Sad Park - | SLEEP |

GARAGE ROCK

Here's more proof that jarring yells can be charming. SLEEP is recorded to help flaunt the highlights from Sad Park's live shows. 

The vocalist Graham Steele roars sincere emotion powerful enough to melt into your skin. The introductory energetic track "IN MY HEAD" encapsulates the band's tone. But don't be fooled by the excessive amp noise. This album is layered with much more than that.

The album dynamics contrast with the second track "TRAGICALLY YOUNG", slower song with beautiful sincere lyrics about mortality.

"When my life has reached it's end 

I'll be helping all my friends 

to love me just the same"

The drummer Grant Bubar keeps the album interesting by implementing other drum styles like in the Bossa-Nova-influenced track "GOODNIGHT". The guitars also follow these style changes.

There are plenty of vocal lines to sing along to like:

"I just want to feel like I did 

back before I had a reason to pretend I didn't want to stay all fucking night"

Or

"You get so dumb when you're in love"

My favorite track? "ALONE". I'm a sucker for these drums and lyrics. I wish this were mastered loud enough to blast even louder.

2018. 

Bad Abstract - 'New Way Out'

INDIE ROCK

Upbeat strokes on those indie guitar tones I LOVE. There's an overall summery and calming vibe that you can sing along to in the harmonies.

Their 2017 music sounds great live. Even though the recordings for Under My Skin could be more consistent and blended, their arrangements and performances are fun. The vocalist James Andrew Ibarra in the song "No Control" kinda sounds like Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

Hey I've got this bump on my head /

You hit me harder than life ever did /

I need a new way out instead 

2016.

FIDLAR - 'Alcohol'

ALTERNATIVE PUNK ROCK

Need a theme song for your lit weekends? The gritty vocals and messy guitar tones perfectly shape the rebellious and candid demeanor of not only the song but of the band. 

First off, the introduction to the chorus's dynamics electrified my expectations about the song and album. While the song is driven by the fuzzy tones, it takes an airy, half-time break after the guitar solo.

I love FIDLAR''s 2015 album Too. This song presents new fun percussion instruments - like the wooden scraper panned to the left during the chorus - that I hope their new album will continue to use. 

Mom + Pop. 2018.

The Ladyfingers - | GET NERVOUS! |

GARAGE ROCK

"No, you can't relate". Yet relatable, The Ladyfingers! If you need to confess your love or  if you feel alone, this EP overflows with youth's energy expressed in distorted guitars and snappy drums that can help.

There are elements in each track that sound like pop punk elements - like the vocal style in "Beach Cloth" or the guitar tones in "Bedroom Floor". 

While listening to "Bedroom Floor", I noticed that if the vocals cut through the mix a bit more and if the mastered tracks were more compressed, I'd say it'd come sonically close to Blink-182s "All The Small Things". The drums and bass as a rhythm section are mixed very well, by the way.

There are sweet bells in tracks that provide a contrast to the distorted guitars and fierce vocals. I have to admit that using fun percussion like bells helps this garage rock band stand out amongst other garage rock bands. 

The vocals in "Get Nervous" release furious sincerities that most people tip-toe around. 

"And I get nervous when I'm standing next to you

Don't know what the fuck to say or what to do 

I get paranoid just trying to make a move

I get nervous when I'm standing next to you"

Really, the whole EP revolves around the confessions we all think in our head when we are crushing hard on a special someone.

2018.

Madison Avenue - 'Don't Call Me Baby'

Y2K DANCE HOUSE

Self worth! A great dance track for those in need of a reminder that we all deserve respect. And dance music from the 2000s.

Arturo Marquez - 'Danzon No. 2'

CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL

La drama! The song contains playful and passionate motifs which translate the "danzón" genre, characterized by plenty of tresillos, successfully.

The claves make this piece!

Heard this song on KUSC and Googled it to find, of course, a performance conducted by Gustavo Dudamel - one of Los Angeles's greatest musical icons. I also found a performance from one of my favorite conductors Alondra de la Parra, but that is for another time.

Turns out the composer Arturo Marquez worked on this short film which is why I thought it would be a good share.

The Black Beacon Sound - | She Smokes |

INDIE POP ROCK

Groovy bass lines and appreciative guitar tones. The (THE) Black Beacon Sound brings the elements of their early house parties from East LA to the stage nurtured by their late teens and early 20's playful spirits. Supported to the core by their friends, family and garages, the band has developed a vibrant sound crafted by their strong musical backgrounds and taste in pedals.

The EP erupts with "Won't Last Long", a track dynamically structured to make you dance. The volcanic EP then oozes with dreamy violins in "Into Gloom". The ashes fall strong in "Care For You", a sweet track dedicated to the guitarist's sister.

If you have a chance to catch them at a show, you might even see the bassist rap a Kanye West or Kendrick Lamar cover. 

Remember to clap along!

She Smokes. Audio Mech Productions. 2017