GRUNGECAKE

Category: Music Reviews

  • Stream The LOX’s new song ‘Isley Money’

    Late last month (November 26), The LOX released a new record titled ‘Isley Money’ via their independent label, D-Block. For the new track, Styles P raps about his life before owning a fresh juice spot and having drug dealer dreams, Sheek Louch covers his journey as a young man hustling crack and making their town proud, and Jadakiss gloats about building your brand up and having most of the culture behind him in his signature raspy voice. The star rappers once signed to Sean “Puffy” Combs or Diddy are taking time to focus on their joint and separate releases. In the interim of that release, listen to the record below, which samples the silky and smooth vocals from legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers. It’s the first record that The LOX released in four years. If attached to an album, it would be their fifth studio album.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhebB4nhpW0&h=315]

  • Geoff Gibbons releases soul-stirring new single ‘Beautiful Broken Things’

     

    Vancouver singer-songwriter Geoff Gibbons invites listeners on a heartfelt journey with his latest release, ‘Beautiful Broken Things’. This evocative track is a poignant reflection on life’s trials and triumphs, exploring the scars we carry and the beauty that emerges from our most vulnerable moments.

    “Everyone has their battle scars,” says Gibbons. “This song is about honoring those experiences—acknowledging the mistakes, missed chances, and moments we can’t take back while recognizing that through it all, there’s always another day. We are all, in essence, still beautiful.”

    Gibbons seamlessly weaves folk, rock, and Americana influences, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. His soulful vocals infuse the lyrics with raw emotion, while the lush instrumentation conjures imagery of long roads, open skies, and shared human experiences.

    Featuring powerful lines like “We’re beautiful, broken though we are” and “We never sold our wings,” the single captures the universal struggle of finding strength in fragility. It’s an anthem for anyone who has faced life’s challenges and come out the other side, a little scarred but undeniably resilient.

    ‘Beautiful Broken Things’ continues Gibbons’ legacy of delivering music that resonates deeply with his audience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, this single is a testament to his talent and emotional authenticity.

    ‘Beautiful Broken Things’ is a song that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

  • Pol Sembrano breaks new ground with teaser EP ‘Anywhere’ ahead of debut album

    Filipino-American composer and classically trained pianist Pol Sembrano is embarking on a bold new musical journey, stepping beyond his classical roots to explore the realms of electronic music. Based in Seattle, Sembrano introduces fans to his evolving sound with ‘Anywhere’, a four-track teaser EP that previews his self-titled debut album. This venture marks a striking shift from his piano-centric compositions to synth-heavy, danceable tracks that blend pop hooks with experimental textures.

    Drawing inspiration from the vintage synth sounds of the 80s and 90s, ‘Anywhere’ combines intricate melodies, existential lyrics, and a polished production style reminiscent of icons like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Blondie. Sembrano’s work is also infused with a touch of indie sensibility, creating a unique fusion of danceable energy and thought-provoking artistry.

    “I’ve always been confident in myself as a musician, but this project allows me to explore dimensions of my artistry I couldn’t before,” Sembrano says. “I’m inspired by any song with a great hook, strong bassline, and lyrics that speak to the heart.”

    Listeners can expect a soundscape rich in melodic interplay and subtle nuances, all wrapped in an experimental yet approachable framework. ‘Anywhere’ is a bold step for Sembrano, revealing his versatility and ambition as an artist unbound by genre. With this EP, he not only teases his debut album but also signals the arrival of a fresh and compelling voice in electronic music.

    Prepare to dance, think, and feel—Pol Sembrano is here to push boundaries.

  • The Beatroot Road’s debut single ‘Underground Roots’ plants seeds of musical innovation

    The Beatroot Road, a boundary-pushing Alternative/World music collective, has unveiled their debut track, *Underground Roots*. This release marks the first step in an ambitious musical journey that will culminate in their debut album, slated for Spring 2025. Led by multi-talented percussionist Mark Russell and violinist Hazel Fairbairn, the project invites a global lineup of artists to collaborate on tracks released every six weeks.

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    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXrErDEoZnY&w=560&h=315]

    ‘Underground Roots’ is an uplifting anthem of resilience, blending African and Latin rhythms with profound lyrics that reflect the enduring strength of roots, both literal and metaphorical. Kenyan vocalist Lucinda Karrey delivers the stirring lead vocals, supported by Fuki Anditi’s vibrant harmonies. Russell’s intricate percussion work takes center stage, featuring instruments like the conga and Cabassa, along with a surprising addition—the bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum—emphasizing the group’s innovative fusion style.

    Russell describes ‘Underground Roots’ as “a song of hope,” encapsulating the essence of their sonic exploration: “So if you wonder how the underdog can manage a grin, it’s cos the roots are underground and the blood moves within.” The track is accompanied by a visually stunning music video, combining live footage from Kenya with mesmerizing 3D animation from global artists Griang and Mesut C.

    While ‘Underground Roots’ carries an African/Latin vibe, The Beatroot Road promises a kaleidoscope of styles in future releases, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this dynamic project.

  • Black Tish Unveils Groundbreaking Double-A Single ‘Industrial Tribute’

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    Belgium’s legendary industrial band Black Tish is back with a bang, proving once again why they are considered the “missing link” between the genre’s roots and its evolution. Known for their raw, groundbreaking sound and a storied past stretching back to the late ’80s, Black Tish’s latest release, ‘Industrial Tribute’, is a double-A single that seamlessly pays homage to industrial music’s origins while paving the way for its future.

    Earlier this year, the band reignited their flame with the release of ‘The Hanged Man’, an EP featuring tracks penned during the COVID lockdown by bandleader Bob Coecke and bassist Bruce Warner. Now, Industrial Tribute takes things to another level, blending vintage industrial grit with modern innovation. True to their rebellious ethos, Black Tish has emerged as a beacon for industrial music’s next chapter.

    Frontman Bob Coecke’s story is as fascinating as the music itself. Once a pioneering figure in Belgium’s underground scene, Coecke shifted gears in 1998 to explore the cutting edge of science. Now Chief Scientist at Quantinuum and a world-renowned quantum physicist, his groundbreaking work on a quantum AI-powered music project, ‘Quantoven’, is reshaping how we experience sound.

    With ‘Industrial Tribute‘, Black Tish reclaims their place in the music world, bridging decades of history with the promise of a sonic future, unlike anything we’ve heard before.

    Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of Black Tish’s resurgence.

  • JBNG: The Rising Stars of British Columbia’s Indie Rock Scene

    Emerging from British Columbia’s vibrant music scene, JBNG is a powerhouse quintet making waves with its unique blend of shoegaze, post-punk, and indie rock. The band features Groome on vocals, Alejandro Yoshizawa on lead guitar, Jonathon Goldie on rhythm guitar, Tim Charman on bass, and Matt Koopman on drums. The project began as the brainchild of Groome, a lifelong musician and accomplished bass player, who discovered his vocal talent as a therapeutic outlet for managing bipolar disorder. His journey to finding his voice has resonated with fans and brought an authentic edge to JBNG’s sound.

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    With over 100,000 Spotify streams, JBNG has quickly built a devoted fanbase. Their hit track “Barely Know You” has amassed almost 100,000 streams, cementing their place as ones to watch. From the dreamy, crunchy textures of “Barely Know You” to the fiery, politically charged energy of “Brutus,” JBNG’s music defies easy categorization, offering a fresh take with every song.

    As JBNG continues to refine its sound, its distinctive style only grows more captivating. With Groome’s dynamic vocals at the forefront and a lineup of skilled musicians behind him, this band is on a trajectory to become one of Canada’s most compelling musical exports. Whether you’re into introspective ballads or electrifying anthems, JBNG delivers a sonic experience you won’t want to miss.

    Keep an eye—and ear—on JBNG. They’re just getting started!

  • Danny Peck releases groundbreaking album ‘Where Hope Goes, Fear Follows’

    Acclaimed composer and innovator Danny Peck have unveiled his latest project, ‘Where Hope Goes, Fear Follows’, a deeply personal and sonically groundbreaking album. Known for his prolific output under monikers such as DEP, A Defiant Heart, and his name, Peck has spent decades crafting emotive, genre-defying music. This new release represents a turning point in his career—an intimate exploration of reinvention and legacy.

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    The album emerges from a period of transformation. In 2023, Peck relocated to a small town in Michigan, where he built a studio from scratch, replacing nearly every piece of his equipment and software. “I kept my trusty Korg keyboard, but everything else was a reinvention,” he explains. Moving away from the tracker-driven methods he had relied on since his early days experimenting with MS-DOS in the 1990s, Peck embraced a freer, more organic approach to composition.

    [media-credit name=”Danny Peck” align=”center” width=”2048″][/media-credit]

    The result? An orchestral yet modern sound that blends post-rock, electronic, and EDM influences into a cohesive, emotive journey. ‘Where Hope Goes, Fear Follows’ delves into universal themes of starting over, growing older, and confronting mortality. Peck describes the album as “a lifetime culmination of my creative process,” born of personal upheaval and a relentless drive to innovate.

    This release not only solidifies Danny Peck’s legacy as a musical pioneer but also invites listeners into the deeply human story of an artist redefining his path. ‘Where Hope Goes, Fear Follows’ is available now on all major platforms.

  • Les Brown’s ‘The Next One’: An experimental music journey 

     

    Les Brown is back with ‘The Next One’, a bold new album that embodies his signature philosophy: music is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates—“You never know what you’re going to hear.” True to form, this album takes listeners on a genre-defying adventure, blending sounds, styles, and emotions into a one-of-a-kind auditory experience.

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    Known for his boundary-pushing approach, Brown masterfully mixes music genres, geographic influences, languages, and instruments, creating tracks that evoke everything from playful joy to introspective curiosity. The four preview tracks alone feature an eclectic range of styles, from funky grooves to hypnotic ambient soundscapes, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s the pulse of a new wave, the intricacy of jazz, or the vast sonic landscapes of psychedelia, each track is a new flavor to savor.

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    “I write music to capture the feeling of stepping into a mysterious but inviting space,” says Brown. “It’s about discovery—hearing something unfamiliar and thinking, ‘Wow, that’s interesting!’” His goal is simple: to delight, intrigue, and inspire without pretense.

    *The Next One* is also part of an ambitious trilogy, with Brown teasing that he’s only just begun to explore the depths of his creativity. This album invites fans to join him on a journey of fun and experimentation, where every track feels like an open door to a new adventure.

    Les Brown’s *The Next One* isn’t just an album—it’s an experience, one that music lovers won’t want to miss.

  • The James McGowan Ensemble releases 17-Track Album ‘Reaching Out’

    The James McGowan Ensemble, a dynamic 13-piece collective based in Canada’s National Capital Region, is proud to announce the release of its new 17-track album, ‘Reaching Out’. Blending jazz-fusion, classical elements, and spoken-word poetry, this ambitious project is a testament to the ensemble’s creative synergy and artistic depth.

    [media-credit name=”James McGowan Ensemble” align=”aligncenter” width=”640″][/media-credit]

    At the heart of the ensemble is Modasaurus, James McGowan’s critically acclaimed jazz-fusion quartet, featuring Alex Moxon (guitar), JP Lapensée (bass), and Jamie Holmes (drums). Modasaurus’ intricate interplay is beautifully complemented by Quatuor Despax, a Gatineau-based string quartet renowned for its versatility and emotive performances.

    Adding to the rich sonic landscape are four exceptional horn players: Petr Cancura (tenor sax), Mike Tremblay (soprano sax), Mark Ferguson (trombone), and JUNO Award-winning trumpeter Ed Lister. The ensemble’s unique dimension is further heightened by spoken word poet Jamaal Amir Akbari, former Ottawa English Poet Laureate, whose evocative poetry adds profound narrative layers to the music.

    The album showcases James McGowan’s mastery as a pianist, composer, and producer, bridging genres and pushing boundaries. A music educator and award-winning faculty member at Carleton University, McGowan received a prestigious Canada Council for the Arts grant to bring ‘Reaching Out’ to life, following the success of its introspective companion album, ‘Reaching In’.

    ‘Reaching Out’ delivers a transcendent listening experience, reflecting themes of connection, community, and the human spirit. The album is now available on all major streaming platforms.

  • Listen to Nigerian artist King Perryy’s home-focused EP: Niggas from the South

    Approximately two weeks ago, Nigerian artist King Perryy released a sheeny seven-track project spotlighting some top-drawer artists emerging from the Southern part of Nigeria. Hence, the name ‘Niggas From the South’. Paired with tunes cooked by local Nigerian producers, the gentlemen carol about getting to it on ‘Hustle’, solving problems and receiving what one deserves on ‘Gbege’, and chopping life as Port Harcourt boys on ‘Confirm Parole’.

    Listen to the curated extended play below to focus on the country’s acclaimed underdogs like Erigga, KAESTLYLE, PsychoYP, Timaya, Ajebo Hustlers, DanDizzy, Jeriq and more.

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