B2
M&C| WEDNESDAY | 2.3.2016| MACEANDCROWN.COM
Arts &
Stream these albums at maceandcrown.com
E N T ER T A I NM E N T
MONARCH MUSIC MINUTE Hell YES!
I’ll Listen to it Twice, Even.
ADAM FLORES, A&E EDITOR
We’re Getting There...
Eh...
Face Palm.
Charlie Puth ‘Nine Track Mind’
Courtesy of Atlantic Records
“Nine Track Mind” is Charlie Puth’s debut record released on Jan. 29 and the follow-up to his “Some Type of Love” EP. The singer-songwriter and producer initially gained popularity by posting his work on YouTube. Starting with covers on his YouTube channel, he later won an online video competition sponsored by Perez Hilton. Puth gained worldwide fame for writing and performing the song “See You Again,” a collaboration with rapper Wiz Khalifa. The song is featured as a tribute to the late Paul Walker
and also found on the “Furious 7” soundtrack. “See You Again” reached No. 1 in over 90 countries including the U.S. as well as Shazam, iTunes and Spotify. The New Jersey-born-and-bred Puth attended the pre-college division of Manhattan School of Music majoring in jazz piano with a minor in classical. He then attained a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music graduating with a major in music production and engineering. The track, “Marvin Gaye” featuring Meghan Trainor was his debut single
from “Nine Track Mind” that was released almost a year ago and reached into the top 25 in the U.S. His second single, “One Call Away,” released in Aug., peaked at number 26. The record also features the smooth Latintrance based duet with Selena Gomez entitled, “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” Puth’s musical instincts as a multitalented artist have only just begun. As he launches his international tour in support of “Nine Track Mind,” he is sure to gain new followers and attract more attention from his peers in the music industry.
Kevin Gates ‘Islah’
“Islah,” the debut studio record by rapper and hip-hop artist Kevin Gates was released on Jan. 29. “Islah,” which means to reform, to improve and to make better was inspired by his first daughter by the same name. Gates felt she inspired him as a talented artist and entrepreneur. Initially slated to be a 15-track release, “Islah” contains two extra tracks, most notably “Jam” which features guest appearances by Trey Songz, Ty Dolla $ign and Jamie Foxx. Included within this compilation are the two singles “2 Phones” and “Really Really.” Aside from “Jam,” there
are no other guest appearances. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper was the subject of some controversy on Instagram last year when it was discovered he was sporting a necklace with what some believed to be “devil-worshipping beads.” Prior to his posts on social media defending this argument, he used Instagram to discuss sleeping with his cousin and dissed fellow artist, Young Thug. Despite Gates’ online firestorms, “Islah” displays a careful craftsmanship of heavy, syncopated beats mixed with thick bass grooves and varying
vocal textures. Within the opening track “Not the Only One,” the singerrapper introduces a fresh sonic energy unfolding throughout the new record, utilizing ambient soundscapes under tight and multifaceted hip-hop grooves. Gates delivers what seems to be the beginning of powerful and in-depth music, revisiting old school with a heavy dose of new hip-hop. He is currently on his “Islah Tour Part Two” which kicked off on Jan. 29. The tour will bring him to The NorVa on Feb. 26. Courtesy of Bread Winner’s Association/ Atlantic Records
Dream Theater ‘The Astonishing’
Courtesy of Roadrunner
The Mace & Crown
Progressive metal masters Dream Theater present their epic, 2-CD concept recording of “The Astonishing.” Released on Jan. 29, the story of a dystopian society plays out with heroes and villains in a world that has shifted away from music. The last time Dream Theater offered a full concept album was 1999’s “Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory.” Regaining that storytelling momentum and borrowing from Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” the band’s new offering came with the notion that it was time to do something big.
A sneak peak into the storyline came back on Dec. 3 when the first single, “The Gift of Music,” was released. It was here that Dream Theater revealed not just an album, but also a narrative with a plot, places, characters and a map. Taking place 270 years into the future, the secondary theme is about the importance of music in society. “The Astonishing” features the band involved in their most creative work to date. The 34-track collection features a full orchestra, several choirs and a range of unusual instru-
@maceandcrown
@maceandcrown
ments. DT guitarist and producer John Petrucci, a huge fan of sci-fi and fantasy genres, led the writing process by constantly working on this saga everyday until he had something solid. While “The Astonishing” appears as an ambitious, complex work and futuristic drama, Dream Theater softens somewhat in their cutting edge prog-metal motifs compared to previous studio releases. A much fuller score with broader sonic landscapes, their new release is sure to offer a revisit into the rock opera genre, giving fans a new musical perspective.