June has arrived and with it all the craziness of summer. We received more than 340 submissions for the first half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards, and more than 100 of those were from outside the United States – pretty impressive. We will have six reviews per day for you today and tomorrow, after which we will compile our nominations for the Awards. The nominations will be announced on June 8. We truly thank you for your support. Let’s get started.
Artist Name: Gyles Bartle
Album Name: 96
Label: Because Music
Genre: Hip-Hop
Track Listing: 1. You; 2. Days Apart; 3. Gold; 4. 9th Flr; 5. Medium
Publicist: Worldwide Friendly Society Communications
Review: From South East London comes Gyles Bartle, a 20 year old hip-hop artist with something to prove on his debut EP. He has crafted some sick beats to underscore his well-written words. His style is similar to Snoop Dogg, but he speaks of things that impact his life in the UK. We expect to hear much more from this promising artist. Our only major critique is to speak more clearly, especially when words are your “Medium.”
Recommendation: If you like hip-hop – give this one a spin.
Artist Name: Jamison Isaak
Album Name: EP2
Label: FLORA
Genre: Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. First; 2. Us; 3. Animals; 4. Peace
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: We introduced you to this amazing artist back in February when we reviewed his first EP, and are thrilled to once again have the chance to review his new one. He continues to amaze us with his piano prowess, This time around, his music is more upbeat than reflective, but still soothing, especially his single, “Us.” Jamison Isaak is the recipe for the perfect “chill.”
Recommendation: This one is another must-have. Get it and relax today.
Artist Name: For Esmé
Album Name: Righteous Woman
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Doubtmouth; 2. For Others; 3. Small Talk; 4. You; 5. Make a Sound; 6. Just Yet
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Toronto-based band For Esmé is a beacon of hope for the future of pop music. Their bright tone, upbeat electronic sound and heartfelt lyrics give us hope that there are bands that understand the future of the business, and the importance of being real in this unreal world. Their songs honestly address the issues affecting young women in our current age, and bring those issues into focus in a way that few previous artists have done. From the hard-charging “Doubtmouth,” this EP blasts off into the stratosphere and never comes down. Musically, these tunes would play well in the EDM community and be the perfect additions to the latest dance club mix.
Recommendation: This one is a keeper. We highly recommend you Get it today.
Artist Name: Hello Stranger
Album Name: Long Division
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. The Flood; 2. All the Things I’m Not; 3. Smiling in the Night; 4. Virginia; 5. Breakthrough; 6. Little Old Me; 7. I Didn’t Speak for You; 8. We Don’t Talk About Them; 9. Celebration; 10. Ovation; 11. Victorious
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Hello Stranger is the latest alt rock band from Los Angeles whose sound is extremely radio friendly. Behind the charismatic and soaring voice of Sam Deffenbaugh, the band rocks out behind the stimulating drums of Daniel Rodriguez, the electrifying guitar of Deffenbaugh and the steady bass of Sam Plotkin (who also supplies great backing vocals). They demonstrate that they understand their rock history, with obvious influence from bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on “All the Things I’m Not” and “Smiling in the Night,” among others. From just listening to these great songs, we would love to see their live performance, as we can only imagine the energetic way they must be. While we like the entire album, our favorite tracks include the two previously named, as well as “Virginia,” “Breakthrough,” “I Didn’t Speak for You,” “Ovation,” and “Victorious.”
Recommendation: Get this one like your life depends upon it – they will make your day!
Artist Name: Sandra Love and the Reason
Album Name: Manifest Your Dreams
Label: Self-released
Genre: Funk/Soul/Blues/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Tired; 2. Ain’t Nobody; 3. Can’t Come Back; 4. Mind Your Business; 5. Wild Woman; 6. Music (Please Don’t Go); 7. On Everything; 8. Channel Fever; 9. Beans; 10. Manifest; 11. I Need Money
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Besides Mardi Gras, New Orleans is well known for being the home of a plethora of incredible musicians. The latest to stake their claim is Sandra Love and the Reason, which combine funk, soul, rock and blues to create their own special sound. While we are sure they put on a great show, their debut album could have used a bit more engineering, especially on the vocals. Love obviously has a lot of passion and emotion in her voice, but she gets pitchy at times, which distracts a little from the amazing musicianship of her band. The good news is that the band is so tight and the music so hot that it is easy to overlook the pitch because it is so easy to just get caught up in the music. The album is a worthy first effort, and we are sure that the next one will be even better.
Recommendation: We think this band has potential. Grab their debut CD and watch them live if you can.
Artist Name: Quin Gibbs
Album Name: Beautiful Noize: The 90s Baby EP
Label: Nuclear Group Entertainment
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Track Listing: 1. Christopher Shakur; 2. 90s Love; 3. Candy Land; 4. LaLa; 5. 62 Cents (ft. iSHY); 6. Between the Sheetz (ft. Waun Love); 7. Shawn Gibbs
Publicist: Nuclear Group Entertainment
Review: Caution parents: This one is labeled “Explicit” for good reason. Despite the language, Quin Gibbs has a good command of his words, and knows how to create memorable tunes situated on a base of sick beats. The words are raw and real, and bring Gibbs into the realm of such artists as Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Notorious B.I.G. We have a feeling that you’ll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Gibbs, as this EP serves as a teaser for his upcoming full-length album. Best tracks include “90s Love” and “Between the Sheetz.”
Recommendation: If you love Tupac, Snoop Dogg, hip-hop and rap, then you should grab this one.