Primary URL: https://www.lenafayre.space/

Lena Fayre has released two singles since her 2014 full length release Oko. The first, “This World”, scored big with fans of piano driven ballads, but her latest single “Cry” targets a much different audience. This track finds Fayre indulging in a much more outright pop oriented approach with drum machines and a stark arrangement relying on the contrast between chorus and verse for much of its musical effects. The other key part of the song’s musical equation is Fayre’s voice and she abandons the extended vocal lines of the earlier single in favor of a terser approach on the new song. She never sacrifices the vocal melody in favor of this approach, however. Instead, there’s something a rougher edge here than one hears in her much of her earlier work and that sound is likely attributable to the song’s content.

She recently finished her second CD, titled, “Change Of Heart.” “It’s a collection of songs in a classic rock style" states Carla. 

The songs cover a range of topics: “Goodbye” delves into her feelings about the passing of time, and not looking back. “Look Straight Ahead” is just promoting “positive thinking.”  

URL: https://www.justindifebbo.com/

If you’re going to go in a retro direction, choose wisely. For instance, self-indulgent guitar heroics don’t play as well in 2016 as they did in 1976. One approach, however, that seems to have timeless, across the board appeal is big, cinematic pop with a surfeit of rock shot through it for gravitas. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and their ilk are important reference points for Justin DiFebbo’s second album Skin and Bones. DiFebbo doesn’t slavishly imitate past masters, but instead, attempts filtering them through his own unique artistic consciousness. The ten songs on his new album attempt to cover a lot of sonic territory in relatively condensed spaces but are well produced and performed with passion that is never overwrought or heavy handed.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thomasnordlundmusic/ 

Despite the instrumental nature of Thomas Nordlund’s debut album, there’s something on this for everyone. The rock fan will appreciate his lead work, even at its minimalist best, and the often powerful drumming. The songwriting and progressive rock fan will enjoy how Nordlund incorporates a variety of keyboards into his overall package without ever allowing the electronics to overwhelm his other instruments. Blues fans will be pleasantly surprised by the sincere and cutting guitar phrases creeping into his language. There’s much more. There’s also a first class intellect guiding the artistic direction on this album and making all of the moment by moment calls that help it connect with its listeners. Beyond sound, beyond technique, the eight songs on Divide Avenue are tailored to directly connect with listener’s emotions and jolt their imaginations to life.