We recently checked out the new Harborcoat LP “Joy is elusive ” and it did not disappoint.

Harborcoat which, began as a songwriting outlet for Mathew Carlson has crafted a collection of songs in “Joy is Elusive ” that resonate long after the final chord.

The album is solid top to bottom . “Always Better ” sets the tone of the record with the can’t miss recipe of smart lyrics mixed with pure melodic genius. If you can remember the lyrics and hum the melody you have a winner.

“Transit Town ” and “Go to Sleep ” both paint such strong imagery that it almost makes me wish they provided a short film to accompany the record.

The title track “Joy is Elusive” is a lyrical masterpiece with beautifully placed melodies . The song is a moving body of work that is clearly the gem of the album .

“Help Me out Somehow ” in my opinion belongs on every radio , stream service , and speaker available. It is a shining example of what good music should sound like.

All of the songs on “Joy is Elusive” are memorable and deserve to be heard over and over however, the one track that really stuck with me was “Tightrope Wire ” the greatest songs are the one’s that “Speak to us ” and I can whole heartedly say “Tightrope Wire ” did this for me .

The final track “Never Made it To Home ” is a delicate and tremendously beautiful song .

As a son of a veteran this song was extremely moving and a perfect choice to end such a great record .

Do yourself a favor and check out “Joy is Elusive” by Harborcoat you won’t regret it .

The Whole Kameese –

We recently listened to Broken Stars the new E.P. by New York indie Pop artist Jake Benjamin. The five song collection will also be part of a full length L.P. Of the same name .

Upon first listen it is undeniably clear that Jake Benjamin is a vibrant splash of full colors in an otherwise mundane music scene.

Jake is not just a powerful voice but he also is a skillful storyteller that uses his songs as canvases of many colors and layers to tell his stories.

Pulling inspiration from everywhere including Hemingway, Van Gogh and his own experiences, Jake does a really exceptional job bringing many different themes to life .

The opening track “Hemmingway” is a splendid show stopping track that belongs on Broadway.

We may or may not still be humming along .

The next track “Under the Lights” featuring Elena Escudero is a well crafted tune that Jake not only draws from his time in Amsterdam but he also speaks of the life of Anne Frank . “Under the Lights ” also is a perfect example of Jake’s vocal mastery that adds a real shine to the track .

“Doncieux” (featuring Leland Nelson ) This dreamy and melodically track which is a great musical tribute to Claude Monet and his first wife Camille Doncieux . The track also shows the incredible musicianship of Leland Nelson who is simply brilliant with his 7-string bass work. The last two tracks “Heartfelt” featuring Jared Yee and “The Call ” are the shinning stars in this collection of songs . “Heartfelt” is exactly that – HEARTFELT – Jake shows us his whole heart and soul on this track and it is a beautiful composition that leaps out of the speakers and embraces your soul.

The closing track “The Call ” is a majestic piece that needs to be shared and experienced by all . It is a charge of positive energy that just seems to speak to you . “The Call” builds and with every note and verse it becomes and epic force that can not be dismissed .

Thank you Jake Benjamin for giving us such a thoughtful and wonderful collection of songs .

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/uCLT8Wgcm683iLZH9

The Whole Kameese

Recently we checked out “Ophelia” from Shaylee . What we found was a magnificent display of vocal and melodic wonderment that graciously filled our hearts and BBC soul .

Shaylee is the musical genius of Elle Archer who hails from Portland Oregon curates a song in “Ophelia “ that is both delicate and noisy . The sound “chemist “ approach couple with mystical vocals make “Ophelia “ a must listen track .

Be on the lookout for “Ophelia” on upcoming debut from Shaylee “Short -Sighted Security “

The Whole Kameese

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1106707753&color=ff5500&hide_related=true&show_teaser=false Shaylee · Ophelia

If you are reading this chances are pretty good that you like music .It is also perhaps also true that you find music important , you have certain albums that you deem “Life changing”

When reviewing music you don’t always stumble upon an “important “ record. Today while reviewing The Other Each Other-“Glass Case ” I feel like my ear certainly heard an important record . What’s the fuss ??? The Other Each Other hailing from Seattle, does a stellar job of not sticking to one style the music is ever changing and evolving.

The opening track “We Have Eyes” is a hypnotic track that draws you in with pulsating melodies and attention grabbing vocals .

“Your needs” comes at you with a very danceable beat accompanied with vocals that almost command a call and answer response.

“Must” is a heavier track that has a bit of an industrial feel to it .

Remember when I said The Other Each Other doesn’t stick to one style ? “The Wind”is a perfect example of this as the track has a very refreshing Celtic folk feel to it definitely a highlight of the L.P.

Another shining star on a record that has many amazing moments is “Door at Final Days “ with funk like tones and catchy lyrics this a very well constructed track .

“No Off” shows off very well placed guitar work that works up to a great and well placed groove.

“Heavy Reign and Severed Flooding “ is a a strong and powerful track that fits well with this collection of songs .

The final track “Grifters Do Time “ is an excellent change of pace that closes out the record in perfect fashion.

“Glass Case” is an important album that deserves to be explored do yourself a favor and get lost in its brilliance.

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mLM4HjEyiMukKSjx5

– The Whole Kameese

The brilliantly titled album Sidetracked ( it was 10 years in the making ) by The Longtooth Arcade was definitely worth the wait .

Longtooth Arcade is the alter ego of Seattle based band leader Steve Horvath. Sidetracked is an energetic record that oozes greatness. You are greeted right out of the gate with Get Loose a track that transports you to a roadhouse with neon signs and cheap whiskey.

Like a perfectly selected jukebox the album zips and hums like a well tuned roadster on Route 66. On “I’m Going Upstairs “ you a treated to a vocal and melodic gem that is powerful performance that would bring any house down .

Track for track , pound for pound Sidetracked delivers the goods in every way be sure to check it out

The Whole Kameese

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/imLJ2VhKMmEXdUVX8

We recently checked out the video for “Put A Record On” by Love,Dean . In a world that has so much conflict and drama Portland’s Love, Dean are welcoming vibe of love and positivity. Husband and wife Rachael and Luke Price are master class level musicians who on “Put a Record On “ remind us that a strong fun musical performance is like getting that much needed hug from a friend or loved one .

The video which is directed by Jared Lichtenberg is cinematically pleasing and an artful companion to a tremendous song.

You can check out the video here

On the surface “I’m not Strong “ from Lexington KY . based Sunmates is a catchy synth pop tune with a great beat however, it is so much more .

“I’m Not strong “ grabs you with it’s catchy beat and well manicured sparkly melody but like an inspirational fortune cookie there is a well placed message that lives within the beat and melody.

Vocalist and guitarist John Wise wrote the song last summer with the murder of Breonna Taylor and the realities Covid 19 in the forefront of his mind . The song is an excellent example of using music to convey strong and important messages.

“Im not Strong “ is part of the upcoming E.P., II that the band plans to put with the first E..P to release as a full record.

John Wise ( Vocals and Guitars ) along with Shelby Watson ( Synth and Guitar ) Logan Todd ( Synth and Bass ) and Brandon Smith ( Drums and Vocals ) are poised to have a future as bright as their band name suggests.

Checkout “I’m not Strong” you will be glad you did .

The Whole Kameese.

True story – It’s Wednesday and I really should be doing a million other things but the internet is a funny thing . Some how I stumbled on to this band Texas King from London ON .

When you hear good music you know it instantly. Texas King has a sound and energy that is as big if not bigger than the state they are named after . I apologize if I sound frazzled but I wasn’t expecting this … not at 3:30 on a Wednesday.

So when I discover new music I set off on a quest to find out more so I did what any music obsessed person would do…. I starting googling as fast as I could .

I learned that the band formed in 2013 by front man Jordan Macdonald joined by guitarist Colin Gray Phil Spina on bass and Rob Shipway on drums .

They have a new EP coming in December 2021. The first song off the e.p. “Not Myself Today “ is a solid bold statement that everything is not ok . These guys have a tight sound that is of championship caliber. Macdonald’s voice is a beautiful instrument full of soul and strength.

I can’t wait to hear more from these guys they are most certainly a band ready for greatness.

The whole Kameese

About the only complaint I have with Pittsburgh- based folk/americana artist Bradley Scott Malone’s E.P. “Shades Of Indigo” is that it is too short.

From the first note of “Shades of Indigo” and the last note of “California” it is drop dead perfect.

Bradley’s voice is like a weathered lighthouse beacon guiding listeners through 5 well crafted songs that rival tales spun by the likes of Prine and Dylan . Bradley is a master storyteller that weaves magic with each chord he strums.

Bradley’s life story has had many pages from his time in the U.S. Airforce to almost securing a major label deal in the 90’s . The up’s and downs of life are never easy but, Bradley Scott Malone has used his life’s experiences to deliver an absolute flawless collection of songs .

Shades Of Indigo makes it hard to pick a .standout track as all 5 are strong compositions that feel like a favorite pair of boots . Track 1 – “Shades of Indigo ” is a perfect example of Bradley being an artful and skilled story teller as he weaves a story that speaks to the heart. Track 2 – “Freckles” is an instant classic that transports you back to an easier time . Track 3 “Cinderella (Ain’t Got Nuthin’ on you)” plays like a tale you would hear round a late night fire with whiskey in your coffee. Track 4 “My name is Neville (Write it down) ” is a stunning track that struck a very personal chord with me being the son of a Vietnam veteran.

The closing track “California “ is a melodic triumph coupled with soothing vocals that flow like the open road.

Make sure you checkout Bradley Scott Malone’s masterpiece “Shades of Indigo”– It’s shades of greatness shine bright .

The Whole Kameese

Hailing from Oslo, Norway The cocktail slippers brand of high energy no thrills music is refreshing.

The band’s latest single “I’ll be here for you “ is a moving song written for their daughters. The band will be releasing their 5th L.P. “Shout it out Loud “ on September 17th .

They shot a video for “I’ll be here for you “ while on their respective vacations in Norway, Sweden and Denmark .

You can check out the video here : https://youtu.be/G0rTVD3O8aE

Catchy beat ? -Check.Memorable lyrics? Check . Cinematically genius video with awesome pop culture references? Checkmate!

Nicholas Chiari better known as Grabbitz gives us “ Pigs In The Sky “The song by its self is complete brilliance but to add to the greatness is the 7 minute cinematic video by Mac Cappuccino .

The video is chock full of goodness ( we’re not going to give it away here )

So do your eyes and ears a solid and check it out . You will be glad you did !

A.A. Triggs latest offering “Sounds to Salve the Scarred and Scornful” is a collection of 16 cinematic audio nuggets that provide an unforgettable musical experience like no other . Tracks such as “Vipers, “On the Mountain” and “Smoke Em if you got Em” would be the perfect musical background for a classic spaghetti western. Other tracks are experimental in natural and Triggs puts his background as an EDM DJ to good use. The standout track is ” Nowhere Holds A Man” A.A. Triggs is brilliant on this track as he delivers a vocal performance that rivals Johnny Cash .

Do yourself a favor and find a comfortable spot and spend some time with the monumental “Sounds to Salve the Scarred and Scornful you won’t be sorry

The Whole Kameese

Gabby Holt has “IT” . It may be hard to define “IT” but when you hear it or see you know it.

Holt’s music is both electric and meaningful with lyrics that stay with you and foster purposeful thought that stays with you long after the music has ended . The stunning visual presentation of “Coyote ” is the perfect artful companion .

Holt is a needed voice in the changing landscape of music .

JKameese

We recently listened to Harborcoat’s new single “Help me out Somehow “

Harborcoat is the latest project for singer songwriter Mathew Carlson .

“Help me out Somehow “ plays like a glorious expression of joy mixed in with a jangled melody that washes over the soul like the perfect wave .

Jkameese

Most famous for his work with Pearl Jam as an engineer Dave Hillis is amazing artist in his own right check out “Flowers”

we love Kill rock Stars and we love Jeff Hanson so when we checked out Shaylee cover “Hiding Behind The Moon ” we were over the moon we think you will be too…

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Perfection can mean many things to many people . If you are looking to sink your soul into musical perfection look no further than Hunters Chorus and their latest release “The Boy Ain’t Right .

The instrumental musical ensemble from San Francisco led by guitarist/ composer Ramon Fermin delivers a pure magical musical experience. We live in a time of such turbulence and uncertainty that it’s nice to know that pleasures like Hunters Chorus are here to center our soul .

Each track plays like a vivid novel for the ears. You are literally hanging on every note .

From the opener Snaggletooth on through to Sage the music soars with a vibrant purpose that just about leaps out of the speakers .

Do yourself a favor and give your ears some much needed love with Hunters Chorus – The Boy Ain’t Right

we recently listened to “Montana Luv” by Portland Songwriter J. Nicolás .

The song plays like a winding road in the middle of nowhere yet also offers a calming sense of familiarity. Nicolás’ voice serves a trusty well versed guide that takes you skillfully down said winding road. We highly recommend giving it a listen.

About a month ago we started to transition away from our former site Big League Music and start to assemble our new site The Whole Kameese. http://www.TheWholeKameese.com. We will cover all styles of music from all kinds of artists.

So welcome to the Whole Kameese