Album Review
ZZ Ward Unleashes her Authentic ‘Dirty Shine’ in a Soulful Independent Album Release
The remarkable ZZ Ward, known for her exceptional fusion of alternative, blues, and hip-hop genres, has recently taken a courageous leap into the limelight by releasing her highly-anticipated album, “Dirty Shine.” This 14-track masterpiece, boasting 38 minutes and 20 seconds runtime, is a candid and unvarnished exploration of her identity, creativity, and genuineness.
In a world that frequently places a premium on perfection, ZZ Ward boldly embraces the concept of “dirty shine.” For herself and her ardent fanbase, this phrase encapsulates the essence of staying true to oneself, embracing imperfections, and celebrating vulnerabilities. With “Dirty Shine,” ZZ Ward makes a bold musical statement and embarks on a creative renaissance as an independent artist.
The album commences with the arresting “Welcome to Dirty Shine,” an alluring musical invitation into ZZ Ward’s world. It establishes the tone for a journey that is both daring and soulful.
One of the album’s high points is the electrifying “Ride or Die,” featuring the talented Vic Mensa. Their collaboration unites two distinctive voices in music, resulting in a potent and emotionally charged track.
As the album progresses, “Fadeaway” showcases ZZ Ward’s songwriting dexterity, with lyrics that penetrate deep into the soul. The album culminates with “Don’t Let Me Down,” leaving listeners with a lingering sense of connection and authenticity.
Album Review
Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”
Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.
Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.
“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.
The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.
The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.
Connect with Aptøsrs on Website | X | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram |
Album Review
Mt. Kili Mt. Kili delivers quiet power and honest reflection on “The Noticer” (album)
Mt. Kili’s latest album, “The Noticer,” is a warm, contemplative acoustic folk album that finds beauty in the minutiae of life itself, as calm and bare as anyone would call it. Songwriter Rick Sichta of Asheville leads the project with delicate instrumentation and outspoken lyrics, bringing forth an experience that can be both personal and universal.
Recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, the music is refined and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Julian Dreyer and David Glasser. The current lineup still embodies this vision, with Matt Shepard holding down a heavy rhythmic backbone and Laney Barnett’s violin and vocals rounding out the sound, creating emotion.
There is a story and emotion hidden within each track. The EP opens with “Don’t Start a War,” which opens contemplatively, begging for peace rather than war. The title track, “The Noticer,” exudes a sense of awareness and the beauty of watching life unfold. “The Rain Song” features a soothing, near-meditative vibe.
With a hopeful reflection, “The Road Isn’t as Long as It Seems” is about perspective and perseverance. “Her Song” is pretty much a musical love letter, and “Kyle” is defined by its character-driven narrative. With “The Weather Report,” the change of feeling is reflected, while “Scars “ and “Strawberry Fields” hint at memories and softening imagery. “All in Good Time” concludes the record patiently, a soothing sigh of comfort. “The Noticer” is a reflective album with a soft reminder that sometimes the smallest moments mean the most.
Connect with Mt. Kili on | Spotify
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoYG Kayboe merges soul and street savvy on the potent “By The Way”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe AYAMI unveils a soft anthem of rebirth on new release “Good Morning”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoEmme Rain stands out with deeply personal new release “Voodoo Music”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe trapheaux gracefully glides over in new release “Marble Floors”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoLAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoCam Blair makes a statement with intriguing presence on new release “Clean Up”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoNIHLNØTHING unleashes increased tides on new release “ocean” Power
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoGarth Adam unveils a beautiful piano arrangement on “Here We Are Emotional – Radio Edit”

