On her low-key follow-up to Everybody Works, singer-songwriter Melina Duterte tackles self-acceptance and self-empowerment via a genre-flouting set of understated, atmospheric melodies. Melina Duterte, the Californian artist known as Jay Som, is back with a new album, Anak Ko (meaning ‘my child’ in Tagalog; the singer-songwriter is of Filipino descent), which represents a … [Read more...] about Jay Som: Anak Ko – Review
Review
Vokonis: Grasping Time – Review
Swedish Prog-Metal trio Vokonis spreads their wings with their third release, Grasping Time. Vokonis has previously released two records, the 2016 album Olde One Ascending, and the 2017 offering The Sunken Djinn. When planning for the latest release, the band wanted to expand their horizons and introduce new elements to the sound. The evolution took them down a path of … [Read more...] about Vokonis: Grasping Time – Review
half•alive: Now, Not Yet – Review
half•alive have upped the stakes for what it takes to be ‘in a band’, and their debut release Now, Not Yet shifts through musical dimensions with purpose. Although still to draw significant attention around the world from serious music fans, half•alive are demanding us to listen. Led by singer Josh Taylor, around whose talented shivery vocals and diverse songs the outfit is … [Read more...] about half•alive: Now, Not Yet – Review
Review: Sacred Reich – Awakening
Sacred Reich returns in full force with their appropriately titled new release, Awakening. Sacred Reich was formed way back in 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona. They quickly rose to prominence as one of the leaders of the second wave of thrash metal, releasing musically and lyrically powerful records. Singer/Bassist Phil Rind brought socially and politically conscious lyrics to the … [Read more...] about Review: Sacred Reich – Awakening
Sleater-Kinney: The Center Won’t Hold – Review
Sleater-Kinney release new album The Center Won't Hold with an almost androgynous feel and themes based around machinery mechanical sounds, and robots. The title track The Center Won't Hold and Hurry on Home both have a stark and bold atmosphere. The Center won't hold, in particular, sounds as if it was recorded with a working factory as a background. This album has an … [Read more...] about Sleater-Kinney: The Center Won’t Hold – Review
Palm Haze: Rêve Bleu – Review
Palm Haze creates a dreamy and emotional record with their latest release, Rêve Bleu. Originally from Brazil and now based in Canada, Palm Haze is a duo consisting of vocalist/bassist Anna Wagner and guitarist/producer Lucas Inacio. They released a self-produced EP in 2017 entitled Tangy Dream that was very well received by fans, and that led to a wider release via a … [Read more...] about Palm Haze: Rêve Bleu – Review