The weekend is upon us. Hope yours is relaxing and refreshing. Here are five more reviews to entice you into supporting indie music.
Artist Name: Kate Steinway
Album Name: True North
Label: Roscomare Records
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Hurricane; 2. Tiny Home; 3. True North; 4. Wayfaring Woman; 5. Young Heroes
Publicist: None
Review: Kate Steinway (yes, she is related to the founder of Steinway Pianos) is an amazing singer-songwriter who has chosen the ukulele as her primary instrument. She writes strong songs that reflect her choice of accompaniment, and supplements that sound when necessary with quality musicians and backing vocals. She starts off her short 5-song EP with the impressive and radio-friendly “Hurricane,” before simplifying with “Tiny Home,” which we understand may be used in one of the Tiny Homes shows on HGTV shortly. The title track adds in a folky background that perfectly fits the lyrics and story with a Celtic vibe. We especially love the alt-country/Americana vibe of “Wayfaring Woman,” which is also quite radio friendly. Steinway closes out the EP with “Young Heroes,” a sweet lullaby that will quiet even the rowdiest of youngsters with its sweet sound and lush vocals. We look forward to a full-length album from this truly original American songwriter.
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer – Get it while it is still available.
Artist Name: Emmer Effer
Album Name: From the Bottom Down
Label: Felony Records
Genre: Punk
Track Listing: 1. Koch Bros.; 2. Shredder; 3. Prader Willi Syndrome; 4. Soldier; 5. What was Your Name?; 6. Fight On!; 7. Pick a Hand; 8. Peanut; 9. Futility; 10. She Bite; 11. Hands Off; 12. Sure it Died; 13. Copper; 14. Sombreros to the Sky; 15. Knuckle Smasher; 16. Emmer Effer; 17. Ten Days Gay; 18. Houdini; 19. Two-Timer
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: This is their debut album, and it shows much promise for lovers of punk rock. The lyrics are understandable and highly political. The songs are short and to the point, and less than two minutes each. Unfortunately, all the songs seem to sound the same, and there is very little reason to listen to the entire album, as only the lyrics seem to change. “Pick a Hand” does seem to be different, kind of like Floggy Molly on speed, but the next track goes back to the same fast-driving punk rhythm. This album is definitely not appropriate for younger audiences, with a plethora of f-bombs.
Recommendation: Unless you are a true lover of punk rock, you might want to hold off on this one.
Artist Name: The General Assembly
Album Name: Vanishing Point
Label: Self-released
Genre: Electronica/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Cape Grim; 2. The Wild Child; 3. Fever Dream; 4. Things Fall Apart; 5. Anatomy of Melancholy; 6. Asleep with a Compass in our Hands; 7. Forest Fire, White Walls; 8. Black is my Colour; 9. Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim; 10. New Myth: Siren Song; 11. Vanishing Point; 12. Field Recording 1977-2015
Publicist: Penney and Logan
Review: Most lovers of indie rock and electronica will love this effort by The General Assembly. The music is melodic and big, with an intense bass foundation, wicked guitar riffs and soaring vocals. The lyrical content is great, giving the songs a majestic quality. We especially put “Things Fall Apart” into this category. In addition, there are three instrumental tracks: “Fever Dream,” “Asleep with Compasses in our Hands,” and “Return to the Bluff at Cape Grim,” which serve as mile-posts on this auditory journey. The final three tracks are more prog rock, and bring the album to a satisfying conclusion.
Recommendation: If you love good music, then Get this one,
Artist Name: Maggie McClure
Album Name: Color it Up
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana/Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. You for Me; 2. Do it Again (ft. Graham Colton); 3. Coming Home; 4. Be Right Here for You
Publicist: Chloe Robinson
Review: Maggie McClure is a gifted songwriter who has had success with placements on such shows as Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard and The Hills, as well as the movie Cowgirls n’ Angels. She has been co-writing with Blues rocker Shane Henry, and recently toured with him. Her music belongs in the same category as Sara Bareilles, Suzanne Santos, Katie Costello, Alicia Witt and other “Hotel Cafe” type artists. We are truly impressed with this EP, and only wish it had more than four songs. Every song is a winner, especially “Do it Again” and “Coming Home” (which could have so many placement opportunities, and is truly radio friendly).
Recommendation: Don’t delay – Get it today!
Artist Name: Ra Ra Ruby
Album Name: Dancing with Mannequins
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Her; 2. Undress; 3. I Need a Woman; 4. Pam
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: This 4-song EP hits the ground running, with a steady beat, intense guitar riffs, and soaring vocals that perfect convey the powerful lyrical content. This is a party band that will keep their fans on the dance floor. The music grabs your heart and pumps it up, while the lyrics keep your brain engaged. This debut EP provides hope that this band will be around for a long time. We can hardly wait to hear what’s coming next.
Recommendation: Definitely worth it to Get this one.
