Category: Song Review

Inanna - Now and Ever

8/12/2019

We featured a song, "Nebulou," earlier this year, attributed to the solo project of Hannah Stewart. However, the song can now be attributed to Inanna, as Hannah and her music writing cohort, Hank Dorsey, have come to settle on a project name.

Inanna is an indie pop duo hailing from California's central coast, where they write, release, and perform music.

Their debut EP, What Is Living Above the Light, is a waking dream, pulling the listener into an ethereal soundscape. "Nebulou" makes an appearance on the 6-track EP, followed by what has become another favorite track, "Now and Ever." The track is a continuation of the otherworldly vibe, deeply drenched with delay, but adds the driving support of a kick drum to move the song forward. Hannah's vocals are syrup poured over the track: thick, sweet, and rich. She sounds both fresh and familiar, fabricating a nostalgia that you can't quite place.

Keep up with Inanna
SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

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Hanoi Ragmen - Hanoi Jack

4/11/2019

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Virginian band Hanoi Ragmen do a great job of creating a thought inspiring, groovy compositions. "Hanoi Jack" begins with a slick bass-line (which is easier said than done) alongside the rhythm section, establishing a wonderful bed for synths and guitar work to fill out. I've found that harmonic progressions from verse to hook are a very important part of good song.

Regarding instrumentality, I feel like the execution of the horns is perfect. Tonally, Hanoi Ragmen are adventurous without being "extra." At times, I find myself thinking I am hearing completely different instruments, but alas, it is simply a wonderful, creative job with the horns in the song and mix. This song seems right at home on stage, with infinite spacing for solos or "rides" as they are often referred to. There is almost a thematic quality to the progressions the Hanoi Ragmen employ, representative of a mature collective that has an understanding that songwriting is and should be comprised of more than one fun element. Hanoi Ragmen provide us with a layered insightful piece. Isaac Adhoot, Kostia Howard and Marian Morton deliver strong horn parts, which, alongside a solid rhythm section, give a certain swagger that you just can't fake.

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Lights That Change - Creatures

4/9/2019

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After many years producing other artists, a UK-based musician and producer began to focus on his own creative outlet, resulting in Lights That Change (LTC).

LTC is the ethereal alt-rock project of UK-based musician and producer, Marc Joy. He creates dreamy songs based on a foundation of lush guitar for some shoe-gazy goodness.

"Creatures" is a track, recently released via 72RPM Records, with Rachael Dunn (SirenSong) providing vocals. Beginning with a driving rock beat and crunchy guitar, Joy adds spacey layers to the composition as Dunn's bright vocals make their entrance. The song starts out sonically sweet, but the lyrics create a creepy gotta-get-outta-here vibe, becoming more and more haunting as the atmospherics expand and float into outer space.

Rachael Dunn

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Ancient Pools - Quarry

4/8/2019

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Ancient Pools are Anna Jeter and Kevin Christopher, an indie pop duo based in Portland, Oregon. They craft sonically mesmerizing music that perfectly reflects the mystique of the rainforests in the Pacific Northwest.

Their debut album, Cosine, is slated to be released this coming Friday, April 12.

"Quarry" is the second single from the forthcoming record. The song begins with a lush sonic scape; electronic elements swirl around a lazy, but but driving beat. Jeter's vocals compliment the atmospheric track - an added calmness to an already mellow sound. "Quarry" is both relaxing and playful. It's a peaceful song for those who need a break from the daily grind. Jeter sings an invitation to the listener, "if your head is heavy, come float with me," and I suggest you join her.

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Shar - Your Enemy

4/5/2019

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If you follow the blog, you've probably noticed by now that we post a lot of female producers... I can't help myself. I'm very happy to have found another.

SHAR is the moniker of Charlotte Barber, a UK-based musician and producer. She crafts piano-led melodies brushed by electronic elements, overlaid with haunting vocal lines.

"Your Enemy" is SHAR's latest single, released in February this year. The track begins with ambient industrial sounds, which mutate into an atmospheric layer as the composition builds. A synthy bass sound pushes the song along, accentuated by kick and snare hits, waiting for SHAR's vocals to enter. When the vocals do come in, they are accompanied by keys, causing the track promptly bloom into lush harmonies. "Your Enemy" gives off some serious trip-hop vibes, resembling a stylistic blend of Massive Attack and Glasser. Listen to this track when you find yourself wanting to relax and deal with the nuances of a love/hate relationship.

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The Raft - Joab

4/4/2019

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Credits
Phil Wilson - Vocals, Instruments
Claire O'Neill - Vocals
JPedro - Instruments, Production
Jeremy Llewellyn - Additional Instruments

The Raft is the brainchild of UK-based Phil Wilson, who creates glistening alt-rock melodies with an electro/shoegaze twist.

Tomorrow we will see the full release of his new album, Abloom, on Shore Dive Records. For today, we'll enjoy the single, "Joab." The song begins with a twangy pop-rock guitar riff that instantly generates a nostalgic 90s atmosphere and sets an upbeat pace. A steady rock beat, playful bass line, and Phil's vocals arrive to propel the track forward. Additional acoustic and electronic elements come in and out of the track, pushing and pulling to accentuate lush sonic layers. "Joab" is a song to listen to on a rainy summer day, when rays of sunlight sparkle through parting clouds. The Raft will leave you with a feeling of nostalgia and the urge to take a road trip.

Keep up with The Raft
Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | SoundCloud

Keep up with Shore Dive Records
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bandcamp

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Shrines - Release

4/2/2019

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Shrines (formerly Ponyhof) is the moniker of Brooklyn-based musician Carrie Erving. I stumbled across her tracks on SoundCloud, and am currently under the impression that there will be a new EP released later this year, as her bio states she is "currently in the studio with co-producer Rosana Caban (Psychic Twin) and will be releasing new music in 2019."

"Release" is dark and atmospheric, structured around Erving's ethereal and spine-tingling vocal lines. The track begins with a downtempo electronic beat, vocals, and synth. The composition blossoms and pulls back, hinting at a hook, but not too worried about making it catchy. Between the vocals and progression of the track, I am reminded of the stylings of Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes) and Björk. This track wasn't made for the dance club, but for a listener who is couch-locked and introspective. I'm looking forward to hearing more and to having access to Shrines on other platforms! For the meantime, I'm excited about finding this hidden gem.

Keep up with Shrines
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud

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Anja Kicken - You And I

4/1/2019

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Anja Kicken is an electronic singer-songwriter and producer from the Netherlands. Last week she released her first solo EP, On My Own. She also blogs about things like mindset, mindfulness, spirituality, and creative struggles - I suggest following her blog if you'd like to read about some authentic behind-the-scenes feelings and experiences creating music.

"You and I" is the first track from Anja Kicken's debut EP. The song immediately delivers a warm and romantic atmosphere with minimal keys and a sample of a crackling fireplace. As Anja's vocals enter the mix, my expectations are set to hear an intimate piano ballad, but a deep, groovy synth and rock beat arrive to subvert them. The track is still totally a love song, written for new lovers, packaged in a downtempo/indielectro/R&B wrapper. Listen to this when you're feeling both wistful and hopeful - Anja won't let you down.

Keep up with Anja Kicken
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

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Bailie - Not Your Type

3/30/2019

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Bailie is a hidden gem in a bedroom in Chicago. She's an electronic singer-songwriter and producer, creating dreamy (and sometimes experimental) bedroom pop songs that you can relate to. She independently released her full-length, debut album, Beginnings, in November of last year, and continues to drop new singles - so follow her so you don't miss any of the new fire!

"Not Your Type" is one of Bailie's most recent tracks, currently released on Soundcloud, but I'm hoping for a wider release on other platforms. The song begins with an atmospheric synth and Bailie's vocals, which remind me slightly of Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast, though Bailie's lyrical content isn't quite as dark. The track eventually adds layers of glittering arpeggiated synth, drums, and additional electronic sounds. Even though the composition is built with electronic elements, the fabricated ambiance manages to have an acoustic feel about it. "Not Your Type" is a breakup song meant for passing ships in the night - sometimes people just don't line up - the track is sad, but hopeful.

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Liyv - Hebedo

3/29/2019

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Liyv is a Portland-based electronic producer and artist who composes delicate, experimental pop songs. She has been releasing songs for a few years, including her 6 track EP, It Me, in 2017. She has just unvealed her debut full-length album, Apoptosis, earlier this month. This music is perfect for tender-hearted souls who would like to know what it means to feel pastel.

"Hebedo" is the second single released from Apoptosis, and it showcases Liyv's ethereal voice and her talent composing experimental soundscapes. The track begins with some skittering electronic sounds over a deep synth and playful keys, pulling back as Liyv's vocals add new depth. I can't help but think of Megan James' (of Purity Ring) vocal stylings as I listen to "Hebedo" - spritely and playful. The song takes quite a few turns in it's short duration, making the experience feel much longer than in reality. I can only compare the track to a piece of origami, a piece of paper deliberately folded to create something three-dimensional. Put Liyv's music on and take a long walk - I guarantee she'll add a bit of magic to your day.