NYS Music 2023

Category: Album Reviews

  • Sydney Irving Releases Emotionally Complex Album “Unfashioned Creatures”

    Sydney Irving, hailing from the lively city of Syracuse, has released her newest album Unfashioned Creatures today, October 10, with 10 tracks that showcase her adaptability as a singer and songwriter.

    Sydney Irving unfashioned creatures

    Sydney Iriving, born and raised in the heart of the Empire State, began her musical journey drawing inspiration from legends such as Taylor Swift and Tom Petty, inspired by their story-telling abilities and the weaving in of their heart-felt personal experiences.

    At the early age of 14, she released her debut album, Hello Stranger. This youthful album was followed by The Halfmoon Sessions in 2018, which clearly showcases her growth as an artist and songwriter.

    The following year, 2019, marked a pivotal year for Sydney as she released two EPs, The Greene EP which was recorded in a log cabin in Upstate New York, and The Ronan EP, recorded with her band Sydney Irving & The Mojo.

    In 2020, she released her fifth album, Relax With Friends, which solidified her newfound position in the music scene. Singles like “You Can’t Forget About Me” and “Seasons Change” soared to the top of the Music Mafia Radio Top 30 Countdown. The same year, she was honored as the 2020 Young Adult Artist of the Year by the International Singer Songwriters Association, as well as Best Pop Artist at the 2023 Mississippi Music Awards. She also claimed the title Best New Artist at the prestigious Syracuse Area Music Awards in 2022. Her most recent single released this year, “I Don’t Wanna Fight You,” has already received airplay along the East Coast.

    Today, Sydney has released her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures. Each track feels a little different, and you can hear the Taylor Swift inspiration in every song. Some of these songs feel more somber, while others more country-based, and even a few that likely had indie/alternative inspiration.

    This album is a great choice for people who miss The Old Taylor, or for people looking to find a local musician that has great music and performing abilities. All the songs in the album are good, but “Wish That I Knew,” “Seasons Change,” and “Something Better” are particularly strong and perfect for vibing in the car with your friends.

    “Wish That I Knew” opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar rift, and it oddly reminds me of “Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert due to the storytelling country-vibe, and raw feminine energy. This song showcases Sydney’s vocal range so well, and creatively depicts feminine rage.

    Her fourth track, “Seasons Change,” has been around for a while, but to neglect talking about the complexity of this song would be such a waste. She switches up tone a little bit with even more great storytelling and showcases her range by adding more of a pop feel, shifting away from the country/rock vibe previously mentioned. Inspiration from Taylor Swift’s older songs really show up in this one.

    “Something Better,” switches up again with a more relaxed and somber tone. It feels like a conversation between the listener and Sydney. She’s clearly put in the work for this album and for her writing skills– it shows up in every single track. This is one of those songs where it showcases a sadder subject, but with the contrasting happy musicality– you forget the somber topic.

    This album really showcases Sydney’s growth as a singer and songwriter. Every album she writes is better than the last, so it will be exciting to see where she goes from here.

    Upcoming Performance Dates

    Fri Oct 13 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Fri Oct 20 – Canton, NY – SUNY Canton

    Sat Oct 21 – Utica, NY – Utica Zoo

    Sat Oct 21 – Marcellus, NY – The Village Tavern

    Sun Oct 22 – Vernon, NY – Three Bastards Brewing

    Sat Oct 28 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 3 – Elizabethtown, PA – Elizabethtown College

    Sat Nov 4 – Verona, NY – Motif

    Fri Nov 10 – Theresa, NY – 3C Bowling

    Sat Nov 11 – Liverpool, NY – Diva Nova

    Wed Nov 22 – Oneida, NY – Frogs

    Fri Nov 24 – Cazenovia, NY – McCarthy’s

    Sat Nov 25 – Verona, NY – TS Steakhouse

    Sun Dec 3 – Westmoreland, NY – Station 233

    Fri Dec 8 – Chittenango, NY – YBR

    Sun Dec 10 – Port Crane, NY – Beer Tree Farm

    Sat Dec 23 – Liverpool, NY – Maplewood Bar

    Fri Dec 29 – Verona, NY – Motif

    For more information on her live performances, click here.

    To listen to her newest album, Unfashioned Creatures, click here.

    Follow Sydney Irving on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or visit her website.

  • They Spit on Jesus: Buffalo’s Elcamino Releases BSF Debut

    People may not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. With only 24 hours in a day – achieving greatness may prove difficult. Anything worthwhile takes time and nobody showcases the rollercoaster ride of life better than Elcamino from Buffalo, a man who believed in himself way before he reached the space he inhabits today.

    How did he achieve these magnificent feats? Consistency, dedication to craft and learning from the great individuals that surround him.

    Elcamino expresses his artistic license with artwork for, “They Spit on Jesus.”

    Biblical Beginnings

    Foundationally, his musical prowess stems from a religious background. During one week, he might have attended ten different types of rehearsals since his mother was the choir director. His ability to play bass guitar and the drums correlates mightily within his catalog. Subsequently, he meticulously places parts of a beat exactly where he wants them. Therefore, every song comes out with that type of sound that resonates and creates playback value. 

    We had a chance to sit down with Elcamino ahead of his Black Soprano Family Records debut album, They Spit on Jesus. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation which took place via Zoom.

    Ian Romaker: If anyone listens to Elcamino’s music – they can hear the heart. They could hear the soul in it. No man should have to endure the things that Elcamino has had to endure but yet look at where he is – on the verge of a Black Soprano Family Records album debut.

    Elcamino: It’s so crazy too. The album is ridiculous. This some of the best shit ever made by man.

    IR: The album is titled, They Spit on Jesus. That’s a wild title in and of itself.

    Elcamino: Yeah man it’s definitely wild. You know what’s crazy? You know where I got that name from? My barber gave me that album name while giving me an edge-up. 

    IR: Oh really?

    Elcamino: I said something to him and he was like, “Well hey, they spit on Jesus.” 

    IR: It’s crazy to think that this is the debut. What goes into making this the debut? For me – a true listener – Don’t Eat the Fruit was the debut and that thing charted at #13 on iTunes as the first tape you put out. 

    Elcamino: It did. You know what’s crazy? A lot of people don’t know that. It did. That’s fire that you know that. 

    IR: Many people have great aspirations. Many people also believe that things are just supposed to happen because they want them. Nothing just falls in your lap – you have to work.

    Elcamino: You always wanna stay ambitious, man. Look inside. You have this shit already. Even if you gotta fight through. Find a way. Start a business. Get yourself something to do. If you just sittin’ around with free time – that’s time you could put toward a business or your craft. You always have to use all your time – take advantage of it. Because it’s somebody out there that is moving forward. I tell people all the time – I wake up early as hell. I feel like it’s somebody out there getting money before me. I like to get money first. All this shit – you got to learn from somebody. Unless you’re one of those people that just know it all. You can’t just be perfect and not willing to learn. 

    IR: You could never stop learning. 

    Elcamino: You got a chance at being perfect if you’re willing to learn. Greatness comes from greatness. 

    TSOJ might be some of the highest quality work that Elcamino has put out to date. Feel free to take a listen here and make sure you stay tuned for when he goes on tour around New York State and the rest of the country.

    How great it is to hear these words of wisdom from Elcamino – the most versatile artist on the planet. His vocal range makes him quite the X factor. Anyone under the Griselda umbrella will give you a tough verse – that’s a given. Elcamino will give you the toughest verse, the hardest hook and the smoothest sounds.

  • RBNX Dropped Emotional New Album: “Nothing Here Is Yours”

    On Friday, September 29, RBNX released Nothing Here Is Yours and their first release as signed artists with Patient Zero Records, where RBNX explore the hardships that humanity faces but often neglects to discuss.

    The 10-track LP includes previously released singles, “Jah Is Dead” and “World To Burn” which premiered on In Effect Hardcore and Scene Point Blank. Nothing Here Is Yours serves as a musical testament to RBNX’s journey through life and its hardships. It bears the weight of loss and grief, themes that are very important to each member and their personal experiences. This album is not merely a collection of songs but a vivid portrayal of the band’s raw live energy and unwavering dedication to their craft. 

    “Nothing Here Is Yours represents the last 4 years of our lives and everything we’ve been through together. It truly marks a new chapter for us collectively and we couldn’t be prouder.” 

    Phil Bartsch, RBNX, (Drums)

    For the last 10 years, RBNX’s unique blend of punk, hardcore, ska, and metal has helped the band establish themselves as relentless DIY pillars in the Northeast punk/hardcore community. Formed by lifelong friends Mike Dietz, Phil Bartsch, and Kyle Behnken, their highly anticipated second LP, Nothing Here Is Yours, was released via Patient Zero Records, building upon the band’s first LP, Surrounded By Sin.

    Nothing Here Is Yours RBNX

    RBNX recently hosted and performed at Boxfest on September 30, in the Catskills. For news and any upcoming performances, follow their Instagram.

  • Hearing Aide: Rome Streetz Provides Latest Fix with “Noise Kandy 5”

    Rome Streetz reigns globally supreme. If you’re looking for the hottest new Griselda artist – all signs point to Rome. He exists as the chosen one. Certainly, every individual to grace the Earth became chosen to breathe air at one point or another. As far as who dons the crispiest crown in all of NY – Rome takes the throne. Whether it be the hills of the Catskills or the city slickin’ corners of Nueva York – Rome’s got somethin for ya nose – Noise Kandy 5.

    Rome Streetz

    Fresh off starring as protagonist in the latest Griselda Vision Film, “ADOLF” Rome brought some absolute heat in the most recent edition of his mixtape series – Noise Kandy 5. Furthermore, these sounds resonate through our stereos as much more than noise. Noise Kandy 5 came with plenty of bops as Griselda Records continues to dominate the Fall and terrorize lackluster emcees.

    Unimpressed with the State of the Art

    Time and time again – the ones who iterate and pivot always see success. Even if the switch up doesn’t lead to success – you must take the risk to reap the reward. Above all else – do something different than everybody else. Everyone knows the definition of insanity… The truly insane nature of Rome Streetz’ flow cannot be undermined. On NK5, Rome sped up the flow majorly and squeezed in many more words per stanza than usual.

    Rome Streetz

    Throughout his discography – this man tends to touch upon themes such as good vs. evil or original vs. copycat. He continues to unravel the layers of his subject matter so masterfully. This project serves as a cornerstone for Rome as he continues to exponentially increase his fanbase. Let us touch upon some of the strongest thematic lines from Noise Kandy 5. 

    “Eyes on the Prize – but watch your step with the same pace.” – “Go Raw”

    On this track, Rome shares incredible wisdom in a line that could be unpacked in so many ways. This could translate to the fact that you need to take daily steps to reach your long term goal. Also, make sure you align your daily operations with what you are trying to reach. Everybody wants to make the big time – small steps and caution will be what gets you there. 

    “Weird how the Church broke but the preacher a millionaire.” – “Procall”

    Compare this line to “If money’s the devil, why the pastor askin for this shit?” -Higher Self ft. Estee Nack (Noise Kandy 4)

    Rome Streetz lyrics will tap deep into your mental and create cerebral connections you never thought possible. All in all – his content will truly make you contemplate facets of reality that you may have never thought about before. Maybe you thought about it before – but not in the way that Rome breaks it down. Therein lies a thin line between good and evil..

    “Built for the grind I got stamina.” – “Chrome Magnum”

    Rome Streetz submitted greater than 10,000 hours and by the good grace of God he remains in an increasingly poignant position to showcase the breadth of his abilities. 

    “I would be lit without rap – I don’t need it but it helps.” – “Fire At Ya Idle Mind (ft. Joey Bada$$)”

    The lack-of-desperation theme appears for many artists under the Griselda umbrella. We have seen this from the likes of Prodigy, Ghostface and many other legendary artists, too. Consequently, these artists would be doing just fine without rap. Rome doesn’t need hip-hop, yet he continues to do it – does that make him a rap fiend? Who knows? As long as he keeps providing fans with their fix – everything will be alright.

    Sock it to My Pocket

    Below we list other themes heard on this tape that Rome tends to tap into. 

    “F the elevator I took the stairs and didn’t hold onto the bannister.” – “Chrome Magnum”

    Rome consistently drives home the point that successful individuals put in the work every day. Overnight success remains a myth – you must formulate a plan and remain strategically steadfast in your endeavors.

    “Hip-hop is dead – you hear the music through my stethoscope.” – “Stunna”

    Compare this line to: “Started underground in search of a better view.” – “Heart Break Hotel.” Rome as revivalist? Nah. Rome puts claims to his throne by doing the things true to his craft.

    Rome Streetz poses with fellow hip-hop legend, Cormega.

    Real Rap Still Exists

    For all those out there complaining about the lack of quality hip-hop music – we share in your tribulations. We also encourage you to dive deeper and broaden your horizons. Real rap resides in lesser known areas such as Buffalo and Lynn, Massachusetts – you just have to look.

    Over and above all else – it’s just another day. This one begins where the last one ends and so on and so forth. Time for one human is finite – time for all humans never ends. Rome Streetz music allows the listener to understand the cyclical nature of existence and the nature of mankind as the tunes reach your eardrums in the flyest ways possible. 

  • The Endless Mountain Derelicts Show Grit on Good Got Damn

    Hailing from New York’s Finger Lakes Region, The Endless Mountain Derelicts released their third full-length EP in August, titled Good Got Damn. The group is an all-original blend of alternative, country, classic rock, folk, and punk, or a self-described mountain rock. EMD cites a blue collar, original yet familiar sound as inspiration for Good Got Damn. The EP features six tracks, all distinct yet with a strong style indicative of their passion and intensity.

    The Endless Mountain Derelicts' Good Got Damn

    The opening track, “State Lines,” starts out strong with energized, gritty vocals. The minor key and consistent backing vocals create a depth to the track that shows the group’s skill and unity. 

    The EP’s second track, “Ain’t It A Shame,” follows with an acoustic base and melancholy lyrics, leading into another energized, belting chorus. The vocals stay reserved during verses, but the energy and passion is released in the strong chorus.

    “Light That Fuse” stands out creatively as a key track on the record. In this track, the group shows off their versatility in structure. The song has a strong, memorable hook in the chorus’s “light that fuse and run.”

    The Endless Mountain Derelicts

    Overall, The Endless Mountain Derelict’s Good Got Damn is a strong display of their unique style and passion. Their use of drums and creative syncopation is a key component that stands out across the board, as the arrangements strongly feature percussion. Additionally, the vocals show off an intense grit, which is a strong way to add character to a track, but finds its way to being a hallmark of EMD’s style.

    The group carries an ethos of blue collar, lively inclusivity, which shines through in both their lyrics and sound. The group’s third full length release, Good Got Damn is a passionate combination of soulful lyrics and skilled musicianship.

  • Hearing Aide: Organ Fairchild “Leisure Suit”

    Organ Fairchild’s new album, Leisure Suit, was released on all platforms on September 8. The sophomore album from the Buffalo-based jam band, the group recorded, mixed, and co-produced the album in New York’s Hudson Valley.

    Leisure Suit Album Cover

    An eclectic instrumental mix from the band’s three members, Joe Bellanti, Corey Kertzie, and Dave Ruch, Leisure Suit carries an ever-positive energy and displays the group’s technical skill and creativity. A stand out feature of the album is the guitar tracks as well as, of course, the ever-present organ throughout the record.

    The title track and opening song on the record, “Leisure Suit,” has an earworm opening guitar track that captures the listener as it repeats throughout the song. This track especially highlights guitarist Dave Ruch’s laid-back yet technically impressive skills. 

    In addition, the group mastered a cover of the famed Grateful Dead’s “He’s Gone.” The beloved track with numerous live recordings, as per Grateful Dead usual, is a seamless fit with Organ Fairchild’s tone and musical presence. Instead of a vocal track, the band opts for a guitar playing the usual vocal melody. In addition, the group infuses an upbeat rhythm to the classic track.

    A third track on Leisure Suit that stands out is the final “Rusty Barge.” The band shared that this track came as engineer Justin Guip played effects pedals on his hands and knees, coaxing the song from the musicians. An eerie yet invigorating opening echo, the song opens into a sci-fi-like mysterious tune with a constant organ tone.

    Organ Fairchild Photo by Greg Meadows
    Photo by Greg Meadows

    Organ Fairchild is Joe Bellanti (organ/keyboard), Corey Kertzie (drums/percussion), and Dave Ruch (guitar). Leisure Suit was recorded and mixed by Juistin Guip at Milan Hill Studio, co-produced by the band and Guip, and mastered by Alan Evans at Iron Wax Studios.

  • DJ Muggs “Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley” – A Gritty Masterpiece with Exclusive NYC Premiere

    DJ Muggs, the legendary producer known for his groundbreaking work with Cypress Hill and countless other hip-hop luminaries, is back with a vengeance. On August 25th, he dropped Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley, an album that oozes gritty beats and showcases his production prowess. But that’s not all; it’s accompanied by an upcoming short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating project.

    First things first, the album itself is a masterclass in production. DJ Muggs has assembled a roster of rap heavyweights to spit fire over his beats, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. “It’s On” featuring Boldy James sets the stage with its ominous vibes. “Check In (Original Version)” with Jay Worthy offers a gritty original flavor, while “Sicilian Gold” featuring Ghostface Killah and Westside Gunn is a lyrical showcase over Muggs’ haunting beat. “67 Keys” featuring Roc Marciano, Rome Streetz, and Meyhem Lauren delves into the underground hip-hop scene with finesse, and “Mr. Cartoon Interlude” adds an artistic touch.

    “Burn The Playbook” featuring Evidence and Domo Genesis showcases sharp verses over Muggs’ hypnotic production. “Crazy Horse” featuring Roc Marciano and Crimeapple continues the underground exploration, and “Metropolis” featuring Method Man and Slick Rick combines veteran talent for a standout track. “We Coming For The Safe” featuring Boldy James keeps the intensity high, and “Skeleton Bones” featuring Rome Streetz brings it back to the gritty underground.

    The album’s energy intensifies with “Dump On Em” featuring B-Real, MC Ren, and Ice Cube, and it all comes to a captivating close with “Outro,” leaving listeners eager to hit replay on this unrelenting sonic journe

    Moreover, the cinematic experience associated with this album adds a whole new layer of excitement. The short movie directed by Jason Goldwatch, set to release on September 13th, promises to be an audio-visual journey that complements the music’s dark and mysterious vibes. You can catch a glimpse of what’s in store by watching the movie trailer below.

    As if all of this weren’t enough, an exclusive movie premiere took place at SoHo House in NYC on August 30th, giving fans an early taste of the visual storytelling that accompanies Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. The premiere was made even more special with a Q&A session featuring DJ Muggs and Jason Goldwatch allowing fans to gain insight into the creative process behind this groundbreaking project.

    In conclusion, DJ Muggs has once again proven why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world. Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley is an auditory and soon-to-be-visual masterpiece that deserves a place in the collections of hip-hop aficionados everywhere. From the star-studded tracklist to the imminent short movie, this project is a testament to Muggs’ enduring talent and creativity. Don’t sleep on it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmG_9et-D-o

  • Karina Rykman Delivers Compelling Debut Album ‘JOYRIDE’

    Karina Rykman has just released her debut album JOYRIDE for all to stream and enjoy. The nine-track project comes just ahead of her 2023 tour, beginning September 20 with multiple festival appearances before hand.

    In light, Rykman’s debut album has been highly anticipated since its announcement, due to the singer’s uniqueness and ability to captivate an audience. Moreover, she brings an original style to fans as the album thoroughly captures Rykman’s jubilant brand of sonic exploration. Additionally bridging an array of genres to arrive at her own take on psychedelic indie rock. With this intention, the album includes the artist’s newest single “All That You Wanted” which features vocal accompaniment from Veronica Stewart-Frommer of Melt, as well as guitars from Melt guitarist Marlo Shankweiler and Phish’s Trey Anastasio.

    About the Album

    Equally important is that JOYRIDE features Trey Anastasio as co-producer and featured musician, contributing guitar on five of the album’s nine tracks. In turn, Anastasio has taken a profound interest in being a part of Rykman’s debut album, since encountering each other at 2021’s Peach Music Festival in Scranton, PA. As well as the Phish frontman offering the use of his storied Vermont studio, The Barn, along with the suggestion to work with renowned mixer Bryce Goggin, the collaboration was set right from the start.

    Moreover, in celebration of the release, Rykman will finish up her summer schedule and head out on her largest headlined tour yet, visiting New York nooks with a sold out show in Brooklyn and a performance in Lake George.

    Although her headline tour truly begins September 20th, the artist will perform in select music festivals all over the states including Thornville, OH’s Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival, Cockeysville, MD’s Hot August Music Festival, Lake George, NY’s Adirondack Independence Music Festival, and many more. Meanwhile fans can catch the artist at the shows shown below or can simply meander to any streaming service to listen to JOYRIDE.

    JOYRIDE TOUR 2023

    August 18th – Thornville, OH – Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival *

    August 19th – Cockeysville, MD – Hot August Music Festival *

    September 1st -3rd – Lake George, NY – Adirondack Independence Music Festival *

    September 9th – Indianapolis, IN – All In Music & Arts Festival *

    September 10th – Mundelein, IL – The Miracle In Mundelein *

    September 15th – Fredericton, NB – Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival *

    September 16th – Greenfield, MA – Wormtown Music Festival

    September 17th – East Aurora, NY – Borderland Music Festival *

    September 20th – Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right (SOLD OUT)

    September 21st – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar †

    September 22nd – Baltimore, MD – The 8×10 †

    September 23rd – Richmond, VA – The Camel †

    September 25th – Raleigh, NC – The Pour House Music Hall †

    September 26th – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall †

    September 28th – Charleston, SC – The Charleston Pour House †

    September 29th – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5 †

    September 30th – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room at Third Man Records †

    October 27th – San Diego, CA – Winstons Beach Club †

    October 28th – Los Angeles, CA – Venice West †

    October 29th – San Francisco, CA – The Chapel †

    November 1st – Cave Junction, OR – Bruno’s Cavern †

    November 2nd – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub †

    November 3rd – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall †

    November 4th – Seattle, WA – High Dive †

    December 1st – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s

    December 2nd – Burlington, VT – Nectar’s

    December 3rd – Portland, ME – Portland House of Music and Events

    December 15th – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy

    December 16th – Boston, MA – Sonia

    * Festival Appearance

    † w/ Special Guests Guerilla Toss

  • Big Bliss Impress With New Album ‘Vital Return’

    Brooklyn band Big Bliss is set to drop their latest album Vital Return on August 18. Created by brothers Cory and Tim Race, and joined by Wallace May, Big Bliss has fostered an impressive and unique sound since 2015. Vital Return showcases the group’s ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of alt-rock, post-punk, indie-pop, and more into a cohesive body of work.

    Big Bliss by Kevin Condon

    The album is a profound and bold exploration into themes of sobriety, death, trauma, and recovery. Produced by Jonathan Schenke, Vital Return harnesses these difficult and unsettling ideas into a web of interconnected songs. While each track stands alone, there is an aura of anxiety and confusion that permeates each title on the project. Despite the intense nature of the topics, Big Bliss is still able to construct an enjoyable and hopeful album. 

    As a band, and also as individuals, were thrust into some massive changes starting around 2019… Many of which felt too heavy to surmount – the tumult of addiction/early sobriety and familial grief being at the top of the heap. We did make it though. Ultimately the record is about that: reemergence, about coming out the other side.

    Tim Race

    The Album 

    Marked by atmospheric layered sounds along with pounding drums, “A Seat at the Table” lays the foundation for what is to come in Vital Return. The opening track manages to be up-tempo and hypnotic, while also featuring tense and sincere lyrics. The song flows perfectly into the second track on the album “Sleep Paralysis.” Big Bliss expertly balances noisy instrumentation with melancholic and compelling vocals on the song. In “Sleep Paralysis,” the group details a decidedly confusing yet meaningful relationship. Poignant lyrics like “Am I falling or not? Hope I wake before landing” cut through the song’s catchy indie-rock soundscape. 

    While Big Bliss certainly doesn’t break down any walls with their vocal performances, the album is full of powerful and raw lyrics. Each song on Vital Return has a level of emotionality that can be heard with almost every breath. “Solace” is one of the band’s most moving songs and helps to show how versatile and varied the band can be. The track has an alt-rock sound but even features influences of contemporary folk-rock. “Solace” is laced with a frantic and inescapable feeling of being unable to escape from the past. The group is constantly searching for some reprieve from their trauma, singing “Nothing is just as it seems, some invisible violence arriving.” The song is haunting yet hopeful, a perfect representation of the album as a whole. 

    Big Bliss by Kevin Condon

    Big Bliss is at their post-punk best with “Tell Me When You’re Ready” and “Off Guard.” Both offerings include fast-paced driving instrumentation which injects a sense of positivity into the project. While the songs are by no means free of the distress and discomfort that is standard with Vital Return, they mark a steady shift in the album. Both tracks are keenly self-aware and acknowledge the issues that Big Bliss struggle with. Although  much of the album’s lyrics are abstract and symbolic, the writing starts to become more specific as the project progresses. “Tell Me When You’re Ready” is almost a call to action as the lyrics “I’ll figure out what I’m missing, I’ll draw it out of the ground, draw it out of my mouth” ring out as some of the first signs of recovery in the album. 

    As the ten-track project comes to a close, the group sonically and emotionally seem to turn a corner. “Vital Return,” the album’s title-track, caps off the project with a cathartic and dreamy sound. Big Bliss depart slightly from their often noisy production and opt for smoother, more stripped-back instrumentation. The writing on “Vital Return” indicates signs of stability and empowerment. The lyrics, “I have built a city and burned it down, now I know my grief is somewhere under the wreckage, for the first time I will dig it up” testify to how far Big Bliss has come. The song is not meant to represent complete closure but rather a sign that things are heading in the right direction. 

    Big Bliss by A.F. Cortés

    Conclusion

    Vital Return is a beautiful and authentic project that ultimately looks to tell the story of progress. Big Bliss don’t try to bite off more than they can chew and instead stick to the sounds, melodies, and lyrics that organically fit their performance range. While the instrumentation on certain songs can overpower the writing, each track still has a sense of emotion and purpose. The band’s varied musical influences spiral together to create a distinctive sound that resonates with each note. Vital Return is a truly cohesive and unified album that somehow manages to maintain the same earnest atmosphere throughout.

    Vital Return is out August 18th via Good Eye Records.

  • Hearing Aide: AstroGun’s Authentic LP ‘The Underground Sessions’

    AstroGun, a Queens-based alternative rock band, has released their new LP The Underground Sessions. The 11 tracks are, as intended, raw and authentic with the hollow creaks of instruments and the echoes of underground jam sessions.

    Credit: B. G. Aramayo

    AstroGun is now in its sixth year with three previous LPs: Internalization, Truth & Lies and Liquid Love. The Underground Sessions takes the best of what these LPs had to offer for a powerful album that represents the best the band has to offer. The band has solidified with Astro Li as the drummer, Adam Anthony as bassist and vocalist, as well as Robby Thunders as the guitarist.

    We wanted to capture our live sound on a recording, which we hadn’t done before. Something like what Radiohead did with From The Basement. We were also thinking of Nirvana’s Smart Sessions, we wanted it to be raw and organic.

    Bassist and Vocalist Adam Anthony

    The album has a distinct lyrical sound due to Anthony’s vocals, and maintains an energetic, raw vibe throughout the piece. Each song has an iconic opening the distinguishes one from the other. It occasionally plays with headphone panning, separating certain sounds into one or the other. This happens in “Mind Revolution,” which also contains some of Li’s best drumming with satisfying echoes and creaks. Li’s beats offer a strong foundation for this song.

    “Writing on the Wall” is the final song on side A, and it has a satisfying opening using headphone panning. A lone guitar begins on the left side while the main instrumentals come roaring in on the right. It also carries that authentic styling with a small audio spike and the occasional sliding of fingers down a guitar. The lyrics are well mixed in “Writing on the Wall,” more distinct than in other pieces.

    “Liquid Love” on side B takes the time for some slower moments that are missing from other songs. This makes it a unique entry, especially with the echoing guitar throughout the piece. The vocals are quieter, but are given space with an absence of clamor. While it is not always so, one of the background drum beats sounds like a dull heartbeat, which is perfect for “Liquid Love.”

    The Underground Sessions, divided into separate entries for side A and side B, can be found on the band’s Spotify page.