ALBUM REVIEW: Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness - “TILT AT THE WIND NO MORE”
ALBUM REVIEW: ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS - “TILT AT THE WIND NO MORE”
When Andrew McMahon first set out on a new journey within his musical career as a solo artist he had to overcome one of his biggest challenges ever… tackling Cancer. Now twenty years later when so many artists seemingly disappear, even without all the hardships, McMahon continues to rise and make some noise in the Alt Rock and Indie Pop scene under various monikers and projects. His latest as Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness is possibly his most well-known. Quite honestly the perfect creative alias for McMahon for what he has been through to come out the other side (or out of the wilderness, see what I did there?) happy, healthy, and with a family of his own, now looking back on it all with this new album, “Tilt at the Wind No More” out now on Nettwerk. The album is brimming with nostalgia, particularly Y2K nostalgia. A period of time that the album cover hints at. A pair of hands, of what I would assume is the hands of lovers, that can barely hold on amid vivid bright chaos. The cover is the perfect way to let the listener know what type of musical journey you will be taking, the kind of bold strokes of musical color that Andrew will choose to paint with.
“Tilt at the Wind No More” is the fourth album for Andrew under his Wilderness moniker and features production from Tommy English. "Lying On The Hood Of Your Car" opens up the record and is a song that quickly grabs your ear. It also has an underlying vibe of melancholy and nostalgia that sets the listener up for the rest of the album. We segue into two previously released singles, "Skywriting" & "Stars”. There are some exuberant synths and what sounds like some acoustic guitars set off in the back of the mix for good measure. These songs borrow from McMahon's earlier sounds, such as folk indie and country pop, with jangly guitars and a driving beat and bassline. "Submarine" leads us into more subdued territory as one of the few ballads on this release. "Built to Last" is the one that hones in the emotion, all without that feeling mawkish feeling like "Submarine". The use of a vocoder only adds to the hazy lo-fi fever dream. The other highlights of “Tilt at the Wind No More” include the bouncy pop confection "New Friends". We get an unapologetically fun, retro synth-wave drenched tune on "VHS". "Little Disaster" finds Andrew taking us down memory lane, grateful yet introspective. While the album for nonfans might feel a bit disjointed at times or too reminiscent of the mid-aughts radio-friendly indie pop, it is still a solid release. For fans of Andrew McMahon, they will no doubt be more pleased with this album and delighted with how many beautiful high notes this has.
PHOTO GALLERY: 65TH GRAMMY Awards® WEEK EVENTS + PARTIES | 2023 MUSICARES persons of the year HONORING BERRY GORDY + SMOKEY ROBINSON
Hollywood is abuzz with GRAMMY® fever this week. The who’s who amongst the music scene clamoring about the glittering events and parties held for the annual occasion culminating this Sunday with the official GRAMMY Awards® ceremony.
On February 3rd, Motown living legends Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were honored at the Los Angeles Convention Center as the MusiCares Persons Of The Year for 2023. A host of special guests and performers were in attendance including John Legend, Elton John, The Four Tops, Marcus Mumford, Sheryl Crow, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Trombone Shorty, Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, and many more. You can view a photo gallery if the event below. All images are courtesy of Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
PHOEBE BRIDGERS CAPTIVATES CLOSING OUT HER TWO NIGHT GREEK THEATER STINT ON A HIGH
Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who sold out both nights at The Greek Theater, even brought along a few special guests. Which included her label signing, Charlie Hickey and guitarist Blake Mills among others.
Indie Folk phenom Phoebe Bridgers closed out the final night of her two sold-out headlining shows last Friday to much acclaim. Bridgers, riding high from Grammy nominations and critical acclaim from her second album “Punisher”. The singer-songwriter brought the “Reunion” tour to L.A. to the delight of fans. Playing through a well fleshed out set of Folk-Pop soundscapes in seventeen songs. She also had a surprise opener in store. None other than The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. He came out to do a intimate acoustic set in support of Phoebe. The best part was their duet. Their voices on that song blended quite exquisitely.
As much as the crowd and I were surprised to see Matty Healy as the opener that night. I might’ve been the only one caught off guard by Phoebe and her band walking out to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. I later discovered she was referencing a memory from High School. When she made and gave a mixtape to a high school crush. Somehow this song choice just made sense, it was very “Phoebe”. They somehow easily segued into “Motion Sickness”. A track that lyrically is full of anger and sadness among so much else. “Motion Sickness” was also one of the few tracks she performed from her debut record “Stranger in the Alps”. Most of the setlist included songs from her Emo meets Folk-Pop second act, “Punisher”. Songs like the beautifully quirky “Moon Song” or the pensive “Garden Song” rang out like soft lullabies. While the menacing “Punisher” cut through the silence. Bridgers ended on with the amusing sarcasm of her Bo Burnham encore cover of “That Funny Feeling”. Simply letting the music speak for itself that night with exception of a few well placed quips throughout her set. Phoebe led her orchestral leaning band of skulls (still sporting those infamous glow in dark skull onesies I mentioned earlier) in quite the autumnal rallying cry in the canyons. A true storyteller at heart her songs are not party jams (no, “Kyoto” doesn’t count but it’s still a bop”). Yet, the crowd stayed on their feet the entire time enjoying the overall atmosphere. An audience that that was truly happy to sing along to Phoebe that night and to have the hometown bestie back. You can check out my full photo gallery from the show below. To stream “Punisher” go here.
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CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS: GLASS ANIMALS AT HOLLYWOOD FOREVER
The new(ish) Indie Pop/Rock band are one the industry’s most exciting live music acts
Indie Rock quartet Glass Animals brought their groovy brand of heat to Hollywood Forever on Sunday with the ‘Dreamland’ tour. It’s a funky blend of nostalgic meets vaporwave that permeates the album but the shows as well. The tour featured the Electro Pop newcomer Binki as the opener. He played a short and engaging set closing out with “Heybb!”. A song you’ve most likely heard from its prominence of being in an Apple iPad commercial. While his energy was great, it was clear the crowd was there for Glass Animals (many didn’t arrive until they were on). The Indie Pop foursome comprised of childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew Macfarlane is anchored by the feverishly bold lead singer, Dave Bayley. All walked out to a stunningly loud crowd full of cheers and energy that was ready to dance. Bayley who held a captive audience all night was also ready to party with us. He hovered somewhere between bewildered and emboldened, in awe of the crowd. Opening up the set with the futuristic lullaby “Dreamland”. Which segued into the tribal drum-heavy dance bop “Life Itself” & the island tinged “Tangerine” to kick off the party. Glass Animals tore through a 17 song setlist with such aplomb. Some of the major set highlights were the tour debut of “Poplar St.”. Where Dave Bayley forgot the lyrics (it had been a while) but powered through like a pro. “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”, which Dave remarked was a bit eerie playing in a cemetery. Their new track “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” is truly the ultimate dance party. They closed out their fun albeit spooky two-day residency at Hollywood Forever with a two-song encore. Of which included the bands’ breakout hit “Heatwaves” and the glitch-inspired “Tokyo Drifting”. Overall, Glass Animals displayed exciting musicianship. Their knack for writing super catchy lyrics with dynamic pop hooks, all transferred brilliantly into a live setting. You can check out my photo gallery of the show below.
SAM SMITH SETS THIRD ALBUM ‘TO DIE FOR’
New Album 'To Die For' Due Out May 1st...
Singer Sam Smith has announced a third studio album titled ‘To Die For’. The upcoming album is available for pre-order here and is due out on May 1st via Capitol Records. Sam also dropped a new single from the upcoming record. It’s a confessional track of the same name which dropped this past Valentine's Day. This evocative piano-led track features a softer vocal take from Sam (and a bit of vocoder). We find Sam ruminating over a time of self-discovery and heartbreak for them. It’s a quietly stunning track that’s full of pain and emotion, something that their known for. The music video echoes that sentiment with some added Sam Smith quirkiness. ‘To Die For’ was written by Sam, their long time collaborator Jimmy Napes, and Stargate, in Los Angeles. You can view the music video for it below.
https://youtu.be/POIK1H3L86k
Stream ‘To Die For’ here
INTERVIEW WITH BROOKLYN INDIE ROCK DUO THE BERGAMOT
Riding the wave of newly garnered successes and fans from their latest projects, The Bergamot are happy just seeing where it takes them.
Riding the wave of newly garnered successes and fans from their latest projects, The Bergamot are happy just seeing where it takes them.
The Bergamot is the Brooklyn based Indie Rock duo and real life couple, Nathaniel Hoff and Jillian Speece. I chatted with The Bergamot, about their current single “Mayflies”, being a music artist in 2020, and what it’s like to be not only a creative duo but married as well.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are you guys more morning birds or night owls?
THE BERGAMOT: Nathaniel’s a morning bird and Jillian is a night owl. Opposites attract right?
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk some about your latest single “Ceasefire”. How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it?
THE BERGAMOT: How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it? It was a song that was written in a single session lasting less than 1 hour. It was a bit of an artistic release after working for over a month on “PDR”. Ceasefire began as a simple look at inner turmoil and what is called psychological warfare. We are all facing this daunting reality that social media and the internet has created - what initially was supposed to unite us and make us happy has actually made us more reclusive and depressed. In a way, turning on each other - but every battle must start within. That is where Ceasefire is focused.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there a lyric that you’ve written that you feel most emotionally connected to in life at present moment?
THE BERGAMOT: It’s hard to carry a burden, if you don’t have any bones. We have this reality that we are facing, and it is the reality we get. So we have to make the most of it - even though it can tear us down.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What song have you guys written do you feel is most timely?
THE BERGAMOT: I think “Mayflies” is a great song for the times. If you look throughout history, every generation has it struggles and challenges. But you have to rise up. This is the world we live in with rising ocean levels, climate change, and increased depression rates. “Mayflies” looks at an issue like climate change and tries to give light to a creature who is the most vulnerable amongst us. If you are a Mayfly and born on a rainy day, that is your 24 hour widow. You have to make the most of what you are given and turn away from the negativity.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How do you think being a married couple as well as a musical duo influences your work? Does this bring about a different set of challenges or more positives to your artistry?
THE BERGAMOT: I think the world wants to see the “Lone Ranger” or the solo artist. However, we need to see the divine masculine and the divine feminine working together. That’s what makes our music reach a wider audience. Also, there are so many great duos that have led groups. Lennon and McCartney, Gilmour and Waters, and Nicks and Buckingham. Truth is that we admire many great duos.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you feel that writing about important societal, political or environmental issues is something that is essential to being a musician today?
THE BERGAMOT: Absolutely. You can’t live under a rock anymore. People need to know where you stand and what is important to you. Now more than ever.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How would you say your creative process has changed with each album?
THE BERGAMOT: Yes. Each album has its own process, we just follow it. This album took us to London to work with Matt Wiggins. That was a life changing experience. This album has also opened up so many doors for us. Our team is building - and we are getting to play our first stadium show opening for OneRepublic. So we just follow where each album takes us...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could write a song about any fictional character who would it be and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Oliver Twist. I love Charles Dickens, his stories have made the long nights on the road a bit more tolerable.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could collaborate with any artist past or present who would you collab with and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. We have always looked up to the music of OneRepublic, aware yet meaningful.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you lately? What music have you been listening to?
THE BERGAMOT: I really like “Art School Girlfriend” and Tow’rs. Great tunes.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And what's next for, The Bergamot?
THE BERGAMOT: Getting ready for our show with OneRepublic on April 25th at The University of Notre Dame. Then we hope to have our documentary about our 50 State Unity Journey in 2016 out this year as well. More tour dates and maybe a few new singles too... always working...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Anything else you would like to add? Thanks for your time!
THE BERGAMOT: Thanks for your time! Hope to see you at a live show soon!!! Much love and all the best to you. Ever Upwards and Shine On, Nathaniel and Jillian.
Stream “Mayflies” here.
Follow The Bergamot on Instagram here.
Until then,
Brittney x
NIALL HORAN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "NICE TO MEET YA"
Singer Niall Horan is officially back with a new single "Nice to Meet Ya". It's the Capitol Records artist's first song he's released in nearly two years after his successful debut album Flicker. The former One Direction member also dropped a video (that is directed by The Young Astronauts) with it as well. "Nice To Meet Ya" sees Niall experimenting with his sound on the jazzy and soulful piano-driven pop-rock track. It is also the first single off his upcoming second record. "Nice To Meet Ya" was co-written with frequent collaborators Julian Bunetta (who produced it as well), Tobias Jesso, Jr., and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. You can stream the song and watch the video below!
Stream Niall Horan - "Nice To Meet Ya"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jeYJA9bgY
Until then,
Brittney x
THE DARKNESS // "HEART EXPLODES" - SINGLE REVIEW
English Rock band The Darkness drop new single "Heart Explodes". The song is off the bands' upcoming concept record Easter is Cancelled. The album is due out October 4th the band will tour the United States in 2020, and are currently opening up for Ed Sheeran in the UK for a string of dates.
“It’s about the despair of change. Having to reappraise your life and what you're holding on to. It’s like that feeling when you just want to go for a swim and keep going. Wanting to be enveloped by something that will gradually pull you down. If you really, really want to survive that process, you can. We've all been there - people who say they haven't are lying.”
- Justin Hawkins
"Heart Explodes" finds the band in excellent form, lead singer Justin Hawkins well known and often used falsetto is not overdone on the track. From the first hit of the drums that anchor the entire song, which seems to ride back and forth between ballad and mid-tempo rock number. The abundance of emotion is fully present with every guitar stroke and lyric sung. The Darkness has become known for their unique blend of opera rock this single isn't any different, as Folk-rock elements, even a banjo, can be heard well within the mix of instruments on the song. It's a tune essentially about being caught between the apathy and wanting to change. Something that is often told but on "Heart Explodes", The Darkness dig into what they are good at to find a novel approach to this subject matter.
You watch the lyric video for "Heart Explodes" below...
Until then
Brittney x
HEY VIOLET // CONCERT REVIEW + GALLERY
Pop Rock band Hey Violet delivered an highly energetic and fun set at The Troubadour this past Thursday (May 30th), to an enthusiastic crowd of fans. The opener was Pop R&B newcomer Sage Charmaine whose stage presence was effervescent, her songs spunky and fun. Yet it was clear the audience was there for Hey Violet. The band having just released two new singles "Close My Eyes" and "Better By Myself". The latter which I reviewed here. The band walked out to massive cheers and a crowd that knew every single line and lyric. Lead singer Rena Lovelis voice was surprisingly sweet set against Electro rock numbers and she overcame the slight sound issues earlier in the set very well. Her crowd interaction was amazing. Rena shook hands, gave hugs, and handshakes as she sang even jumping into the crowd at one point, nearly causing some of her fans to freak out. For Hey Violet crowd interaction with fans is key. The band despite how young they are, are all pros. Rena's sister and drummer Nia Lovelis is lively on the drums and the back-beat of the band. Guitarist Casey Moreta is a jack of all trades in Hey Violet truly rounding out the band. The addition of touring live bassist Hayley Jane Batt (who had to learn 15 songs in a week) rounded out to a high energy and fun show at The Troubadour. Check out my gallery from the gig below and the full set list as well.
HEY VIOLET // The Troubadour Set list
All We Ever Wanted
Brand New Moves
Better By Myself
My Consequence
ODD
Queen of The Night
Pure
Unholy
Guys My Age
Where Have You Been (All My Night)
Close My Eyes
Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover)
Clean
Break My Heart
HEY VIOLET // Socials
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Thanks to Capitol Records for the invite out!
Don't forget to subscribe to my emails and like always for the latest and best in music, entertainment and pop culture be sure to stay tuned with The Reclusive Blogger!
Until then,
Brittney x
MYYLO // “CYBORG” - SINGLE REVIEW
Myylo, the Nashville based emerging pop singer-songwriter dropped his new single 'Cyborg' today. The uber catchy song mixes the singers penchant for idiosyncratic lyricism, catchy hooks, unique melodies and his notable falsetto. The song evokes the spirit screw ups in love and heartbreak oh so well leaning into the singers whimsical vibe, where he often draws inspiration from not only classic 70s singer-songwriters like Carole King to pop artists of today such as Kim Petras and Rex Orange County. The Twilight Zone intro to the song says it all and truly introduces you to Myylo as an artist.
"One thing I'm proud of with this song is that it manages to address something heavy while sounding joyful. I'm literally wishing I could talk to God to figure out why I F'd things up with my ex. Its like, yeah, my personal life may be a dumpster fire right now, but we're still gonna dance about it and laugh through the tears." - Myylo
Listen to Myylo ‘Cyborg’ -https://open.spotify.com/track/29zBLebxWlO4CBuZp59ZJZ?si=ldKUSnfqR7aHmx32uTqQ4gMyylo Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myylomusic/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/myylomusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyyloMusic/
