Category: Blog

Yours, River are a genre-blending group from Washington DC whose authenticity and sharp songwriting shine from the get-go. Founded by James Carline and Zachary Nachbar-Seckel as a side project during the height of the pandemic, the talented group has come into its own, developing a unique sound that combines folk, hip-hop, and electronic influences. Their self-titled new album Yours, River is an adventure in atmospheric, organic sounds that evoke scenes of nature and feelings of youthful longing.

Their self-titled album kicks off with the ambient “I’d Like To Be…”, a track that uses fluttering acoustic guitars and subtle, dream-like synths to create a wistful mood. Beneath, organic sounding bass glues the track together and creates a mellow groove. The instrumental creates a strong foundation for the track’s immersive vocals, as they float gracefully above the guitars. These vocals are easy-going and simultaneously heartfelt, and the lyrics on “I’d Like To Be…” are vivid and introspective, taking on a reflective tone.

They follow this track up with the groovy, hip-hop laced “Oh So Blue!” , a song that introduces their use of rapping vocals. The instrumental for “Oh So Blue!” contains deep bass that rumbles beneath fast-paced drums and brisk, electrifying guitars. The beat is energizing, creating an infectious sound that keeps the listener engaged throughout. Moreover, the track’s use of spoken word-infused rap vocals combined with blues and rock influenced singing gives it even more personality and makes one want to keep re-visiting it.

Next, the band brings in the bittersweet “Honeybee Lane”, a warm track packed with nostalgia. This song contains breezy guitars that ring out over top of rich bass and natural drums. The vocals on this song are catchy, and the lyrics are poetic and evocative, making for a thought-provoking listening experience. Paired with the next track, “Fast Asleep”, Yours, River show their dynamic approach to songwriting, as they demonstrate their ability to play with a wide variety of sounds. Here, energetic drums and tuneful bass bring the track together and provide a strong foundation for the song’s relaxed, dreamy vocals. Furthermore, the guitars on this song are starry and expansive, giving the song more of a layered feel.

The song “Patience” marks the middle of the album, utilizing dense, rapid percussion to give the track a playful feel. “Patience” feels heavily psychedelic and almost has a dance music vibe, further showcasing the band’s diversity. An album highlight is “Where Do We Go From Here?”, a peaceful, smoky song that sticks in one’s memory for days. Once again, Yours, River blends hip-hop in, providing an immersive and raw sound that appeals to a wide variety of music fans. They follow this song up with another album highlight in “Abby”, a sentimental song that uses autumnal guitars and poetic lyrics to create a truly intriguing mood.

The album closes out with a series of reflective yet groovy offerings, including “Winter Lungs”, which centers around wailing guitars and grand keys, and “Beggars Cup”, which features expansive keys and powerful lead vocals. The final song “Rest in Peace?” is particularly unforgettable, containing some of the group’s strongest lyrics. They come through with some thought-provoking lyrical motifs and imagery that draw the listener in to the song’s ruminative mood. Moreover, the track’s atmosphere is enhanced by celestial acoustic guitars and jaunty percussion, creating a stirring backdrop.

Overall, Yours, River’s self-titled album is a dream-like offering that brings back memories of childhood and evokes the feeling of being in nature. It is an introspective, creative ride through the artists’ mind, providing a release that is refreshing and intriguing. Hopefully more is soon to come from this group, as they are new to the scene and evidently have a lot to offer. All in all, their ability to craft songs utilizing a variety of genres and sonic textures is admirable, and they showcase promise in this new album.

Connect with Yours, River:

Spotify:

Instagram: @ursrvr

Buppy and Eleanor Kingston have shared a heartfelt collaboration called “To My Momma”. Over top of bittersweet keys and reminiscent trumpets, the musicians craft a touching tribute to their Mothers, and Mothers everywhere.

The instrumental for “To My Momma” is centred around warm keys that create a brisk pace, underscored by organic sounding percussion. Later, nostalgic trumpets and swelling synths are added to give the track more layers, creating a concoction of sounds that is mellow and wistful. Moreover, the two vocalists come through with some well-written verses that are emotionally moving, capping the song off in a graceful fashion.

Overall, “To My Momma” is a solid release from Buppy and Eleanor Kingston that hopefully signifies more upcoming music from the pairing. They share a natural chemistry on this collaboration, providing a heartfelt, catchy track that is worth re-visting many times.

Massachusetts artist The China Blue has shared a strong new single called “SiLENCE”. This track finds him delivering heartfelt, urgent vocals over top of a mysterious instrumental.

Sonically, “SiLENCE” conveys feelings of anxiety and longing through mercurial, dream-like guitars that drift over top of brisk drums and groovy bass. Moreover, The China Blue’s vocals are expressive and intriguing, as he touches on alienation, loneliness, and sorrow in his lyrics. His overall vocal performance is truly evocative, and his skill as a songwriter shines through on this release.

Overall, “SiLENCE” is a strong offering from The China Blue, who sonically mixes disparate emotions together in a truly interesting manner on this track. It is evident that crafting such a song takes much skill, as the combination of sounds and lyrical motifs make for a release worth re-visiting again and again.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Massachusetts musician Dylan Reese has shared an uplifting new single called “harmony”. This smooth release finds Reese coming through with some laid back, self-assured vocals over top of a warm, peaceful instrumental.

“harmony” glows with reflective warmth, providing a heavenly soundscape. Centred around buttery organs and nostalgic guitars, the instrumental is underscored by organic sounding drums that provide a steady rhythm. Beneath, groovy, rich bass glues the track together and helps create a strong foundation for Reese’s smooth vocals. In particular, his songwriting shines through as crafts elegant verses and a memorable chorus.

Overall, “harmony” is a mesmerizing release from Reese that showcases his strong focus as a songwriter. It is a track worthy of re-visiting again and again, providing a dream-like atmosphere that is hard to replicate.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Sacramento-bred rapper Camden Malik has shared an energetic new release “CAVITY (777)”, as well as a fresh new visual to go along with it.

“CAVITY (777)” contains bright guitars that swirl over top of fast-paced, crisp percussion. Beneath, catchy bass glues the track together and provides a solid foundation for Malik’s smooth, confident flow. He comes through with some clever, sharply written verses that float over top of the bouncy instrumental. Furthermore, the video for “CAVITY (777)” is laid back and charismatic, adding to the song’s atmosphere with its nocturnal setting.

Overall, “CAVITY (777)” makes for another strong release from the underrated Malik, who has shared a heap of quality music lately. If you enjoyed this single, check out his well-crafted recent EP “Primetime” with Ibn Itaka.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Massachusetts musician Ish Akanour has shared a fresh new video for his single “Magic”. This track finds the talented artist flowing smoothly over top of an atmospheric instrumental.

The instrumental for “Magic” is centred around ambient synths that drift over top of bouncy percussion. Beneath, strong 808s create a driving rhythm that has one nodding their head immediately. The overall production is energetic and exciting, making for an engaging listen.

Moreover, Akanour’s vocals on the track are smooth and his cadence is charismatic, giving the track much replay value. Paired with a casual, warm video, this is an offering to re-visit again and again. Hopefully this release signals more to come from Akanour, who has released a substantial amount of high-quality music this year.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Vancouver’s I M U R have shared a vivid new visual for their hazy banger “Birdseye”, a track from their recent album My Molecules. This smooth, layered song has been given a suitably surreal visual to accompany it, reinforcing its nocturnal sound.

The instrumental for “Birdseye” is wistful and moody, centred around dreamy keys that ring out overtop of textured percussion and rumbling 808s. Moreover, the vocals on “Birdseye” are evocative, showcasing the group’s sharp songwriting skills. Accompanied by a suitably warm, mellow visual that feels nostalgic in tone, this is an engaging release.

Overall “Birdseye” provides much replay value and the music video reinforces the track’s graceful sound. Hopefully more is soon to come from the talented I M U R, who have recently released a strong album in My Molecules.

Vancouver’s BAINS. has shared a reflective new song called “Paranoid” that touches on social anxiety and the pressure of working in the entertainment industry. On this release, he explores this theme with some emotive, vivid verses capped off by a memorable chorus.

Sonically, “Paranoid” is centred around melancholic guitars that drift along at a dream-like pace, underscored by clean percussion. Beneath, pillowy 808s glue the track together, providing a cohesive foundation for BAINS.’ bittersweet melodies. He comes through with some well-written, touching lyrics centred around potent topics like social anxiety and the pressure put on entertainers.

Overall, “Paranoid” is another solid release from BAINS., who has released a number of well-crafted singles this year and remains under-recognized. He is evidently a skilled songwriter who isn’t afraid to get personal with his music. One can only hope that more is soon to come from this rising Vancouver musician.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Thalia Falcon has shared a confident, energetic new release called “PLUG N PLAY”. Over top of powerful synths and driving bass, the talented singer delivers some well-written melodies that stick in one’s head for days. Featuring a vivid music video to accompany it, this release is one to re-visit again and again.

The instrumental for “PLUG N PLAY” is energetic and uplifting, containing lively synths that play out at a rapid pace. Beneath, bouncy percussion and catchy bass create a deep groove, providing a solid foundation for Falcon’s charismatic vocals. She comes through with some sharply-crafted verses and an ecstatic chorus, showcasing her focus and poise as a songwriter.

Moreover, the music video for “PLUG N PLAY” is vivid and engaging, providing a dream-like, colorful accompaniment to the track. The music video captures the song’s mood through the usage of fast-moving shots that create a surreal effect. It is a spirited visual that re-enforces the track’s vibe effectively.

Overall, “PLUG N PLAY” is a strong offering from the under-rated Falcon, who has been consistently releasing high-quality singles of late. She sounds poised and confident on this song, providing an uplifting offering with a slightly dream-like quality that takes one away to another place.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg

Massachusetts musician Brandon Serafino has shared a smooth, vivid new single called “Silk Shirt Fit”. Over top of bouncy synths, the singer comes through with some effortlessly catchy vocals that draw one in from the get-go.

“Silk Shirt Fit” is a summery journey through warm, evocative sounds that immerse the listener in their atmosphere. Featuring head-nodding percussion that is excitingly energetic, this track provides endless replay value. Moreover, Serafino’s vocals on the song are laid-back and memorable, showcasing his sharp talents as a songwriter. His melodies are well-crafted yet playful, making for an engaging listen.

Overall, “Silk Shirt Fit” is a strong release from Serafino, providing a fitting soundtrack for warm summer nights. He has been releasing underrated, high-quality singles at a consistent pace recently, and this song is no exception. All in all, one can look forward to more music from him with much anticipation.

Written by Jacob Saltzberg