We made it to hump day again, with the weekend just ahead. Let’s get you ready with five more reviews today. Here we go.
Artist Name: Ace of Wands
Album Name: Grown From Good
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative/Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Grown From Good; 2. Jolt the Amplifier; 3. Tarot Cards
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Ace of Wands is a trio from Toronto who bring heavenly harmonies with supernatural themes in a style they call “doom lounge.” We call it brilliant, and think it would be the perfect addition to the musical soundtrack of your favorite television show or film. The title track grabs your attention immediately and keeps you entranced. “Jolt the Amplifier,” the first single, is brighter and no less brilliant. Once again, those incredible harmonies rise like cream, topping off an amazing song that begs for radio airplay. The all-too-short 3-song EP ends with a song called “Tarot Cards,” which you would expect from a band called Ace of Wands. It is the dark cherry on the top of this musical treat, and leaves us wanting more, much more.
Recommendation: You simply MUST Get this one for your library. This band is going places!
Artist Name: The Swinging Laurels
Album Name: Greatest Bits Volume 1
Label: Happy Records
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Lonely Boy (extended mix); 2. Building Bridges; 3. Closer; 4. Peace of Mind; 5. Stranger than Fiction; 6. Will the Wind Blow; 7. Falling; 8. Breath; 9. Epoch of Love; 10. Stay; 11. Hair by Mantini; 12. Rodeo (extended mix)
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: The Swinging Laurels have been one of the UK’s best-kept secrets for nearly 40 years, but all of that is about to change with the release of their first “greatest hits” album. From their humble beginnings in 1980 to the present, they have shared the stage with some of the 80’s biggest bands. Their new album is a compilation of both A and B sides as well as some that have never been previously released, creating an incredible historical record of the music of the 80’s. Boy George provided the backing vocals when “Lonely Boy” was first released back in 1983, and the tune has all the markings of being influenced by Culture Club. This truly is a greatest hits collection, because there isn’t a weak song in the bunch. Our favorites include “Lonely Boy,” “Building Bridges,” “Closer,” Peace of Mind,” “Falling,” “Epoch of Love,” and “Rodeo.”
Recommendation: If you love the 80’s, you simply must Get this one. Enjoy the trip.
Artist Name: The Brubeck Brothers Quintet
Album Name: Timeline
Label: Mouthpiece Music
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Blue Rondo a la Turk; 2. Far More Blue; 3. Easy as you Go; 4. Since Love had its Way; 5. Boundward Home; 6. Tritonus; 7. The Golden Horn; 8. 3 Wise Men; 9. North Coast; 10. Prime Directive; 11. Thank You (Dziekuye)
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: If you know anything about jazz, then the name “Brubeck” is very special to you. Dave Brubeck was one of our first “jazz ambassadors,” and his sons Chris and Dan, along with their band, pay homage to the 60th anniversary of their father’s State Department Tour with a dynamic tribute that is worthy of any true jazz fan. This one is a classic from start to finish. The soul-stirring horns, the jazz drums, and the keys are among the best we’ve ever reviewed, and set this one apart from the rest.
Recommendation: If you are a jazz fan, or just love great music, don’t even think about it. Just Get it now!
Artist Name: Chloride Soul
Album Name: Spider in the Wing Mirror
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-songwriter
Track Listing: 1. This is our Year; 2. In a Car; 3. She Was; 4. She was There; 5. Climb the Walls; 6. The Rain; 7. Out the Door; 8. Out of the Blue; 9. Change Over; 10. Here Today; 11. Soon be Here; 12. Last Song
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Luke Waller aka Chloride Soul has produced a very interesting DIY project, featuring profound lyrics over a simple guitar accompaniment. Although he doesn’t have the best voice, and the quality of the recording is not that good, his songwriting is first rate. These songs have the potential to be so much better, with the proper engineering and mixing. Despite the technical issues, this is an artist who has something to say, and is worth your attention.
Recommendation: Definitely check him out.
Artist Name: Mojave Nomads
Album Name: Phases
Label: Standby Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. G I R L; 2. Creature Double Feature; 3. Talk of the Town; 4. Morning Glory; 5. Strange Love; 6. Heavy
Publicist: Standby Records
Review: This band hits the ground running on “G I R L,” and doesn’t let up from there. These Utah boys with their “boy band” high pitched vocals take no prisoners on this short 6-song EP that is a great appetizer for what is surely yet to come. The songs are radio friendly and ripe for EDM remixing. The vibe is upbeat and high energy, and would also be appropriate for the smart music supervisor in search of that something extra for television or film.
Recommendation: Definitely worth Getting. Don’t delay.