Album Review

Diane Gentile Drops Her Masterpiece, ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’

Diane Gentile, the reigning queen of rock ‘n’ roll, has unveiled her latest album, ‘The Bad and the Beautiful.’ This sonic masterpiece is a testament to her musical prowess and deep roots in the city that never sleeps. With the lead single “Walk With Me,” featuring Alejandro Escovedo, Gentile beckons the listener to wander down the alleys of her metropolis, where they will discover tales of characters who dance on the edge of glory and despair.

‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ is a vibrant tapestry woven with Gentile’s diverse influences, from David Bowie to Lucinda Williams. This album breathes the energy of punk rock and the depth of classic literature with sharp wordplay, juicily woven narratives, and the unmistakable NYC rock ‘n’ roll flair. From introspective folk-rock gems like “Dance ’til Dawn” to gritty NYC rock anthems such as “Shimmy” and “Sugarcane,” this album is a celebration of life’s glorious tragedies.

To celebrate the album’s release, Gentile gifts us the music video for “Lace Up Your Sneakers,” featuring James Maddock, a pulsating disco-infused anthem that narrates the story of a carefree slacker meeting an untimely end. The hauntingly pristine vocals of Diane blend seamlessly with Maddock’s ethereal guitar, making this track a mesmerizing experience.

With a musical journey that’s seen her share stages with legends like Richard Lloyd and Lucinda Williams, Gentile’s artistry commands attention. Her single “Motorcycle” was hailed as the “Coolest Song in the World” by Little Steven’s Underground Garage Sirius XM channel.

Crafted in collaboration with producer Merle Chornuk at Atomic Sound Studios, ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ features Diane’s formidable band of Gentle Men, delivering a powerful and dynamic sound that perfectly complements her introspective lyrics and captivating melodies.

As a native New Yorker, Diane Gentile’s roots run deep in the city’s vibrant musical landscape. This album is a testament to her journey from a musical upbringing in Flushing, Queens, to becoming a self-taught pianist and songwriter. Her passion and industry knowledge shines through in every note of this album.

‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ comprises 10 soul-stirring tracks, with 36 minutes and 21 seconds runtime. It is a sonic masterpiece that will captivate your senses and transport you to the heart of the city that inspired it. Diane Gentile’s ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’ is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great music.

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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.

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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.