by Shannon Smith
James Bay’s journey from the youthful singer-songwriter who burst onto the scene in 2015 with Chaos and the Calm to his fourth studio album, Changes All the Time, reveals a subtle shift in his creative voice. This new album sees Bay lean further into his Americana influences while continuing to explore themes of self-reflection and resilience. The eleven-track offering shows his commitment to songwriting tradition while weaving in new voices lyrically and musically alongside producer Gabe Simon.
The album opens with “Up All Night,” a collaboration featuring The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. The song [...]
by Shannon Smith
With their latest single, “Sunrise,” The Baker Brothers have delivered a track that’s destined for the dance floor. Featuring the soulful stylings of Hannah Williams, though not as the lead vocalist, the song boasts an undeniable groove, polished musicianship, and infectious energy that will keep listeners moving well past the first listen.
From the moment “Sunrise” kicks off with its sharp, hip band hits, Chris Pedleys’ slap-and-pop bass line grabs the listener and locks them into a tight, funk-laden rhythm. Ted Carrasco’s drums anchor the track, laying down a beat that [...]
by Shannon Smith
Jessie Murph’s debut album, That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil, showcases her approach to today’s songwriting and genre-blending, but her vocal skills are the most impressive. From breath control and pitch to emotional nuance, this 12-track project underscores Murph’s ability to connect deeply with her listeners through emotive voice alone.
Murph’s control is evident throughout the album, particularly in tracks like “I Hope It Hurts.” Here, she moves effortlessly between her chest voice and her upper register, holding sustained notes [...]
by Shannon Smith
Montréal’s Kee Avil, known for her intricate blend of avant-pop, post-industrial sensibilities, and experimental folk, returns with her sophomore album, Spine. This record, a follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, Crease, presents a fascinating evolution in her sonic landscape, offering listeners a raw, stripped-back experience that still pulses with her signature intensity. Where Crease was a labyrinthine journey through dense, gothic atmospheres, Spine focuses on the tension between simplicity and complexity, human frailty and machine precision.
Spine unfolds as an exercise in controlled minimalism, with each track [...]
