Song Reviews: Galliano Sommavilla's "Elektro Country" and "Breathe"

Galliano Sommavilla
"Elektro Country" and "Breathe"

"Elektro County" is a rollicking instrumental treat with ambient and spacey electronic sounds backed by keyboard accompaniment and atmospheric guitar work. The swishy percussion is accompanied by spacey tones and intergalactic noises that propel the track into a third dimension, or another galaxy. The guitar-like tune is upbeat and melodic with a slight country presence that is not particularly intrusive. The end of the song is a culmination of the musical elements from rock, new age, instrumental, and filmic worlds. The nearly four-minute song is aptly-titled, "Elektro Country," because it symbolizes a country edge with a modern twist of lush, electronic overtones. The music brings together a good mix of sounds that connote contemporary new age creations and electronic wizardry that does not lose its intensity or appeal. Overall, Galliano continues to amaze us with inventive songs new ways to discover some of the best instrumental music in the world. "Elektro Country" does not disappoint and Gary Ritchie's electric guitar work is perfect.

"Breathe" is a five-minute musical journey that is very magical and melancholic with subtle doses of acoustic and electric guitar work. The atmospheric washes and light vocal additions accentuate the song's delightful qualities. The cascade of sounds are steeped in lullabye-like arrangements that are meditative and dreamy. There is a host of new age-isms that come to mind, but everything is creative and memorable. The vocal additions are almost non-descript, but their sounds are very indicative of an early Enya recording. Compared with "Elektro Country," "Breathe" is a longer, more majestic tapestry of aural colors that only reinforces Galliano's amazing ability to create meaningful and vibrant songs with little in the way of instrumentation. From the opening, neo-classical arrangement to the electronic medley of sound, Galliano does not shy away from experimentation. Fans of world music, instrumental, jazz, new age, ambient, and related forms of music should be quite satisfied with Galliano's latest offerings. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: SLV's 'This Kind'

SLV
This Kind
Self-Release

SLV is Sandra Lilia Velasquez and the lead singer for the Latin band, Pistolera. SLV incorporates the work of Jordan Scannella from the electronic music group, Tortured Soul, as well as Nick Zammuto from an another electronic band. Is the music Latin, electronic, pop, or rock? Well, This Kind is special, because it includes musical styles that are rather undefinable. The influence is pop, while electronica leanings fill in the rest of the sound. "Limits" and "Situation" are an excellent example of pop/rock deliciousness with catchy melodies and great vocals. However, there are even reggae-type rhythms, new age orchestrations, and South American contemporary elements--notably from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. Importantly, this is not a traditional album, but an album with modern elements with light ethnic ties. Still, SLV shines with great rhythms, sounds, and melodies that are rather fluid and emotive. Think of Katie Melua meets Ceu. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Adham Shaikh's 'Basswalla'

Adham Shaikh
Basswalla
Black Swan Records

Adham Shaikh's dedication to ambient and electronic music forms began nearly twenty-five years. Basswalla is an interpretation of earlier songs, but new tracks appear, too. The instrumental gems are punctuated by sporadic vocals throughout. However, the instrumental prowess of Adham's music is at the forefront. There are urban elements, South Asian fusion, electronic wizardry, and trance-driven honey that flows from creative places within Adham's soul for all to enjoy. There are some atmospheric moments, as well as percussion-driven displays of superior musicianship in places. Most of the tracks are fairly long: many songs over five minutes, which are great for a worthwhile and value-packed album. The various songs are permeated with South Asian percussion, wind instruments, and electronic blurbs that are wrapped around a delicious, urban beat that stands alone. Every track is great. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jah9's 'New Name'

Jah9
New Name
Rorystonelove/Steamchalice

Jah9 hails from Jamaica, so naturally, reggae music is a likely influence. You would be right, but mix a little pop, urban, dub, and roots music and you have Jah9's new album, New Name. Jah9 is a rare find, as she is one of a very select number of reggae stars that are female. There are reverberations of dub electronica, vocal prowess, trippy beats, socially-relevant lyrics, and throbbing keys projecting sounds through one's soul and mind. There are even poetic moments of spoken word on "Interlude." The fluidity of "Gratitude" makes one want to dive into reggae with full-force and never look back. There are fourteen tracks with two of these tracks performed as an extended mix. At any rate, fans of dub, electronic, reggae, Jamaican roots, and just plain great music will love New Name. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Marti Nikko & DJ Drez's 'Dreaming In Sanskrit'

Marti Nikko & DJ Drez
Dreaming In Sanskrit
Black Swan Records

Blissful, electronic, and yoga-inspired, Dreaming In Sanskrit is the debut work of husband and wife duo, Marti Nikko and DJ Drez. The thirteen tracks are soaked with lush dub melodies, sitar-sizzling riffs, and down-tempo beats that cannot be ignored. Marti and DJ Drez are accompanied by Bansuri flute, cello, bass, sax, chinese flute, piano, flute, and tabla. The repeated Sanskrit mantras are very soothing and rhythmic, while backed by symphonic sounds and ambulating beats. There are even Arabic sounds on a few tracks, but the most prevalent influence is modern mantra and yoga-inspired music with lengthy melodies and electronic wizardry that is not too overt. Fans of yoga, meditation, down-tempo, groove-laden, and world fusion music will love. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Torsha Lynn's 'Inappropriate'

Torsha Lynn
Inappropriate
Self-Release

Links: Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud

Dallas, Texas singer, Torsha Lynn, knows how to create edgy, urban beats and flowing verbage that does anything but stay grounded. The new album, Inappropriate, contains some 'super' hits with the dance-friendly, "Supa Badd." This is a contrast from other songs, such as, "So Wrong," "Down South," "Keep Me," "Space Age," and others. These songs are more urban, R&B beats with some dance elements, but the main gist of the songs stems from a deep, urban influence. Torsha's vocals are rather fluid and edgy with a sound akin to Rihanna, Tamia, or Aaliyah. "Super Human" begins with a little piano introduction and Torsha's emotive vocals with neo-classical string accompaniment for an urban ballad result. "Lady Sings The Blues" also begins with a piano intro, but there are some electronic dance elements that set this track apart from the previously-mentioned song. There is a dance element to the song, but the entire song flows with a slower tempo and more electronic embellishments. "Down South" is a frenzied, electronic display of dance and urban R&B elements, which provides an awe-inspiring chorus with a male, backup vocal that is a little distracting in a deep, vocal register. Still, Torsha amazes listeners with a solid and mature release. 4.5 Stars (out of 5 Stars). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Syre & Fresko's 'Gonna See Miracles'

Syre & Fresko
Gonna See Miracles

Links: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud

The husband and wife duo, Syre & Fresko, hail from Melbourne, Australia and present us with an excellent five-track EP, Gonna See Miracles. The contemporary release encompasses a slight rock feel with anthemic sounds of pop and alternative leanings throughout. "Broken Fragments" is a rock anthem of intelligent lyrics, great guitar hooks, and full-on vocals with bass, guitar, percussion, and electronic effects. "Gonna See Miracles" opens with spacious sounds of guitar, swishy percussion, and a classic, almost Western vocal arrangement. However, the chorus is purely rock and pop-driven with both male and female vocals. "Plastic Dreams" possesses an electronic sound with a full sound that is rock-laden with vocals that are all-encompassing and memorable. "Ruth" begins as a more laid-back guitar and vocal tune void of any percussion. The folksy melody is a bit country-esque with the whining dobro-like instrument. Syre & Fresko both lend locals on this tune. "Tightrope" begins with swishy sounds and female vocals with electronic bell tones. The airy vocals and lack of much percussion throughout the first half of the song gives way to a more robust rock sound with a stellar chorus and climax. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ireesh Lal's 'Ethnotronica'

Ireesh Lal
Ethnotronica
Self-Release

Ireesh Lal is an innovative electro-fusion musician with a knack for South Asian influences, jazz infused concoctions, and electronic music that is deliciously wrapped around a world music core. The six-song EP contains lush electronic blurbs, atmospheric washes, bubbly dance elements, and punchy trumpet sounds. The diverse instrumentation and song palettes are immensely addictive and enjoyable. The programmed grooves, trip-hop percussion, and contemporary beats elicit favorable responses from all who listen or move to the music. The pulsating sounds ebb-and-flow with such ease and adventure that nothing is the same here. There are hints of 1960's and 70's spy film scores, too. At any rate, Ireesh produces a beautiful recording with cover art inspired by the sounds of the album. This is a great project that is a must-have this year. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Farah's 'Neoteric'

Farah
Neoteric
Self-Release

California-based, Farah Washington, is a singer, performer, model, and all-around creative person with a heart and soul in alternative, urban, R&B, and hip-hop-like song-crafting. Her new album, Neoteric, which actually means 'new idea,' is a perfect description of this carefully-selected and imaginative work of slow beats, urban sounds, and even electronic embellishments. The five-track release features a groove-laden and sultry song, "I Don't Wanna (Leave)," which showcases Farah's intimate and commanding vocals. "You Got It (Interlude)" is a two-minute song with a beat akin to something by Rihanna with repeating vocals and swishy percussion. The opener is a fuzzy, electronic, and drowned-out track with a smattering of vocals and an urban beat that sounds distant and despondent, but that doesn't make it terrible. "5.3.1" is a soothing tune with R&B grooves and sultry vocals. The percussion is rather swishy and electronic. For an EP, Neoteric is a good example of an artist defining their voice and musical style, while making us yearn for more. Little room for improvement here. 4 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tour de Force's 'Battle Cry' Double-Disc

Tour de Force
Battle Cry [2 CD]
Dub-Stuy Records

When all the top reggae and dub DJ's in the world come together; Battle Cry results. The impressive two-disc release contains ten different tracks on Disc 1. The dub-steady, electronic, and funk-infused concoctions bring in some guest musicians, including Brother Culture, Jahdan Blakkamoore, Jay Spaker, and Luciano. The whole mix is dub, hip-hop, urban, reggae, and electronic dance music with a soul. Disc 2 contains remixes of eight songs on Disc 1. Most of the songs on Disc 2 contain at least two different remixes per track. Overall, Tour de Force is a great collection of dub-songs with a heavy beat and reggae ambiance. Fans of dub, reggae, dance, electronica, world fusion, and contemporary music will find solace in Battle Cry. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chancha Via Circuito's 'Amansara'

Chancha Via Circuito
Amansara
Wonderwheel Recordings 

Argentina's Chancha Via Circuito is spearheaded by Pedro Canale. The electronic meastro incorporates indigenous sounds with contemporary arrangements that are scintillating, at times urban, and Latin dub-step all the way. The instrumental, "Sueno en Paraguay," is an excellent tune with Paraguayan harp and an electronic Andean folkore sound with bits of cumbia, dance, and avant-garde that will please even the purist. There are guest artists, including Lido Pimienta, Mirian Garcia, Sara Hebe, and Barrio Lindo, which provide a well-rounded cast of influences. The percussion-heavy, "Coplita," is a great example of folkloric sounds coming together with female vocals and a South American beat. There are eleven total tracks, which are imbued with electronic, percussion, and native sounds in one easy to understand production that does not stray too far from its roots. This will satisfy cumbia, neo-indigenous, and contemporary listeners seeking music from South America. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brooklynshanti's 'Bedstuyle'

Brooklynshanti
Bedstuyle
Rhythm & Culture/Someplace Called Brooklyn

Brooklynshanti's dance and electronic musings incorporate urban, reggae, hip-hop, soul, South Indian, and world fusions that are all delectable and sunny. The reggae fusions on "This Feeling" and contemporary hip-pop of "She" brings a bit of rock and pop to the forefront, but the vocals are still the major part of the song. The sunny and scintillating dance tune, "Sun Salutation," is ripe with killer grooves, female vocals, and great use of percussion and keyboard effects. "Garden Of Ghosts" is a sweet, electronic song with light female vocals and sparkling percussion and digital effects in the vein of Beth Orton. Some tracks feature the music of Karsh Kale, Dani Mari, Tinakristina, Vanessa Beatriz, Evelyn Sharma, Jahdan Blakkamoore, and others. The music is relatively lo-fi with an emphasis on grooves and instrumental medleys providing a majority of the accompaniment, but the vocals are equally important and varied. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Filastine's 'Aphasia'

Filastine
Aphasia
Post World Industries

Filastine is founded by Grey Filastine. The group features Grey's electronic, multimedia, and inventive sounds, instruments, and beats. The four-track release contains the vocals of indie, Javanese rapper, Nova, who contributes some vocals on "Requiem 432" and "Murka." The electronic adornments are light, atmospheric, and futuristic. The low bass sounds, danceable taps, dub-centric concoctions, and scattered vocals make for an interesting, innovative, and ideal recording for fans with a hankering for the electronic. The music is otherworldly at times, but it is nothing that is too crazy. With titles such as "Sixty Cycle Drum," "Murka," "Drone Silences," "and "Requiem 432," the music takes on a contemporary and dance-infused characterization. The adventurous Filastine brings Aphasia to new heights and audiences with gritty, percussive nods, swishy sounds, and futuristic embellishments that are unforgettable. Try it today! ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Da Cruz' 'Disco E Progresso'

Da Cruz   

Disco E Progresso [2 CD]

Boom Jah Records

Brazilian-born and Swiss-based, Da Cruz enlightens listeners with giddy, soul-stirring dance music with equal amounts of dancehall, funk, new wave, samba, electronic, and pop elements. The new album is a two-disc set that is labeled “light” and “dark.” These connotations describe what is going on from a musical perspective in Brazil. The uppity tunes are still enchanting and catchy, despite the title monikers. On the “light” album, the jazzy “Nascer Livre” showcases some great vocals and instrumentation that is very showy and upbeat. The swaying rhythm of a seaside melody on “Din Din” possesses a laidback atmosphere that is timeless and nostalgic. “Tuda Flui” is a funk-inflected tune with light vocals and a jazzy vein. There are eleven tracks on the "light" CD. The "dark" CD contains ten tracks and songs that are more experimental with more jazzy, funk, electronic, and rock elements. The breakbeat sounds of "Cala a Boca" and the dark tones of "Aonde vai" signify a varied mix of music. The music tends to be a little more urban overall. The dark guitars and Garbage-esque arrangements on "Menino mau" showcase a different side of Da Cruz. No matter what side of Da Cruz you experience; you will be pleasantly surprised. ~ Matthew Forss    

CD Review: Faba Loba's 'Senegalesa'

Faba Loba
Senegalesa
ART HURTS Records

Faba Loba combines Latin, dance, and African fusion elements for an electro-funky result. The group is comprised of Ibou Ba, Amadou Fall, Lica Cardona, Beston Barnett, and Rafi eL. The electronic music is mixed with kora, percussion, dance, funk, alternative, and world fusion that is highly-entertaining. The music is punctuated with great vocals and instrumental arrangements that are steeped in world musical traditions. There are Congolese guitar rhythms on "Lolambe," while electro-funk elements are showcased on "Latde," "Ire a Dakar," and "Immigration Clandestine." This is a great contemporary recording of Afro-funk, kora folk, and Afro-Latin fusion that seems to combine other elements with each repeated listen. Overall, fans of Senegalese, West African, Afro-Cuban, and Afro-Latin music and percussion will love the sounds of Faba Loba on Senegalesa. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: diNMachine's 'Dance To Reason'

diNMachine
Dance To Reason
Self-Release

The electronic trip-hop concoctions of New York's diNMachine are industrial, innovative, instrumental, and ingenious. The gritty sounds are edgy and punchy with some degree of jazz and new age elements. The experimental and avant-garde sounds are mostly instrumental with a few voices added for greater musical affect. The frenzied sounds of "Lpse" are upbeat and experimental. There are elements of chiptune or videogame-type musical backing that is very electronic and trippy. The blurby sounds of "Fifth Bass" incorporate a bit of swishy percussion and cascading, electronic melodies that soar into a unique echelon of aural existence. In fact, the entire album excels with performance, composition, and creativity. Think of Lamb, Action Figure Party, and Gino Foti partying it up and you get Dance To Reason. Check out a video here: http://vimeo.com/84809265 ~ 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

CD Review: Afrolicious' 'California Dreaming'

Afrolicious
California Dreaming
Self-Release

Afrolicious releases yet another fine Afro-beat album containing heady rhythms and punchy melodies with a touch of dub, soul, and R&B. Every track explores throbbing beats and danceable rhythms that enlist the help of percussion, bass, sax, flute, trumpet, keys, and various electronic arrangements. The vocals create an exciting accompaniment throughout the album. All the tracks are produced by Pleasuremaker and some with the help of Rob Garza. At any rate, the dub beats are funk-laden and dance-driven, which makes for an interesting listening experience that is anything but dull and boring. Fans of contemporary Afro-beat music and dance will find enjoyment in the tracks on California Dreaming. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bombay Dub Orchestra's 'Tales From The Grand Bazaar'

Bombay Dub Orchestra
Tales From The Grand Bazaar
Six Degrees

The Bombay Dub Orchestra is project of composers Garry Hughes and Andrew T. Mackay. The nine track release contains a plethora of instruments, including sitar, sarangi, bansuri, qanun, baglama, oud, strings, synth, keys, table, santoor, sarod, French horn, guitars, cello, kalimba, harpsichord, and others. The music ambulates along with many instruments shining and glimmering with sparkling tones, filmic undertones, and traditional elements. The music is contemporary with floating vocals used at times. The music is very dreamy and instrumental with a strong Indian presence, but filmic ambiance, too. The music is slightly electronic with some dance elements, but this is primarily a groovy album with atmospheric washes, cultural instruments, and a sonic beat. Fans of Six Degrees albums will love it and anyone with a passion for Indian fusion. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: BluRum13's 'Inverted'

BluRum13
Inverted
Self-Release

BluRum13 was born in New York and based in Maryland, but his verbose beauty represents many different genres and world fusion styles. However, the primary genre revolves around rap/hip hop, and jazz. The lounge music is rather urban, too. The poetic verbal flow of "Venga" is relatively trance-heavy with jazzy interludes of punchy brass, languid electronics, and an atmospheric beat that echoes and reverberates with underground liveliness. "Cereal" is another exciting track, but the verbal wordplay is a bit more energetic and the instrumentation is much faster. "TLO" contains a lot of electronic swishy sounds, rap vocals, and progressive rock beats. "Distortion" is a rather languid down-tempo masterpiece with glittery sounds, fluid soul elements, and swishy noises with urban vocals. "Quixotic" is punchy and rhythmic with Eminem-like tendencies with much more intelligence and creative juices shining through. The diverse, urban creations of BluRum13 are something to ponder, since each listen reveals something new and fresh. ~ Matthew Forss