Proving that the life expectancy of rock music is not over-not by a long shot-mylittlebrother’s latest long-player, Howl (Due October 30, 2020), is a testament to rock evolution. Fueled by melodies, harmonies, energy, and lyrical interplay, Howl excels! The subject matter is a little dark in places, but the music elevates it all to a feeling of celebration. The title-track (seen / heard here) takes on giving everything to a relationship, with lead songwriter and frontman, Will Harris, singing: “I, I thought you were ill. So I gave all the blood I could spare, All…
Read MoreYou may know Tyson Kelly as a touring John Lennon impersonator-because he is that-but he’s also a songwriter in his own right and a performer of frenetic hit material like Am I Ever Gonna See You Again (seen/heard here), which is just one song in his latest 4-song EP, Plastic Rockstar (available on streaming services now). And while this has nothing to do with Tyson Kelly’s own talent, he is the son of Tom Kelly, who has written hits for the likes of Madonna,…
Read MoreA little bit rock, a little bit pop, a little bit of everything, really, Philadelphia based PHNTMS’ new single, Carabelle (seen/heard here) features rich emotive vocals, spare but beautifully played instrumentation, just a touch of reverb, and a melody that is instantaneously infectious. These are qualities of all great songs and PHNTMS has them all here on display. Lyrically, Carabelle, sung by vocalist Alyssa Gambino, is a tale of a toxic, yet intoxicating, relationship gone South. It’s that taste that you get at the end: a sense of loss and relief…
Read MoreNick Kingswell’s indie-pop sound is unforced and melodious, and while it may not break much new ground musically, it’s a great example of pop done well. Beautifully sung with Nick’s rich tenor, There’s No Cure (heard here) explores regret, when love escapes you, not because you didn’t have the chance to make it work, but because you did and it didn’t work out. “when you close your eyes I can’t help but think if I cross your mind but I’m the one who’s dreaming of our old love if I could ever…
Read MoreVodka regulars will note that instrumental music of any kind is a rarity here. It’s not that I don’t like instrumental music, but for it to reach the blog, it really has to be accessible. Lydian Collective, Snarky Puppy, and The Fearless Flyers are just a few whom I believe have transcended the niche status. Enter Andrew Wasylyk, whose compositions are super-accessible and blend modern classical, ambient, and jazz to create a unique and wonderful soundscape. Awoke In The Early Days…
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