/2014/02/ 2014/02 - month - Indie Music Reviews Hugo -- gohugo.ioenThu, 27 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000 /brittan-church-musics-pop-punk-ways/ Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/brittan-church-musics-pop-punk-ways/ Brittan Church Music spends his time in Texas making music that’s as great as anything you’d find in a flannel clad kid in the ’90s CD player. “Never Give Up” sounds like the soundtrack of a ’90s cult classic, with a Pearl Jam essence; “Last Kiss” style. It’s actually a radio ready song that’s as well produced as what you’d hear on rock radio. “Fur Elise” was more a take on ’70s rock and long licks and psychedelic breakdowns, while “BSL Song” was back to that signature alternative sound that was developed at the start with “Never Give Up.” The best part was that “BSL Song” name dropped Krusty Krab and if that’s not a “Spongebob” reference, then there’s another place out there…? Awesome. Up to this point I’ve enjoyed his vocal performance, but “Got To Go,” not so much. It was a little off compared to the others. That’s not something the “Whiskey Blues” can’t fix though. Just like in real life, this musical refreshment was just what was needed at the end of the day – or in this case, ends of our time with Brittan Church Music. It was a nice cap; heartfelt and telling with a lot of passion in a simple way. If you’re into bands like Pearl Jam, then you have to check out Brittan Church Music. It’s a must. (https://www.reverbnation.com/brittanchurchmusic)

]]> /steven-brown-gives-it-up-for-the-man-upstairs/ Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/steven-brown-gives-it-up-for-the-man-upstairs/ When you want a well-rounded musician, look no further than Steven Brown. He’s a father, grandpa, singer, songwriter, speaker, comedian and more! He brings his faith to the forefront with engaging music and heart. “I’ve Been Saved” sounds like it’s straight of the gospel. It’s an upbeat song about being saved by the man upstairs that is a lively take on the Lord. It’s not your old school church song, it’s fresh and new. “Through Every Storm” slows it down, but still sounds modern and showcases more of Steven’s vocal skills than anything else. Then Steven shows off his manners with “Thank You.” It’s a song that could be a nice Sunday sing-along. It’s got this crowd feel that would be very powerful sung by a group of believers. Then you have a nice, jolly ditty like “Heaven Is A Better Place.” You can’t go wrong with a fun song like this that has a deep meaning masked up lighthearted sounds in the musical department. If you’re a fan of Christian music and like it done in an AC way, check out Steven Brown. (https://www.stevenbrown.org/)

]]> /jupiter-cannons-nobody-cages-me-presents-jupiter-cannons-vol.-1/ Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/jupiter-cannons-nobody-cages-me-presents-jupiter-cannons-vol.-1/ Jupiter Cannons is a rock artist who puts his hands to work creating pieces that let the guitar has a voice all its own on “Nobody Cages Me Presents​-​Jupiter Cannons Vol. 1.” “Plain Talk” starts things off and the monologue makes you feel like you’re about to go on a theme park ride. It’s kind of scary just because rides with warning always are. The rest of the album plays like a trip through the ’70s with rock and roll at the helm of your boat. From the groove of “Stroll of Soul” to the beat of “Little Miss Payback,” Jupiter Cannons covers all the bases and hits things out of the park for instrumentalists out there. “The Godfather Suite” gets a little sensual while “Procession of Pharaohs” keeps things moving nice and slow. If you’re a fan of music that’s pure rock and has none of those distracting things like lyrical content, then Jupiter Cannons is for you. So check out. “Nobody Cages Me Presents​-​Jupiter Cannons Vol. 1.” (https://jupitercannons.bandcamp.com/album/nobody-cages-me-presents-jupiter-cannons-vol-1)

]]> /the-voices-make-the-midwest-swoon/ Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/the-voices-make-the-midwest-swoon/ The Voices is an R&B quintet from the Midwest who all have voices that are pure gifts. This is probably why they settled on their group name. They remind me of a classic R&B sound that doesn’t go out of style. The song they have so graciously offered on their site is a love song that does its job. It makes romantic feelings flow through your from the start. Everything from the lyrics to soulful delivery, everything is on point and in tune. Chicago is lucky enough to have these guys who’ve been all over the country from NBC’s “Steve Harvey Show” to Seven On Ridge. They’re a delight to anyone young or old who appreciates a nice set of pipes. (https://www.thevoicesusa.com/)

]]> /trevor-aka-english-the-globetrotting-reggae-man/ Wed, 26 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/trevor-aka-english-the-globetrotting-reggae-man/ Trevor AKA English is an artist from London who relocated to LA to make reggae music. Now that’s something. “I Don’t Need A Reason” is a mid-tempo song that takes reggae and R&B and blends them into a song you’d hear during the summer. It’s got a beach vibe to it. “To Her With Love” starts with this Boyz II Men like talking part that sets a sensual mood. Then that fades and a more light beat comes in and English recounts his history with the subject of the love; his love interest. When you get to “Masquerade” you’ve gotten a good grip on English’s style and expect what this song dishes; love with a Rasta feel. Capping this off is “What Goes Around.” This is probably the coolest due to it having this more political aspect to it rather than love. This is what I tend to lean towards more when it comes to reggae. If you like Rasta and a bit of soul, check out Trevor AKA English. (https://trevorakaenglish.com/index/)

]]> /far-and-few-voices-of-silence/ Tue, 25 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/far-and-few-voices-of-silence/ Far and Few is a singer songwriter but not in the traditional way you’re thinking. He’s less coffee shop and more CBGB.  “Revelation” sounds a little like a sci-fi movie’s ending. The climax is over and done and things are wrapping up with a victory lap. This song would be great company for the ending credits. That was Far and Few’s latest, but he has a whole record for listeners to enjoy called “Vows of Silence.” There you’ll find a surprising pop punk like stance with “Struggle and Sleep.” It lands somewhere between ’90s alternative and the ’00s Warped Scene. You find that same tone in “Crush” Each song has extensive lead ins that are great for music purists, but those who like to get things started right away might back away. They shouldn’t because one things kick in, they’re awesome if this is the kind of music you’re into. Fans of New Found Glory and MXPX should look alive and check out Far and Few’s “Vows of Silence” and his single “Revelation.” You can hear the growth and it’d be awesome to see where he goes next musically. (https://www.far-and-few.com/home)

]]> /jamie-taylors-beats/ Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/jamie-taylors-beats/ Jamie Taylor is a musician who can make you move at the turn of a beat. “Get Ready” is just a musical arrangement that shows off Jamie’s skills in production. You get to hear what she’s working with vocally with “Make It Right.” It’s this nice R&B song that sounds like a throwback to the simplicity of the ’90s artists like Brandy and Monica. “Times Up” has this enticing start that makes you anticipate what’s to come, but no lyrics never start up. The same goes with “No Future” and the fantastic beat of “A Better Tomorrow.” If you’re more a fan of musical productions, then Jamie Taylor is your girl. (https://soundcloud.com/jamie-taylor-35)

]]> /jeff-hayford-sings-realness/ Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/jeff-hayford-sings-realness/ Jeff Hayford is a singer but also a songwriter and producer who has played up and down the east coast. He brings realness to music. “Bad Attitude” is a well crafted song that is accompanied by Jeff’s singer/songwriter ways. He captures the artistry of songwriting and makes things go well from the start. He does the same thing with “Hear Him Sing.” If you like artists like John Mellencamp, then you’d like this softer side of Hayford’s music. “Bounce Back” picks it all up for the whole lot. If you’re into Petty and Hiatt, check out Jeff Hayford. (https://www.reverbnation.com/jeffhayford)

]]> /thisis4u-music-keeps-it-in-the-family/ Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/thisis4u-music-keeps-it-in-the-family/ ThisIs4U-Music is a songwriting duo made up of QueenE and Bri, a mother-daughter pair. They’ve been doing their thing together since the early ’90s and do it with style and grace. “The Life of a Slum Child” is a song that tells a sad tale about the title character. It’s this very R&B, soulful storytelling that could be an Oprah special. “The Word” is more a song than a story than the last one and showcases off the vocals a lot more. Those other two songs were a bit slower but “Let’s Sing” lifts the spirits with its pep. Then it’s time to give thanks for “Thanksgiving.” You’d think that it’d be this softer song about the holiday, but it actually passes with some sass. If you like music that’s got soul and is chalked full of vocal abilities, check out ThisIs4U-Music. (https://www.jango.com/music/ThisIs4U+Music?l=0)

]]> /james-bobby-smooth-edges/ Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000/james-bobby-smooth-edges/ James-Bobby doesn’t communicate with words and he doesn’t have to. His album “Smooth Edges” speaks volumes about who he is with just beats, instruments and sound. “A Time of Leasure” is a happy-go-lucky beat that’s likely to lend itself to a good mood while “Game Day” approaches that big game in a manner that’s more about grooving onto the field instead of running out with a force. If a team were to ever use this song to come out to, they’d add a bit of funk to their appeal. Then you have “Lamp Light” which starts off slow and you wait for it to build. The anticipation of what could be almost makes the song even better. You get something magical with “Stream Cut.” It’s like this metropolitan meets fairy tale sound that’s actually really cool and different. “Once Upon A Time” should look into this one. Is that show even set in a big city? Either way, they should. James-Bobby’s “Smooth Edges” takes leaps and lands on sturdy on its feet in the field of instrumentals. (https://soundcloud.com/james-bobby)

]]>