[ New Single ] Thomas Abban releases "Black Water" from his latest album A Sheik's Legacy

Artist: Thomas Abban
Album: A Sheik's Legacy
Track: "Black Water"

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Thomas Abban is a soulful alternative rock artist based out of Minneapolis, MN. Growing up listening and playing classical, jazz, blues, and rock music, Thomas has set out to create his own unique sound and songwriting style. He was recently named "Minnesota's Best New Music Act" by City Pages, and describes himself as "an artist in residence in existence". His latest album album A Sheik's Legacy was released this past fall, and has garnered him a great deal of buzz and momentum, centered around his striking visual approach as a performer, and recording artist. Today we are taking a listen to a single from that album called "Black Water".

          On this single, the song begins with beautiful classical guitar, and thoughtful lyrics singing "out on my own for the first time, out all alone with you, but you always knew what would happen, didn't you"... the song then takes a slightly darker turn, as things don't go as happily as planned. With a sound that combines acoustic rock with soulful, tangible energy, Thomas is able to unravel a song down to it's bare essentials, and seamlessly build it back up into a epic jam. His vocals are powerful and dynamic, ebbing and flowing as the song builds, showing the range in his voice, along with range of emotions. "Life's like a bottle of fine wine, it just gets emptier each day"... The song explodes into a full band arrangement halfway through, with a wide array of ethnic and electronic elements, along with acoustic guitar, and busy percussion before dropping back into the 'calm before the storm' pocket groove from the intro of the song. Make sure to check out Thomas Abban's album A Sheik's Legacy on Itunes, and wherever you listen to online music!

Watch the video for "Black Water" by Thomas Abban below:
 

 

[ Single Review ] YYY release "Wouldn't It Be NIce" (feat. deM atlaS)

Artist: YYY - A Tribute To The Beach Boys Pet Sounds
Song: "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (feat. deM atlaS)
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          YYY is an indie synth-pop group based out of Minneapolis, MN. This collective modern day spin of the endearing, nostalgic Beach Boys tune, "Wouldn't It Be Nice", originally recorded in 1966 on their album "Pet Sounds. The original song featured standard rock n' roll instruments, along with some not-so-standard instruments like mandolin, accordion, and trumpet, among other things. YYY's arrangement includes synthesizers, xylophone, drums, the essential California surf wave sounds, and an array of vocals putting a bit of an edgy twist on the clean cut vocal production of the late sixties.
          The song itself was released right on the verge of the 70's "free love" movement, when just about everyone was tired of following the outdated rules of their conservative parents who grew up in a very different time. The lyrics are endearing in nature, and optimistic about getting older, and being able to spend more time with their loved ones. "Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up, in the morning when the day is new, and after having spent the day together, hold each other close the whole night through" 
          YYY takes this classic surf pop tune, and adds new age drum sounds, reverb, and raw emotion and energy, bringing the song to the forefront once again. YYY's "Pet Sounds Tribute" album is a delight from start to finish, and highly recommended listening for any age listener. 

The best part is... You can stream / purchase the album now on YYY's bandcamp page here:
https://therealyyy.bandcamp.com/album/a-tribute-to-the-beach-boys-pet-sounds

[ New Single ] Ashley J releases "Unbreakable"

Artist: Ashley J
Single: "Unbreakable"
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          Ashley J is a Contemporary Pop artist based out of Orlando, FL. Over the last few years this singer-songwriter has began gaining traction in the EDM / dance club scene, notably with her Top 10 hit, "Cali", on the Billboard Dance Club Charts. 
          She is a talented singer, dancer, writer, and actress, along with being active in her church choir and theater productions growing up. Ashley J's influences range from great pop divas like Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion. She also draws from famous country artists like Johnny Cash, and her all time musical inspiration, Dolly Parton.

          Today we are taking a listen to her latest single "Unbreakable". 

          "I wrote and recorded "Unbreakable" in London. It was one of my favorite writing sessions because their energy was so natural. The song literally wrote itself and came alive in the studio. I was just ending a relationship and this song was my final phase of getting through it. I found an undeniable power within, and channeled it with this song that closed the chapter and opened a new one at the same time. This will forever be one of my favorites". 

 

        In this catchy uplifting song, Ashley J takes us on a ride through her past trials and tribulations with love. "I've loved and I've lost,  I've been through it all before...", but as the song progresses she gains confidence and faith in love again. In a later verse she shares her new perspective,   "Bright lights, new views, I'm seeing life in a different way". Ashley J fully embraces her love for the pop music genre, while also including elements of electronic and dance music styles. Deep kick drum, heavenly, effected synths bring us into a dancy verse, before dropping into a huge melody filled Chorus. Ashley's vocal prowess, and keen ear for production make this song impossible not to move and sing along to. "Unbreakable" is an empowering song about finding independence after a break up, and not losing hope in finding everlasting love. In the chorus singing, "Won't break my heart anymore, won't break this heart of mine, I'm gonna make it so my heart is Unbreakable".

Listen to "Unbreakable", out now: smarturl.it/Unbreakable_iTunes

New video for the song "Trapped": Smarturl.it/TrappedYT

[ New Single ] Man Called Noon releases "Everybody Move"

Artist: Man Called Noon
Track: "Everybody Move"
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          Man Called Noon is a indie rock/ pop band based out of Chicago, IL. The band's sophomore album "The Bad Guy" was produced by Steven Shirt & Matt Cerritos at SHIRK Studios in Chicago, IL . This time they are focused on diving into the pop scene, with catchy melodic hooks, while featuring danceable infectious energy. The band has toured, and started to create a big name for themselves in the Chicago music scene. Man Called Noon stands apart from the pack with their impressive songwriting sensibilities, and blending their rock, grunge, and pop influences into a diverse lively sound. Influenced by bands like the Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Bruce Springsteen, we look forward to hearing their next album.

Here are our thoughts on their newly released single "Everybody Move":

          Right away you are drawn in by a catchy lead guitar line, and huge sounding production featuring piano, lead and rhythm guitar, bass, drums and multiple vocalists singing layered harmonies and shining light on different parts of the verse lyrics. Tight bass and drums drive the energy, while vocals sing in perfect unison to "Go, go, go", and "Everybody Move". It's hard not to imagine a big dance floor at a concert with people jumping up and down, singing along to this song at the top of their lungs, all the while dancing with wild abandon. Reminiscent of the band Walk the Moon, and their hit single "Shut Up and Dance with Me", the song pushes out positive vibes from start to finish. Man Called Noon flexes their songwriting skills with the band shifting on the fly, allowing a bright, soaring guitar solo that brings us into the last chorus, bursting with upbeat energy.Overall this is an incredible release from the Chicago pop rockers Man Called Noon. "Everybody Move" is radio ready, and will surely be stuck in our heads the rest of the week.

Watch the video for "Everybody Move" here:

[ New Single ] Ben Brookes "Integration (Not Segregation)"

Artist: Ben Brookes
Single: "Integration (Not Segregation)"
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          Ben Brookes is an acoustic rock singer-songwriter from the southern shores of Portsmouth, UK. He came to the United States to have his album produced with Mark Healey (Badfinger), along with the help of a Minneapolis based record label. His range of  influences are from British pop icons The Beatles, to American Folk rockers Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
Here's our review of Ben Brookes first single "Integration (Not Segregation)"from his debut album The Motor Car and The Weather Balloon.


        Ben Brookes sings longingly for a new world made up of the good things from this life. Leaving behind things that divide us as people like religion and race.  In his newly released single, "Integration (Not Segregation)", Brookes tackles a lot of controversial topics, including the potential for a WWIII and the use of weapons of mass destruction that could wipe out everyday existence. He follows this line of thought, questioning why there is such hate in the world, when it could be taken away at any moment. Things like racism and segregation,"Funny how the world is divided by race, but cut anyone in half and you know we all bleed the same". Brookes also talks about building a finding his way to Mars to start a new life, "It seems as though we're living in a world of oppression and fear, that's why I plan to build a rocket and get myself out of here". With the help of a Minneapolis record label (Martin-Guild), and a band made up of very accomplished musicians, Ben Brookes has a fully produced, radio ready sound on his track, including acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano, synth effects, bass and drums. His vocals are crystal clear, and focused on sharing his message to listeners. The band has great dynamics, and an ear for melody and hooks. Overall this is a great recording, and just a glimpse of what's to come from Ben Brookes debut album The Motor Car and The Weather Balloon (coming soon), which we look forward to hearing.

Check out the video for "Integration (Not Segregation)" here:

[ New Single ] Joe Olnick Band releases "Downtown"

Artist:Joe Olnick Band
Single: "Downtown"
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          The Joe Olnick Band is an instrumental rock group based out of Harrisburg PA. They infuse elements of jazz, funk into their groove based sound. On their latest single release "Downtown", we find that even without vocals, their music speaks volumes. Influenced early on by ambient rock bands like Pink Floyd and Phish, Joe Olnick has mastered his instrument as a indie/groove guitarist.

          The Joe Olnick Band consists of  guitar, bass, and drums. Combined they create dynamic rock grooves, and memorable lead melodies that smolder and shift seamlessly from an "in the pocket" groove, to letting the sound soar out into the atmosphere. His past albums have gained a great deal of radio traction, including the iconic Philadelphia station WXPN, along with local independent and college radio stations in the region. Mastered by Grammy Award winning producer Reuben Cohen (Foo Fighters, Ryan Adams) in Burbank, CA, you can expect high quality tracks from their upcoming album release, set for October 20, 2017.

          "Downtown" begins with a warm, smooth bass tone, over top a tight funk chill-out beat. In the background there is an organ-like atmospheric sound, which is actually effected guitar.  As the song develops the band finds their ebb & flow, as lead guitar makes a smooth entrance. Going into the high register on the guitar, it soars and pulls at the emotions before dropping back into the rhythm section. The track ends with a punchy combined rhythmic shift, and goes out with a bang. Overall, a great sounding, solid release from Joe Olnick band, and we are looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

Upcoming Shows:

Sat, Oct 21 @ 7:00 PM: The Rabbit and Dragonfly, 51 N Market St, Lancaster, PA

Joe Olnick Band, with special guest Electives Doors: 6:30 $5 cover charge All ages, BYOB

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  Listen to "Downtown" on Soundcloud, and Check out the video here: