Albums | Multi-instrumentalist Marvel Years concludes conceptual EP series with Voyage Ahead Pt. 2
Posted by VMan on October 13, 2022
| Shape-shifting producer and multi-instrumentalist Marvel Years has evolved into an evocative scene-builder. With a blues-inspired, bass-heavy sound, the New York-based, Vermont-born artist has cultivated a fervent fanbase and landed multiple performances at Red Rocks alongside the likes of ZHU, STS9, and Pretty Lights. Now, with years of experience under his belt, Marvel Years has begun to filter his genre-melding electronic soundscapes through a decidedly cinematic lens. This impressionistic mode is the central thesis of the producer’s Voyage Ahead project, a two-part EP series that takes listeners on a thematic journey from the core basics of the Marvel Years’ brand into exciting new sonic ventures. With August’s Voyage Ahead Pt. 1, Marvel Years introduced a new creative workflow stemming from the early stages of the pandemic. Frustrated by a lack of live performances, he went beyond studio beat-making and live guitar recordings; to capture the electric spirit of his live set, he played each instrumental element himself in places where he would have used samples. The result was the artist’s most innovative work yet and a showcase for the immense possibilities of what Marvel Years can be. Now, Marvel Years unleashes Voyage Ahead Pt. 2, a four-track package that concludes the EP series in gritty fashion. Filled to the brim with sun-tinged imagery, Voyage Ahead Pt. 2 vibrantly mixes sweeping guitar solos and intricate electronic craftsmanship into an epic final chapter. The EP kicks off with “Dive,” a swaggering tone-setter that builds slowly with a triumphant chord progression and futuristic synth sound design. The track then drops into its heavy, earth-shattering beat, blazing synth-leads, and twangy guitar riffs. Next is the EP’s lead single, “Shades On,” a circular embodiment of cool that evokes feelings and images of a Tarantino-style crime tale. Voyage Ahead Pt. 2 is rounded out by “Looking At The Future,” which incorporates steaming organ chords and infectious vocal samples into the EPs general sonic palette; and “Lexington Ave,” a raucous, climatic, and guitar-laden song that brings the Voyage Ahead series to a thrilling close. Fans can immerse themselves in the Voyage Ahead universe at Marvel Years’ forthcoming headlining show at Denver’s Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom on Friday, October 7, 2022. The event will vaunt a unique, two-part performance: a solo Marvel Years set preceded by a Marvel Years Trio set featuring Jason Leech alongside Emancipator/Manic Focus drummer Colby Buckler. The solo set will spotlight Marvel Years’ eclectic skills as he bounces between guitar, synths, and the DJ board for a bass-heavy performance. The Marvel Years Trio set will then see the multi-instrumentalist flex his abilities as a bandleader, with the jamtronica sounds from Jason Leech’s keys and the powerful, versatile drumming from Colby Buckler coming together to complement Marvel Years’ more soulful, instrumental-driven sonics. Marvel Years will also display his live performance prowess on his national Fall Tour, which includes stops in Chicago, Portland and Baltimore. |
Albums | Acclaimed Producer Illangelo Expands Joy Odyssey Alias With Energy / Divine Perfection EP
Posted by VMan on October 8, 2022
World-renowned multi-award-winning executive producer Carlo “Illangelo” Montagnese is best known for his collaborations with The Weeknd dating back to 2010 with ‘The Trilogy’ mixtapes, and contributing to Drake’s multi-platinum sophomore album ‘Take Care’. Now stepping into his solo venture Joy Odyssey and taking it a bit more seriously, he has returned with his new two-track EP Energy / Divine Perfection. The eclectic project is a hybrid sound that fuses all types of influences, check it out above now!
“I’m looking to push electronic music forward, The songs on this EP represent a world-building vision manifested through positive energy. Sonically they grind, vibrate and pulse, flowing through sweeping movements like orchestral sonatas. These musical movements are contrasted with lyrics that drop like mantras — genuine and compassionate, they are a call to arms for a more perfect, efficacious and sublime reality.”
Albums | Australian Talent 44 Ardent Releases “intothedeep”
Posted by VMan on July 7, 2022
Rising Australian producer has a new EP on the way this August, and to help hold us over until that drops he has released the title track to the forthcoming project via this vibey new track “intothedeep”. If you’re a fan of unique sound design that is house infused (think Four Tet or Tourist), I am very confident you will enjoy the tune above. Check it out now!
“intothedeep is probably my favourite song on the whole record. I was a bit self-indulgent with the synths and the sound design on this one and didn’t hold back! The song sort of sucks you right in with a wall of sound as soon as the drum fill hits and then it spits you back out for a little bit before a totally different wall of sound at the one-minute mark. I’ve mentioned previously that the EP is loosely themed around climate change. I suppose this is the “ocean” song. I can imagine it being played with a powerful stormy ocean in the background.” –44 Ardent
Albums | Watch the Raw and Reflective Music Video for “SEE ME” by Mulay
Posted by VMan on June 25, 2022
Taken from her upcoming EP, IVORY, which comes out on October 7th via Groenland Records, Mulay’s new single and visual for “SEE ME” is hybrid and clean combination of alt r&b that reminded me by FKA Twigs prior videos, just on a tighter budget (understandably). The Berlin based singer-songwriter left me wanting more on this one, I’ve already replayed this one a handful of times. Hyped for the full EP this fall, and I’m sure you will be too after clicking play on the above video!
“We cannot hold on to love. We can only cherish and nourish it once it finds us and practice acceptance and gratitude for having experienced it, once it leaves. It will hurt. like hell. But you will live through it and get out on the other side. You will grow and it will bring you closer to yourself. Sometimes things need to end, so others can begin. Sometimes we have to let go, to say goodbye to what we know, to create space for change, so we can transform.”
Electronic | 44 Ardent drops “nomoreheat” ahead of debut EP
Posted by VMan on May 25, 2022
If you’re a fan of Caribou, Bonobo, Four Tet or other producers who make calming-yet-trippy House infused music, look no further. 44 Ardent is a rising talent out of Australia who just released his new single “nomoreheat” off of his forthcoming debut EP, which is due out this August. The lo-fi vibe on this one is incredibly catchy thanks to the mellow vocal and constant thumping of the bass alongside the layered lush synthesizers. Overall, this one is rad and well worth checking out. Tune in the heater, “nomoreheat”, above now!
Albums | Rising enigmatic German producer Edwin Rosen steps into the light with debut EP
Posted by VMan on September 29, 2021
The Illusive and mysterious rising German electronic, singer songwriter and music producer Edwin Rosen has finally unleashed his debut EP – „mitleerenhänden” . The electrifying, dance inducing and synth laden project is a 5 track release that highlights the rising 20 year old talent’s skillset. Tune in above now!
Alternative | Fiery Indie-Pop Artist Sophie Kilburn Shares Debut EP ‘My Room Made Public’
Posted by VMan on September 12, 2021
Sophie’s new My Room Made Public, is a four-track EP with an indie-pop inspired style fused with a classic 70s flare throughout. It is a bold sonic fusion of old school rocker & modern pop warrior that sits neatly alongside ALT Pop heroes like Haim, Phoebe Bridgers and Soccer Mummy that have successfully contributed to a new genre that fits in both the past and the present, with a heavy emphasis on storytelling. Check out a thorough quote on the project after the jump and stream Sophie’s new EP above now.
“The concept of the EP started from my growing hunger turned obsession with wanting to be heard. What do I have to do to be really listened to, to be taken seriously as an artist, as a woman, as a person? How much do I have to share to feel like I’m enough? I spiraled, thinking ‘it’s just not in the cards for me’. The noise in my head got so loud that it really started to well… piss me off. I became acutely aware of how strong the pressure of sharing everything with everyone all the time is. There is this fear that if you don’t share it all your identity is no longer validated or worthwhile and that can be very dangerous. I don’t want to keep feeling that and I don’t want anyone else feeling that either. The project took on a whole new meaning when the pandemic hit and we were all forced to reflect on ourselves and the world we live in, it made me think well it is more relatable now than ever. With My Room Made Public, I wanted to create a body of work that is an emotionally open and honest introduction to me as an artist and the songs I write. It is chapter one of what I hope will become a classic trilogy. At the end of the day, I just want to bring emotional comfort and make people want to fight for what they want out of life, find themselves in their own way and to never settle for something that hurts them. I guess I am trying to do that for myself too but there is always strength in numbers.”