Duran Duran : Danse Macabre Review
Duran Duran’s latest offering, Danse Macabre, released on October 26, 2023, under BMG, represents a fascinating blend of the band’s iconic new-wave style with a spirited embrace of the Halloween theme. This album marks their 16th studio venture and showcases their versatility and enduring appeal.
The album opens with a revamped version of “Nightboat,” a track from their debut album, now infused with a darker and more elaborate arrangement. This new rendition maintains the powerful vocals of Simon Le Bon, evoking the horror themes of Lucio Fulci’s 1979 film, Zombi 2. The transformation of this classic track [...]
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if a jazz band crashed a pop concert? Well, wonder no more! Deborah Silver’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is akin to a delightful musical soirée where Gatsby meets Gen Z, and oh boy, does it swing! Silver takes Swift’s pop anthem in this daring arrangement and infuses it with a jazzy vivacity that bridges the gap between Roaring Twenties flair and modern pop exuberance.
You’re listening to a swinging affair from the moment you press the play button on this track. The [...]
The process of reviewing Lise Davidsen’s Christmas From Norway is an enjoyable listen to chronicle an album that celebrates the Holiday Season. Davidsen delves into its soul to unravel the intricate layers of sounds and to celebrate the confluence of musical mastery and cultural essence of this celebrated music. This album, a collection of Yuletide melodies, shows Davidsen’s vocal skills and is a journey into the heart of Scandinavian Christmas traditions, replete with the warmth and spirit of the season.
From the outset, Christmas From Norway is a revelation of [...]
In the ever-evolving exploration of modern world music, a new ensemble has an exciting and intricate sound that captivates; meet the Austrian ensemble Shake Stew. Their latest offering, Lila, released on October 13, 2023, under the aegis of Traumton Records, is a fine collection of songs and shows their relentless pursuit of musical innovation and excellence.
At the heart of Lila is the ensemble’s core configuration – a unique amalgamation of two drummers, two bass players, and a trio of horns, painting a sonic landscape that is as diverse as it is harmonious. This distinct setup provides a fertile ground for exploration, allowing each track [...]
Much of modern country music is all about the glitzy allure of pop influences, which often threatens to overshadow the genre’s rustic roots. Cody Johnson’s latest album, Leather, is a steadfast beacon of tradition. Released on November 3, 2023, under Warner Music Nashville, this 12-track project presents a narrative that weaves through the heartlands of emotion, tradition, and the unfiltered soul of country music with acoustic instruments and unadulterated vocals.
Right off the bat, the album’s thematic diversity is striking. With his signature commanding yet harmonious voice, Johnson [...]
FLØRE’s “Witch” is her latest single and marks another high point in the song’s production and thematic elements. The song opens with a hauntingly rhythmic pattern of heavy breathing overlaying a dramatic synth figure, immediately immersing the listener in a sensually charged world and powerfully introspective. This aligns with FLØRE’s portrayal of an inner “Witch,” suggesting a deeper, more complex character than just a superficial sensual appeal. It’s a blend of sensuality and empowerment, where the breathing could symbolize both a physical and a metaphorical awakening.
FLØRE’s vocal delivery in the [...]
María Dueñas’ debut album, Beethoven and Beyond, is an exhilarating musical exposition, illuminating the intricate weaving of virtuosity and expression that characterizes the young violinist’s style. The album’s tour de force lies in its exploration of cadenzas. This musical endeavor amplifies the dynamic interplay between the perennial works of legendary composers and Dueñas’s nuanced, innovative interpretations.
Kicking off the album with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Dueñas unveils the musical palette she will [...]
Bonnie Raitt is back with her latest album, Just Like That…, her first album in over six years. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famer continues to draw on all the influences that have shaped her legendary career while simultaneously creating something that articulates the circumstances and challenges of these unprecedented times. Just Like That… was recorded in Sausalito, California, with an all-star band that included two longtime members of Raitt’s band, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson and drummer Ricky Fataar, as well as two new musicians, Canadian Glenn Patscha on keyboards and backing vocals and Nashville guitarist Kenny Greenberg. Her longtime [...]
Halestorm has released their album Back From The Dead, which is eleven songs produced by Nick Raskulinecz that takes the listener on a journey through navigating mental health, debauchery, survival, redemption, and rediscovery while still maintaining faith in humanity. Already the title track has earned the band their sixth #1 on Rock Radio. Halestorm has grown from a childhood dream of siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale into one of the most celebrated rock bands of the last two decades as their music has surpassed a billion streams worldwide. Halestorm is Lzzy Hale on guitar and vocals, with drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bass [...]
Battle Beast is releasing their next installment of European power metal with its sixth studio album called Circus of Doom. The female-fronted metal band is buoyant with symphonic metal driven by agile guitar playing and the grit of singer Noora Luohimo. Who has lost none of her fire over the past 9 years. The sextet has created an album that is easy to listen to while still maintaining an aggressive metal edge. The ten songs have many hooks, riffs, and rebellious driving grooves.
The album sports many symphonic metal anthems, the best being the title track, “Circus of Doom.” There is an edge to the song with its aggressive guitar riffs, [...]
