CD Review: Silva's 'Jupiter'

Silva
Jupiter
Six Degrees

Brazil's Silva brings us pop-infused tunes with R&B, electronica, tropical, Latin, and urban qualities on a new album that celebrates his love of Jupiter. As a child, the planet Jupiter has been a fascination. Hence, the album artwork illustrates this point from the beginning. The music is not spacey or atmospheric, as one would expect from an otherworldly image or album title. Instead, Silva's ethnic-infused concoctions showcase the lounge side of pop, jazz, and dance. The punchy rhythms and bubbling bass accompany traditional percussion and electronically-tinged arrangements with such ease and grace the album is sure to be a favorite of all who listen. Silva's vocals are soft and mellow, but very compelling. Fans of contemporary Brazilian music will love it. Everyone should get on-board with Silva's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Folkbeat RF's 'In Mixt'

Folkbeat RF
In Mixt
Sketis Music

The vocal quartet, Folkbeat RF, features the music of four Russian women, Svetlana Ivanova, Maria Zibrova, Svetlana Shestopalova, and Alyona Minulina on an incredible, contemporary release, In Mixt. The vocal harmonies are a bit like Finland's Varttina in parts, while some of the more popular arrangements are evocative of urban beatbox. However, the beatbox stylings are very appropriate and intriguing. There is a historic quality to the vocals, which stems from the ancient Russian influences. Sacred and choral music of Europe can be heard as a strong influence here. There are various electronic programming touches that bring about a new age and alternative presence. The songs are based on folkloric foundations, but the contemporary appeal reaches across genres and geographic boundaries with tunes that everyone can relate to. Fans of Russian vocal music, rap, dance, folktronica, and world fusion will find In Mixt to be a 'mixt' bag of wholly likable hits! No complaints here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atlas Jungle's 'From The Dirt'

Atlas Jungle
From The Dirt
Self-Release

The Guilford, Connecticut tribal, funk, new age, psychedelic rock group, Atlas Jungle, releases an innovative five-track EP that includes both vocal and instrumental gems. The spacey, funky, and psych-laden, "Space Being," contains some atmospheric washes, electronic pulses, and smooth grooves for one heck of a ride. "The Cave" contains heady rock beats, light vocals, and gritty guitar work matched with electronic pulsations for a space-meets-South journey. "Goa Nights" opens with a little slap bass that heads right into a groovy, sultry, and funk-laden concoction with glittery electronica adornments and excellent percussion arrangements. There are even sitar-like sounds near the end of the song, which makes sense, since Goa is actually a state in Western India. The end of the song contains airy, yet punchy, flute renderings that could have been produced by a didgeridoo. "Pythagoras" is another great psych and funk journey with a slight Southern rock vein. The jaunty mix is has a world flair with sounds similar to an Australian origin. Some parts of the song are a more amped-up type of background music similar in style to a YouTube video demonstrating the Australian-made OzTent. "Snow Cat" is a vocal tune with buzz-laden sounds, heady rhythms, and a meandering beat that brings in rock, psych, and funk in equal proportions. If you haven't been convinced yet; you will. From The Dirt is definitely a highly organic experience. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kimie Miner's New Self-Titled Release

Kimie Miner
Kimie Miner
Self-Release

Hawaii's Kimie Miner is a singer-songwriter of Hawaiian and Portuguese descent. The rousing tunes on her self-titled release are in English; except for "Kumulau." The melodies retain a slight R&B presence and lounge jazz sensibility that is refreshing, urban, and pop-focused. There are some danceable tunes with vocals not too unlike Nelly Furtado. A bouncy piano rhythm makes an appearance (along with Caleb Keolanui) on "Love's In The Melody." "Trouble" is a nod to South American alternative pop and electronica with a sassy reggae edge. While, "Make It To Morning," "Fallin' Again," "Lullabies," and "Shine" resemble the harmonic structures of The Beu Sisters' early work. Kimie's album contains equal parts of dance, electronica, guitar pop, reggae, and alternative genres for a great musical journey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bixiga 70's 'III'

Bixiga 70
III
Glitterbeat

III is the third album in Bixiga 70's repertoire and it serves as a perfect reference point for exploring cumbia, ethno-jazz, electronica, funk, carimbo, samba, and psychedelic creations. The instrumental effort from the Brazilian-based group, incorporates lively and punchy sax, trumpet, flute, trombone, as well as drums, keyboards, guitars, and percussion. The heady beats and swirling rhythms are trance-inducing, but always rewarding. The punchy beat culminates in a very catchy tune with an unusual title: "100% 13." At any rate, it is one of the stand-out tracks on this release. Yet, all of the tracks are noteworthy. Buy it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Dolomites' 'Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III'

The Dolomites
Japan Years Volumes I, II, & III [3-CD]
Alien Arts Alliance

The Dolomites, led by Stevhen Koji Baianu, create stirring melodies and rhythms caught between the past and the future by incorporating a mix of influences from Japanese enka to gypsy, Balkan-inspired tunes, and Latin-American cumbia. Confused yet? Need not be. The group, which consists of nearly 70 members from different areas of the globe, celebrates the best of their work in a three-volume EP set comprised of certain years, such as 2006-2009, 2007-2010, and 2006-2010. Each album contains five tracks for approximately twenty-minutes an album. There is a mix of music on each album, but all of it draws upon electronica, cumbia, folk, roots, Balkan, Gypsy, neo-classical, enka, horn-powered ballads, and quirky, percussive renderings throughout. Stevhen's vocals are ruddy and charismatic with similarities to darker Russian folk groups or even ErsatzMusika from Germany. Moreover, the album art should clue you in that this is going to be an interesting ride. For instance, the Jamiroquai or Batman-influenced silhouette artwork on the back of the albums should alert everyone that this is a unique production. Though, some of the vocals are a little rough, out of tune, or drunk-like in nature, but that does not make it a terrible listen. In fact, anyone seeking unique, world music with numerous geographic influences will find The Dolomites solid as a rock (pun intended). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Desert Dwellers' 'The Great Mystery'

Desert Dwellers
The Great Mystery
Black Swan Sounds

Amani Friend and Treavor Moontribe are Desert Dwellers that bring out the best in world rhythms, dance, electronica, chill, and down-tempo. The California duo amass an onslaught of atmospheric blurbs, washes, and arrangements that combine with world rhythms, voices, and styles that create a stellar musical result. There are some dance-worthy tunes here, but a lot of world percussion in parts keeps everything rather chilled. The upbeat, electronic sounds and beats creates a moving thriller or suspense film result that could be used on a film. Also, the music is relaxed enough in some places that allows it to work just as well in a down-tempo or lounge format ideal for relaxing, studying, or related activities. The ten tracks provide a diverse selection of tunes, sounds, and emotions that will satisfy everyone's inner psyche. The Great Mystery is not so mysterious, but it challenges the mind, body, and spirit with delectable sounds that nourish the soul. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Iemanjo's 'Medicina'

Iemanjo
Medicina
Black Swan Sounds

Iemanjo, so-called after a Brazilian goddess of the sea, brings together a fusion of South American grooves, Afro-Latin rhythms, psychedelic cumbia, and everything in-between for a truly remarkable debut. The ten-track album is lush with earthy grooves, enchanting vocals, and amazing melodies that have developed out of Iemanjo's cultural upbringing in Berkeley and Seattle--two world music powerhouses. The slightly urbanized "Wintertime," is a bluesy, languid mix of vocals and sparkling electronica with heady bass. The rousing, "Ciencia Ancestral," is a dance-friendly tune touched by the hands of Brazilian beatmaker and producer, Adriano Magalhaes. The contemporary tune contains punchy horn sounds, lush percussion, and a driving beat indicative of South Pacific traditional music. "Reality" is a jazzy tune with urban elements and quirky percussive tones. Overall, Medicina is a good album with tracks that span the world music spectrum, but remain cohesive enough to delight electronica, South American, and Latin music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Stash's 'Strip Me Bare'

Stash
Strip Me Bare
SAS Entertainment

Links: Facebook, Instagram, Vevo, SoundCloud, Twitter

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: Midival Punditz' 'Light'

Midival Punditz
Light
Six Degrees Records

The electronic and fusion-focused Midival Punditz release their latest album, Light. It is anything but light from a musical standpoint. In fact, the tunes are rather hard-hitting with diverse South Asian, new age, and world music stylings with contemporary beats, guitars, and traditional sounds emanating from keyboards and actual instruments. The rather organic and enticing sound from New the Delhi-based duo stem from eighteen-years of DJ culture exposure and world music experience, which culminate in a very rewarding and satisfying album. There are nine tracks, but most of them are pretty long. Everything is diverse and reaches deep into the soul of the Earth with fluttering melodies, heavy percussion, wild guitars, dance-friendly beats, and a mix of electronic sampling and engineering that is unparalleled. All of the songs are produced by Gaurav Raina and Tapan Raj--the progenitors of the group. The primary sounds resemble South Asian electronica mixed with a dose of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra! ~ Matthew Forss

Digital Music Review: Road Man's 'Light At The Speed Of Life'

Road Man
Light At The Speed Of Life
Soulspazm

Links: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram

Road Man is the name of Jon Petronzio's group, which spreads great grooves and hook-laden melodies in rock, reggae, down-tempo, and electronica formats. The New York-based band-leader creates funky, moving rhythms that rival the electronica leanings of Action Figure Party and a few reggae beats indicative of Bob Marley and Cas Haley. "The Meeting" is a funky, rock-laden tune with a Southern angst and contemporary appeal that incorporates a bluesy and roots feel. "Chosen" is a psychedelic fun-fest with glittering electronics and a funky beat with great vocals. "Dangerous Road" is a syncopated beat delight with reggae leanings and funk melodies that awaken everyone into a dance mood. "Lights Camera Action" brings together more of an urban dance feel with glistening electronica, swishy percussion, and fast vocals. "Run Away With Me" is another reggae beat gem with throbbing B3 organ sounds representing a roots-centric fixture. The diversity in tracks is exceptional and the melodies are well worth repeated listens. You can dance, relax, space out, and move your hips to the music of Road Man without having any guilt or apprehension. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Troker's 'Crimen Sonora'

Troker
Crimen Sonora
Intolerancia

The Tex-Mex Balkan funk dance beats of Troker is multi-dimensional and definitely interesting. Troker brings heady electronica, jazz, and muted metal sounds to the alternative forefront throughout the album. There is a mix of swirling noises, sounds, and melodies that traverse the funk, cinematic, and psych worlds in such a fashion as to arouse listeners in a very positive direction. The music moves along with an earnest energy never really heard before in Mexican music. The music is quite contemporary and amorphous with no real multi-international origins, but anyone into experimental, avant-garde, and art rock will love it. The steady world jazz connotations on a few tracks suggests a down-tempo pulse, which they know how to pull off with ease. If you are seeking Mexican maracas, congas, and mariachis; then look elsewhere. These guys are so good they will blow the chimi right out of the changa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dirtwire's 'The Carrier'

Dirtwire
The Carrier
Beats Antique Records

Spearheaded by California's Evan Fraser (of Hamsa Lila and Stellamara fame) and David Satori (of Beats Antique fame), Dirtwire is a seven-track album of distilled Americana tunes that showcase the bluesy and Appalachian side of the musical spectrum. However, the Americana sounds are not to be ignored, as the world fusion and slightly electronica qualities take center stage. There is a light, easy listening feel to the music with intonations of banjo, guitar, saz, melodica, percussion, megaphone, jaw harp, steel guitar, ngoni, calabash, and other instruments. The vocals are sparse, but lead by Evan Fraser, Leah Song, Chloe Smith, and TBird Luv. The entire album is only twenty-five minutes long, which categorizes it as an EP. Still, there is something intriguing and memorable with Dirtwire's latest release. This is one album that astounds -- from the liner art to the last track. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: MOA's 'Maverick'

MOA
Maverick
Wild Child Music

A background in jazz and Afro-pop, Max Wild (aka MOA), is an innovative performer of contemporary dance and world fusion music with electronic beats and earthen rhythms with guest vocals from Chiwoniso and Jahaan Sweet. The industrial dance beats of "Hands In The Air" is a largely contemporary dance sound with gritty, synth-pop beats and an Afro-pop, urban style. The percolating electronic sounds of "Debo" brings an ambient, spacey tone to the mix that is not too unlike Tangerine Dream's instrumental works from the 1990's. "Barbarian" contains a spacey horn sound with laser-like embellishments and a heady beat that is new age, electronica, and experimental. Whatever the music is called or how it is defined is seemingly irrelevant. Once you hear the sounds your body will know it's great. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: A Is For Atom's 'Song For You'

A Is For Atom
Song For You
Self-Release

A Is For Atom is an electronic-pop venture by Mike Cykoski, which reinvents Brit-pop influences with spacey, electronica and breathtaking, melodic arrangements. Song For You is a six-track release with different elements constructed within each track that makes each one stand out. The reggae-tinged and cathartic track, "Bombs Away," contains a breezy melody, alt-pop elements, and great vocals throughout. "Load Up On Guns" opens with scratchy, electronic sounds and Owsley-esque vocals with a hint of British ambiance. A laser-like dance medley of keyboard and Moog synthesizer creates a spacey affect later on. Think of Action Figure Party with more pop constructions and synth-driven songs. "India" contains a bit of folksy and reggae-tinged music with a grungy-pop element that is both fun and diverse. Overall, A Is For Atom is so good here; I give it an A+ and 5 Stars (out of 5)~ Matthew Forss

Digital Music Review: Broken Quote's 'Foreshadowing Sunlight'

Broken Quote
Foreshadowing Sunlight EP
Self-Release

Houston, TX-based and cosmically-driven, Broken Quote (AKA David Schrier), infiltrates the downtempo world with an experimental, electro-acoustic, and trip-hop recording of aural delight. The swishy electronics, sparkling tones, eerie sounds, and cosmic array of noises make all of the songs stand out. The instrumental, electro-funk and rock tune, "Glass Ceiling," contains an effervescent mix of downtempo chills, intergalactic noises, and radiant keyboard tones that are equally happy in a dance club or outer space. "Sparks Water The Seeds" is nothing more than a solo steel pan medley that is slow and meditative, but definitely appropriate for the rest of the album. "Mispronounce" is another slower tune, but it is more of an electro-acoustic song that includes David's whisper-like vocalizations ideal for trip-hop or downtempo music. "Late Night Ocean" includes electronic blips, industrial noises, and atmospheric washes with a trip-hop percussion sequence and sparkling noises with steel pan, keyboard, and laser-like electronica for a truly intergalactic ride. "Ghost Crowd" is a vocal tune with deep bass sounds, electronica embellishments, and a pensive beat that is entrancing and delicious. All in all, David produces a fine release that is a little bit over twenty-minutes. The album is only a download release at this time. It is highly recommended for trip-hop and downtempo fans. ~ Matthew Forss
 

CD Review: See-I's 'Knowledge Shine Bright'

See-I
Knowledge Shine Bright
Fort Knox Recordings

Washington, DC's Afro-funk band, See-I, releases a new album that continues in their funk, house, trance, hip hop, and rock paths with Knowledge Shine Bright. The opening anthem, "Never Give Up," is a reggae, funk, and rock-infused medley of luscious sounds and catchy melodies with punchy horns, jingly guitars, and reggae vocals. A dozen tracks round out the album with classic funk rhythms, hip-hop grooves, and urban styles that combine electronica with jazzy horns. The entire collection of songs are especially likable, which is probably due to the catchy and infectious melodies. At any rate, See-I is not afraid of experimenting or mixing styles, instruments, or grooves. Get your soul filled with 'Knowledge', so it can 'Shine Bright.' ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Srikalogy's 'New Paradigm'

Srikalogy
New Paradigm
Black Swan Sounds

Srikalogy is a New York-based DJ, MC, producer, and percussionist with a connection to the West Indies, Caribbean, and a NYC Ashram. These life experiences were perfect for poetic storytelling through carefully-selected beats in the world music, electronica, and hip hop worlds. There is a South Asian vein that extends to kirtan or yoga-based stylings. The trumpet, mrdanga, keyboard, guitar, kalimba, and didgeridoo sets the tone for the urban and contemporary beats. Srikalogy's vocals are hip-hop based and a great delivery vehicle for his message. The electronic drones, punchy percussion, Enigma-like compositions are something worth listening to. Anyone with an interest in urban yoga music will love the compositions on New Paradigm. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sonido Gallo Negro's 'Sendero Mistico'

Sonido Gallo Negro
Sendero Mistico
Glitterbeat

Mexico's engaging and psych-inducing ensemble, Sonido Gallo Negro, brings the sounds of the 1970's alive with cumbia-infused beats, boogaloo, chicha, huayno, and other styles in an action-packed, Farfisa organ-soaked delight of musical exploration in a contemporary context. The mostly instrumental tunes are littered with psych references that contain electric guitars, flowing rhythms, indigenous percussion, and electronic samples. The head-bobbing music is ripe with cumiba sounds and instrumental riffs that strike the soul with such a powerful chord that nothing is impossible for these guys. This is psych-funk music at its best. Fans of Turkey's Hayvanlar Alemi will find similarities with Sonido's music. Overall, Sendero Mistico is a wild journey with danceable rhythms and great melodies that transcend a defined description. However, everyone will find happiness in the tunes of Sonido Gallo Negro. Get your psych-on today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The New Mastersounds' 'Therapy'

The New Mastersounds

Therapy

Legere Recordings

Hailing from England, The New Mastersounds reinvents soul, funk, and jazz with subtle sounds that are fluid, pure, and memorable. The smooth jazz elements of “When It Rains…” is an excellent example of laid-back jazz with swishy percussion and bubbling guitar notes. “Whistle Song” contains a funky beat with throbbing B3 sounds and great drum-work. “Soul Sista” is a jazzy, funky, and piano-infused urban masterpiece with killer vocals and a beat that will kick you into next Tuesday. The fluttering sounds of piano, guitar, drums, electronics, and other instruments make Therapy stand out—in a good way. The reggae beats of "Stop This Game" showcases the diverse talent on this recording. A mix of male and female vocals amidst reggae, jazz, funk, soul, electronica, and pop round out the best parts of the album. In fact, there are absolutely no bad parts on the album. There's never been a better time to try Therapy! ~ Matthew Forss