CD Review: Noel Black & XRA's 'Chromatic Warfare'

Noel Black & XRA
Chromatic Warfare
Independent Release

Coming to New York from the Caribbean, Noel Black reinvents the world of hip-hop, dance, and electronica, along with his West Coast songstress, XRA. Two musical worlds collide on Chromatic Warfare with Caribbean-tinged rhythms and urban DJing at its finest. XRA's DJ skills and vocal presence are unmatched. Noel Black's rough voice is direct and melodic. However, the rather short album may be off-putting for some. Nevertheless, the four tracks: "Riot," "We Get Busy," "Judge Before Reading," and "D.O.I. (Declaration of Independence)" are unique and fresh enough to be enjoyed over and over. The music is repetitive at times, very electronic, industrial, and urban. The mix of spacey electronica and urban grooves with rap and hip-hop influences are a combination that works. Anyone interested in progressive poetry and electronic music with an urban flair will find Chromatic Welfare a blast. ~ Matthew Forss   

Song Review: Nick Carter Green's "ADD"

Nick Carter Green
"ADD"
Zuma Records

With ties between Illinois and Los Angeles, Nick Carter Green releases a hit new single with dance, R&B, and hip hop embellishments. The aptly-titled song, which focuses on repetition (both beat and lyrics), as well as a hyped-up melody, takes us on a techno-lined journey with swishy percussion, electronic blurbs, and various electronic noises. "ADD," which is the attention deficit disorder is probably not the best description, since the song is rather focused and tight. Nick's incorporation of electronic adornments and rap lyrics are especially intriguing, since the music is varied and never boring. Nick's vocals are similar in tone to Will Smith. At any rate, "ADD" is infectious, addictive, and something that cannot be ignored. ~ 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: When Harry Tries To Marry [sndtrk]

Various Artists [sndtrk]

When Harry Tries To Marry

108 Pics

The music of the 2011 film of the same name includes elements of love, fun, and good times with various artists from the USA and India. As a romantic comedy, When Harry Tries To Marry is filled with Bollywood-infused pop tunes with dance grooves, lyrical medleys, and folk music. The poignant folk tunes of Sarah Sharp are especially intriguing and sincere. The pop-rock infusions of The June Junes stand out on 'She's The One' and 'Setting Sun.' Indian-greats, Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Rishikesh Kamerkar, and Shreya Goshal provide a fresh feel to the film's content. The alternative-folk group, Craig Marshall, light up the soundtrack on 'It's Coming Back,' 'Settle For Me,' and 'Desperately' with some resemblance to the alternative-folk-roots music of Owsley, The Wallflowers, Soul Coughing, or The Devlins. The electronic group, Small*Star, provides a techno-trance element that livens the moods with a catchy club beat. The compilation is well-suited to the film and doesn't leave the listener in pain. Every track is worthy of praise and recognition. If you are seeking a fun and catchy album, then try this one today. ~ Matthew Forss