Men of Voice is a quartet of talented, spiritual guys who aren’t afraid to lay it down. They’ve got booming bass, a crisp heart-wrenching tenor, with the baritone and close harmonies covered as well. Checking out their live video on Youtube, (caught from an apparent family reunion church service) you can hear the Men swim in harmony and let their souls loose.

Alfonso Burton is the lead-belter and smooth singer in this video, making the group a powerhouse to be noticed. Men of Voice aren’t the youngest guys on the block – they won’t get the cover of Teen magazine, but the Lord is mysterious and the years have granted these fellows some excellent vocal chops. Not to say they’re “old” either – when Alfonso croons to God it is youthful and Eternal. The group is proudly Christian, with gospel and barbershop influences. “Lord I want you to save my soul, so that one day I will be free” will ring true with any soul-searcher, and the 4-part harmonies are lush.

“Radio Song” is a kind of classic-rock, pop radio song as it proclaims, with lots of space in the vocals and kind of sparse, one guitar, bass and drum set up. The recording quality is decent, everything is rocking out and right on time, clean and present. The vocals are a bit Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and maybe Allman-ish in delivery, no auto-tune here, just plain and sometimes sung-spoken like Tom Petty.

A mature, jazzed-out refined sound with strings, piano and classy vocals. “Make Your Move” has a funky groove, with a slight classic or Fleetwood Mac feel. The band is a bit bluesy without much flare, but they’re tight and in the zone. “Waiting For You” has similar funk-guitar and bass, blues kind of feel, which is almost a shame because Kip’s voice seems like it could have many styles hiding in there. She gets a bit belty, which is cool, but when the chorus of “Waiting For You” kicks in you kind of get the “bar band” feel - but hey, it’s got hot piano licks.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

With a sound like Drake and Kid Cudi, Nutso AKA Nutty B is an R&B, soul, and Hip Hop artist born in Washington D.C. and currently in Gadsden, Alabama. He has a free flowing rhyme style that works well with his voice. He mixes great effects with excellent beats that clearly shows his influences.

The song “Why Shit Jus Won’t Go Right” is a poppy, piano filled song with melancholic lyrics—a juxtaposition I always find rather interesting and fun. The piano piece is well written and well performed. The use of effects is my favorite part; whatever Nutso AKA Nutty B decided to use for those was an excellent choice. He talks about living in his car, his mother not loving him, and how the world is coming down upon him. Nutso has a self-pity about him in this song that really makes you feel sorry for the things that happened in his life. Eliciting any emotion from a listener with music shows a sign of a musician. The song “Hey Pretty Lady” is a more soothing, upbeat song about a pretty woman. You know, the type of girl whose hair you want to run your fingers through and that you want to lie close to you.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

N-nasense is more than impressive, not to mention a great rap hip-hop sensation that has a sound like Kanye West and a lyrical finesse like Jay-Z. N-nasense knows how to put together a good rap song, has excellent taste in beats, and writes honest, flagrant lyrics. N-nasense is definitely going to stay on my radar for a while, and I expect an album soon.

“I’m All Good” has an amazing, uplifting feel. The excellent beat and effects used in the song are striking. The piano chords used add a perfect layer to an already very textured song. The lyrics are amazing, as well. The song features Talbert E, who is a smart insertion to an already very talented song. The second song to hear is “I’m On It,” which is faster and a little angrier than “I’m All Good.” It’s more like N-nasense is on a mission to deliver us to an aural pleasure experience. She certainly delivers, and I have a strong feeling she’s going to go places. Her talent is unprecedented and her music is of professional quality.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

People have been waiting for it, and now the time has come. Consisting of Chris Will (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, banjo, mandolin), Randy Von Moll (bass, vocals), Geoff Woem (guitar, keyboards), Tim Ramos (vocals, congas, percussion, acoustic guitar), and Jim Murphy (drums, vocals), Mojo Rizin comes out of Cincinnati. They’re ready for the rock and roll world, in my opinion, because they seem to have mastered the fun, arena rock sound, kind of like a tamer version of Van Halen. The band has released two separate albums: Keep On Rizin and Brass Pole. What I like about Mojo Rizin is that they don’t shy away from the heavy rock. With solos that melt faces and drum beats that will crack your bones, Mojo Rizin is a force of nature, and I’m not sure if anyone can hold them back any longer. These guys seem to be going somewhere, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they received a record deal soon. I can dream, right?

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Duendes de Aurora is a Latin/World music group that performs a so called “California Rumba.” With Spanish and American roots and Argentinian folk combined, their sound is as unique as it is flavorful. They perform all over the country and internationally, but they also have a pretty consistent fan base in southern California. Their music is both infectious and well written; their production quality is professional. The band consists of Josh Cruze on vocals and guitar, Dan Sistos with lead guitar, Emiliano Almeida on drums, and Arturo Solar with a blazing trumpet. Josh Cruze sings in both English and Spanish, widening the range of Duendes de Aurora’s audience even further. Duendes de Aurora is a group that should not be missed. If you like Latin or World music, then this is the right group for you.

“I Choose Life” by The Apostles starts off with an entrancing R&B groove, then a deep baritone male voice comes in over the smooth drums and guitar lines. The female “choir” style harmonies immediately take this group to the pro level, and the slick recording brings out each nuance and overtone. The music is positive and uplifting, possibly “Christian” or at least spiritually inclined. “Father forgive me for the wrong I’ve done…” sings the female vocalist as she gets a verse past the 3 minute mark. The arranging and vocal execution are superb, showcasing refined church-style talent and above-the-bar musicianship.