NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"BOSSA510" 2015    BOSSA510 - The debut album from John Vargas' all star multi-talented ensemble kicks off with a funky bass and guitar intro which moves into Jazz Funk seamlessly incorporating some 90s style Hip Hop.  David Vargas (known as D-Varg and John's son) provides the cool, summery rapping while R n' b star Jamillions provides some chilled vocals.  It would almost be the perfect Pop song but the twist of Randy Merril's flugelhorn makes it just that little bit more unique.   COME WITH ME - A delightful Latin Jazz style track that again infuses Rap and the Bossa style.  A lot slower pace than the previous track with some beautiful Soul vocals from Nikki Rey fronting a lisght, laid back backing.  D-Varg again provides the Rap sections while Nikki harmonises in support.  A really nice chilled song.  Actually reminds me a little of LL Cool J tracks from the late 80s.   OCEAN BREEZE - Feeling like you are chilling out on a beach taking in the cool breeze

 "RUSH" 1974 FINDING MY WAY - The band's debut album consists of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey (soon to leave the band after this album and replaced on drums by the more familiar Neil Peart).  This opening track is atorming intro with a Led Zeppelin style, screeching vocals, searing guitar solos and pulsating drums.  Wake up, Rush are here!The first single from the set failed to chart in the UK. NEED SOME LOVE -  This track is a straight up rocker, with elements of Rock 'n Roll and deep lazy Blues.  More catchy than most Rush songs and has that "radio-friendly" appeal.  It also has a slight Punk vibe. TAKE A FRIEND - Another catchy track with more Classic Rock leanings and heavy sounding Pop.  I love the ZZ Top style bluesy guitars here.   HERE AGAIN - An emotional, powerful slow Blues Rock track until about halfway then the guitars get heavier and it ends with a crescendo of Blues, Classic and Progressive Rock. WHAT YOU'RE DOING - Another

"CALLS FOR REBELLION" 2015 PRETEND FRIEND - The debut album from Camille and Noemie Debray, two French born, South African raised sisters on a Punk mission! This opening track is what Madonna would sound like singing 90s Grunge! Great fiery, raw opener. WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD - This is a heavier Rock track, kind of Red Hot Chili Peppers fronted by a Pat Benatar/Gwen Stefani hybrid.  Angry and rocky, brilliant. VOODOO CHILD - Black Sabbath meets the Go-Go's in this almost funky Classic Rock track.  One of my favourites. HATER - Angry real Punk Rock/Alternative Rock stomper with a great chorus, awesome track!     BLOODY - Nirvana meets Amy Studt in this 90s styled Grunge rocker with a real dark, Gothic tone hitting in at just past the 3 minute mark.  Excellent track. NYMPH - Atmospheric, deep Progressive Rock/early 70s Rock track that hints slightly at 90s Grunge. HOLD ON TIGHT - Driven by a thumping guitar and drum rhythm, this is a New Wave style Pop Pun

"NIGHT LIFE" 2017 NIGHT LIFE -  This opening track reminds me of Heaven 17 with a hint of Kraftwerk's electronic vocal backing on the chorus.  Bright and breezy with a great vocal, a pumping electronic beat and catchy chorus.  Sets you up nicely for the nostalgic glimpse into your 80s past that is to come.     HAVEN'T I TRIED - Starts with a person walking and whistling before the footsteps change into a throbbing electrobeat, synths and handclap sounds.  The verses are clearly Erasure-like but the chorus somehow changes into Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys! Great song, the chorus is sing-a-long catchy and the vocals and composition are perfect Electro Pop. WHEN YOU FALL - A powerful and emotive Electro Rock ballad with an eerie atmospheric style.  As a big fan of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet it reminds me a little of their very early albums.  The chorus is akin to David Sylvian of Japan, with that low, almost monotone dark vocal

"SHE'S SO UNUSUAL" 1983     MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING - The opening track of Cyndi's debut album was a cover of The Brains'  1980 underground hit.  New Wave Rock Pop, Cyndi explores her vocal range to the hilt with some ear piercing, amazing high notes, which critics' adored later on her career.  Great uptempo start to a great album. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN - One of Cyndi's signature tunes and became a feminist anthem and a hit all over the globe.  Perfect 80s Pop, with elements of Dance and Rock, and an unbelievably catchy sing along chorus.  One of the best and most memorable songs of the 80s decade. WHEN YOU WERE MINE - As a Prince fan I recognised this cover version on first listen.  A brilliant 80s Synthpop style track where she kept all of the he/him/his pronouns in the lyrics.  A mid tempo ballad that stands on its own and gives Cyndi's album a more mature track amid the hits.   TIME AFTER TIME - One of my f

"WET LEG" 2022 BEING ALONE - The opening track to this debut album by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers is a quirky mix of 90s Grunge and Alternative Pop.  Add a little Psychedelia, funky drums and some flirty, panted vocals this is a great track. CHAISE LONGUE - The debut single by the girls only reached number 74 in the UK chart but had massive play on all platforms and got the band noticed.  It is mostly spoken tonge-in-cheek flirty vocals but its incredibly catchy, reminding me of Elastica and Sleeper in the 90s.  Got me hooked to the girls' music. ANGELICA - A cool, hypnotic slice of early 70s Psychedelia Pop Rock.  Another catchy song that once it hits your head it becomes memorable.  Love it. I DON'T WANNA GO OUT - An Alternative Rock track similar to Garbage with a slow, atmospheric style.   WET DREAM - The second single is a mish mash 90s Pop Rock mix of Grunge, Elastica-style vocals and backing but also a little Alanis Morissette.  It's a sexy yet

"BOMBS AWAY" 2014 GERONIMO - The album opener and this is the song that caught my attention to this great Australian Indie sibling band.  The driving, almost marching band drumbeat keeps the pace throughout while the fabulous harmonies from George and Amy Sheppard and melodies bring this storming song to life.  The chanted chorus that sticks in your head instantly makes you incapable of not singing along with it! Catchy, powerful, inspiring and uplifting.  An absolute gem.     SOMETHING'S MISSING - Slowing down a little after the opening track.  This is a more melancholic track, Acoustic sounding as it builds up pace as the song progresses.  Beautifully composed and produced, its a little Country and a little Folk Rock.  Reminds me a little of The Corrs in some moments, brilliant. LET ME DOWN EASY - A chirpy kind of 50s and 60s Rock N' Roll Pop.  The song grabs you with a fabulous rhythm that will make you nod your head, click your fingers or tap your toes.  Irresis

"DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" 2012 ONE TIN MAN - The debut album by Kevin Gullickson's Radio Drive opens with this bright and breezy track.  Its 90s BritPop style are reminiscent of R.E.M.  A great introduction to this set.   DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE - This title track is a brilliant chugging 60s/70s style outright rocker.  I love this track, an instant favourite.  There are some interesting Eastern influenced keyboards in there I think and the echoed vocals give it a mystical feel as well. LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE - A really lovely, lilting ballad that has Dream Pop moments and a slight Eastern flavour again with the chiming intro.  Nice track to relax to after a stressful day. THE WINNING EDGE - This is a harder Classic Rock track, although an instrumental its atmospheric backing makes this a great listen.  At just less than 3 minutes it showcases yet again the different styles that Radio Drive can take on with ease.  Also has hints of Progressive Rock, classy track. ONE LIFE TO