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Album Review

Veteran Singer Songwriter James Mastro Releases Album for the Ages, “Dawn of a New Error”

James Mastro is a veteran songwriter and guitarist with an impressive career spanning several decades. He made a name for himself as a teenager in the iconic CBGB scene as part of The Richard Lloyd Group. As a member of The Bongos, Mastro achieved mainstream success with the release of three acclaimed albums. He went on to front Americana band The Health & Happiness Show, releasing three highly praised albums. Mastro has opened for a diverse range of artists including Wilco, Johnny Cash, and Barenaked Ladies. He has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as Patti Smith and John Cale. Additionally, Mastro has been a longtime member of Ian Hunter’s band, playing guitar on Hunter’s last seven albums. With an impressive list of credits, including production work for artists like Steve Wynn and Jill Sobule, Mastro is a highly sought-after musician in the industry. His latest project, the upcoming album Dawn of a New Error, is set to be released on February 21, 2024 on MPress Records.

Produced by Tony Shanahan, bassist and co-producer for Patti Smith, Dawn of a New Error is a masterful showcase of Mastro’s musicianship. From the soaring guitar riffs to the clever lyrics, each of the 11 tracks on the album is a testament to his artistic vision and musical prowess.

The album kicks off with the energetic and infectious “Right Words, Wrong Song,” featuring guest vocals from the legendary Ian Hunter. With its driving guitar riffs and catchy chorus, it’s a perfect introduction to Mastro’s musical world. The hopeful “The Face of the Sun” and the fast-paced “Three Words” continue the trend of earworm-worthy hooks and powerful vocals.

But it’s not all about the rock and roll on this album. Mastro shows his range with the introspective “My god,” a song about belief in oneself and others. It’s a beautiful track that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its poignant lyrics and engaging melody.

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“River Runs Forever” takes listeners on a journey through lost loves and the end of days. The mandolin-driven “Everywhere” conjures up images of old photographs, while the gospel-tinged “Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around” is a message of perseverance and hope.

One of the highlights of the album is “Here Beside Me,” a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Mastro’s vocals and songwriting skills. The dreamy “Never Die” features the high backing vocals of legendary drummer Steve Goulding and a more than memorable groove that lets Mastro’s guitar skills shine.

The album features many high notes, including “Trouble,” a lively track that features guest vocals from The Jersey City New Heights Gospel Group, adding a touch of soul and gospel to the mix. Overall, Dawn of a New Error is a rich and diverse album that showcases Mastro’s talents as a musician, songwriter, and producer.

What sets Mastro apart from other musicians is his ability to seamlessly blend genres, from Americana to Art Rock to Gospel. His diverse influences are evident throughout the album, creating a unique and engaging sound that will appeal to a wide range of music lovers.

The production of the album is top-notch, with a team of talented musicians and engineers bringing Mastro’s songs to life. Tony Shanahan’s contributions as producer, bassist, and backing vocalist add an extra layer of depth to the album, while the guest appearances from Ian Hunter and The Jersey City New Heights Gospel Group add even more dimension to the tracks.

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In a world where many artists are chasing trends and trying to fit into a specific genre, James Mastro stands out as a true original. Dawn of a New Error is a testament to his talent and his ability to create music that is both timeless and timely. With this album, Mastro steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Fans of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, and Wilco will not want to miss this album. Dawn of a New Error is a must-listen for any music lover.

–Felix Crosse

Album Pre-save/order link: https://mpress.lnk.to/DawnOfANewError

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Album Review

Jangus Kangus shatters melodic boundaries with her debut album “Fortune Cookie”

Jangus Kangus

Jangus Kangus, the intriguing musical force helmed by Jasmine Sankaran, has just cracked open her most audacious project to date, “Fortune Cookie,” an album that intricately weaves genre fluidity and emotional resonances. This collection of eight tracks serves as both a sonic manifesto and a significant milestone in contemporary indie-pop, characterized by unvarnished lyricism and engaging, jangly hooks.

The album commences with You Only Love Me When,” a seemingly serene acoustic-pop track that establishes the thematic groundwork for a narrative exploration of desires, internal conflicts, and acts of defiance. It poignantly laments love that manifests only through revealed strength, portraying love as a timeless entity, even when entangled with the vices of broken individuals intoxicated by addictive substances. After this introduction, Kangus transitions into the introspective Double Lives,” a shimmering soul-infused piece that methodically dissects the paradoxes inherent in love and the subdued anguish that frequently accompanies the double lives.

Progressing to No Future In This,” the album’s melancholic yet assertive dive into romantic realism presents bold lyrical insights. This sentiment escalates into the heartbreak elegy Our Love Is Dead,” here, rhythmic piano chords evoke a mournful grace that encapsulates the heaviness of lost love, distrust, and betrayal. The track underscores the necessity of relinquishing specific attachments to pivot away from unsafe circumstances, echoing the fortune teller’s chilling proclamation: our love is, indeed, dead. Then comes the wild card Janakita Kirakita,” an intoxicating burst of sonic dynamism and gleeful experimental composition that injects curiosity and electric charm into the auditory tapestry, boldly challenging convention with every note.

Listeners will find Goldilocks particularly captivating; this genre-defying number draws from stylistic influences reminiscent of St. Vincent and The Smiths, skillfully merging nostalgia with contemporary innovation. It conveys an urgent yearning to reclaim lost love during periods of solitude. The penultimate track, Honeymooners in Venice,” narrates a cinematic experience rich in post-modern nuances. Finally, the concluding piece, High Rise,” offers a deep plunge into Sankaran’s introspections, leaving a reverberating and haunting impact.

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Meticulously crafted with the dexterity of a seasoned lyricist and the fervor of a punk priestess, “Fortune Cookie” commands attention as a contemporary coming-of-age narrative rich with lo-fi grit and artistic ambition, all presented through a unique lens.

Featuring an outstanding lineup that highlights the intricate interplay of Steph Anderson on keys and backing vocals, Antonio White on lead guitar, Dan Perdomo on drums, and Ryan Kellis on bass, Jangus Kangus delivers a performance that harmonizes technical proficiency with emotional transcendence. The music constitutes a distinctive addition to diverse playlists, serving as an ideal backdrop for a heartbreak soundtrack or late-night contemplation, thereby ensuring its relevance and recurrence among discerning audiences.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Jangus Kangus’s Album Fortune Cookie on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Jangus Kangus | Instagram | Facebook |

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Album Review

Eric Schroeder drops a riveting dare into his emotionally charged new album “Cat’s Game”

Eric Schroeder

Eric Schroeder, a distinguished innovator within the indie rock-pop sphere, born and raised in San Diego, has unveiled his ambitious latest album, “Cat’s Game,” a masterful project that deftly explores intricate emotional landscapes. Comprising ten meticulously woven tracks, traverse through landscapes of confessional intimacy, introspection, and sonic defiance that revitalizes classic rock ‘n’ roll aesthetics. Recorded at Mant Sounds under the expert production of Rob Schnapf and engineered by Matt Scheussler, this striking new album premieres today and signifies a potential shift in the contemporary rock narrative.

As a pivotal player within San Diego’s eclectic music scene, Eric Schroeder adeptly navigates the dynamics of chaos and clarity, and “Cat’s Game” showcases his most sophisticated orchestration to date. Collaborating with a tight-knit ensemble featuring Matt Scheussler (bass), Jake Richter (drums), and Aidan Finn (keys), Schroeder breathes life into every lyric, wrapping each composition in swirling authenticity and unfiltered emotional gravity.

Commencing with the soaring rock gem High And Low,” listeners are immediately plunged into the heart of Eric’s introspective lyricism, capturing a spectrum of euphoria tinged with unintentionality, where moments of sorrow transmute into uplifting sentiments. The follow-up singleEmily floats a unique form of bittersweet poetry, allowing audiences to resonate with a profound longing through emotive acoustics and nostalgic melodies. Furthermore, the slow-burning Don’t Wanna Let You Go effectively merges vulnerability with assertive musical grit in one unforgettable, gut-punching anthem.

Tracks like As I Sit Here In My Car and I’ve Got Problems demonstrate Schroeder’s exceptional proficiency in turning everyday occurrences into deeply relatable stories, marrying lyrical poetry with infectious grooves and cinematic soundscapes. Meanwhile, Leave Me Sleeping arises as a notable highlight, functioning as a haunting lullaby drenched in longing and lucid dreamlike clarity, further underscoring his capacity to encapsulate solitude in a captivating sonic framework.

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Mid-album highlights, such as My Big Brother,” “Slipstream,” andSummer In The Psych Ward,” explores the chaotic interior of memory and identity, enhancing the psychological dimensions of Schroeder’s artistry. Finally, the closing track, The Road To Recovery,” presents an achingly beautiful exhale, a tender, tremulous resolution to a defiant, emotionally rich album.

Cat’s Game” is a crucial addition to any rock enthusiast playlist, reminding us of the enduring significance of music in contemporary culture. The album is an immersive manifesto of emotional honesty, dynamic storytelling, and fearless creativity. Eric Schroeder doesn’t just participate in this artistic endeavor; he is rewriting the rules with his enchanting vocal delivery. His rare gift for transmuting vulnerability into visceral musical encounters cements his reputation as a mesmerizing songwriter, a burgeoning force in today’s evolving music landscape, poised to make a significant impact.

 

For more information about Eric Schroeder, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eric Schroeder’s Album Cat’s Game on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Eric Schroeder | Instagram

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