Album Review

IAMTHELIVING drops a unique blend of modern sound for ‘Nebra Sky, Pt. 1’ [Album]

IAMTHELIVING, a multi-talented artist born in London, has been making a name for himself in Vancouver with his latest album titled “Nebra Sky, Pt. 1.” The album is a beautiful blend of modern soul and R&B that takes listeners on an intimate journey through IAMTHELIVING’s life, love, and self-discovery.

The album has a total of seven tracks and spans a captivating 22 minutes and 58 seconds. IAMTHELIVING has pushed boundaries and defied genre constraints since his early days as a professional backing dancer at the age of 15. He earned a JUNO Award nomination in 2019 for his debut album and “Nebra Sky, Pt. 1” serves as a significant chapter in his musical evolution, showcasing his growth as an artist and a man.

The album starts with “Superhero,” a poignant homage to his mother. The track sets an emotional tone with a voicemail from his mum, and IAMTHELIVING skillfully weaves through memories of his upbringing, using soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Each note is a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of a single-parent household filled with love and lessons.

“Rockin’ London City” takes listeners on a journey to IAMTHELIVING’s stomping grounds, immersing them in the rich guitars and dynamic drum grooves that define the city’s heartbeat. The track showcases the artist’s musical versatility, blending elements of rock and R&B seamlessly.

The journey continues with “Can’t Be Replaced,” a soul-baring reflection on self-doubt and confidence. IAMTHELIVING’s raw honesty, accompanied by acoustic guitar plucks and resonant drums, creates a mesmerizing and relatable experience.

The collaboration with Jake Isaac, “Make It Home Alive,” elevates the album’s energy with its rich bass lines and commanding vocals. It’s a motivational anthem, urging listeners to persevere through life’s challenges.

“Calloused Heart” follows an introspective ballad exploring love and renewal’s complexities. IAMTHELIVING’s sultry vocals and soulful guitar riffs draw listeners into a cathartic experience.

The album reaches its emotional zenith with “Love So Divine,” a heartwarming declaration of vulnerability and devotion. IAMTHELIVING lays bare his emotions, promising unwavering love through thick and thin. The track is a fitting finale to an album that spans the spectrum of human emotions, leaving listeners in awe of the artist’s talent and creativity.

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Album Review

Ty Wilson delivers grit and heart on new country album “Northern Heart, Southern Soul”

Ty Wilson’s “Northern Heart, Southern Soul” arrives like a long stretch of open highway at sunset as an honest, contemplative, and strategic ballad. Wilson’s eight-song LP marks the end of a project that melds his Canadian roots with the time-tested sounds of Southern country and Americana.

To give the album its sound, Wilson enlisted Nashville-based producer and drummer Jay Tooke, who has worked with groups such as The Steel Woods, Randy Houser, and Wyatt Flores. Production and engineering were handled by Edgewater Music Group, which is based in Texas, and the result is a brief but potent album that embraces the Southern sound he cherishes while retaining Wilson’s unique storytelling.

Always wanting to release a full-length album, Wilson has accomplished that with “Northern Heart, Southern Soul,” and its tied-together story reflects themes of perseverance, love, and contemplation. “Chasin’ Headlights“ is dedicated to his fiancée, a rock that sustains him on his busy touring schedule. It captures the silent grit that accompanies a life on the road. The album’s second single, “Alabama Way,“ is an unabashed nod to the Southern influences on the album after Wilson’s Red Dirt-informed sound.

Filling out the emotional spectrum of this album are songs like “Good Thing Goin’” and “Missin’ the Boat,“ which indulge happy thoughts about romance and momentum, alongside deeper rumination on regret and fidelity in works like “Can’t Live Without Her.“ “Knew You Then,“ with Mason Keck, brings a reflective edge as it reminisces about relationships and the passage of time.

One of the best songs on the album is “Born to Lose,” and it’s a testament to the power of classic country storytelling. The power of hard times and perseverance underlies this song, which serves as a stirring reminder that some of the most poignant voices in populist music are born of struggle. The final song, “Glory, When I Win,” is equally good and provides a triumphant emotional payoff. The song really demonstrates how difficult it is for independent artists to break through. They have to cope with failure and keep going, hoping the next mile will be a winner.

“Northern Heart, Southern Soul” is a brief work at just 26 minutes and 40 seconds long, and it’s about keeping it real. It illustrates how a northern identity and southern influence can coexist, proving that exceptional country music has no geographical boundaries.