March Madness returns today with the first four of the Sweet Sixteen games – who will win it all? With these reviews from our latest five artists (three international and two from the US), the answer is you, the reader. Check them out.
Artist Name: Ashley Heath and her Heathens
Album Name: Where Hope Never Dies
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana Blues
Track Listing: 1. Time on my Mind; 2. When Does it End; 3. We’ll be Angels; 4. Where Love Never Dies; 5. Same Ol’ Blue
Publicist: ABIK Radio Promotions
Review: Ashley Heath may be only 29 years old, but her music has an old vibe that ties together two very unique genres – blues and Americana, with a little bit of country rock thrown in for good measure. She’s got the pipes of Martina McBride, the guitar chops of Keith Urban, and a sense of musical style that rivals BB King and Chuck Berry. Add that all together and you have the makings of the next queen of Americana. She’s also got soul, as demonstrated on “When Does it End.” This five-song EP is amazing from start to finish, and is definitely worthy of the repeat button. Although it doesn’t officially release until next month, we just couldn’t wait to share it with you.
Recommendation: Take this one to the bank. You simply must pre-order it and Get it as soon as it is released.
Artist Name: Blackwater Lake
Album Name: Dirty Livin’
Label: Self-released
Genre: Southern Rock
Track Listing: 1. Intro; 2. Dirty Livin’; 3. What I Need; 4. My Mama Said; 5. Blood Money
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: These Arizona boys play old fashioned southern rock, reminiscent of a cross between the Doobie Brothers and Lynyrd Skynnrd, with a healthy dose of hair metal attitude. Their sound is pure, their lyrics are hard hitting, and the music gets you in the mood for the coming confrontations. We especially love the title track, as well as “What I Need,” and “My Mama Said.” The entire album is very radio friendly, and worthy of serious air play. We especially think “My Mama Said” could be a huge hit on country radio.
Recommendation: These boys are going places. Jump on the train before it leaves the station and Get this one now.
Artist Name: Ann’so M
Album Name: Au coeur du système
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop Rock
Track Listing: 1. Blood and Tears; 2. Time to Fight; 3. Screw You; 4. Resist; 5. Zéro degré
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Ann’so M is a duo from France that brings their unique take on pop rock music to the shores of the United States. We also love it when our international indie community remind us that music is universal, and talent is not limited to this continent. The driving guitar beat of the opening track sets the whole experience in motion, and lets us know that the listener is in for a treat. Lead singer Ann’so has been called the French Pat Benatar, and once she starts singing, the comparison becomes quickly obvious. Unlike their previous release, they are trying to incorporate English into their songs to make them more intercontinental, but still manage to find a way to keep some of the French lyrics, which just make the songs even sexier. Even though we don’t always know what she is saying, we love the way she says it, both vocally and instrumentally. “Time to Fight” is a righteous rock song that could probably find a place on American radio, much like “99 Luftballons” did a few years back. All in all, this is an amazing addition to any music collection.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one. It is a rare gem of rock and roll manna.
Artist Name: MARCV5
Album Name: We can do More
Label: Introduce Records
Genre: Alt Pop-Rock
Track Listing: 1. Gingerman; 2. SDS; 3. Bad Day; 4. Hold On; 5. Horizon; 6. Battleships; 7. Hey Wag; 8. No Regrets; 9. AI World
Publicist: Guerilla Music Promotion
Review: Belgium has given us some amazing talent in the form of MARCV5, and they hit the ground running on “Gingerman,” which was also their first single and video from this album. Their sound is heavily influenced by new wave and punk, but they bring their own unique take on these genres. Heavy on drums, with tongue-in-check lyrics, the resulting sound is just plain fun.
Recommendation: Give them a try. You just might like it.
Artist Name: Esme Bridie
Album Name: Today it Rains
Label: Klee Music
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Self Destructive; 2. What you had Yesterday; 3. Tower of Regret; 4. Only Lonely People; 5. Big Brown Boots; 6. Strangers; 7. In Love with the City; 8. Old Love (How did we get This Way); 9. The Queen Bee; 10. Dirty Hands; 11. Only Young; 12. Precious Life
Publicist: Neon Tetra PR
Review: Esme Bridie is another Brit we would be happy to have invade our airwaves. Her sound is reminiscent of the “Hotel Cafe” sound, making her peers with artists like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michelson, and Holly Conlan. Her bright airy voice floats above the musical accompaniment, leaving a trail of upbeat and beautiful music. These tracks are about love and loss, guilt and redemption, and as a whole are strongly encouraging and thought-provoking. There is not a weak song in the bunch, making them a perfect fit for adult contemporary radio, as well as great placement choices for television and film. We only see a great future ahead for this amazing young artist. We especially love the Celtic feel of “Tower of Regret,” the acoustical genius of “Only Lonely People,” the violins on “Big Brown Boots,” the guitar work on “In Love with the City,” and the sheer beauty of “Only Young.”
Recommendation: Don’t hesitate – Get this one today!