Happy Giving Tuesday. If you are so inclined, there are a number of worthy charities out there that need your support. We have posted links to several on our Facebook pages, and encourage you to help others at this time of the year. To sweeten the deal, we have five more great artists for you to check out as we wind down submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018:
Artist Name: VNV Nation
Album Name: Noir
Label: Metropolis Records
Genre: Alternative/Electronic
Track Listing: 1. A Million; 2. Armour; 3. God of All; 4. Nocturne No. 7; 5. Collide; 6. Wonders; 7. Immersed; 8. Lights go Out; 9. Guiding; 10. When is the Future; 11. Only Satellites; 12. Requiem for Wires; 13. All our Sins
Publicist: For the Win Media
Review: If ever there was an album that was custom-built for placement opportunities in film and television, this is it. The sound is majestic, sweeping and cinematic, with a driving dance beat that would easily also make a great source for house music DJs. This one takes off from the first notes of “A Million” and never lets up, building to a stunning conclusion. There is obvious influence from The Cure, especially on “God of All.” This album truly delivers a great listen from start to finish. We also love the piano instrumental “Nocturne No. 7,” and the string instrumental “Guiding,” which are a total change of pace from the rest of the album. We wish them well on their North American tour.
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – Get this one!
Artist Name: Big Lonely
Album Name: Bad Magic
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Just Lose; 2. Butter on Ice; 3. Dreamboat; 4. A Place I’ve Never Been To; 5. Don’t Fool me Twice; 6. All at Once; 7. Ticket; 8. Up my Sleeve; 9. Bad Magic
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Canadian band Big Lonely incorporates some Southern Rock guitar into their indie rock style to create memorable music with a retro vibe. Their music could easily work on American Top 40 and college radio, and we bet their live show is just as dynamic. “Dreamboat” has a Roy Orbison vibe You’ll want to listen to this one from start to finish, cause there are no weak tracks. Enjoy the reflective vibe.
Recommendation: A definite add to your collection – go Get it.
Artist Name: Younger Then
Album Name: Bad Life
Label: Standby Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. All in All; 2. Lonely Holy; 3. California King; 4. Sarah Told Them; 5. Cherry Glaze; 6. Sweetest; 7. Sundazed; 8. Bad Life; 9. Luna; 10. Wishing Tree; 11. Seasick
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: With a sound somewhere between Kings of Leon and U2, Younger Then burst forth from their humble Buffalo to take on the world of indie rock, and they truly have the goods to make a lasting impression. They have already gained a healthy reputation for their live shows, and now they have a CD that captures that energy and style and showcases it to the rest of the world. There is so much good stuff on this 11-song album that everyone should be able to find a favorite. For us, we love them all, and will give this quite a few listens from start to finish.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Phony Ppl
Album Name: mō’zā-ik.
Label: 300 Entertainment
Genre: Soul/Funk/R&B
Track Listing: 1. Way too Far; 2. Once you say Hello; 3. Something About you Love; 4. Cookie Crumble; 5. The Colours; 6. One Man Band; 7. Think You’re Mine; 8. Move her Mind; 9. Before you get a Boyfriend; 10. Either Way; 11. On Everything I Love
Publicist: No Big Deal PR
Review: Phony Ppl is already receiving critical praise from folks like NPR Music, and it quickly becomes obvious that this band cannot be placed in a box according to genre. Their music encompasses soul, funk, R&B, jazz, rap, and more, with incredible harmonies, and a seamless chemistry that makes it sound more like a jam session than a scripted song. In truth, the songwriting could use some work, as stretching out the lyrics makes them become obnoxious at times and takes away from the beauty of the music. Best tracks include “Cookie Crumble,” “Move Her Mind,” their first single/video “Before you Get a Boyfriend,” “Either Way” and “On Everything I Love.”
Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out.
Artist Name: Nuela Charles
Album Name: Distant Danger
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Troublemaker; 2. Danger; 3. Forecast; 4. Do it Right; 5. Sugar; 6. March On
Publicist: Mystic Sons
Review: We featured her video for “Danger” in our Ten Amazing Videos of October, and the same single in one of our Monday Mashup articles in September. Believe us when we tell you this lady has the goods to rule the soul/R&B charts and radio. We simply love her sense of style, her songwriting and her incredible voice, which are truly personified in her song “Danger.” All six songs are great and this artist deserves a spot on your repeat button. We can’t wait to hear what comes next, as she has earned a permanent place in our hearts.
Recommendation: Run don’t walk and Get this one Today!