Browsing Tag

heaven

Experience the intimate opulence of Jonathan Thomas Maiocco’s cinematic pop ‘Heaven’

Posted on 14 May 2024

Jonathan Thomas Maiocco’s latest single, Heaven, is a cinematic pop production far too arcane to dissect; each element converges and creates a divine intervention of vulnerability, exhibited with aching sincerity, thematic intensity, and profound artistry.

The distinction within his harmonic inflections, his ability to come across as the virtuoso next door and the progressive ingenuity of Heaven ensures the single reaches the epitome of striking an emotional chord.

Using the afterlife as a parable for the degree of separation following the dissolution of a relationship that leaves you feeling beneath your former significant other is a striking ode to the artist’s ability to tune into meta phenomena to bring profound meaning to the most tormenting aspects of our mortal coil.

Heaven is the ultimate paradox for the way Jonathan Thomas Maiocco fuses chamber pop opulence and drama with the intimacy of introspection with neither aspect diminished by the gravity of the other. The Atlanta-born singer, songwriter and producer’s strong foundation in music composition evidently culminated in this expansive tour de force.

He’s come a long way from his Christian music beginnings to producing for the Grammy-Award-winning artist for KING & COUNTRY to releasing his debut in 2019. After moving to LA in 2020, Jonathan Thomas Maiocco has written for hit Netflix and ABC shows, including Russian Doll and Carol and the End of the World. Yet, if you tune into his new album, Religious Trauma Syndrome, you’ll find that’s his biggest achievement so far. It’s stunning enough to simultaneously tear your soul apart and lead you to nirvana.

Heaven was officially released on the 29th of April; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Reach Nirvana with DJ Roko’s Slice of EDM ‘Heaven’

Posted on 12 May 2024

DJ Roko dialled up the disco dance-pop euphoria in his latest burst of beat-driven euphoria, Heaven; 90s disco nostalgia permeates the exhilarated EDM production that embodies the UK producer’s influence of David Guetta, Tiesto and Calvin Harris while leaving plenty of room for his signature style to ensnare the airwaves. If rhythm is a dancer, as Snap! proclaimed in ’92 it would get down to this hit that will maximise your lust for life.

The West Midlands-born, Glasgow-based artist and DJ first exhibited his talent for fusing kinetic rhythms with melodies that melt into the mind through his official debut release, Velocity, earlier this year, and has already attracted over 10k monthly Spotify listeners with the infectious intensity within his sound that will undoubtedly flood dancefloors throughout 2024.

With his self-produced debut LP, in addition to several other projects, ready to drop later this year, DJ Roko isn’t a name EDM fans will want to ignore for much longer.

Heaven was officially released on April 27; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DOE GRASS TELL US ALL ABOUT “SALLY’S PLACE” THROUGH DRIVING RHYTHMS AND SONOROUS GUITAR RIFFS.

Posted on 10 September 2017

Imagine a place where drinks are free and blood won’t spill, where the music is an imaginative blend between country, rock and blues and the rhythm just keeps flowing as the hours go by – an outlaw heaven. That’s exactly where Doe Grass is taking us! Portrayed through a collection of clever and image evoking lyrics, steady percussive rhythms and a good sense of harmonic contrast at just the right points “Sally’s Place” is guaranteed to have you press repeat after the last few notes. The sound of the steady shaker rhythms in the beginning are enough to pull you in and immerse you in an image evoking song with memorable guitar lines that are groovy and tastefully bluesy all at the same time. The laid back guitar solos also feature an interesting element of harmonic fluctuations which interact perfectly with the underlying progression, creating an experience that is full of colour.

With an edgy, yet clear, vocal tone and just the right attitude the lyrics are expressed with a strong sense of narrative while the rhythm remains pronounced and consistent throughout. The use of effects is also a feature which is integrated very nicely, making this track sound complete, with a freshness of sound that is guaranteed to be enjoyed by anyone. Apart from it’s ability to capture the imagination through an authentic arrangement, “Sally’s Place” also presents a good element of melodic contrast, and a final statement which is exactly what makes it so memorable and catchy for all.

-Sarah Marie Bugeja