“Ghost Town” by Macedo – A Song Review

     Twin sisters Michelle and Melissa Macedo show the beauty of two-part harmony and the competitive advantage of a pair of singers having physically similar vocal cords. Their singles have an art to them. Michelle and Melissa perform under their surname – Macedo.

     Macedo is based in Los Angeles. According to their Facebook page, the full band is Michelle Macedo, Melissa Macedo, Caleb Bigler, Hunter Hunt, Ken Christianson, and Adam Timmerman

     “Ghost Town” by Macedo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacedoMusic/

Website: http://www.macedomusic.com/

Free Friday (“FL&R”) – April 28 (Part II) Ballerina Black

     Finding songs that can be legally downloaded is easy. The difficult task is to find legally downloadable music that we recommend. "Eddie Lynn" by Ballerina Black is a track that is Free, Legal and Recommended (FL&R). 

      Our first introduction to Ballerina Black came from bassist Esli Sugich. We were fans immediately, but the attraction has grown stronger with almost every release from the Los Angeles-based band. They stay within their strengths, but the emphasis on features varies among the songs in the Ballerina Black library.

     The core members of Ballerina Black are Bobby Moynahan (vocals, guitar) and Scott Eton (keyboard, guitar). Esli Sugich continues to play a role. The band characterizes its genre as Grave Wave – “synth-driven landscapes Eton juxtaposes amid Moynahan's morose dialogues.” But the guitar work on the most recent release, “Eddie Lynn,” distinguishes the song as a Sonic Post Punk track.

     “Eddie Lynn” will be on an EP entitled “East Linus.” 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BallerinaBlack

Website: http://ballerina.black/

Free Friday (“FL&R”) – April 28

     Free and Legal Downloads? Yes, at least temporarily. Bands often temporarily permit free downloads of their releases.  The end of an offer may be based on the expiration of a set period of time or on a limited number of downloads.  But at least for now, here are songs that qualify as Free, Legal and Recommended (FL&R) downloads.

     Finding songs that can be legally downloaded is easy. The difficult task is to find legally downloadable music that we recommend. Our plan is to post at least one FL&R song each Friday.

     The Oyster Murders are equally adept at handling melodic upbeat tracks and dark themes. “Eliza Battle” floats along, although the guitars sometimes turn sinister. In comparison, “Join the Party” has a darkness from start to finish.

      The band is based in Brisbane, Australia. The members are husband and wife Grant (vocals, guitar) and Wendy Redgen (vocals, synths), along with Shaun Edwards (drums) and Chris Macpherson (bass, guitar). Quoting content provided by The Oyster Murders:

  Heavily influenced by the densely layered guitar sounds, and strong melodic vocals produced by the 90’s and now. The music straddles a wide variety of genres whilst still maintaining the eerie sweetness, characteristic of their sound.

      “Eliza Battle” 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoystermurde/

Website: http://theoystermurders.com/

     “Join the Party” 

Lyrics of “Join the Party” by The Oyster Murders

In the forest by the house where the lovers and earth meet

Buried letters there's no post to send them by

The sting of their aching thoughts the longing of their bodies

The glory box is filled with letters but no post to send them by

Join the party everybody is present

Join the party everybody is president

Join the party what a grand chick

Everybody is president

Join join the party

Open eyes suspicious minds listen to the dirt

Hope to hear footfalls above the earth

The sting of their aching thoughts the longing of their bodies

The glory box is filled with letters but no post to send them by

Join the party everbody is present

Join the party everybody is president

Join the party what a grand chick

Everybody is president

Join join the party

“Down Down” (feat. Thurz) by LAIKIPIA – A Song Review

     “Down Down” is a skillful weave of genres and influences. It’s a musical equivalent to a professionally decorated guest room with an eclectic assembly of themes that fit tightly together despite their diverse origins.

     The first few seconds of the song from LAIKIPIA have the acoustic-guitar Folktronica vibe of a Milky Chance track. But “Down Down” also incorporates Hip-Hop, as the Los Angeles artist Thurz (Yannick Koffi) enters with a touch of will.i.am (and a mention of “outcast,” but not in the context of the Hip-Hop group). The song also includes elements of Electronica (of course), Pop and Cinematic Horror (particularly the wolf howls).

     Still, as with all tracks, the less apparent touches make the difference. “Down Down” is a song that requires repeated play to catch and appreciate those touches. The backing vocals have two components during the early portion of the track - male voices provide a low range “ummm” and female voices provide harmonization. Our favorite touch in the middle of the song is the use of chest-vibrating frequency plunges (for example, at 2:21). Then, in the last 30 seconds, a kazoo-like sound (probably synth-generated) supports the other activity.

     The SubmitHub content regarding the song states:

  “Down Down” is a story of revenge and consequence, a song about what can happen if someone gets pushed too far....

  LAIKIPIA is a transatlantic electronic music duo made up of Xander Rawlins and Taylor Harrison. Xander is a singer- songwriter and producer from Bath, England, while Taylor is a classically trained musician and electronic music producer from Los Angeles, California. The duo have recently completed their first UK tour, filmed multiple experimental music videos, and are set to release more original music throughout the coming months.

     “Down Down” (feat. Thurz) by LAIKIPIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearelaikipia

Website: https://www.wearelaikipia.com/

“Running” by The Nickajack Men – A Song Review

     The staff members of Indie Obsessive are fans of the ‘70’s highpoint of Southern Rock, when the genre was ruled by bands named The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Outlaws, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The attachment to the genre is one of the reasons we sit on the shore of the Indie Ocean and look for strong songs to arrive. We’re pleased with discoveries across a number of genres, but more excited on those occasions when the song fits within the Southern Rock genre. Today, we are excited – “Running” by The Nickajack Men was delivered on the crest of a wave.

     “Running” is a fusion of Southern-style vocals and Rock instrumentation. And it is a texturing of low-processed, often jangly guitar with distorted Rock guitar/bass. The resulting contrast is fully exploited by the instruments, as they interject isolated strums and bursts of notes. The melody would survive without the strums and bursts, but it’s enriched by their presence. Then, in the final 30 seconds, “Running” unexpectedly transitions to a more complete alignment with Rock, with the percussion being used to drive the transition.

     The Nickajack Men are based in Falkirk, Scotland. The members are Lewis White (vocals, guitar), Michael Garner (guitar, vocals), Jamie Burns (bass), Matthew McAlister (drums), and Sean McNally (keyboard). They are preparing for a May 26 launch of their debut album, “Wasting Away,” via NJM Records.

     The Facebook page of The Nickajack Men states that the five members are in the range of 19 and 22 years old. Given the level of musical and real life understanding evidenced in “Running,” clearly this is a band to watch. 

     “Running” by The Nickajack Men 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenickajackmen/

Website: http://www.nickajackmen.bigcartel.com/

      Quoting content from the SubmitHub submission of “Running:”

  Falkirk-based four piece The Nickajack Men are preparing to release their debut EP Wasting Away, due for release on 26th May 2017 via NJM Records.

  The theme of the EP explores the difficulties and frustrations experienced by aspiring young musicians as they try to break free from the environment they have grown up in, preparing to take their first steps into a larger, daunting world. From the first note of the opening track, forthcoming single Running, the momentum builds slowly with lead singer Lewis White’s country-tinged vocal style taking centre stage. Skilfully supported by a dynamic band who’s instrumentation is expertly delivered, The Nickajack Men’s ability to write emotive, heartfelt music comes to the fore; producing a captivating, anthemic sound in the spirit of contemporary stalwarts such as Band of Horses.

  Each song offers something different from the last, without losing the band’s americana and indie-rock roots, as the listener works their way through an eclectic mix of sounds and rich textures. ‘Marilyn’ is instantly catchy; a combination of 90’s style brit pop fused with traditional country flavours, while ‘Erb’ effectively incorporates elements of gospel and blues. Closing track ‘When The Winter Comes’ showcases the full repertoire of a band in their element culminating in a climactic, classic rock outro that would do Bruce Springsteen proud. 

  Having formed in 2014, the quartet have been building their name on the Scottish live circuit for the past few years. A sold out show at King Tuts was followed by the ‘Best Newcomers’ 2015, ’Best Single’ and ‘Best Alternative/Indie Band’ 2016 at the Alternative Music in Falkirk Awards. They have also received support from the likes of Gigslutz and Amazing Radio.

“Little Voices” by White Cassette – A Song Review

     “Little Voices” carries a sophistication through its message of disorder. That’s apparent from the beginning of the song from White Cassette. “Little Voices” introduces itself with a calming, slow-building omnichord output. But it’s quickly joined by percussion that signals a sense of urgency. The almost contradictory sentiments coexist, until a guitar hook tips the balance by siding with the percussion. Hearing “little voices” would be disruptive and unappealing, but White Cassette bundles the complication within an energetically engaging package.

     The sophistication of the song is reflected in its attention to detail. The best example is the anguished cry generated by the guitar at the 2:02 mark. Still other aspects that make “Little Voices” praiseworthy are the abilities of multiple band members to contribute to the vocals and the accomplished interplay among the instruments.

     White Cassette is based in Boston. The six members are Max Bridges (vocals, omnichords), Casey Ruggiero (vocals, keyboards), Sam Witty (keyboards), Devon Dawson (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Cory Roberts (bass, vocals), and Ross Rivers (drums, percussion).

     “Little Voices” by White Cassette 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitecassette

Website: http://www.whitecassette.com/

Bandcamp: https://whitecassette.bandcamp.com/album/new-world-haunts

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-world-haunts/id1195264808

“Teenage Daydream” by LEDGES – A Song Review

     A number of aspects of “Teenage Daydream” can be characterized as creatively dynamic. The song from LEDGES begins synth-heavy, but the instrumental bridge starting around 2:50 is “organic” piano. The tempo is varied and the percussion uses a range of approaches, including a one-time use of a school alarm at 2:20 and drumstick-to-metallic drum rim.

     The characterization is most appropriate when referring to the vocalization. “Teenage Daydream” takes vocal residence in a relaxed, melodic neighborhood, but makes visits to the falsetto range. Then, toward the end of the song, there is a strained-yet-pleasing lyrical yell. “Teenage Daydream” even adds vocal layering to the arrangement. In the lyrics pasted at the bottom of this post, italics represent the lyrics that are sung simultaneously with the lead vocals, but at a lower layer.

     LEDGES is based in Akron, Ohio. The members are Andy Hoffman (vocals, guitar), John Merkel (guitar), Alex Hoffman (keys, percussion), Will Hess (percussion), and Matt Gregory (bass, vocals). The band is preparing to release a full length album entitled “Homecoming,” which includes “Teenage Daydream.” The album was recorded at Oceanway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and was engineered by Ryan Yount with assistance from Will Hess, who also acted as producer on the album.

     “Teenage Daydream” by LEDGES 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LEDGESmusic/

Website: https://www.ledgesmusic.com/

Lyrics of “Teenage Daydream” by LEDGES

When I was your lover

I was a young man throwing stones at your window

But you would not hear me

I feel your lips around my neck

Breathing’s heavy but you’re taking softer steps

Tell me girl where is your head

Tell me girl where is your head

You weren’t there for me, there for me

When I was a younger man

You weren’t there for me, there for me

When I was a younger man

I was a younger man

When I was your beggar

I was just holding out my hands to you

But you would not give me a damn thing

I feel your lips around my neck

Breathing’s heavy, but you’re taking softer steps

Tell me girl where is your head

Tell me girl where is your head

You weren’t there for me, there for me

When I was a younger man

You weren’t there for me, there for me

When I was a younger man

I was a younger man

[Layered backing vocals]  

We both spoke so desperately behind twisted teeth at night

Careful not to hurt the other one, careful not to hurt the other one

We both shut ourselves away pretend that we are not afraid

Of moving in our own way

Of moving in our own way

When I was your lover, I was a beggar, I was a fool

You weren’t there for me when I called your name

You weren’t there for me when I was young

You weren’t there for me when I called your name

“All I've Ever Known” by Motions – A Song Review

     Because its personality regularly evolves, it’s easy to mistakenly conclude that “All I’ve Ever Known” is an almost three-minute crescendo. As the song progresses, instruments are added, voice processing is adjusted, and vocal forcefulness is increased. The differences are made incrementally, so the full effect is only appreciated by jumping from playing the quietly contemplative personality of the first portion to the thunderous assertiveness of the final portion.

     Yes, “All I’ve Ever Known” does include a crescendo. In fact, it’s our favorite intensity build of 2017. It begins around 1:30 and lasts about 30 seconds. That crescendo functions as an emotion escalator, since there is a steady-speed increase in the investment we hold in the message and attitude of the track.

     Motions are a duo based in Dublin, Ireland. The members are Tom Daly and Dave Nulty.

     “All I've Ever Known” by Motions 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotionsMusicOfficial

Free Friday (“FL&R”) – April 21

     Free and Legal Downloads? Yes, at least temporarily. Bands often temporarily permit free downloads of their releases.  The end of an offer may be based on the expiration of a set period of time or on a limited number of downloads.  But at least for now, here is a song that qualifies as Free, Legal and Recommended (FL&R) downloads.

     Finding songs that can be legally downloaded is easy. The difficult task is to find legally downloadable music that we recommend. Our plan is to post at least one FL&R song each Friday.

     Tree Machines made the move from Lawrence, Kansas to Los Angeles, set up a small studio, and began making waves. “Waiting On The Sun” has the feel of a crest. The band is formed of Doug Wooldridge (vocals, guitar), Patrick Aubry (keyboards, bass), and producer Mike Giffin (drums). Content regarding Tree Machines will sometimes add David Gentry (guitar).

     “Waiting On The Sun” by Tree Machines 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treemachines

Website: https://www.treemachinesmusic.com/

Lyrics of “Waiting On The Sun” by Tree Machines

I’m tired, it’s late.

This city’s cold and grey under the night.

Building’s old that nudge against the sky lit bright.

No control. My head is light. Hit the floor. I don’t feel alright.

Spinning world through bloodshot eyes. Hit the floor. I don’t feel alive.

Waiting on the sun to come around.

Hold me now and lift me off the ground.

Waiting on the sun to come around.

Hold me now and lift me off the ground.

Am I still alive?

How can I make it through another night?

No control. My head is light. Hit the floor. I don’t feel alright.

Spinning world through bloodshot eyes. Hit the floor. I don’t feel alive

Waiting on the sun to come around

Hold me now and lift me off the ground

Waiting on the sun to come around

Hold me now and lift me off the ground

Bitter thoughts as lovers watch me

Wondering if I’ll take the plunge.

Bitter thoughts that leave me

Wondering how the water’d fill my lungs

Now I know. Yeah, I know this night will end and I’ll be fine

Yeah, I know I’ll be fine, if I can make it through the night

Waiting on the sun to come around

Hold me now and lift me off the ground

Waiting on the sun to come around

Hold me now and lift me off the ground

Set the DVR – Two Music-Specific Television Series

     Today (April 20), CNN will air the first in a series of eight episodes entitled “Soundtracks.” Each episode will address the music around a pivotal event in U.S. history. In the first, the event is the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King. The focus of the second will be the destruction of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. For a full listing, go to the CNN website http://cnnsoundtracks.com/#/episodes.

     The episodes are scheduled to start at 10pm in the Eastern Time Zone. But check your television schedule.

     Next month, PBS will start an “American Epic” series. It will begin on Tuesday May 16 and a new episode will air each following Tuesday until June 6. For more information, go to the PBS website http://www.pbs.org/americanepic/. Quoting the first paragraph:

American Epic, a film series produced by Allison McGourty, Duke Erikson and Director Bernard MacMahon, explores the pivotal recording journeys at the height of the Roaring Twenties, when music scouts armed with cutting-edge recording technology captured the breadth of American music and discovered the artists that would shape our world. Narrated by Robert Redford.

Ivy Nations and Declan J Donovan – “Wait For It”

     The instruction “Wait for it” is used as a sentence-enhancing catchphrase. The character Bernie Stinson on the television series “How I Met You Mother” was a regular user/abuser, making statements such as, “It's gonna be legen — wait for it ... and I hope you're not lactose-intolerant 'cause the second half of that word is — dary!”

     This post contains two songs that will be underappreciated if the listener doesn’t wait for it, where “it” represents the portion of the song in which other voices join the lead vocalist. Both tracks are strong from the start, but the most attractive features are missed if the listener is impatient.

     The tempo at the start of “Live By Design” does not foreshadow the closing energy of this offering from Ivy Nations. The feature that makes the song blogworthy begins at 2:57, when the support vocals and the melodic urgency reach their peaks.

     Ivy Nations is a Dublin, Ireland, quartet comprising longtime friends Darragh Faughey and Brian Sinnott (guitars), along with Joe Kiernan on vocals and Paul Donohoe on drums.

     “Live By Design” by Ivy Nations

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IvyNationsOfficial/

Website: https://ivynations.com/

Lyrics of “Live By Design” by Ivy Nations

I traced your footsteps

They were all I had

Did you wait for me?

Was I too blind to see?

That I engaged in silence

And climbed every wall

To escape the thought

To escape the thoughts

Of someone else

Of someone else

But you cannot define

Or insinuate the secrets there to tell

We live by design

Trying to pick up all the pieces

They hand you down

They hand you down

Hand you down

Hand you down

We're never gonna feel it

We live by design

We live by design

We live out our fantasies

[Repeat]

     Declan J Donovan is a 19-year-old in Harlow, Essex. The harmony of “Fallen So Young” qualifies the song for this post. The full impact isn’t felt until the male-female harmonization becomes the focus from 3:10 until 3:42.

     The inspiration in the writing of “Fallen So Young” was a family wedding:

  Written originally as a best man’s speech for his brother’s wedding, Declan’s debut offering is a heartfelt, raw expression of compassion and love. Penned from the point of view of his brother Michael - Declan explains: “‘Fallen So Young’ is about my brother Michael and his wife Hayleigh and how they've been together since they were 15. And still just as in love, 16 years later. It's written as a love letter from Michael to Hayleigh."

     “Fallen So Young” by Declan J Donovan 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeclanJDonovan/

“Cut to Ribbons” by Elizabeth – A Song Review

     The first seconds of “Cut to Ribbons” are more rhythmic vibration than melody. The melody is soon textured in by a guitar with resemblances to the style of The Cure. The vocals enter and the listener can settle into a false comfort – the song fits snuggly into a Post Punk category. But when an acoustic guitar is briefly featured at 0:44, it is clear that the song by Elizabeth is too dynamic to pigeonhole. In fact, perhaps the most attractive feature of “Cut to Ribbons” is the low-distortion Rock guitar layered over a strong bass line at the two-minute mark.

     Elizabeth does identify itself as an Indie Post Rock band. The quartet is formed of Davor Katinic (guitar), Rory O’Sullivan (bass), and twin brothers Reggie Gill (vocals, guitar) and Paul Gill (drums). They have been releasing music from Vancouver, British Columbia, since their debut album “First Excommunications” in 2007.

     “Cut to Ribbons” is a powerful beat over subject matter evidencing vulnerability. The combination of demonstrating strength and confessing weakness establishes a balance that distinguishes the track from other songs deserving more attention than they are currently receiving. The song is on the third album from Elizabeth. The album, “Death to Rebels!” was released via Red Coat Record Company.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elizabeththeband

Website: http://elizabethelizabeth.ca/

Bandcamp: https://elizabeth.bandcamp.com/

“Did I Offend You?” by Lauren Ruth Ward – A Song Review

     If there were a mathematical algorithm for reliably predicting Indie performers on the verge of a breakout, we would bet the name Lauren Ruth Ward would fly out after the data is input. Relevant factors for the prediction would certainly include vocal strength, performance charisma, and songwriting capabilities. For Lauren Ruth Ward, all three boxes are checked. Then, factor in her ability to fit equally comfortably within a Rock environment and a setting requiring sensitivity, her sensuous appearance, and her musical colleagues (band members and romantic interest). Everything is pointing in an upward direction.  

     “Did I Offend You?” is a song Ward co-wrote with guitarist Eduardo Rivera. In describing its inspiration, Ward stated:

  “‘Did I Offend You’ is a song about self-reflection after an intense conversation. It can be taken from the perspective of a conversation with someone else or a conversation with oneself. I like giving that option to the listener. The song follows the trail of emotions ranging from regret to panic. This is also the first song that Eddie and I wrote together, so it has meaning to me on various levels.”

     At times, Ward introduces vibrato to her vocals. It seems effortless, rather than forced. Another touch that makes a difference is the guitar/vocals cooperation at the end of “Did I Offend You?” The same line is repeated six times, which isn’t typically a positive. The difference is the low frequency guitar that tracks Ward’s voice, particular upon the word “down.” One other mention – the whistle-like feature (for example at 0:44) reminds us of LP (Laura Pergolizzi). Ward was a part of LP’s official video for “Lost on You” and the two have toured together.   
     
     Lauren Ruth Ward is based in Los Angeles, after moving from her hometown Baltimore. In addition to Eduardo Rivera (guitar), Ward is accompanied by Deanna Passarella (bass) and Doug Walters (drums). 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenruthwardmusic

Website: http://www.laurenruthwardmusic.com/

Lyrics of “Did I Offend You?” by Lauren Ruth Ward

Did I offend you?

I was only playing games.

We could start from the top and tear it down again.

You were appointed the master of control.

It won't give you self-control, you're only getting older

You're only getting older

Is this the part where you stumble in?

You're only breaking down again.

Only fools will let crows win.

You're only breaking down. [Repeat]

Running with the masses, you're only getting fatter and paid.

Souls are what could break, your skin is only walls for some odd days.

Is this the part where you stumble in?

You're only breaking down again.

Only fools will let crows win.

You're only breaking down. [Repeat]

Creeps on the other side, don’t let them tell you what to find.

Keep them where they lie.

Keep them there.

Keep them out of mind.

Is this the part where you stumble in?

You're only breaking down again.

And only fools would let crows win.

You're only breaking down. [Repeat 6x]