Lane 8 : Ghost Voices Review
by Shannon Smith
Lane 8 brings a refreshing and emotive twist to Virtual Self’s “Ghost Voices” with his latest remix, featured on the fifth anniversary compilation album V by This Never Happened, released in July 2024.. This remix not only showcases Lane 8’s production prowess but also highlights his ability to infuse tracks with a unique blend of atmospheric and chill vibes. This track exemplifies Lane 8’s signature style, blending atmospheric soundscapes with engaging beats, sounds, and synths that appeal to avid listeners and those seeking a chill background ambiance.
Virtual Self, an alias of renowned [...]
by Steven Miller
In the vast forest of bluegrass music, a mighty poplar has emerged, firmly rooted in tradition while reaching for new heights. This self-titled debut from the bluegrass supergroup Mighty Poplar brings together five of the genre’s most esteemed musicians, each contributing their unique flavor to a harmonious whole.
Mighty Poplar consists of an all-star lineup: Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse on vocals and mandolin, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge of Punch Brothers on banjo and guitar respectively, Greg Garrison of Leftover Salmon on bass, and Alex Hargreaves, currently touring with Billy Strings, on fiddle. This [...]
by Steven Miller
The music of The Zawose Queens reverberates with spirit and fire, drawing from ancestral vibrations through traditional instruments like the chizeze fiddle, illimba thumb piano, and ngoma drums. Voices soar and intertwine, evoking a deep connection to nature, ceremony, and ritual. Their debut album, Maisha, captures this blend of organic and electronic elements, presenting an album rich in the Gogo people’s musical tradition from central Tanzania’s Dodoma region.
Pendo and Leah Zawose’s debut marks a significant milestone as they become the first women in their famed musical family to lead an album. [...]
by Shannon Smith
Kygo, the Norwegian DJ and record producer, has returned with a new single, “Without You,” featuring the enchanting vocals of HAYLA. Released on June 21, 2024, this track is a testament to Kygo’s signature tropical house style, blending uplifting melodies with deep emotional resonance.
“Without You” opens with HAYLA’s soulful voice, setting a poignant tone that gradually builds with Kygo’s characteristic piano riffs and lush synth layers. The song’s drop is energetic and euphoric, making it a perfect summer anthem that speaks to themes of love and longing. The production is [...]
by Steven Miller
Antonio Faraò, an acclaimed pianist from Rome, has built a reputation as one of the most proficient and inventive pianists on the international jazz scene. Known for his technical brilliance, creative spontaneity, and rhythmic dexterity, Faraò’s music resonates with warmth, conviction, and power. His career has been marked by collaborations with jazz luminaries and contributions to jazz and classical music, making him a versatile and dynamic artist.
Tributes marks Faraò’s first recording with Criss Cross Jazz, where he teams up with equally virtuosic musicians: bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jeff Ballard. [...]
by Shannon Smith
From the vibrant city of Chicago to the musical crucible of Nashville, Bella Rios’s journey began at the tender age of five when she first started learning classical piano. Influenced by musical greats like Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and Aerosmith and contemporary icons such as Adele, P!nk, and Lady Gaga, Bella sets herself apart with her dynamic vocal performances and powerfully connective songwriting. Now a junior at Princeton University studying Economics, she vibe-checks her songs with friends—if they love them or are moved by them, she knows she’s onto something. With her debut EP, Sincerely, under her belt, Bella Rios [...]
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, [...]
