-
8.7
New Music Critique: Simio Jazz Trio
These dudes can play, and they’ve captured their instrumentals in a crisp hi-def way that gives the immediacy of a live-in-studio experience. The sweet, soulful “Speech” and ... -
8.8
New Music Critique: Fate Under Fire
Fans of Dreamers and Coin will warm to this synth-driven quartet, whose “La La Love” might be the catchiest pop confection we’ve heard in a ... -
7.2
New Music Critique: Somersault Queen
There’s quite a lot of potential in Somersault Queen, but it is unfortunately handicapped by production and mixing that renders their arrangements consistently thin and under-developed, as if these ... -
7.6
New Music Critique: Beauty in Chaos
Guitarist Michael Ciravolo spearheads this project featuring notables like Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander. On the film/TV-worthy “Drifting Away,” Zander delivers a deeper vocal than we’re used to from him ... -
8.4
New Music Critique: Matt LeGrand
Chicago artist Matt LeGrand is working at a high level with slick, catchy, dance-inducing pop songs that are radio-ready. “12 AM” is all about hooking up at midnight ... -
7.6
New Music Critique: Tautologic
Led by multi-hyphenate Ethan Taylor Sellers, Tautologic generates a whirlwind of progressive pop rock that melds lush orchestral instrumentation with funky guitars. It’s a challenging, uneasy marriage that, topped off ... -
8
New Music Critique: Kayla Starr
An experienced pro backup singer for mainstream artists, Kayla Starr really steps up and takes command on her dense, trippy, often challenging, but ultimately unique recordings. “Deepest Sea” and ... -
7.4
New Music Critique: PoetiK
Georgia native Antohni Sneed is PoetiK, and though his lyric messages are familiar, his flow is delivered in a way that is altogether real and genuine. Above all, ... -
7.4
New Music Critique: Mark Kingswood
British artist Mark Kingswood follows a classic retro crooner path a la Michael Buble’ on these original songs, employing maximum orchestral power in support of his likeable vocal stylings. ... -
7.2
New Music Critique: Miles Maxwell
This foursome stands out due to their songs’ wryly humorous and sometimes awkward lyrics. “She Says (Whiskey Down at 4 AM)” is a case in point. Accompanied by a ...
