CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Universal Light'

Donna De Lory
Universal Light
Self-Release

The contemporary kirtan and dance princess, Donna De Lory, brings life to songs inspired from the heavens above on Universal Light. This album contains a dozen songs with remixes from some of the hottest DJ's and maestros around, including Carmen Rizzo, Atom Smith, Drumspyder, Willie Lewis, David Starfire, Freq Nasty, and Dub Kirtan Allstars. "Gayatri Mantra," "The Offering," "Praying For Love," "Jai Mata Kali," "Om Namah Shivayah," and "Luciana" are more dance-centered tracks. There is a trip-hop-infused version of the Christian classic, "Amazing Grace," while "Om Tare Tuttare," "Amma," and "By Your Grace" are more down-tempo and kirtan-influenced with lighter melodies and rhythms. Donna's vocals are bright, clear, and most of all--universal! ~ Matthew Forss

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: 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: Thomas Blondet's 'Futureworld'

Thomas Blondet
Futureworld
Rhythm & Culture Music

Washington, DC-based DJ, producer, and global connoisseur, Thomas Blondet, brings us a rich, cinematic, and dance-laden collection of multicultural rhythms, melodies, and works of art. The globally-infused music brings together Indian, Balkan, Latin, and Caribbean influences with traditional vocals and stirring melodies that are awe-inspiring, pulsating, and unforgettable. This is not your typical heart-pounding dance repertoire. Instead, the music is more laid-back with a fusion of trip hop and lounge music coming to the forefront. Most of the tracks include featured musicians, such as Tina M, Monsoon, Carol C., Leyla Chatti, Kiran Gandhi, Filip Novosel,and Subatomic Sound System. The musical terrain traverses a range of styles and multicultural influences, but the music cinematic and dance elements are not to be missed. Futureworld should be heard by everyone in the presentworld. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alific's 'Echoes From The Soul'

Alific
Echoes From The Soul
Rootfire

Alific (aka Brendan Dane) combines down-tempo electronica with world reggae beats for an unforgettable musical journey on Echoes From The Soul. Alific collaborates with KBong, Lenny Kurlou, Stick Figure, Mateo Monk, Haile Supreme, and even Frank Mitchell Jr. of Thievery Corporation-fame. This is a DJ's paradise with urban grooves, world fusion, catchy loops, and vibrant percussion with fluid vocals and atmospheric embellishments. There are fourteen tunes with great instrumental set-ups and world grooves with English vocals on most tracks. Alific's impressive nightclub resume stems from experience in both California and Washington, D.C.. The dub and reggae sounds resonate with such splendor and grandeur throughout. Electronic, dub, reggae, and upbeat down-tempo lovers will find happiness in these tunes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Atropolis' 'Transitions'

Atropolis
Transitions
Cumba Mela

The urban, electronic, and cumbia-type beats of DJ, arranger, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Atropolis, creates edgy and danceable instrumental and vocal tunes. The new album contains twelve tracks with lush electronic embellishments, horn-like sounds, and tropical or carnival-like noises with a dancehall and party-type atmosphere. The Latin-tinged compositions are not folk music; but a type of global fusion incorporating dubstep, cumbia, kuduro, new age, and dance elements that seem to pull influences from the Caribbean, Balkans, West Africa, and South America. A few guest musicians, including Boogat, Carol C, Darwin Escorcia, Lido Pimienta, and Brent Arnold lend their talents to the mix. Transitions is for the dance fan, DJ aficionado, and global traveler. Nothing is wrong here. ~ Matthew Forss

Song Review: Miss Diamond DJ's "Voodoo Girl"

Miss Diamond DJ
"Voodoo Girl"

"Voodoo Girl" opens with a heavy, static-driven, but distant tone, that blends well with the electrified, male voice after a bass slide. A wash of colorful electronics signify the beginning of the pulsating dance beat that blends the club sound of Ace of Base with the trance-driven music of Madonna's early work. The laser-like, pulsations contain both male and female vocals that are interspersed with successions of dance beats with all the fancy blips, blurbs, and electronic embellishments that are part of any superstar DJ repertoire. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Miss Diamond DJ raises the bar higher than the Alps with a balanced mix of club, house, trance, techno, and party elements. The end of the song contains an ambient wash of cascading sounds with a quick, but fluid conclusion. "Voodoo Girl" is not about being cheesy or too flashy. Instead, Miss Diamond DJ astounds listeners with her uncanny ability to create a simple tune and make it stand out. If you are seeking electronica with a dance element, then "Voodoo Girl" is for you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mr. Pauer's 'Soundtrack'

Mr. Pauer

Soundtrack

Fabrika Music

Mr. Pauer, otherwise known as, Toto Gonzalez, is a Venezuelan-born, Miami-based DJ, producer, and remix king. His latest release, Soundtrack, is the result of a lifetime living amidst tropical locales. The tropical elements of Soundtrack come through on the Spanish vocals and the Latin-beat sound. The electronic sounds and noises perfectly fuse with the tropical beats. Soundtrack's seemingly limited seven-track listing is easily compensated for with shots of diverse dub, funk, electric, cumbia, and Spaghetti Western-type music that fill the soul and move the body. Somewhat instrumental and somewhat vocal, Soundtrack is a groovy release unlike any other. It is fresh, modern, creative, and magical. The incredible instrumental zone of "Que Si Que No" and "Escaping" prove his musical abilities. The tropical beats of "Mente De Mente" are also very special in their own right. Let Mr. Pauer be your guide to the tropico-electric club grooves of Florida and Latin America. ~ Matthew Forss