Happy Thursday. We hope you’ve had a great week and are ready for the weekend. Here in Montana, we are preparing for the biggest game of the year against our cross-state rival, Montana State, affectionately called the Griz-Cats Brawl of the Wild. Should be an interesting match-up on Saturday. In the meantime, here are five artists to check out, including the creator of Kantor Guitars. Let’s get the party going.
Artist Name: Ascent
Album Name: Bleed Like Us
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Beacon Eleven; 2. Bleed Like Us; 3. Don’t Make Me; 4. Last Night; 5. Divergence
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: The Spider Accomplice has long been Alt Rock royalty in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Enter Ascent, another female fronted duo that wants a piece of that royalty, and with the goods they have delivered in their latest Bleed Like Us, they just might have the stuff to join TSA at the top of the alt rock scene. While lead singer Christina Baldwin is not quite as strong of a vocalist as VK Lynne, the music generated is just as powerful and moving. Both bands are using their music to promote their causes, and the title track is a strong statement. If you’re not politically minded, the music is just plain good and can stand on its own. You definitely need to check out this power duo, and catch them live if you live in the LA/OC area.
Recommendation: Rush out and Get this one!
Artist Name: Abby Zotz
Album Name: Local Honey
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-songwriter/Folk
Track Listing: 1. Stability; 2. Big Hope; 3. Peace Sweet Peace; 4. Pirouette; 5. Good Bones; 6. Be Here Now; 7. Hush Baby Waltz; 8. Sea Change; 9. All Through the Night; 10. See Your Face; 11. You’ll Never Know
Publicist: Last Tango Media
Review: Abby Zotz is an iconic singer-songwriter from Canada who is releasing her first solo album. She has a style similar to Anne Murray and Joan Baez but with a stronger pop/rock vibe. She starts the album with the strong sound of “Stability” and keeps it going throughout this impeccable debut album. Her songs are truly radio friendly while being uplifting, igniting emotions of love, hope and faith. Her ability to play multiple instruments and effortlessly cross genres is the sign of great things to come for this amazing artist. There is not a weak song on this album, so enjoy each and every one.
Recommendation: Definitely add this one to your collection.
Artist Name: The Thick Un’s
Album Name: Greasy Gambit
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Savage Sea; 2. Winter Warfare; 3. Reckless Rider; 4. Cold Cabin
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This is a home recording project from the artist formerly known as Crumb Catcher and his partner, Marc Kennedy. It is raw, discordant, and mixes elements of punk, rock, and roots to form something that has the potential to be great. They have a similar affection for alliteration, but could use some help with the production of their sound. This one is not quite there yet, but their sound definitely could take them places if they are willing.
Recommendation: Keep them on your radar.
Artist Name: Robert Kantor
Album Name: Truth
Label: Self-released
Genre: Dance Pop
Track Listing: 1. Happiness; 2. Only a Fool; 3. Don’t Walk Away; 4. The Truth; 5. Talking Blue; 6. Know What I Know Now; 7. Dreamer; 8. Tuesday Girl; 9. The Rain Song DUET; 10. Dancing Fools
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: With amazing horns and upbeat lyrics, Robert Kantor shows that he is more than just a wizard at creating instruments. His style and vibe are like Frank Sinatra singing Huey Lewis pop ditties. His words are well-crafted using a myriad of musical styles, giving him an advantage over other pop artists. Best tracks include “Happiness,” “The Truth,” “Talking Blue,” “Know What I Know Now,” “Dreamer” (which sounds a lot like Steely Dan), “Tuesday Girl,” “The Rain Song DUET” and “Dancing Fools,” which reminds us of the great music of the early 70s.
Recommendation: This one deserves a place in your music library.
Artist Name: Luiz Bruno
Album Name: Everything’s Fine
Label: Take One Records
Genre: Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. The Ballad of Cool Lane; 2. Whenever you Go; 3. Mental; 4. Journeying Across Worlds; 5. Words are not Reality; 6. Everything’s Fine; 7. Yeah!; 8. I get so Frustrated; 9. Infinite Bummer; 10. Death is Rolaidz; 11. Doce Luar; 12. The Thingamagigg; 13. Eu Sempre me Frustro (bonus track)
Publicist: Vision Music Promotion
Review: From the first notes of this album, it becomes quickly evident that this is a breezy, smooth pop artist with amazing songwriting abilities. The sound is so upbeat and fun that you want to listen to the songs over and over again. He blends elements of electronica with a steady drum beat and breezy vocals that capture the mood and will accentuate your good times. There are elements of punk and new wave, especially on “Wherever You Go.” His music has been compared to somewhere between Frank Zappa and George Clinton, and we think that analogy is spot on.
Recommendation: Definitely give this one a spin.