Indie

Hannah Ellis Album “That Girl” Is A Captivating Debut

Country music has always had a formulaic blend to it, but some artists know how to utilize it a lot better than others. Hannah Ellis is someone who understands the importance of connecting with her audience and, more importantly, adopting a stylistic profile that fits her voice organically, and this is precisely why her new album That Girl feels as naturally strong as it does. Where others are fighting the idea of embracing the minimalist elements that are comprising a new era of country jams, this is a singer/songwriter prepared to take her place in the center of the spotlight. To me, she’s found a way to take an old-fashioned formula and make it sound incredibly fresh and original, which is no easy feat by anyone’s standards.

There’s nothing one-note about the vocal Ellis is putting up in “Still,” “Wine Country,” “Plans,” or the brilliantly soft “Home and a Hometown,” and I like that she isn’t afraid to be a little indulgent at the microphone in any portion of That Girl. She hits these hooks with everything she’s got at a time when minimalism has been a disturbingly popular trend, and instead of giving us a taste of what we would hear in a concert setting, I get the impression she’s producing as close to a raw, live juggernaut as is possible from within the confines of a recording studio.

“Karma on the Rocks,” “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” and one of my favorite tracks from the record, “Country Can,” present us with an Ellis ready and willing to exploit rhythm as a means of accentuating her lyrics rather than as an agent of progressive exclusively, which on its own puts her leaps and bounds ahead of her rivals right now. She seems genuinely eager to experiment with the limitations of her genre, and yet there’s nothing here to indicate that she wants to abandon the core values of a more traditional country sound just for the sake of getting additional followers on TikTok. Contrarily, songs like “Somebody Else” and the namesake song in That Girl project an affection for the old school that can still exist in the new Nashville provided they’re being presented by someone as alluring as this artist and her work has been to date.

Country’s pop side is getting a surge of buzz like few other genres in America are at the moment, but I can’t say that I’ve heard another singer doing it justice quite as well as Hannah Ellis is. I can’t wait to hear what she’s going to come up with next, but at any rate, I think it’s undeniable when listening to That Girl that Ellis is onto a firm formula for songcraft she could easily ride into the primetime if promoted in the right fashion. That Girl lives up to its lofty title and what it implies about its creator, and although star tracks like “Too Much & Not Enough” and “Country Can” stand out as obvious video/single hits, there’s no unwanted excess here. To me, this was made to captivate a new generation of country music lovers everywhere.

Clay Burton

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Artist Spotlight

“Call It” by Sunset Salore stirs an anthemic tapestry of self-worth

The Melbourne-based artist, singer, and songwriter Sunset Salore, known for her enchanting alternative pop sound, returns with “Call It,” a compelling declaration of self-worth that’s both a breath of fresh air and a sonic revelation. This track, the first sneak peek into her upcoming EP, ‘Love Kills the Monsters,’ draws clear inspiration from the charismatic styles of Florence & The Machine, Meg Mac, and Baker Boy musical influences. It’s a unique blend of haunting melodies and profound lyrics that addresses the frustrations and disappointments of leaving that often go unnoticed but collectively signal that it’s time to make a change or reclaim sanity.

“Call It” doesn’t tiptoe around the issue with anyone ever feeling undervalued in relationships. It dives headfirst into the micro-moments of relationship dynamics that wear down one’s spirit, capturing the decisive moment when one realizes one deserves more and demands better for oneself. Sunset Salore’s assertive vocals soar over an alternative pop soundscape, making it impossible not to feel the empowerment in her words. What makes “Call It” stand out is its ability to convey a universal sentiment through deeply personal reflections that channel vulnerability into strength.

Musically, “Call It” is a shining example of her sophisticated artistry in production. It was written during a crucial stage in Salore’s creative and introspective period, allowing her to dissect those critical life-changing moments. This makes the song relatable and impactful, enhancing the emotional journey without overshadowing the poignant message.

Sunset Salore challenges the societal tendency to shy away from labeling relationships, emphasizing that how we treat each other holds more weight than any label ever could. Her bold assertion, coupled with her enchanting vibes, make “Call It” a sonic anthem for anyone navigating the crossroads of their self-respect and relationship expectations. It simplifies the equation and raises the bar for what we should demand in our relationships and from ourselves.

For more information about Sunset Salore, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sunset Salore’s “Call It“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sunset Salore | Instagram | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Plasma Chasms sparks a cosmic love affair with “Interstellar Baby”

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Electric Rabbit Studios, Plasma Chasms’ masterfully crafted latest single, “Interstellar Baby,” is an auditory odyssey that flawlessly blends the timeless charm of vintage soul with modern psychedelic twists. Formed in 2020 by the dynamic duo of Australian Jane Drewett and American Adrian Guerrero, Plasma Chasms have steadily carved out a niche in the indie-pop scene with their retro, gritty, and rhythmic garage sound, and this track feels like a dream, with shimmering, otherworldly sounds a testament to their evolving artistry.

From the first note, “Interstellar Baby” envelops the audience in a cosmic embrace reminiscent of the golden era of Motown. The interplay of Jane Drewett and Guerrero’s vocals stands out, dripping with soulful intensity and complemented by lush strings and horns that evoke the spirit of Marvin Gaye. This sonic adventure through time and space, guided by the rhythmic heartbeat of Latin percussion and R&B grooves, creates a harmonious balance that’s soothing yet invigorating.

The track’s impeccable production quality allows each element to shine while maintaining a cohesive, immersive sound. The new layers of psychedelic rock subtly interwoven into the fabric of classic Soul/R&B create a familiar and refreshingly new soundscape that transports listeners on a cosmic elevator ride through each floor, revealing a different flavor of psychedelia, from blissful reverie to rhythmic euphoria.

“Interstellar Baby” is a stellar example of their innovative fusion, the third single from their much-anticipated debut album, ‘Chrysalis.’ This song promises to leave listeners eagerly anticipating what’s next, with catchy hooks and soulful delivery. Take the ride into Plasma Chasms’ world, and let “Interstellar Baby” transport you to a place where vintage soul and modern psychedelia meet in perfect harmony. By the end, you’re left humming the tune.

For more information about Plasma Chasms, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Plasma Chasms’ “Interstellar Baby“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Plasma Chasms | Instagram | Facebook |