Eyes Open: Upcoming Releases

March 2013

While many people are driving home, throwing their fists in the air and flipping their hair in their rear view mirror to today's current Billboard Top 20 hits on repeat, music eagles are two steps ahead, scouring and illegally downloading, looking for the next best thing. I'd like to say I'm a full time set of futuristic eyes but the occasional Carly Rae Jepsen (cringe) automobile dance party is unavoidable in my Nissan. Although it's great accidentally hitting my head on the steering wheel on more than one occasion, I've found a few new releases we should all be looking forward to instead of the bass drop over and over again in Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble," because let's be honest, reenacting the Youtube goat's "Ohh!" is quite amusing. With this eye, we self-proclaimed music critics can take a break from the Skrillex-ed era and focus on what's  to come.

Kate Nash - Girl Talk

March 4, 2013

The flowery vocals paired with intense bass lines throughout tracks like "Are You There Sweetheart?" radiate from this album by the beautiful Kate Nash. The brash girl power themes and repetition bring back the same style this soft rocker has developed for herself over countless years in the business. Some tracks bring back the indie storytelling vibe side of her as well, such as "You're So Cool, I'm So Freaky," complete with an acoustic guitar and group echos in the background. Unlike other artists, Kate released this album from her very own record label "Have 10pp" supported through PledgeMusic and the entire album can be downloaded here with bonus content. It's a new soulful feel with all of the parts of her that we have come to love so rigidly. This album is a movement towards a career of growth, empowering her female listeners and encouraging play in the world of constant work.

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

March 18, 2013

Since the days of The Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, Britney Spears, and even the Mickey Mouse Club, Justin Timberlake has ruled the airwaves. Now making his debut once again bringing chivalry and sharp menswear into light, JT is ready to release The 20/20 Experience. After his Grammy performance of the premiere track "Suit & Tie," stirring a mix of sultry vibes and gentlemanly class, crowds have been raving over the upcoming release. Not long after the hype of "Suit & Tie" was "Mirrors" unleashed, a love song bringing back the beat boxing sensation only heard in "What Goes Around Comes Around" years and years ago. The eight minutes transitions the listener from a catchy chorus to a deep and passionate bridge pushing forward into a light clap-a-long in the middle paired with a string section mirroring a famous riff, into a soulful R&B conclusion, wrapping the story up, adding a beautiful bow on top. Available March 18, 2013, Justin Timberlake's "The 20/20 Experience" will definitely be raved about for upcoming weeks.

Wavves - Afraid Of Heights

March 25, 2013

Wavves, the grungey punk band with an extremely rapid name, are back with another release entitled "Afraid Of Heights" including pre-released track "Demon To Lean On." If this says anything about the style of the album, classic Wavves fans have nothing to worry about in terms of altered style towards the fashion of the tunes and the vibes that encompass them. The ambivalent and young repetition within the guitar chords and lyrics with a burst of choral defiance make up the tracks that can only be defined as one word: chill. The same distorted Wavves sound previously spewing from their self entitled track are still in play with this new album, yet more matured and defined. Instead of an out of control rouge format, they've toned back the levels on their soundboard and exemplified a growth in musicianship, one that fans of all ages will appreciate. The album is out March 15th, something new and old fans alike should be looking forward to.