Reviewed by Aaron Cloutier JuiceThaBlackBeethoven continues on his crusade to get you on the dance floor this holiday season with the toe-tapping “Meet Me At The Mistletoe.” A tasty cocktail made up of swing, traditional country and classic Rock N’ Roll with a just a dash of pop, to make it go down smoothly. In contrast to my previous review of the more tender sensibilities showcased on the ballad-like “I Want To See You Smile For Christmas,” Juice cranks up the energy on “Meet Me At The Mistletoe” as he confidently plays his piano with fiery conviction and superb technique. Rounded out by a ..read more

Review by Abby Kenna The Independent Sound’s new release, “My Favorite Holiday”, lives at the intersection between classic seasonal favorites and modern pop writing. One of the most effective and unique aspects within “My Favorite Holiday” is the relationship between the arrangement and lyrical composition. Instead of keeping each section the same each time they repeat, The Independent Sound alters the instrumental construction to support the lyrical message best. For example, the second verse features the following lyrics: “Snowflakes are falling all around / can’t see the road, snow is on t ..read more

Review by Abby Kenna '95 opens with an immediately tangible atmosphere, setting the scene for the song instantly. Ominous chords ring out over ethereal vocals, whispering and whirling about the soundscape. Beneath the shifting haze of melodies, a deep synth bass adds an extra layer of tension. The bass fills the low end of the arrangement, further enlarging the space in which the song exists. Evening Hallucinations builds on this sense of space even more as the vocals take center stage, laden with reverb. The chorus especially highlights this technique, with an entire choir of stacked vocals ..read more

Reviewed by Aaron Cloutier Australian-born guitarist, composer, and educator Luke Stamenkovich returns with his second single, “Alfred’s Coffee Jam.” A high-energy instrumental piece that seamlessly blends rock, blues, and funk with tight performances and a boatload of fretboard acrobatics. Stamenkovich’s guitar work is impressively well-rounded on the “Jam.” At any given point, listeners will be treated to a whole spectrum of colors ranging from funky rapid-fire staccato rhythms to soaring leads and expressive lines with tasteful phrasing over feel-good changes. Luke is joined by guest soloi ..read more

Pauline Frechette and David Campbell’s Alchemy of Earth is an expository, well-studied response to the intricacies of life on this planet. Frechette takes our hand and guides us through the seasons, opening rose buds with a piano flourish and conjuring ice storms with a dissonant orchestral collision. She gives a voice to nature, providing a soundtrack to universal experiences like watching a thunderstorm roll in across a summer sky – without a single word, nonetheless. After immersing ourselves in the beauty and frights of nature, David Campbell dives into the complexities of human experienc ..read more

Review by Patrick Joseph Rocky Michaels delivers a powerhouse rock-ballad in the emotionally charged “Be The Change.” Inspiring and energizing, this song is truly an uplifting experience. The music is as sweeping as the lyrical content, offering a huge sound over a beautiful chord progression. Michaels’ vocal performance is engaging and dynamic. Listeners will love his improvisations and embellishments. The band is rock solid and the song is well written…there is a lot to like about “Be The Change.” Offering a compelling journey from beginning to end, this song is sure to stay with you. Lyric ..read more

Review by Patrick Joseph “Something in The Water” is a fun party jam with a catchy hook and a great groove. This music is extremely smooth yet maintains an enjoyable intensity. The song unravels very naturally from beginning to end, keeping a “head bobbing” rhythm through dynamic peaks and valleys. The feel-good chorus makes you want to throw your hands in the air and sing along. The rhythm section is crisp, while Elwood’s vocals are earnest and expressive. Soaring guitar melodies support an energetic feel, while a hook-oriented lead vocal keeps listeners' interest levels high. Lyrically, “So ..read more

Review by Patrick Joseph “Sing This Song to You” is a smooth song with tons of energy and soul. The lead vocal is extremely expressive and engaging. The band is right in the pocket, with a killer rhythm section and fantastic acoustic guitar melodies. The backup chorus is huge, almost like a gospel choir. This music is very eclectic, selecting the most engaging elements of several styles and combining them to create one unique, phenomenal sound. Listeners will love the modern take on an old-school feel. Lyrically, “Sing This Song to You” highlights the idea that sometimes the most effective co ..read more

Review by Patrick Joseph “Up North” is a gritty and exciting country anthem. The groove on this song is downright dirty, and Moore’s vocals have star power. This tune belongs on mainstream country radio but maintains its own unique sound within the overall style by keeping a seriously sharp edge. The band seems equally comfortable playing rock and country, and this track blends the two styles together very well. The production value is sky high, and Moore has a charisma that brings this tune to life. “Up North” is like a shot of bourbon, smooth as hell, but it packs a serious kick. Lyrically ..read more

Review by Patrick Joseph Children of Conflict is an extremely moving and powerful artistic experience. Xifaras has created a truly unique, immersive multi-modal piece of art with an important message. Tragic tales of people swept up in international conflict are given voice though conscientious, empathetic representation. The music is intricately composed in a way that opens your heart to the sounds while also offering no respite from the serious and emotionally taxing subject matter. Xifaras has found a way to create something not only beautiful and poignant, but also empowering to people in ..read more