Don't sleep on the recently released cover of the Steve Miller Band's 1982 classic, "Abracadabra"! If you were a fan of the original, then this one will immediately transport you back in time and place where all that mattered was the music. Rock and Roll legends Arnel Pineda (Journey), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) pull out all the stops for what turned out to be an instant classic. As one would expect, Pineda's vocal's are flawless, Sheehan's signature bass is chunky as ever, and Hoekstra's mastery of the axe is on full display throughout the song. Add in drummer Van Romaine, Keyboardist Ollie Marland, and percussionist Lenny Castro and this Steve Miller classic is catapulted to a whole new level. I know it's only one song, but a boy can dream of some type of supergroup forming as a result of what is clearly a winning combination of serious musical genius. Give it a spin and lets us know what ya think!
- Matthew Belter
With pandemic tension still on the rise and escalating vandalism continuing to plague Downtown Portland, live music is no longer something we just take for granted. It is an absolute necessity to keeping sane in this bizarre dystopic multi-verse. But through this cataclysmic lens there is still a light that continues to shine brightly.
Hailing from the island of Oahu, Ron Artis II has been making waves that have been reaching far beyond those Hawaiian shores. As one of 11 talented siblings raised in a supportive musical household surrounded by love & creativity, it was only a matter of time that he’d cross the ocean and into hearts across the nation. With Portland’s Jack London Revue reopening with limited capacity, Ron Artis II & the Truth quickly sold out the venue and due to audience demand, scheduled 4 more shows throughout the week as well.
It feels as if a lifetime has past since I last walked down that dimly lit staircase and into that underground temple of music. A month of anticipation boiled down to this one climatic moment. The few tables that were spaced throughout the venue floor created a certain exclusivity that would be our welcome back into the world. The first notes that cried out from Ron’s 6-strings gave rise to a raw energy that would only be equaled by the soulful voice that accompanied it. At his left, Ernie Ecraela, smiling ear-to-ear, closed his eyes and let his bass speak for him while drummer, Jarod Manis brought the audience into a rhythmic trance.
The band focused on a selection of songs off of their latest album, Soul Street. And before breaking into an impassioned rendition of “Searching for Answers”, Ron asked the crowd to search deep within themselves and find the light within. This theme of positivity flowed from song to song and rose like the tide at noon slowly reclaiming a sandy shore. The band continued to turn up the heat with a breathtaking performance of “The Truth” with each of the trio showcasing their individual mastery of their instruments as well as their unspoken, kinetic bond through the rhythm.
Their emotional performance of the ballad, “Photograph of Love” from his album, Julia, brought the audience to tears as Ron emphasized the love for his wife and that true strength is having the ability to express your feelings to the one you love without question. Before performing their latest single, “This is America”, Ron announced a young guitar prodigy by the name of TJ Edwards would be joining them on stage and who, after witnessing his virtuosity, there was no question. They continued into the upbeat “Walk That Walk” and after a blistering solo and a laugh, Ron announcing to the crowd, “If you’re not breaking stuff you’re not having a good time!”
Ron Artis II & the Truth’s music is born with unquestionable faith and fueled by the Aloha spirit. Through the bright times and the struggles, their lesson is clear: “If you want to make a difference, you have to live it.” So be a little light in the world. Be safe, stay positive and catch these incredible musicians the next time they’re passing through a town near you.
It can take some people a lifetime to learn how to spot the fakers, but at only sixteen Mila Smith has turned her bad friend blues into a banger. “Liars & Fakes”, the debut single from the South African songstress, is a soulful bop descended from disco edits of yore, complete with roller skates. The irresistible chorus is bound for your mind on the first spin and the lyrics are as relatable as they are quotable.
The music video opens with Mila at the service window of a roller diner preparing to serve superficial scenesters. Fed up by the first frame, her angsty eyeroll signaling she is already over feigning forced pleasantries. After a particularly snooty encounter with a dissatisfied customer the crew gets the signal to roll out of the restaurant and onto the town, breaking free from the expectations of people you just don’t need to please.
Everything about this debut is fun and funky fresh. It's a glittery, crowd pleasing song that lends itself to the modern Tik-Tok choreo sphere while maintaining that classic 70’s dance anthem nostalgia. The music world has much to look forward to with Mila Smith. Hangers-on won’t be holding her back, she’s riding high for the sky and rolling free.
- Robyn Dee
Fun part about writing reviews is continuing to find new bands to explore. I was sent this new music video by Voltagehawk for their newest song, “Straight Razor” and it sure is a head-bopper. Heavy riffs and explosive solos in one song – not much more you can ask for. Let’s dive into this song!
From the beginning it instantly captures you with the raw guitar and steady tempo. The excitement from riff to riff keeps you in tune for what is to come next. I felt the chorus was super catchy and I actually caught my self singing “BABY DON’T PLAY” when I knew it was coming. The melodies in the bridge to the chorus has a nice transition. To be honest I wasn’t expecting such a sick solo. It builds on top of itself so well second time second. Overall a hard rock song I can see myself throwing on a playlist. It looks like they out a ton of work into the motion graphics of the music video as well. Very flashy and grabs your attention right away, just like the song. I enjoy live show music videos and what they did with different angles and the lyric graphics on top was top notch.
Overall I think this was a pretty sweet release from Voltagehawk. Give "Straight Razor" a spin and lets us know what you think!
- James Coffman
Music is never created in a vacuum and each generation adds their own story to this epic soundtrack. Label them how you will: Psychedelic, Retro Rock, Progressive; either way you put it, the Icelandic Power Trio, The Vintage Caravan is a modern-day, certified rock n’ roll powerhouse shoving their own Progressive Rock influences from Classic Rock’s Golden Era in a blender and hitting puree.
Vocalist and guitarist, Óskar Logi Ágústsson and bassist, Alexander Örn Númason have been worshiping the holy trinity of Blackmore, Page & Lifeson since they were both 12 years old. And with the latest inclusion of drummer, Stefán Ari Stefánsson rounding out their ranks, the band returns to reclaim their thrown.
Their fifth studio album, Monuments, continues where the band left off with 2018’s stellar release, Gateways. Every song is well-crafted, complex and massively epic. “Whispers”, the album’s heart-pounding opener is riff-laden and momentous with Ágústsson’s crisp vocals soaring triumphantly over the top. “Crystallized”, “Forgotten” and “Sharp Teeth” summon the essence of Progressive Rock with the same exuberant energy and guitar wizardry as their forefathers. The Vintage Caravan are old souls with access to an incredible time machine, and having decades of inspiration to draw from does not necessarily take away from the originality of their own creation. Frankly, it just adds vibrancy to their legacy.
The Vintage Caravan continue to surprise and excite with every release since their formation and Monuments is no exception. Seeing how far they’ve come at such a young age, I have little doubt that they'll only continue upward from here. Give this one a spin - you will not be disappointed!
Be well and keep rocking! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Artist: The Vintage Caravan, Album: Monuments, Release Date: April 16th, 2021, Label: Napalm Records
The last party you attended may feel like a midday dream from a far off time when feeling yourself included nails done, hair done and everything did. While this last year has made it feel easier than ever to indulge in that 3:32pm catnap, Xhaania’s new single, “Pull Up” is your inspiration for waking up and stepping out in 2021.
The video was directed by Kim Mantsur, whose fresh and flirtatious choreography brought the irresistible bounce of this track to life. We meet Xhannia as she wakes up to a call from her BFF, who is wondering if she’s going to tonight’s party. After learning that Becky, ‘the hater’ did not invite her for fear of being out-shined, Xhaania brushes the hate off of her shoulder and rallies.
“Pull Up” is that perfect mix of a song to get ready, get going and get down to. Xhaania’s sweet and sassy style shines in the vocals, while the reggae/R&B infused production synchronizes perfectly with Mantsur’s choreography and DenDen’s good-time glam designs. From cheeky chess pieces, to a squad-goals crew clad in matching outfits, dancing on mountains and in a party bus, the details of this video are not to be missed.
Exploring the idea of dreams and their interplay in our realities, Xhaania is manifesting her destiny, coming for your speakers and your senses Summer 21. The Best New Artist title is in the bag for Xhaania. Becky’s be damned, you don’t want to pull up late to this party.
--Robyn Dee
Hunnypot is proud to be Xhaania's official sync representative controlling both Masters & Publishing, ask us about LICENSING!
As the “mask up” initiative continues its quest to “stop the spread”, the panty lined parallels of treating our mouths like the rest of our orifices has been picking up steam. Cover up, avoid the spray and keep the secretions at bay. In her new song and video, Peaches marries her signature iconoclasm with the essence of the movement to present, “Pussy Mask”.
In the video, director Leah Shore’s illustration of Peaches’ side-shaved pussy drip-drops to the beat of her accomplishments eventually moshing with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the angel of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The absurdist cartoon pairs with the song’s electropunk bounce, complimenting its playful, yet assertive, lyrics. From pussy rocking out with politicos to peachy pussies bouncing in protest, “Pussy Mask'' is full of punny and memeable moments, creating a funhouse for the dark and uncertain moment that inspired the song.
Maintaining a “Pussy not Karen” attitude, these pussies stay liberated and their masks stay moist, but even these freewheeling pussies follow the rules and listen to Fauci. As people become more lax from the vax, Peaches reminds us to keep wearing our “Pussy Mask”.
-Robyn Dee
It has been quite the while since I jammed to Lamb of God. I remember growing up in high school when I first heard “Laid to Rest”. It was my first exposure to this genre of metal, and I had some friends who were really into them. Fast-forward 17 + years, and their back at it again with a new release on the horizon and a rad new track entitled “Ghost Shaped People”. I’m again impressed.
Lamb of God does a great job of sucking you into their songs and this one definitely immerses you. I was really intrigued by the way they shot this video. Mostly CGI and animation which I can only imagine took forever. However, I loved that it was all in black and white and told a unique story. The breakdown at 3:08 was absolutely dirty and the seller for me on the whole track. Definitely give this song a listen – it’s killer!
And as always, don't forget to give Lamb Of God (Deluxe Version) a spin when it drops on March 26 via Epic. It will include Bonus Tracks, a Live Album. and Live DVD. Pre-Orders now by clicking HERE
I don't know about you, but May 14th can't get here soon enough! Mark your calendars and prepare yourselves for Myles Kennedy's latest release, The Ides of March. If the debut video for "In Stride" is any indication of how bad ass this album might be, I'm down. Kennedy is one of rocks premier vocalists, and am 100% certain his upcoming release will take it to a whole new level. Check out a snippet of the official press release below, and get ready have your doors blown off when Ides of March drops in, well, May!
(New York, NY) – Never a musician to waste any precious time, Alter Bridge and Slash and the Conspirators vocalist Myles Kennedy used the recent pandemic to finalize his sophomore solo album. During his time at home due to all touring being canceled, Myles created the framework for the song ideas that would make up The Ides Of March. He then called up his cohorts from his Year Of The Tiger debut - longtime friend and drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier - and the three musicians drove to Florida to record the album with longtime producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette. The finished result is the exciting album that incorporates Myles’ love of rock/blues/country - slated for release on May 14th via Napalm Records.
From the slide guitar riffs of the album opener “Get Along” to the pensive blues style of closer “Worried Mind,” it is clear that Myles has crafted a formidable follow up to his debut solo album. While Year Of The Tiger was more of an acoustic exploration through Myles’ mind, The Ides Of March finds him strapping on his electric guitar and pushing himself as a guitarist/songwriter. Tracks like “A Thousand Words,” “Wake Me When It’s Over” and “Moonshot” showcase the diverse music arrangements that has garnered Myles fans globally across all of his projects. The epic “The Ides Of March” clocks in at over 7-minutes and Myles, Tim and Zia showcase their musical chops on the track. The first single , “In Stride”, opens with Myles showcasing his slide playing before delivering a lyrical message to “take it all in stride.” The video for “In Stride” marks a return by Stefano Bertelli (who created the “Native Son” video for Alter Bridge) and shows an animated Myles as he takes the end of the world in stride.
“Chill out. That pretty much sums it up,” explains Myles Kennedy about the single. “The lyric paints a picture of a survivalist preparing for an impending zombie apocalypse. It was inspired by the first wave of lockdowns as everyone was buying vast amounts of toilet paper and supplies. I started to ask myself if it might be wise to try and gain some perspective and not overreact… keep calm and carry on.”
Xhaania’s saucy lyrics and fresh new approach to R&B music has substantially altered the music scene. Her single ‘In the Middle’ has recently gained a lot of attention from big music channels like BET, Revolt and Music Choice. She has been able to generate a lot of buzz without the help of a major label which for an independent artist is a major accomplishment. She is creating a lane of her own by mixing dancehall, r&b, soul, pop and hip hop to create a captivating and compelling new sound. Her music video is energetic and captures her style and silky-smooth vocals.
Xhaania (Pronounced ZA-NEE-AH) is a 22-year-old singer, songwriter and recording artist born in Los Angeles, California. As a child, she grew up in a poverty-stricken area in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Here, she was surrounded by a lot of love, Jamaican music and culture. This had a heavy influence on her music and sound as an artist. Growing up very shy, she found the arts as a means to create her own world. Naturally, she gravitated towards music, dance and performance. When she moved back to the US, she started writing poems and songs as a way to cope with her homesickness and sadness. She also trained in different forms of dance to build her confidence. because she was bullied in school for her accent and dark skin tone. Singing and dancing has always been a form of healing and a way she could express her emotions. Living in the states, she became more exposed to different styles of music and dance. She often pulls from these different influences to create her own style by mixing genres.
In 2017, she started recording her songs on Garage Band and her parents took an interest. With their support, she ventured into the music industry in 2018. She recently graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and now attends Musicians Institute for the Independent Artist program. Her latest single called ‘Mash up yuh Head’ has a strong reggae influence and features the Jamaican artist, Thugsy Malone. Her music has also featured on movies like ‘Choice’ and ‘Born Bad’ which are all available on Amazon. Now she is working on her first EP set to be release in. spring of 2020. Xhaania’s influence in music is very powerful.
Many of her supporters have stated that her music has helped them get through major challenges in their lives. It’s amazing that her music can help people and be a form of healing and therapy. This inspires her to continue expressing the many layers of herself through songwriting. It has been an amazing journey so far and she will continue to grow and express herself through different forms of art like music, dance and fashion. She loves the creative arts and brands herself as not just a recording artist but as a creative person that unapologetically expresses her truth. She wants her music to make a positive impact and inspire young people from all over the world to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. 2021 looks like a great year for Xhaania. Keep an eye out for this artist, she is expected to do great things in this industry.
Hunnypot is proud to be Xhaania's official sync representative both Masters & Publishing, ask us about LICENSING!