Album Review

IAMTHELIVING drops a unique blend of modern sound for ‘Nebra Sky, Pt. 1’ [Album]

IAMTHELIVING, a multi-talented artist born in London, has been making a name for himself in Vancouver with his latest album titled “Nebra Sky, Pt. 1.” The album is a beautiful blend of modern soul and R&B that takes listeners on an intimate journey through IAMTHELIVING’s life, love, and self-discovery.

The album has a total of seven tracks and spans a captivating 22 minutes and 58 seconds. IAMTHELIVING has pushed boundaries and defied genre constraints since his early days as a professional backing dancer at the age of 15. He earned a JUNO Award nomination in 2019 for his debut album and “Nebra Sky, Pt. 1” serves as a significant chapter in his musical evolution, showcasing his growth as an artist and a man.

The album starts with “Superhero,” a poignant homage to his mother. The track sets an emotional tone with a voicemail from his mum, and IAMTHELIVING skillfully weaves through memories of his upbringing, using soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Each note is a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of a single-parent household filled with love and lessons.

“Rockin’ London City” takes listeners on a journey to IAMTHELIVING’s stomping grounds, immersing them in the rich guitars and dynamic drum grooves that define the city’s heartbeat. The track showcases the artist’s musical versatility, blending elements of rock and R&B seamlessly.

The journey continues with “Can’t Be Replaced,” a soul-baring reflection on self-doubt and confidence. IAMTHELIVING’s raw honesty, accompanied by acoustic guitar plucks and resonant drums, creates a mesmerizing and relatable experience.

The collaboration with Jake Isaac, “Make It Home Alive,” elevates the album’s energy with its rich bass lines and commanding vocals. It’s a motivational anthem, urging listeners to persevere through life’s challenges.

“Calloused Heart” follows an introspective ballad exploring love and renewal’s complexities. IAMTHELIVING’s sultry vocals and soulful guitar riffs draw listeners into a cathartic experience.

The album reaches its emotional zenith with “Love So Divine,” a heartwarming declaration of vulnerability and devotion. IAMTHELIVING lays bare his emotions, promising unwavering love through thick and thin. The track is a fitting finale to an album that spans the spectrum of human emotions, leaving listeners in awe of the artist’s talent and creativity.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShare1

Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Mt. Kili Mt. Kili delivers quiet power and honest reflection on “The Noticer” (album)

Mt. Kili’s latest album, “The Noticer,” is a warm, contemplative acoustic folk album that finds beauty in the minutiae of life itself, as calm and bare as anyone would call it. Songwriter Rick Sichta of Asheville leads the project with delicate instrumentation and outspoken lyrics, bringing forth an experience that can be both personal and universal.

Recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, the music is refined and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Julian Dreyer and David Glasser. The current lineup still embodies this vision, with Matt Shepard holding down a heavy rhythmic backbone and Laney Barnett’s violin and vocals rounding out the sound, creating emotion.

There is a story and emotion hidden within each track. The EP opens with “Don’t Start a War,” which opens contemplatively, begging for peace rather than war. The title track, “The Noticer,” exudes a sense of awareness and the beauty of watching life unfold. “The Rain Song” features a soothing, near-meditative vibe.

With a hopeful reflection, “The Road Isn’t as Long as It Seems” is about perspective and perseverance. “Her Song” is pretty much a musical love letter, and “Kyle” is defined by its character-driven narrative. With “The Weather Report,” the change of feeling is reflected, while “Scars “ and “Strawberry Fields” hint at memories and softening imagery. “All in Good Time” concludes the record patiently, a soothing sigh of comfort. “The Noticer” is a reflective album with a soft reminder that sometimes the smallest moments mean the most.