Eclectic Sounds

Single Review - 23 October 2015

“Here” by Alessia Cara

Album Review - 18 October 2015

“Montevallo” by Sam Hunt

I must admit, I’m joining the Sam Hunt fan club a little late in the game. His debut album will have been out for a year coming up here in a week and he released his 5th single last month. While I admit I’m late on appreciating Hunt’s talent, as they say, it’s better late than never. 

The 10 track album “Montevallo” is one of the strongest debuts by an artist in recent years, country or not. To me, this is so because of Hunt’s song writing ability. Before he was a successful solo artist, he was writing hits for stars like Kenny Chesney [ “Come Over” ] and Keith Urban [ “Cop Car” ]. Taking that into account, his songs lyrically would be expected to be good. But combining his catchy and relatable lyrics with his rhythmic timing, Sam Hunt has found a formula that works. Along for this musical ride are flares of pop, R&B, and slightly rap-like tendencies that give Hunt the opportunity to crossover to Top 40 with singles like “Take Your Time” but stay relevant on country radio with singles like “House Party” and “Break Up In A Small Town”. And the amazing thing is that with half of this record having been played and heard on the radio, there are still songs that are worth hearing on the album. His rendition of “Cop Car” gives you something Keith Urban’s version never could when it comes to storytelling ability.  And his soul on “Make You Miss Me” give anyone going through a bad breakup at a loss for words the perfect ones to say. 

With all of that being said, the clear standout on this album for me has to be track 6, “Ex To See”. It has everything: the strong beat, the pop/country crossover ability, and the biting lyrics. My favorite part about the story being told in this song is that Sam Hunt was able to sing about a type of relationship that isn’t usually talked about: a girl using a guy to make her ex jealous. What a concept. 

Another cool thing to know about this artist is that he was named one of the 5 rising country stars to watch by Billboard magazine just this past week. With that, the only thing left to say is maybe you should join me in the Sam Hunt fan club if you aren’t already a member. Like I said, it’s better late than never. 

Listen for: 

the last chorus - Ex To See

Concert Review - 12 October 2015 [attended 28 September 2015]

flor [with Coin and Colony House]

In June 2011, I met four guys in a band called Sunderland. Over time, I began to get to know them from attending their shows and continued to support them not only because of their music but because I saw them as friends. Around mid-2014, with more experience as artists and a more fitting drummer, Zach, McKinley, Dylan, and Kyle formed the band flor. I had the privilege to see them play one of their first shows together as flor in Los Angeles in February of this year. And after some months and relocating to the east coast, I made my way to Washington, D.C. to see my pals perform for my second time. Two days ago, flor wrapped up a short leg opening for Coin and Colony House, the D.C. show at U Street Music Hall being the first of the leg. Arriving slightly before doors, I was able to catch up with the guys before they went on. As they warned me that it probably wouldn’t be that great since it was the first night of tour, I assured them they would be great. I was the correct one in this instance. 

As the first opener, the crowd was piling in slowly, but that didn’t matter. With a good crowd to start, flor began their set strong and ended it even stronger. There were parts of the set where you could sense possible first night jitters. Regardless, half way through, these guys hit their stride. And it showed. Songs like “Unsaid” and “Ocean” were obvious standouts. And once they reached their set closer “Heart”, it was clear that flor is already making a name for themselves. Strong vocals from lead singer Zach melded perfectly with each melody and beat of every song. Flawless harmonies with Dylan (bass) and McKinley (guitar) were detected throughout the set and gave depth to the songs where they were present. With Kyle holding his own on drums, synchronicity, passion, and talent were evident. And I know I wasn’t the only person in the crowd to feel this way.

You know that moment at a concert when you’re seeing an opener you’ve never heard of but as each second goes by, you are becoming a bigger fan, so you take out your phone and snap a couple pictures? I saw this moment happen for the majority of the crowd as flor was nearing the end of their set. As I said before, part of me sees these four guys from Oregon as friends. But first and foremost, I am a fan. I’m a fan of the music they have released as flor, I look forward to the music they will release in the future, and knowing how great of people they are makes it even easier to support their music career. Check them out, you won’t be disappointed.

Single Review - 7 October 2015

“I’m Comin’ Over” by Chris Young

Album Review - 3 October 2015

“I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time” by Moose Blood

Every year at Warped Tour, I go with the expectation to leave with my new favorite band. A band that impresses me in their short 25 minute set and makes me want to visit their merch booth and spend money I don’t really have. This past summer, that band was Moose Blood. Not only did their set catch my attention, but Eddy Brewerton’s [lead singer] acoustic set had me hooked. They are from the UK, are signed to No Sleep Records, and rekindled my love for alternative rock in a way I wasn’t expecting. 

Their debut album “I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time” came out last year following two EPs. Every song on this album shines in its own right and listening to the album in its entirety is an experience in and of itself. Each song is written in the vain of storytelling. I know you’re probably thinking ‘well isn’t that what songwriting is?’. The way these guys do it is different. The whole album gives any listener the feeling that they know Brewerton on a personal level. There are songs that revolve around family [ “Cherry”, “Chin Up”, “Pups” ], there are songs that revolve around relationships [ “Boston”, “Swim Down”, “Bukowski” ]. But all in all, the whole album feels like a big ball of nostalgia. And it works perfectly. 

Clear standouts for me are really the whole second half of this album, but we’ll start more specifically with “Kelly Kapowski”. I can imagine Moose Blood on a headlining tour performing this song live, and a huge moment of everyone in the venue tapping into their feelings of past loves and belting the lyrics “Do you remember those nights last summer? Do you remember what I said? I remember how I felt last summer and I didn’t want it to end” and said moment becoming the new thing no one really wants to see end. Then we find the lyrics of the album in the song “I Hope You’re Miserable”. If you’re looking for a way to say to an ex ‘yeah you left your mark, but I’m not happy about it, and I really hope you’re slightly more upset than I am right at this moment’, send them this song for some closure. And lastly, we have “Gum”. This song sums up this band in 3 minutes, and does so extremely well. If you want your friends to fall in love, play them this one. 

All in all, the work that Moose Blood accomplished on this album is something worth noting. These guys have not only made an album that speaks volumes, but they are sure to continue making their mark on this music scene for years to come. 

Listen for: 

“I was young and irresponsible about a year ago, and it’s hard to tell if my hand will ever warm up” - Cherry

“It wasn’t getting drunk I loved, it was being with you” - Pups

“I’m the best book you’ll never read” - Bukowski