Music

“Last Heroes” (LP) by Marc Miner

It’s easy to hear Marc Miner’s influences after hearing Last Heroes a single time.

Each of the album’s eleven cuts owes some degree of debt to outlaw country. He doesn’t go as far as directly mimicking the anthemic streak in progenitors such as Jennings, Nelson, or Hank Jr. – but there are other echoes. Fans of alt-country in recent years may hear some Hank Williams III in Miner’s work. I’m not saying he’s a direct influence, but that they share the same thrust.

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It cuts across the decades. “Sweet Revenge” checks off time-tested boxes while still displaying a distinctive character. Miner culls his tale from an unique collision of a love story with a criminal slant full of lyrical blood and thunder. His musical arrangement and attack for the song provide a crucial understated counterpoint to the graphic content of the words. There are affectations on his singing, but it isn’t ever heavy-handed.

“Girl Gone Bad” swings in a more neanderthal direction. Miner has very different aims with a song such as this, he’s content throttling listeners over the head with an obvious arrangement, but he does infuse the risqué lyrics with a lascivious bite that pushes the song right up to the edge. It’s a stylized number, obviously, but I do appreciate the ruthless rumble powering this track.

He turns back to more nuanced songwriting ambitions with the next few songs. “Nicki & Bob” is arguably the album’s best-realized story. It has a fully fleshed-out musical vision though, make no mistake, and the spot-on percussion pushes it forward at the right pace. It’s the lead guitar playing, however, that leaves the deepest mark on listeners, particularly with the playing during the song’s second half.

“Last Hero’s Gone” is a right, compact performance and one of the album’s most complete packages. Falling into cliché with these sorts of songs is an inherent risk, but there’s a consistent ring of experience lived rife throughout these cuts. Some listeners may hear a certain amount of posing with these songs, a measure of self-consciousness, but I hear his energy more than any sort of excessive earnestness.

He turns in a performance beyond his years with the song “Hero of Laredo”. I’m really taken with this song the way he invokes a palpable setting for his tale of an one-time street criminal’s rise to the top of the pyramid. Miner outfits the song with a tempo that keeps the song percolating from the start and gives impetus to his performance.

“Heavy Bones” is one of the album’s hardest hitters, especially thanks to its chorus. It’s an obvious choice for a single based on that aforementioned chorus alone. He flexes his bluesy muscles with this track and layers his singing with a thick gravel tone that squeezes every drop of soul from the song. “Home Ain’t No Place for Me” gets some of its melancholy glow from the elegant organ playing during the song’s second half. It’s a downcast mid-tempo amble that has a little bit of a nudge tucked into the performance.

Marc Miner writes and records something for everyone who loves Americana and alt-country. Last Heroes isn’t a lightweight release and Miner conveys a commanding personality with each of its eleven tracks.

Kelly McKinnon

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Music

Five Songs That Redefine Musical Ecstasy

As the soulful rhythms of today’s music landscape continue to captivate audiences worldwide, five remarkable tracks have emerged as the vanguard of auditory innovation. Each melody, a testament to the artist’s creative fervor, paints a vivid tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate with listeners on a profound level.

Drela – “Ice Cream Boy”

Drela’s latest EP, Ice Cream Boy, is a delectable treat for the senses. With Grammy-winning mix and master engineer Dre Day behind the console, Drela’s tracks “Ice Cream Boy” and “Money on My Mind” soar to celestial heights. The lead single, “Ice Cream Boy,” is a jubilant anthem that invites listeners on a euphoric journey of self-discovery. With lush vocals and infectious rhythms, Drela proves to be a maestro of modern soundscapes.

Devon Alexander – “F U 2”

In the aftermath of heartache, Devon Alexander channels raw emotion into the cathartic release of “F U 2.” With unbridled honesty, Alexander bares his soul, transforming pain into power with each impassioned lyric. This anthem of resilience serves as a rallying cry for anyone who has endured the sting of betrayal, reminding us that strength lies in reclaiming our narrative.

Ari Fraser – “Shadows Of Tomorrow”

Embark on a transcendental journey with Ari Fraser’s ethereal masterpiece, “Shadows Of Tomorrow.” From his recently released album of the same name, this haunting melody invites listeners to ponder life’s enigmatic beauty. Inspired by the mysteries of nature and the allure of the unknown, Fraser’s music transports us to a realm where time stands still, and possibilities are endless.

jonnychang – “THE VILLAGE”

Enter the sonic labyrinth of jonnychang’s “THE VILLAGE,” where pulsating beats and hypnotic melodies converge in a symphony of sonic ecstasy. With each electrifying chord, jonnychang beckons listeners into a realm of boundless imagination and sonic innovation. This electrifying track is a testament to jonnychang’s prowess as a musical virtuoso, pushing the boundaries of genre with fearless abandon.

Sophia Sheth – “No Second Chance”

Sophia Sheth’s poignant ballad, “No Second Chance,” strikes a chord with its heartfelt sincerity and emotional depth. With soul-stirring vocals and poignant lyrics, Sheth captures the essence of heartbreak and longing, inviting listeners to embrace vulnerability and find solace in the power of self-reflection. This stirring anthem serves as a reminder that every moment is precious, and every choice carries weight.

As these five songs grace the airwaves, they leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape, redefining the boundaries of creativity and innovation. From jubilant anthems to introspective ballads, each melody invites listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery and expression. Embrace the rhythm, and let the music guide you on an unforgettable odyssey of sound and soul.

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Music

Embark on a Soulful Journey with bgiles’s Latest Release, “Hold Me Tight”

“Hold Me Tight” is a deep, reflective journey that really speaks to your emotions. From the very first captivating notes to the powerful ending, it draws you into a world where music and feelings come together perfectly. With every word, bgiles lays out the complexities of being human, encouraging us to think about our own struggles with kindness and empathy.

The heart of “Hold Me Tight” is its honesty. Every word is filled with real truth, telling a story that feels personal but also connects with everyone. Through its emotional tunes and thoughtful lyrics, the song reminds us that we’re not alone in our challenges; we’re all going through this journey of life together.

bgiles’s musical talent really shines in “Hold Me Tight,” blending vulnerability and strength in a special way. Their expressive singing rises above the moving music, capturing raw emotion with every sound.

In a time of uncertainty, “Hold Me Tight” is a source of hope and comfort. It reminds us to accept our weaknesses, hold on to our loved ones, and find strength in our shared humanity.