Sometimes it feels like modern music is in a rush to connect – like it has to be, because attention spans won’t stand for anything else. Real art isn’t made that way though, music neither. It emerges from a creative space of contemplation and expression, a desire to understand either oneself or the world at large.
USA
When the gift of music shines its light through just a solo performance on a single instrument, it holds the power to remind us of the essence of our being – the simplicity of life that can feel far more rewarding and fulfilling than anything overly loud or complex.
Solo pianist and composer Michael Strening Jr. captures precisely that quality, with the easy rise and fall of his melodically and rhythmically evocative Into The Light.
In my opinion, this is categorically the most memorable, musically satisfying, and perhaps emotionally impactful song from the extensive Bad Bubble repertoire to date. It’s a step in the direction of simplicity and realism in both the clarity and boldness of the voices, and in the honesty and relatable authenticity of the lyrics. The opening reference to Occam’s Razor is decidedly fitting; sometimes the simplest answers are the best.
New music from the unmistakable Big Bus Dream brings a clean and clear production, with those expressive and distinct vocals upfront and centre. It’s an emotive and uplifting ballad of sorts, with a twist of joyful pop-rock and playful production, and it marks a welcomed return to the songwriting finesse of the band.
A superb introduction to an artist with a certain humility and effortlessness to her clear talent at the helm.
An echoing arena of rising notes and descending bass, something of a mirror-chamber of reflecting ideas and melodies that build and envelope the listener. There’s a certain lightness and humble euphoria to this track, a meeting between the meditative and the energising.
Timelessly soulful RnB and Gospel vibes light up the unity and warmth of this latest ode to oneness and connection in the modern realm. d.Rich tackles the issue of division and uncertainty in the lead up to the US election, with the politically inspired, musically rich and welcoming Speak Up & Stand On It.
Dark and dirty production leads with a rise and fall bass line and snappy vocals, blending rap and melody across a confronting and confident lyrical thread – Music Production House Tune Oven launches a single fit for the spooky season, with the Halloween-ready Bitch To Witch.
Impassioned rock with a neo-classical undertone and contemporary electronic effects – CellaFox places its singer and concept in the spotlight, for the evocative and thought-provoking Land Of Hope.
A joyful anthem on the one hand, from a distance – an altogether-now ode to the beauty of musical unity. But on the other, a unique take on missing someone, on the feeling of having cared for someone who could ‘read the stars’, but was never able to ‘see the starlight in me’.
Originality and intrigue, conceptual depth and purpose, presented in a kind of hazy, nostalgic grunge softness initially, later evolving through heavy production and effects. viceservices accesses the depths of our shared existence, with the bold and evocative heretic.
Neatly-packed as ten original tracks with a fiercely anthemic opener, With Friends & Imperfections is a classic rock album at its core, but offers a fresh leading character, an often hyper sense of pace, and a series of unexpected stories.