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?

Jeff Leffler Delivers Upbeat Jams, Awesome Grooves and Infectious Sounds On Strip Me Bare

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 24, 2018 12:33 pm Tagged With: Funk, indie rock, pop rock, Rock, singer, songwriter

Joel Leffler’s newest project, Strip Me Bare, is a highly infectious, danceable, funky groovin’ collection of six well crafted, well produced songs that are guaranteed to uplift your mood and your spirit with it’s barrage of upbeat, motviational pop-rockin’ frequencies. From the moment I clicked play, I was immediately overwhelmed with a wall of sound […]

Tommie King Delivers Smooth Sounds and Confident Flows On Newest Single, Last 24

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 24, 2018 11:36 am Tagged With: Hip Hop, rap

From life in the fast lane to focus on music and the business of it all, Tommie King delivers a smooth barrage of hard hittin’ drums, charming melodies, melodic flows and a hell of a lot of passion and motivation on his newest, Kontrabandz produced single Last 24. An alluring soundscape draws us in as […]

Jab, Jab, Punch! Shaman Elect Hit Us With Multiple Sonic Adventures on Hugo of Bath and Ships Ahoy

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 24, 2018 11:13 am Tagged With: Alternative, Electronic, Experimental, indie rock, Progressive

Combining jazz, rock, electronica and an experimental attitude, Ethan Warshowsky (synths, vocals) and Fredy Garcia (guitar, vocals) formed Shaman Elect as they began developing each other’s songs. Soon, in time for their first live performance, Mike Malkowski (drums, vocals) as well as singer and now frontwoman Sarah Warshowsky transformed the dyanmic duo into a quad […]

Album of the Year, Best Contemporary Album, New Age Supergroup… Meet FLOW

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 24, 2018 10:33 am Tagged With: new age

With all the hullabaloo around self-help, yoga practices and specifically meditation… a lot of people feel “whatever” about the whole thing. However, in my experience, some quiet time without disruption and the right music is all I ever need to feed my soul and stay centered. With that said, FLOW will help you achieve that […]

Simon Lunche Feels Love and Romance On Intimate New Single and Video, In My Arms

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 24, 2018 10:12 am Tagged With: Pop, singer, songwriter

He started playing guitar at age 5. He eventually became the youngest artist ever endorsed by Gibson Guitars while lead singer of The Blondies. At only 19 years old and the major creative force behind his compositions playing every instrument from guitar to cello to violin, trumpet and even saxophone, Simon Lunche has acquired a […]

Need A Psych-Rock Fix? Crooked Flower Deliver with Darkness and Light

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 22, 2018 11:34 am Tagged With: California, Psychedelic, Psychedelic Rock, Rock, United States

Psychedelic rockers Crooked Flower have a new album coming out very very soon (tomorrow May 23rd to be exact)! It is titled Darkness and Light and it is a four track exploration through the creative minds, sounds and seasoned musicianship of this talented and mind expanding collective. I always enjoy a good story behind the […]

Who Knows the Elusive, Enchanting Sounds of Iuliano? New Single & Video Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 22, 2018 10:37 am Tagged With: alt-pop, Alternative, Asia, electronica, Europe, Folk, indie, indie pop, Italy, singer, songwriter, Thailand

Native to Italy but also familiar with Southeast Asia, alt-electronica-pop artist and composer Iuliano began his studies on piano but chose to explore the sonic aesthetics of electric and nylon string guitars for his newest EP Hidden Roots. The lead single and official music video for Who Knows is now available. About his choice, Iuliano […]

Justin Shapiro Rocks, Jams and Nurtures the Soul On New Album, Campfire Party Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 22, 2018 9:43 am Tagged With: alternative rock, Americana, Blues, Folk, Maryland, rock n roll, singer, songwriter

Over the previous decade-plus, Justin Shapiro has been an active participant of the DMV music scene. Starting his path in cover bands playing tunes from Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Neil Young, Justin was also stashing away original material for his own songwriting catalog. Back in 2009, Shapiro was a member of Green River Junction […]

Natalie Lucassian Delivers Smooth Vintage Pop with Alternative Edge with Restless, 12:26 Now Available

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 21, 2018 11:32 am Tagged With: alt-pop, Alternative, Detroit, indie pop, indie rock, singer, songwriter

Detroit native alt-pop singer/songwriter Natalie Lucassian has arrived with smooth, enchanting sounds on her single Restless. Her EP, 12:26, is now available! Described as “Amy Winehouse reincarnated as Adele’s indie rock little sister”, Natalie delivers a hauntingly hypnotic performance backed by a sonic foundation that is equal parts alternative, indie rock and vintage pop. Soothing […]

Big Merino Blends Rock, Blues, Soul and Funk For Jammin’ Good Time on New Album, Suburban Wildlife

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman May 21, 2018 11:05 am Tagged With: Alternative, Australia, Blues, Country, indie rock, Rock, Soul

Despite Suburban Wildlife being Big Merino‘s debut album, the band is well beyond rookie status. Comprising of a team of seasoned music makers, Big Merino is the culmination of various musical styles, years of various experiences and the talented personalities which have come together like Voltron to form an appealing, soul-infused rock record that can […]