delivered this genre to the masses in recent years, he did so with a certain softness – Doug Ferony offers it up with weight and a seductively raspy finish.
By the latter half, the beat hits and the guitars take over – an atmospheric, organic ambiance rains down around you. It feels mellow yet also uplifting, as if you’re sitting peacefully on-board a fast train; the world speeding by just outside.
Dublin Rain is a totally hypnotic and inspiring audio soundscape that offers a brilliant hit of euphoria whenever you need it. Dobie’s catalogue to date never fails to amaze.
Chad Earnest joins me (Rebecca Cullen) & offers his advice to upcoming bands & artists regarding graphic design & video creation. We also talk the future of rock music, Slipknot’s mighty return, the rise of hip hop & the infamous rap diss from MGK to Eminem.
Some people get nervous going on stage; I get excited. As rugby legend, Scott Quinnell says, “those butterflies in your stomach turn into dragons!”