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New York City

Staying true to what is really important: The Vigilance Committee drop superb new single ‘Reflections III’

Posted on 10 January 2021

The Vigilance Committee are back with their inspirational blend of real music with heart on the outstanding new single ‘Reflections III‘.

New York indie-punk rockers The Vigilance Committee are a closely-knit outfit that have been making epic soundscapes together since 2009, and they are a group that do things that really matter in life, beyond music.

”Reflections III’ is a coming home of sorts for us,” says Phil Corso (drums/vocals). “With the world the way it is, we felt it was important to get back to basics, which for us, meant writing honest music that stood for something.”

This exceptional song is about how we need to fully appreciate the beauty of building a project from the start to the finish, no matter what the end result turns out to be. Watching it fall over is tough to watch but if it means you have to compromise your core morals and values, staying true to yourself is all that matters. You are the one that has to look in the mirror each day after all.

With a more than satisfying indie-punk rumbustious melody to start us off on this excellent ride, the driving drums and haunting vocals catch your attention quickly, this is a rock solid track that is marvelously catchy and is so true to its original vision. The true story of not letting yourself fall below the standard you have set for yourself deep down and how you would rather tumble over, than stay somewhere you know isn’t for you and where you feel you don’t belong.

Valuing total integrity over worthless material things seems like a controversial thing to do these days, so its very refreshing to hear a band that still have these values and who actually say something about things that aren’t legitimate.

This is an excellent band who are underground heroes for doing what is right and ‘Reflections III’ from New York City four-piece The Vigilance Committee, sees them stay true to their roots and kicks the standard up a few notches in a previously prosperous genre, that has been in the doldrums for way too long. That all changes now.

Stream this terrific track here on YouTube and see what they get up to next on FB & IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

‘Our Numbered Days’ album review: The incomparable multi-talented Queens musician Lauren Kidd drops her incredible debut full album release that finds her dealing with the final stages of grief

Posted on 28 December 2020

‘Our Numbered Days‘ from the Queens singer-songwriter Lauren Kidd is her debut full album release and this was certainly worth the wait. We find a musician who knows herself now deep inside and is flourishing with each passing moment.

Lauren Kidd is a New York City-based writer, singer-songwriter, dreamer and ever-evolving creative who has her eyes set for the stars above and nothing less. When you set big goals, sometimes you fall down and scratch yourself, but its how you pick yourself up, that truly counts long-term.

After reviewing her excellent lead single ‘I Want It To Be You‘ recently which is now track eight, we are treated to the full experience which more than lives up to expectations.

You feel a weight lifted off your tired shoulders when you turn on this concept record and you know you are in safe hands.

With ‘Make You Smile’, there is a happy energy that is pushed through and the overwhelming feeling is that she is looking for that love again and just wants a chance to show that is ready again. The Pop pureness is such a blessing on the ear and the melodic rhythm is a welcome addition to a wild year.

Other highlights are, and there are so many, are definitely ‘Our Numbered Days‘ as this should be the theme of 2020. The days are so short and who knows what tomorrow will bring so we need that special feeling now, to get that love rush back into our veins.

‘Still‘ is such a gorgeous delivery and the hard hitting beat just makes it so much better. This is the chronicle of how you want them so badly when they aren’t around and the haunting vocals fills your soul. I imagine this to be a future music video for Lauren.

‘Ours‘ is a song my mind wandered far away on. I got lost in the track and reminisced about previous relationships and those happy memories and what went right. The sadness of losing someone to a breakup hurts hard and it can consume you but you have to keep those good times locked away and never forget them.

They say that class is permanent and this is absolutely true on this occasion. Lauren is such a talented musician who puts in the extra hard work to make her stand out and doesn’t expect any freebies. Its this type of attitude that will see her go far in the music world as that is what it takes to be the best at what you do. A lot of friends won’t understand and there will be some lonely nights but if you want it bad enough, you gotta go and get it. Its your life after all and you walk the road that choose, not anyone else.

Lauren Kidd’s ‘Our Numbered Days‘ is one of the best releases of 2020 due to the meaningful lyrics, her excellent vocal projection and with her determined mindset, she is an example for others on how to do things with your music career. There are no fillers on this album, nothing you can skip, and this is so rare these days in a ‘quick and forget’ society where it’s easy to be forgotten.

If she can stay focused and keep on having a small but loyal team around her that always has her back, Lauren can go wherever she wants to go with her music. Form is temporary but class remains forever and with a secret track inside, this is an album that will inspire so many and warm their hearts.

Stream the new album on Spotify and see her adventures on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Musical theater flair immersed in pop: Allison St. Rock makes the debut anthem of 2020 with ‘I Wanna Feel Better’

Posted on 27 December 2020

Allison St. Rock urges us to stay positive no matter what on the purposeful indie pop single ‘I Wanna Feel Better‘.

Allison St. Rock is a Stonington, Connecticut-born composer, playwright, performer and new singer-songwriter, who has just blessed us with her debut single and this is a new track filled with tasty treats for our ears. This is a true creative, a proudly LBGT woman who has a voice that will leave you so breathless, you will need CPR immediately.

“You know that feeling when you hear a song, and it describes exactly how you’re feeling in the moment, it makes you feel seen and makes you feel less alone? That’s what I want to give with my music.”- Allison St. Rock

This is the rebirth after a breakup that has sucked all your energy away and you have decided you want to make a change. The time is now and dancing all the pain away seems to be the way to go. Instead of hiding away and feeling sorry for yourself, the way to be better is to take a deep breath, and get in your own zone again.

Her classy voice is soothing and fresh like a tasty orange on a hot day, the juices of her energy rub off on you and you start to feel happier already. The electro-pop beat keeps you on your toes and this is such a catchy song you should tie yourself to a tree so you can hold on. This is the start of an exciting journey for a creative that seems ready and is confident in her abilities to do whatever she sets her mind to.

‘I Wanna Feel Better‘ from New York City’s Allison St. Rock is a virtual big hug to anyone out there that has been struggling with lost love. She is the compass to find yourself again and move on to new adventures that enables you to love wholeheartedly again.

Get out of your slump and hear this sparkling song on Spotify. See her social life via IG and FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Hide and go seek is over: New York City singer-songwriter Ximone Rose is refreshingly reflective on the incredible ‘i Found Me’

Posted on 27 December 2020

Ximone Rose is transcendent on her new single ‘I found Me‘ and this is that peaceful pureness that is hard to find; unless you look deeper underground.

The former child-actor, creative and wonderful NYC singer-songwriter Ximone Rose, has a rare ability to change your mood with one note of music.

This is the story about how we all need someone to help you find yourself again. We all walk down the dark road and get lost sometimes. The world is confusing and our minds get wrapped up with so much plastic that we all need a lifeguard in the sea of life; to pick us up so we can reset our perspective.

Her voice is like a floating angelic memory, each word is made with such tender loving care as she weaves her way into our broken hearts so lovingly. The way she keeps her tone so effortless is absolutely mind-blowing and you feel like a huge weight is lifted off your tired shoulders. This is properly made music that has that extra class that you can’t teach. She was born with this gift that she has chosen to use, rather than walk into the other side of the music scene, that can cloud your innocence so quickly and scar you for life, weighing you down like a cement brick tied to your feet.

Feeling that youth inside you is so important in this serious world and being happy again should be high on your priority list. Ximone Rose shows us what really counts on ‘I found Me‘. She is a special talent who’s music will make you think and lift you up over any obstacle you may be currently facing.

Hear this top track on Spotify and see her music journey on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The love story continues: Italian-born Martina is quite glorious on ‘I Wish You Knew’

Posted on 27 December 2020

The sweet sounding Martina is back with her luscious vocals on the incredible new single on ‘I Wish You Knew‘.

Martina is a self-aware Italian-born, New York City-based singer-songwriter who blends Soul and R&B to mix a potent fusion that takes your breath away. Her style is spectacular and she sings with such love and meaning, her music has been carefully crafted to encapsulate beauty and class.

This is the story of wishing that your crush knew how you felt deep inside. Your stomach twists and turns and you just know that they are the one. Your heart is telling you that you need to be together and you are working out how you can make this happen.

Her voice is so clear and beautiful, the sonic soundscape drifts into the air and you can’t help but feel so relaxed while listening to this song.

The New York-based Martina is quite stunning on ‘I Wish You Knew‘. This is a song to play with your lover late at night with the candles on and the hot bath waiting. Her vivacious energy is a pleasure on the soul and this is a music that we all need to admire and close our eyes to.

Hear this wonderful song on YouTube and see her story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Former love that hurt you deeply: Lovedead sings for his hearts redemption on ‘Eye 2 Eye’

Posted on 16 December 2020

New York City native Lovedead returns with the heartbreaking new single ‘Eye 2 Eye’ that explores the topic of love that didn’t work out and this doesn’t make sense to this excellent musician.

The earthy atmosphere that bellows in is like a fresh stream of fresh air to a stuffy year. His honest lyrics steam the windows up with the story of love that suddenly ended. The frustration of what happened is paramount from the young singer whose voice gets stronger like a transformer, as the track gets more vivid throughout. She moved on and showed her true colors by her questionable actions.

‘’Struggling with romance and school and everyday life, I felt it was the only way to truly be understood.’’- Lovedead

Music is the healing glue that has helped him stick together with himself during this tough time and with life in general. The drama got too much and he sings about how the manipulative ex got into his head for a while. You can hear from his lyrics and excellently toned voice that the time to move on is now and he is going through the frustrated stage. He is questioning everything but knows deep inside that he didn’t cause this breakup.

Lost love can mess you up mentally and finding a way to get the frustration out smartly is the only way to move on and doing what you feel is best. ‘Eye 2 Eye’ from New York singer-songwriter Lovedead is a love-torn story about how romance can be so amazing and so hard too. Finding a loyal human to be with is so hard but is possible if you believe in it enough.

Hear this song via Spotify and find out more on this artist below:

Instagram: https://bit.ly/LovedeadonInsta

Twitter: https://bit.ly/LovedeadTwitt

Apple Music: https://bit.ly/Lovedead

Spotify: https://bit.ly/LovedeadonSpotify

You want her to be the only one: ‘I Want It To Be You’ is New York City musician/writer Lauren Kidd’s exceptional solo debut of self-discovery

Posted on 3 December 2020

Queens, New York singer-songwriter Lauren Kidd is heading for big things due to her exceptional voice and self-motivated attitude. These are two qualities that are at the core of being a successful indie artist and Lauren epitomizes this.

The former frontwoman of NYC band Clearview and after starting to learn music when she was just 9 years old, she is now fully integrated into the solo world and is excitedly releasing her debut album called ‘Our Numbered Days’ which drops on the 18th December 2020. Luckily, Lauren has been kind enough to sneak us a listen of her ‘I Want It To Be You’ debut single to wet our appetites and this is like a thunderbolt into our hungry hearts.

This is the story of knowing what you want but struggling to find the right path to get there. The pain in her voice is palpable as she wrestles with easy temptations that have been there from life in a band. Quick and fun flings are there if you want it; they can be so hard to resist if you let yourself be drawn in and hang out at places you know are bad for you.

She sings from the heart and wants to be a better person and there is only one special soul that she visualizes being with The problem is, it might be too late. Patience and self-reflection are the two qualities needed right now but you don’t want to be alone either.

With a strong voice, terrific visuals and a heartfelt style, it’s no wonder that this is a musician on the rise. Her honesty shines through the cracks of the room as you reminisce about those nights you spent with someone you barely knew.

‘I Want It To Be You’ from New York’s Lauren Kidd is a single that is part of the master-plan and a way to heal inside so that you can move on and do what you can, to gain that ultimate forgiveness. Life is all about learning from mistakes and not being too hard on yourself. We are only human after all.

See the excellent music video on YouTube, stream her on Spotify and find out more via IG & FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Glamorous New York-based DJ/Model Dayna Roman shows her class with new single ‘My Love’

Posted on 10 November 2020

Glamorous New York-based DJ/Model Dayna Roman shows her class with new single ‘My Love‘ and this is a supremely delicious spin that is well worth a place on your music playlists. She bends the decks with master precision and shows us what good music sounds like in 2020.

Born in the Middle East and raised in Chicago, Dayna soon moved to LA and from there everything changed. After signing to the prestigious Wilhelmina modelling agency, she soon got into DJ-ing and enrolled in Scratch Academy. The thirst to be best has kept her focused and the results are quite tremendous.

With a breathlessly gorgeous beat, this is a gritty track that features such scrumptious vocals to wake you out of your current grumpy mood thanks to current times. This is a dance floor slider if there ever was one and I’m not talking about the burger either. There is so much to like here, the rhythm of the track is made with such quality and my feet can’t stop tapping. I imaging waving at Dayna while she plays live, screaming at the top of my lunge too to show appreciation for this excellent EDM track with so many layers that unzips beautifully in my ears.

A slump-buster if there ever was one, the classy cool DJ/Model Dayna Roman has brought us an absolute ripper here and ‘My Love‘ will surely cheer you up and remind you that real love is possible. Turn your phone off, get to a proper speaker and dial that volume up. You are welcome.

Click here for the Spotify page.

Head through to her Insta page.

Find out more on her Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Long Island cousins McZo send the world lots of ‘Love’ with this fresh new single

Posted on 9 November 2020

Long Island cousins McZo send the world lots of ‘Love‘ with this fresh new single that is a ray of sunshine in this dark world with lots of smoke and mirrors. Love is the way forward and is the only way we can heal up from the wildness of 2020 and the challenges faced.

With a sunshine-vibe kind of start, you just know that this is going to be a top track. The New York based duo have created such a romantic masterpiece here. This is the type of song to play with that special person in your life as it feels so right, life is happy and the stars are so bright.

You love her so much and want her to be free as you support her all the way. You don’t want to get hurt but this feels different and you jump into this journey that makes you smile so much.

McZo are a brilliant duo that know each other well and you can feel this on ‘Love‘. The two cousins from Long Island bless the world with this incredible indie-pop jam that is so tasty and fresh, you will want seconds.

Check out the Spotify page to hear this new track.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

NYC act Not from Concentrate showcase their growing talent with ska flavored ‘If You’re Wrong’

Posted on 31 October 2020

After over a decade as a band, NYC outfit Not From Concentrate are back with one of their best songs yet on ‘If You’re Wrong‘.

They began as a college ska band in New York City. and over the years, the groups sound and personnel changed, as nature happens. Sticking together, the sound is more alt-rock but of course has that Ska core to the bones of the soul.

After touring the East Coast extensively, the group are looking to add to shows like with the legend King Django. With a respected name, this is a band that is looking to play on awesome stages, with artists they respect.

New York City band Not From Concentrate impress on their latest single ‘If You’re Wrong‘. This is a self-aware track that sets the tone, the vocals are gritty and real, the bands sound grows on you as the song keeps you rocking throughout. With so many stylish and different influences, you get the feeling that this is a band that are truly at one with themselves, and their instruments.

Click here for the Spotify link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen