Artist Spotlight

Odd Numbers & WALLFELLA New Track Released – Step Back

Wallfella Observes a Failing System on Latest Odd Numbers Production Following their upbeat collaboration on the producer’s debut album last summer, Wallfella, and Odd Numbers reconnect to examine Irish politics, the mental health system, and the pursuit of happiness.

With Covid still looming two years on from the first nationwide lockdown, “Step Back” speaks to the less obvious pandemics currently affecting the country: rising suicide rates; crippling austerity measures; and fear-mongering within the Irish news outlets.

The track is a plea for those who make the big decisions to “take a step back” and look at the bigger picture, instead of focusing solely on one problem. As the pandemic wears on, the nation’s stripped-back and underfunded public health measures exposed many people to experiencing situations linked to poor mental health, such as isolation, bereavement, and job loss.

The song reflects on this and questions why many of these issues were ignored. Wallfella: “It’s a reflection of the last two years during the pandemic. It focuses on the media’s portrayal of what’s been going on, whilst highlighting the complete lack of awareness of other problems that have struck the world; the main one being the number of people that have taken their own lives due to the restrictions”.

The single marks the second co-release between the producer and rapper, having previously worked together on the closing track of Odd Number’s collaborative debut album, ‘The Golden Éire Tapes Vol. 1’. Odd Numbers: “It feels like a companion track to ‘Blue’ in a lot of ways.

Both were made under very similar circumstances yet portray completely contrasting messages. There’s a familiar duality between the tension and anxiety felt in “Step Back”, and the summery optimism of ‘Blue’.”

Honk Magazine’s Opinion: Really, this album tells the story of what Covid pandemic has done to society. We will share this on our site.

Odd Numbers works best on Chill hip-hop, Hip-hop, Rap in English, R&B, Trap Authentic, Chill, Contemporary, Good vibes, Lo-fi, Meaningful lyrics, Original, & Underground.

Available on Spotify, International potential, Strong social media presence, Supported artist, Unsigned artist, Upcoming project, & Young talents.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddnumbersmusic/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32JiqL3jyFqx0K8osNYKU6?si=NiT7AQAaQAOOeZw_yyaYWA

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Artist Spotlight

Reid Anderson shares a reassuring anthem on what truly matters with “My Dearest Friends”

Upon careful analysis of the perceived drift from one another, it becomes evident that a much-needed pause and introspection are necessary to realign with our core beliefs. Reid Anderson’s most recent single, “My Dearest Friends,” embodies this sentiment by providing a comforting presence amidst the tumultuous nature of life. As the third release from this Liverpool-based singer-songwriter, the track serves as a tender reminder of life’s simple joys, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Anderson’s signature style of vocal delivery exudes unwavering sincerity as if he’s singing directly to listeners, offering comfort in a world where everything is fast and fleeting. The lyrics read like an intimate letter, reaching out to provide reassurance. His fusion of genuine emotion and thoughtful lyricism imparts a sense of calm, a reminder of what we often overlook as we get consumed by the screens amid the digital noise around us. The song functions as a rare kind of balm, a soothing and reassuring anthem for the soul, as though it’s reaching across the digital realm to convey care and support.

A notable aspect of “My Dearest Friends” is its adeptness in echoing subtle nostalgia without succumbing to antiquation. Anderson’s songwriting breathes life into classic human connection and friendship themes, making them relevant in today’s interconnected yet oddly detached world. The song is a sincere, poetic tribute, advocating for a return to the present and encouraging the appreciation of moments of stillness and reflection on essential aspects in an era often prone to oversight.

The potency of the song stems from its inherent simplicity. Characterized by delicate instrumentation that enhances the release without overshadowing it, Anderson continues to establish himself as a figure who values tradition, comprehends the past, and sings for the present.

For more information about Reid Anderson, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Reid Anderson’s “My Dearest Friends“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight

Heart of Pine Release New Music

I admire any band willing to balance retro musical attributes, cross-genre interplay, and evergreen lyrical concerns in an increasingly fragmented entertainment world. Heart of Pine takes those chances, and they pay off handsomely. The band’s slender discography is as solid as they come. Their 2019 full-length debut Highly Flammable had that exact effect.

It exhibited strengths so pronounced that it lit the band’s forward trajectory for the coming years and spawned even greater, yet condensed, success with its EP follow-up 2020’s Southedelic. Anchored by the songwriting team of Steven Bagwell and Travis Richardson, the band’s sophomore full-length Southern Soul Revival continues developing the band’s songwriting chops with the aid of a top-flight band, including the talents of drummer Todd Headley, bassist and multi-instrumentalist Boone Hood, and keyboardist Jesse Fountain.

“Gone” is a deeply felt opener. It’s a reflection on longing for the comforts of home and hearth while avoiding the sentimentality that we might otherwise associate with such songs. It’s expressed simply yet thoughtfully. The arrangement peaks and lulls with well-orchestrated movement that never strikes a false note, and the vocals are superlative throughout. Several stirring elements distinguish the track, but the greatest strengths lie with the expert blending of dueling guitar voices and the intelligent dynamics fueling the song.

I’m a great fan of the valedictory “Movin’ On”. Scores of songs have used this title throughout the history of popular music. Heart of Pine’s take on this well-traveled phrase boasts maturity and leave-taking without rancor while spotlighting another handful of the band’s best attributes. Keyboardist Jesse Fountain dazzles with his piano playing, and the band mixes female backing vocals to counterpoint the lead vocals with great effect.

“This Way” pleased me to no end. The rolling quality of the percussion, the introduction of horns into the mix, and a further illustration of the band’s command of dynamics are crucial. Steven Bagwell’s singing is an outstanding piece of Heart of Pine’s identity that reaches a particular peak with this performance.

“Voodoo Leg Bone” is outrageous fun. It’s driven forward by an assortment of powerhouse elements. Tasty guitar work is present throughout, Jesse Fountain’s keyboards provide ample fireworks, Todd Headley’s drumming may be his best moment on the release, and the lead vocals rank among the album’s finest moments.

Covering Bob Dylan is always a tricky proposition, but Heart of Pine aren’t mimics. Nor do they grab onto the most obvious of choices. “She Belongs to Me” is undoubtedly superb, but it’s an obscure gem in Dylan’s discography. However, Heart of Pine treats the mid-60s track as a major work and refurbishes it in a distinctive Heart of Pine way. It’s exuberant without ever losing the essence of the original.

The conclusion, “Phetamine & Pearls”, namechecks Dylan in its first line. I love this energetic character study of a past relationship, albeit with a woman you wouldn’t introduce to your mother, and it’s filled with zest. It closes Southern Soul Revival on an upbeat musical note and leaves listeners sure that the band’s future is brighter than ever.

Savannah Renfro