Tag Archives: single review

LISTEN: Cardiac Half Makes a Comeback with ‘Gloom’

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The brothers of Cardiac Half have taken a long, uncertain road on their way to their first new, original release since 2021’s self-titled album.

The duo — comprised of real-life brothers Drew and Dylan Miller — have returned with “Gloom,” an atmospheric and contemplative electropop instrumental which serves as a sonic representation of the doubt brought forth by challenging times.

“It’s been nearly three years since Cardiac Half released a new song. Fighting for what’s important, fighting for sanity, and even fighting for the health and wellness of ourselves and our families,” Dylan Miller said. “This is why music was put on hold for a season.”

The track begins with an emotive piano dirge, as searing synth tones begin to bubble up from the surface. A electronic dance beat moves us along — ready or not — like the passage of time, inspiring the listener to collect their thoughts and uncover the best way forward amid life’s ambiguity.

“I was about to move across state lines for the birth of my son, relocating to find treatment for my unborn son’s rare medical condition,” Dylan Miller said. “Drew was dealing with the most mental health issues he had ever faced. There was no guarantee where the band and the dream of music was going, and this song was formed.”

“Gloom” was written and produced by Drew Miller, who then passed it along to mix engineer Ryan Wilson for some additional studio magic. Have a listen below!

WATCH: With ‘Take It Away’, Crow and Gazelle Offer Catharsis to Your Inner Child

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Photo credit: Carley Du Menil

Crow and Gazelle — the Texas-based Americana duo consisting of Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer Mike McClure, and his partner in music (and in life), Chrislyn Lawrence — offer healing for anyone still processing their childhood wounds with their new single, “Take It Away.”

The single — a tender ballad hallmarked by powerful two-part harmonies and heart-wrenching fiddle tones — is accompanied by a poignant music video inspired by Lawrence’s own healing journey. Lawrence leans upon her own memories to deliver an important message to anyone who has struggled to emerge on the other side of their own traumas.

The narrative for this video came from a very personal place. As a child I didn’t decide for myself that I was ‘unworthy’ and I didn’t make-believe scenes of death and overwhelming pain – in my world those messages and experiences came heavy and early and they were real. We all have childhood wounds. Whether it’s our own tragic experiences and losses, or someone else’s childhood trauma (a teacher or parent) that’s unhealed and spills over on us, we have them and they inform “who and what” we are.

My parents each carry something very deep and painful that happened when they were young. Thankfully, I know that now and have done the work to see how some things that happened in my life were trauma based responses, not done of or by free will. Most of the trauma I’ve carried has been transformed and released through mindful work, and lately a lot of that healing has happened in the presence of my parent’s healing their own wounds. Which has been an amazing gift.

The day before we filmed the opening scenes of this video, my mom shared details of something I had never known before that happened when I was four… it was very painful to hear, and brought back a flood of memories and feelings for us both. But it was also a revelation. And in that sense, it set us free because it was brought to the surface, into the light, where it could alchemize and be transformed. 

Trauma not transformed is transferred. Our hope is that this video, in some small way, moves someone else to lean into their own childhood wounds and to let that little one’s hurt be seen and heard. And that once it’s honored, hopefully it can be transformed and released. 

-Chrislyn Lawrence

Watch the video below, and stay tuned for Crow and Gazelle’s forthcoming album, As Above Now So Below, set for release on Friday, April 26.

LISTEN: On ‘Heart,’ The Atomic Age Cedes the Need for Control

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Moving forward in life can often mean learning to let go of all that we cannot control.

The Atomic Age offers an immersive soundtrack to that realization with his newest single, “Heart,” released on February 23.

“’Heart’ is a song about loosening my grip on my aspirations,” said The Atomic Age’s songsmith, JJ Schrick. “It’s so easy to white-knuckle goals like pursuing the things you love, but I’ve found that I’m most at peace when I’m not solely relying on my own abilities.”

“Heart” was constructed from the ground up, beginning with the drumbeat. The mellow rhythm guitar part was performed on a Bass VI, which combines with atmospheric elements to serve the track’s contemplative spirit.

If you’re looking for even more from The Atomic Age, you won’t have to wait long: “Heart” is the final single leading to an EP which is due out on March 20. For now, let this one resonate with you!

On ‘Letter to Myself,’ The Wandering Hearts Honor the Innocence of Youth

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The thrill and innocence of youth is fleeting. Before we know it, we’re looking back at those years wishing we had treasured them more.

That is the sentiment shared by British folk-rock trio The Wandering Hearts, whose new single, “Letter to Myself,” reaches back in time recalling missed opportunities and days gone by. Listeners will immediately be taken by gorgeous three-part harmonies, which help us remember a time with nothing but blue skies ahead. Timeless piano chords march us forward like the passage of time, while skillfully layered acoustic guitar and organ tones add a solid helping of nostalgia into the sonic landscape.

“I was talking about my sister-in-law,” said vocalist Tara Wilcox, “Every time I saw her, she’d be like, ‘I just turned 21, and I’m turning 22 next year’. She’s always inches away from the next big milestone.”

“Letter to Myself” is included on the band’s forthcoming full-length album, Mother, due out everywhere on March 3. The album is described as “an exploration of motherhood and personal growth, which captures the little moments that assume a much greater significance.”

“I was pregnant when we started making the record, and Tara was pregnant when we finished it,” said vocalist and mandolin player Francesca “Chess” Whiffin. “During the process, we really found ourselves as a band. Motherhood has helped us grow and find meaning. It brought our writing and performing to a different level.”

Here comes a taste of the record! Check out the lyric video for “Letter to Myself” below.

LISTEN: Cole Gallagher Makes Us Glad We’ve Found These ‘Lost Sounds’

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When it feels like the world is crumbling, a plea for peace can go a long way.

That plea is offered by Cole Gallagher, whose new single, “Lost Sounds,” is a timeless throwback and modern masterpiece, all at once. Dynamic production creates a lush folk-rock landscape that is both poignantly tender and beautifully robust, while the depth and emotion behind Gallagher’s voice is on full display, as he transitions seamlessly between his rugged wail and delicate falsetto.

“‘Lost Sounds’ is my favorite track that I’ve recorded,” shares Gallagher. “I was so lucky to have gotten the chance to write it with one of the local legends of Muscle Shoals, my good friend, (GRAMMY-winner) Barry Billings. The song is a hopeful and nostalgic sonic call-back to the times of The Byrds’ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ and ‘As Tears Go By’ by The Rolling Stones. I could not be more proud of this track’s message and the production of it, which was masterfully orchestrated by both Michael Fahey and Barry Billings. I am so excited for people to hear this.” 

In addition to Billings and Fahey, “Lost Sounds” features the contributions of an all-star ensemble. These include GRAMMY-winning mix engineer Vance Powell (Phish, Chris Stapleton, Jack White); and 400 Unit members Jimbo Hart (bass) and Chad Gamble (drums), both fresh off their GRAMMY win for Best Americana Album for Jason Isbell’s Weathervanes.

With that, we’ll get out of the way and let you enjoy this one!

LISTEN: Lord Goldie Puts It ‘On da Line’

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Through the years, Lord Goldie has shown that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to elevate her artist platform alongside the Nashville hip hop community.

Goldie’s latest single, “On da Line,” is just the latest motivational release in her Lost Tapes series. Produced by Play Dat Beat Wee Wee, the single illustrates the hustle it takes to succeed as an independent creative — including the fears we need to face, the actions we must take, and the distractions and relationships we must sometimes leave behind.

Sonically, “On da Line” employs a trap beat as the foundation for a triumphant soundscape; one which recalls the celebratory mainstream hip hop anthems of the late 2000s and early 2010s, while maintaining an “eyes on the prize” intensity fit for any workout playlist. Add it to yours after you try it out below!

WATCH: Josh Fortenbery Buries the Past on ‘Heirlooms’

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“It’s easier to blame
Everyone who gave me my name
Than admit I can change if I wanted.

We all learn from our kin
How to love and how to sin,
And become the same men we once run from.”

On top of finger-picked guitar and lush, cinematic string arrangements, Josh Fortenbery examines the traits we adopt from those who came before us on his new single, “Heirlooms.”

The Juneau, Alaska-based songwriter — who is preparing to release his debut album, No Such Thing As Forever, on March 8 — acknowledges the undeniable impact of our upbringings, while owning the reality that the potential to break the cycle lies squarely in our own hands

“I’m grateful for so much of my upbringing, but I also inherited, or maybe adopted, certain family traits I wish I hadn’t,” Fortenbery said. “Once I got to the age where everyone started having kids or talking about it, I wondered what I might pass on. At the same time, while it’s certainly convenient to blame our parents for becoming them, I recognize that an explanation for a behavior isn’t the same thing as an excuse.”

“Heirlooms” is accompanied by a music video directed by David Rossow. The video follows Fortenbery as he comes to terms with memories of the past, before resolving to bury the physical reminders of who he used to be in a remote location, symbolizing the journey of a man resolving to start anew.

“I’m just trying to be honest about my grief, anxiety, and carelessness, and hope that resonates with people,” he said. “I think a lot of folks feel disconnected from the world, not only because of the physical isolation over the last few years but also the increasing digital and cultural isolation we’ve slid into over the last decade. I’m trying to remember what ties me to the folks I love and folks I’ve never met.”

WATCH: Harris Hills is All About ‘ACTION, MAN’

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One of the true gems of the New Year so far belongs to Nashville-based rapper and producer Harris Hills, who combines the soulful sensibilities of Nashvllle with the quick-hitting, grime music influence of his native U.K. on his latest single, “ACTION MAN.”

The well-traveled artist — who also spent his teenage years in Washington state before coming to Music City — pairs slick production with a delivery that moves as swiftly as an independent artist on the rise. A true hustle anthem, “ACTION MAN” adds a fresh voice to Nashville’s already thriving hip hop scene, diversifying Music City’s sonic palette in a way sure to resonate with fans in any location.

The single is accompanied by a video, which features the adventures of Hills and his entourage traveling through many haunts on and around Lower Broadway.

Perhaps these visuals signal what we already know to be true: they’re taking over the city, and it’s only a matter of time.

LISTEN: Marcus King Waits for Love to ‘F*ck (His) Life Up Again’

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You may arleady be familiar with Marcus King as a fourth generation, mega-talented guitar virtuoso. Today, you’ll hear him as you never have before.

King explores his potent soul and R&B sensibilities on the new, Rick Rubin-produced track, “F*ck My Life Up Again.” The anguish in King’s voice is palpable, and the emotion put forth is enhanced by gorgeous string arrangements, shimmering organ tones, and a signature King guitar solo given new life, thanks to Rubin’s glitched-up studio wizardry.

Thematically, “F*ck My Life Up Again” pulls no punches, as King reflects on his tendency to chase unhealthy, codependent relationships.

“I was hesitant to record a song with such a foul word in it given my southern, Christian upbringing, but there were no other words I could find to capture the emotion I felt,” King said. “The anger associated with missing someone you know is only going to bring you pain, missing a relationship that only hurts you, (and) feeling hopeless to the point of wanting them to come back, because the only thing worse than the co-dependent hell you created together is the profound loneliness you feel.”

The single is accompanied by a lyric video whose dark, contemplative mood speaks to the emotion of the song. Watch it below!

LISTEN: On ‘Run Girl Run,’ Jess Antonette Confronts Her Trauma

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Our old pal Jess Antonette is back with a new name, and a new, devastatingly introspective single.

The artist formerly known as J. Antonette released “Run Girl Run” on January 17. Co-written at SoNash Publishing House alongside Travis Chaney, Keifer Wiley, and Gabe Walsh, the wistful country pop tune gives Jess a chance to ruminate on her previous relationships — and her own role in their demise.

“The timing of both the name change and the creation of ‘Run Girl Run’ couldn’t have been more serendipitous,” she said. “If you know my co-writer, Travis, you understand the magnitude of his heart and how he loves to delve deep into the artists’ vulnerabilities, which is why I gravitate towards working with him. It’s almost like a therapy session.”

The creative process proved cathartic, and required Jess to stretch well past her comfort zone to tell a true-to-life story.

“There were moments when writing this where I was cringing and sinking into the corner of the couch, uncomfortable because (Travis) would push me to get real with my issues,” she said. “I’ve always been self-reflective, but not outwardly; not sharing my issues about my own trauma with my co-writers in the room. The lyrics are exactly what I’m working on fixing within my own heart.“

Run over to Spotify to check this one out. Perhaps it will help you uncover the keys to your own heart…

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