2013/03 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Apex Entertainment and Da Natural Beast

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

His name says it all. Just like his song “Young, Rich and Dangerous,” Apex, North Carolina’s Da Natural Beast spreads his fiery flow all across the state while spinning story after story in brilliant hip hop fashion. With imaginative beats and a flow which transcends typical Southern styles, each of his tracks grabs hold of the listener’s ears while leaving an indelible mark in the mind.

Da Natural Beast’s ReverbNation page is loaded with 12 songs of infectious rap for fans to sample. Beware though, after the first song you might feel compelled to listen to each and every one.

Ondraia is a Believer

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One can always tell when someone is a believer. They either hear them say it, or they feel it because that persons faith is so strong, that it flows and is obvious. Both go for Ondraia. She’s a modern Gospel singer who lets her faith fly higher than the heavens themselves. Born and raised in the heart of Motown, Detroit, MI, Ondraia was destined to have a soulful vocal ability. She sang backup for Dr. Bobby Jones and since then has gone on to make her own musical mark singing about her faith and belief in the higher power. Her style is that of Mary Mary, but sounds as modern, mainstream and powerful as Mary J. Blige. This is all taken from her track Birth of a New Me. In it you can hear her powerhouse vocals matched with her repetition of the line, I’m a Believer. There is no doubt in any listeners mind that Ondraia is a force to be reckoned with in the vocal department. Keep an eye out for her if you are into the Gospel scene, and expect to hear her name from now on. (https://www.musicxray.com/xrays/888882)

Marla Mase

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Simply mentioning these genres only limits this artist because she experiments with other forms of music as well. On the surface, these genres may seem drastically different from each other, but it makes perfect sense to combine all of these musical traditions. Spoken word is able to tie all of these genres together because punk and reggae have been used to express personal, political and poetic sentiments. The inclusion of such diverse genres in her music shows that this artist flocks towards any form of music that allows her poetic sprit to thrive. At a time when the mainstream music business has become so obsessed with genres and labels, it is refreshing to see an artist who is willing to take a more daring approach in music and say what is on her mind and heart. Her music will attract many fans who enjoy differing musical genres, and those who listen to her music will be exposed to new types of music that they otherwise would not have listened to before. Mase also exposes her listeners to the spoken word community which may encourage her fans to visit clubs that host poetry nights. Her album Speak Deluxe will be rereleased on February 28th, including six new tracks. The new songs are well worth the buy, even for those who have the original 2010 version. Piece of Peace is a good example of rock inspiration while AnnaRexia is more reggae focused. Her tracks are able to focus on reggae or rock while being able to mix these genres in other songs which is not easy feat to accomplish. Fans of spoken word along with fans of rock, punk and soul will come to love what this artist has to offer. Props should also be given to the band for the deep and rhythmic guitar, bass, violin and computer samples. For more information on Marla Mase, visit: https://marlamase.bandcamp.com/album/speak-deluxe.

Grant Lyle

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Grant Lyle comes from Ontario, Canada, and he has reached has an international audience from his home country all the way to Spain. His vocals are a signature trait in each of his songs, but he manages to play the guitar with range which is why he has won over many fans around the world. His brand of music can be described as easy-going and contemporary, but fresh, original and outgoing. The music he plays would fit well in clubs or in CD players. The track Trouble Blues is an instrumental song, heavily steeped in bluesy guitars. The song So There makes nice use of the acoustic guitar and harmonics. Lyle has received commercial attention around the world which shows that music is international and can break down both language and cultural barriers. The vocals and guitar all evoke a long lost tradition in blues, and Lyle does his part in resurrecting the art form. He excels in the amp guitar along with acoustics. His focus on the guitar and vocals allows him to sing what is on his heart and soul. Fans of blues, southern rock and contemporary music will enjoy Lyle’s style and flavor. For more information on Grant Lyle, visit: https://grantlyle.bandcamp.com/.

A Primitive Evolution

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Even though there has been more emphasis on the electric guitar within alternative music, this band has proven that acoustics can play a more prominent role in alternative while still rocking out at the same time. A Primitive Evolution explores the more soft and emotional underbelly of the alternative music scene. While alternative bands like Seether have taken alternative music in a harder direction, A Primitive Evolution has managed to make a lasting imprint with a softer side of alternative rock. With that being said, this still does not hold the band back from delving into the heavier aspect of alternative music. Alternative fans not so fond of acoustics should also check out their album A.P.E. This album is more hard rock in nature. A Primitive Evolution can appeal to fans of Nirvana unplugged acoustics and the ear-ringing nihilistic signature that came to define the alternative genre. The song Still Waiting is one of the best examples that this album has to offer. The band brings alternative music to the post-modern era, and they carved out a sense of uniqueness within the genre. To learn more about this band, visit their website at: https://aprimitiveevolution.com/fr_aprimitiveevolution.

Dino Jag

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

As someone who has been performing since the age of 13, Jag knows what people will move and groove to on the dance floor which is why his cover hit number 8 on the Australian charts and 34 in Denmark. Even though his music is mostly upbeat in nature, Jag revealed a soft and deeper side with the single ‘Calling All Saints (S.O.S. Haiti)’ which highlights the earthquake in Haiti and encourages people to donate to the country with a purchase of the song. Not only do the lyrics and ambiance highlight the struggle that people are going through in Haiti, but the song also encourages listeners to realize that people in Haiti are still dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake today.

Tom Dyer

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

He derives inspiration from diverse musical genres. The signature trait in each of his songs is the guitar. The guitar tracks have a tendency to remain in the head of the listener, and the tracks are very catchy in tune. The guitar and drum tracks are skillfully played, but never overshadow the artist’s bluesy and scratchy vocals. Dyer has managed to capture the essence of the blues, singing from the heart while being able to transmit feeling in each of the tracks. The songs, “The Ballad of Carlton IV” and “(People Want to Be Free) Free” are classic examples of this artist’s style. Dyer evokes creativity and a new approach to each of his tracks, and he explores deep and personal themes in the lyrics. Besides being an accomplished artist, Dyer is president of Green Monkey Records, serving in areas of recording, mastering and directing. He is someone who has an ear for music while being able to create some of his own. For more information on Tom Dyer and his music, visit: https://greenmonkeyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-aint-blue-anymore

Garret Thomas Leaves the Rock to the Music

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Music does not need words. That is the case with a lot of music out there in the world. There is classical, hip hop and even rock that is all about the keys, the beats and the guitar. That is what Garret Thomas and his music is all about. He is a rocker whose influence is clearly Stevie Ray Vaughan and Sammy Hagar with the excess of riffs and whatnot. Fun Time is all about bringing the rock to the forefront of Garrets sound. It is a quickie though, so do not let your mind wander or you will miss it. It is a teaser, so it makes you yearn for more. I Sealed My Faith will remind older folks of the 80s rock scene and bring back fond memories of tailgating before their favorite concerts. The Lost Train of Souls sounds similar to the previous, but turns out a wild side towards the middle that cannot be ignored. Into the Gates of Heaven is a different pace than the rest, an obvious softer side for the sensitive rockers out there, while Bed Time Story brings the rock full circle. It is not your typical night time tale. Garret Thomas might not say much, well anything, when it comes to lyrics in his music, but he is still able to connect with the rock fans out there who are fans of a good dose of guitar. (https://www.reverbnation.com/garretthomas)

DaMaDa is Taking Risks

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

DaMaDa is a group that is heavily influenced by Chinese minority tribes. That is not something one hears every day, neither is the music if one is not ravaging through the internet to stumble upon an Asian speaking musical act. Alas here is DaMaDa in all their eccentric glory. They are eccentric to those who are not familiar with the language or style of the music, but they might just be the norm in China. Nevertheless they have more than a handful of songs for listeners to enjoy. Good Morning Miao Mountain sounds like experimental pop with a 70s base. If that is not interesting, do not know what is. Tai Yang (Sun Drum) appears to have a lot of screaming along with native sounding drums. That must be the tribal influence. Wan Wande Yue Liang appears to be the ballad of the DaMaDa bunch with it sounding the most heartfelt. With all the Asian sounding titles, there were English ones as well, like A Red Heart and Crest. Both were not sung in English though, but Crest did sound American in the musical sense. Lastly, Good News from Beijing sounded like a Broadway showtune with its theatrical bursts. DaMaDa is for people who like to take risks when it comes to discovering new music. (www.damada.net)

Andrew Varner Dishes Out Mature Pop

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Ohio, that is the place those kids from Glee hail from on the hit Fox show. They sing popped out versions of the latest and most popular songs. Ohio, that is the place where Andrew Varner hails from as well. Unlike the kids from Glee, he chooses to sing his own songs, like the ones that can be found on his latest EP Shades of Red. It is a pop record that has a more mature sound, think about the music one could hear dominating Vh1, and there you go; Andrew Varner. Let’s Go Somewhere talks about home sweet home, but has a sense of adventure in between every line, while They Don’t Know has a Panic! At The Disco, Pretty Odd era, to it. Give Me a Reason is piano driven and Sleepwalkers Dream is something you would be likely to find on an album by The Script. Andrew Varner is not a pop artist like One Direction or Carly Rae Jepsen, he is more for those who have a drivers license and can vote; adult contemporary pop, much like Phillip Phillips and Kelly Clarkson. Check out Andrew Varner if he sounds like the kind of music you would want on your iPod. (www.andrewvarnermusic.com)