Browsing Tag

Billy Joel

Henry Bitzer’s ‘25th Hour’ Radiates Rapturous Soul and Swagger

Posted on 30 September 2024

Henry Bitzer’s standout single, 25th Hour, from his debut LP Skydive, delivers some of the swankiest sounds of 2024. The track is a testament to the solo artist’s knack for nostalgically leaning songwriting chops, which remain sharp even when held up against his musical heroes.

Any attempt to resist the euphoric energy of 25th Hour is futile; the rapturous euphony he coaxes from the keys showcases his comfort and charisma in crafting soulful soundscapes that simultaneously nod to the past and stride confidently into the future.

Blending blues, 70s pop rock, and a smattering of jazz, Bitzer conjures a unique sonic synthesis that defies easy categorisation. The seamless fusion of styles creates a distinctive sound that harks back to the golden era of rock without feeling stuck in the past. His ability to weave eclectic influences into a seamless tour de rapturous force ensures that his legacy is already carving itself a place in the annals of contemporary alternative music. It’s only a matter of time before major labels are vying for his signature.

At just 19, the Minnesota native has been compared to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel for his magnetic stage presence and infectious melodies. Now a second-year student at Belmont University in Nashville, Bitzer has spent the last four years performing live across the U.S., honing his craft and building a loyal following.

Stream Henry Bitzer’s debut LP, Skydive, on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Skinny G Radio burst ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ in his theatric piano pop single

Posted on 28 June 2022

If you abstracted the annoying aspect to Tim Minchin, you would be left with something akin to Skinny G Radio’s standout single, Delusions of Grandeur, from his debut album, The Heightening.

The piano-led melodies around the organs and synths jauntily add a touch of theatrical flair to the baroquely tinged single, inspired by the likes of John Mayer and Billy Joel, while the vocals animatedly wrap around the vindicating lyricism.

“Don’t get caught up in their pretension” may just be one of my favourite lyrics of the year. It completely bursts the bubble of ego-driven self-importance that most artists drift around the industry in.

Whichever way he is infiltrating it, the Connecticut-born and raised, LA-based artist, songwriter, producer, and performer will perceptibly brighten the creative crevices of our late-stage capitalist world. We can’t wait to hear what follows.

Delusions of Grandeur is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Matt DeAngelis takes us a ‘Mile Down the Road’ in his crooned spacey piano pop ballad

Posted on 2 March 2022

Southern New Jersey singer-songwriter, Matt DeAngelis, is fresh from the release of his eagerly anticipated EP, World I’m Comin’ for You’. Judging by the standout single, Mile Down the Road, he has already arrived.

By taking influence from David Bowie, Elton John and Billy Joel, the piano-led ballad carries the same style of absorbingly escapist narrative that wraps you up in the theatrically tinged emotion that effortlessly flows from DeAngelis’ timeless crooned pop timbre.

The jazzy instrumental interludes, orchestral strings and intricately clever piano motifs defiantly stand in the way of Mile Down the Road as resonating as just another cheesy show tune. This track is definitely for the audiophiles – as is the whole EP, how could we just stop at one track? The concluding single, Maybe I, makes it almost impossible believe that it was created by a 23-year-old singer-songwriter and released in 2022.

Check out Matt DeAngelis on his official website, Spotify, Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Watching them walk away: Alexander Broussard is quite breathtaking on ‘How Does It Feel’ (ft. Lana Wolf)

Posted on 19 February 2021

Taken off the latest eleven-track album ‘Now‘, Alexander Broussard returns with a deep piano-filled song that asks us ‘How Does It Feel‘ (ft. Lana Wolf).

The Netherlands-based indie-pop pianist and singer-songwriter, Billy Joel fan and former touring band member Alexander Broussard, is a truly gifted musician, who is back to his roots and is feeling so refreshed after this decision to do his solo music again. This is his first love and after three decades performing other artists music, he is on a mission to make as much quality original creations as possible.

This is the fascinating tale about caring so much for someone and how watching them walk away, really strikes your heart like a ice block, and makes you wonder if this is the right decision. Disconnecting from this once flourishing love is so sore on the soul as you see them waving at you in the distance.

With effortlessly luscious lyrics from her and his strong tone, these two make a lovely tender-wrapped team full of mystique and wonder on this almost-cinematic single- that will have you thinking about your previous relationships in life.

‘How Does It Feel‘ (ft. Lana Wolf) from the soulful Alexander Broussard is a true intimate sonic soundscape for the ages and brings back the classic feeling in your bones, which is so rare to hear these days.

With quality all of the place, this is a sensational single that might have you in tears or feeling quite reflective about past memories.

Stream this carefully crafted single on Spotify and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Prepare for your soul to ascend with Zach Robinson’s ardently eclectic single “Change”

Posted on 17 October 2020

With Zach Robinson’s aural inspirations ranging from Rush to The Police to Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Billy Joel, you’ll get a serious hit of soulful nostalgia when you hit play on their standout single “Change” on their 2020 EP “Evolve”.

It kicks off with smooth seductive popping grooves before the Alt Rock elements start to dominate the soundscape and replace the funky ska rhythms with ardent licks of Rock which add an overwhelming amount of intensity to the track.

Change is a stunning release. The energy. The urgency. The passion. The talent. Each aspect combines to leave you feeling like your own soul has transcended when you get to the outro of this inherently stylistic mix.

You can check out Zach Robinson’s single out for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Annika Brown: Amanda Palmer Meets Steampunk (Only for The Brave)

Posted on 27 November 2017

Annika Brown’s Latest track Apocalypso is a theatrical spectacular. Nothing quite could prepare me for what was about to unfold over the next three minutes as I hit play on YouTube. It’s hard to pay attention to the actual sound of the track after watching the official music video in which she embraces Kate Bush style dramatics. I certainly won’t be forgetting what I’ve just heard in a long time.

Annika’s sound Is definitely an acquired taste, I’m not sure tracks such as Apocalypso will ever fair well in the mainstream, however she’s created an eclectic mix of sound which she imparts her Emily The Strange demeanour within. Even when she’s playing an acoustic guitar in the woods her unique charm is never dampened. . But that’s just part of it’s charm. Alternative music fans are in for a treat with this act. With operatic vocals, doom riddled melodies and classic piano backing track. There’s a hint of Victorian hysteria within her music, which she reincarnates through her Gothic Soprano vocals. The Same as can be heard with acts such as a Emilie Autumn and her signature Fantasy Rock styling.

Head on over to her website where you can keep up date with her musical ventures. Her latest album The Devils Story Book featuring Apocalypso is available to download or stream now!

 

Chamik Zhang releases romantic pop track ‘I Wish You Well’

Posted on 29 July 2017

When we think of romantic pop music of substance, even in the more commercial world, we generally think of the high-concept and artistic direction of Kate Bush and Tori Amos or the high volume commerciality of kitsch dinosaurs such as Elton John or Billy Joel (though The Stranger is an album that should be studied in music colleges the length and breadth of the country.) Well, with I Wish You Well, Chamik Zhang finds a middle way that combines integrity with appeal.

Chamik Zhang makes short work of blending Damien Rice minimalism with just the right amount of commercial melodicism. Heartstrings will be tugged, emotions unleashed, young women will swoon and the world will feel just that little bit more poetic. And when did the world ever not benefit from such happenings?