We made it to hump day, and it’s all downhill from here. To celebrate, here are five more releases to check out from around the globe.
Artist Name: T. C. Crosser
Album Name: The Book of Arius – Act I
Label: Self-released
Genre: Classical
Track Listing: 1. White Sulphur Springs; 2. River City; 3. Goose Creek; 4. Hell’s Kitchen
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This is our first classical review, and we could not have chosen a better one than this masterpiece from punk/indie rock producer and composer T.C. Crosser. Using an amazing female string quartet, Crosser has composed and conducted a very moving story that is autobiographical, telling the tale of his abusive childhood in rural Iowa, coming out of the closet while serving in the Navy, and leaving an abusive relationship while producing punk bands in San Francisco. Crosser already has received placement of his material in commercials and on television, and this new addition to his catalog is ripe for additional placement. You’ve come a long way from punk Mr. Crosser – thanks for sharing your gift of composition with us.
Recommendation: If you love music that makes you feel and tells a story without words, then this is the album for you. It would make a most worthy addition to any musical library.
Artist Name: Dario Pagliaricci
Album Name: un’altra volta
Label: Self-released
Genre: Experimental
Track Listing: 1. The beginning; 2. Wired; 3. Music Box; 4. Nostalgia; 5. Delay; 6. Tripping; 7. The End
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: When we first received the invitation to review this album, we were looking forward to it, although honestly, we had never even heard of “experimental” music before. Unfortunately, this album does not live up to the hype. It is a collection of white noise, without any discernible musical form. It might be useful for background on horror or futuristic television shows or film, but is not that useful for listening, dancing or mainstream radio. It does have some moments, like about halfway through “Wired,” but the momentary intelligent musical life does not warrant the inclusion of this one in your library.
Recommendation: Forget it.
Artist Name: mmph
Album Name: Dear God
Label: Self-released
Genre: Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Sun God; 2. Facade; 3. Past Lives; 4. Wilting; 5. Blossom
Publicist: Promo Juke Box
Review: Enter Seoul-born and Boston-based composer Sae Heum Han aka mmph. Like the two previous reviewed composers, he is classically trained, and it shows in his work. Unlike Pagliaricci, mmph’s music is discernible, intense, dramatic and commercial. It would make great backgrounds for a multitude of commerical, film and television uses, and is likewise enjoyable to listen to and for background while doing other things. We love the imagery this music creates, and the genius in the composition. This one would most definitely make a worthy addition to your musical library.
Recommendation: We highly recommend check out this young artist and add his latest effort to your musical library.
Artist Name: Amy Raasch
Album Name: Girls get Cold
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative Electronic Pop
Track Listing: 1. Girls get Cold; 2. Straight Boys; 3. Weight of a Man; 4. We got a Thing; 5. What the Sun Kisses; 6. Kitty Decides; 7. The Saboteur; 8. Breathe my Breath
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Amy Raasch has been a cutting edge artist in the Los Angeles area for quite a few years. Her latest is further proof that Raasch is still a driving force in the indie music scene. We really love the sound of her pop vibe, and think she might find a home on college and indie radio. Our favorite cuts include “Straight Boys,” “We got a Thing” (especially the funky duet with an unknown male), the island coolness of “What the Sun Kisses,” and the breathtaking beauty of “The Saboteur.”
Recommendation: Give her a try. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Artist Name: Banfi
Album Name: The Jack Powell EP
Label: Communion Records
Genre: Pop-Rock
Track Listing: 1. Never Really Cared; 2. Future; 3. Mercy Street; 4. Leaving me Behind
Publicist: Right Angle PR
Review: Banfi is a indie pop-rock trio based in the UK that has a firm grasp of what is popular. Their music has a dynamic foundation of drums and bass, and the three-part harmony is perfect for radio and potential placement in film, television and commercials. This band could very easily dominate the playlists of American radio. All four songs are radio friendly, and we really love the cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street.” Welcome to America, Banfi. Long live the British Invasion.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!