Album Review

California King unveils its new rock album with “The Last Lovers”

California King, a Brooklyn-based band, has recently launched their new album, “The Last Lovers,” which features 10 tracks that defy genre boundaries. The group, deeply influenced by the Brooklyn Rock scene, has established itself as a critical figure in the Black Rock movement by blending rock, soul, and Afro-Punk elements to create a unique musical fusion.

“The Last Lovers” was recorded at a studio in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and is the brainchild of Mike Mills, the vocalist, guitarist, writer, producer, recording engineer, and album mixer. The album explores the theme of love in various forms, from lost to found, spanning from the energetic rhythms of the opening track, “The Last Lovers,” to the emotive anthem “Something Human” and the haunting “I Think I Like You,” showcasing California King’s emotional depth and artistic prowess.

The album’s lead single, “The Last Lovers,” was conceptualized during the pandemic, capturing the essence of individuals coming together against societal challenges. This track sets the tone for the album as a celebration of unwavering love during difficult times. Notable tracks include “My Desert Heart,” a poignant reflection on yearning, and “Mandala,” an ode to the complex dynamics of love and desire. The album concludes with “Roses,” an advanced single embodying the perseverance required for nurturing enduring relationships.

California King, consisting of Mike Mills, Howard Alper on drums, Ernest G. D’Amaso on bass and backing vocals, and Asim Barnes on guitar, brings their diverse influences to life, drawing inspiration from the likes of Howling Wolf, Jimi Hendrix, and The Black Keys. Their previous performances at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Whitney Museum, and Afro-Punk events have solidified their image as a vibrant group with a distinct, fiercely DIY ethos.

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.

Album Review

Raised on Candy unveils sonic brilliance with its self-titled album that redefines rock’s nostalgia

Raised on Candy, the electrifying rock trio born from the creative pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Tri-State has unveiled its eponymous debut self-titled album. With a nod to the golden age of ’90s rock and the raw edge of post-punk and shoegaze, the album promises a transcendent journey that redefines modern rock’s emotional and melodic possibilities.

The 12-track opus marks a significant milestone for the band, featuring Joe Penna (vocals/guitar), Scotty Imp (drums/percussion), and Kevin Harris (bass/vocals). Produced by legendary engineer Steve Albini, “Raised on Candy” is rumored to be their final recorded project, adding an air of historical significance to this groundbreaking release.

The album commences with the invigorating track “Nishuane Park,” characterized by an energizing and euphoric melody alongside a compelling rhythm that underscores the evocative potential of rock music. This introductory song is promptly succeeded by the soul-baring “Lonely Bill,” imbued with melancholic undertones and introspective depth. Subsequent tracks such as “Midnight Creeper” and “Rococo” exemplify the band’s sonic versatility for weaving deftness and soulfulness with dynamic guitar and piano interplay to create rich musical pieces that resonate through a timeless lens of the listener’s emotional clarity.

“Raised on Candy” extends beyond a singular vision. The energetic vibrancy of “Like A Bird” juxtaposes with the nostalgic smoothness of “Maxing The Clink,” creating contrasting yet complementary auditory experiences. Furthermore, compositions such as “Reunion,” “The Ponderosa,” and “Big Game Hunter” engage in profound sonic exploration, eliciting deep emotional resonance. Other tracks include “Soft Metal“ and “Ora.” The album culminates with the hauntingly beautiful track “Whisper Me Your Wish,” which envelops listeners in a synthesis of introspection and melodic excellence.

Every track on “Raised on Candy” attests to the band’s meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of authentic artistic expression. From shimmering guitar melodies to poignant lyricism, the album traverses a vast emotional landscape, cementing the trio’s place as a powerful force in today’s music scene.

Raised on Candy’s self-titled album is a collection of musical expertise and a profoundly personal adventure through the band’s sonic evolution. It’s a must-listen for rock enthusiasts and anyone yearning for an authentic, introspective experience. “Raised on Candy” is poised to resonate with listeners, solidifying the band’s legacy as pioneers of a new rock renaissance.

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