album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
BDRM Presents: First Listen
Intro to CAL, artist and songwriter hailing from Mount Vernon, New York. At the age of 11 with just a PC, and simple software, he began recording from his bedroom amongst the company of friends and family, who equally admired and supported his musical expression. Fond of artists like Big Punisher, CAL focused on creating a sound that was inspired by his favorites, yet distinctly his own. His recent release, Ocean, demonstrates this unique approach by combining traditional Hip-Hop instrumentation, rhymes, and smooth vocals that effortlessly ride the beat.
By Jessica Jolia5 years ago in Beat
10 Years On—Eun Ji Won—‘Platonic’
It might be an incredibly hard task, but cast your ears back to 2009. Upon doing so, you’ll realise it was a year full of interesting releases with The Black Eyed Peas having hit after hit, Lady Gaga continuing her chart domination, and, well, Cascada.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
'ARIZONA baby'–Kevin Abstract Review
We haven’t heard much from the men of Brockhampton since their 2018 release of Iridescence, their fourth album, after the Saturation Trilogy. So, naturally, fans were ecstatic when Kevin Abstract (Ian Simpson), released a three-song album/EP titled ARIZONA baby. The set of songs include singles, “Big Wheels,” “Joy Ride,” and “Georgia.”
By Kay Kindschy5 years ago in Beat
Album Review: Bring Me the Horizon—'amo'
The ability to polarise is seen by some as the mark of great artistry. To divide an audience is tantamount to not giving a fuck, to not giving in to the temptation of pleasing people for the sake of mainstream kudos, to making people talk and debate for all the right reasons. Here's a challenge for you. Find a band who has done this more successfully than Bring Me The Horizon. This is a band who was kicked to the ground in their early deathcore days before rising to the top of the British rock arsenal, much to the dismay of the fans who believed they'd gotten there by selling out, when in fact they were producing their most critically acclaimed music to date. And in true Bring Me style, they're dividing the crowd all over again with their most recent release, perhaps more so than ever. Step forward, amo.
By E.W Hemmings5 years ago in Beat
Chen - ‘April, and a Flower’ Review
Since their debut back in 2012, EXO has dominated the Korean music scene. Whether it be breaking records, collecting awards like they’re Christmas cards, or simply just becoming trailblazers for evolved sounds and sonic experiments that seemingly always deliver, the group has undeniably managed to find the recipe for success when it comes to music making. Dubbed the “Nation’s Pick” back in their native country, the group are arguably one of the most popular K-Pop has ever seen, and will no doubt go down in history as iconic.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Billie Eilish: 'When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?' – Album Review
Billie Eilish – 17 years old. Her career skyrocketed with her debut mixtape Don't Smile At Me when she was just 15 years old. The mixtape showcased her sweet vocal delivery and solid song writing skills that often reflected her inner emotions and struggle with an everyday society that we all can relate to. She got her brother, Finneas (also happens to be an incredible artist), as her primary producer and he co-wrote (except for "When the Party's Over" and "My Strange Addiction," which were exclusively written by Finneas) every song in this debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO. As the title suggests, the entire album is based on something that occurs while you are sleeping whether it's a nightmare or lucid dream.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz5 years ago in Beat
'Pacific Time'
Being up at three AM is pretty peaceful. I'm usually awake at this time everyday—reading, working out, producing, writing, etc. It's a productive time for me. Everything is quiet. My city never sleeps so it's only relatively quiet... that early morning/late night space puts you into your own world. A bubble. You can easily forget that there is a whole other side of the world that is just getting up for work, or just heading out into the night to hit up a party. Three AM in Brooklyn coincides with midnight Pacific time. Funny how that worked out. I was going to write about a totally different subject, but when I heard that this project was out at three AM, I instantly changed my mind. He actually dropped it at midnight, I wonder if it was midnight Pacific time... Phonte has 11 minutes for you, girl, and some odd seconds. That's all you're going to need too... not a moment on the EP is wasted. The first track out of the four was produced by Julia Lewis and TK Kayembe. The sweet guitar licks were provided by Justin Hawkins. The smooth piano riffs were played by Zo! and the sexy sax by Julia Lewis. Phonte himself provided additional keys to tighten up this on time track. "Can We" starts off his surprise EP with a waterbed wavy track that's sure to set the mood. As the keys fade in slowly you can feel your breath get shallow anticipating Phonte's smooth question reach your ear. "Can we?"
By Brooklyn Damien5 years ago in Beat
Billie Eilish's Debut Studio Album Drops
Billie Eilish's debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? has just hit like a lightning strike in a dying storm. Her and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, weave their unique style with precision and ethereal charm in all 14 tracks.
By Emily Adams5 years ago in Beat
Sigrid: 'Sucker Punch' - Album Review
Sigrid, 22 years old, born and bred in Norway. Two years of very enthusiastic promotion by her label, she finally debuts with her album Sucker Punch a full-on pop album that makes you miss your friends, makes your eyes tear up, and put a smile on your face. Her very first Don’t Kill My Vibe EP was packed with classic pop tunes, but still had a little spice added by Sigrid. A few songs make the cut on this album: "Don’t Kill My Vibe" and "Dynamite." She later received massive attention globally with a synth-pop influenced single "Strangers," which attained her the first top 10 single in the UK. She also came in first place at the BBC Sound of 2018.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz5 years ago in Beat