2013/08 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Dana White Delivers Music with a Message

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome in the new face of youthful Christian gospel music, as Huntsville, Alabama’s Dana White is making his mark on the community with a vibrant, exciting new flow. With a powerful, smooth voice, this inspired singer is churning out music with both catchy beats and an important message for young people across the country.

While he clearly draws influence from classic R&B legends, White mixes in some hip hop flair and bouncy rhythms to give each track an infectious edge. Songs such as “Rain” and “Journey” are clear standouts, containing hard hitting lyrics filled with personal reflection and faith.

Atyeb Ba Atum Re's Poetry in Motion

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

If you think you know world music, think again. Attacking the genre with poignant subject matter and an in-your-face attitude, Atyeb Ba Atum Re is crashing through borders and boundaries with her latest effort, Sex n Race. Primarily using spoken word set over experimental and fascinating background music, her artistry has progressed since childhood, culminating with this breakthrough record.

Focused on hot button issues such as race, gender, and culture, Atyeb utilizes her personal experiences from America’s civil rights movement in the 1960’s to deliver passionate and thought provoking poetry. Listeners seeking socially conscious, innovative music will be drawn to her immediately, finding it difficult to leave the excellent confines of Sex n Race.

Daryl J's New Smooth Blend of Gospel

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Chicago’s latest and greatest gospel artist is exploding upon the Midwestern scene, releasing two brand new singles chock full of soul, harmony, and emotion. Daryl J’s breakout tracks, “Glad to See You” and “Gotta Let Go” are beginning to flow across the greater Chicago area, delivering powerful lyrics riddled with faith and positive energy.

A liquid smooth combination of soul, R&B, and traditional gospel propels each of Daryl’s songs, which can be as catchy as they are heart wrenching, flowing with silky keyboard rhythms and occasionally funky drum beats. He also defies typical song structure and length, as both singles weigh in at around nine minutes apiece, giving the listener more than their money’s worth.

Approaching Dawn's Metal Outlook On Life

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Middle school seems like so long ago, but I remember it like it was just yesterday. The boy of my dreams was in love with bands like Black Sabbath and Metallica. I on the hand was standing proud with my Backstreet Boys notebook in hand. It is a wonder we are not together over a decade later. While I wasn’t heading to the pit when I was younger, thanks to MTVs TRL, I got to know a variety of bands and even came to appreciate the likes of Korn and System of a Down. My brother was a metalhead as well, so when I started to listen to Approaching Dawns music, I was not that scared…As some might be. It is that abrasive style of metal that sounds like car crashes, but soothes the soul to those who find solace in the riffs. Songs like Grimoir and 21st Century Darkside are great examples of what Approaching Dawn is all about. Other songs that keep the adrenaline going are Syndrome, Copy of a Space and Death Contest. If you are not open minded and rather head to see Michael Buble, then this is not for you. Approaching Dawn is more for the folks who cannot wait for Ozzfest to be revived this May. Sounds like you, then check them out. If not, move along, nothing to see here. (https://www.reverbnation.com/approachingdawn)

Introducing Kill Pretty of Washington Heights

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Coming up from the Washington Heights area of New York’s South Bronx is the multifaceted rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur Kill Pretty. Sporting a flow as hard as the city streets and a head turning style, the songs utilize a mix of old and new school influences which keep the feel refreshing and exciting.

With a powerful voice and a raw flow, Kill Pretty has developed a no frills, no nonsense style of hip hop, skipping the soft choruses and sappy love songs while sticking with an in-your-face attitude. If you’re looking for singing, dancing, rap-pop hybrids, you’ve come to the wrong place. Especially fiery tracks include “You Not the Boss of Me” and “My Dreamz.”

LA's Girl Next Door, Leah

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome in another multi-talented, versatile artist from Los Angeles, California, who is taking on the local music scene with an attitude and conviction well beyond her years. Leah, formerly known as Sixx Carter, unleashed her breakthrough EP Girl Next Door, delivering each and every track with a sultry, sexy flair backed by straight forward rock melodies.

Utilizing personal experiences and reflections as the backdrop for her musical landscape, Leah remains exciting and edgy throughout the record, wailing away on the guitar and keyboards while weaving her way through each story. With a clever mix of contemporary rock, pop, and an alluring approach, this is one Southern Californian artist to keep your eyes on.

Uncle Bucket Fills It Up

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

For a few years now, a group of guys and a gal have taken their love of music and put a lot of hard work into making more of their hobby. Those five are now called Uncle Bucket and they have fused together sounds of the sax, with traditional “rock band” instruments to make music that can not only been viewed as progressive, but jammy as well. Uncle Buckets sound is versatile. Listening to what I could on their Facebook proved that not every song is the same, each has a personality to get to know. Melt seemed to be a bit overbearing compared to the rest. It appeared the most progressive of the bunch. Then there was Nature, which was a slower track that allowed the mood to get calmer, while Breathe Easy made me jot down, “Sting’s baby.” Take that as what you want and run with it. Listen to those vocals though in that one and you might be with me on that one. Last one to note is Melt. That was the star in my eyes. It was cleaner than the rest and gave off a positive vibe I could not ignore. If you are into bands that sound like they are a crockpot of goodness on stage, meaning they blend the odd and ends of music to make a delicious treat, then check out Uncle Bucket. (https://www.facebook.com/UncleBucket)

Channing Coker the Country Gal

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most intriguing genres in music is Country. It is honest, straightforward and never leaves you wondering about symbolism. If your daddy had a drinking problem, you sing about it. You do not dress it up and take it out and pretend it never happened. That is what music is supposed to be, a real relief. That came to mind as I was listening to Channing Coker. She is a country gal who says what she means and means what she says. Her songs are autobiographical and the listeners can appreciate the personal touch she gives to each. Dangerous is one of the most telling tracks about an abusive relationship, while The Pearl and Sharecroppers Daughter are more nostalgic and tell about her childhood in a storybook manner. Both songs that look back are slow in pace and thoughtful, while Thank You Boy is one of the most upbeat tracks she has to offer. The best songs from my point of view though are her takes on femininity. Why Can’t Girls is not only a good song, but it questions females in a hilarious way that will make you start to think the same way. That was kind of the same idea when I got One of the Guys. A tomboy myself who likes to dress up occasionally, I took this one to heart and smiled wide. If you are into Country gals like Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, then take some time to check out Channing Coker. (https://www.channingcoker.com/website/web-content/index.html)

Minneapolis' Mammoth New Rapper, E'Stylez

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A silky smooth flow, catchy beats, and memorable lyrics are pushing Minneapolis, Minnesota’s E’Stylez to all new heights throughout the rap scene. Capable of penning everything from party anthems to soothing R&B jams, his songs ebb and flow across the genres while appealing to fans from coast to coast.

With a collection of tracks already burning up the internet, E’Stylez is quickly becoming one of the top independent rappers throughout the Minneapolis area. Songs such as “Weekend” and “Travelin the World” threaten to become the next fiery soundtrack to everyone’s favorite clubs, fanning the hip hop flames until they reach the ceiling.

Altered Rocks the Midwest

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Roaring in with the force of a locomotive is Cincinnati, Ohio’s Altered, one of the latest rock bands tearing their way through the Midwestern music scene. Built from a solid hard rock foundation and topped off with scintillating guitar solos, this five-piece continues to make waves each and every time they take the stage. Dripping with attitude and confidence, Altered makes their presence known in each city they visit, while continuing to tour the country and spread their musical prowess. Taking cues from 90s hard rock as well as traditional metal hooks, they churn out a style of no frills rock which keeps the fans coming back for more. Driven by an impressive initial collection of songs, as well as their first single “Just Another Day,” the band is working as hard as ever to reach new heights.