2013/10 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Dan Exactly Pops the Quirk

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Dan Exactly is an odd duck, but an odd duck who can take pop, turn it on its side and give you an experience. “Two Left Feet” is definitely unique and that’s to be expected after seeing Dan Exactly. His look doesn’t fall into any particular area. Looking at him would render the mind to assume he was the lost brother of the lead singer of System of a Down. You’d think he’d open his mouth and hardcore vocals would come out. Instead you’re met with a song like “Two Left Feet” that’s anything but. It’s upbeat and has a pop edge that could slice the competition if handled right. With Jendor, “Only Fascination” is a true blue pop song that you’d hear on Vh1 because it’s not bubblegum, but like pop for grownups. He also has help from Dave Liebman on “The Blue Ocean,” which is more soulful than the others. It’s the slowest but still stands tall in the trio. If you’re into quirky music and like underground pop, yup that exists, then check out Dan Exactly. (https://www.danexactly.com/)

Brad Killian And His Message From Above

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Brad Killian creates heartfelt and endearing for those who follow the good book’s word. His powerful vocals resonate with a preacher who can take control in an instant with his sermons. Killian isn’t just for Sunday; his music is for anytime you want that Holy Spirit flowing through you. “Creator God” showcases that booming voice in a way that resonates with a feeling of goodness. While that one is a bit serious, “I Don’t Know” has a lighter tone and overall is more fun, maybe the most fun to come from Killian’s catalogue. Things get more serious with “Ready for the Gaze” but you hardly notice as you’re engulfed in Killian’s killer vocals. His performances on these well produced tracks are for fans of Christian music and those who are looking for music that’s more positive than anything. If that’s you, check out Brad Killian now. (https://www.bradkillian.com/)

Ultimate Ovation Singers Keeps the 70s Alive

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Ultimate Ovation Singers are an immaculate group of artists who came together in the 70’s, and you can hear that decade’s influence loud and clear throughout the music they continue to create today. “Heart & Soul,” the title explains it all. It encompasses both heart and soul equally and distinctly. It’s a reminder of the truest form of R&B and soul music. That same goes with “Baby Girl,” which has a little bit of a lighter feel than the other. It’s more on the pop side of R&B. It wouldn’t be a review in December without a little holiday joy, right? Ultimate Ovation Singers give you that with “It’s Christmas.” It’s a throwback to the 70’s R&B with its groove and demeanor. The same goes with “They Ask Me,” which is a good storyteller track. Things take a modern turn when “Bling Bling” comes into play. That’s not a term you would’ve heard in the earlier times. If you’re into soul from the 70’s and wish it’d come back, then check out Ultimate Ovation Singers. (https://www.reverbnation.com/ultimateovationsingers)

Lil Charles Allen Has a Ghost Writing Plan

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Lil Charles Allen is a man who wants to be a ghostwriter. If you’re looking for someone to write you an R&B song that’s intertwined with soul and hip hop, keep on reading. “That Girl” has a 70’s soul start and then takes a step into the here and now while still relying on that soul spine of the song. Just in time for the holidays though is “Santa Is Real” which starts with an slight sight of autotune, you think it’ll stop but that continues the whole way through. It’s like if T-Pain took on the role of Christmas spirit. Christmas got remixed for the R&B lovers out there. Let’s stick with the holidays and talk about “Money Ain’t Everything” and remember that as we head into that time of year when immense spending is popular. Okay, now to talk about the rest of the songs that are more fitting for any time of the year. “Word Up Black People” sounded muffled amidst the autotune, while “Make It Funky” was a little clearer. It’s definitely funky though. One of the best songs to come from Lil Charles Allen though is “The World Is More Than A Stage.” He takes on Shakespeare’s famous saying and this one shows off his voice the most. He should do that more often. If you’re a fan of music that mixes R&B, hip hop and soul then check out Lil Charles Allen. (https://www.jango.com/music/lilcharlesAllen+R+B+?l=0)

Abhinav Narain Makes Music Speak Loud

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abhinav Narain is a musical purist who likes to showcase sound in a new light, especially on his album “Elemental.” “Ghosts on the Current” is the kind of music you’d play in the background of a sci-fi movie scene. There are no words, but it sets up the mood to be somewhere between serene and intense. “Quantum Euphenmisms” is like the first in that there are no words. Abhinav Narain likes to create a world with sound; in this case he created one that sounds like something Sheldon Cooper would choose as his favorite song. “In the Seasons” sounds like the musical cousin of “Mad World.” They both create an audible environment that leaves you on edge. Speaking of on edge, “Spore of Continuum” does the same thing. If you’re one of those sci-fi fanatics who love every aspect of those movies and television shows down to the music that plays within them, then you will want to check out the music Abhinav Narain has going on with his album “Elemental,” out now. (https://www.behance.net/ANarain)

Danny Hughes Makes the 80s Modern

Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Danny Hughes is a R&B artist from Saint Louis, Missouri who sounds heavily influenced by one of the greats and by a decade that was heavy in music that made people want to move. “Rock Me” smooth R&B that has some energy to it that makes it easier to move to. You can hear a hint of Michael Jackson in the influence of this track. The way the lyrics dance from the speakers into listeners ears is enjoyable with each note. Speaking of Jackson, Hughes really takes on an 80’s sound with “Sally Suzie.” The beat is never met with lyrics, but the music stands on its own and paints a picture of day-glow and Aquanet hair. That’s the same picture you envision with “Dirty Dirty.” That decade continues to be delivered from Hughes as this song’s clean lines continue to make you feel dirty, in the best way possible. (https://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=268185#bio)

Johnny Bodley Teaches Us All With Music

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Johnny Bodley is a singer/songwriter from Selma, Alabama who likes for his listeners to learn a lesson about life whenever they tune into his music. He takes the Lord and runs with it musically to make these lessons. “So Into You” is a love song that’s slow and sweet. It’s like melting chocolate. It’s not about the kind of love that’s new either; it’s about the love that stands the test of time. Then Bodley gets into his faith when he starts up “Last Days” with a monologue that’s a must-not-miss. The pace of the song has a gospel feel to it that will make listeners sway. Another monologue starts “Your Number” that will resonate with anyone who’s lived with an addiction. It’s a positive reminder that you’re never out of the race called life, you just hit a snag. What would you do if your loved one has only 48 hours to live? Bodley approaches that idea in the aptly titled “48 Hours.” You can hear his R&B influence in “Old Time Way.” If you are into gospel music that teaches a lesson along the way, check out Johnny Bodley. (https://www.jango.com/music/Johnny+Bodley?l=0)

Hershel Price This Is Why We Sing

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Hershel Price’s album “This Is Why We Sing” is a country gospel record that pays tribute to the man upstairs and all that he does. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is fitting not only for the church, but for a heartwarming movie from the 1950’s. It’s innocence beckons the light of that era in film. “The Cross Is Where Love and Sin Meet” is definitely one that you’d only hear at a service or on Christian radio stations. It’s very to the point and exact in what it’s about and not really for a secular crowd. Only those who believe will sing along and enjoy that one. Coming into Thanksgiving, “Thank You Lord for the Blessings” is perfect for this time of year. We’re all thankful for something and fans of Christian music may want to have this one playing as grandpa walks in with the turkey to carve. The piano in “Come Unto Jesus” is haunting in the best way possible , while “Lord, I Offer My Life to You” is as dedicated as can be. If you’re a fan of the good book and the music that resonates with it, make sure to check out Hershel Price’s album “This Is Why We Sing.” (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hershelprice)

Mason James From Heartfelt to Dolphins

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Mason James is a rocker with a heart who tells stories that are as normal as a sunrise, but can be as spectacular as a Bigfoot sighting. “Going Home” is a nice guitar driven song about heading where you came from, and telling someone not to be sad about it. James lets his guitar do a lot of the talking, so it’s more like a duet when you think about it as you listen to “Human Placebo Embryo Toy.” The guitar is the base and James is the wild ingredient that makes things pop. Things get taken back down a notch with the endearing words of “Kya.” It’s a roller coaster with this music man as “Wow” is able to capture attentions with no words; just guitar infused rock and roll. First there was the one about embryos and then “Secret Dolphin.” James is definitely a guy who reaches for the eccentric side of life when making music. If you’re into artists who tell stories through an array of styles and emotions, make sure to check out Mason James. (https://www.masonjamesonline.com/)

Moki Makes You Move

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Moki seems like the kind of guy who just wants to move and make others do so as well. “We Just Want to Have Fun” is the definition of a night out with friends. It’s got this poppy demeanor and doesn’t let down at any time. “Obsessed” isn’t about that Beyonce movie (remember that wonderful trainwreck?) thankfully because it’s better than that. It’s just like the last in that it has a positive energy about it. “Persevere” isn’t as fun as the other two. It seems more serious than the others, so this one isn’t recommended for the dance floor, maybe just a solo party at home. “Until Forever” is like the latter, except the vocals are showcased more in this one instead of the beat. If you’re a fan of music that could be played in between sets at a Britney Spears show, music that keeps the pop enthused crowd hyped, then check out Moki. (https://www.facebook.com/il0vem0ki)