Music

Tundra Music Collective Release New Music

Whether delivered via a gritty melodic hue in “Danger,” a distant swing in “Modified” or through a surprisingly rock-inspired mix ala “Suspension of Disbelief,” Tundra Music Collective is all about powerful and driven harmonies in Rawk On. Between the instruments and the vocals, there’s incendiary chemistry that produces some surprisingly sterling foundations for almost every exciting moment this album has to offer, but I wouldn’t say that the disc is an homage to a similarly conventional hip-hop model we saw explode out of the American scene to the south just a decade ago. This is a band that blends together a lot of eclectic influences, but despite their scattered origin, the music they create is anything but unfocused.

Beyond the interplay between the melodic instrumental parts and the vocals, there are plenty of intriguing beats to behold on Rawk On. Take the slick title track or mildly harmony-focused “Kanpe” for prime examples; though both of these tracks are steeped in enormous grooves that aren’t dependent on a drum element in theory, they wouldn’t be nearly as engaging were they not riddled with the potent percussive elements they’re each afforded here. Tundra Music Collective aren’t communicating through singular channels in this LP; for all intents and purposes, they’re utilizing the studio – and their instrumental output – as much as possible in this capacity.

This record has a great flow that allows for otherwise conflicting compositions like “Modified” and “Safe” to sit together in the tracklist rather seamlessly. Rawk On often feels less like an introduction than it does an album that’s been tightly packed with identity affirmations – even at its most simplistic, like the aforementioned “Safe,” it’s got a full-bodied feel that isn’t frequently found in this type of hip-hop release. There are a lot of ways to broach a six-song package, but from where I sit, Tundra Music Collective gives fans more bang for our buck than the average indie outfit does in 2023.

It would be really interesting to hear some heavier material from this band in the future, mostly because the metallic components of these songs suggest a fiery side worth exploring. Aesthetically speaking, I think it would be safe to say that Tundra Music Collective has a lot of rock, soul, hip-hop, jazz, afrobeat, and worldbeat in their daily diet, but they’re not posting up throwbacks in this offering.

They’re still coming into their own, and with the work they lay down here, I can’t wait to hear what they can do with more firepower and room to breathe in the studio.

There’s still a lot of heavy lifting to be done, but the potential that Tundra Music Collective is boasting in Rawk On is unmistakable even to the most novice of critics. 2022 was an interesting year for indie music, but if you’re looking for something consistent and fireworks-laden in 2023, this is one record you won’t want to miss out on. Quality beats quantity every time, and that’s especially true in an album like this one.

Sebastian Cole

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Katie Noir turns hidden emotions into a 23-track journey with debut album “What Is Unseen Still Exists”

Katie Noir has just released her debut album, “What Is Unseen Still Exists,” a 23-track concept album that turns overthinking, emotions, memories, and things left unsaid into a powerful musical story. The first half of the album explores the themes of the album with different levels of emotion.

“Bitches’ Road” examines how attitude and sarcasm can hide deeper issues, and “Soft Again (Don’t Quote Me On That)” continues the discussion of openness and the challenge of lowering emotional walls. “MC1” shifts into a more intimate space, about private thoughts and attachment, and “Only Us” captures the feeling of holding on to connections that are separate from the outside world. “Out of Touch” is about emotional distance and avoidance, and “Shake That Ass” uses energy and surface-level confidence to show how distractions can be a way to hide deeper feelings.

The following chapter deals with important relationships. “L.I.S.A.” adds an important character to the story of the album, too, and “Hey Sara” gives us a warm moment of thanks and friendship. “Lexi Waited Anyway” is about loyalty, patience, and miscommunication, whereas “The Sisterhood” is about the quiet power of real friendship.

The album then takes a turn into a more introspective mood with “What Is Unseen Still Exists,” where Katie Noir articulates that unseen emotions, memories, and personal experiences still exist and matter. “3:17 AM (Skit)” details the late-night overthinking, while “Morning Fever,” “University Day,” “My Dorm,” and “Hospital Day” explore day-to-day living, personal challenges, and emotional struggles. “Weekend” and “Sad Little Soul” follow the honest reflection through themes of regret and loneliness.

The final chapter is the road to acceptance and hope. “Relapse” is about the struggle to get past it, while “Lighthouse” is about finding the way in troubled times. The “Number 23” connects with the hidden details throughout the project, and “Music” shows the importance of taking your emotions and creating something creative out of them. Katie Noir ends with “Until Soon,” a note of growth and acceptance that tells us all that we experience becomes part of a larger story. “What Is Unseen Still Exists” is a thoughtful debut that gives voice to what often goes unseen.

Connect with Katie Noir on | Spotify | IG |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Patti Zlaket returns with “Dance Again,” an album filled with heart and renewal

Twenty years can change a person, but it can also sharpen an artist’s voice. Patti Zlaket’s new album, “Dance Again,” is an assured, heartfelt return that embraces life’s lessons and clings to optimism. It was produced by Tariqh Akoni with an all-star list of session musicians, including Lee Sklar.

The album opens with “Clock Keeps Tickin’,” a pensive reminder that time waits for no one and a call to take chances, not wait for the perfect time. The next track, “I’ve Got You,” is a song about trust, support, and being with the people that matter, with an air of reassurance. The title track, “Dance Again,” adds a bit more life to the album, telling everyone to loosen up and enjoy life with confidence and excitement.

The good vibes continue with “Let’s Move On”, a song about picking yourself up and making room for better days ahead. The second half is about love and growth from a different point of view. “Second Chance at Love” is a tribute to the guts it takes to find happiness again, and that new beginnings can happen at any age. And the next track, “Someone to Lie Down Beside Me,” is a sweet meditation on the companionship and comfort of meaningful relationships.