Signature Ratings
0- What the hell
1- Borrow don't buy
2- Well...a couple of joints
3- Worth a listen
4- Off the hook
5- Buy it or die
Self Titled -
At the End of the World
By: Corbyn Bricie
Crap this is great. Seriously. At the End of the World by the rock band of the same name is some serious stuff. The first track ‘Attrition’ is what my insides sound like when I have to buy gas. This EP is poetically dark and full of rich thickness and shows just how a band with a powerful live show (I’m guessing) can fully translate that energy on disc. For the best part each track hits hard with a perfect mixture of drums, guitar and vocals. At times the vocals sit like a ten ton weight on the senses. ‘No Salvation’ could have used a little more variety in the vocals. While they are well done, they seem to be in one key the entire song where the only reprieve is the occasional guttural yell. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
4 Signatures
TOP
Like a Butterfly -
Brittany Allyn
By: T. Mathenia
Allyn has gorgeous mature pipes. “Like a Butterfly” is a jazzed out country offering that provides a relaxing and exciting listening experience. I say country because that’s the genre that my iTunes came up with when I put in the CD, but if I had to choose I would say this is a pure jazz album. Allyn’s vocal delivery on tracks like ‘Bruised’ and remake ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’ is strong and achingly beautiful. Her voice is so buttery smooth you can almost taste it.
3 Signatures
TOP
Delusions of Grandeur - Cathy Richardson
By: Mut Asheru
Lovely packaging aside “Delusions of Grandeur” by Cathy Richardson is interestingly gritty and offers satisfaction from across a wide spectrum
of sound. Anyone that knows me knows that I detest the influx of weak voices that seems to be the norm these days. I like singers that aren’t afraid to open their darned mouths and let it rip. Add a choir (track G.O.D) and I’m yours.
Upon first listen, the vocal delivery is more exciting at times than the actual music which is at times just okay. Richardson is a belter and her emotion drenched voice soars and cascades all over the place. If my opinion actually matters to you, you should pick this one up.
3 Signatures
TOP
Music Starts with M - Malicious
By: Corybn Bricie
Beats, energy and lyrics. What more can a hip-hop lover want? Malicious aka Mr. Melish delivers something for the ride and club. If radio was still cool this album would be welcome there too. Malicious spits with infectious intensity without venturing into unbelievable territories.
The original beats stand out but they never at any point overshadow the emcee. True he has the obligatory “Pimp” track but it’s given with a cool delivery that speaks more to the way he pimps the track and not necessarily the ladies. Which is good because the last thing the ladies here at the mag need is to be introduced to another dude who believes he’s a super mack. “Music Starts with M” is a welcomed respite from the bs that crowds our inbox. Thanks M!
4 Signatures
TOP
Self Titled -
The Innocent Bystanders
By: Mut Asheru
I do believe I have stepped into a “teen summer vacation” movie. You know those films that sport fresh faced kids coming into the fullness of adult-hood as they learn the art of loving and having fun all in a 120 time span. This CD isn’t that long but it does bring to mind the fun and freshness of youth and summer vacations. The album sports great studio production. I enjoyed the fact that it was simple lyrically but contains great orchestral type arrangements that keep things interesting. The Innocent Bystanders is a cohesive and professional debut. One enjoyable ass experience. There’s no way these dudes will be “Under Wraps” for long.
{Editor’s Note: Under Wraps is one of the stand out tracks on the disc by the way. Skeeta’s very clever}
4 Signatures
TOP
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