Browsing Tag

2020 Music

Possessing that extra edge: Motivated Birmingham 5-Piece By Devices remind us what counts on with ‘I Need To Win’

Posted on 2 December 2020

The rollicking start from Birmingham’s By Devices on ‘I Need To Win’ gets you to jump off your sofa as you dust off those old dance moves. Electric energy surges into your veins and you remember those sweaty clubs you used to frequent to see that band your mate told you about. This is an outfit that have nibbled on a bit of success and now they want the whole cake.

You feel their intensity as the build grows greater and great; the vocals echo through the speakers and this might be too loud for some. You want this band to win as they have that extra bit of quality that is missing in most bands armory these days as they worry too much about shallow fads and sounding cool. This is old school indie-rock that is simple and does what it says on the tin; kick ass rock music that pumps you up and get you in a mood to conquer all doubts.

His vocals are such a pleasurable listen as the band all mesh their skill sets to create a banging tune that needs more love. The desire of that summer again is heartily felt with a long winter in the UK expected.

The song swings all moods the right way and By Devices have that hunger you need to make it big in this saturated game. ‘I Need To Win’ is a storming effort that will annoy the neighbors that don’t know what top notch music sounds like. It doesn’t matter really however, as your mindset is focused on the things that really matter. Scoring the last minute penalty to win the game of life, is what counts in the end.

Block out the distractions on YouTube, Spotify and see the band’s socials via IG and FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Speaking up on mental health: French alt-metal band ODC roar in with the demon-destroyer ‘I Don’t Know You’

Posted on 2 December 2020

Headed up by lead singer Celia Do, ODC fire their way to our hearts with lots of heavy 8 string guitars, fast-paced electronic sounds and moody melodic vocals that will leave you feeling inspired again.

The electric shock of a start is like a medic doing CPR on a passed out patient. You will feel almost breathless and a few sips of fluid will be needed.

This is all about trying your best to stay above water during this horrific time as the world bends into an unrealistic Rick & Morty type of world that was unimaginable a few years ago. There are so many temptations out there to hold onto and some are good but so many more are bad for you, and only sinks you further into the sinkhole of the downward spiral.

Her voice is so powerful and the spectacular synergy is forcefully dynamic; you can see the sparks flying off the guitar strings. The vocals are lit with a fuse and these make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up to attention as she weaves her way with her band’s full backing.

ODC speak up about real issues which are an admirable characteristic in anyone’s book. ‘I Don’t Know You’ is about wanting to know yourself again and what your dreams and goals really are. In a world full of mistrust and innuendos, the French alt-metal outfit pull the blanket off the self-doubt and show us that it’s okay to feel pain. If you talk about it and ask for help, there will be a kind face to help you no matter what. You can destroy your demons if you believe you can.

Turn the voltage up on the Spotify link and find out more via the band’s IG and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Heating up the boiler room: ‘Captain Bullshit’ by the electric Wynton Existing kicks us into shape again

Posted on 30 November 2020

Taken off the new 12-track full album ‘Wicked Fabrications’, ‘Captain Bullshit’ is a punk rock ride from Wynton Existing that gets that body moving again after a long slumber of lonely days.

Wynton Existing who is Wynton Huddle on his passport, is the singer and guitarist of Central Pennsylvania’s high-paced psychedelic rock band, Medusa’s Disco. He got bored of lock-down days away from the sweaty music venues and wanted to use his juices to blend up a solo album that was full of action packed music to keep him occupied. The results are immensely impressive and this is a true rock star that made this song from his boiler room. 2020 has certainly made us evolve and just get things done, no matter how.

The psychedelic, surf and indie rock morph-fest is a fiery mash of tasty tunes from a motivated solo artist that is used to being in a band. His voice is supremely energetic and fresh, ready to get his frustration out and do what he loves.

The feeling of being taken for a ride is heavy on the ears with the welcome harmonic buzzing in your ears for a brief moment too. The solos are so funky and you will find that your head can’t stop bobbing alone as you feel his painful vocals about the story of how this year is so full of reckless abandon and more sensible heads need to prevail. This is a track that so pulsating that you might need to have a lie down after this as your brain will explode with memories of when you used to rock out to music like this every weekend.

‘Captain Bullshit’ finds Wynton Existing doing his solo journey to pass time and to stay busy throughout this doomed year that has killed off so many music venues and blunted big dreams. When the dust settles again and those curious faces appear at gigs and festivals again, there will be a music renaissance like no other. If he can stay focused and find extra streams of income to mesh with his music, Wynton Existing will be at the center of the redemption story. He has that extra bit of quality that you are only born with.

Supercharge your mood on Spotify and see more on his IG and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Turning classic poems into music: True Gospel Bookstore release love-torn 9th single ‘Fades Into Blue’

Posted on 30 November 2020
https://soundcloud.com/user-480694573/october-30-2020-2-17-45-pm

True Gospel Bookstore (aka TGB) was formed by North Carolina native Don Edwards to record his poetry work and to bring it alive again through music. Now based in sunny LA, he also works with singer-songwriter Angela Michael, who helps brings his music to a whole different level. ‘Fades Into Blue’ is the 9th single release and this is an alt-rock song about that lost love.

The steady start flickers like a memorable time in your life when things were way more peaceful. In these dark times we need a hero to step up and help us gain that perspective again. His voice is strong and confident and the name of this band says it all really. He wanted to have a bookstore when he was at college and this would of help house a church too. Sadly he couldn’t get the lease he wanted and ended up working at various jobs instead. The idea stuck with him and now through music, it has come alive.

This is about that love you can’t get out of your mind. You were drinking your beer and life was going along decently. From that moment on however, things all changed and you couldn’t get enough of that smiling face. Sadly things didn’t work out and they left so there is so much regret sprinkled in here as you lost your faith for some time. You wanted to be together but the stars had other ideas.

His voice is full of life stories from that special moment that is now just a memory but also a pleasurable one. ‘Fades Into Blue’ reminds you of those memories that you love so much, but are now fading rather quickly into the dust. True Gospel Bookstore is a classic music creation that has been brought to life through lots of love and determination. This is a man who realized that hardly anyone appreciated real poetry anymore, so he evolved and made it into music instead; to reach a global audience. This is a true inspiration to those out there who have given up and need a humble hero to look up to.

Take a listen to true class on Soundcloud and follow the story via IG and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The underdog that wants it bad: Nigerian born UK emcee Mukhy makes a huge statement on ‘SWERVE!’(ft DxBoY)

Posted on 29 November 2020

Sometimes you get that special feeling when you turn on a new song. Mukhy takes a blowtorch to all obstacles in his way on his new track ‘SWERVE!’ (ft DxBoY). The mysteriously intense tiptoe shaker beat blusters in with a blazing entry that busts through the creaking door. This is the way to make an memorable entrance.

With the self-confidence of a man that knows what he wants plus a ravaging lyrical delivery that eats away at those corny rappers that get too much love, he’s already half way there to getting where he wants to go.

He swerves out of the way from sewage-type bad vibes that stinks out the joint. He has an ominous rap style that is so refreshing in a world full of short-term mumble pop-tarts that have no place on the mic.

The beat couldn’t have been made any better for the vision of the track and this song is like a powerful jack-hammer against the wall of cheesy music that is soft and breaks easily. This is a man who is fired up, knows who his real friends are, and is only concerned with respect from the true music fans and long-lasting success.

If you want it, you gotta go and get it. Mukhy seems to want success more than most and proves this on ‘SWERVE!’ (ft DxBoY). With a vicious lyrical flow, he sweeps all others under the mat to gather dust. Time will tell if he has the self-motivation to carry on when the chips are down but the odds are on him winning. When you quit your dull job to get back into music, losing is not an option.

View this fiery song featuring two of the best emcee’s around via YouTube and find out more about Mukhy on his FB and IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

‘Salsa & Chips’ from hungry Bay Area emcee is an all-you-can-eat party from J-Money

Posted on 29 November 2020

J-Money is back with his 2nd single from 2020 this one is aptly called ‘Salsa & Chips’. All that hard work gives you the munchies and these are deliciously satisfied on the outstandingly outlandish single. The enthralling entry comes in piping hot with a dazzling beat that has that extra spicy flavor to sink our teeth into.

With his signature frenzied flow that gives your body a boost when you needed it most, J-Money shows us his sword-like lyrical wordplay that gives your heart pulsating heart palpitations of the best variety. The South American salsa is on full show here as this is a musician who is clearly confident in his ability, and knows where he stands with the ladies.

This is the story of being a local at the diner in your town and you are known to all the staff there. The love of food is brilliantly mixed in with messages about being someone that doesn’t need a second invitation for a worthwhile party. His ferocious lyrical delivery brings a smile the face as this feels like early Ludacris in his prime.

The criminally underrated emcee is on top form with ‘Salsa & Chips’ by the Bar Area artist J-Money as he wets the appetite for more delicious tracks. His skillful wordplay is at a wizardry level and he turns up the heat here with rhymes that adds a humorous and oven cooked snack to proceedings.

After all, not taking yourself too seriously and making entertaining music is the way to go in 2020. This is an emcee that needs live shows and festivals to start up again so that he can take his music to the next level which he fully deserves.

Head through to the Spotify page to hear the new single and see more from J-Money on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Traveling the world to achieve his goals: Harrisen Larner-Main shows us exquisite singing on ‘Come Along’ EP

Posted on 29 November 2020

Somerset-born and world travelling singer-songwriter Harrisen Larner-Main has been patiently waiting to drop his highly anticipated 5 track EP called ‘Come Along’ and this is now his time to shine.

His voice draws you in so close and you drift away in a glorious daydream with a tone that is so tremendous on our battered ears which are cold from the winter wind. A man that has traveled around Europe and many other countries to push his music to as many people as possible; his vision is worldly and you can feel his self-awareness wrapped around your heart.

The whole EP is a waterfall of crisp water-tinged and luscious vocals that will have you singing along at the top of your lungs. This is the type of artist that sings about his previous experiences and love is at the core of his creations. His trusty acoustic guitar is played like a seasoned professional and you can tell that he has been performing since he was barely 13 years old. The music bug bit hard and he can’t stop doing what he is passionate about.

The whole EP is so classy and sung with such pureness and particular favorites have to be ‘Impossible To Feel The Cold’, ‘Happier’ and ‘Curtains’. He has the ability to raise his voice without sounding like he is putting too much strain on his vocal cords. The natural energy has you transfixed and the songs about love and reminiscing of what transpired in the past will have you remembering those regret-filled moments in your life, when love was there for the taking but something happened to end things so abruptly.

The soulful English singer-songwriter is a musician who you can tell is honest and humble; all he wants to do is perform on stage and make music that moves you, inspires you and makes you love harder.

Harrisen Larner-Main sings from the bottom of his heart on the excellent EP ‘Come Along’. This is the story of a man who has built his community of fans from years of travelling around the world and making life-lasting friends. He bet on himself to succeed, put in the hard work, and is using all of his wide-array of talents to do what he loves and does best.

Hear this fine EP on his Spotify and find out more about what makes Harrisen tick on his YouTube and Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Finding yourself again: European Electro-Pop/Downtempo duo Anaté drop fascinating debut single ‘Confusion’

Posted on 28 November 2020

The gorgeous vocals and clean production captures your imagination right away as you drift into a visual vortex of emotions that both excites and scares you too. Anaté toys with our emotions to captivating effect here in 2020 with debut song ‘Confusion’.

Anaté is a supremely creative collaboration between elegant singer & songwriter Ana who lives in Paris and Berlin, with Milan based producer Delman handling the soundscapes to electrifying levels of pure enjoyment. You can tell that they share the same vision musically as this is cinematic experience that is so rare and compelling.

“My debut single Confusion talks about duality. It’s about the conflict between what we want and what we are ‘allowed to want’; between who we are and expected to be; between emotion and reason. We all experience moments of inner conflict like that. Confusion explores these contrasting concepts and invites us to embrace both.” – Ana

Set for release on the 28th November 2020, this is a debut track that has so much tease and intrigue already. The deep thoughts of being in that vividly beautiful dreamy world you have created for yourself, while also dealing with what current reality has to offer, has truly opened up your eyes and soul to conflicting emotions.

Anaté’s ‘Confusion’ is an irresistible listen that makes you feel as though you are transporting in the Matrix and can slide from each world as you please. The journey to finally embracing yourself and accepting these thoughts is a long but ultimately self-healing mission. After all, knowing yourself better will help you love deeper and open your heart to many possibilities.

Hear this wonderful creation on Anaté’s Spotify and find out more about their vision on Facebook and IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Facing your demons head on: ‘Paradox’ from New Jersey musician Kevin Grace is the call to heal from within

Posted on 25 November 2020

New Jersey Alt-Rock singer Kevin Grace drops his debut ‘Paradox’ and this is a song to take notice of. The melodic kick drums starts up our blood flow again as we slip out of that lazy slumber that has befallen most of the world. You get the feeling that this is going to be something very deep and ultimately worthwhile. This is proven absolutely correct as Kevin’s gritty vocals are so real when you needed this sense of authenticity so much to give the battered soul a gold medal for once.

You feel the harmony and the sadness here but there is hope attached which makes this is an inspirational listen. The guitar’s electricity swirls around like a crashing sea, the lifeboat is ready and you just need to swim for a while to clear your mind from the smoke, booze and temptations that are sometimes too easy to say no. The journey to self-enlightenment is here and you feel that he wants it so badly. He is ready now and takes us along to see the sunrise that is so close to his eyes.

To fully heal and destroy those dastardly demons from your heart, you need the support of those close to you as you will need a hand from time to time as the reappear like a ghost in the night. Ultimately, you have to be the captain on this vessel and lead the way. It’s your life after all and ‘Paradox’ from Kevin Grace is a splendid self-aware song for modern times. To be the best version of yourself is hard work but the only way to be at peace with yourself and smile when you see yourself in the mirror. Hiding away is not an option anymore.

Support the journey on Kevin’s Spotify and see more on his Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Leaving your home behind: Dallas based Jacob Whalen’s ‘Necropolis’ is the story of starting afresh in new surroundings

Posted on 24 November 2020

The beautiful piano simmers through and warms your heart. We are soon introduced to a singer-songwriter and composer who is a true creative. He sings about how wicked and harsh this world is as he emanates only peace and love. The story of a man that has found his voice, to show the world his stunning music, made with years of fine tuning to get the balance just right. Jacob Whalen’s ‘Necropolis‘ will have you thinking about all of the sins of the world, and the pointless loss of life for no real reason.

With his digital artwork and virtual art shows taking up most of his time over the last 10 years, this crazy world of 2020 has unlocked a true artist, who shines like a burning candle on this release. Taken off the brand new full album- ‘Lord of Vanity II‘ -this is an ode to a fresh start, away from that familiar, stale and ultimately stagnant energy from a place that you needed to get away from. In order to fully blossom, you need to see the world and experience new cultures.

He voice is so powerful yet innocent at the same time, the passionate and emotion hangs in the air as you take on a somber tone and wonder why these things happen. The gentle background sounds only matches the energy during this special listen. This is a man who has been building to this moment and succeeds greatly.

‘Necropolis‘ from the multi-talented Dallas artist Jacob Whalen is a song that will inspire many as this is such an emotional song that delves deep into current issues in the world. This is a marvelous and vividly described song from an eloquent musician- who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. After all, being in the right town for your goals, is the smartest way to be truly happy each day.

Hear this emotional masterpiece here on Jacob’s Spotify and see more on his Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen