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Music Review: HeIsTheArtist’s “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)”

Contemporary Christian R&B artist HeIsTheArtist is making waves yet again with his new jazz-rock single, “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody).” Scheduled to be released on May 24th, 2024, the track is a part of his upcoming rock album set for release later this year.

HeIsTheArtist, renowned for his unique melding of Christian R&B with modern melodies and rhythms, continues to delve deeper into his craft with this single. Inspired by the legendary Queen song “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)” explores self-reflection themes and the conflict between self-pity and the need for personal growth and healing.

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From the opening lines, the song is suffused with raw emotion. It resonates with the listener’s profound lyrical depth, drawing from the melancholic line “I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy” from Queen’s masterpiece.

The lyrics reflect a day in the life of someone wrestling with internal struggles – a universal experience made even more relatable through the artist’s venturous exploration of his sound. The song encapsulates the spectrum of human emotion, from sorrow and frustration to fatigue and resilience.

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HeIsTheArtist’s vocal delivery is both powerful and sensitive. The pitch and tone convey the song’s core sentiment, making each word feel personal and affecting.

In an interview, HeIsTheArtist revealed that this song is intended to promote self-reflection in listeners, especially during times when falling into a state of self-pity seems easier than facing the problem and healing from it. This intention is beautifully captured throughout the track.

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His commitment to maintaining his faith’s message is revealed in his music, giving it an additional layer of depth and making it a source of strength and solace for many listeners.

“Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)” is a testament to HeIsTheArtist’s continued growth as an artist and his exploration of broader musical themes while remaining grounded in his Christian roots. The upcoming release of his full-length rock EP, as hinted by the artist, will undoubtedly continue this trend.

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In a world where superficiality often dominates, HeIsTheArtist’s earnest exploration of human emotion and spiritual themes serves as a breath of fresh air. His music reaches out, offering understanding and solace in turbulent times. “Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)” is a splendid addition to his discography and an exciting hint at what’s to come in his forthcoming rock album.

For more on HeIsTheArtist and his music, visit his website at [www.artistecard.com/heistheartist](http://www.artistecard.com/heistheartist)

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Album Review

“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories

Katie Curley

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.

Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.

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Subsequently, the soulful track Closing In On December follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.

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Curley’s versatility is evident in A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. Extra Happy Holidays delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.

Infusing a touch of country flair, Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.

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Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.

 

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For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP Big Colored Lights on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Katie Curley | Instagram | Facebook |

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Album Review

Gitkin unveils an afro-latin blues with sonic psychedelia in his recent Album “Golden Age”

Gitkin

The undisputed king of modern cumbia and master of genre fusion, Brian J. Gitkin, unveils his latest 10-track masterpiece, “Golden Age,” released under Wonderwheel Recordings. This wordless sonic adventure transcends borders, featuring a guest appearance by multi-instrumentalist and producer Assaf Spector, delivering thrilling depths of Afro-Latin, desert rock, and blues with heavy doses of psychedelia. Rooted in the musical heartbeat of New Orleans, “Golden Age” offers a mesmerizing exploration of culture, rhythm, and electric guitar brilliance. This primarily instrumental experience enthralls audiences from start to finish.

Gitkin, a New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist, channels the rhythmic soul of the Crescent City through the hypnotic twang of his signature Silvertone guitar. The album commences with the dynamic title track, “High Noon,” setting the tone for its adventurous spirit, a far-reaching sound exploration. Fans are treated to a dazzling mix of intoxicating African and Latin American influences, spiced with the desert rock of Mali and the electrified chicha style of Peru.

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The second track, “Cumbia-ya,” exudes celebration with its infectious beats as the album continues to break boundaries with “Delta Mystic,” along with “Iced Coffee” and “Go Time,” the 5th composition featuring the expertise of Simon Moushabeck on the keyboard and Washington Duke on drums, which seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and Afro-American Mardi Gras roots into a jubilant groove.

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Subsequently, “The One,” the eighth track, presents a hypnotic blend of classic Sudanese influences, Tuareg-style guitars, and Black Sabbath-inspired heaviness. The composition is propelled forward by a Giorgio Moroder-esque bassline, combining ’70s disco energy with soulful guitar motifs, showcasing Gitkin’s versatility and fearless approach to creating fresh, boundary-pushing music. The album’s standout track, “Tall Oaks Drive,” takes listeners on a cosmic ride with its psychedelic sitar riffs and melodic cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of a vintage spy thriller. The album concludes with the soul-stirring final track, “Golden Age,” providing a sense of closure and triumph.

Throughout “Golden Age,” Gitkin’s guitar melodies convey stories without words, evoking emotions of contemplation, joy, and spiritual upliftment. His ability to weave together global sounds with New Orleans’ rich musical heritage establishes him as a visionary in the global music scene. This album is essential for fans seeking adventurous, deeply reflective, and genre-defying sonic experiences.

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For more information about Gitkin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Gitkin’s Album Golden Age on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Gitkin | Instagram | Facebook |

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