Album Reviews

This section includes a running list of the music reviews we publish. We also publish a lot of interviews, curate playlists, and podcast. Want to submit your music?

Akshara Create Beautiful Soundscapes Founded In Traditional Indian Classical Music, In Time Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 19, 2018 10:29 am Tagged With: Folk, jazz, New York City, United States, World

Akshara is a music ensemble organized by composer Bala Skandan that is founded in traditional Indian classical music but also brings together world music traditions alongside elements of jazz improvisation and folk music. Akshara‘s composition Mohana Blues was the winner of Best World Traditional Song at the 13th Annual Independent Music Awards. Once you click […]

Grayson Erhard Captivates With Masterful Song Crafting, I Will Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 18, 2018 10:37 am Tagged With: Acoustic, Colorado, Pop, pop rock, singer, songwriter

Hailing from a section of Colorado known as “The Valley”, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Grayson Erhard saw his music career take an unexpected turn while performing a cover version of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition at NAMM. During that performance, the man and the legend Stevie Wonder overheard the song, approached Grayson and a spontaneous, impromptu duet […]

Royal Ruckus Returns! Prepare To Rock With The World’s Okayest Rapper

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 18, 2018 9:36 am Tagged With: Hip Hop, rap

SoCal based Royal Ruckus is back with the World’s Okayest Rapper, the follow-up to their previous album Summer of the Cicadas (which we reviewed, find that here). For this fun-filled, head-noddin’, ill flowin’, beats bangin’ album, emcee Chunjay teamed up with CookBook of LA Symphony to take us on a journey through the life of […]

Derek Lee Goodreid Packs A Blues-Infused Rockabilly Punch on New Album God, The Devil and I

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 17, 2018 7:58 pm Tagged With: Blues, Country, Europe, Folk, Norway, rockabilly, singer, songwriter

Australia native, Norway based singer/songwriter Derek Lee Goodreid delivers a raw, organic, blues-infused, rockabilly wall of sound on his new album God, The Devil and I. Combining elements of rockabilly, blues, folk and country music styles into a potent sonic package, Derek’s years of experience as a song crafter and musician culminate into a fine […]

The Sheyana Band Spread Big Love With New Single and Album

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 16, 2018 12:08 pm Tagged With: Australia, Blues, blues rock, indie rock, singer, songwriter

Get ready to feel the love emanating from The Sheyana Band’s new single and album Big Love. Tight rhythms, body movin’ grooves and plenty of blues-infused, roots-rockin’ storytelling are packed into the fourteen songs which make up this cohesive and consistently emotive yet jammin’ record. Headed by Tasmania based guitarist, educator and award-winning singer/songwriter Sheyana […]

Entrusting the Relocation of Valuable Fixtures to Professionals

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 15, 2018 10:26 am Tagged With: Piano

A piano can be a valuable asset to any home or organization that invests in it. Even the lowest quality pianos can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Their worth demands careful attention to and upkeep of them. When you need a piano moved from its current location to a new one, you may […]

Prepare for the Infectious Synth-Pop-Rockin’ Sounds of Yam Haus’ Stargazer

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 8, 2018 9:32 am Tagged With: Pop, pop rock, United States, Wisconsin

Wisconsin native synth-pop-rock quartet Yam Haus have arrived with their infectious and equally contagious debut album Stargazer. From the moment you start listening, you are going to be hit with an exciting, refreshing, radio-ready, massively pop appealing swarm of sounds that make you move, make you groove, make you dance and ultimately lift your spirits […]

Astronomique Takes Us On A Spacey, Psych-Rock Journey On New Album Sharp Divide

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 8, 2018 9:09 am Tagged With: Alternative, indie rock, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Psychedelic Rock, Rock, synth pop

Get ready to jam with Minneapolis based psych-pop-space-rockers Astronomique as they guide us through the soundtrack of their newest space wave journey Sharp Divide. From the moment I clicked play, I knew I was in for a sonic treat. Hypnotic vocals, melodically rich elements from surf-rock-esque guitars to synth-fueled arpeggiations and smooth, body swayin’ rhythms […]

Get Down! Disaster Relief Deliver The Goods On New Self-Titled Funkified Jazz Fusion Record

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 7, 2018 10:15 am Tagged With: Detroit, Funk, Instrumental, Jazz, Rock

What first started out as regular jam sessions at Ravine Records in Ann Arbor, Michigan quickly developed into fully-immersive, weekly writing and recording workshops led by guitarist/songwriter Darrin James. Each week Darrin and his top notch musician friends came together with the the goal of writing one new song each week. Before long, this dynamic […]

Indoe Delivers Hypnotic, Infectious, Soulful R&B Single, Deep Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman June 7, 2018 8:26 am Tagged With: R&B, Soul

You’ve probably heard the voice of Indoe without even knowing it… Allow me to explain. Native to Hermosa Beach, California but now in New Jersey, Indoe began her journey into the music industry when she was very young. Her portfolio includes contributing background vocals to rap legends such as Big L and MC Lyte. She […]