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- Review: "Lost Soldier" - Alex Kate
Singer-songwriter Alex Kate captures the overlooked issue of men's mental health in her new ethereal piece "Lost Soldier." A topic not usually broached in songwriting, Alex Kate delicately touches on the subject by placing it in the context of the world of a magical Neverland. Home to innocent youths and the famous Lost Boys, Neverland is illustrated as a world where time cannot affect its inhabitants—a place of tranquility and peace where the anxieties and troubles of adulthood are nowhere to be seen. Kate uses the idea of Neverland as a metaphor for escapism, a visit to a land where you can be relinquished from a turmoiled state of mind. Kate writes about an inward fragility behind a “fortress of iron,” painfully guarded from others. When writing the song Kate wanted to raise awareness about the high statistical rate of male suicide. The song emphasizes the tendency to internalize emotions due to societal expectations of men always to appear strong and stable. The song unfolds like a military procession, driven by the steady drumbeats, representing a sense of confinement and a lifelong obligation. Kate references “little soldier” repetitively which follows along to a somber drumming pattern, furthering the portrayal of an internal war cry among its male soldiers. The song uses timpani drums to create an earthy oriental sound and features piano and strings for a heavenly feel that glides over each chant and verse. This includes her battle-like rhythmic vocals that pulse and soar over her moving lyrics, adding to the cinematic and soundtrack quality. At different points of “Lost Soldier,” we are met with the hypnotizing sparkle of an 80's influence, contributing to a mystifying and otherworldly sound that highlights the “Neverland-esque” depiction. The steady and soft move of her voice gives a tranquilizing effect, her tone calming. It is as if she is coaxing us from our shells, bidding us to come forward and seek help, to come to a safe place, or in other words, a Neverland. An inspiring artist who has been compared to Kate Bush and Florence and The Machine, Alex Kate renders her music in the form of what she describes as a “cathartic hug.” Her music moves through a nostalgic pop, alternative, and at some points, cinematic wave of 80's pop. Kate uses her music as a tool to honestly share her personal stories in the hopes of reaching others who have gone through similar moments in life. Kate encourages others to pursue their dreams, having once only imagined them but fearing taking the chance. Now that she has, Kate is overwhelmingly thankful, as are we, her listeners, for creating powerful and pulling music. Honest and freeing, her music takes on a warmth and liberating quality that only Kate can exude from a completely appreciatively honest point of view. “Lost Soldier” feels like a breath of fresh air with its mellow melody and open-hearted lyrics, it's a message of support to those who feel lost and afraid. Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW ALEX KATE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "DOUBLE PARKED" - Noah Vernon
Noah Vernon’s newest EP, THIS EP TOOK FIVE YEARS, was certainly worth all five with the piece of artistry and talent that was created. The first track, “DOUBLE PARKED”, is an interesting song with a storyline centering around Vernon’s mental health and struggles in life. The soundscape itself is led by a pulsating drum beat layered under electronic guitar chords, stripping away to acoustic guitars at moments throughout the track to drive home Vernon’s lyrics. His style is similar to that of Kid Laroi and ROLE MODEL, with slightly less rap and slightly more emotional and hard hitting words. Vernon doesn’t list specific grievances in his life, more of an overall frustration at his current path. His opening verse details the feeling of searching your entire life for your place in the world, and still struggling to find it despite all efforts. His title is a reference to his feeling of being trapped in his struggles, and not having a way out of these frustrations. His real heartbreaking lines come in the second half of the chorus, where he sings, “And it all just feels like / falling on the bathroom floor / Double text and hope for something / Wonder why everything that feels good / Is always gonna cut us sometimes”. Emotional and such a relatable feeling, Vernon’s voice perfectly relays the sadness and frustration of these events. Noah Vernon is an Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne, who has been immersed in the world of music since a young age. He has multiple singles on streaming platforms, along with his newest aforementioned EP, and has amassed almost 10,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He blends genres together seamlessly to create his unique sound, and listeners love the mix of pop, R&B, and rock. He sings about issues such as mental health and the struggles of finding your way as a young adult. His songwriting abilities put even the most complicated emotions into words. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Vernon. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW NOAH VERNON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "bad sign" (feat. Almost July) - OAKLND
OAKLND's 'bad sign' is the perfect summer breakup song to replay over and over until we simply have no tears left to cry. Featuring indie-pop artist Almost July, this single works to ease our throbbing heartaches and fresh wounds even though we often tell ourselves "I'm fine". As we put on our headphones, close our eyes, and stare at our ceilings with a variety of emotions, 'bad sign' gives us the urge to sullenly nod our heads up and down to its catchy beat. As soon as the listener begins to feel themselves sink into the sound and lose track of time, the bass kicks in, interrupting our sulking session and snapping us back to reality. Grieving the loss of a relationship, OAKLND and Almost July produce a summer anthem with a catchy, yet melancholic melody of a heart stuck in the past. Despite knowing that the lingering thoughts in our heads are a “bad sign”, our hearts can’t help but get swept up in the sentimental sound of one of summer’s most vulnerably honest breakup songs. From the comforting rhythm to the painfully genuine lyrics, it can be said that 'bad sign' is not your average breakup song. From the very first moment you hit play, the smooth, slow-tempo pace is able to transport the the listener into a state of saddened tranquility. The distant synth paired with the steady bass creates a heavy, lasting vibe that allows the listener's mind to wander and face their unresolved feelings. Throughout the song, OAKLND sings woefully, and when Almost July joins in, the two work together to produce a somber echo with their voices. The raw vocals simulate the voices in our heads that are constantly reminding us that even if something isn't good for us, one can't help but spiral into that emotional distress. Just when we've gotten acclimated to the broken-hearted mood, OAKLND strikes us with a strong bass and impactful energy shift when the song nears its end, hitting close to home. While the lyrics capture the inner turmoil of the lovesick romantic, the instrumental gives us a distraction from the pain of knowing that sometimes things don't work out no matter how much love and time we invest in our partners. OAKLND's 'bad sign' directly confronts our tender feelings but still proves that there is peace to be found in our solitude. OAKLND is a UK-based singer-songwriter that has gradually accumulated fans from all over the world! Coming onto the alt-pop scene just a couple of years ago, the upcoming artist has gained over 5k monthly listeners on Spotify, with one of his most popular singles 'guess ur doing fine' reaching over 135k streams! In other words, we look forward to hearing more "dreamy west coast sad pop" songs from OAKLND in the future. The NYC band, Almost July, has also began to make recent waves in the indie-pop scene with their 2022 single 'not ur type' surpassing 200k streams on Spotify alone! As both artists work to expand their discography, 'bad sign' gives us a sneak peek into their upcoming EP titled 'older'. OAKLND and Almost July steadily boost our anticipation with this recent release, and their growing audiences can't wait to see more collaborations from them in the future! In the meantime, you can listen to their new single, 'older', and keep tabs on both artists by checking out the socials below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW OAKLND: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW ALMOST JULY: Instagram | Spotify
- Review: "Dance Within" - Lisa Humber
Lisa Humber's new single, "Dance Within" is a beautiful heartfelt piece that touches on the ups and downs of the human mind. We're always full of questions, ever cautious, and fearful of the unknown, but "Dance Within" encourages listeners to let go of our insecurities. It's a song about embracing positivity and self-discovery, despite the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions inside our heads. Society often makes us feel like we need to be on a certain path to succeed. Maybe we feel the need to be like our peers. What we often overlook is that life is what we make it, and joy has no rules. It isn't always easy to see our next move without the veil of anxiety over our eyes, but this song is a lovely little reminder that it's okay to be who we are. "Dance Within" is a gorgeous song musically. It's built simply with vocals and strings at the forefront. These are my favorite kinds of songs to review because they leave so much open for the listener to reflect on. Despite having that luscious cello and organ as a backbone, the song focuses deeply on the vocals. Lisa Humber's voice is allowed room to shine, painting her lyrics with true raw human emotion. Soft piano dots the mix. The occasional crash cymbal rolls as acoustic guitar and mandolin keep the pulse steady. There's no need for loud percussion here. There's no need for over-processing. There's a meaningful connection between the lyrics and the production of the track. They share the same sentiment. Less is more. Lisa Humber is a Toronto-based indie pop musician who discovered her passion for music during the pandemic like so many of us. With a previous career in stage management spanning an impressive two decades and seeing the change in live events, she decided to take the stage herself. She released her debut EP, "The Space Between" in 2022 to overwhelming praise. Her deeply personal way of writing resonates with listeners like a warm hug. It's a breath of fresh air in a world where artists are fighting for fame and attention. Lisa has released two singles already in 2024 beginning with "The Devil's Advocate", an indie rock tune, and now "Dance Within". Both are great songs and if any of this review resonated with you at all, I highly encourage you to check them out yourself! However, Lisa describes her 2024 music journey as a "quadriptych", meaning two more songs are expected this year. For now, unfortunately, we'll have to wait, but until then, "Dance Within" is available on all streaming platforms. Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW LISA: Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "All The Ways U Suck" - greenwald
Sometimes we have an ex that we just can't shake. They constantly call, trying to get back together and can't seem to take a hint. greenwald captures this frustrating scenario perfectly in her new single, "All The Ways U Suck." The track is the artist's second single of 2024, following the release of "Twentysomething" in March. "All The Ways U Suck" is an edgy pop-punk anthem meant to empower those trying to escape a toxic ex that just won't give up. Giving a sneak peek into what's to come from greenwald, "All The Ways U Suck" is part of the artist's upcoming debut EP that is set to release later this year. Channeling her inner Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo , greenwald gives a not-so-subtle middle finger to her ex with the angsty, pop-punk track that is "All The Ways U Suck." The track features an energetic and excitable soundscape driven by electrifying guitar riffs, spirited drums, and blazing melodies. greenwald delivers the single's hot-tempered lyrics with vibrant and heated vocals, expressing the irritation that comes with dealing with a pesky ex. Matching the vibe the song's sound creates, "All The Ways U Suck" is paired with an equally entertaining music video inspired by the pop-punk aesthetic of the late 90s and early 00s with a modern pop-grunge twist. Kicking off her artist project in 2023, greenwald made her music industry debut with the single "Fighter," later following it with her sophomore release, "Long Distance." She has since received the support of Amazon Music with her songs being featured on playlists like " Brand New Music " and " Fresh Pop ." greenwald has also received airplay on several German radio stations, including Bayern3 , Puls , N-Joy , and egoFM . Ending 2023 with a bang, greenwald was nominated as band of the year by Süddeutsche Zeitung and performed at Olympiahalle in Munich for the Neon Music Festival . Though she's just getting started, greenwald is already an accomplished artist that any pop enthusiast should keep their eye on. Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW GREENWALD: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Love is Overrated" - Francesca Everly
Movies and shows tend to portray the best of love but cut the tape because sometimes it feels like a facade. Love can be so disappointing when it doesn’t turn out like we expect. Francesca Everly released her new single “Love is Overrated,” going over all the rage you have after heartbreak. She takes you right into the moment you start to despise the emotion after giving someone your heart who returned it in shreds. From questioning who you are, distracting nights out, to therapy. Francesca covered every step of the confusing process that is healing. With the mix of guitar riffs, punchy drums and vocal arrangement, you can’t help but jump up and down to this song. “Love is Overrated,” is pop rock single, gathering inspiration from 2000’s pop punk and modern day singer-songwriter styles. Lyrically this song covers the struggles of getting over a relationship, but the track is full of upbeat energy. Francesca made the perfect track to go out and rage dance to or scream in the with your friends. The repetition of “love is overrated” and “I’m so sick of” really put emphasis on how tiring it is to constantly deal with relationship fallouts. Despite the topic this song also brings a rebellious anthem type of vibe. Sometimes we need to get mad and release it until we feel better. Understanding your anger and responding to it is what we all need to do, just like Francesca. Francesca Everly is a London based singer-songwriter. She studied at London’s Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. Her songwriting career began in 2021 when she released her debut single “100 Per 100.” Francesca combines Italian pop and British indie to create a style that feels like her. Lyrically she writes about the emotions we love to avoid and the self reflection that comes with growing up. She has been on the journey of diving deeper into who she is as an artist and paving her own path. Francesca has a unique and catchy sound that leaves you wanting more and I’m so ready to check out her future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW FRANCESCA EVERLY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Falling" - Ashley Elle
If there’s one thing I’ll always love, it’s a song about falling in love. The feeling of butterflies you get when you start to fall deeper and deeper in love… I… can’t relate. But, we’re not here to unpack that today. No, we’re going to talk about a song that I think is a strong contender for the perfect love song. “Falling” is the latest single by singer and songwriter, Ashley Elle. I was immediately drawn into the beauty of this song, and the pure, romantic lyrics. I especially love this part in the chorus, “When you touch me like you know me / And I feel you on my body / I’m falling right into” . It’s sensual, yet innocent and beautiful. Upon first listening to this song, I noticed that Elle had a sound very reminiscent of Gracie Abrams and Lizzie McAlpine . Mainly because it’s a mid-tempo, indie love song, and because Elle has a certain gentle breathiness to her voice that I was able to connect with Abrams and McAlpine. However, Elle’s voice is one that I don’t really hear very often. It’s soft, quiet, and yet powerful all at the same time. It’s incredibly unique, and I think it pairs perfectly with the strong, lovestruck lyrics she has written. Not to mention the raw acoustic, nostalgic feel the music itself has. The groove makes you feel like you're floating on the ocean somewhere nice and sunny with the one you love by your side. Between the the meaning of the song and the overall style, it reminded me of "Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat in the best, nostalgic way possible. Ashley Elle is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter. She has been professionally releasing music since 2021, but was signed back in 2019 to Given Entertainment . You may recognize her from some of her popular hits like “how do you stop loving someone?” and “Heavy, Heavy, Heavy”. On Spotify, her fanbase keeps growing and growing, as she is currently sitting at around 10,000 streams a month. She is currently attending Loyola Marymount University, where she plans to hone in on her craft and expand upon her already impressive talent. I hope everyone goes and gives “Falling” a listen! You can stream is everywhere today! Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW ASHLEY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube
- Review: "flames" - myah
myah’s new single “flames” is a sad heartbreak pop song that is about a relationship that is spiraling out of control. Imagine desperately trying and doing all you can to try to save a relationship, but it is not working at all despite you putting in all of the effort. “flames” focuses on realizing that the end of the relationship is coming to a near. myah is willing to let everything come crashing down with her despite her toxic relationship. She does not care about the repercussions. myah knows she tried her best to do her part with attempting to make the relationship work. myah feels the pressure and responsibility with having to save her partner from himself as she expresses this concern in the chorus of her song. “flames” is a solid listen for anyone who is on the verge of a breakup. I always appreciate it when a sad pop song has the rawness and realness that myah put into “flames”. You can hear it in her voice and lyrics throughout the song. myah does an excellent job with her lyricism when she compare the relationship to a volcano waiting to erupt at any moment. The lyrics in the song gravitate you towards liking the song more. I found myself more invested in the song as I continued to relate to myah’s lyrics. Singing wise, I enjoyed myah’s lead and background vocals. They perfectly capture her pleading to her partner to come back to their senses. The song does a fantastic job of using crescendos. The verses are quiet and mellow. The choruses are loud and dramatic. The sudden changes in volume throughout the song are a good way to keep the listener emotionally in tune with the music. myah is a rising pop star that has been uploading songs to Spotify since 2019. “flames” is a testament to the bright future she has in the pop genre with her clever lyrics and great vocals. Although “flames” is myah’s recent song, there are other amazing songs she has in her catalog that deserves attention as well. Those songs include “everything”, “notice me”, and “hurricane”. Her discography is an example of the range and versatility of myah has to offer to the scene. If you are interested in seeing her perform live, myah will be on stage at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California on September 5 at 7:30. Make sure to follow myah on all socials to keep up with her musical journey. Written By Major Taylor FOLLOW myah: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Mindset" - Only The Poets
Only The Poets gives us a song that scratches deeper than the surface. The song "Mindset" allows us to discover how it feels to fall for someone who alters your mindset. We get the chance to explore what it might be like to love someone who helps open us up to new things. The song says, "Lost in my vices / But you changed my mindset / Now my mind is set on you." From my own personal experiences I can relate and connect deeper to these lyrics because I've had a relationship where I've experienced similar things. I think it's a common feeling most people have the privilege of experiencing. Towards the end of the song it says, "Thought love was dying / But you changed my mindset / Now my mind is set on you." There's an overflow of emotion and passion regarding the way the artists feel about the person they have this connection with. The song "Mindset" is very upbeat, which makes the message of the song hold even more power. The mood is something that can only be described as hopeful and awestruck; the artists are completely encapsulated by this relationship they get to be a part of. The music itself incorporates a large amount of synth sounds and a fair amount of guitar. This works well within the song because it helps keep the upbeat tone of the piece. When we add the vocals, it adds a softer feel to the song which helps melt all of the pieces into a well constructed and cohesive piece of music. Altogether, the listener gets to soak all of these elements in while also letting the music work through them. Only The Poets are breaking down walls within the alt pop genre of music following their international chart success, 'One More Night'. The song 'Mindset' comes shortly after their hectic tour, which included support spots for Tom Grennan and YUNGBLUD, they will be performing at the Reading & Leeds Festival in August as well. When asked about their influences within the musical realm they said, "We've taken a lot of our influences from stuff we're listening to now intertwined with Brit-pop and experimented with vocal layers and harmonies. At the back our minds we're constantly thinking about how these songs will sound live. We really wanted to go for that big, expansive stadium filler sound." Only The Poets have built themselves from the ground up from playing house parties, to pubs, to selling out 1,600 capacity venues in Europe. If they keep building their fanbase, they'll be sold out in no time. Make sure to jump on the fan wagon now! Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW Only The Poets: Instagram | Spotify
- Review: "Cupidtised" - Kaiwyn ft. Celyn Chow
Kaiwyn’s latest single “Cupidtised,” featuring Celyn Chow, is a vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and heartfelt lyricism that brilliantly encapsulates the thrilling yet precarious nature of falling in love at first sight. A clever portmanteau of “Cupid” and “traumatized,” the song aptly captures the dichotomy of enchanting attraction and underlying apprehension that accompanies new romantic ventures. Written back in 2010 during a train ride from Sydney to Newcastle, the song's origins trace back to an impulsive yet enduring creative spark. Initially envisioned as a solo piece, the songwriting journey evolved, revealing that the track’s emotive depth could best be articulated through a duet. The track’s optimistic vibes and catchy, melodic hooks are bound to resonate with anyone who has ever dared to take a leap of faith into the unknown territory of love. Instrumentally, the track features a rich tapestry of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, drums, and even the unique sounds of a Moog synthesizer. This multi-faceted composition not only underscores the thematic elements of the track but also provides a great backdrop for the heartfelt lyrics. The xylophone and bird chirps are particularly effective, grounding the song in a sense of innocence and natural wonder while juxtaposing the more complex emotional undertones of pursuing new love after past traumas. Key Change Kev, as Kaiwyn is affectionately nicknamed, successfully navigates a vocal landscape filled with both soaring melodies and grounding harmonies, creating a listening experience that is as adventurous as the lyrical motif suggests. Simon Dobson’s production, layered with the nostalgic elements of early 2000s pop rock, anchors the track with a robust sonic foundation while still allowing room for whimsical touches like xylophone accents and chirping birds to shine through, enhancing the overall ambiance. Vocally, Kaiwyn and Celyn throw themselves into the narrative with wholehearted devotion. The interplay between their voices paints a vivid picture of affection and trepidation, underlined by the trio of key changes that mirror the ascending emotions one feels when “Cupitised.” As the driving force behind "Cupidtised," Kaiwyn is an artist whose story is as compelling as his music. Pronounced “Kai” “wern,” he is an Australian-based singer-songwriter who intriguingly balances a career in medicine with his fervent passion for music. Growing up in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kaiwyn was always creatively inclined, weaving melodies from an early age while simultaneously nurturing his academic pursuits. His dual career path is a testament to his dedication and versatility, embodying the same resilience and hopeful spirit that courses through his music. With "Cupidtised," Kaiwyn not only showcases his ability to create catchy and emotionally rich anthems but also affirms his place as a poignant storyteller capable of touching hearts across the globe. His journey from medical school to the recording studio exemplifies a harmonious blend of science and art, making his musical endeavors all the more inspiring. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW KAIWYN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- EP Review: "Dreams That Kept Your Faith At Night" - Matt Sahadi
Nashville, Tennessee based indie rock singer/songwriter, Matt Sahadi recently dropped his sophomore EP, "Dreams That Kept Your Faith At Night" which dives into themes of "broken dreams, fading youth, disparity, and escapism." TRACKLIST Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of? Wastelands Light Of Hope Still Were Us Drive All Night Originally from Canton, Ohio, Matt Sahadi found a passion for songwriting and so he moved to the one place where it made sense to follow his dreams - Nashville, Tennessee. Although he is an incredible musician, artist and performer who can sing and play guitar like it's no one's business, Matt considers himself to be songwriter first and foremost. His lyricism and storytelling are compelling, honest, relatable and true. His words aren't meant to be just his, they're for the people who listen to take as their own. He released his debut single in 2021, titled "Light of Hope". From then on, he released 8 more singles which led up to his release of his debut EP earlier this year, "Propagated Sins". You heard me right! This EP we are about to go over is not only his second ever EP, but it's his second of this year alone. "Dream That Kept Your Faith At Night" is a collection of singles including his first and second singles from a few years back, "Light of Hope" and "Still Were Us", plus two songs released earlier this year in anticipation for the EP, "Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of?" and "Drive All Night", plus a brand new song with the release of the EP to bring the concept all together, titled "Wastelands". Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of? "Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of?" starts this EP off strong with emotions running high as Matt Sahadi sings a story of a man who feels like he's trapped in a life he never wanted. This song has an intense soundscape, but the mood itself is very heartbreaking. The music consists of Matt's signature indie rock style, with layers of Americana and Country and just a slight hint of synth-wave. A sorrowful harmonica takes the stand a handful of times throughout the song, really setting the tone and teleporting you into the scene of the story. The lyricism uses imagery that pulls as your heartstrings, and the longer the song goes on, the more painful it gets. Matt uses this emotional, growling tone to sing of a place where it never stops raining, he's working his life away paycheck to paycheck, and he doesn't feel like himself anymore. I think we've all had those moments where we've felt like our lives aren't going the way we wanted them to - where the dreams we used have got lost somewhere along the way. Because of this, "Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of?" will hit home to a lot of people. Wastelands "Wastelands" is the song that summarizes what this EP is all about. We get to hear the title within the lyrics during the bridge when Matt sings, "Used to have those dreams that kept your faith at night, where your daddy stuck around and your mother's still alive / You did your best each day and you made it out alright, you found yourself a girl and promised her a better life / But it's all a waste, unless you escape and break out from these lands". It's a super addicting, catchy tune about feeling lost in life and not seeming to be able to catch a break. Unfortunately though, you're the only one who can pull yourself out of the rut. You just have to believe that you're strong enough to do so. Using nostalgic pop/rock moves, this particular song gave me Harry Styles vibes with just a little bit more rusticism. "Wastelands" isn't just perfect for radio, but it written to keep the listener on their toes with it's groove switch ups and heavy emotion. Light Of Hope "Light Of Hope" was Matt Sahadi's debut single in 2021, and he's brought it back for it's moment to shine. It fits right in with the theme's of this EP, as it's about asking someone special to be there for you during your darkest times. Sometimes all we need is that one good thing to keep us from completely losing ourselves to all of the bad. "Light Of Hope" holds onto those nostalgic rock tones that we heard in "Wastelands", but has the soul and harmonica moments that we heard in "Am I Living What I Always Dreamed Of?". It's beautiful when you come to realize that Matt is taking elements from his roots, where his music all started, and intertwining them within his newest works of art. It's a full circle moment that connects everything together in this universe that Matt Sahadi has created for his listeners. Still Were Us Just like "Light Of Hope", "Still Were Us" was Matt Sahadi's second single which was released back in 2021; however, it still ties into this story that we're experiencing here within the "Dreams That Kept Your Faith At Night" EP. And when I say it ties in, I mean it really ties in. There's a lyric that stood out to me immediately - "Tracking through the wastelands of life, I'm turning every stone that I see / I'm chained to the broken and the promised, trying to find a reason to believe" - sound familiar? This song is about looking back on how a relationship used to be; when things were easy, the love was strong and it was just you two against the world - and wishing it was still like that. The raw pain behind Matt's voice is in this song makes for an extra emotional experience. What really makes this a stand out track is the guitar and saxophone solo. Not only that, but the lyrics are just, haunting - especially if you also have ever experienced such a heartbreaking loss of love like this. Drive All Night I want to start by saying, "Drive All Night" had my jaw on the floor. By the end of the track, alone in my room I audibly exclaimed "holy crap" with a wide-eyed expression on my face. Wow, what a perfect song to end this project on. "Drive All Night" is a whole experience within itself, using an 80's glam-rock inspired soundscape filled with synths, guitars, reverbed percussion and soaring vocals. It's cinematic, it's ethereal, it almost feels like being beamed up into a space ship while you're listening to it. The song is about being with someone who makes you forget everything when you're with them, to the point that you wish you could just drive around all night with them and not worry about what's coming the next day. From the vocals, to the production, to the lyrics, this song is a masterpiece and was hands down the right choice for the closing track! Matt Sahadi - where do I even start? He is a master at his craft; the storytelling, the soundscapes, the emotion, the imagery... all the details he uses are exactly what we need more of in mainstream music today. He creates art that people can connect to; music that you can't just hear, but that you can feel , that you can see when you close your eyes. When it comes to his style, there isn't just one that can define him. He blends such a wide variety of genres that makes his music appeal to just about anyone. We're talking indie pop, indie rock, post-punk, new wave, synth-wave, dream-pop, shoegaze, modern pop/rock and more. I highly suggest that if you loved this EP, that you also listen to Matt's debut EP from earlier this year, "Propagated Sins". The best part is Matt is still just getting started, and I can't wait to see where he goes from here. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MATT: Instagram | Website | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "Run" - Gamekeeper
Gamekeeper’s debut single “Run” is an upbeat, indie-folk song all about the apprehension that can bubble up in relationships, romantic or not, when we aren’t aware of our own fears beforehand. It’s that lingering feeling in your chest that this track describes, an uneasiness that permeates through the connections we have with other people. No matter the form that this anxiety takes– pushing, pulling, fighting, or closing up– it can end up being a major problem in any kind of relationship. Decorated in echoing, rich vocals, a bright guitar, and honest lyricism, “Run” hones in on the relationship problems that sometimes get swept under the rug, but always return until we finally deal with them. A brilliantly written and composed debut track for Gamekeeper, "Run" is a must-listen for any fans of indie-folk. If, like me, you love folksy music with a melancholic twang, you are going to adore “Run”. On that first listen, you are immediately surrounded by Gamekeeper’s soft vocals as the instrumentals remain fairly understated in this beautiful intro. Everything is mellow, like the calm before a storm, until you get to the 0:18 mark when the energy begins to grow and increase. The soundscape fills every corner of “Run”, a full-bodied track with both vocals and instrumentals that have a delightful interplay throughout the runtime. While the instrumentals are fairly cheery, Gamekeeper’s vocals are slightly slower and dulcet-toned– so, although the two are similar, they are different enough from one another to balance the soundscape with both fast and slow elements that create a dynamic track with many moving parts. And when you consider all of this with the songwriting, you get this amazing song that discusses the tension between fear and distress in relationships. A line I especially loved was, “Since we got too good at sayin’ nothing / Kickin’ worry just beyond our reach”. Much of the song deals with these types of emotions, of ignoring problems to the point where you become very skilled at doing so, and the want to run away. I enjoyed the depth of complexity that "Run" handled, an honest representation of what it means to have to face these feelings. The soundscape enhanced the songwriting tenfold, leaving listeners with a track that speaks volumes in every single one of its facets. Gamekeeper, AKA Warren Frank, is a singer-songwriter from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. He was the lead singer in the indie-rock outfits The Kents and Heaps, which have both been heard all across Canada on national radio. In this new solo project, Frank seeks to allow his voice and lyricism to take the spotlight. With sounds similar to Noah Kahan, Field Guide, and Tim Baker, Frank’s music is rich in indie-folk tones. He is currently on a tour in Ontario with the Good Buds Tour with Nick Faye and Cassie Noble, and you can find tickets available here . “Run” is Frank’s debut single, and those that enjoyed it should absolutely drop him a follow as this project is just beginning! And, if you’re in the area, consider picking up a ticket to the Good Buds Tour to see and hear him live! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW GAMEKEEPER: Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music












