Indie Music Reviews

Downie Streahl - I'm Alright

published on May 26, 2017

Downie Streahl - I’m Alright

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HbVywkFp80

Downie Streahl’s “I’m Alright”, was a song turned single off her latest of newest material from an album called “Are You Ready”. An album that saw a New Years release, just this year back in January. With that of course the song turned single became quite the successor for the up and comer. It brought out the genres to that of country, pop, pop rock, please some popularity in the form of adult contemporary.

Omid Master - Only You

published on May 26, 2017

Omid Master - Only You

SPOTIFY: https://play.spotify.com/album/3n9W7ItgYES2BE6WHxIU5j?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Down under, the expression used for those who may have never set foot in of all places Australia. Which is why we are now discussing an Australian singer and song writer called Omid Master. Yes that is this artist’s name, you don’t hear your average Joe’s name of said person using their real everyday name. This artist actually went forth and made up a namesake for his solo offerings which is why he is called Omid Master. Now why he has the word “master” in his name who knows. But perhaps he will be the only master we look up too after discussing his latest and newest efforts “Only You”.

Swaylex – Scrale

published on May 22, 2017

Swaylex – Scrale

YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnTTUKSZ_bTeulKBE4d—Ug

Swaylex is the nom de plume of Emanuel Williams, a young East Coast based multi-instrumentalist who’s made a quick name for himself uploading his one-man-band instrumental compositions to YouTube. “Scrale”, one of three recent uploads, is a first rate example of a young unknown musician putting his wares out into the marketplace with the kind of bravery and skill needed in an increasingly crowded musical world. His prodigious talents are apparent from the outset, but what’s equally apparent is his penchant for presenting those considerable skills in such a way that all but ensures an instant connection with listeners. Melody is never far away from the center of his concerns and the tracks like “Scrale” are framed in such a way that he is certain to garner notice from music devotees and casual fans alike. As well, he never belabors these performances – they are never too long and he shows a sure grasp on “Scrale” of knowing when to pull back and when to press his musical issues on the listener. It’s a thrilling ride.

The Chameleon Project - Funk ‘n’ Space

published on May 19, 2017

The Chameleon Project - Funk ‘n’ Space

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

This is the sort of release that gives lie to the idea cross-genre works and electronic music in general comes out either disjointed or lacks substance. The Chameleon Project’s Funk n Space is a ten track opus that pushes a basket full of boundaries in its attempt to find an identity quite different from the plethora of electronic influenced acts working on the music scene today. They succeed wildly. This potent stew of EDM, groove centered jazz, funk, disco, and art rock inclinations sparks listener’s imaginations from the first thanks, primarily, to the superb quality of the compositions, but the album is likewise successful thanks to the sparkling production that the band puts on everything. The Chameleon Project has given these songs spectacular clarity that brings their intentions and ambitions alike to raw, physical life. Funk n Space is a wildly entertaining and thrilling achievement sure to get pulses raising.

Jonathan Cavier - Blue Room

published on May 18, 2017

Jonathan Cavier - Blue Room

URL: https://caviermusic.com/

I really like this album quite a bit. For ten years, Jonathan Cavier performed under the name “Alan Clark” as part of the duo Eye Talk. During those ten years that outfit released five albums. Now with this new name, he has launched a solo career. This is his newest album, and has a nice mix of accessible music. It all seems to meld well together, while managing to vary enough from song to song to keep it interesting.

Round Eye drop new LP

published on May 18, 2017

Round Eye drop new LP

URL: https://roundeyeband.com/en/

The Shanghai based group Round Eye have shown no mercy nor fatigue in sound development or work ethic and have as of late been a crucial force in bridging a wide gap between the eastern and western hemispheres of DIY punk rock. Along with blazing a trail all over the globe they’ve played host to visiting western punks and some legends as well sharing stages with acts such as The Boys (UK), Paul Collins Beat, M.O.T.O., Ceremony, and Iceage. VICE magazine documented one of their ‘bunker’ gigs in Beijing in glorious baijiu filled detail.

Jennifer Tefft Band - Cutting for Stone

published on May 16, 2017

Jennifer Tefft Band - Cutting for Stone

URL: https://www.jennifertefft.com/

Jennifer Tefft hails from Massachusetts. She got her start busking in Cambridge. Since that time she’s matured and released several albums. You can hear that maturity and experience in both the songwriting and the performance here. It’s obvious that Tefft is no new-comer just starting out in her career. The range of musical sounds and textures here is fairly wide. There is a lot of bluesy rock, but there are things that bring in influences ranging from country and jazz to Klesmer. The vocal performance brings a real sense of genuine emotion and passion. More than anything, that’s what makes this work so well.

Across The Board

published on May 12, 2017

Across The Board

URL: https://www.acrosstheboardmusic.ca/

Hearing a song more than once could be either good or bad. “Broken In Time”, is that song heard countless times for this review, while it holds up decently enough, hearing it once more may not be of the best choices. Not saying that Across The Board or ATB as they are known to some if not all, is a bad band or good bad they just a band that is there plain and simple really.