Eye on New Releases: May 29th, 2012

This week's got releases suitable for all of your upcoming naps and hootenannies!  Read on to see what's happening!

Label: Cosmicleaf Records


Album: Lullaby


Artist: Eguana


Genre: Electronic, Ambient

Eguana returns with a new ambient album, titled Lullaby.  Despite its narcoleptic title and soothing sound, this release is more than just a selection of bedtime tunes.  In actuality, it’s a fleshed out, fully realized, trance record.  Interesting to note in this release is the diversity of theme from one track to the next.  “Lullaby for my daughter” calls to mind a futuristic hotel lobby, while “Journey to the purple smoke” paints a visual image of a pilgrimage across dusty sand dunes.  Indeed, the tone of the album phases back and forth from a sharp electronic sound to a softer, vocal equipped sound with droning didgeridoo-esque synths and ceramic drums.  For sleepless fans of ambient electronica with a hint of world music, Lullaby might be just what the doctor ordered.

Label: Q Division


Album: Q Dee Rock and Soul #10


Artist: Tim Gearan


Genre: Rock, Soul

Tim Gearan, a singer and guitar player who has performed with Grammy-nominated blues artist Susan Tedeschi, and toured internationally with Toni Lynn Washington, has released a two track 7” of his own that’s sure to get your mojo working.  For those familiar with the work of JJ Cale, John Hiatt, Randy Newman, and Nick Lowe, Tim Gearan’s smoky voice and funky groove will feel right at home.   “Get a Gun,” the first track, burns with a sort of laid-back charisma that is so indicative of tracks cut by seasoned performers.  “Enough” is a love letter to classic Americana, using elements of blues, soul, and funk in its theme and composition.  Because of his charm and infectious energy, Tim Gearan’s latest release is a viable option for long-time rock and soul listeners and newcomers alike.

Eye on New Releases: October 18th

 

Label: Infinita Records
Release: Elevation

Artist: Lawson Rollins
Genre: World

The title of this album definitely describes what you feel…Elevation. The latest album from the talented guitarist, Lawson Rollins, Elevation is sensational with a mixture of Latin jazz, samba and salsa rhythms, and a harmonic blues melody that calms and soothes your mood and the atmosphere around you. The first track, “Elevation” delivers a warm sound that makes you want to be outside relaxing in the sun or be cozied up in a beach home. The third track, “Persian Night,” is sensual, starting off with Spanish guitar and then a flamenco flare that’s undeniably hot. The fourth track, “Parisian Rhapsody,” is a good-morning feeling song that gets you right up to start your day, and the sixth track, “Daybreak,” is one song you will definitely have playing while cooking Sunday breakfast. Honestly, this album is amazingly good, because now… I want Sunday breakfast.

Label: Galapagos4
Release: Dreastronaut
Artist: Dreas
Genre: Hip Hop

Three letters to describe the album Dreastronaut is WTF?! Because if you are not listening to this album, you'd be asking yourself, “WTF?! Why am I not listening to this?” First, just to put it out there, this album is… realistic, but surreal in so many ways. Dreastronaut by Dreas, the founder of Heardrums Records, makes you feel like you are moving in slow motion…as if you are an astronaut…in space…on the moon (crazy, right?). Some tracks really standout from this album like “Floating,” which gives the feeling of one being both consciously aware of their surroundings. “Michiana Noise,” gives a feeling of being in the woods around a campfire, but with beautiful violin and orchestral sounds. Even “ Solo Capacity” brings you a jazz hip hop flare that could easily remind you of the song “All I Need” by Method Man featuring Mary J Blige. This is really good album that you’d for sure want to sit down and listen.

Label: Environ
Release: I'm Not What You Want
Artist: Kelley Polar
Genre: Electronic, Alternative

Imagine traveling through time and you come across leg warmers, members-only jackets, shoulder pads, acid wash jeans, crazy hair, cool Ray-Bans sunglasses, and music that is undeniably “bangin'.” Yes, that’s right. I’m talking about the 80s! (Totally wearing an “I Love the 80’s t-shirt right now). And it turns out, this brand new album I’m Not What You Want by Kelley Polar, is screaming 80s! You’d want to go back to this era after listening to this album (sorry 90s babies, you can come too.) The first track “I'm Not What You Want” has a cool upbeat tempo that brings you back to Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That.” With the second track “Nocturne,” this single release will bring you back. Definitely take a listen, especially, if you’re going for the 80s look this Halloween.