Browsing Tag

Santana

JD Kucharik rekindled the soul of blues rock with ‘Leavin After Midnight’

JD Kucharik deserves to be placed on the same pedestal as Santana after releasing his INCEPTION EP, featuring the standout single, Leavin After Midnight, which delivers a sound rich in vintage blues rock reverence.

Hit play and encounter a deft evocation of classic blues rock soul that JD Kucharik has meticulously honed over decades. The release is the epitome of aural alchemy; the otherworldly presence comes as a result of the arcane electricity of its instrumental arrangement with Kucharik’s commandingly charismatic vocal presence. The narrative woven through the tune—a story of a fugitive seeking transient solace—adds a compelling lyrical depth to the rich instrumental backdrop.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Kucharik’s roots in blues and rock are evident as he plays the B3 Hammond, piano, guitar, or drums. His approach to music remains steadfastly organic, eschewing auto-tune and computer-driven edits for real-time, hard-earned sound craftsmanship. His dedication to traditional recording methods ensures that each release, whether from his extensive archives or fresh from the studio, resonates with authenticity and passion.

Leavin After Midnight was released as part of JD Kucharik’s EP, INCEPTION, on April 20; stream the release on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Kleyla Family Band – Cursed: Spellbindingly Soul-Laden 70s-Inspired Pop Rock

The Kleyla Family Band – three siblings, one in-law, and ‘one friend’ – hail from Providence, Rhode Island; “Cursed” is a beautiful mix of classic rock, seventies country-influenced pop, and bluesy distorted guitar hooks, all underpinning the stunning, statuesque vocals of classically trained soprano Katie Klayla.

Scorching blues-rock guitar parts, searing vocal harmonies, and a rhythm section fully in the pocket, “Cursed” is equal parts Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Carole King, and Alison Krauss, at once modern and classic, soulful, heartfelt, and rocking.

Hear “Cursed” on Spotify; check out the Kleyla Family Band here.

Review by Alex Holmes

Dylan Koski – I’ve Got Mine: Scorching Guitar-Driven Modern Rock

https://dylankoski.com/track/2454257/i-ve-got-mine

From the four-tracker “Sour Milk and Cigarettes”, Dylan Koski’s “I’ve Got Mine” is a modern, searing, scorching guitar-driven rock track which easily showcases Koski’s virtuoso guitar skills alongside his bourbon-burned vocals. With a guitar tone to die for, reminiscent of Santana and Rory Gallagher, rich in old-school ‘woman tone’, the guitar perfectly compliments Koski’s unique lyrical take on the ‘old school love song’.

Featuring Brandon Pettiford on drums and Tony Harpon on bass, and recorded at Sonic Lounge Studios, “I’ve Got Mine” is the absolute real deal of a track – Driving and powerful, modern yet familiar, slick and stylish, riff-driven yet with real songwriting style, “I’ve Got Mine” is an absolute stormer of a song.

Check out the “Sour Milk and Cigarettes” EP on Spotify, and the “I’ve Got Mine” video on YouTube.

Review by Alex Holmes