Happy Tuesday – ready for some more great artists? We have five new releases today to review, and are overwhelmed by all the talent we have already seen this year. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
Artist Name: Purkinje
Album Name: Voyager
Label: A&R Records
Genre: Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. Voyager; 2. Fine; 3. Bliss; 4. Modern Love; 5. In the Sun; 6. Total Recall
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: With a heavy 80’s influence, Aussie artist Purkinje delivers his debut EP with a radio friendly format that deserves attention. Purkinje, the alter ego of guitar hero Matt Sheldon, combines his love of classic rock with a more toe-tapping appeal of pop music to create this gem. His first single, the title track, is a perfect reflection of the mastery of this solo EP. But there is so much more to this EP. His lyrical content speaks of science fiction, losing a friend to drugs, the feeling of being lost in life, and more. This is an artist that music supervisors and radio programming directors should know, as his music has a soothing effect on the listener, and is worthy of a much larger audience. We love all six songs on the EP, and think you will too.
Recommendation: This artist deserves your attention. We highly recommend you Get this one.
Artist Name: The Floorboards
Album Name: Borrowed Moon
Label: Catfish Navigation Company
Genre: Americana/Roots Rock
Track Listing: 1. Maybe Next Time; 2. Skyblanket; 3. Reckless, Restless and Ready; 4. River Song; 5. Ain’t it All; 6. Come Find Me; 7. Lee Highway; 8. Broken Chain; 9. Borrowed Moon; 10. The Truth Is; 11. Highlands
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: You never know what you will get when an unknown band sends you an email with a review request. In the case of The Floorboards, we hit the jackpot. The silky smooth vocals of Matt Browning, combined with the amazing musicianship of his band, join in to create something special, a sound that needs to be shared and heard on the radio now. His vocal tone reminds us of Ronnie Milsap. We haven’t been this excited about a band since we first heard Alabama perform. This band has everything they need to become superstars, including well crafted songs, great vocals, generous guitar riffs and the perfect drum beat to keep it all together. From the first notes of “Maybe Next Time” through the closing notes of “Highlands,” The Floorboards deliver a memorable album that deserves industry attention. Just put this one on repeat – it’s truly worthy of multiple listens.
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – Get this one today!
Artist Name: NMAC
Album Name: Split Second
Label: Self-released
Genre: NuMetal
Track Listing: 1. Inside/Outside; 2. Allegiance; 3. Battle Ready; 4. Diverse EXXXtreme; 5. Detached; 6. Bulldozer; 7. Trendkill Trinity
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Screaming energy is evident from the first notes of “Inside/Outside.” This German band definitely understands the nuances of metal, and deliver with intensity and polish. The screaming is not overbearing, but works with the vocals to ensure that the listener has that true metal experience. The drum beat is relentless, as are the hardcore guitar rhythms. If they keep up this momentum, they will not remain underground for long, and have a better than average chance at making a true name for themselves. “Allegiance” stands out as a killer track, and a worthy addition to American metal radio. Their music puts them into the same level as that of KoRn and Drowning Pool.
Recommendation: If you love metal, then this is the album for you.
Artist Name: Umbrella Co.
Album Name: Initial
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Cold War Sundae; 2. Stifle; 3. Over and Over
Publicist: Behind the Curtains Media
Review: This three song EP is such a tease, leaving the listener screaming for more. The band hits the ground running with “Cold War Sundae,” and maintains that excellency throughout the EP. This music is radio friendly, and deserves industry attention. The vocals are dreamy, and the accompaniment is truly above board, and very memorable. Where have these guys been hiding? They are so much better than the drivel that passes for Top 40 radio these days. Their tunes would also be of value to any music supervisor looking to up their game for television and film placement. We can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Recommendation: A very worthy effort, we highly recommend that you Get out and Get this one.
Artist Name: Randy Harris
Album Name: Never Apart
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Give You to Me; 2. Crosstown; 3. Start Again Today; 4. Vodka Juice; 5. Be Mine Tonight (Monique); 6. No Place to Be; 7. Better Kind of Life; 8. The Look in Your Eyes; 9. Never Apart; 10. Let the Light Shine In; 11. Drunk in Key West
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Randy Harris has a true retro sound that flashes back to a time when music was about a good beat, lyrics you could understand and an energy that made you want to get up and dance. This music has legs and should be around for a while. It almost has a Broadway vibe that is just itching for the right platform. It brings back memories of The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family, a feel-good style that is very family friendly. That feeling stretches across the entirety of the album. Among the best cuts are “Crosstown,” “Start Again Today” (with it’s amazing sax), “Vodka Juice” (with its intriguing keys and more sax), “Better Kind of Life,” the title track, and “Let the Light Shine In.”
Recommendation: Definitely check this one out, if you are a big fan of the 70’s retro sound.