Because of the number of remaining submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018, we will be doing reviews every day until they are done. Here are five more for your perusal.
Artist Name: Airlift
Album Name: Don’t Mind Me
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Flat Earth; 2. With a bit of Luck; 3. Friday
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Airlift is an up and coming rock band from New York City who is releasing a new EP, Don’t Mind Me. They base their sound on bands like Pearl Jam, Radiohead, U2, The Replacements, REM, My Bloody Valentine, and Sonic Youth, and have the goods to take their sound a long way. This three-song EP is a good introduction to the band, and we think they have a lot of potential. Their sound is radio friendly, and if their live show is anything like what’s on this EP, we bet they are killer on stage. We look forward to what they do next, and we advise you to keep your eyes on them as well.
Recommendation: Give them a chance and grab your copy.
Artist Name: Mala Ruckus
Album Name: People Mountain People Sea
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. Run; 2. Hoverboards; 3. Trees, Fields; 4. Words; 5. Sheets; 6. East Hastings; 7. Nowhere Bound; 8. Take it Away; 9. Beast of our Babylon; 10. Fire; 11. Ghosts; 12. Barmaid
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This band has an interesting back story after forming in China. All the members were from other countries, and they played out a lot until they were all arrested and interrogated for three weeks. This release marks their debut full length album, and we like what we hear. The sound is truly radio friendly, and we highly recommend college and indie radio station managers check out these tunes and get them in heavy rotation. Our favorites include “Run,” Trees, Fields,” “Sheets,” “Nowhere Bound,” “Beast of our Babylon,” and “Barmaid.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Rob Bonfiglio
Album Name: Trouble Again
Label: Damask
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Passenger Seat; 2. Trouble Again; 3. Dreaming; 4. Spread This Feeling; 5. Gone; 6. Tears; 7. Love Over Hurt; 8. There Goes my Heart; 9. Mr. No One; 10. Hey Blue
Publicist: ACR Management
Review: Rob Bonfiglio has been making music since the 90’s, first as a co-founding member of Wanderlust before becoming a touring guitarist and musical director for Wilson Phillips. Since going solo in 2006, he has released five albums, and Trouble Again is his latest effort. He hits the ground running on “Passenger Seat” and never lets up. His music is truly radio friendly, and would work well as placements for television and film. Our favorites include “Passenger Seat,” the title cut, “Dreaming,” “Spread This Feeling,” “Gone,” “There Goes my Heart,” and “Hey Blue.”
Recommendation: You must Get this one – it will become one of your favorites.
Artist Name: Alezzandra
Album Name: The Black Rose
Label: Self-released
Genre: Triphop/Rock/Electronica/Ambient
Track Listing: 1. Bad girl in heaven, good girl in hell; 2. Bad Woman; 3. Water Me
Publicist: Effectively Immediately PR
Review: Alezzandra hails from Sweden, but now calls California her home. She is heavily influenced by David Lynch and Portishead, and her trippy erotic sound is proof of that influence. We have never experienced an artist like this before. She has written and starred in a short film that shares the entire EP, and although parts of it are NSFW, it is visually stunning and worthy of your attention. Hats off to the amazing direction of Rodrigo Zan, who also co-wrote the film, as well as the jaw-dropping cinematography of Leco Moura.
Recommendation: Head straight to YouTube and watch The Black Rose.
Artist Name: David Philips
Album Name: Get Along
Label: Black and Tan Records
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Another Day; 2. As Long as we Get Along; 3. Friends Like You; 4. Mountain to Climb 2018; 5. My Gravity demo; 6. My Gravity; 7. Nowhere demo; 8. Nowhere; 9. Red on Yellow; 10. This Time demo; 11. This Time; 12. Trim; 13. When I’m Drunk 2018
Publicist: Black and Tan Records
Review: His vocals are smooth and silky while his accompaniment is simple and pure. This album is a treasure trove, with eight new songs, three acoustic demos and two remastered songs from his vast catalog. Regardless of whether the track is full band or acoustic demo, it is Philips’ voice that shines through. This album provides the perfect soundtrack for your down time, and will provide you with a plethora of repeat-worthy song. The smooth jazz and bluesy feel of “Another Day,” “My Gravity,” and “Nowhere” and the amazing instrumental “Red on Yellow” alone are worth the price of the CD.
Recommendation: Make a wise investment and Get this one today!