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Dwarves Return with “Concept Album”
The Dwarves return with a new eye-popping twenty tracks on an album entitled Concept Album. The rather unassuming title belies the thunderous creativity erupting from each of those twenty tunes as Dwarves Svengali Blag Dahlia teams with powerhouse contributors drummer Josh Freese from the Foo Fighters and Nick Oliveri, most famous for his bass playing with bands such as Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss. It’s a thrilling trio.
“Feeling Great” should be a freaking single. It’s one of the best put-together cuts I heard on this album. Dahlia’s freewheeling sense of humor carries the day through the lyrics and his singing truly enjoys the moment as he has a raging band behind him. He’s got a great team beside him with Freese pounding out furious rhythms and Oliveri’s contributions coming through loud and clear as well.
“Terrorist” is a blast. Don’t go into this thinking Blag’s writing about Islamic terrorists. Instead, he takes our vision of what that word means and turns it on its head into a warped love song that I absolutely love. The payoff moment of the song’s key line makes it all worthwhile but, once again, Freese and Oliveri blast away clearly inspired to be working alongside this punk rock master. “Ages Ago” is one of the album’s best tunes. In the annals of “fuck off, you’re gone” love songs, this should rank high. His taut and unforgiving language finds a perfect musical setting in another of Freese’s and Oliveri’s whip-tight musical performances.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6zx6n3hhscN57tbd09epgN?autoplay=true
The Dwarves’ insane stab at surf music, “Dead to Me”, rollicks through another case of love gone bad. There’s plenty of humor in the tune, as usual, and the guitar playing is exceptional. The outlaw nature of “Nobody and Me” cannot be denied as the opening line “I’m leavin’ with the sunrise” further evolves into a steamrolling rock tune that the three band members exploit to its fullest potential. I love this tune so much it hurts.
But I love “Kill or Be Killed” even more. This is out-and-out aggression personified, take no prisoners, and yet highly musical. It isn’t an one-note musical exercise, however, as The Dwarves shift gears in the song’s second half with resounding results. “You Lose We Win” is a “band song” in the way that it’s about the band’s long-established identity and man, oh, man, it should go down like a house on fire in concert. It’s unapologetic as well, as it should be. It’s full-throttle punk rock with great “shout-out” moments from Blag that audiences will love as well.
“Come Unglued” is another exhausting but exhilarating blast of fun from the band. There’s no shift during this song where they vary the musical attack, but you won’t mind. Blag should burn out his voice singing the way he does here, but he never loses any energy, and neither do his bandmates. Ending it with a small bit where a young woman says she has a good Dwarves story and it’s pretty fucking good is a great way to sum up this album as a whole. It’s more than pretty fucking good though. It’s pretty fucking great.
Brent Musgrave
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Fiery And Unapologetic: Pamela Hopkins “Burn It Down”
Pamela Hopkins’ new single “Burn It Down” is a fiery and unapologetic anthem of empowerment that takes the listener through an emotional journey of betrayal and reclamation. With co-writers Dave Lenahan and Scott Barrier, Hopkins crafts a narrative that diverges from the typical revenge tale by focusing on the protagonist’s decision to seek liberation rather than retribution.
The song starts with a somber acknowledgment of trust broken by both a partner and a friend, setting the emotional tone for the track. Hopkins’ lyrics are direct and vivid, painting a picture of the protagonist’s internal struggle before she chooses to rise above the ashes of her past. The phrase “throwing a match on kerosene” is a striking metaphor that encapsulates the explosive nature of betrayal and the drastic emotional consequences it entails. However, instead of wallowing in revenge, the protagonist claims her power back by letting go of what once was, symbolized by the metaphorical burning of the life she built with her partner.
Musically, “Burn It Down” features Hopkins’ signature blend of country grit and emotional depth. Her vocal delivery is compelling, capturing the rawness of the song’s theme with a blend of anger, sadness, and eventual resolve. The instrumentation complements the narrative, with a driving rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s journey from shock and anger to empowerment. The chorus is particularly impactful, with its catchy and defiant lines that echo the protagonist’s determination to take control of her fate: “Bet your ass I’m goin’ out in a blaze.”
Hopkins’ performance in “Burn It Down” is a testament to her skill as both a vocalist and a storyteller. She navigates the song’s emotional complexity with grace, allowing listeners to feel the protagonist’s pain and her subsequent empowerment. The song’s bridge is a highlight, as it portrays a sense of closure and finality, culminating in the protagonist watching her past go up in flames, not with regret but with a sense of pride and self-worth.
What sets “Burn It Down” apart from other songs in the revenge genre is its emphasis on personal strength and the idea of starting anew. The protagonist isn’t looking for revenge in the traditional sense; she’s seeking a clean slate, a chance to rebuild without the shadows of her past holding her back. This theme is universal and resonates with anyone who has faced betrayal and found the strength to move forward.
Pamela Hopkins continues to establish herself as a significant force in the country music scene with this release. Her ability to infuse personal experience and emotional storytelling into her music allows her to connect deeply with her audience. “Burn It Down” is a powerful addition to her discography, showcasing her vocal prowess and her knack for crafting songs that are both relatable and cathartic.
In summary, “Burn It Down” is more than just a song about betrayal; it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever had to pick up the pieces and find strength in the aftermath of a broken relationship. Through her storytelling and commanding vocals, Pamela Hopkins delivers a song that is both a personal catharsis and a rallying cry for empowerment.
-Frank Fantina
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Staying Positive While Looking for a Kidney: The Inspiring Journey of ATown
In the spotlight of social media, ATown has captivated audiences with his unique talent—a birdcall that has become synonymous with his brand. Known not only for his distinctive sound but also for his connections with big names like Meek Mill and Snoop Dogg, ATown once basked in the glow of fame and fortune. However, life took an unexpected turn, and the Instagram celebrity now finds himself in a challenging battle for his health, desperately searching for a kidney.
Despite the gravity of his situation, ATown has chosen to focus on the silver linings rather than succumb to despair. His resilience and positivity are truly inspiring. Rather than retreating from the public eye, ATown is actively engaging with his fans and continuing to create music. His latest single, “Konnichiwa,” has garnered over 50,000 views on YouTube, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with his audience, even in tough times.
ATown’s journey is a testament to the power of positivity and the human spirit. Instead of allowing his health struggles to define him, he remains proactive in his search for a kidney while continuing to pursue his passion for music. By sharing his experiences through social media, he not only raises awareness about organ donation but also inspires others who may be facing similar challenges.
His ability to maintain a positive outlook has resonated with many of his fans, who admire his strength and determination. Through his posts, ATown often reminds his followers to cherish their health and support one another, creating a community of encouragement and love.
For ATown, music has become more than just a career; it’s a form of therapy. Each song he releases serves as an expression of his emotions and a way to cope with the uncertainty surrounding his health. His fans have rallied around him, providing support and sharing his music to help spread the word about his journey.
Through his artistry, ATown continues to show that creativity can thrive even in adversity. His latest tracks not only entertain but also empower, reflecting his journey and the hope that accompanies it. Whether he’s collaborating with fellow artists or working on solo projects, ATown’s music remains a beacon of hope and resilience.
