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TOP BEST HITSI’m The One By Airyen Vay

September 12, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Airyen Vay is a Los Angeles-based up-and-coming pop sensation that's worth having on your radar. With more than 10k Spotify listeners per month, this musician has found her niche in the Los Angeles music scene with her introspective, emotionally-packed pop sound.

Born in a small town in Romania, Vay discovered her passion for music at a young age. She started vocal lessons and learned piano, flute, and guitar at the tender age of nine years. When still young, she had great success in nearly every songwriting competition she participated in, always winning. Early training and talent opened her way to a promising career in music.

Airyen Vay stuns again with her new single entitled "I'm the One." On this single, the singer-songwriter, one of the most versatile voices of today, combines elements of pop, R&B, and indie in such a way that the resulting composition is multicolored and complex.. "I'm the One," released on July 19th, proves no exception in showing Vay's rare gift for musical hybridity.

"I'm the One" is a sonic tapestry of modern beats intertwined with nostalgia from a former era, skillfully produced by duo Roark Bailey and Nelson Kyle. Synthesizers dance with a reverb-kissed guitar line to introduce the glossy sophistication of 80s pop with an indie soul intact. An unwavering kick keeps the rhythm buoyant and danceable. Lively, arpeggiated sequences sparkle across the verses, imbuing the arrangement with life and vigor.

The vocals slide onto the variously layered sonic palette of the production. It is warm, breathing sincerity and emotional nuance as she brings the message across in the song. The song moves along via the purposeful shaping of the phrases, contrasts in dynamics, and tight arrangement. Within the perfectly calculated construction, though, it flows effortlessly to hold listeners' attention from start to finish.

Vay proves once again to be a real musical author in full command of her art. Equally effortless is how "I'm the One" can reach out to different audiences. Its all-inclusive message of love, mixed with an effervescent yet organic sound, makes it easily embraced. The track lends itself perfectly to a myriad of moods and situations: from relaxed listening to spirited sing-alongs. Vay comes across as a consummate songwriter, crafting one work that can bear so much versatility and replay value.

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Never a stranger to experimentation, Vay stays true to that timeless aim of all truly great pop-to-make music that relates and unites. I love the new single "I'm the One" from Airyen Vay. Many a time, I just kept replaying it to lighten myself up. This song found a permanent spot in my playlist rotation, be it for car rides cooking dinner, or when I just need that extra kick.

That said, it's a real treat to witness Airyen Vay grow into her artistry. I look forward to whatever new musical world she'll take up in the future. I highly recommend "I'm the One" to fans.

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TOP BEST HITSMoonchild Dreams By Cristina Movileanu

September 11, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Cristina Movileanu is an Irish singer-songwriter. Her music is a translation of her love for both songwriting and the visual arts. Having grown an audience of more than 2k monthly listeners on Spotify, she has built a following of distinctive voices in folk. Whether it be through singing or crafting album art, Cristina looks at each project with the intent to move others through her creative works.

Her most recent collaboration is with Japanese fellow musician Tetsu Atsumi and USA/Japan Tyler Nimon to record "Moonchild Dreams". This symbolizes the power of positive global connectivity in music. "Moonchild Dreams" is a minimalist song that weaves together influences from three continents. On the recording are guitar from Vitaly Tkachuk and piano from Felipe Ribeiro, skillfully mixed by Bruce Allen.

The frequency of collaborations where people from two different regions come together for creative work is very frequent now. "Moonchild Dreams" is one, bringing together artists that might have never met, if not for online opportunities. Some global collaborations will leave you breathless, and this is among the best.

The ethereal vocals take center stage, widely ranging and reaching amazing heights, staying appealingly unfamiliar. Accompanied for the most part by acoustic guitar and piano, the sparseness is paradoxically varied by its sparseness rather than coming across as bare. Where Cristina retains much ethereal haunting, Vitaly and Felipe bring warmth and fullness. 

The acoustic guitar leads with ease, and there are some piano flourishes now and then, but the stirring guitar is the main star. The multifaceted voice serves the emotions poignantly, placing the listener in a new place. It's not about technical mastery here; telling the story is of foremost importance. It's a recording that succeeds wonderfully because it's all about heart, not flash.

Cristina Movileanu is an incredibly talented artist when it comes to songwriting and image-making. She is warm yet unusual in her voice, and she can mesmerize. Of course, simple does not necessarily mean simplistic, and that recording sends a powerful message by way of an understated, emotionally charged narrative. I enjoyed "Moonchild Dreams" the first time I heard it. The calm yet hopeful mood was a nice relief from some of the heavier material that I have been listening to lately, so I kept playing it several times just to soak up the comforting atmosphere and optimistic message.

With each playback, I discovered something new and enjoyed the interwoven vocals, guitar, and piano. I look forward to making sure "Moonchild Dreams" is in the regular rotation of my playlists from here on out. Its soothing yet stirring quality makes it ideal for relaxing or lifting one's spirits on a difficult day. I highly encourage checking out and streaming "Moonchild Dreams" today on your favorite online music platform. It is a song that so rightly deserves new ears; it can reach and comfort.

Most definitely, I will stay tuned and follow Cristina Movileanu's next steps with interest to see how much more depth she will reveal in the future. 

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TOP BEST HITSSituations By Bloodlin3

September 11, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Smooth lyrical flows and vintage vibes are just staples that the listener gets to hear whenever any track by Bloodlin3 goes into play. The independent hip-hop group, originating from El Paso, TX, and Paducah, KY, has been incorporating new and old styles since the musical beginning of the group. They take their influences from names such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, Tech N9ne, Twista, Eminem, and Brotha Lynch Hung to create their target audience.

Still growing their following one listener at a time, Bloodlin3 has over 2k devoted followers on Instagram who continue to support their plight. One can see very easily why: the streams continue to rise as new and repeat fans vibe off this new boom-bap sound. Whether driving or needing a pick-me-up, Bloodlin3 is always on point with just the right classic hip-hop feel.

Their song "Situations" stands out this year; you can feel their talent in style blends reminiscent of their influences from the very outset. The hooks strategically position themselves to capture your attention. The verses go straight into a sharp flow, showing their range. The production keeps it dark yet upbeat throughout, with low synths paired with buoyant loops. The percussion moves it all along like clockwork.

It features Buk of Psychodrama in verse one and the hook, Reinman Quiji in verse two, Mallachi in verse three, and Stephen King in verse four. They got together to collaborate in El Paso and Paducah. The production is also courtesy of Buk of Psychodrama through his group, Psychodrama.

"Situations" addresses not taking today for granted and chasing your dreams by not giving up. The mix and master is well mastered , keeping the track anchored while letting the MCs shine through with their nifty wordplay and complicated rhythms. The flow is dizzying, managing to cram monumental words into small spaces without running out of steam. As the beat picks up toward the end, so does the energy and urgency, until a towering wall of sound blows one off.

I miss this kind of boomy, bass-heavy hip-hop, as it seems for quite a while now that the old-school sounds had been left in the wake of change. "Situations" from Bloodlin3 have been a breath of clean air; it's just what I've been hoping to hear again. This vintage brand of hip-hop they bring feels nostalgic and innovative all at the same time.

This is one of the best old-school-style releases I have listened to in a long while. Be it from effortless bars to the beat knocking harder than any in recent memory, "Situations" instantly took me back to the golden era of hip-hop. At the same time, it feels clean and current for today.

If you've been yearning for that classic boom-bap sound as I have, I highly recommend throwing on Bloodlin3's new single on streaming sites. This is hip-hop as it used to be and should be again—don't miss out!

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TOP BEST HITSHEAD TO HEART By Rusty Reid

September 11, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Born in West Texas to a long line of Texans, Rusty Reid grew up on the same sun-scorched lands that spawned many legendary singer-songwriters. His family ensured music was always a part of home life, with his mother's side being especially proficient in music. This early exposure introduced Rusty to an incredibly varied range of genres and artists, from pop, rock, country, soul, and more that dominated the airwaves of the '60s.

Studying communications at college and working some jobs, in the late 1970s, Rusty began to focus on music. He gigged with bands and worked on his songwriting in Houston before moving to Los Angeles in 1984, determined to seriously pursue a music career. While his initial LA stint was unfruitful, spending time in Houston helped Rusty develop.

On his second attempt to make it in LA, Rusty inadvertently found himself in a cushy job in sports publishing. Before long, though, the wealthy lifestyle disillusioned him, and he knew that it wasn't his calling. Inspired by the travel assignments, Rusty started writing and recording new songs. After more than 40 years of perfecting his craft, in 2019 Rusty released his album "Head to Heart," a politically charged collection fusing his roots from Texas and experience from the pivotal events of the world.

"Head to Heart" was remixed into a poignant remix of Rusty Reid's single. This remix offers listeners a polished journey that showcases how love can be a revolutionary force for eternal growth.

Reid retains the acoustic and emotive feel of the song but lifts the production with new layers of instruments. His full vocals remain at the heart of the emotion, balancing expertly to let the song's message shine through in a richer listen. The seamless integration of several elements presents the smooth atmosphere of the track. Acoustic guitars and pianos present a warm foundation to which additional instrumentation is expertly added. The mix by Reid does not overpower but pulls the listener in toward the core elements. The remix does a great job of furthering deeply felt themes within the original while calling the greater audience into its nuanced depths.

Indeed, Reid is a powerful instrumentalist, composer, and singer, reaching deep with sweet, yet stirring melodies. His cast of supporting collaborators, Ronan Dempsey and Brandon Davis on instruments, out the warm sound of Reid's vocals and lyrics. The remix is a testament to Reid's artistry across old and new artistic mediums in treading a path between tradition and innovation.

Does the track's message of love as revolutionary transcend the personal to translate? Reid suggests that love itself is the highest path of humanity, the remedy for selfishness, and the means of transcending earthly suffering. Through intimate lyrics, "Head to Heart (Remix)" offers listeners restored insight into love's power to guide inner growth on individual and collective levels. This single shows how reimagining classic themes through fresh production can bring new audiences to timeless wisdom.

I'm blown away by Rusty Reid's 'Head to Heart (Remix)'; it's just one of those tunes that claws into your skin and does not let go. Beautifully reworked, I have been listening to it on repeat, and never once does it fail to lift my spirits. The song is very touching and musically intriguing, so I do recommend listening to the 'Head to Heart Remix'.

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TOP BEST HITSYou Got Me Open (The Club Pop Mixes) By Ronnue

September 6, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Among flashing lights and vibrating bass rests an artist whole and in his element, connected to the craft in ways so deep; that the artist is Ronnue. Since he picked up the microphone, he has never stopped chasing that singular vision of what music could be. Now, with literally thousands of hours invested, his disciples have grown into an honest-totally following: more than 5k strong fans, who tune in to his reimagined soundscapes on Spotify.

Critics have taken notice of the rare talent of Ronnue, even hailing him as the leader of his underground scene. Seattle may claim Ronnue as its indie icon, but his legion of fans crosses borders and time zones, all united in their devotion to whatever innovation he next puts out.

Ronnue brings a little of both sides, the artist and the studio whiz, to his breakout single "You Got Me Open." Released as part of his 2023 EP titled "R&B is NOT DEAD," the funky track demonstrates Ronnue's gift for building hushedly serene vocal melodies atop funk-tinged rhythmic grooves. Languid yet lively synth pads hover over the sinuous basslines, layering in dynamic textures. Beyond the flex of virtuoso musicianship, what truly sets Ronnue apart is unapologetic, unabashed dedication. 

He's stirring a far higher buzz with an infectiously pop-out remix of "You Got Me Open (Club Pop Mix)." Revitalizing the track with a disco house beat, making it six minutes long, with effervescent synth stabs, and vocal samples, Ronnue layers on club-ready energy. The "Club Pop Radio Mix" is a little more radio-friendly, shaving off a few minutes while still retaining all the key elements that make the full remix such an instant crowd-pleaser. With 3 minutes, it cements the single's appeal across formats.

The "You Got Me Open (Club Pop Instrumental)" version, which is self-descriptive, allows the production to shine in its most naked, pure form, alighting on each of the dense sonic details producers Bernie Luv and Roc Phizzle have managed to shoehorn into this remix. The kick drums drive an undulating synth bassline and shimmering chords and strings envelop the listener in a nostalgia-inducing haze that's thoroughly modern.

Since the first time playing Ronnue's "You Got Me Open (The Club Pop Mixes)" EP, I had the delight of doing it on repeat. I am not getting enough since the full club mixes reveal new depth with each play, new energy whisking me to the dance floor. I find myself unable to stop hitting the "next track" button, addicted to getting lost in this perfect summer soundtrack again and again. I have a feeling you’ll also be stuck in the glorious sounds of this EP well into the next summer season. If you are after feel-good music that's sure to jack up good vibes to maximum effect, then look no further than streaming "You Got Me Open-The Club Pop Mixes" today on streaming services.

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TOP BEST HITSJersey Girls By Super Saiyan Jay

September 6, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Super Saiyan Jay and King Dev are two aspiring artists hailing out of West Palm Beach, Florida, who have combined their efforts on a collaborative basis to release their inaugural project as one. Having goals to put their spin on genres, they decided to take the feel-good Jersey Club style and add some flare to it.

Infused with the playful spirit of Jersey Club, the aim was to create summer vibes that would take listeners to good times. It resulted in a debut 5-track EP entitled "Jersey Girls". For 15 minutes, irresistible hooks and charming lyrics, merged with the dynamic beats to set the perfect soundtrack for relaxation and good vibes.

Right from the get-go, the lead single, "Dirty Diana" sets the tone. Super Saiyan Jay croons an ode to that bad girl who loves to get down. They lay down an intoxicating rhythm section composed of pumping synth pads, rolling hi-hats, and spicy percolating percussion. The bouncy tempo and groovy danceable vibes can't help but move one along.

The second track "Back To The Crib" sees the energy even further raised. The song is propelled forward at a dizzying pace by an avalanche of crashing beats. The delivery turns the impact up top, as the vocals flutter between rapping and singing. The production embellishes the instrumentation with lively synth flourishes and super-sized bass drops to get hearts racing-even if not actually at the club. "Put Love First" is the more reflective interlude of the mid-point; it creates an open and reflective atmosphere of soft chords, gentle strings, and atmospheric pads. The title track "Jersey Girl" is an ode to appreciation, with the word-dropping of wordplay-filled lines over the insane beat work. Brilliant vocal ad-libs and this bubbling rhythm section make it super impossible not to bop along unapologetically.

"Beautiful Soul" rounds the EP off quite well. They create dreamy, but bopping melodies with patterned synths that float, murmuring pads, and glitches of percussion for added flavor. It's a lasting impression as the addictive textures and gorgeous sounds engrain themselves into memory.

Blending beats with clever lyrics and summer vibes, infused with their own artistic flair, Super Saiyan Jay and King Dev's "Jersey Girls" EP does just what it sets out to do: be the perfect soundtrack to good times. 

I had a blast listening to the first-ever collaborative EP from Super Saiyan Jay and King Dev entitled "Jersey Girls". This project fits right in my wheelhouse, being that anyone who loves upbeat, feel-good genres of music such as Jersey Club is going to be a fan.

Super Saiyan Jay and King Dev mesh quite well in the studio, bringing out the best in each other on hooks, verses, and instrumental beats more often than not in this cohesive collection. 

"Jersey Girls" successfully created summer tones that transferred you to a good time. I'd love to hear more from Super Saiyan Jay and King Dev in collaboration in the future. I found this to be a promising collaboration, and I would have no problem wholeheartedly recommending it to others looking for an ideal soundtrack for a day at the beach or a kickback with friends.

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TOP BEST HITSBetween Two Worlds By Nelda

September 2, 2024 by SAIIDZ

London-based singer-songwriter and educator Nelda has released her intriguing new concept album "Between Two Worlds", charting an interesting musical and emotional journey. The record tells the story of voluntary displacement. Nelda interviewed songwriters from around the world now living in London and co-wrote songs based on their experiences of leaving home and settling into a new country. This makes its intention, as expressed so gracefully through the musicality and lyrics, surface the myriad emotions and important considerations any such transition presents.

It opens with the captivating single "Everything is Scary", co-written with Italian songwriter Viola Ugolini. The instrumentation is extremely thoughtful and delicate, and exceptionally well thought out with the rhythm section and lyrics, setting the scene to describe how uncertain it can feel to move somewhere you've never been. On the next track, "In-between Two Worlds", it's just Nelda, alone, pondering her status between cultures. The jazzy elements keep one intrigued right from the start.

It's the collaborations that persist in giving this album its diverse vibes. "Not a Bad Thing" brings in that relaxed feel and that feel-good vibe with its Brazilian collaborator Thiago De Sá Jorge. While "Heartache" tackles new beginnings with the help of Bangladeshi artist Hasib Sunny's melodic skills.

Toward the middle of the album, "Aren't We All?" and "Wish I Was Home" keep the pace going smooth with beautiful vocals and soft rhythms to provide space for contemplation. It is collaborations with counterparts from Slovakia’s Katarina Kiktova and Greece’s Adrianos Pandis respectively that raise emotional resonance. The standout "Home is Where I Go" comes via Australian collaborator Etoile Marley's arrangement and performance.

Later tracks continue to explore adjustment themes through global perspectives: the Gabriel Vigo Argentine-paired "On These Streets" floats listeners upward; the sunny charms of "I Wouldn't Be Me" feature an uplifting Ukrainian collaboration with Christina Dmytryk Clark.
Communion gets realized on the rousing "Not a Stranger" written by Soner Ersen and the vocal showcase "Shadow of the Rest".

Instrumentation is culturally fused at the end of the album. The final track "No Place Like Home" does a fine job of binding the cultural journey with its layered Nigerian textures. 'Between Two Worlds' thoughtfully spotlights displacement universals through sensitive global connectivity.

I still remember very well the first time I listened to Nelda's great conceptual album "Between Two Worlds". With it, I knew that Nelda had not written an album but an enriching expedition into universal questions around home, and identity. Being a conceptual album with sensitive genre-blending, this one effortlessly takes the listener to vividly explore what it means to start anew in another land.

Anyone who has wandered between places or stages in life will, through Nelda's vulnerable and bright storytelling in song, find some resonant solidarity and joyous affirmation. Wherever we go, home is where our heart lives. Be sure to stream "Between Two Worlds" in full to experience this resonant musical journey for yourself.

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TOP BEST HITSThe Mountain By La Need Machine

August 31, 2024 by SAIIDZ

La Need Machine is an incredible indie rock band from Seattle, blurring the line between indie pop and punk and Americana to create something reinvigorated. Already independent, they are members of a rapidly increasing fan base of over 14,7k listeners/month on the streaming platform Spotify.

All proceeds from streaming La Need Machine go to causes that need help worldwide. Some of these benefiting charities include mental health, emergency shelter, food access, and international humanitarian aid.

At the very core of La Need Machine are its founders: Al, Brian, and Elise. Al’s guitar work and songwriting bring the band its catchy hooks. Brian and Elise add richness to the vocals and melodies through their dual harmonies. Together, they channel artistic talent and human kindness into music meant to lift others up.

La Needs Machine is filling fans with new tunes, with the new single ‘The Mountain’. Back as an indie folk-rock collective, they never stop pushing the sonic frontiers or refreshing and moving anthems with a shot of different Americana styles.

‘The Mountain’ for the first few seconds, begins with a hopeful strings section. Then, an understated moving melody gently introduces the listener as the full band joins in over the first verse. Guitar strings steadily back up the notes, while getting some texture from the drums, just loud enough to push the song forward. The vocals were introduced right alongside the guitars. The soulful voice is the perfect medium for a heartfelt message. Instrumental sections are made for every element to breathe; they have their moment, too. A nice electric guitar solo with good flair during and after the second verse, but it doesn’t take over the core of the song. Subtle piano flutters color the chorus on by instead of falling into overly ornate indulgence.

“The Mountain” talks of finding purpose and meaning in selfless acts of service. It is a very poetically spelled-out theme about persevering in our struggles to help others. With imagery that paints a picture of climbing mountains, swimming in seas, and walking endless coastlines, it is not tough to see the message the words are painting.

I adored this single from the first listen, loving how the melody and structure proved that a simple, not cluttered musical agenda can be incredibly powerful when songwriting and delivery come to the fore.

With an irresistible chorus, sincere message and finely judged instrumentation, ‘The Mountain’ confirms La Need Machine as one of the top new acts in Seattle. Make sure to stream ‘The Mountain’ on all major platforms today to experience this inspiring indie folk-rock anthem for yourself.


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TOP BEST HITSDUSTY SPRINGFIELD’S RECORD COLLECTION By Ellery Twining

August 31, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Ellery Twining, the outstanding artist and singer, began working at the Mystic Disc record store in 1995. With music at its center, he has since been embraced by the accumulated warehouses of devoted fans and artists. From his album “Results,” Twining pulls from that deep well of musical history to sing on his hit, “Dusty Springfield Record Collection.”

In the track, Twining’s searching, idiosyncratic vocals tell the story of discovering the personal vinyl collection of immortal crooner Dusty Springfield at the shop where he has collected his paycheck for years. Far from just describing an engagingly personal find, “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” uses this meaningful occasion as a point of reflection on how music can intersect with our memories.

The vintage-inspired music video for “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” delights the viewer straight back in time. It started with a young lady entering the Mystic Disc Record Shop, dressed suitably belonging to the vintage era, and swaddling with excited eyes through the stacks until she finally got hold of two prized vinyls. Both were albums by Dusty Springfield. While the verses unwind, the video warms our hearts to see the solo segments. It juxtaposes these with black-and-white or sepia-toned photos of the record store. Then, cutting back to the girl at home, she listens to the records on her turntable with adoration.

But the most stunning scene comes when another actress appears, made up with the real retro bouffant hair and fashions of Springfield’s time. And, with her trademark blonde locks, it hits — it is no ordinary customer: it is Dusty Springfield’s ghost, too, searching memorially through her collection. In this delicate directorial choice, real chills are given, along with a depiction of the legacies of the artists to be truly immortal. This is unquestionably one of the most stylish and touching tributes to the memory of a lyrical legend; this video is a time capsule once removed, clothed in the livery of this song to remember the interconnected generations of music fans.

It shows respect for her gigantic heritage and then, in the broader sense, for the other musical histories and fates of human beings locked within used record stores around the globe.

Backed by gentle guitar arpeggios, the simplistic melody approach superimposes a sense of solemn recollection of the lyrics. Tinted with slight brackets of indie folk, Americana, and a bit of classic rock, the composition of genre fluidity enhances the euphoric tone. His organic vocals weave in with his aural lines, delivering a strong sense of nostalgia with every plucked string and vocal harmony. The mellow acoustic rhythm is evocative of flipping through bins of vinyl on a peaceful afternoon, fitting the song’s themes of reflection and appreciation.

I was immediately hooked as soon as the first notes of “Dusty Springfield’s Record Collection” sounded through my speakers. Each and every frame was alive with the care and artistic vision for which the honoring of Dusty Springfield’s indelible legacy is renowned, and that is thanks to the brilliant vision of Mystic photographer Michelle Gemma. I can’t recommend highly enough adding both the track and music video to your regular rotation.

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TOP BEST HITSLifted By Chandra

August 31, 2024 by SAIIDZ

Chandra is an exciting new indie-pop quartet hailing from Bristol. With the enigmatic titular frontman, Chandra Naiir, leading from the center, this four-piece makes a name for itself with passion-filled songwriting bursting with lyricism and glistening melodies. From multiple influences, it would appear that Chandra has managed to develop a real gift for composing vibrantly appealing arrangements. Backed by his supremely skilled members, Chris Wing, Keith Jones, and Rock Cheung, Chandra takes individual insights and turns them into totally relatable rock anthems.

On their debut “Lifted” EP, Chandra uncovers their sound of fuzzy indie-pop for the modern era. This vision of emotionally rich, yet buoyant songwriting from the band comes together over six polished tracks.

It’s all kicked off with “Smile (No Fox Gibbon)”, a glistening slice of happiness. Majestic guitars bubble under soaring vocals delivering a buoyant, beaming sound right through the speakers. It’s an irresistible start with an infectious positive sense.

Track two “Pretty” goes a little deeper. Graceful strumming gives way to introspective words, pontificating on social pressure to visually conform. But the chorus is where the answer is: one does not hide one’s true self when knowing internal beauty will always be more radiant than the exterior. The melody takes the meditation to light-filled places and affirms the right to feel comfortable in one’s appearance. Third cut: “I’ll Be There” keeps a sunny tune, as fingers dance across the electric strings. Midpoint, “Lifted” erupts with glinting arpeggios carrying airy vocals high. Like notes cascading down like rays bursting through clouds, sparks of guitar light the way.

Next up is the anthemic rocker “Lighters To The Sky.” Right from the opening chord, this captures both intensity and focus. A pulsating drive persists underneath solos that stretch enthusiastically, though peaking and then falling as deliberately as it rises. The album closes ceremoniously with “Overload,” where intimacy is brought down to a whisper. The song takes form with the picking of an acoustic finger, and slowly the textures blossom, and there rises this beautiful melody of cinematic beauty. The tone just oozes quiet power, leaving this collection to rest on a note of gracefully bold assurance.

Always on the lookout for new indie artists, I found myself over the moon about Chandra. Their bouncy melodies and lyrics drew me right in. I guess it’s because of being a first-time listener when one gets hooked by tracks like “Smile (No Fox Gibbon)” and “Lighters To The Sky”. True, Chandra is exceptionally skilled at making anthem tunes.

Rarely do I encounter a new band that, on first listen, strikes so many of the right chords. And yet here I am, already checking out when the group’s next releases will be, so enamored have I become with this self-titled EP. I highly recommend streaming “Lifted” for one of the earliest tastes of this hugely promising new group. Chandra is well on their way to well-deserved popularity with fans of thoughtful indie-rock music.


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