Browsing Tag

Rock Ballad

Todd Michael Chapman’s latest melodic rock hit, Mesmerized, is enlivened through heart-on-riff soul appeal.

Posted on 9 January 2024

Romance isn’t dead; it was raucously revived through Todd Michael Chapman’s latest single, Mesmerized, which gives all the heart-in-throat electricity of Aerosmith’s I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing while channelling a fervid authenticity that stays true to the singer-songwriter’s rustbelt inspired melodic rock edge.

The confessional lyricism narrated through the strident vocal lines that will stir your soul as the bluesy rock hooks feed infectious appeal in the sublimely produced record ensured that the New York-born and-raised raconteur delivered a timeless hit that will resonate through the ages. With a touch of R.E.M.’s college radio rock nostalgic appeal laced with Chapman’s ability to make the old feel brand new, Mesmerized will leave you exactly what it says on the tin.

After hearing it once, I know it will be a sonic landscape I return to time and time again to be enlivened by the uninhibited heart-on-riff soul appeal.

Mesmerized was officially released on January 5th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Embarking on a Soulful Journey: ‘Detox’ by Thess

Posted on 29 June 2023

In the song “Detox,” the seriousness becomes apparent, both in its title and its tone. “Detox” by Thess is a beautiful rock ballad that takes listeners on a profound and introspective journey. With its slow tempo, minor tonality, and soulful atmosphere, this song captures and envelopes listeners in a captivating musical experience.

The slow pace allows each instrument to breathe, creating a sense of space and contemplation. The minor tonality adds a touch of melancholy and introspection, evoking a range of emotions.

Thess skilfully delivers heartfelt and poignant lyrics in their new Spotify release, showcasing their ability to convey deep emotions and thoughts. The soulful vocals resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, drawing listeners in and inviting them to explore the depths of the song’s narrative.

“Detox” is a song that unfolds as a transformative journey, where listeners can immerse themselves in its sonic landscape and delve into their own introspection. It addresses themes of struggle, growth, and the search for personal redemption. The song’s progression builds an emotional arc, gradually intensifying as it reaches its climactic moments.

For fans of “Man in a Box” by Alice in Chains or the album “Mechanical Animals” by Marilyn Manson, “Detox” will feel like a natural choice. The song shares a similar spirit and emotional depth, appealing to those who appreciate thought-provoking rock ballads that take them on a cathartic journey.

“Detox” by Thess is a captivating rock ballad that invites listeners on a soulful journey of self-reflection and emotional exploration. With its slow tempo, minor tonality, and poignant lyrics, the song creates a rich and immersive experience.

Never Built to Last by Forgotten Tides – Reminds Us to Live Passionately

Posted on 25 April 2023

“Never Built to Last” by Forgotten Tides is a captivating rock ballad that showcases the band’s musical talent and lyricism. The song starts with a mellow guitar intro, followed by the powerful vocals of lead singer, Jonny Lees. The lyrics speak of the fleeting nature of relationships and how they often come to an end, despite the initial passion and promises. Lee’s emotive delivery captures the heartache of lost love, making it a relatable and poignant experience for listeners.

Forgotten Tides is an up-and-coming band from Aberdeen, Scotland, and “Never Built to Last” is one of their most popular tracks. According to their website, the band was formed in 2019 and is influenced by rock legends such as Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Their music combines the raw energy of grunge with modern production techniques, resulting in a unique sound that appeals to both classic and contemporary rock fans.

On social media, Forgotten Tides are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where they share updates on their music and interact with fans. Their social media presence is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their desire to connect with their audience.

I love this song, “Never Built to Last” by Forgotten Tides is a must-listen for fans of rock music. Its powerful lyrics, raw energy, and impressive musicianship make it a standout track that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The band’s promising future is evident in their growing fan base and active social media presence, and they are definitely worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.

Marc Ambrosia gets visceral in his lo-fi indie rock ballad, When I’m Feeling Love

Posted on 13 May 2022

Indie-rock singer-songwriter Marc Ambrosia is set to release his Chris Isaak-Esque lo-fi single, When I’m Feeling Love, which progressively makes its way to a scornfully soulful 80s power ballad.

After the gentle and choral prelude and opening verse, the reverb starts to slip away as Ambrosia’s ethereal vocals pick up intensity and urgency to mimic the lifelines of new passions sparked; after a toe is dipped in the water, it isn’t long before you’re completely consumed. And that’s exactly the power Ambrosia has over you in When I’m Feeling Love. Ironically, we are infatuated.

When I’m Feeling Love is to be released on May 13th. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

PRESSURE inspect the sands of time in their rock ballad, AM I TOO OLD.

Posted on 10 October 2021
PRESSURE

The Stockholm-based powerhouse PRESSURE is set to drop their hard-hitting rock ballad, AM I TOO OLD, which tears through the self-doubt that starts to manifest in our mortal coil when youth has been lost. In true rock opera style, PRESSURE touches on raw issues veraciously while letting the atmosphere consume you in the intensity of the emotion.

I’ve lost count of the people that have come to me with ageism-inspired anxiety in the industry; the truth of the matter is that experience will be a better friend than youth ever was. I mean, you’ve heard of the Rolling Stones, right?

AM I TOO OLD is a stellar track, in every conceivable way. The theatrics of the track will take you right back to the time when we spent far too long thinking about what Meatloaf wouldn’t do for love.

AM I TOO OLD is due for official release on October 15th, 2021. You can hear it for yourself on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Orchestral rock alchemist Kaby Burton has released her sophomore single, The Dance.

Posted on 10 September 2021

It is probably safe to assume that most millennial alt girls, myself included, found themselves fantasising about cultivating the same grippingly gracious talent as the likes of Nightwish; Kaby Burton made it a reality.

‘The Dance’ is the sophomore single from the solo artist who made her debut with her single, Hymn of the Sea, in 2020. Her debut set the bar high, but the atmosphere and intensity of emotion in her orchestral rock track, The Dance, is enough to leave the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention. ‘Immersive’ almost feels like an understatement when it comes to the theatrically sublime ballad.

The Dance is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mined Music teaches us how to ‘Rise Again’ with his artful indie rock ballad.

Posted on 14 June 2021

After a soft, artful and neo-classic intro, Mined Music’s electronic indie rock single, Rise Again, featuring Mr. Maph, Amanda Power and Dara Zusko, transgresses into a viscerally compelling ballad where the instrumentals are as complexly layered as the emotions.

With the vocalists finding harmony atop the fervent Slash-style solos towards the outro, Rise Again runs through with an all-consuming intensity that you’d be hardpressed to find elsewhere.

Mined Music, AKA Michael Newell, is a Munch-based producer and DJ who started his career as a hip hop and soul producer before making the switch to electronica in 2012. Rise Again is just one of the recent testaments to his talent in reflecting human emotion in instrumental progressions and compassionate lyricism. Mined Music’s aural maturity, professionalism and nuance are sure to see him go far, wherever he decides to take his sound next.

Rise Again is now available to stream and download on all major platforms via this link.

Connect with Mined Music via Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tower Circle offer consolation that you’re unlikely to refuse in their rock track ‘Carry On’

Posted on 31 March 2021

Ahead of the release of their debut album, US-based alt-rock outfit, Tower Circle, have released the title-single to tease their superlatively authentic style which can crush you and put you back together in the space of four minutes.

Carry On is the kind of track that you’d expect to hear in a soundtrack when the tragedy in the plot reaches its torrid peak. The melancholy is just as much in overdrive as the guitars as the track gears towards the outro, only after the quiescent melodies compel you to lean into the soundscape deeper while the vocals offer consolation that you’re unlikely to refuse.

Carry On is one of those gorgeously rare singles that only allow you to realise how profound of an effect it has had on you when it has faded out. With their influences including everyone from Pearl Jam to Led Zeppelin to Bob Seger to Tom Petty, the commercial potential resounds in Tower Circle’s sound.

Carry On is now available to stream via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Menachem Weinstein – Highway: Anthemically Progressive Indie Pop Rock

Posted on 25 February 2021

Florida-residing, London-hailing singer-songwriter, Menachem Weinstein, has released their artfully momentous single, ‘Highway’, if it’s been a while since you’ve felt any discernible emotion, this passionately strident single will deliver an efficacious reminder.

By fusing elements of future pop, indie jangle pop and Americana rock in the track which creates an incredible parable between the people who come into our lives and end us pulling us in the right direction and people who literally help us through storms.

When the classical strings start to quiver behind the anthemically progressive pop rock production, your soul’s capacity to feel will be well and truly tested, but in unexpected uplift in the soundscape, you’re thrown headfirst into a final burst of magnanimous energy from Menachem Weinstein. It’s a track which stays with you long after it has faded out.

You can check out Highway for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Star Prairie Project exhibit their eminence in their overwhelmingly evocative Alt Rock ballad ‘The Crying’

Posted on 30 January 2021

After their debut album, ‘Pancea’, amassed over 1.1 million streams and the standout single hit the iTunes UK Top 100 Rock chart at #36, Wisconsin-hailing alt-rock artist, The Star Prairie Project, unleashed their equally as compelling sophomore album ‘Surreal’.

The standout single, The Crying, demonstrates the evocative potential which Rock has always possessed but few have managed to achieve. With a sense of grief running deep in the veins of the classic rock-inspired single, it is safe to presume that plenty of people will find resonance when they hit play, given the 2020 we’ve collectively endured.

With the soul of a rock ballad and the monumental impact of a rock anthem, The Star Prairie Project allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds while introducing you to a brand-new realm of emotionally explosive rock.

The maturity and nuance delivered by The Star Prairie Project with The Crying definitely isn’t something which we encounter frequently. If they’re not on your radar, we’d recommend making room.

The Crying is available to stream now via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast