Album Review
Artificial Incline unveils its emotionally charged new album premiere, “Used to Be”
The premiere of Artificial Incline’s latest album, “Used to Be,” enriches the musical landscape of Strathmore, Canada. This four-track masterpiece explores the complexities of romantic relationships, emotional resilience, and self-identity, offering a cathartic listening experience that transcends genre boundaries. The album showcases sophisticated lyrical craftsmanship while adhering to classic pop sensibilities, marking a significant evolution in Artificial Incline’s journey as an artist and songwriter.
Thematically, “Used to Be” draws inspiration from personal experiences of relationship discord, delving into topics such as infidelity, betrayal, emotional volatility, and verbal conflicts, all while seeking healing. Artificial Incline utilizes music to process trauma and achieve transformative catharsis. Reflecting on their artistic growth, they emphasize that “good things take time,” a sentiment echoed throughout the album’s dynamic and evocative tracks.
Opening with “King Without a Crown,” which explores existential loneliness alongside the quest for self-actualization. This classic pop anthem highlights the tension of navigating a life or ambition where recognition remains elusive. It captures the haunting reality of feeling lost while striving for greatness, embodying the paradox of “living the nightmare as a king without a crown.” Through enchanting vocal performances, Artificial Incline vividly conveys both regret and aspiration.
The title track, “Used to Be,” follows and provides a passionate, candid portrayal of yearning for clarity within failing relationships. Its stirring melodies and melancholic undertones reflect on past emotional frameworks, advocating for compassion and understanding during difficult times. This piece encourages listeners to embrace resilience and acknowledge the intricate fragility of love, resonating with those who have experienced the turmoil of fading connections.
“Far Away“ marks a significant shift toward introspection, featuring a soulful arrangement that radiates vulnerability. This track weaves a poetic and sonically rich tapestry, guiding listeners through a landscape of self-awareness and emotional clarity. Its evocative delivery pays heartfelt tribute to the insights gained from breaches of trust, offering solace to those who have found clarity on life’s unpredictable adventure.
Closing the album is “Ink and Color,” an elegantly crafted piece that leaves a lasting impression. This track seamlessly blends haunting rhythms with poignant storytelling about faded memories, combining catchy beats and expressive piano chords. The poetic lyricism and deep emotional resonance of “Ink and Color” reflect on the shadows of superficial love and attraction, ultimately shaping our identities.
Throughout “Used to Be,” each composition demonstrates meticulous melodic brilliance, with Artificial Incline showcasing its artistry through intricate beats, lush arrangements, and unmistakable authenticity. As they continue establishing their presence in the contemporary music scene, this album reinforces their emergence as a formidable musical force. “Used to Be” is valuable to the artist’s evolving discography, appealing to audiophiles and fans of innovative, genre-defying narratives. The emotionally resonant themes woven throughout these tracks engage a diverse global audience, marking this release as an essential listening experience not to be overlooked.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Artificial Incline’s Album “Used to Be“ on Spotify.
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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.
Connect with Mt. Kili on | Spotify
Album Review
Tita Nzebi bridges heritage and humanity with new album, “Réminiscence”
Tita Nzebi is back with “Réminiscence,” her latest album, consisting of 10 tracks recorded in renowned studios across Paris and mixed with great care at Real World Studios. The Gabonese album has been part of a diverse international catalog and is rather well-produced. With arrangements and production by multi-instrumentalist Leny Bidens, the album reflects a long-term collaboration.
“Réminiscence” is about the beautiful messiness of being human, blending spirituality and social consciousness. The album opener, “REMINISCENCE,” is a contemplative meditation on memory and transmission that establishes the album’s emotional arc. “KEK’DA,” adorned with textured rocks, embodies concepts of spiritual growth in an earthy yet airy way. With “MBAMA Scène,” connection and cultural continuity are rendered in a magnificent current, wrapping that listening journey up with a powerful assertion.
“A’TA” offers a more complex perspective on wisdom, and “31 AOÛT” explores the concepts of time and memory with greater depth. “ARROGANCE” is an inward gaze at ego, and it pulls elements of bold music together to stoke social tension. Every song here has its own tale to tell, but they all effectively tie back together under the broad-stroke identity themes of freedom, memory, and dignity.
“Réminiscence” is an artistic manifesto, and much of what Tita Nzebi does honors its past while still feeling very much rooted in global sounds. The record serves as a reminder to listeners of the connections that gave rise to identity and collective memory.
Connect with Tita Nzebi on Spotify | Instagram | X | Facebook
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