Album Review
Dianña is Back with New Christmas Single
With the graceful demeanor of a classic country crooner, Dianña draws us into her inescapable melodic web in the new single “Missing You Underneath the Mistletoe,” an ode to the holiday season and a tribute to the sumptuous sounds of winter. “Missing You Underneath the Mistletoe” has the feel of something straight out of the classic American songbook, and yet its foundations aren’t marred in a lot of familiar themes we’ve heard a hundred times before.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/diannacountry/?hl=en
Undaunted by the notion of having to live up to all of those other recording artists who took a crack at this genre every December, Dianña decadently adds a country nuance to this composition’s boxy beat and makes it feel not only like a taste of the holidays akin to eggnog but also like a glimpse into her artistic palate as we’ve never heard it before. She doesn’t hold anything back from us in this new single, and if you love Christmas as much as I do you can consider this track required listening all month long.
Dianña is so patient in the execution of her verses that her musical profile has much more in common with the vocal standards singers of the early 20th century than it does with many of her peers. She’s decidedly more restrained than anyone in contemporary pop, yet she has this intrepid nature as a performer that makes her ambitious goals seem a little easier to reach.
“Missing You Underneath the Mistletoe” demands a certain amount of nimbleness from the singer of its tender words, but rather than trying to cross the finer points of the song with a lot of vibrato-filled showing off, she glides through the prose without ever attacking its more difficult twists and turns. For someone with the skillset that Dianña has there’s no need to embellish the melody with unneeded bells and whistles. She’s letting the groove of this piece do all the work for her and merely adding her vocal stylings as a finishing touch.
There’s so much color and rich texture to this recording that I could spend hours trying to analyze its deeper intricacies. Dianña is very good at sewing more minute details together in the fabric of her songs, and though she could have gone with something more streamlined, she put just as much effort into making these ridges feel larger than life.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20NnRfrCe5FZXWL84lxVzz
We’re nudged closer to the flame in her heart with the utterance of each syllable, and instead of feeling like we’re hearing a tired old Christmas song that’s been played at one too many parties, it’s like we’re experiencing the same joy that children feel when they come dashing towards the tree on Christmas morning.
If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend securing a copy of “Missing You Underneath the Mistletoe” this December; Dianña offers us one of the best songs of the holiday season without wrapping it in all the commercial ribbons we’re used to. For what I look for in this genre, she’s hit the spot and then some.
Babette Cook
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsAlbum 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 |
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.
For more information about Raised on Candy, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Raised on Candy’s Album “Raised on Candy“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Raised on Candy | Instagram |
