Browsing Tag

houston

A Little Bit of Give: Houston alt-rocker Max Diaz pushes way beyond the boundaries on Dead Dog

Posted on 3 July 2023

After previously mesmerising us on the rather superb Nivana-laced-for-action release from August 2022 called lirium, Max Diaz looks deeper within for that extra self-control with his powerfully constructed new single to jump up and down with while healing from past pain, Dead Dog,

Max Diaz is a Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock artist who is one of the most imaginative souls around who seems to evolve after each single and shall stomp all bad moods away.

“All in all we’re just working for the figment.” ~ Max Diaz

Trying to let go and find himself again after so much disillusionment lately, Max Diaz shall flip all bad moods around with a stomp your-feet message to anyone who needs to get back to a happier sanctuary.

This is blockbuster stuff from a seriously talented and authentic artist who evolves after each track, appearing to push himself to greater heights like a rock climber who knows he can conquer any mountain which could however cause danger to his own life.

Dead Dog from Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock artist Max Diaz is a rollicking wake-up call and might knock some speakers off the walls. It’s ear piercing in a good way and sizzles into our ears, as a way of inspiring us to open the door into self-enlightenment and away from those negative juices which can sour tastebuds.

If you love it reflective and loud, this day will only get better after a few listens.

You what to do. Click on the Spotify link to get the day started right.

Suss out the social movements on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Spotlight Feature: Proverbial Cool Aid sang the devil-may-care blues through imperturbable indie rock tones in ‘My Days’

Posted on 7 June 2023

Jim Jones may have forever given Kool-Aid a bad reputation, but the Houston alt-rock outfit, Proverbial Cool Aid, is far from tarred by the same brush. Case in point, their latest revelationary mellow indie rock single, My Days, which was written by singer-songwriter Damen Martin and instrumentally contributed to by Lulu on drums and Jack Law on bass.

With tinges of Jack Johnson in the vox and breezy instrumental arrangement, you won’t need all too much convincing to fill your proverbial cup with Proverbial Cool Aid. If any single has what it takes to breed self-compassion, it is My Days; if the roads on life’s journey have left you weary, bed your soul down into this euphonic Les Paul-carved masterpiece. The simplest records are often the hardest to write and get right; the simplicity stands as a testament to Damen Martin’s mellowly compelling songwriting chops.

Proverbial Cool Aid Said

“My Days is a song that means a lot to me. You know, going through life, we make mistakes. This song is about the exact moment you catch yourself in the midst of a bad decision and say to yourself, Man, you shouldn’t have done that. It’s about regret, which can instantly reprimand you and torture you for years to come.”

After being recorded in Wire Road Studios, produced by Josh Applebee and mastered by Chris Longwood, My Days was officially released on March 30. It is now available to stream on all major platforms.

Stream My Days on Spotify and YouTube.

Follow Proverbial Cool Aid on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Drink Proverbial Cool Aid’s Latest Alternative Single, Sick & Pool Hall

Posted on 4 June 2023

While we expected some degree of ingenuity from an outfit with the moniker Proverbial Cool Aid, we immersed ourselves in more innovation than what we bargained for with their latest single, Sick & Pool Hall, featuring Vince B and J Q Music.

Waiting until the four-minute mark in the track that spans just over six minutes to bring in the vocals was a bold move, especially when the build to them consisted of little more than crunchily distorted vintage tones spilling from the guitars and staccato rhythms, but the progressive track stood as a testament to the good things come to those who wait adage.

After some Kyuss-esque interludes and a  funky bassline laid down by Jack Law, the rock meets rap vocals start slathering the single with a fire that will leave smoke pouring through your speakers long after the fadeout. Sick & Pool Hall may just be the most original entry into the nu-metal genre after the turn of the century. The Houston-based sludge up luminaries are clearly ones to watch.

Stream the latest single from Proverbial Cool Aid by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Fine Wine: Darius Marquis sees that good life on Angels by the Ocean

Posted on 18 May 2023

Wondering when their next stimulating meeting shall be, Darius Marquis glances deep within the hearts of so many with the find-the-purpose soundtrack to put on by a warm fire called Angels by the Ocean.

Darius Marquis is a Houston, Texas-born indie RnB/soul artist who is an established multi-instrumentalist that fuses various elements of gospel, rock, pop and hip-hop.

”At the age of 7, he played drums for his uncle’s church. A keyboard was given to him at the age of 8 and he taught himself how to play the piano by ear. After finishing Middle School band, he continued to refine his skills by studying music theory.” ~ Darius Marquis

He seems ready for it all. Darius Marquis showcases his supreme skill with an extraordinary song to soothe all tired hearts with a dynamic soundtrack for the ages. Gosh, this is a quality experience which might tickle ears and ease worries into the sky.

Angels by the Ocean by the soulfully charged creative rising great Darius Marquis is a rather wonderfully electric track which has been made to mesmerize even the weariest humans. Soaring with a heightened intellect and featuring some of the best solos imaginable, this is a must-listen if there ever was one.

With raw elements that can be refined, this is surely the kind of song which should give many goosebumps packed with intrigue.

See this new music video on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: LA’s Lee Adrian drops new blaze-filled single High

Posted on 6 March 2023

Dropping a new track for us to get High inside as its release occurs today, we sat down with the street-wise Lee Adrian to chat more about his career so far and what it takes to survive. Starting off with a playschool recording tape player thanks to his Mom, we find a valiant soul who is ready for anything in life.

Where in the world are you located currently and what would you recommend as a healthy meal?

Lee: I am located in Los Angeles, Ca and my healthy meal of choice would be a nice honey-glazed salmon with asparagus and red potatoes.

What was it like growing up in Houston’s not-so-friendly 5th ward?

Lee: Quick and right to the point huh? Houston has its parts like many other cities in the world. 5th ward is one of those places that most people don’t make it past a certain age. I’ve seen many things in and out of the hood like my mom laying us on the ground at night to avoid any stray bullets in the night to taking the trash out to see a dead body in the dumpster.

How did you get into music and what was the spark that lit your whole career?

Lee: From what I can remember my mom bought me a playschool recording tape player and said that I couldn’t put it down. I took the thing with me everywhere and played nothing but Hip Hop. I would honestly say that my cousin Iman got me into hip hop because she was a bigger fan than myself. I never thought of myself as a rapper before and I wanted to do what she did cause I thought it was cool. A girl rapping and singing at her age was good too? We formed a group and the rest is history.

Please tell us more about your new release which drops on the 6th March, High?

Lee: Man, High has a vibe that will elevate you for sure. It touches on the topic of how I feel before, during , and after I light one up. I get into this creative bag filled with positivity and humbleness. Like you know you the hottest thing since sliced bread but you have to be nice about it? It touches on the way women make me feel, how you can get high off life and love.

Who inspires you to be the best at whatever you do?

Lee: My inspiration stems from me. I put the work in, I get the results. As long as I keep God first and apply the work then that’s all that matters. Because at the end of the day, I make myself happy.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Lee: I live by the quote, “Expect Nothing Appreciate Everything”. Meaning don’t live to much in the past or future, live in the moment and enjoy your journey.

Are there any dope music spots in your local area we should check out?

Lee: Nomadics Studios is a co-working event space in North Hollywood. Studio time, Podcast Rooms and Air Bnb. You can find them on instagram @nomadicstudios.

Last, what are your goals for the rest of 2023?

Lee: I encourage everybody to keep a journal, write their intentions down, manifest what their individual goals are and keep it to themselves. God knows what I want and I can’t wait for you guys to see what’s in store.

–

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Run Away: Houston alternative artist Differentchris says goodbye for good on I Don’t Need You

Posted on 9 December 2022

With shirts never mandatory and so much intriguing beats to sip on, Differentchris deals with an overload of lies on the trippy new single to feel rather deeply during a traumatic breakup on the moody gem, I Don’t Need You.

Differentchris is a 19-year-old Houston, Texas-based alternative artist who is best known for his exploits on SoundCloud and his constant evolution.

On a hazy soundtrack to that feeling when you are torn in between a love which is actually over, Differentchris performs with so much mellow brilliance which shall get many ears perked up rather expeditiously. Hoping that things will be fine, we are thrilled with bones by a quite sublime single.

I Don’t Need You from Houston, Texas-based alternative artist Differentchris shows us deep within a striking feeling which could change with one kiss. Sparking up our attention and not letting go for a second seems to be the mission, as we are left breathless by a release so welcomely honest.

With a smooth style intertwining throughout each split second, this is a surely a track which shall take so much into a reflective state of mind.

Turn this up loud on Spotify. See more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Deep In The Forest: Lilith Max roars with so much hunger on Big Bad Wolf

Posted on 28 November 2022

Taken from her recent 5-track EP called Storybook, emerging young talent, Lilith Max sees that smirking face and looks deeper into the monster on her latest feast-filled single, Big Bad Wolf.

Lilith Max is an 18-year-old award-winning German-American Houston, Texas-based indie alternative pop/folk singer-songwriter.

”Lilith Max is a YoungArts Winner 2022 in the category Voice. She is also known as an actress in Call of Duty WWll and other productions and two-times the winner of Best Child Actress awards. She was born in Germany and moved to the US at age six.” ~ Lilith Max

With so much poise and grace while displaying a vocal output which is quite sensational, Lilith Max is rather terrific on this terrifying single performed by a true storyteller who knows how to capture our imagination.

Big Bad Wolf from Houston, Texas-based indie alternative pop/folk singer-songwriter Lilith Max is a magnificent single about surviving a beast who has decided to bite a sweet soul away. Projected so wonderfully by a young talent who sings with such joy, this is a memorable single to close your eyes with while imagining that hair-raising danger lurking in the woods.

Listen to this fine new single on Spotify and see more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Houston-based rock/hip-hop-fusion band Wizards of Atlantis dominate proceedings with Stop the Transmission

Posted on 7 November 2022

Splitting up our earlobes like a hungry Lion looking for prey, Wizards of Atlantis are at their excellent best with a roaring single to snack on all day and this one is called Stop the Transmission.

Wizards of Atlantis are an experienced 3-piece Houston, Texas-based indie rock/hip hop band who make that classic sounding music vibration to remember the 90s with.

”We continue to push the boundaries of what can actually be fused together and still sound pleasing. Our attitude is: If it sounds good to us, it is good.” ~ Wizards of Atlantis

Soaked with a supremely confident sound which has the power to change perspectives, Wizards of Atlantis show us what years of time in the game sounds like when you make music with a real backbone.

Stop the Transmission from Houston, Texas-based indie rock/hip hop-fusion band Wizards of Atlantis is a laced up track which shall take you back to an exciting time. Furnished with scratching and so much creativity to thrive deep inside, this is a sure-fire dance floor winner for those who love that classic Beastie Boys-like vibe.

Hear this buzzing new track on YouTube and see more on their Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Hate My Head: Max Diaz sends us into a flashback-fueled state of overpowering lirium

Posted on 16 August 2022

Dropping probably the most sternum shaking track you are likely to encounter today, Max Diaz is in absolutely belting form with a Nirvana-like performance to remember forever on lirium.

Max Diaz is a Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock singer-songwriter who shreds the mics wherever he lands because of the potent velocity of his delivery.

”Music Speaks. It doesn’t matter what you look like, or who you are, it’s a universal language that should be enjoyed by everyone.” ~ Max Diaz

Showing us a vocal force that might change your entire perspective of life as you saw it before, Max Diaz bravely raises awareness for those who have been savagely treated in abuse of many shapes.

With lockdown making some relationships barely livable for so many, this is such a vital message to surely motivate those who need some encouragement and that lift to move into safer waters.

There is so much to love about a band who puts in their 100% on each note. Max Diaz certainly delivers and with much aplomb, too. There is volume blushing passion in droves here, with a glow of intensity that shall wake you up if you didn’t realize how it all ends in this story.

lirium from Houston, Texas-based indie alt-rock singer-songwriter Max Diaz might be the most important release yet of 2022. If you need a pick-me-up. This is the track to play loud. All night long.

See this excellent video on YouTube and via more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Houston rapper Evvo wonders why they can’t be together on, ‘Y’ (feat. Colegend)

Posted on 3 May 2022

Showing us where the truth is when there is so much confusion in this strange world, Evvo is back with a new street track that has you nodding your head with the catchy beat leading you in the right direction on, ‘Y‘ (feat. Colegend).

Evvo is a Houston, Texas-based indie Hip hop artist who keeps things underground in all of his tracks and blesses the mic with another creative display.

Slicing the competition over with devastating effect, Evvo takes us into a story that is packed with emotion and real talk, that will compel you to take a closer listen as you get the full picture. There is a confident demeanour on offer that has you putting those fresh shades on, to make sure that you look as fly as possible to impress that human who you feel is the right match.

‘Y‘ (feat. Colegend) from Houston, Texas-based indie Hip hop artist Evvo demands attention with his latest release that is all about wondering why you can’t be with this special human who you feel is perfect for you. Rapped with a mellow style but maintaining a stylish vigour, this is a single to reflect with as your crew support you on your romantic journey.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen