Indie
Kimberly Morgan York is Back With New EP
If you grew up, like me, cutting your musical teeth on Nashville’s long-lost classic sound, Kimberly Morgan York’s music will hit your sweet spot.
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It isn’t a painfully self-conscious pastiche. I never hear York treating the style like a butterfly pinned under glass, beautiful but untouchable, but instead, she breathes newfound life into the form and gives it peerless relevance. The four songs on York’s new EP Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense fully embrace their pedigree. Kimberly Morgan York isn’t bashful about flying her flag high as a purveyor of the classic Nashville sound and makes it sound fresh for modern listeners.
The Kentucky-born singer/songwriter has this flowing through her DNA. I hear it during her outstanding five-star cover of Terri Gibbs’ “Somebody’s Knockin’”. It’s a bit surprising to me that someone hasn’t attempted resuscitating life into this stylish early 80’s hit because it has an approach well-suited for the modern country landscape as well as remaining faithful to the genre’s core values. York’s performance strikes a perfect balance between paying tribute to the original and blazing her own path with the song.
“The Devil’s in Durango” mixes abundant classic country song imagery into the track’s lyrics alongside York’s personal heartache. The latter isn’t conveyed without a measure of sweetness accompanying its painful flavor. York has an instinctive feel for these sorts of songs, she knows exactly how much to push and when to back off, and tailors her voice in a perfect marriage with the song’s arrangement.
She gets to be much more playful with the song “The Devil Works All Year Long”. There’s a bit of “down home wisdom” packed into this tune, but it’s never remotely heavy-handed and the kick out the footlights pace of the song makes it an ideal live number in waiting for York. She pumps plenty of verve into her vocal performance and the matching steel guitar runs scattered throughout the song answering her singing each step of the way. It’s an excellent choice for this EP release.
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“Other Such Nonsense”, the EP’s nominal title song, doesn’t reveal its message or intentions outright. You must pay attention. York rewards the listener’s attentiveness, I believe, with one of the most individualistic nods to the traditional country I’ve heard in years, and her steadfast refusal to pull her punches with either the singing or lyrics deserves ample kudos. It’s a perfect song to end this brief collection as well.
If this stuff is passe, let’s be grateful that Kimberly Morgan York never received that memo.
Instead, she sweeps and rolls through these four songs with singular confidence and obvious joy in her chosen art. York doesn’t treat the EP format as a throwaway and addresses herself to each of these four songs as if Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense, a literal description of the release’s cuts, were a much longer work. It’s an entertaining and illuminating journey that you’ll want to take more than once. I know I did and do and that each pass through these songs proves well worth the time.
Kelly McKinnon
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Artist Spotlight
Eric Alexandrakis ignites a rhythmic anthem of tranquillity with the single “Home”
Eric Alexandrakis, in his evocative new single, “Home,” carves a sonic melody that feels personal and universally familiar, creating a symbolic space where one truly belongs and can confront the emotional burdens of life’s most challenging moments. The track is enriched by soul-infused rock reverberates with timeless echoes of iconic musicians such as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. However, Alexandrakis adds his special twist, sharing stories with a unique lens rooted in vulnerability and hope. This single spans miles, recorded across Greece, Texas, Colorado, and New Jersey, resonating with people everywhere who understand the ache of leaving pain behind.
The collaboration with drummer Ryan Hoyle lends a steady heartbeat and grounding rhythm, while the mixing expertise of Paul David Hager highlights the raw intensity of Alexandrakis’ vocals. Together, they cultivate a transformative sound that expresses sorrow and guides audiences toward brighter futures. Produced by Eric Alexandrakis and Mark Scandariato, “Home” merges enchanting musical elements with innovative energy, signaling that happiness often lies beyond the most arduous trials and necessitates a courageous first step into new experiences.
“Home” is a poignant and soul-stirring track that addresses the importance of moving away from emotional turmoil. It encourages listeners to walk away from sadness, loss, and loneliness and step toward their authentic selves. Alexandrakis emphasizes that “Home” isn’t just a physical location but rather an emotional state created by the act of letting go, where one can achieve true happiness. Amidst a cacophony of chaos, “Home” emerges as a distinctive piece, inviting audiences to engage in listening and, potentially, to find a semblance of Peace.
For more information about Eric Alexandrakis, please visit [website].
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Artist Spotlight
IKON unleashes a genre-defying odyssey with new album “MUSIC”
Prepare for an exciting musical adventure that connects soulful moments with catchy beats! Officially premiering today, rising artist IKON unveils his anticipated album, “MUSIC.” This fantastic album features a transformative 9-track masterpiece that mixes traditional Eastern Soul sounds with modern styles like funk, disco, R&B, and electronic music, whisking listeners back to Studio 54’s heyday. Known for his unorthodox talent and innovative spirit of crafting distinct sound as he writes, performs, and produces his music, IKON continues elevating his artistry by exploring the rich intersections of classic soul and contemporary rhythms for a captivating, futuristic feel.
The album “MUSIC” opens with the entrancing “CRAZY,” a song encapsulating the dizzying emotions of love’s early struggles and euphoric highs. Next, listeners are swept into the soulful embrace of the second track, “CITY.” This heartfelt tribute to the sanctuary a city can provide showcases IKON’s powerful ability to blend comfort with creative versatility. The title track, “MUSIC,” celebrates the joy of music’s timeless allure, combining catchy anthemic choruses with unforgettable dynamic beats that feel nostalgic to the universal language of sound.
As you listen, each song on “MUSIC” presents a carefully crafted sonic experience that explores diverse aspects of the human condition. The album flows seamlessly into track four, “LET U DOWN/RIDE,” which focuses on a commitment to the self-harmony narrative where he reassures his listeners with a promise of inner peace. As the album progresses, “I’M GOING DOWN,” a thoughtful fifth track, evokes themes of resilience through IKON’s insightful melodies and is followed by “MAN,” channeling soul-deep lyrics and introspective grooves about humanity.
Among other standout tracks, “MOON” transcends the typical retro-futuristic disco vibes by blending Italo disco influences with soul-infused vocals, classic Wurlitzer electric piano, and IKON’s soulful falsetto. The album wraps up with “MIND,” in which IKON merges Southern gospel influences with a laid-back West Coast groove, rounding out the album with a dynamic touch.
With “MUSIC,” IKON establishes himself as a pioneering voice in Eastern Soul. This genre-spanning exploration is a must-hear for those looking for a refreshing, introspective take on today’s music with hints of inspiration from legendary artists like Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers while paving its unique path. Don’t miss out on this experience!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM IKON’s Album “MUSIC“ on Spotify.
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