EP REVIEW: Tony Andreas McQueen - God's Plan

By Jessica Klausing

After taking a brief hiatus from releasing music, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Tony Andreas McQueen returns with his emotionally driven new EP, God’s Plan. McQueen bares his soul as a broken man hitting rock bottom in the aftermath of a divorce, but through the pain and uncertainty, he clings to the hope that this is all part of God’s plan.

The opener, “God’s Plan,” hits you right in the gut with the lyrics, “I don’t understand, but I know you have a plan; I trust in your plan.” It’s a somber tune, complete with lush harmonies and graceful piano laments, while the strength, emotion, and unashamedly drive for the glory of God are provided by the soothing tones of McQueen’s vocals.

Despite the emotional turmoil, McQueen takes the high road on “Love of Your Life,” forgiving his ex, wishing her well, and hoping they both find another love. He builds the song superbly, transitioning from a delicate intro to a bright rhythm, providing listeners with the optimism that everything will be alright.

Self-doubt and disappointment try to creep back in on “No One part 1,” but McQueen boldly professes the promise of God’s love with the line, “No one can love like you do,” which is repeated like a mantra as the piano crescendo builds the momentum. 

“No One part 2” seamlessly blends with the piano, and McQueen’s vocals soar with his bold declaration to God: “I’m not alone! I’m not afraid! You silence the fear. You took all my shame away! The power of your love is setting us free! I’ll worship you for all of my days!” It’s one of the shortest tracks on the EP but is packed with a powerful message, delivered with such gusto that leaves listeners in awe. 

About the EP, McQueen explains, “These songs deal with the loss of a love, which was my former spouse, and through it all, I have definitely not blamed God but have stayed loyal to His plan. Not everyone can go with you on that journey, and while that fact hurts, it’s something we must all endure.”

God’s Plan showcases how McQueen was able to find redemption through the power of forgiveness and God’s love. In moments of doubt and uncertainty, he found comfort in prayer and reflection, trusting that God was guiding him toward something meaningful. It’s a beautiful EP, packed with vulnerability and raw passion. Well done.

Recommended Tracks: “God’s Plan,” “Love Of Your Life,” and “No One part 2.”

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ALBUM REVIEW: Padon Suber - At Night

By Jessica Klausing

Padon Suber's latest album, At Night, showcases his mastery in contemporary R&B. The album guides listeners through an electronic nightlife experience filled with irresistible EDM beats, complemented by Suber's vocals effortlessly transitioning between smooth, soulful tones and passionate highs.

The opening track, "Different," highlights Padon Suber's Neosoul swagger, narrating a charming encounter where a girl appreciates his unique qualities. Following this meet-cute vibe, "Flirt" features a catchy chorus celebrating the joy of flirting: "I like to flirt, she likes to flirt, we like to flirt, so we just gonna flirt."

Naturally, no Padon Suber album would be complete without some sex appeal. "Confession" exudes a sultry feel, blending a fiery Spanish guitar with an electronic soundscape, echoing the lyrical style reminiscent of the 2010s Hip Hop era, which Suber fondly refers to as "chasing love in the club."

"Down Too" continues the upbeat nightclub ambiance, enticing listeners into a hypnotic melody. Originally titled "Trap Soul," the song's energetic composition encourages listeners to embrace freedom and take risks. 

A standout track, "Run the City," deserves special mention for its dreamy harmonies and mesmerizing melody, evoking a sense of liberated freedom. The album concludes with “Runway,” turning up the heat with vibrant calypso guitar gusto.

At Night envelops listeners in ethereal soundscapes, with layered vocals and experimental electronics capturing the essence of falling in love. Throughout the album, the Spanish guitar adds a seductive allure or an energetic pulse to Suber's vibrant R&B sound. For R&B enthusiasts seeking a blend of timeless allure and contemporary flair, Padon Suber's music is a must-listen!

Recommended Tracks: “Confession,” “Down Too,” and “Run the City.”

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ALBUM REVIEW: Johnny Hickman - Palmhenge

By Jessica Klausing

Known as the co-founder and guitarist of the grunge-y Alt-country band Cracker, Johnny Hickman steps out into the Americana spotlight with his first solo album, Palmhenge. Released in 2005, the album received “Voices Choice” accolades in The Village Voice and has garnered positive reviews within the country world. As a Cracker Crumb (The Cracker band fandom namesake), I was eager to take a deep dive into Hickman’s discography and hear for myself. Spoiler: I was not disappointed.

The opener, “Prerequiem (Palmhenge I),” sets the tone in a western soundscape with a lonesome vibe. Hickman knows how to tell a story, and he portrays the emotion and imagery effectively through his music, as evidenced in this song and the following companion track, “The Great Decline (Palmhenge II).” It’s a compelling tune that reminisces about days gone by, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time before corporate greed and political turmoil tarnished the American Dream. 

Listeners will notice the guitar prowess on these tracks. The sultry guitar in “Little Tom” lures you into the mysteriously sensual entrapment of the melody, while the country influences in “Lucky” add that lively handclap and sing-along vibe.

The standout track, “Harvest Queen,” is a mesmerizing desert rock tune with a powerful wall of sound. You can almost feel that stifling desert heat radiate off that melody as Hickman croons, “Summer is dying, we plant by the moon/ God’s anger burning the mountains at noon/ Don’t turn around, she’ll be beckoning you/through those endless fields of green…She’s a Harvest Queen.” His vocals tie the scorching guitar riff together with a cool, nonchalant tone. 

As impressive as the vocals and the sublime guitar work are on this album, it’s the songwriting that deserves honorable mention.

Tracks such as “The San Bernardino Boy,” “Hacker Boy,” and “Friends” are fun and filled with melodic hooks and lyrics that are not only catchy but memorable. With a vibrant guitar and cynical wit, this clever blend of songcraft and musicianship is what we love best from Johnny Hickman. 

The album winds down with the brooding “Father Winter” followed by the beautiful “Beauregarde’s Retreat” which boasts an entertaining narrative through the lyrics while the vocals tell the tale with charisma.

A tenacious guitarist with lots of heart, Johnny Hickman has created a timeless album. With its vibrant melodies and catchy lyrics, Palmhenge offers a compelling musical journey that’s sure to captivate fans of Americana and Alternative Country. Please do yourself a favor and give it a listen!

Recommended Tracks: “The Great Decline (Palmhenge II),” “Little Tom,” “Harvest Queen,” “The San Bernardino Boy,” “Hacker Boy,” and “Beauregarde’s Retreat.”

Check out Johnny Hickman’s Bandcamp page.

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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.”

Follow Padon Suber:

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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

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.”

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ALBUM REVIEW: Jamie Alimorad - This Is Tomorrow Calling

By Jessica Klausing

Singer-songwriter Jamie Alimorad returns with his newest album, This Is Tomorrow Calling. Teaming up with legendary producers Gino and Ross Vannelli, this adult contemporary pop-rock album showcases beautiful instrumentation and Alimorad’s powerful vocal range.

The uplifting opener, “Brighter Days” sends a message of hope to anyone struggling with their inner demons. “When living’s hard and you think you’re better off dead/This is tomorrow calling, there are brighter days ahead.” Alimorad wrote the song in honor of a friend who had attempted suicide. It’s a cheerful pop-rock tune that will lift your mood and bring you to your feet to rejoice. The song is currently being used to help bring awareness to and raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can purchase the Brighter Days t-shirts through TeePublic, with all proceeds going to the AFSP.

The tempo slows down with the bittersweet, harmonica-brooding “Down On Golden Shores.” Alimorad reflects on the past with, “My Alex was so full of life/ I thought someday to make her my wife/ But the world is full of best-laid plans/ Made by sea and golden sands.”

The standout track, “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty Santana-esque guitar rhythms, while Alimorad belts out pitch-perfect crescendos, on letting us know that he’s in this relationship for the long haul.

“I am Home” delves deep into Alimorad’s emotional songwriting with touching lyrics and delicate guitar while the piano meanders wistfully throughout the track. “Rock Me to Heaven” follows as another tender pop ballad that’ll warm your heart with its sweet lyrics and gentle acoustic guitar.

“Lucky Me” has a surprisingly swanky element with funky guitar riffs and hand drum rhythms as Alimorad recounts falling in love with a toxic woman. “The two best days of my life: One was finding her/ Oh; the second was losing her/ Lucky me.”

“How Could I Love Again?” is melancholic and heartbreaking. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals accompany a distant, pining guitar. The piano-adorned, “A Moment Is All I Ask,” is an emotional track with a loving, swooning melody with which Alimorad expresses his desire to prove his worth to a girl. It’s reminiscent of a Barry Manilow song.

This is Tomorrow Calling is a heartwarming album filled with sublime musicianship. Passion radiates off every track. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys easy-listening and solid, relatable songwriting.

Recommended Tracks: “Brighter Days,” “Not Ready to Say Goodbye,” “I am Home,” and “A Moment Is All I Ask.”

ALBUM REVIEW: Brick Briscoe - Songs To Yell To

Written by Jessica Klausing

Brick Briscoe returns with his ninth studio album release, Songs To Yell To. The album is a restless continuation of Briscoe’s knack for brash post-punk songs about sexuality and identity, citing influences from The Ramones, Buzzcocks, and the 70’s era CBGB club scene. 

From the opening chords of the opener, “Give Me a Lift,” you’re pulled into a punk-fueled road trip that twists and turns, driven by Sal Maida’s bass and Frank Funaro’s rollicking drums. Of course, Briscoe is along for the ride with some tongue-in-cheek jabs like, “this haircut cost me 50 bucks and when they write about me, they’re gonna laugh. It’s their choice.”

Fan favorite “Jack the Ripper” returns stripped down, accompanied by a melancholic bass riff that permeates the track with a very different feel than the hard shredder version featured in the What Happened to Me (2000-2014) compilation album.

“Everybody Sings,” has a distinctly low-fi vibe similar to the likes of Guided By Voices. The melodious, punk rock trailblazer “5 Sick 7” follows with Joey Ramone stylized drumming.

No Brick Briscoe album is complete without snarky yet strangely relatable wisdom. Briscoe offers life advice in “I’m Not Impressed By This Life Very Much” with the lyric, “At 20, you suck/at 30, you suck/ at 40, you’re fucked.” Relationships are questioned in “The Great Maybe,” with, “Being with you never made any sense/though sometimes I like the way you dress/if I drink enough maybe I could reinvent you.”

Briscoe seems to acknowledge his offhanded remarks in “Constant Banging” with, “Nice ass/ those were the first words out of my mouth/ I say things I’m not proud of but I can’t help it.”

As Songs To Yell To winds down, it does so gently, with the reflective “Boys Keep Swinging.” An acoustic guitar accompanied by television noise playing in the background, while Briscoe reminisces about life being simpler as a young boy.

If you want to hear an album that captures the spirit of punk perfectly then Songs To Yell To would be a great choice. Brick Briscoe embraces the best elements of abrasive language and delivers it with guitar-driven fury.

Check out Brick’s radio show called “The Song Show.” Join Brick as he discusses various music topics with surprise musical guests. Listen HERE.

Purchase Brick's music HERE.

Recommended Tracks: “Jack the Ripper,” “Everybody Sings,” “5 Sick 7,” and “I’m Not Impressed By This Life Very Much.”

EP REVIEW: Xs & ARROWs - From Here

Written by Jessica Klausing

Xs & ARROWs bring an acoustic charm to an EP filled with the infectious warmth of the desert sun. Courtney Lavender (vocals and guitar), Susan Peterson (bass), and Pam Bluestein (drums) guide listeners through a soul-searching journey, appropriately titled, From Here. The EP features soothing melodies with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics.

The opener, “Missing,” kicks off the EP with a luscious laid back pop melody ready to lull you into summertime bliss. Vibrant and catchy, it’s a perfect listen for a sunset drive on a scenic route. The song is about the inner struggle of trying to let go of a complicated relationship. Lavender reflects this thought with “I never wanted you to be the only thing I see,” against a wailing electric guitar.

“Fire from Gold” is a tender ballad with lyrics almost suggestive of Native American folklore. Delicate finger-picking and percussion intertwine while the honey smooth vocals evoke comfort and positivity. Lavender sings, “No rush coyote/no rhyme coyote/no fear coyote/We are only blessed/There’s no devil in this hole.” Extremely calming and reassuring, it’s the kind of track that will put a smile on your face and fill your heart with hope.

“Par Ici” follows with a Cranberries-esque vibe that’s filled to the brim with angst. Sharp guitar work rips through the pummeling drums while harsher vocals wail out, “the walls all came down on me/They spit and they shout at me.”

 The closer, “Questions” is a piano centered meditation on relatable frustration and unresolved feelings. Glen Hansard lends his vocals to this heart- wrenching track. The accompaniment is simple which leaves all the attention on Hansard and Lavender’s passionate vocal delivery.

From Here is a self-reflective and passionate collection of tracks that touches on the Irish storytelling spirit. Warm harmonies and mellow guitar glide smoothly throughout the EP. Lavender uses her soft vocals to convey in heartbreak, drama, and emotion into all four songs creating a beautiful listen.

From Here is available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, and Spotify. 

All sale proceeds go to the Peter McVerry Trust, helping the homeless in Dublin.

Recommended Tracks: “Missing” and “Fire from Gold”

ALBUM REVIEW: Matt York - Between the Bars

Written by Jessica Klausing

Returning with his newest release, Between the Bars, Matt York beckons listeners to pull up a bar stool for some drunken wisdom. Filled with the country spirit, the rhythms burst with driving guitars, saloon-esque pianos, and a brooding horn section. These songs convey the heartache of life and relationships gone wrong.

Opening the album is “All Over the Town,” which thrives on a pulsing guitar melody. The song deals with the aftermath of a failed relationship. You know, the kind when the whole town seems to want to gossip about it? It’s one of the more surprisingly upbeat tunes on the album even with the lyric, “You’ve gone out and changed your mind/I don’t know how I’ve survived.”

“Honkytonk Hangover” waltzes you through the doors of a 1950’s Bakersfield saloon. This old school country ballad surges with powerful energy, exploring the despair that even though life is full of regrets, it’s too late to turn back. York reflects this with, “Introduced my sadness to a beer/No one likes me here at the honkytonk/but I don’t feel alone when I’m here.” With a lively organ solo, a feathery piano waltz, and an infectious upbeat tempo, the track challenges our perceptions of resilience while employing self-loathing.

Next is “When the War Began,” an emotive break up song that centers around a toxic romance. For anyone that has had to face rejection, the lyric, “Yeah, there’s never a nice way to say you’re not the one,” is uncomfortably relatable. York’s vocals may be carefree, but his lyrics bring a sense of pain that’s all too real. The contemplative guitar and intensity of the organ in the latter half support the melody's bluesy edge.

Matthew Girard’s beautiful yet mournful trumpet solo stands out in “September’s Coming Soon,” where York’s vocals soar over the nimble Spanish guitar. “Man Who Does Nothing” is a wistful rumination from a man that just can’t get his life together. The acoustic guitar elevates its appeal. “Calling for You” closes out the album with ethereal vocals that reveal a storm of emotion.

Matt York demonstrates with this album a real knack for guitar playing and a suburb use of words as a songwriter. Between the Bars explores with lush instrumentation the inner madness of a resilient soul. The character may not have things figured out but he's still trying somehow.

Between the Bars will be available on November 3rd. You can purchase the album on Matt York's Bandcamp page. 

Matt York will perform a special album release show on November 3rd at the Atwoods Tavern in Cambridge, MA.

Recommended Tracks: “All Over the Town,” “Honkytonk Hangover,” “When the War Began,” and “September’s Coming Soon”