Browsing Tag

new jersey

Be a (Bar)Fly on the Wall with Jude & The Strangers’ Standout Single Beggar’s Tavern

Posted on 10 April 2024
vhttps://youtu.be/lkQ5-JY2qsQ?si=_iyY6k5qhmczSu_v

Some tracks ensnare you with hooks, others dig to the depths of your soul; Beggar’s Tavern by Jude & The Strangers dug into the trenches of the latter camp.

Imagine sinking beers with Bukowski, drinking in the sanctifying feeling of listening to Journey, experiencing the panoramically artistic gravitas of Father John Misty, and getting your blues rock licks as a courtesy of the Black Keys simultaneously, then you’ll get an idea of what this era-spanning Tour De Force delivers.

With all the infectious charisma of Jim Jones himself, singer-songwriter Aiden Jude doesn’t just command attention, he drenches his work in kinetic emotion. With a sonic iteration of a borstal breakout to conclude the single, it’s safe to say we’re beyond desperate to hear the rest of the Beggar’s Tavern LP which will arrive in May 2023. The New Jersey music scene won’t know what has hit it after the launch.

Beggar’s Tavern is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Herman Martinez – Introvertebrae: A New Prog Rock Prism

Posted on 18 March 2024
Immortal Jellyfish by Herman Martinez

Herman Martinez poured the psychedelic soul of the 70s through his new prog rock prism, Introvertebrae, while tuning into melancholy in the same hauntingly evocative vein as Porcupine Tree.

The endearingly humble New Jersey-based multi-instrumentalist may not be able to brag about his talent which allows his tracks to transcend auditory experiences and unravel as emotionally chameleonic shots to the heart, but we have no reservations about revering his sonic journeys of self-discovery that cocoon his fans in musical chrysalises.

Martinez’s voice, echoing the emotional gravity of Chris Cornell and the octave-spanning prowess of Thom Yorke, serves as the navigator through this orchestrally immense soundscape, which uplifts in one breath and aches in the next as experimental indie meets prog rock. Naturally, the brilliance of Introvertebrae lies in its duality. It’s a nod to the prog rock deities – King Crimson, Rush, Emerson, Lake & Palmer – yet it speaks a language that resonates with the contemporary soul. The piano, heavy with emotion, could easily find a place in Father John Misty’s repertoire, while the 70s melodic undertones offer a comforting embrace to the classic rock enthusiast.

Martinez’s skill with the guitar is not just about showcasing an intuitive understanding of the fretboard. Each riff and melody are a chapter in this immersive rich musical novel. With so many elements, styles and layers, under a less deft hand, it would be easy to feel lost in the labyrinth of Introvertebrae, but by lyrically expositing our most intimate fears, Martinez allows the listener to feel seen and found.

Stream and download the latest single from Herman Martinez via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Why don’t you just tell him: Guesstimate tells us the story of the letdown on Thomas Is Waiting

Posted on 23 July 2023
Thomas Is Waiting by Guesstimate

With a funky vibe that will recast moods into the transporter mindset like Jason Statham on the run, Guesstimate takes it up a notch and has made a movie soundtrack to rev up the engine called Thomas Is Waiting.

Guesstimate is an indie prog-fusion band from New Brunswick, New Jersey who are on a mission to slice the world into a more cutting-edge place with an illuminating presence.

Impressing all the way throughout with a delightfully intense anthem to get sonically intertwined inside, Guesstimate is that top-notch group that might get the intestines rumbling with joy.

Thomas Is Waiting from New Brunswick, New Jersey-based indie progressive act Guesstimate is the kind of song which will ramp up the energy and take many into a memorable place. This is quality to the core. This is a rather great soundtrack which has been designed with patience and brilliance.

If this doesn’t get the tastebuds ready, nothing will.

Check out the single rise to life on Bandcamp.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

BreakTime got all revved up in their 60s pop-rock single, Motor City Mama

Posted on 4 July 2023

If you wanna grease the wheels of your 60s pop-rock playlists, the latest single, Motor City Mama, from the illustrious nostalgia peddlers BreakTime, will get you all revved up with the Beach Boys-esque vocal harmonies and the bright guitar melodies that burst with vintage flair. Hitting play is like stepping into a parallel universe where Brian Setzer managed to work his way into the Beatles.

The New Jersey-hailing outfit started as a cover band before they started to nod towards their favourite eras and artists in their original music rather than assimilate them, which is exactly how BreakTime acquired their amalgamated sound that emanates rockabilly, sixties pop, blues rock and surf rock.

Even though the prodigal sons of vintage rock n roll switch up their sound between their releases, upbeat harmonies, technical skill and arresting showmanship always come as standard.

Motor City Mama is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Digging for a Clue: Eric Harrison conquers all on the buckle-up quickly single, Undertow

Posted on 1 July 2023
No Defenses by Eric Harrison

Taken from his brand new 15-song double album and 6th release called No Defenses, Eric Harrison’s Undertow is creatively a rather special gem to etch in the sunshine forever in this moody world.

Eric Harrison is a Fanwood, New Jersey-based indie folk singer-songwriter who opens up his book of wisdom by accepting the inevitable but still fighting for what is right.

Recorded by Kevin Salem in Woodstock between 2020 and 2022 while feeling like this is his best work ever, Eric Harrison rides like the hero we needed and guides us to a much happier place to be inspired by. Sung with a gloriously pure style and written so brilliantly, this is a victorious soundtrack to play on loud all day.

Undertow from Fanwood, New Jersey-based indie folk singer-songwriter Eric Harrison is a track that will connect souls together to keep on fighting for what is right. Delighting all ears and reminding us that ignorance is bliss sometimes, we find a peachy track to appreciate for its goodness wrapped inside for anyone who wants to brush away all hopelessness.

If you like your music with proper meaning, this is the type of song to tell your family about.

Lather ears back into calmness on Bandcamp.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Hayley Brooks has just released a brand-new studio work: “Shadow Reminder”

Posted on 5 November 2022

Hayley Brooks is an artist with a focus on making groundbreaking music that blurs the lines between different genres and styles. As a result, the artist is always able to make catchy music that still retains an open mind and a very broad creative range. Her most recent studio release, “Shadow Reminder”, is actually a fantastic example of what it means to set the bar higher in terms of production and performance quality alike. The vocals soar right on top of the mix, without overpowering the other instruments, making for a very balanced tone. In addition, the lyrics have a personal touch, which highlights the artist’s genuine connection to her work. After all, songwriters are storytellers, and one of the ways in which people like to connect with songs is through great stories, whether they’re about personal experiences or simply fun lyrics to sing along to! In this case, Hayley Brooks managed to share something deeper about herself, while also providing something that’s really fun and engaging for the audience.

Find out more about Hayley Brooks and listen to “Shadow Reminder”, which is currently available to stream here.

Miss Me: Sultry New Jersey’s Milbelynn wants that honey loving on Standards

Posted on 1 November 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMbPq0endAQ

Guiding us inside that butterfly feeling and dreaming about that ideal lover who hasn’t appeared yet, Milbelynn wishes for something more than most are willing to fight for on her latest classic, Standards.

Milbelynn (mil-buh-leen) is a New Jersey, USA-based indie RnB singer-songwriter who is best known for her recent breakthrough single called Move.

”Milbelynn’s follow up single Standards seamlessly marries gut-wrenching poetry to an empowered, rhythmic R&B anthem.” ~ an exclusive quote from Milbelynn

Wondering who is actually out there that can live up to her lofty expectations, Milbelynn sings with such harmonious delicacy and takes us for a nostalgic ride into her mind, who is seeking a proper Prince-like warrior.

Embracing our souls and showing us her self-worth, this is a track that will hold you close and give strength to those who feel that being single is a sign of weakness.

Standards from New Jersey, USA-based indie RnB singer-songwriter Milbelynn is a vocally excellent single to get our bodies gravitating towards someone so perfect, they make your heart melt like an ice-cream. Pacifying our senses and performing with a rare class from a young Queen, who only wants to be with someone decent who will go the extra mile.

When you know what you want, you soon see who is on the same page and who isn’t.

Check out the video on YouTube and find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Marc Ambrosia is over sentimentialism in his devilishly clever post-breakup single, Cold Shoulder

Posted on 16 October 2022

Born and raised New Jersey native Marc Ambrosia created the breakup track to end all others with his latest single, Cold Shoulder, which captures the sweetness of freedom in the spicey lyrics which go in the opposite direction of sentimentalising.

With resonantly devilish lines such as “Misery loves company, but I hate that you’re so close to me” and “too much of a good thing, was it any good at all? you can’t help but fall in love with his realist uninhibited candour.

With the same fiery energy of Pat Benatar’s Hit Me with Your Best Shot in the chorus, the intricately bluesy rock meets power pop single is a surefire way to pull anyone out of a self-pity pit. His lyricism is god-tier level, and his hooky instrumental loops aren’t far behind that celestial plateau.

Catch Cold Shoulder on SoundCloud and await the third LP, EDGE, which is set to drop on October 28th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mistake Me For A Rookie: MATRIXX shows us where the zone is on KNICK KNACK (feat. GXLD FVBRK)

Posted on 20 August 2022

With the debut EP due for release on the 30th September 2022, MATRIXX holds the milk and shows us where the cookie is on the most explosive single your ears will be exposed to today on KNICK KNACK (feat. GXLD FVBRK).

MATRIXX is a New Jersey, USA-based, EDM music producer, and the CEO of Nebula Productions who is joined by South Jersey indie hip hop trio GXLD FVBRK.

“Knick Knack speaks volumes both lyrically and sonically. Its intensity is the kind that melts your face.” – MATRIXX

Kicking the haters away from the exit door, MATRIXX and GXLD FVBRK form a rather tasty combo and lace our lips with that hot sauce that might change your mood. With a scintillating production that fuses in two genres together like a successful 1st date, there is so much to get excited about on this fantastic new release.

“Raw, unapologetic, and showcases our versatility as we embrace our hip hop roots. The nursery rhyme that defines bossing up.” – S.K.Y. from GXLD FVBRK

KNICK KNACK from MATRIXX (feat. GXLD FVBRK) is a rather impressive effort that will please those who like it electrifying and all about leaving the dog alone to live in peace. With perfect timing and a punchy beat that Mike Tyson would be proud of, this is a statement track for our day to be flipped over for the better. Vocally pleasing throughout and never going into a sleepy slumber, you might feel you’ve been placed in a whole new galaxy to do whatever you want inside.

Piping hot and steaming with illuminated energy to feel transformed by, showing us that the underground is where it’s at.

Check out this top track on Spotify and see more via the IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Been Through It: Aaso Magic knows that she won’t be burnt again on Mad Face

Posted on 16 August 2022

Showing us right inside the scorned outlook of a young woman who has grown tired of being let down, Aaso Magic opens up the door and leads us right into the moment when he saw that harrowing Mad Face.

Aaso Magic aka Fastlane Rollin is a New Jersey, USA-based indie hip hop artist, singer and writer who makes those dynamic tracks that are hard to forget.

On form and turning up the heat with a song you can’t possibly ignore, Aaso Magic is simply excellent and drops bars to be enthralled by. His flow is explosive and there is so much ponder here about a true story that reflects the current carnage in so many romantic lives.

Mad Face from New Jersey, USA-based indie hip hop artist Aaso Magic is a really honest insight into seeing a striking moment that might change everything forever. Showing us the other side as he understands why the mood changed, this is a single for anyone who has been hurt romantically too many times.

Rapped with an accurate reflection at the situation and heightened with a pulsation production to rattle your bones, to make you wonder why some love to emotionally scar others for fun.

Listen up on YouTube and see more news on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen