#sreviews

[thereadingcafe]

REVIEW:

MAKSIM (Korolov Bratva 1) by #KatieAshley at The Reading Cafe:

'the romance is fated; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic'

Maksim (Korolov Bratva 1) by Katie Ashley-review The Reading Cafe

Because of the way I speak, everyone judges me the moment I open my mouth. Even though I’m 6’5 and two eighty, they see me as weak.

[bujobyday-blog]

Product Review

Description: Cute 4B Art Professional Pencil Eraser Artist Supply Drawing Office School Supplies Stationery

Product Review: So this product took about 2 months to come in (3 mental years) Im so mad that i only ordered one, but i plan on ordering more in the future. This eraser is so good. Its not like American erasers that I have seen. They are more like a gel eraser instead of what the typical eraser is made of. The eraser is so good at erasing without leaving any marks on the page. The residue that it makes isn't messy and really easy to contain. This eraser is most definitely something you need in your pencil case.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1-Pcs-Cute-4B-Art-Professional-Eraser-Artist-Supply-Stationery/32798066219.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.48c24c4dEXPKUE

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: Green Day -“Revolution Radio”

Green Day -“Revolution Radio” Release Date: September 9th, 2016 Label: Reprise Records Reviewed By: Magda Knyszynski Its has been 4 years since veteran punk rockers, Green Day, have released an album and Revolution Radio is generating the same hype as previously released records. This is a song that solidifies Green Day’s place in the industry as a leader of the punk era; mixing fast paced guitar riffs and upbeat, edgy drum lines. The single is featured on their highly anticipated, upcoming album, ‘Revolution Radio’ which is set for release on October 7th through Reprise Records.

"Revolution Radio" is a song that appeals to both new and old Green Day fans as it incorporates the original sound that the band has become known for, but also adds a more matured vibe to it which shows the bands growth throughout the years. Personally, I found that this track parallels Green Day’s song ‘American Idiot’ in terms of lyric content and the serious political undertone that ‘American Idiot’. However, the way that it is delivered differs from previous tracks. As seen on ‘American Idiot’, harsher guitar riffs and more aggressive drum backing are still present on Revolution Radio; though cleaner and much more mature. The infectious riffs and solid beats make this single true to Green Day. The lyrics are powerful; reflecting on the political climate that surrounds the Black Lives Matter movement- “Scream with your hands up in the sky/Like you want to testify/For the life that’s been deleted/Sing like a rebel’s lullaby/Under the stars and stripes/For the lost souls that were cheated”. The serious undertone is direct and identifies a large issue that is currently happening in the world, while mixed with a happier musical tone. Overall, the single “Revolution Radio” makes me want to sing it at the top of my lungs, as it is a song of a powerful movement. This song is true to the fans and the audience as well as Green Day; as they have become known for music that contains a political message. The single is catchy and will make you want to sing along. Kudos to Green Day for an inspirational track. Stay tuned with Green Day: http://www.greenday.com/ https://twitter.com/GreenDay https://www.instagram.com/greenday/ https://www.facebook.com/GreenDay/

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: VACAY - “The Other Side”

VACAY - “The Other Side” Label: N/A Release Date: N/A Reviewed By: Xochitl Hansen

Based out of Toronto, Ontario Levi Randall, better known as VACAY, has released his debut single off his upcoming EP Shaky Hands.  Titling his debut single, “The Other Side”, VACAY takes an acoustic approach with hand clap percussion that allows the message given to be taken on a genuine level. Being one of the first tracks heard from musician VACAY, “The Other Side” is a perfect way to get a taste of the musical abilities here.

Falsetto laced, the vocals of the track create a calming atmosphere when listening. As if in the same room as Mr. Randall, “The Other Side” has a certain level of raw truth that will leave you singing along. Lyrically brilliant “The Other Side” speaks out on the subject of lack of communication in a relationship that sends any and all passion out the window. ‘It’s so hard to see that hurt on your face/ hold me I’ll help you carry the weight’ and  ‘with a lonely heart I can’t think straight’ shows the emotion for either or person desperately feeling the frustration of throwing out a life saver to an emotionally un-receiving lover. The rhythmic guitar strumming and previously mentioned hand clap percussion summons up an almost gospel feel. After listening more than once “The Other Side” is an anthem to lost love.

In retrospect, Mr. Randall created a catchy debut single. The musical and most defiantly lyrical abilities leave anyone who listens excited for the upcoming release of 'Shaky Hands'.  Fans of Saywecanfly and Brian Marquis need to check out VACAY!

Keep Up With VACAY: www.twitter.com/vacaymusic www.instagram.com/vacayofficial www.facebook.com/vacaymusic

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: Charlie Puth (ft. Selena Gomez) -“We Don’t Talk Anymore”

“We Don’t Talk Anymore” -Charlie Puth ft. Selena Gomez Label: Atlantic Records Release Date: January 29th, 2015 Reviewed By: Kurt Suchman For a career nearly 7 years in the making, 24 year-old New Jersey vocalist Charlie Puth, has become an unsung jack-of-all-trades in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings as a YouTube vlogger leading to his Berklee College of Music degree, further leading to celebrity friendships with the likes of Meghan Trainor, Puth has finally been able to master his undeniable vocal talent on his debut album ‘Nine Track Mind’.  While the album itself is a far cry from mastery, tracks on the album such as the effervescent “We Don’t Talk Anymore” is enough to keep the faith in his future releases. Featuring the more notably multitalented Selena Gomez, the pair comes together to make an R&B head-bobber that is equal parts loving and longing. A restrained, steady beat bubbles under an almost tropical guitar melody as both Puth and Gomez look back on their once stable relationship. Although a total breakup song, the song is by no means bitter. It is much less dramatic, and more so compassionate. Puth and Gomez reminisce on their history, but continue to wonder what went wrong in the first place. In a time where pop music and substance can be considered mutually exclusive, “We Don’t Talk Anymore” tells the full story of the highs and lows of a relationship, before as well as after a breakup. Purchase “We Don’t Talk Anymore” on iTunes

Connect with Charlie Puth on the following websites: www.charlieputh.com www.facebook.com/charlieputh www.twitter.com/charlieputh www.instagram.com/charlieputh www.youtube.com/user/CharliesVlogs https://www.snapchat.com/add/notcharlieputh

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: The Summer Set -“Figure Me Out”

The Summer Set -“Figure Me Out” Label: Fearless Records Release Date: January 21st, 2016 Reviewed By: Meghan Morgan Arizona Pop Rock band, The Summer Set have spent the better part of the last two years promoting and touring their album ‘Legendary’. Since it’s release, fans have waited in anticipation for something new to put on replay. Over the past few months, the band has been hinting at new music  via social media and while out playing shows. On January 21st, the anticipation ended when the quartet released their single “Figure Me Out”, along with an accompanying music video. The single is featured on their upcoming record, ‘Stories For Monday’ which will be released on April 1st via Fearless Records. 

The song opens as a ballad with lead singer, Brian Dales, playing a simple melody on the piano as he sings “I’m a bit too pop for the punk kids /But I’m too punk for the pop kids/ I don’t know just where I fit in.” The song then transitions into a rock song with drums, bass and guitar filling up the instrumental component. Given this, the song alternates back and forth between a piano melody to full band parts.  

Musically, “Figure Me Out” bares similarities to the band’s previous albums ‘Love Like This’ and ‘Legendary’. However, the differences are evident down to the individual’s behind the album. Unlike their previous records, bass and guitar players, John and Stephen Gomez produced the album. As a result this record represents something more personal, as each of the band’s members are taking control this time.

Lyrically, the song read as a two-pronged apology letter from Dales. The first part of the, apology seems to be directed out at everyone he neglected while out touring and making music. The most prominent example of this apology is, “But I’m too Hollywood to go back to my hometown ‘cause they think that I’m famous when I know I’m a fraud who got too fucked up on the finer things to remember who he forgot.” The second part of the apology is not solely Dale’s apology, but collectively from the band together as they apologize for taking a long time to release new music while they were figuring out the logistics of the album. While they were figuring where to go next.

Overall, the release of “Figure Me Out” is a step in the right direction for The Summer Set and Stories for Monday should definitely be a thrilling release.

Purchase “Figure Me Out” on iTunes or Stream on Spotify  Connect with The Summer Set on the following websites: http://thesummersetband.com https://www.facebook.com/thesummerset/ https://twitter.com/the_summer_set https://www.instagram.com/the_summer_set/

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: [SEBELL] -“Promiseland”

[SEBELL] - “Promiseland” Label: Show & Tell/Universal Music Canada Release Date: January 14th, 2016 Reviewed By: Amandah Opoku

It's no secret that music lovers live for the thrill of discovering new music - whether it be online, next door, or right in their own city. That makes us all alike. It's also no secret that some of us, the loud ones, will boast about the plethora of hidden gems running the back scenes of our perspective town's music industry. Just for a moment, I'm going to sit with them. George Sczebel, known musically as [SEBELL] was my greatest find of 2014. The mystery and aura surrounding the “Til The Sun Burns Out” singer-songwriter will forever evade me because after searching to find out whom the man behind [SEBELL] was, I never got any closer besides an Instagram feed full of black and white photos. And then...he was no longer a secret. But hey, at least, he gave me a song to replay all Summer long!  

[SEBELL] released a new version of his single "Promiseland", which he first released in 2013. Watch the lyric video here. The new version of the track features the same voice and the same lyrics but a new melody and structure. A melody which is no longer somber and black and white, so to be speak, in reference to the tropical sound flying throughout. The song kicks off with synths right away as [SEBELL] sings “Oh oh oh” over a melody featuring water dripping, as his velvet voice sings “Baby let me take your hand. And take you to the promise land. I won’t leave you in the morning when season’s change”. Followed by a drumbeat, in addition to synth effects which set the tone for the verse. The song's darkness shines through in the chorus as a drumbeat takes centre stage before synths steal the show. But the structure in its entirety is  perfect. My favourite part about how [SEBELL] has re-visioned “Promiseland” is the subtle changes made to the song with the addition of synths in order to help this song see another version of life. This new arrangement is my favorite. I can find myself hitting replay repeatedly as it envisions this journey to the “promiseland” as exciting, thrill seeking…and as a fun journey between two lovers through better and worse evident as [SEBELL] sings “I won’t leave you in the cold when seasons change.” And this is just the lesson that today’s generation need to hear…don’t just disappear and run when things get hard, better things are yet to come. This change that [SEBELL] is revealing, which is evident in his use of color screaming on the songs artwork, is that a revolution is here. Revolution in his art, with no more black and white photos. I couldn't be more excited for what else the Vancouver native has in store. “Promiseland” is fresh and exciting, the perfect song at the perfect moment. The song showcases the best parts of [SEBELL]’s vocal range, and that there’s more to the R&B musician..as the song’s construction really calls you to listen to the story [SEBELL] yearns to tell. Fans of Frank Ocean and The Weekend need to check out this track because it’s right up their alley!

Purchase the track on iTunes or Stream on Spotify

Connect with [SEBELL] on the following websites: http://SEBELLmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sebellmusic https://twitter.com/sebellmusic https://www.instagram.com/sebellmusic/ https://soundcloud.com/sebellmusic

[umusicians]

UM Single Review: Charlie -“Ghosts”

Charlie -“Ghosts” Label: Westsonic Music Release Date: August 1st, 2015 Reviewed By: Amandah Opoku

Summer 2015, Pop artist Charlie Storwick showed us she’s all grown up. The 16 year old Alberta native landed on our radar when she appeared on YTV’s The Next Star-Season 4, where she ended up taking the crown! After four years, 3 singles, and a role as Piper Gray, on television's show 'Some Assembly Required,’ -“Ghosts” is the perfect introduction to Charlie’s artistry.

“Ghosts” puts Charlie in line with artists Lana Del Rey, Sia, and Lorde as the track's mysterious aura and pop beat plays through your speakers and headphones. The young starlet is redefining pop music one step at a time by bringing edginess and darkness with her -a new outlook to the table of pop. The song kicks off with buzzing and then an added crackling sound, as if you’re trying to adjust something -more reminiscent of when you’re plugging in your headphones to a listening device and trying to get it just right. The beat picks up with snapping and a drum beat as Charlie sings. “Tiptoe, creaking stairs/Echo, no one’s there/Running against the wind/Empty house fill of winds/Light bulb flickering/Cracked walls caving in” as she narrates the inner fears and insecurities that are stirring inside each of us, whether we’d openly admit it or not. In the bridge, Charlie sings of a feeling of being trapped, illustrating an inner war.

The chorus finds Charlie channeling her inner Sia, which boasts of attention in everything from the melodic composition infused with electronics and a drum beat that will have you tapping your feet. No longer is Charlie’s blues like voice eminent, but the young singer showcases some variety as she sings defaulting to some lighter tones. Charlie sings, “Spinning ‘I go round/ I go dancing with ghosts/ Yeah they’re after my soul/They go doo doo doo. Doo doo doo doo doo doo.” The “Doo doo doo doo doo” is what I often find myself singing along with. It represents this unending battle with maintaining one's identity with the increasing pressure of external factors, as represented by the ghosts. Perhaps they're merely a presence of a haunting alone being enough to scare you. Overall, “Ghosts” finds Charlie playing new ground and new territory upon arrival, and I’m excited to watch it grow. This is a song that serves as a metaphor, open to interpretation by individuals who hit play. A ghost can be anything and no two individuals need to have the same ghost. Coming a long way from her The Next Star Days, Charlie exudes confidence in the artist she has grown into. If “Ghosts” is any indication, the starlets upcoming music should be nothing less than memorable and ear catching.

Purchase “Ghosts” on iTunes

Connect with Charlie on the following websites: http://www.sooocharlie.com/ https://www.facebook.com/charlie.storwick https://twitter.com/sooocharlie https://instagram.com/sooocharlie/