Monique Angele releases new EP

URL: https://www.moniqueangele.com/

My first impression at the start of Answers by Monique Angele was not the best. It was a little slow on building to anything of interest to me, and I most likely would have changed to a different track before giving it a second thought. Don’t get me wrong, I love piano as much as the next guy. I find it to be relaxing and focus inducing, both useful to me when I’m studying or writing. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed most of the tracks on this album. It’s very short, therefore I’m going to review what I liked and disliked about each song.

Grown Up Avenger Stuff – Eclectica

URL: https://grownupavengerstuff.com/

Grown Up Avenger Stuff is an impressive four piece from North Carolina who has blazed an impressive trail over their short lifespan. Since 2014, the band’s reach has extended far beyond its southern roots to European festivals dates, important showcase gigs at South by Southwest, and scads of positive press. The praise is well deserved. Their latest album, Eclectica, has imagination and passion to burn. This ten track collection has a focused aesthetic and visceral production guaranteed to grab listeners and built for live shows. The instrumental attack of guitarist John Thomsen joined by his sons Hunter and Tyler, on bass and drums respectively, hits with its full on energy and singer Deirdre Kroener caps it off with vocals exploring a wide emotional gamut.

Catch the Heat of Freddy Traxx Beats

Freddy Traxx Beats takes us back and then to today with his beats. “Deadly Rhythm” has this old school soul feel but at the same time, intertwines it with electronic touches that takes you into 2016. In “Stalker” the repetition makes you get lost in it, but at the same time - you’re waiting for something else to make it pop. You get a little variety in the pace of “Bad Dope,” as it has a little more life to it. “Dream Piano” sounds daunting, like music you’d h’ear during a movie when the rain was coming down hard and the main character had just heard bad news. If you’re an emcee looking to collaborate, or a movie maker looking to set the mood - check out what Freddy Traxx Beats has up his sleeve today. (https://www.freddytraxxbeats.com/)

Chuck Sadosky Has Heart

Chuck SadoskyWe start this off with Chuck Sadosky’s instrumental “The Walk.” It’s an easygoing song, one you’d hear in a movie about family set in the 70’s. It has that aura to it. In “Dreamer” we hear his vocals and they have a comforting ease to them. With “Direction Unknown” his voice takes on a new feel. It’s no longer calming, but has more of an edge to it. Like he’s hurt and really feeling something deep. Things take sort of a psychedelic turn with “Attitude” as far as the music is concerned, while “Tears” has more of a foot to stand on. Like he’s not feeling down in this one. If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters who put their heart in their music, check out Chuck Sadosky now. (https://www.chucksadosky.com)

Eric Canto; I Paint, I Paint You, I Paint You

Eric Canto could be your next favorite Warped Tour headliner with “I Paint You, I Paint You, I Paint You.” “Art” kicks off this record and it really makes a statement. It’s power pop at its finest without a word. Then the pop punk comes in as “Beach Lost” does what pop punk does best - kicks up the energy on top of lyrics that have heart and meaning. It’s interesting because usually music like this comes from a band, but this is a solo endeavor and by no means is the lack of a band discrediting the music or the quality. Just an note to point out as I listen to “Graduate” on repeat. He takes a little side road with “Lowe’s Shortcut,” sounding more like The Ready Set instead of Yellowcard. It’s definitely something you’d hear streaming at a Hot Topic in between All Time Low and Black Veil Brides. If you’re a fan of modern day pop punk and pop rock, check out Eric Canto’s “I Paint You, I Paint You, I Paint You,” out now! (https://ericcanto.bandcamp.com/album/i-paint-you-i-paint-you-i-paint-you)

Weather the Storm with Ara

Coming from Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a up and coming artist by the name of Ara. She’s got a great, soulful voice and she’s ready to go from the Sunshine State to the rest of the world. In “Storm” she takes us back to the 90’s with a Brandy-like feel. It’s got a nice balance between R&B and pop going on to please both sides of the story. We hear a total different side of Ara with “Love Wasted.” Here she’s a singer-songwriter with a light delivery with an acoustic touch of magic that would compare her to the likes of Angel Taylor. Plugged is, she continues singing about love with “Paradise,” while the beat is laid down on “On Closed Eyes.” What I love about Ara is that she has a lot of sides, and she’s versatile in what she can do. If you like your singers with a lot of variety, check her out today! (https://soundcloud.com/arasings)

Woody Pecker: Dem Can't Sing a Thing

Woody PeckerWoody Pecker “Dem Can’t Sing a Thing” kicks off with the title track and with it comes out with a lot of high energy and what sounds like some tropical influences. Speaking of, “Sexual” sounds like Shaggy in the mid-90’s, while “Gal Dem Steel” does as well but with more of a dance hall feel. The album rounds out with the same amount of energy with “Powder Chowder.” If you’re a fan of music that will start any party and turn it up, check out the latest by Woody Pecker, out now! (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/woodypeckerakaghettoforc)

Chris Perkins "Offstage" Music Made For A Cause