Happy Friday, our last one in July. Let’s celebrate with five more great artists for your consideration.
Artist Name: Matty T Wall
Album Name: Sidewinder
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues/Rock/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Slideride; 2. Sidewinder; 3. Something Beautiful; 4. Change is Gonna Come; 5. Can’t Stop Thinkin; 6. Shake It; 7. Going Down; 8. Ain’t That the Truth; 9. Sophia’s Strut; 10. Walk out the Door; 11. Live it all Behind; 12. Mississippi Kkkrossroads
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: Matty T Wall mixes his blues with a healthy does of Southern Rock, which makes them exciting and fresh. His first track, “Slideride” is an instrumental masterpiece and a perfect demonstration of using a finger slide on his guitar. He follows that up with the title track, which takes off like a rocket, taking the listener’s breath away with the sheer power and intensity of his sound. From there he throws us a curve and gives us a funky pop/rock tune in “Something Beautiful,” followed by the soulful sound of “Change is Gonna Come.” He even gives us a smooth jazz masterpiece with “Ain’t That the Truth.” It is clear that Wall is a force to be reckoned with, and every smart radio station manager and music supervisor will immediately add his catalog to their collection. This artist needs to get his butt from Australia to America because his music will take this country by storm. He has something for everyone on this album, and it deserves repeated listens.
Recommendation: Run out and Get this one Today!
Artist Name: Genevieve Vincent
Album Name: Petit Rêve
Label: Self-released
Genre: Classical Opera
Track Listing: 1. Entre Ombreet Lumière; 2. Les Couleurs; 3. Stase dans les Moments; 4. Le Son Serien
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Genevieve Vincent is a very talented Canadian whose operatic soprano soars to the heavens on these four simple songs she wrote for piano and vocal. Petit Rêve translates to Little Dream, and the soaring sound of these songs will take you to that place where you too can remember your dreams. Although this type of music is not our favorite, it is easy to see the genius and talent in her work, and to know that this lady belongs in places like opera houses and Radio City Music Hall to deliver her music to those who truly enjoy the classical sounds of opera.
Recommendation: If you love opera and classical music, definitely give this one a taste.
Artist Name: Echo Courts
Album Name: Room with a View
Label: Refresh Records
Genre: Indie Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. I Don’t Mind; 2. Take Away; 3. Replacement #3; 4. Strawberry Pie; 5. My Mind is not Right; 6. Not for You; 7. Daisies #4; 8. Room with a View; 9. Tail Lights; 10. The one You’re Dreaming Of
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: Echo Courts bring us southern folk rock from Greensboro, NC, and the sound is very reminiscent of 60s and 70s psychedelic rock bands, as well as, the Beatles. You can almost see the smoky haze on the stage as the band delivers their music, enveloped in the drug-induced fervor of that era. The sound is light but with obvious genius reflected in their songwriting, both in their lyrics and melody. It is relaxing and the perfect mood setter for the weekend. Our favorite cuts include “Replacement #3,” “My Mind is not Right,” “Not for You,” “Daisies #4,” and the title cut.
Recommendation: Definitely worthy of your attention, we recommend you check them out today.
Artist Name: Bijou Noir
Album Name: We are Alone Together
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Alone Together; 2. Cruel Trick; 3. Body Out; 4. Living City; 5. Do This to Me; 6. Masquerade; 7. Drinking Your Words; 8. The Spine in Your Back; 9. My Flesh is Weak; 10. The Planet is Dying; 11. Walking Alone
Publicist: Give / Take
Review: The band has a modern Top 40 sound that would play well on radio, especially college radio, and could also be suitable for placement in television and film. The songs are well crafted, insightful, thought-provoking, and downright enjoyable. We could easily put this one on repeat, starting with the incredible title track which kicks it off, and the first single, “Cruel Trick.” It is hard to believe that this is their debut record, as the band’s chemistry is tight and the production makes the band sound like they have been playing together forever. This one has all the makings of an incredible break-out album. Check out “Body Out” and “Living City” for a rocking good time.
Recommendation: Get on board now before this band takes off. Get it!
Artist Name: Roger Len Smith
Album Name: Anything Goes
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana/Roots
Track Listing: 1. Can’t Wait for Another Day; 2. Raining on a Sunny Day; 3. Anything Goes; 4. Leaving it all Behind; 5. House of Cards; 6. Empty; 7. Zander & Zoey; 8. Got to Thinking; 9. Aim; 10. Down at Juniors
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Roger Len Smith has been making music for a while, and this is his sixth album. The kicker is that it is his first since 2009, and the wait was definitely worth it. He has assembled a host of musicians, including Rami Jaffee from The Foo Fighters and local Austin musician friends Noelle Hampton, Andre Moran, Jimmy Spencer and Kim Deschamps in creating this rocking roots/ Americana sound. This music will make you get up and boogie, as it is impossible to listen to it and not move around. This is the perfect soundtrack for Friday and Saturday nights at the honky tonk after a tough work week. especially the rocking “Got to Thinking.” It also shows that fighting spirit within every country musician to write relevant and sometimes controversial songs. Every lover of country, Americana and roots will find something to love with this collection, which even has a little bit of Elvis-inspiration (check out the amazing “Raining on a Sunny Day,” which we will be featuring on Monday in our music video feature portion of the Monday Mashup).
Recommendation: We are wondering where this artist has been hiding, because we totally dig his sound. Welcome back Mr. Smith. Don’t make us wait so long next time. This one is a keeper!