CD Review: The Glass Child's 'I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die'

The Glass Child
I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die
Self-Release

The young songstress and guitarist with an unbelievable knack for crafting sweet, meaningful, and moving pop songs, Charlotte Eriksson, is the chief progenitor for The Glass Child on her latest release, I Must Be Gone And Live, Or Stay And Die. The poignant alternative and pop song structures are more cohesive than fellow-countrywoman, Katie Melua. However, the vocals are a mix of Avril Lavigne and Adele. "The Fall" is an amazing pop anthem with neo-classical instrumentation and contemporary sounds that coalesce with such ease. "Yesterday" incorporates plaintive acoustic guitar sounds and an emotive vocal set-up that is full of poignant pining. "Who I've Grown To Be" is a pop song with a slight rock sound that incorporates a little punk and alternative stylings that are unlike any other songs on the album. Overall, The Glass Child, the brainchild of Charlotte Eriksson, shines above the London fog with nothing but good things. Taste some of the sweet sounds of The Glass Child on her latest release. 5 Stars all the way.  ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hannah Gill's Self-Titled EP Finds Similarities To The Voices Of Katie Melua With Beth Orton

Hannah Gill
Hannah Gill
Self-Release

The Maryland-native, Hannah Gill, brings a voice to the mix that takes on vocal similarities to Beth Orton, Katie Melua, Adele, and Zero 7--to name a few. However, Hannah combines jazzy horns, folk arrangements, and progressive pop sensibilities with mature vocals that evoke feelings of happiness and contentment. The rather short EP contains six songs that showcase her talent quite well. The opener, "Whisper," is a fitting introduction to the album, but it is not a quiet song. It still is a pop song with some rock arrangements and a great melody. The next track, "I Feel Awake," follows in the same footstep, but it contains some jazzy trumpet and piano. The jaunty, cafe music-tune, "Story Of A Man," is a breezy little ditty that seems to evoke the French music of Francois Hardy, Carla Bruni, and other similar singers. "Two Way Street" is a song rooted in Adele's intimate vocal calisthenics and a vibrant progressive and experimental instrumental backbone. "Medicine" is a rock-infused tune with punchy power pop melodies. "Distance" is a more solemn ditty steeped in beautiful vocals and sweet melodies. Simply amazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Roswitha's 'Destiny'

Roswitha
Destiny
Self-Release

Austrian-born and New York-based, Roswitha dazzles crowds with genre-bending compositions with mixed rock, funk, classical, new age, world fusion, and experimental-folk explosions of sonic beauty. Roswitha's vocals are similar in tone to the UK's Katie Melua, but the compositions are more punchy and diverse. "Destiny" opens with a punchy guitar line that is slightly Spanish--almost Mediterranean--with a light folk-pop presence. "My Life" is a speed-folk composition with electronic vocals, symphonic accompaniment, and grungy guitar sounds. "Just Near To Me" is a piano ballad with back-up vocals throughout. The tune is vocally congruent with Adele, Leigh Nash, and Katie Melua, but the music is relatively low-key without any percussion or guitars. "Purpose" is a classical tune with piano, violin, and avant-garde vocals. "Desire" is a multi-faceted song with lush vocals, rich instrumentation, and diverse arrangements that span the entire European continent. At any rate, Roswitha is an innovative musician that showcases fourteen unique musical concoctions that are almost indefinable. Nothing is amiss here. ~ Matthew Forss