Album Review
OF LIMBO Conjures A Modern Hard Rock Classic With “California Demon”
If and when your friends tell you that hard rock is dead, steer them in the direction of this band. OF LIMBO will prove them wrong. Fast.
Led by brothers Jake and Luke Davies, OF LIMBO’s new single “California Demon” satisfies every conceivable requirement for a modern hard rock classic. It’s a slab of molten riffage married with well-orchestrated lighter sections whose union never comes off as forced. I’m a fan of how they balance the dynamics of this song to maximum effect because it shows confidence beyond their years. I came away from this performance convinced that, as much as they show us, I believe they are capable of even more.
The vocals show the same elasticity and confidence. They discharge moments of low-key drama and screaming heights of passion with equal skill. It’s a song that realizes the full potential of its subject matter. Resist the temptation to roll your eyes hearing another hard rock song about making a deal with the devil. Instead, take a listen. OF LIMBO may be treading the path of a timeless story, but they do it with flair and decisiveness that reclaims the subject as their own.
The production flexes impressive muscle. Luke Davies’ guitar attack sounds well-nigh unstoppable and even the transitions between beat your over-the-head riffing and nuanced passages are scorching. All of this is possible thanks to a rock-solid rhythm section that plays hard enough to rattle your sternum. They know how to build a convincing hard rock track from the ground up and the results are masterful.
It doesn’t mess around either. If you are expecting or dreading some lengthy tune showing off pseudo-virtuosity, sweep your concerns aside. OF LIMBO can play, there’s no question of that, but their first instinct is to serve the song and it serves them well. “California Demon” is all killer, no filler, and wrapping these often thunderous proceedings up in less than four minutes suits the song well.
The video is a perfect fit for the track. It’s obvious that the band and their collaborators put a great deal of thought into the video, rather than making some slapdash performance clip. It highlights the band’s physical interaction with the music as well as offering complementary scenes that further illuminate the song. They’ve enlisted the right actors to help convey the song’s story but thankfully never belabor it with pretentious attempts to shoehorn a narrative around the music. They let the song, for the most part, speak for itself.
It’s arguably OF LIMBO’s best single yet. The band’s steady ascent from indie act to marquee-level mainstream hard rock band is happening without compromise or diluting their music. OF LIMBO is arriving on their own terms. “California Demon” provides ample evidence for that and practically crackles with the promise of even greater triumphs to come. This is a band that attacks each new song as if it’s their first and they have something to prove. Give this song a chance and they’ll prove to you that they are one of the best hard rock bands working today.
Christian Gardenhire
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Album Review
Review of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” LP
Pam Ross’ debut album, “When Therapy Fails,” represents a vibrant foray into the music world with a compelling blend of rock, Americana, and country. This debut from the Fuquay Varina-based artist, affectionately enveloped in what has been termed “PamMusic,” strikes a resonant chord through its fusion of earnest lyricism and robust musicality.
The Sound
The album is framed by Pam’s dynamic vocal abilities that effortlessly transition from fiery rock anthems to tender country ballads. Her voice, characterized by its raw emotional depth, serves as the linchpin holding the varied styles together. The instrumentation across the album, particularly the guitar work, is robust and purposeful, complementing her storytelling prowess.
Track Highlights
- “Fire In the Hole” starts the album with a rousing energy that’s both infectious and reflective of Pam’s known stage presence. The track sets a high bar with its spirited guitar riffs and anthemic chorus.
- “Falling off the Merry Go Round” showcases Pam’s lyrical skills, weaving a poignant narrative about life’s unpredictability and the pain of letting go.
- The chart-topping single, “Better Than a Good Thing,” encapsulates the album’s theme of finding joy and resolution amidst personal turmoil. The song’s catchy hook and heartfelt lyrics undoubtedly contributed to its success.
Lyrics and Themes
The album’s title, “When Therapy Fails,” hints at the deeply introspective nature of its content. Each song serves as a vignette, exploring themes of resilience, personal struggle, and the redemptive power of music. The lyrics are both clever and impactful, with songs like “Cornflakes and Beer” using everyday imagery to discuss deeper emotional truths.
Overall Impression
“When Therapy Fails” is an accomplished debut that firmly establishes Pam Ross as a significant new voice in her genre fusion. The album not only navigates the complexities of personal adversity but does so with an infectious zest and genuine artistry. Its blend of genres, compelling lyrics, and Pam’s vocal prowess make for a memorable musical journey.
In conclusion, Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” is a robust introduction to her artistic vision, filled with tracks that are likely to resonate with a broad audience while earning her a spot among the notable newcomers in the indie music scene.
Recommendations and Playlist
For those drawn to Pam Ross’ style and themes, I recommend checking out the album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” by Margo Price. It shares a similar authentic narrative style and musical blend.
Here’s a playlist themed around resilience and renewal, inspired by the vibe of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails.” This collection blends rock, Americana, and country, featuring songs that echo themes of overcoming and personal growth.
“Resilience & Renewal” Playlist
- Margo Price – “Hands of Time”
- Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
- Jason Isbell – “Something to Love”
- Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
- Lucinda Williams – “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
- Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day”
- Kacey Musgraves – “Rainbow”
- Sturgill Simpson – “Keep It Between the Lines”
- The Highwomen – “Redesigning Women”
- John Prine – “I Remember Everything”
- Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
- Ryan Adams – “Come Pick Me Up”
- Sheryl Crow – “Redemption Day”
- Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
- Bob Dylan – “Not Dark Yet”
- The Avett Brothers – “No Hard Feelings”
- Willie Nelson – “Ride Me Back Home”
- Emmylou Harris – “The Road”
- Tom Petty – “I Forgive It All”
- Ray LaMontagne – “Such A Simple Thing”
These tracks not only reflect the journey through struggles and the pursuit of peace but also complement the rich musical textures and emotional depth found in “When Therapy Fails.” Enjoy the music and the messages woven throughout this carefully curated playlist!
–Jamie Jones
Album Review
Belle Lundon Gets Emotional and Existential on “Space Cadet”
Belle Lundon is a multifaceted artist excelling in music, acting, and songwriting. Raised in New Orleans and now based in Houston, her artistic journey blossomed at the California Institute of the Arts. In 2016, Belle won a Coca-Cola music competition, leading to a performance at the Apollo Theater in New York where she captivated audiences with “He Wants It All” by Forever Jones. Beyond covers, Belle’s original song “My Soul to Keep” earned her the W.A.M. Award for Best Gospel Song in 2020. Belle’s passion lies in sharing her music globally, with dreams of embarking on international tours, always striving for authenticity, success, and happiness in her artistry.
Her latest single, “Space Cadet” captures the internal struggle of feeling overwhelmed and seeking redemption and support. It conveys a narrative of personal turmoil, mistakes, and the human desire for a sense of upliftment and understanding. The recurring motif of drowning and being lifted up symbolizes the search for hope and assistance in times of despair.
The lyrics delve into themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the human condition. The repeated lines “Feels like I’m drowning, grab my hands and lift me up” suggest a plea for help and connection, emphasizing the universal need for support and understanding. The contrast between “giving up” and “not giving up” reflects the internal conflict between resignation and resilience. The mention of “Subliminal like haiku” indicates a nuanced and profound communication of feelings, akin to the brevity and depth of haiku poetry. The invocation of “Chrios” could symbolize a call to a higher power or inner strength, adding a spiritual dimension to the song’s exploration of seeking guidance and clarity.
For further thematic exploration, artists like Sufjan Stevens, with his introspective and often spiritual lyrics, and Florence + The Machine, known for their poetic and metaphysical themes, would resonate with the mood and style of “Space Cadet.”
“Space Cadet” seems to be a richly textured song that weaves together themes of struggle and resilience with a musical backdrop that spans pop, R&B, and electronic genres, infused with elements of dream pop and synth-pop. The song’s narrative centers on the journey through hardship, underlined by an emotional plea for support and the hope for a brighter, more euphoric future. Its lyrics reflect a deep sense of being overwhelmed yet underscore a strong will to persevere and overcome, making it a poignant anthem for those facing their own battles.
The combination of hopeful, resilient, and determined moods with the thematic focus on struggle, resilience, and support creates a compelling contrast against the relaxed, dreamy, and ethereal tones provided by the music’s instrumentation. The use of synth, drums, guitar, and piano, alongside the subgenres like chillwave and lo-fi, suggests a sound that is both introspective and uplifting, capable of transporting the listener to a state of contemplation and solace.
This duality between the song’s thematic depth and its sonic atmosphere might be what Belle Lundon aims to convey: a message that even in the depths of adversity, there is a space for dreaming, hope, and finding support, whether through personal connections or the universal experience of music. “Space Cadet” appears to be an invitation to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and struggles but also to remember the strength and resilience within us that helps to navigate through tough times.
–James Watkins
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