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Silent Skies Forge A Dark Pop Path With 3rd Full-Length “Dormant”

Life, whether it runs eighty minutes or years, is a series of one turning point after another. We live in a constant state of becoming – becoming what we are and aren’t meant to be, becoming young, middle-aged, and eventually old if we’re lucky. The song lyrics for Silent Skies’ Dormant are full of those turning points. Tom Englund’s voice and words probe every corner of his life and psyche trying to identify where and who he’s been, where he’s going, and how he’s reached this place in his life. He honors listeners by sharing that journey.

His musical partner Vikram Shankar supplies the soundtrack for these meditations. His considered touch on piano, keyboards, and synthesizers color each mile of Englund’s inner voyage with melancholic shades. Even the album’s most hopeful moments, and they are ample, are alight with an undimmed sense of brittle victories.

“Construct” begins the collection. It sounds unvarnished and natural despite the synthesizers and keyboards. It has, as well, a strong sense of direction, but Silent Skies unfolds it at its own speed. You won’t hear any parallels with their contemporaries. Tom S. Englund’s vocal chops are the song’s heart and he conveys clearly thought-out sentiments with poetic grace that never over-reaches.

If “Construct” doesn’t make you an immediate believer, “New Life” will. It rips away any resistance you may have to the music following its opener thanks, in no small part, to Shankar’s emotionally piercing piano. It’s a beautiful, almost ornate blade that cuts through your defenses and skepticism. “Churches” has the same allure, though manifested in a different way. Englund’s voice reaches its fullest bloom yet with this performance.

“Just Above the Clouds” lives up to its ambitious title. This composition lifts listeners higher than any of its predecessors without relying on a single note of gimmickry or any pretentiousness. There’s a deeper focus on the vocals than previous tracks, but Shankar’s instrumental instincts are as sharp as ever.

The tandem dig even deeper with “Tides”. It is impossible to not be left a little slack-jawed by Englund’s writing skills and his ability to merge his ruminations with such an unusual musical backing. You will likely come away from Dormant a bit awe-struck by the emotional variety he achieves with his voice. It’s operating in a different realm here.

There are other nominal love songs included on the album, but by far the best track in this vein is “Light Up the Dark”. Englund writes about the source of his affection and devotion with clear eyes, never falling prey to hoary love song cliches, and crafts a masterpiece in miniature that you’ll want to return to again and again. He grounds it in the real world, as well, rather than some sappy romantic twaddle.

“The Last on Earth” has a haunted tone and the gravitas you’d expect for the album’s closer number, excepting the bonus tracks. It sounds written with a final curtain well in mind but doesn’t suffer in light of that. There’s no straining for profundity. Each of the three bonus tracks, all of them covers, are electrifying re-interpretations of the originals. “The Trooper”, however, is a stunning reformulation of the Iron Maiden classic that will leave you groping for superlatives. Silent Skies work like that. They comprehend the significance of our time on this earth, in this life, with artistry that few other acts can match.

Skyler Voss

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Fiery And Unapologetic: Pamela Hopkins “Burn It Down”

Pamela Hopkins’ new single “Burn It Down” is a fiery and unapologetic anthem of empowerment that takes the listener through an emotional journey of betrayal and reclamation. With co-writers Dave Lenahan and Scott Barrier, Hopkins crafts a narrative that diverges from the typical revenge tale by focusing on the protagonist’s decision to seek liberation rather than retribution.

The song starts with a somber acknowledgment of trust broken by both a partner and a friend, setting the emotional tone for the track. Hopkins’ lyrics are direct and vivid, painting a picture of the protagonist’s internal struggle before she chooses to rise above the ashes of her past. The phrase “throwing a match on kerosene” is a striking metaphor that encapsulates the explosive nature of betrayal and the drastic emotional consequences it entails. However, instead of wallowing in revenge, the protagonist claims her power back by letting go of what once was, symbolized by the metaphorical burning of the life she built with her partner.

Musically, “Burn It Down” features Hopkins’ signature blend of country grit and emotional depth. Her vocal delivery is compelling, capturing the rawness of the song’s theme with a blend of anger, sadness, and eventual resolve. The instrumentation complements the narrative, with a driving rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s journey from shock and anger to empowerment. The chorus is particularly impactful, with its catchy and defiant lines that echo the protagonist’s determination to take control of her fate: “Bet your ass I’m goin’ out in a blaze.”

Hopkins’ performance in “Burn It Down” is a testament to her skill as both a vocalist and a storyteller. She navigates the song’s emotional complexity with grace, allowing listeners to feel the protagonist’s pain and her subsequent empowerment. The song’s bridge is a highlight, as it portrays a sense of closure and finality, culminating in the protagonist watching her past go up in flames, not with regret but with a sense of pride and self-worth.

What sets “Burn It Down” apart from other songs in the revenge genre is its emphasis on personal strength and the idea of starting anew. The protagonist isn’t looking for revenge in the traditional sense; she’s seeking a clean slate, a chance to rebuild without the shadows of her past holding her back. This theme is universal and resonates with anyone who has faced betrayal and found the strength to move forward.

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Staying Positive While Looking for a Kidney: The Inspiring Journey of ATown

In the spotlight of social media, ATown has captivated audiences with his unique talent—a birdcall that has become synonymous with his brand. Known not only for his distinctive sound but also for his connections with big names like Meek Mill and Snoop Dogg, ATown once basked in the glow of fame and fortune. However, life took an unexpected turn, and the Instagram celebrity now finds himself in a challenging battle for his health, desperately searching for a kidney.

Despite the gravity of his situation, ATown has chosen to focus on the silver linings rather than succumb to despair. His resilience and positivity are truly inspiring. Rather than retreating from the public eye, ATown is actively engaging with his fans and continuing to create music. His latest single, “Konnichiwa,” has garnered over 50,000 views on YouTube, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with his audience, even in tough times.

ATown’s journey is a testament to the power of positivity and the human spirit. Instead of allowing his health struggles to define him, he remains proactive in his search for a kidney while continuing to pursue his passion for music. By sharing his experiences through social media, he not only raises awareness about organ donation but also inspires others who may be facing similar challenges.

His ability to maintain a positive outlook has resonated with many of his fans, who admire his strength and determination. Through his posts, ATown often reminds his followers to cherish their health and support one another, creating a community of encouragement and love.

For ATown, music has become more than just a career; it’s a form of therapy. Each song he releases serves as an expression of his emotions and a way to cope with the uncertainty surrounding his health. His fans have rallied around him, providing support and sharing his music to help spread the word about his journey.

Through his artistry, ATown continues to show that creativity can thrive even in adversity. His latest tracks not only entertain but also empower, reflecting his journey and the hope that accompanies it. Whether he’s collaborating with fellow artists or working on solo projects, ATown’s music remains a beacon of hope and resilience.