Album Review

Never Heavy Releases “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light”

Steve Alex’s new album is Never Heavy Is One Full of Light. The former frontman of the nineties alt-rock band Four Star Riot has forgone excess production value for a simpler, much more acoustic touch. The album skews the distinctly modern with the excess throwback, something decidedly in for the last couple of years because of romanticization of the past.

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It could be the sixties, with the sexual revolution fashion and counter-cultural zeist, the seventies being the era of the singer-songwriter juggernauts, when the maestro of the excess confessional was sexiest person of the year. “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light” skews the latter excessively, literally starting with the title, down to the lyrics Alex has written for each track. The album also reflects the era because of the fact each song is a story, all thematically linked, with beginnings middles and ends. The other thing very much a welcome throwback is how personal Alex makes each song, feeling like a vulnerable creative expression.

What makes the album as a whole compete aside from nostalgia is the assuredness with which Alex performs each track. It’s unusual to feel like an artist has their own material on lock, there naturally being hits and misses throughout the course of their career, even their own, individual releases. I’m pleased to say Mr. Alex never falls into any traps on that front. The album is insanely consistent, maddeningly so. I would have liked to see a few cracks here and there, but all in all it’s a solid and entirely immersive achievement.

There’s a visceral quality to each of the tracks, something deeply gripping not just about the music itself but the stories it tells. Storytelling is the lost art of songwriting, much like poetry it’s about speaking to the heart in addition to the mind, conjuring immersive emotive experiences not easily dismissible even when it ends. A lot of this in Alex’s case likely points back to his experiences as rock frontman for Four Star Riot. It’s clear he’s carried this over to “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light,” once stating in an article with V13 Media: “The stage is a great leveler. It is the true yard-stick by which an artist can be measured.”

In the same article, Alex was quoted as saying, “The only reason to be in a rock band is to play live, period…The energy that is given during the show between the band and the audience is the most exhilarating thing I know. It’s fun as well as emotional, but I guess the best part is the danger. My Pseudo-dance and swagger has in the past, produced sprained ankles and bloody puncture wounds. Y’know, the possibility that at any moment the whole thing can fall apart, but that is the beauty of live performances, it’s here, then it’s gone and on to the next song.”

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He carries this mentality to the soft rock nature of his independent release. In many ways, the aforementioned sentiments have never proven more relevant. People crave connectivity in this era, with polls regularly pointing out depression, isolation, and a lack of social cohesion are at record highs. It’s nice to see someone turn back the hands of time on that front, if just a little bit, reminding us about everything that works outside of the corporate-controlled, digitally enhanced world of the top forty still has it.

Loren Sperry

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Album Review

INTERCONTINEN7AL unveils a sonic revolutionary masterpiece in its debut EP, “World Over”

INTERCONTINEN7AL, a pioneering musical ensemble based in Castle Rock, Colorado, has set a new standard for global music collaboration with the release of their debut EP, “World Over.” This five-track recording represents a sophisticated and ambitious artistic endeavor, featuring contributions from 21 musicians across all seven continents, including Antarctica. The EP creates a cohesive and innovative musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the legacies of renowned groups such as Pearl Jam and The Beatles, the band skillfully interweaves a rich array of genres, encompassing progressive rock, pop, Latin, jazz, and bossa nova.

In addition to its musical ingenuity, “World Over” exemplifies the capacity to redefine musical connectivity through its deliberate and ambitious approach to collaborative artistry, thus challenging established paradigms in the history of music. Over a four-year production period, “World Over” has emerged as a considerable case study in musical evolution, representing an unparalleled instance of creative expression that bridges historical and contemporary innovations while acting as a uniquely intimate and universally resonant form of communication.

The EP opens with “Puerto Aisen,” an engaging fusion of classic pop-inspired harmonic tones and euphoric melodies that encapsulate the thrill of exploration. The subsequent track, “Night Shift,” is a shimmering and soulful anthem featuring an ethereal guitar introduction recorded in Antarctica, authentically reflecting the band’s groundbreaking ethos. This song’s therapeutic warmth and rich emotional spectrum exemplify the band’s skill in transforming unique narratives into universal connections.

Midway through the EP, “Butterflies“ emerges with a jazz-infused elegance, providing a heartfelt exploration of introspective sonic vulnerability. The fourth track, “The Chamber,” employs a modern pop sensibility characterized by rhythmic piano chords and dynamic elements that invite listeners into an auditory realm of emotional reflection. The EP culminates with “Manor Hill,“ a hauntingly beautiful finale imbued with jazz rhythms and poetic lyricism. This concluding track leaves a lasting impression through its intricate storytelling and shimmering instrumentation, creating melodic beats that resonate long after the music has ended.

“World Over” represents an immersive auditory experience that reflects the band’s versatility and unwavering dedication to authentic musical expression. Each track exhibits lush arrangements, evocative vocal harmonies, and meticulous production, crafting a holistic narrative that appeals to listeners on profoundly personal and global levels.

As INTERCONTINEN7AL continues to evolve, “World Over” establishes itself as a groundbreaking work within the literature of artistic collaboration, integrating emotional depth and progressive musical techniques. This debut EP constitutes essential listening for individuals who value music that challenges conventional norms and fosters genuine connectivity through sound. “World Over” promises to enrich and influence the musical landscape for enthusiasts worldwide, significantly impacting playlists and listeners’ hearts.

For more information about INTERCONTINEN7AL, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM INTERCONTINEN7AL’s EP “World Over“ on Spotify.
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Album Review

Couldn’t Be Happiers unleashes a harmonious ode to modern existence with its EP “Couple(t)s Side A”

Get ready to be enchanted as North Carolina’s folk-rock duo Couldn’t Be Happiers invites listeners into their universally resonant anthems by releasing their eagerly awaited EP masterpiece, “Couple(t)s Side A.” This ambitious and heartfelt six-track collection brimm with introspection, poetic storytelling, and bold sonic exploration. The timeless melodies EP showcases the duo’s signature blend of heart-on-sleeve authenticity and genre-defying artistry.

More than a clever title, “Couple(t)s Side A” celebrates Jodi Hildebran Lee (playing drums, vocals, harmonica) and Jordan Crosby Lee (guitar, vocals) both as a married couple and as fervent admirers of poetic couplets. Produced in collaboration with Doug Davis of Flytrap Music Production, the EP is a testament to the duo’s harmonious synergy that defines their partnership in music and life. Organized thematically into categories of romantic compositions, protest anthems, and folk narrative ballads, the EP interweaves a complex tapestry of emotion, resulting in a work that is both diverse and cohesive.

The EP evocatively begins with “Come Back Tomorrow,” a euphoric folk-rock brilliance brimming with optimism and hope. With assertive harmonies and striking lead vocals, the track embodies a poignant reflection on the resilience of love and community amidst the uncertainties of modern life. The title track, “When I Die,” follows with a soulful warmth that lays bare life’s imperfections through melancholic yet therapeutic tones.

Each subsequent track deepens the EP’s emotional and thematic complexity. “Plastic Bag Odyssey (I’ll Never Die)” delivers a skillfully crafted critique against societal ills, while “Tear It Down” electrifies with timeless folk-infused grooves and emotive instrumentation. The haunting “Devil’s Tramping Ground” pairs dynamic beats with a dreamlike atmosphere, exploring the euphoria of discovery. Closing the EP, “Pretty Polly” leaves an indelible mark with its hauntingly introspective folk narrative, with trembling vibrato and seamless narrative flow.

With robust instrumentation including sousaphone, melodica, accordion, and musical saw, “Couple(t)s Side A” captures the essence of the duo’s dynamic live performances while pushing the boundaries of their artistry. It’s a sonic odyssey that invites listeners into the intimate, heartfelt world of Couldn’t Be Happiers, blending classic folk vibes with modern, introspective charm.

This EP marks a significant milestone in the duo’s growing discography, highlighting their unique approach to songwriting and storytelling. As Couldn’t Be Happiers continues to evolve and innovate, “Couple(t)s Side A” firmly solidifies its place as an exciting rising voice in the folk-rock scene.

For more information about Couldn’t Be Happiers, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Couldn’t Be Happiers’ EP “Couple(t)s Side A“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Couldn’t Be Happiers | Instagram | Facebook |