Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:00 pm

How many members does a band need to create a good sound? Many may say maybe three or four, while those who are more aware of the music scene today could say that a duo is enough. But the fact is that even one single great musician can create what one group of six people are hardly able to do. However, few are those who can go beyond creating great music to creating something truly special. This is the case of Aron Lyrd.In his latest release, Lucid Dreams, this great composer and guitarist from Philly brings a style that reminds us of different bands from Matchbox 20, Oasis, and David Bowie to the legendary Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath. Some of this can be seen in the first song, "Gasoline," where guitar riffs mix with powerful bass lines and drum beats. Subtly aggressive and original Lyrd vocals are responsible for giving us a reason to shake our head, go crazy, dance, and turn on the engines."Becoming Extinct" is a catchy sound, and it has a While The Killers meets Smashing Pumpkins vibe with a little mess in between, like a cat fight. On the other hand, "Beginning" has that Chilli Peppers style (think "Under the Bridge") with rather bleak voices."Come Again" is funky, fun, and entertaining, like a cross between Red Hot and Lenny Kravitz. It gets us up and down. The bass is definitely the star of this track. "Everybody Loves An Event" is going for a more Bon Jovi sound, and as far as production is concerned, it is quite different from the others."Grassy Banks" brings different elements. Tribal drum beats with an acoustic guitar give a Latin touch to the song."Hey, Hey" is quite eighties. As a soundtrack to movies like The Breakfast Club or any of John Hughes’s teen films. Entertaining, easy to listen tp, again it has those guitar chords and drum beats with faint melodious vocals by Lyrd; everything fits perfectly."Made In A Minute" contains new instruments such as a synthesizer that reminds us a little of Tears For Fears and Duran Duran. The rhythm guitars and riffs are excellent. The drums again make an appereance, guiding our feet to the beat of the song and along with the bass lines, all are present at this event. It's epic and amazing. You can see some influence even of Oasis and MUSE."Shadows On Me" is like Third Eye Blind and Bruce Springsteen had a baby. It's really catchy, and once again there are the acoustic chords and pretty much the same things we have been hearing in the other tracks.In conclusion, each song has its special touch. One may be better than another one, but in the end, they all sound excellent and are worth listening to. Returning to the roots of this wonderful genre, Aron Lyrd ends up delighting us with something we can call rock.

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:22 pm

Is there an average age at which a person can be considered mature enough to be under the lights of a reflector or behind the camera? If it is because they become spoiled, adults entering the scene as such also do the same; if it's because of the level of experience, there are many children and young people who have an equal amount or more than any other adult. Whatever the reason, people like Lyric Dubee at only fourteen but with a huge passion for music doesn’t give a damn and proof of that might be his new record.Alive by the young Canadian is an album full of emotions and adrenaline. Crossing bands like Linkin Park with artists like John Mayer, it is something to enjoy alone or with others."Perfection" is one song that starts the album in a very mellow way, something you would expect from a group like One Direction or artists like Justin Bieber. It is certainly a song to drive little girl fans crazy who enjoy the music and lyrics rather than cheesy pop. However, "Shout" is the opposite, with a fine touch of John Mayer meets Incubus. The guitar riffs and drum beats are rather simple but amazing and his voice manages to fit perfectly. The brief but brilliant guitar solo adds an extra element of awesomeness to the track."She's The One" is going for a somewhat country rock sound. Unlike the first song, this is a "romantic" but more mature song. The adult voices in the chorus add a touch to the song that makes it more amazing than it already is. Lyric's voice has grown in such an incredible way. The sound is fast, fun, and entertaining. The riffs are excellent, perfect for making you dance. "Alarmed," on the other hand, is full of inspirational lyrics where Dubee sings over and over again for those who have been disappointed and those who think they are good for nothing: they are not alone. There's someone that cares about your situation."Star" begins in a rather gloomy way with a riff that immediately catches us, with some folk vibes in it. The drum beats and bass lines might not be the stars of this show, but they certainly can be felt. Again lovely but bold vocals, along with the synthesizer in the choir, are just great. And again we can see some good aspects similar to those found in the music of artists like John Mayer."Tears" is the final track, and as indicated in the title, is a remix so you can expect some electronica elements during the song. With electric guitar riffs with synths and a voice with a bit of auto tune, it is like a good cross between Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. It's entertaining, good pop and once you hear it, you might not be able to stop humming it.In conclusion, although this is not a record that would blow your mind and drive you crazy, it is a pretty cool record to sit and enjoy, maybe even to sing along to. It is not so heavy, but not so soft either.

Thu, 01/31/2013 - 7:03 pm

What can be considered real rap or hip hop music or just plain business? Many may argue that it's all in the lyrics. In that case, to some extent, we can say that Cousin J is perhaps not really a rapper. Among other things, it may be so or not.What there's absolutely no doubt about is that it is tremendously fun and entertaining, and that can be seen immediately in the first song that starts the album, "Love Me," where we can hear a bit of Kanye West, Wiz and Tinie Tempah Kalifah. This is something that we will be appreciating throughout the entire record."Papered Up" is simply a continuation of what we were hearing. The beats, elements, and effects combine to create something that will simply make you dance in milliseconds. Similarly, it is something completely addictive."All For You" is completely different. It has more of – how shall I say – R & B, R. Kelly ... This time the rapper joins Lotis J to create a romantic, seductive, amazing piece.Again "Takin Off" returns to the same, now assuming a little more sound of Will.i.am, where the letters fly and are complemented by the music. Track and Trace J Da Man ​​make excellent appearances, always on target.Many songs are going to, well, drive you crazy in a good way; we find "Stackin Chips," where words against certain groups of people are in the entire song and no one is saved from the attack.In conclusion, this album may not be the most original in the world, but if you are looking for music to have a good time while you feel like an incredible euphoria envelops you, this is an album you should buy immediately.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 8:53 am

Certainly as time goes by, many genres have changed or rather have combined to create something new and original. A great example can be seen in the new album by New York's White Rhino.The Journey is, as the title indicates, a fantastic journey through sound. Lots of drama, tension, fun, and so many emotions and feelings that will wrap you up immediately. This can be seen in the first song "Something To Say," where the effects of piano with beats combine to create something epic and scary at the same time. It's just great."New York City" is something of a tribute to the much renowned, legendary city of New York City. Here we find this cool sound that might remind us of other artists like BoB or Feed Me. It's just fun, but as you listen to the song, there are verses that immediately show you how much this guy loves his city: "I'm On With this city / I'm one with my city / don 't fuck with my city' cause I am this city. '"Star, Baby" is completely different as far as sound goes. It's like a cross between Coldplay and Lil Wayne. It's entertaining, with guitar riffs, bass lines and drums, and it works both as a catchy rock song and a great song of hip-hop. "Stunning" and "Face The Music" follow the same line, but this time they are more leaning toward bands and artists like Jet or Kevin Rudolf."Feel Like I Do" and "Limelight" are songs that are responsible for providing an end to this album. While the first has a good touch of Akon in it – entertaining, danceable, fun – the second is going for something much more epic with synth effects.In conclusion, we can say it is a good album with some ingredients that make an album not superficial or purely commercial. Undoubtedly, it is a great album to just sit and enjoy.