ALBUM REVIEW: Padon Suber - Love Daze

By Jessica Klausing

Padon Suber has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Love Daze. Get ready for a hypnotic soulful journey exploring the quintessential romantic emotions of falling in love. Written and recorded in his home studio, Suber tastefully blends Neo Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Salsa, and electronic synths to create a treasure trove of enjoyable tracks from start to finish.

The spoken word intro, “Daze” sets the mood with Suber asking, “Am I dreaming?”while three synths are simultaneously merged to pull listeners into a trippy hypnotic distortion. Without warning, the following track, “Urges” heats things up with a lively horn section and a thumping bass that pulses like a heartbeat. The trumpet solo adds more spice to the fiery tempo making this a stellar tune to hit the dance floor with a partner. 

The melody slows down with the passionate soul-driven, “Addiction.” Suber’s beautiful emotive vocals take center stage here accompanied by catchy guitar licks and a bluesy bass. While Suber pours his heart out the tempo gradually increases with each romantic profession. His vocal prowess is captivating as he effectively nails each high note. “Thursday” is another perfect example of his impressive vocal delivery showcasing a beautiful falsetto. 

Suber gets back to basics with “Make Things Simple,” proving you don’t need a complex production to make a beautiful love song. With gentle piano keys, organ, and wholesome, heartfelt love lyrics, “One plus one equals two, that’s me and you,” it’ll have listeners bouncing to the beat and singing along with the chorus.

Dripping in more hypnotic synths and infectious grooves is “Love Space,” a stand out track on the album. The lyrics “I think I love you” creates a sultry tone over a euphoric back beat. Each mesmerizing note, synth embellishment and drum beat is irresistible within this arrangement. It’s a gorgeous track that transcends listeners into a dreamy dimension.

Another track worthy of honorable mention is the summertime anthem, “Kinda Love.” This song just exudes confidence and swagger as Suber croons, “Give me that 24/7 kinda love. You seen me 78 times but it aint enough” over the funky guitar riffs and sonic ambiance. 

Love Daze boasts charming songwriting and masterful production skills. Padon Suber’s beautiful soundscapes are a joy to listen to and are effective in capturing the listener’s imagination in such a way that makes each listening experience feel like falling in love for the first time. 

Recommended Tracks: “Urges,” “Addiction,” “Make Things Simple,” “Thursday,” “Love Space,” and “Kinda Love.”

Matthew Phillips - “So In Love”

By Jessica Klausing

Matthew Phillips returns with a new single, “So In Love,” and a video release concert on July 2nd. 

According to Phillips, “the song is about being so in love.” He says, “It’s the things we are willing to do in that state of mind. An incredible thing about music is when people take a song like this and make it their own. I have my story as to what it means to me. I think it's incredible when we play it live and others will tell me what it means to them. Music is such a beautiful form of expression.”

On The Flipside Music was given early listening access to the song and here are my thoughts:

Tastefully layered with catchy guitar hooks, a synth bass and spirited drums, “So In Love,” is a vibrant musical delight that showcases Phillips’ ability as a compelling storyteller. The cinematic soundscape is complimented with earnest lyrics that hit hard through passionate vocal delivery. The melody pulses like a racing heartbeat as he professes, “I would do anything to have one more day with you/And I would say anything to have one more night with you.” Just when listeners think the song is winding down, in comes a rip roaring guitar solo that soars over the backbeat. The recording and mixing on this track is flawless and smooth from start to finish. 

Phillips says about the recording, “We recorded it with producer Jerrell Ayran and layered the arrangement in his studio. I went back and started tracking all my guitars and cut the lead local with Roy over at Rarefied Recording. We had 4 Mics across 2 amps and I couldn't be more satisfied with the tone we captured. I then linked up with producer Joel Piper over at Farmhouse Studios. We tracked all the backing vocals, he added a synth bass in the chorus and layered his incredible drum sounds to give it that final touch. It's something we are really proud of and it's time to share.” 

Follow Matthew Phillips:

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Mikey Videotape - "The Strangest Dream"

By Jessica Klausing

Hot off the presses from Lost Records comes the debut single of Mikey Videotape’s “The Strangest Dream.” This progressive song has a modern day The Romantics - “Talking In Your Sleep” vibe with its electronic production.

“The Strangest Dream” begins just like something from a dream with a whimsical sonic ambiance as Mikey croons softly, “Last night I had the strangest dream/Every number, every piece/One…Two…Three…”

Mikey takes listeners on an ethereal journey through the use of cinematic moving synths and hypnotic layered vocals. When the acoustic guitar outro abruptly kicks in, it snaps listeners awake from the lush lucid dreaming soundscape into a more traditional musical arrangement.

Listeners are left almost discombobulated as Mikey gently reflects with, “Everytime you fall asleep, you’re gonna wonder what it means/When you wake up, I’ll be gone, but the feeling lingers on.”

With elements of nostalgia and mystery blended among the programmed instrumentation, “The Strangest Dream” is an infectious earworm worth keeping on repeat. 

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SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Kinda Love"

By Jessica Klausing

Neo Soul artist Padon Suber releases his new single, “Kinda Love.” This is the second single off his highly anticipated album, Love Daze, which is set to release later this month.

Suber says, “Kinda Love is love in the form of infatuation of being so crazed about someone, for no specific reason other than the happiness you feel when you think about the way you function around that person. It’s that blissful feeling that makes you want to be with them all the time.”

“Kinda Love” begins with a funky guitar riff and breezy background harmonies, as Suber reminisces about the joy of just being with his love. As the chorus starts, we learn that he’s not interested in something superficial, but just, the ‘kinda love’ when you and your love just can’t get enough of each other. It’s an upbeat and feel good love song 

Suber’s silky smooth voice croons, “Give me that 24/7 kinda love. You seen me 78 times but it aint enough.” The Neo Soul sonic ambiance and catchy lyrical professions is a perfect listen for long drives or just lounging poolside for the summer.

SONG REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex - "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby"

By Jessica Klausing

Dim the lights and get ready to take things nice and slow. Cigarettes After Sex are best known for their dreamy pop-noir ambience and sensual, androgynous vocals from frontman Greg Gonzalez, who describes the band’s songs as “erotic lullabies.” 

While all of their songs have that same lethargic vibe, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” from the 2012 EP, I, is a stand out track in terms of modern romanticism lyrics with a beautiful, subdued melody. 

The song begins with a thumping bass as Gonzalez croons, “Whispered something in your ear.” As he proceeds to recount the wholesome yet romantic debauchery with his lover, the haunting guitars linger in the background accompanied by a delicate tapping of drums. The tempo picks up briefly with a whimsical synthesizer at the chorus, “Nothing’s gonna hurt you baby/As long as you’re with me, you’ll be just fine.” 

Whether you’re looking to have a passionate night or to just wind down and relax after a stressful day, Cigarettes After Sex is a band worth checking out.

SONG REVIEW: Padon Suber - "Thursday"

By: Jessica Klausing

As featured on the On the Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: The Antidote: Interview w/ Singer Padon Suber

R&B artist Padon Suber releases his new single “Thursday” from the upcoming album, Love Daze. This soulful track is a celebration of love that is bursting with warm tones and blissful rhythmic grooves that will have you falling in love with Suber’s sultry smooth voice.

At the start we’re treated to heavenly harmonies telling us that “It’s Thursday.” Suber coos on counting down the days until he can finally see his love with, “I can’t wait to see your face. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. I can’t wait til this Thursday. I hope you’re on your way.”

When asked about his new song, Suber recalls, “I wrote this song as an ode to one of my band member’s relationship with his girlfriend. Before they moved in together they shared a long distance relationship, he was in Houston and she was in Louisiana. They had a system where she would come stay with him at least once a month for a full week starting on a Thursday. I was so moved by the consistency of his response toward those symbolic Thursdays that I wanted to capture that moment in a song. I think everyone can relate to that feeling of bliss when thinking about seeing the person who makes them smile.”

Filled with the soft strum of an acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, a spirited organ, and a powerful falsetto, this song is a beautiful addition to any romantic playlist or just to share with that special someone.

ALBUM REVIEW: Desmond Parson - Like a November

By Jessica Klausing

Desmond Parson’s Like a November is a smooth nod to classic R&B with a delightful modern twist. The gorgeous album art (created by Artist Seam L Ess) catches the eye with a sharp contrast of fiery reds and cool blue tones which serves as the perfect visual representation of what to expect from Parson’s newest release. This charming album flows beautifully with mellow melodies and warm harmonies to create a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in.

The opener “Come Through November” is a sultry spoken word jazzy concoction that will warm your soul like sipping a hot cup of coffee on a cool autumn morning. Erika Floyd waxes the poetic of the seasonal changes while Lee Flowers drops a smooth lofi beat in the background. The overall theme of the entire album is summed up with this verse:

“As the leaves of trees change, we change

Concealing ourselves, less transparency

Since more layers are necessary, but in contrast there’s opportunity

To get in closer proximity of one another.”

Next Parson sensually leads us into “Blue Nile,” a groovy R&B track that exudes a sexy persona while maintaining a cool tone that is as hypnotic and alluring as the fragrance itself. When asked about the inspiration behind this song, Parson recalls smelling the cologne in his youth while listening to music. His song is an ode to the fragrance and its cool vibes which he still proudly wears today.

“Let’s Pretend” glows with Parson’s warm vocals that are both comforting and uplifting. With an infectious soulful chorus and smooth love swagger this song gives strong Luther Vandross and Boyz II Men vibes. The trickling piano intro adds grace and eloquence to this beautiful track like autumn leaves falling from the tree.

Continuing on with more heartfelt storytelling is “I’ll Be Around,” in which Parson professes that he’ll “be around when you wake up in the morning.” In “Something Kind Of Sweet,” Parson and Anna Surv croon sweet harmonies about the innocence of falling in love with “you’re what sugar is supposed to be.”

Another standout on the album is the remix to “Possibly.” Parson released “Possibly” on his Resoulation EP in April 2022. The track was a success and a streaming favorite among fans, such as UK DJ personality, DJ Silver Hawk, who suggested to Parson to consider remixing the original. It’s such a fun remix bursting with upbeat drumming and a flute that will have you singing along with Parson, Kojo Snowden and Ashley Watkins asking, “Can I be your cup of tea?”

The album closes with a jazz instrumental reprise of “Come Through November,” featuring Lee Flowers strumming a gentle reflective melody on guitar with a cheerful saxophone wailing in the background.

Like a November is a beautiful demonstration of Desmond Parson’s musical prowess as a solo artist. Parson takes the softer moments within the album and builds on the self reflection through the use of his soulful vocals and instrumentals. Each song is a delicate ear worm from start to finish that leaves listeners feeling cozy. 

Recommended Tracks: “Come Through November,” “Let’s Pretend,” “Something Kind of Sweet,” and “Possibly(Remix).”

Desmond Parson:
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EP REVIEW: Xs and ARROWs - Awoken By Owls

By Jessica Klausing

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In the midst of the pandemic Los Angeles based indie rockers Xs and ARROWs’ second EP, Awoken by Owls takes listeners on a self-reflective journey filled with sweet acoustic melodies and the sounds of nature. According to Courtney Lavender, “The recordings on this EP were born from the stillness of being nowhere but in nature, and the space it freed to allow me to create. No more hours on a freeway, in doctors’ offices, or in a white box room with six computers. Just the wind, the snow, the rain, the sun, the smoke, the fire. Just the sound of midnight birdsong, and the owls.” Lavender has been keeping herself busy this year with three music video releases ahead of the EP, using wildlife footage shot in the San Gabriel mountains and metaphorical lyrics to convey seasonal depression during “this drawn out period of lockdown life” as she describes.

The opener “Doin’ Time” sets the mood with wistful guitar strums as Lavender croons, “Well, I’ve been growing restless/ Waiting for change/Tomorrow’s caught in the turnstiles/All tattered and frayed.” You can hear the desperation in her voice as she cries out, “Feels like I’ve been doin’ time,” like a forgotten prisoner begging for freedom. “Little April” follows with the gentler, “We all need a little sunshine/ We all need reassurance,” as she invites us to “come on in” to her metaphorical spring of hope, offering warmth and comfort.

A standout track, “Call You Home” provides a cheery tone as the udu creates a pots and pans clanking sound reminiscent of a lone traveler backpacking along in the wilderness. While this pandemic may have jaded our hearts, “Raise Your Heart” dares us to be more vulnerable and wear our hearts on our sleeves. It’s a beautiful reminder that as humans we often feel stuck overcoming obstacles, but we should never give up and always persevere. “Go Deeper” closes out the EP with a layered tapestry of lap steel, tambourine, guitar, percussion, and soft harmonies weaved together seamlessly as Lavender makes her profound declaration, “I’m ready for the receiving,” thus ending the listeners’ journey on a positive note.

Awoken by Owls is a superb follow up to the 2017 EP, From Here. Xs and ARROWs hone in on their storytelling craft as Lavender’s warm vocals really shine, providing a much needed light in this darkened world. Each song flows beautifully into the next and the album as a whole is a pleasure to listen to.

Recommended Tracks: “Little April,” “Call You Home” and “Raise Your Heart.”

SONG REVIEW: Desmond Parson - "I Pledge"

By Jessica Klausing

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As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Encased in lush neo soul, “I Pledge” is an alluring and emotive newly released single from Desmond Parson. Portraying a message of being in love and a “pledge of allegiance” declaration from new couples and longtime couples alike, this track is the perfect choice for weddings and anniversaries. Parson coos sweetly over a mellow melody while trickling piano keys, warm horns and a heavenly choir of background harmonies bring out the retro R&B aspect into this delightful musical soundscape.

Desmond Parson is one artist not to sleep on. You can hear the Stevie Wonder influences in his music, and I for one cannot wait to see what else he brings to the soul table.

SONG REVIEW: Naja - "Closer"

By Jessica Klausing

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As featured on the On The Marq Radio Show with DJ Marq - Episode: Soul glo

Heartfelt confessions and sonic backdrops take center stage on Minneapolis based artist Naja’s latest song, “Closer.” Jump starting into the song, Naja pours his heart out to the listener about not “needing no fancy things,” which builds the emotion with a concise drum beat before cresting into a layered echo of background vocals.

According to Naja, “this song is inspired from trying to reject materialism and ego, and trying to pursue spirituality. I’m a recovering drug addict, and although I have been sober for over a decade, I find that drugs are a just symptom of my soul sickness. I’ve always tried to use external things to fix the way I feel internally.”

The profound highlight of the song comes with the piano melody cascading down like gentle raindrops to cleanse and purify the soul. As Naja coos his soulful harmonies delicately, a warm saxophone injects a funky jazz element into this already rich musical soundscape. As the song winds down, Naja leaves us with the overall message that real happiness doesn’t come from outside things, and yes, life is not always great, sometimes it’s full of fear, and we have to walk through it, but we don’t have to do it alone.

Follow Naja on:

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