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Album Review

“Milky Way Rising” by Hourstone

When it comes to making pop music that isn’t all about the tired stereotypes that have driven so many of its most ardent supporters away from the genre, few do it better than Hourstone does. The solo artist and frequent indie collaborator has been cutting some magnetic music in the last few years, and in his most recent effort “Milky Way Rising” featuring none other than the talented Amanda Kang, he arguably goes bigger than ever. Conceptually speaking, Hourstone is determined to expand on a fluid style of arranging introduced to us in previous releases by incorporating additional elements of instrumentation into the fabric of his sound, rendering what can only be described as a new strain of techno-inspired pop that is as rooted in balladry as it is an old school club beats. 

With Kang by his side to emotionally colorize the lyrics in the song, this player tears through the rhythm of the track with a swagger that is unlike anything we’ve heard from him before, proving himself to be one of the most confident and charismatic performers of his currently-exploding scene along the way.

Produced with exquisite attention to detail, Hourstone ensures that every intricate facet within the tonality of the music is given VIP treatment behind the soundboard in the song. Every part of the mix is contributing to the larger narrative in “Milky Way Rising,” starting with the soothing radiance of the synth-born melody chasing the bassline in the background. 

 

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It helps to keep the intensity in Amanda Kang’s sensuous lyrics firing on all cylinders by breaking down some of the ominousness in the beats, but moreover, it adds a layer of melancholic undertow to the mood in the verses that wouldn’t be there otherwise. When Kang takes over the epicenter of the groove, the bass is toned down a bit, and the space that it leaves behind in the master mix is quickly filled by an exotic serenade which is as much of a reason to pick up “Milky Way Rising” as Hourstone’s definitively clever arranging is.

If you’ve yet to hear the music of Hourstone, this single is an optimal way to familiarize yourself with his skill set and the enthralling charm that he tends to unleash in every track that he shares with the public. I’ve been keeping a close eye on his career for a minute now, and I must say that, while I was expecting a lot out of this song, I never anticipated being as enamored by the highly stylized cosmetics of either as I was. The concept for “Milky Way Rising” is, much like the single itself, a kaleidoscopic effort from all angles that focuses on the might of its melody more than anything else. Neither Hourstone nor Amada Kang have submitted anything of a subpar quality to the fans to date, and with “Milky Way Rising,” this pair takes an evolving sound to a level of engagement that I cannot wait to hear a lot more of shortly.

Bethany Page

 

 

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Album Review

Ghost of Panama explores love, loss, and healing across “The Last Food on Earth” album

Ghost of Panama

Ghost of Panama is back with the 10-track alternative rock album, “The Last Food on Earth,” charting the emotional life of a relationship from start to finish. The record is a personal diary, revealing the hard times of feeling stuck, bearing guilt, confronting painful truths, and finding hope.

The journey starts with “The Lift,” which ups the stakes as emotions shift, and “Stockholm Syndrome Reversed” explores the struggle to detach from toxic attachment. “Island” sets up an emotional framework of isolation and confinement for the rest of the journey, while “Half-Life” is about the slow death love leaves in its wake, the emotional fallout that lingers, reminding us of the heaviness of the past.

Then “Damage” is about the fallout from separation, and it won’t hide the scars that both people carry. The emotional terrain continues with “The Ultimate Maybe,” where uncertainty is not to be ignored. “Ghost of Your Perfume” is about memories that never leave you, and how the slightest reminder can bring back old feelings. “Siberia” takes that loneliness to emotional distance, with a relationship frozen by silence and lost communication.

“Afterlife” delves into the hard time after, exploring grief, adjustment, and the confusing space between holding on and moving forward. The album closes with “North Star,” a quiet but vital sense of direction and healing. With “The Last Food on Earth,” Ghost of Panama delivers honesty and shows that healing is a slow, very personal journey, and an exploration of heartbreak, resilience, and the strength required to navigate the pain.

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Album Review

The new album, “Problematic” finds Motihari Brigade questioning algorithms, power, and the stories we accept

Motihari Brigade

In an era where digital platforms determine opinions and what people see, Motihari Brigade brings “Problematic,” an album full of curiosity, defiance, and the courage to challenge. This is the band’s third album and was written and recorded by guitarist, singer & songwriter Eric Winston.

The album contains 13 tracks of energetic guitar work and ambient arrangements exploring the chaos of modern living, the power of technology, and the significance of independent thought. The album opens with “Cowboy Armageddon,” which sets the tone of its rebellious energy, taking on the systems that shape society. The title track, “Problematic,” continues this message of recasting being difficult or controversial as a sign that one is willing to think outside of accepted narratives.

“Chatbot Don’t Like It” critiques algorithmic culture, and “The Great Refusal” expands this exploration to examine how artificial intelligence impacts creativity, identity, and human connection. “Save Ourselves” and “Not What They Seem” are paired together to tell a story of conflict, manipulation, and the forces that drive people apart. Four atmospheric songs, “Heedless Of The Storm,” “Ten Years Time,” “Pleasure Craft,” and “Someone’s Dream,” reflect years of disappointment and frustration with world events.

Every track is another perspective on people looking for consciousness, while the others are stuck in shallow digital trends. “Fortunate Son” is a modern interpretation of a classic protest song. It makes a statement on power, war, and political influence. “Problematic (Reprise)” reinforces the album’s central message, and “Chatbot Don’t Like It (Radio Clean Edit)” approaches the album’s tech-heavy theme from another angle.

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“Problematic” is a challenging, thought-provoking journey through uncertainty, social pressure, and the search for truth. In this world of digital noise, Motihari Brigade makes a record that inspires you to listen more closely, question more deeply, and get back in touch with your own voice.

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