When it comes to making pop music that isn’t all about the tired stereotypes that have driven so many of its most ardent supporters away from the genre, few do it better than Hourstone does. The solo artist and frequent indie collaborator has been cutting some magnetic music in the last few years, and in his most recent effort “Milky Way Rising” featuring none other than the talented Amanda Kang, he arguably goes bigger than ever. Conceptually speaking, Hourstone is determined to expand on a fluid style of arranging introduced to us in previous releases by incorporating additional elements of instrumentation into the fabric of his sound, rendering what can only be described as a new strain of techno-inspired pop that is as rooted in balladry as it is an old school club beats. 

With Kang by his side to emotionally colorize the lyrics in the song, this player tears through the rhythm of the track with a swagger that is unlike anything we’ve heard from him before, proving himself to be one of the most confident and charismatic performers of his currently-exploding scene along the way.

Produced with exquisite attention to detail, Hourstone ensures that every intricate facet within the tonality of the music is given VIP treatment behind the soundboard in the song. Every part of the mix is contributing to the larger narrative in “Milky Way Rising,” starting with the soothing radiance of the synth-born melody chasing the bassline in the background. 

 

It helps to keep the intensity in Amanda Kang’s sensuous lyrics firing on all cylinders by breaking down some of the ominousness in the beats, but moreover, it adds a layer of melancholic undertow to the mood in the verses that wouldn’t be there otherwise. When Kang takes over the epicenter of the groove, the bass is toned down a bit, and the space that it leaves behind in the master mix is quickly filled by an exotic serenade which is as much of a reason to pick up “Milky Way Rising” as Hourstone’s definitively clever arranging is.

If you’ve yet to hear the music of Hourstone, this single is an optimal way to familiarize yourself with his skill set and the enthralling charm that he tends to unleash in every track that he shares with the public. I’ve been keeping a close eye on his career for a minute now, and I must say that, while I was expecting a lot out of this song, I never anticipated being as enamored by the highly stylized cosmetics of either as I was. The concept for “Milky Way Rising” is, much like the single itself, a kaleidoscopic effort from all angles that focuses on the might of its melody more than anything else. Neither Hourstone nor Amada Kang have submitted anything of a subpar quality to the fans to date, and with “Milky Way Rising,” this pair takes an evolving sound to a level of engagement that I cannot wait to hear a lot more of shortly.

Bethany Page

 

 

Edie Yvonne released a vibrant force, infusing her youthful spirit into the familiar strains of No Doubt’s “Sometimes.” As the Coachella buzz electrified the air and whispers of No Doubt’s reunion tantalized fans, she stepped onto the scene with a bold reinterpretation.

With a nod to her roots in the City of Angels, this 15-year-old singer-songwriter imbues “Sometimes” with a fresh energy that resonates beyond generations. What begins as a tribute to her mother’s era morphs into something entirely her own, a fusion of funk-infused rhythms, pulsating drums, and intricate guitar licks that propel the listener into a whirlwind of sound.

Above all, her voice soars, effortlessly capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and raw emotion. Her seamless transition from her original compositions to this inspired cover demonstrates her talent and versatility as an artist.

Edie Yvonne is a beacon of sincerity and innovation in a world where authenticity sometimes feels elusive. Her rendition of “Sometimes” covers a bold statement, a declaration of her artistic prowess, and a promise of what’s to come.

For fans old and new, “Sometimes” is a rediscovery of a beloved classic through the lens of a rising star. With its infectious groove and undeniable charm, this track will find a home in playlists everywhere.