CD Review: Stash's 'Strip Me Bare'

Stash
Strip Me Bare
SAS Entertainment

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The L.A.-based, female musical duo, Stash, combine electronica, dance, and pop elements into an infectious result on Strip Me Bare. Steph Prost and Amanda Maze not only know how to create upbeat, dance songs, but they also toss in a few clever rap vocals and DJ artistry that is quite mature and innovative. The gritty, dance tune, "Upside Down," features pulsating and grinding electronica noises with crystal clear vocals. "Strip Me Bare" contains a few rap lines, swishy percussion, and heavenly vocal arrangements for an urban-inspired dance beat. "Red Cup! Pink Up!" is a feverish, dance tune with glorious vocals and buzz-laden electronica and sporadic raps. "Tear Me Down" is one of the best songs on the album and it represents a perfect blend of rap, urban, and dance influences with equally-impressive vocals. Stash resemble Katy Perry, Kesha, and a more mature and clever Lady Gaga. Strip Me Bare has alot to offer for dance and electronica fans. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Rafi eL's 'Ay De Mi'

Rafi eL
Ay De Mi
Dutty Artz

The L.A.-based singer, songwriter and musician, Rafi eL, possesses roots in Jewish and Argentinian cultures, which shines through on his new, adventurous release, Ay De Mi. The music is slightly electronic, urban, and spacious enough to let the melodies permeate the souls of the listeners. The somewhat synth-infused concoctions represent a refreshing style of music never before heard in the music world today. The eleven tunes contain sparkling, reverberating, and electronic-tinged melodies and rhythms that bridge South American and American influences. The light rhythms fuse a bit of Enigma, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd in an imagined urban vacuum with cumbia as a foundation. Everyone will love this one. Rafi eL succeeds on Ay De Mi with a healthy dose of folkloric and electronic compositions that seem to bring back ancient melodies and spirits for today's generations. ~ Matthew Forss