Newsflash: New York based vocalist Amarachi just released her latest EP entitled All or Nothing.
REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/amarachimusic317/album/82686-all-or-nothing
Hailing from Nigeria and possessing the flair and true roots of African music, Amarachi is a talent rich with experience and the gift of creating wonderful music. Gaining experience from the ultra-hip New York modeling scene, this dynamic artist is a sucker for a chick flick, and the earthy strum of an acoustic guitar. This latest 6 song staple All or Nothing was released back in 2014. I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “Certified Criminal”, “I’ll Be OK” and “My Man”. They made quite the first impression and each one possessed my full unadulterated attention. To be honest: I expected cheesy overly synthetic Dub-Dance-Pop, extremely predictable and shallow in nature and extremely compatible for a mass audience. What I discovered was actually quite the opposite. The whole CD is wonderfully earthy, conservative yet full of what I would call explosive musical energy with music that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of Lauryn Hill, Alice Russell, Melanie Fiona and Amel. On the other side of the sonic spectrum I can hear Adele, Alicia Keys, Nikka Costa and Janelle Monae. There’s a Acoustic-Rock-Pop-Blues influence in there as well.
What I really like about Amarachi depite her amazing visual and stunning vocal abilities is there is no attempt to sugar coat the truth or deliver what I call over the top alt rock. Cheesy music with an over the top front man via top flight sampling, cookie cutter songwriting via a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music. None of the above here! I applaud Amarachi for taking the high road with All or Nothing.
All or Nothing will also appeal to both advanced and novice listeners alike – but make no bones about it this is a hot EP. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake Amarachi is one vocalist that has a lot of depth and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction than rest assured Amarachi is taking us back in the right direction with this latest release entitled All or Nothing.
Bottom Line: I was blown away by Amarachi. She’s like a fine exotic piece of art. She will affirm your faith in music again and is a unique, hardworking vocal act that knows her way down a modeling runway and her way around a stage. At the end of the day All or Nothing is one hell of a ride and delivers 6 passionate tracks. Amarachi delivers action packed musicianship, entertaining songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Acoustic-Rock-Pop-Blues with a heavy dose of soul on the side.
10/10 Stars
C.J. Phillips. Approved by Cyrus Rhodes.
