Album Review
Stephanie Bettman’s Latest Single “Beautiful Day”
You don’t have to be the biggest folk-rock fan around to appreciate the depth of emotionality in Stephanie Bettman’s new solo single “Beautiful Day,” as its plethora of melodies give us everything that listeners need to know in its running time. Like the other songs found in her growing discography, “Beautiful Day” sees Bettman experimenting with palatable pop sounds, blending influences from the folk spectrum whilst providing us with a familiar rhythm that doesn’t get flimsy by the second stanza. It’s among the more straightforward singles that I’ve heard in the last month, but if you’ve got an ear for toned songcraft, you’d be seriously pressed to find another track like this one.
The instrumentation is telling us a story all its own in “Beautiful Day,” and I think that, were it not presented in such high-definition clarity, this single probably wouldn’t be as engaging as it is in this form. Bettman is a very talented singer, but the soundscape that she uses as a sonic canvas to apply her acrylic vocal textures is quintessential to getting her point across here. There’s something to be said about the players that she’s gathered together for her backing band, and I hope that they continue to work together as she creates a full-length album with this song’s emotive template at the foundation of every composition. There’s a wholesomeness here you don’t find very often anymore, and I want to hear what it can produce with more creative breathing room.
I am more than curious about what Stephanie Bettman would sound like in a live setting after hearing “Beautiful Day.” She’s got a fetching and rather approachable charisma in this song, and in many ways employs her microphone as a gateway into the storied past of 70s singer/songwriters. Bettman channels a lot of Joni and Melanie here, but even though she’s wearing her influences on her sleeve, her stylish musical persona isn’t rooted in the throwback/retro culture that has gotten a little tiresome in the last few years. It’s one thing to be inspired, but unlike some of the artists making big mainstream gains this spring, this is one singer who isn’t looking to live her life in a time machine.
I haven’t been able to put this song down since I first picked it up, and once you give “Beautiful Day” the chance to sink its hooks into your chest, I think that you’ll share my sentiments. It’s an intoxicating meld of old and new, both retro and surprisingly modern where it matters the most, and even taking into consideration its nonconformist design, it’s still more accessible than the more commercial folk/pop that you might have come across this season. Stephanie Bettman’s career is picking up a healthy amount of steam at the moment, and if this song gets into steady rotation on the college radio airwaves this summer, it’s going to be a lot harder for her competitors in the American underground to keep up with her momentum heading into the latter half of 2024.
Gwen Waggoner
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Album Review
Raised on Candy unveils sonic brilliance with its self-titled album that redefines rock’s nostalgia
Raised on Candy, the electrifying rock trio born from the creative pulse of the San Francisco Bay Area and New York Tri-State has unveiled its eponymous debut self-titled album. With a nod to the golden age of ’90s rock and the raw edge of post-punk and shoegaze, the album promises a transcendent journey that redefines modern rock’s emotional and melodic possibilities.
The 12-track opus marks a significant milestone for the band, featuring Joe Penna (vocals/guitar), Scotty Imp (drums/percussion), and Kevin Harris (bass/vocals). Produced by legendary engineer Steve Albini, “Raised on Candy” is rumored to be their final recorded project, adding an air of historical significance to this groundbreaking release.
The album commences with the invigorating track “Nishuane Park,” characterized by an energizing and euphoric melody alongside a compelling rhythm that underscores the evocative potential of rock music. This introductory song is promptly succeeded by the soul-baring “Lonely Bill,” imbued with melancholic undertones and introspective depth. Subsequent tracks such as “Midnight Creeper” and “Rococo” exemplify the band’s sonic versatility for weaving deftness and soulfulness with dynamic guitar and piano interplay to create rich musical pieces that resonate through a timeless lens of the listener’s emotional clarity.
“Raised on Candy” extends beyond a singular vision. The energetic vibrancy of “Like A Bird” juxtaposes with the nostalgic smoothness of “Maxing The Clink,” creating contrasting yet complementary auditory experiences. Furthermore, compositions such as “Reunion,” “The Ponderosa,” and “Big Game Hunter” engage in profound sonic exploration, eliciting deep emotional resonance. Other tracks include “Soft Metal“ and “Ora.” The album culminates with the hauntingly beautiful track “Whisper Me Your Wish,” which envelops listeners in a synthesis of introspection and melodic excellence.
Every track on “Raised on Candy” attests to the band’s meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of authentic artistic expression. From shimmering guitar melodies to poignant lyricism, the album traverses a vast emotional landscape, cementing the trio’s place as a powerful force in today’s music scene.
Raised on Candy’s self-titled album is a collection of musical expertise and a profoundly personal adventure through the band’s sonic evolution. It’s a must-listen for rock enthusiasts and anyone yearning for an authentic, introspective experience. “Raised on Candy” is poised to resonate with listeners, solidifying the band’s legacy as pioneers of a new rock renaissance.
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Album Review
“Every Rain” by Luke Borchelt evokes a soulful tapestry of nostalgic life with introspective memories
Emerging singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt steps into the spotlight, making waves with his highly anticipated debut album, “Every Rain,” a heartfelt ode to life’s quiet moments, comprises a nine-track odyssey that bridges the intimate charm of the Chesapeake Bay roots with the universal resonance of timeless authenticity. This collection demonstrates Borchelt’s unique blend of country upbringing and modern soundscapes, creating nostalgically grounded and refreshingly innovative music.
Spanning just over 32 minutes, the album “Every Rain” is a masterful exploration of life’s imperfections, love’s intricacies, and the enduring impact of personal history. It begins with “Same Old Square,” Borchelt immerses listeners into a euphoric country classic drenched in youthful memory love, capturing the unassuming joy of revisiting familiar places with someone special, driven by heartfelt lyrics and strumming guitars and small-town life with his signature lyrical authenticity. The title track, “Every Rain,” follows with soulful yet melancholic undertones co-written with producer Warren Russell. This centerpiece delivers a vivid mosaic of imagery of life’s imperfections, malfunctioning trucks, and overgrown gutters, embracing the therapeutic warmth of resilience through life’s storms.
Subsequent tracks such as “Itchin’” and “Frostbit Hands“ further broaden the album’s emotional spectrum. The former ventures into unexplored realms with folk-pop soulfulness, while the latter is a modern acoustic classic work reflecting on lost friendships and the reconciliation of past errors with hopeful renewal in personal growth. “Victoria“ shifts the focus to a romantic-soaked ballad influenced by dreamy organ strums, catchy beats, and an uplifting soundscape to paint vivid snapshots of budding memories of romance, evoke late-night calls, and sweet red wine, rendering it an undeniable highlight of the album.
Borchelt’s artistic versatility is manifested in blending enchanting lyrical narrative with sonic sophistication shines in “Accent,” a nostalgic acoustic vibe co-written with Jordan Rager and Mark Irwin. Meanwhile, “Maryland Life“ and “Car Heat“ are poignant tributes to Borchelt’s upbringing and childhood memories, encapsulating his roots with soul-stirring melodies. The album concludes on a hauntingly beautiful note with “Orland, ME,” a heart-wrenching portrayal of heartbreak. Borchelt’s trembling vibrato leaves an indelible mark, lingering long after the final note fades.
Crafted meticulously, “Every Rain” constitutes an intimate adventure through Borchelt’s world. It traverses a landscape of memories characterized by shimmering melodies and genuine authenticity. Each track provides a glimpse into his creative vision, cementing his place as a compelling new voice in modern folk and soul. Luke Borchelt’s “Every Rain” promises to be a valuable addition to diverse musical playlists, appealing to listeners craving introspection and emotionally evocative depth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profoundly remarkable debut.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Luke Borchelt’s Album “Every Rain“ on Spotify.
