2014/05 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Adamus Turner Gives It His All

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

You can hear how much heart Adamus Turner puts into every word he sings, and string he plucks. “Destiny” really relies on the chorus to make this one stand strong, while “What You Mean” is on point from the start. It has a wonderful musical intro that’s met with a compelling vocal performance from Turner. I think the stubborn folks of the world will flock to the aptly titled “My Mind Will Never Change.” Although the way he sings it sounds less stubborn than those who’d listen. “Better Ways” is an uplifting song that acts like a personal crutch to those who might be struggling with something in their lives. Then you have “From Her Love.” This one has a very serious overtone and that continues on throughout the whole track. It’s haunting in a way. If you’re into singer songwriters who craft music from heavy life experiences, check out Adamus Turner. (https://adamusturner.com/)

Cassandra Henry, R&B's Next Big Thing

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Cassandra Henry is an R&B talent to keep an eye out for. “Tightrope” is a very positive track that’s really got a great voice behind it. It’s got a catchy hook and will remind music fans of old school Brandy. Then she gets a little Mary J. with “Too Good.” It’s not as striking as the last, but still good. Moving on to “Meanwhile,” this is where she drops the hooks and goes a little slower with it, while still maintaining a little groove. If you thought the days of good R&B female pop singers were gone, think again because Cassandra Henry is here and ready to make her presence known. (https://www.cassandrahenry.com/)

Cooley Haze: Cooley Haze

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Cooley Haze captures so many elements on “Cooley Haze,” it’s a wonder it can be contained. “Evolution” sounds like a trippy night out in a cosmopolitan area. You get a lot of different genres with Cooley Haze, and with “The Risk” you have a very cool hip hop track, while “Sir Ebbs and Her Flows” serves up that classic Neo-Soul that artists like Jill Scott made part of the mainstream. That’s also what you’ll hear with the “Interlude Cafe,” only that soul has a much more classic feel to it. Cooley Haze even shakes it up by adding a pinch of spice to the mix with “Estados Unidos.” The record is then capped off nicely with the soothing, but cool ways of “Orange Tonic.” If you’re a fan of genre mixing and want something that speaks to the cool urban music fanatic in you, check out Cooley Haze’s self-titled record, out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cooleyhaze2)

Luke Jacob: Comforts

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

If you just looked at Luke Jacob, you’d be floored by the voice that came booming out of him on his record “Comforts.” I expected something light like a little Gavin Degraw but as soon as that boom came from “It Hurts” it was clear that’s not was going to be the case. The baritone is unexpected but once you get used to it, you fall into the groove and move on. That deep voice lightens just a little with “Alone With Edgar,” although the feel remains the same. Everything is always very bluesy and has a bit of an edge to it. “I’m Burning” does nothing but remind me of the bad guy from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Its got this sinister, yet endearing feel to it that captivates. If you’re in the mood for a striking good time and love you some blues with pinch of rock, check out Luke Jacob’s “Comfort” now. (https://lukejacob.bandcamp.com/album/comforts)

Tim Medrek/Timsrock Rocks Out on Guitar

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Tim Medrek/Timsrock creates an array of sounds with his guitar in hand. “RunDixie” starts light and you think it’s just your typical electronic song and then the rock comes in and surprises. With “Eye Opener” you get this eccentric rock song that’s just an oddball you can’t help but listen to the whole way through. It’s as spooky as its title, that “Boneyard Grim.” Sounding like something straight out of a horror film, the beat after about a minute really shakes it up and breaks the tension. The coolest from Tim Medrek/Timsrock has to be “Dads Shuffle 26.2.” You don’t really know what’s going to happen when you hit play and then when you do you’re met with sick licks and a good time. If you’re into the wonders of what a guitar and some beats can do, check out Tim Medrek/Timsrock now. (https://timmedrek.wix.com/timsrock)

Josh & Larkin: Josh & Larkin

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re like music that’s easy on the ears and has a jazzy feel, then Josh & Larkin’s self-titled album is right up your alley “Mr. Jonesin’” really sets the bar for the rest of the record. It’s straightforward to the point of the subject of the song. I didn’t expect it to be about wanting someone in that way, but it was relatable and cool. Not like Justin Timberlake’s but Josh and Larkin’s “Cry Me a River” has a more classic sound to it, rather than pop Top 40. You’ll definitely want to stay inside with this “Rainy Day,” dancing along to “Cheek to Cheek.” Every song from Josh and Larkin is a delight. They have a sweet jazz sound that is very light and airy. At times you’ll hear a little Norah Jones, but overall it’s all Josh & Larkin, so check out “Josh & Larkin” today. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/joshandlarkin)

Orante', the Forever Romantic

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Orante’ is a romantic and it shows in his soulful ways. “Just Smile” starts with this monologue that clearly sounds like one half of a phone conversation trying to get the person on the other end to speak up about what’s going on" It’s a classic R&B track that takes on a human emotion. It’s an uplifting song that you’d want someone you care to dedicate to you. It’s a reassuring musical tale. Then you have “Did Anybody Tell You.” It’s another song about reassurance and stands out thanks to how just plain sweet and romantic it is. Who wouldn’t want to hear either of these sentiments on a daily dasis? If you’re in the mood for heartfelt romance, check out Orante’s music right now. (https://soundcloud.com/orantef)

Steve Roberts' Treasured Hearts

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Steve Roberts’ music is a step above your typical singer/songwriter. “Treasured Hearts” has a nice sound to it that really gets you from the start and holds you close. It’s like a warm embrace, just like “I Am the Rain.” Then he gets a little philosophical with “It It Only a Game?” and a little out there with “Even If.” That one didn’t sound as strong as the rest. Then he picks it back up with the sentimental “Jane’s Song” and the very strong “Fallen Star (For Columbia).” You get a sense of what Steve’s all about - he’s a guy who sees things, and reports back in the form of song. He’s more than your local coffee shop singer/songwriter. He definitely adds a little more to his music and it’s to be appreciated. So make sure to make some time for Steve Roberts and all he has to offer today. (https://treasuredheartsmusic.com/)

Steven Rodriguez's Heartfelt Tunes

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Steven Rodriguez is a singer/songwriter who puts his heart on the line. “Gone Away” is a very heartfelt track that will get pull at then strings right away, but thankfully “A Thousand Words” picks up the mood musically. You can hear the pop in his voice in “Not Home With Me” due to the delivery of the emotion. Then you can hear the range in his vocals with the falsettos going on in “Fly On My Own.” One of the best on from Steven has to be “Goodbye,” but don’t think of that as the end - it’s just the beginning of this guy’s journey. So hop along for the ride with Steven Rodriguez and enjoy. (https://www.steverodriguezmusic.com/)

Terry Mitchell's Trusty Guitar

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Terry Mitchell is a master at his guitar craft. Being a guitar man, it’s no surprise what was unwrapped when diving into his sounds. “Mine/Her Dance” was this mid-tempo track that had a sense of romance to it, but then “Fanfare For Fusco” really stepped it up and you got a feel for the heart of Mitchell’s music. “Blue I” was a quick trip to “The Dance,” a slow dance that didn’t cause much movement. Then you get a cover of one of the sweetest and inspirational songs out there, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Anyone who’s heard the original can pinpoint it when it starts. He then pulls it back to his own things with the soothing ways of “Gentle Song” the southern sounding “Watermelon.” If you’re instrument of choice is the guitar, make sure to check out Terry Mitchell before your day is done. (https://www.tmguitar.com/)