Idalee – Starting Now

URL: https://idalee.com/

Idalee’s debut 7-track EP, Starting Now, is a good start for sure, and awe inspiring. For years Topher Hall (Idalee’s real name) struggled with addiction and his rock bottom was an alcohol- and cocaine-fueled car crash from which he narrowly escaped a prison sentence. Starting Now is a lyrically-dense alt rock album about the second chance and new beginnings he’s been granted.

The EP was produced by Ethan Kauffman and mixed by Will Briere, known for his work with The Killers and Imagine Dragons. In addition to Briere’s work with Imagine Dragons, Idalee cites the group as one of his major influences and it’s obvious. Idalee’s songs are certainly not the huge arena-filling, thumping anthems of Imagine Dragons but the similarity is there with the focus on lyrics layered over heavy percussion and synth.

James Harrison Bacon Has a Stacked Hand

James Harrison Bacon isn’t playing with one card. “The Last Time” has a funky blues feel as you hear the story of when Bacon was a little boy and there’s a solemn feel to the words but a funk to the beat. In “Never Get It Right” takes us from blues and into the emotional realm of R&B. The vocals are stronger here and more prominent. With “Good Luck Groove” it’s as if we’re transported into the ’70s. It has a nightlife feel to it that makes you want to dance, but in a skating rink way. Usually we’re told to save the drama for our mama, but here we’re welcoming “Drama” with open arms. It has a fun beat to it that can’t be missed. It’s clear that James Harrison Bacon doesn’t let one genre have hold of him. He likes to showcase his talents on every level whether it’s playing the blues or getting you on the dance floor. Those who like a variety pack in one artist, check out James Harrison Bacon now! (https://www.reverbnation.com/jamesharrisonbacon)

Keeping It Light with Gene Anthony

We start off our time with Gene Anthony either really early or a little late, depending on how you look at it, with “The Holiday Song.” A nice song to listen to even when the sun is shining and there isn’t a Christmas tree insight. It has that warmth the months of November and December are all about. We keep the spirits alive and well with “Party Time Break.” It’s like something straight out of the 80’s. With the last song, it was all about the instrumentals - here we hear Gene’s vocals and those too are a nice throwback to 80’s pop. In “Wanna Luv U” we take a step into the next decade with that R&B smooth operator monologue that starts things off. After that, a simple hook comes through and aids to the more light hip hop delivery he’s working with in this one. What is really nice about the start of “Tell Them What’s Going On,” the percussion sounds like something an alternative band may use in their music. Instead Gene incorporates it in this 80’s meets electronic, new wave song that plays like a night out. If you’re a fan of music that has light styles, check out Gene Anthony today. (https://www.jango.com/music/Eugene+Williams+aka+eugenegenay?l=0)

Kevin Kull: Years in the Making

Almost two decades ago Kevin Kull released an album that could be compared to something James Taylor would’ve dropped back in the day. With a folk spirit flowing within the confines, we present “Years in the Making.” Kull opens up with a sentimental but light sounding “In Between the Tears.” He tells a story as most folk artists do and it puts listeners right there in the middle of everything. He picks up the energy with “Don’t Worry Elvis,” while getting heartfelt with “God Bless the Wandering Souls.” What’s to be said about Kull is that he knows how to compile a good mix of tracks and he’s done it here because for every sad song, there’s an upbeat ditty like “Another Love Gone Bad.” If you’re a fan of folk or even country for that matter, check out Kevin Kull’s “Years in the Making,” out now and available on CD Baby. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevinkull)

“Run On To Detroit” by Barth Beasley

Voice of men – This is my war

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

Voice of Men are a vocal Group from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and they have recently released their single This is my War. There is no doubt that this group has talent. Footage from their entry in Malaysia’s Awakening Talent Contest shows them delivering flawless vocal harmonies, involving all five members of the band. It’s no surprise that they made it into the top 16 of the competition.

Light Up Your Life with Some Taylor Hower

One can’t help but be in a good mood after listening to Taylor Hower. “Light Up The Night” has a bright and engaging intro and with that the lyrics come through with a positive charge. It can’t help but make you want to sing along like you’re part of something bigger. In “Make My Guitar Sing,” that cheery tone is continued. He may remind listeners of something you’d hear on a mixtape alongside singer-songwriters like Jason Mraz and Matt Nathanson. Last up, “Heaven’s Road” brings a little more of a rock feel to the table and he really lets loose out the gate here. Overall Taylor Hower has a modern take on songwriting but a great throwback sound that reminds me a little of 90’s alternative intertwined with a lighthearted coffeeshop performer. If you like what you hear, make sure to keep tabs on this rising star. (https://www.taylorhower.com/)

Michael Good Luck: Scripts and Scraps

Michael Good Luck’s “Scripts and Scraps” is an alternative gem. Words are not the key when it comes to making music that speaks volumes. That is at least the case with “New Step.” The energy flooding through it comes at a pace that both builds excitement and gets you ready to go. You’re anticipating what’s around each note, and happy when it comes through. It sounds like Michael Good Luck is creating this epic pieces when it comes to his musical construction in “The Gemini.” This one sounds like it could’ve been the foundation for some timeless rock track from the likes of Journey. With a name like “The Golf Club,” it was hard to know what to expect but what came well, it wasn’t. It was this heartfelt instrumental that made you picture an intense movie scene set in the rain, and of course - slow motion. Music doesn’t always need words and when it’s made that way, artists like Michael Good Luck take charge. If you’re a purist, check out Scripts and Scraps," out now. (https://michaelgoodluck.bandcamp.com/album/scripts-and-scraps)