2014/07 - month - Indie Music Reviews

Albert Bernicky's Canadian Country

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Albert Bernicky is a Canadian country singer that shows so much roots, you’d think he was Nashville born and raised. Usually you hear a lot of songs coming from the American south about patriotism, so we often forget about other countries and their pride. Bernicky does a great job at bringing that wholesome pride to the North with “Canadian Soldier.” It captures everything he set out to say and delivers. Back in 1998 Mark Wills released “Don’t Laugh At Me” and it became an instant anthem for any and all who had been a victim of bullying and Albert Bernicky took it on to dedicate to his fans who have had or are going through that same ordeal. His cover is an acoustic rendition and showcases the raw passion of the lyrics. If you’re in the market for a new country artist, then make sure to check out one that is heartfelt and true like Albert Bernicky. (https://albertbernicky.com/index.html)

Brian Keith: "U Know I Need You"

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Today we have an R&B artist from Ohio. You don’t hear that too much but Brian Keith is representing with his love song. “U Know I Need U” is one of those love songs that are romantic but keep your spirits thanks to the pace and music that accompanies the lyrics. It’s sweet and sincere and tells the tale of someone who regrets losing the one they love - using this song as a tool to mend a broken relationship. It’s the sharpest in the shed and bound to ease some hearts. If you’re a fan of modern R&B that’s all about keeping you going both mentally and physically, check out Brian Keith’s “U Know I Need U” today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/brianjkeith)

Tony Russo Keeps it Classy

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Tony Russo sings in a way that can never be touched. “The Summer Wind” is the perfect song for romance in the hotter months. It’s about love and classic tunes here. The thing about this music is that it never gets old. Songs like “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” has a sense of history to it but at the same time is timeless. Love just keeps flowing through this guy in the form of song with “More.” It’s bound to make knees weak. The same can be said of a lot of Russo’s music though. Take “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Capping off the record is one of the best songs ever written, a cover of Etta James’ “At Last.” Tony Russo does his thing with it and you can’t be mad at him for it. If you’re a fan of the Rat Pack era, then check out Tony Russo’s latest. (https://tonyrusso.tmgartist.com/)

True Grit with Shaun Fischer

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Canada is known for maple leaves, hockey, being super polite and hopefully soon - Shaun Fischer. “Mr. Alien” has this subtle rock vibe to it. The vocals are very gritty but the music isn’t that overbearing. It has rock elements but doesn’t overpower you. That grit continues on, but this time with the music in “Your Caught Pants Down.” The words come slow, but the music keeps you into it. With “The Truth,” the music and vocals sync up perfectly. Neither outshines the other and they work together to bring a well-rounded track to the listeners. You finally get into the groove of what to expect from Shaun Fischer once “Up And Away” rolls out. It’s this dirty rock that has a bit of ’90s alternative mixed in. If you’re a fan of gritty alternative music then you have to do yourself a favor and check out what Shaun Fischer has cooking up today. (https://soundcloud.com/shaun-fischer)

John Arthur Foster Does Country Right

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

John Arthur Foster is a country artist who has the bases covered. “If I Had A Dream” is a song you get lost in. It’s sung well and while is really simple, you can’t help but want it to last forever. It has this honesty in the lyrics and delivery that makes you feel comfortable from start to finish that cannot be denied. He picks things up slightly with “Middle Day Blue.” It’s got a mid-tempo pace that really allows one to sway as it plays. Then he goes all in with “I Wish I Had A Nickel.” It’s the most upbeat of the batch and showcases the fun side of Foster. So if you like country that can pull at the heart and make it move, check out John Arthur Foster ASAP. (https://www.reverbnation.com/johnarthurfoster)

Classic Country with Kelly Campbell

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

On a day that Garth Brooks announced his comeback, it’s nice to hear another country boy doing his thing as well. Kelly Campbell is just that. He’s got the modern country sound that is synonymous with storytelling and heart. You can hear both of those elements loud and clear in sweet tracks like “Let Me.” He then takes on a cover tune with “Don’t Make Me” and does it well. He also does his thing covering “Drink A Beer.” With all three you can hear the heart in Kelly Campbell’s voice and that’s the main focus of country music. You have to have that emotion backing you and he has that. So if you’re a fan of artists like Jackson and Brooks, check out Kelly Campbell now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/kellycampbell7)

Mikal Dark's Electronic Buffet

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Mikal Dark is an electronic artist from the US who deals with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The “Corded Tape” mix sounds like something straight out of the Sega I just bought. Yes, you can buy a wireless one and it’s great. “Indigo Mornings” has more of a club feel to it but isn’t overpowering. The beat slowly builds but doesn’t explode into anything too crazy. With “Drina” it sounds like an industrial like party going on, while “JJ PinWheel2” has a lot of nature elements. “JJ” was actually quite soothing. “Raven’s Ridge” is a little scary with the vocals intertwined. They’re like little bursts that spook. Then things get sensual with “Real Sex,” as they should. The R&B feel kind of keeps flowing as “Neesis” comes through. All in all Mikal Dark brings variety to the electronic game, so if you like to mix it up - check him out today. (https://soundcloud.com/mikaldark)

Landon Huber's Musical Time Travel

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Landon Huber is an alternative artist who does things his way. “Call Of The Sunset” doesn’t have any real lyrics and is more about setting an overall tone. You feel like you’re in a tent made of sheets in the ’60s and there’s nothing but peace all around. You get that decade again just a bit but it verges on the rock side as it’s a little harder and coming on stronger in “Please Don’t Leave Me Again.” This one does have a lyrics department and it’s great to hear. In “God Knows I’ve Tried” Landon does his best work. The music and vocals line up perfectly and it’s the first time I really heard who he was as an artist while listening. “A Match Striking” sounds more modern; well like it is from a ’90s college station when the alternative scene started to take off. So Landon Huber spans the decades and comes out fine each time. If you like your music with a little ’60s flare and some ’90s sass, check him out now. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwk6Gb8UM17hI7XjV5cvU5g/videos)

Warchild Rocks the Country

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Warchild is a one man show. “Ash” has this haunting effect to it that sweeps you in and makes it hard to escape. It’s like you’re under a spell or something. With “Lost” you have a stronger musical presence than the last. This one comes on a bit heavier while remaining a soft sung song. Then you wrap things up with “I Can’t Even Pay This Tab.” You have to wonder what this will be about and yes - it’s a true blue country track. I didn’t feel that genre from the other two songs, but it’s clear cut in this one. It’s a sad tale that has a lot of heart at the start and then picks up to have to great beat to it after awhile. It’s a song you definitely want to learn and sing along to at the bar. If you’re into heartfelt rock that has a country undertone, check out Warchild now. (https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialWarchild/videos)

Tommy Carter Rocks It Out

Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Tommy Carter is a rocker from Georgia who incorporates other genres and emotions to make his music stand out. “Cold Dixie Morning,” from the title you’d think it was going to be this upbeat Country song, but then it starts and has this very laid back blues rock vibe to it. That cool guy mentality plays on with “Home Grown Situation.” You can hear the confidence in this delivery and taste the smoky haze in the bar it’s being performed in because that’s the picture this music often creates. Then Tommy gets a little romantic with “Nothing I Can Do” and “Missing You.” You’ll get your rock feel with the guitar licks in “Never Knew.” They don’t quit. It’s clear that Tommy Carter is a musical man and that he’s been at this for some time. If he just started yesterday, then he’s picked up on it quick and fooled me. So if you need some rock in your life, check out Tommy Carter today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/tommycartersoloartist1)