THE MIEWS Reviews
Artist: The Lost Chord Genre: Rock Album: Nostalgia Website: www.thelostchord.ca
Artist: Bae Kuang Genre: Jazz/R&B/Pop Album: These Darling Wings Website: www.baekuang.com
What a Bae-utiful voice she has! Bae Kuang is a very talented singer-songwriter/composer whose music on her latest EP release, THESE DARLING WINGS, explores the creative landscapes of the jazz and R&B genres. Bae’s EP made my day, especially after spending several hours listening to a bunch of rock and folk bands/artists. Comprised of 6 great songs, THESE DARLING WINGS is a powerful display of Bae Kuang’s strength as an artist and songwriter, and I believe that the right opportunities will make her just as successful as her musical doppelgangers, Norah Jones or Corrine Bailey Ray. I found a number of perfect additions to my song library but, the title track - These Darling Wings - is my favorite of them all. It’s the perfect way to kick off a release because the tempo isn’t so fast that it sets you up for unrealistic expectations as to what the project has to offer, but it’s not slow and boring. The pizzicato strings, coupled with the single note electric guitar melody works extremely well for setting the mood and tone of the song. Bae Kuang sings like an angel and the subject matter is very well constructed and delivered. You have absolutely got to hear this song guys...really! Other incredible songs that stood out to me, personally, include: SUCH A FOOL, CHINA DOLL, and SOME OTHER DAY. Each of these tracks add their own character to Bae Kuang’s EP and are very strong songs that could easily become jazz radio hits. I am now a fan of Bae, and I will absolutely be telling my colleagues at major jazz labels about her. I’d love to hear a full album release from this artist because it’s not everyday you get to hear someone so amazingly talented as a singer, musician, and songwriter. Connect with Bae at: Facebook.com/BaeKuang and Twitter.com/BaeKuang
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The Lost Chord’s latest 8 song release, NOSTALGIA, is 100% Grade A, Rock & Roll. We hear people call themselves rock artists everyday, but few give it to us in a pure form, without elements that qualify it as alternative rock. A far cry from the often tawdry space of today’s Top 40 rock radio, The Lost Chord gives us a deeper exploration into the yesteryear’s of the genre when bands like REO Speedwagon, The Police, and Chicago were running things. NOSTALGIA isn’t just about channeling the creativity of classic rock bands, it’s about showing us how awesome The Lost Chords band is. Of all the great songs here, my favorite track has to be MUSE. This song is a perfect example of what the ‘Chords’ are all about. The songwriting here is top notch, and the Toronto band swings each guitar riff like an Excalibur sword slashing every note with precision. The rhythm section blends well with the organs and vocals, while the bass and drums keep the timing in pocket. This song is an ace in the hole, and I don’t see how anybody with an ear for great rock and blues music would disagree with me. Other incredible songs include: WHY, NOSTALGIA, and WEAPONS OF WAR. These songs help to make NOSTALGIA a complete compilation where skipping around to find great tunes is totally unnecessary. The Lost Chord takes an uncontrived approach to making music, not trying to fit in with the status quo in commercial rock music. My hat is off to this band of rock and rollers who have ventured into a space reserved for courageous artists unafraid to entertain us, if only for a half-hour. Connect with TLC at: Facebook.com/thelostchord | Twitter.com/lostchordband
Artist: Plastic Yellow Band Genre: Classic Rock Album: Breathe Air Website: www.plasticyellowband.com
If cool was a band then Plastic Yellow Band is it! A combination of Classic Rock, Americana and with a hint of Blues, this band of skilled musicians are proof that great music cannot be determined by whether or not a major record company is backing it. In PYB’s case, their debut album, BREATHE AIR, places them in the ranks with other great classic rockers in today’s music business who are showing the power of being independent. This South Carolina band has taken full advantage of their creative freedom and released a very respectable
project. Of all the great songs on BREATHE AIR, “She’s My Woman” is Plastic Yellow Band’s hit record! If any of their songs is going to gain them the respect and support of music fans and radio, thus putting PYB on a collision course with success, “She’s My Woman” is the one that will do it. This song is rock’n’roll music at its best, and is easily comparable to the sounds of great bands like Pink Floyd. The chorus is very catchy, the song is well written, and the band puts on one of the most stunning displays of musicianship I’ve heard from a classic rock band in the past 30 days. I’d recommend checking this song out if you want to know just how good Plastic Yellow Band really is. Can you say, music video?!? Other notable tracks on BREATHE AIR include: Lonely Place, She Let It Down, and Oil Kings. These songs are, in my opinion, great representations of the potential Plastic Yellow Band has to capture the loyalty of classic rock music fans. This isn’t for the teenage kid who’s looking for what he/she will find on Top 40 radio stations these days; but it is for those who have an appreciation for bands like Fleetwood Mac, the aforementioned Pink Floyd, and the late great John Lennon. BREATHE AIR is currently available online at www.isistudios.com/isi-music-store, along with Plastic Yellow Band merchandise. Make sure you connect with PYB online at: Youtube.com/ user/PlasticYellowBand | Facebook.com/PlasticYellowBand
I Am Entertainment | May-Jun ‘14
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