BIGBALDBEN is a musician from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and is a one-man operation, playing guitars, bass, and piano on all tracks, and programs drums, sometimes with the help of friends. Originally the lead singer for Cesspool, an adrenaline-fuelled post-grunge rock band in the mid 1990’s, he is influenced by the likes of Alice In Chains, Galactic Cowboys, and Kings-X.

Disjointed is his latest single and was released on 23/06/2023. A song about sometimes feeling like your own worst enemy and trying to get a handle on who you are and what you want from life, it has a heavy rock foundation that snakes out in various other genres.

Musically the song has a metal edge, with some heavy riffs and pounding drum work and there is a slight distortion giving the track a fuzzy, grunge vibe. A certain rawness to the music also keeps this track firmly within the rock genres.

Ben’s vocals, which are soft and gentle, are a complete contrast to the music they accompany, but with two- and three-part vocal harmonies, there is a great depth to the track and, although a strange arrangement, the vocals are somewhat inviting, enticing the listener into the song.

I thoroughly enjoyed this track and had to listen to it numerous times to hear all that it had to offer. If this sounds like something you would like, then please check out BIGBALDBEN and his music. You will not be disappointed.

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

Finding information about Deeprest is really not easy, because there just doesn’t seem to be much available about him. The mysterious artist, who obviously likes to remain somewhat anonymous, lets his music do all the speaking for him.

I have previously reviewed music by Deeprest and although this track, his new single Eyes Wide Shut, which was released on 21/06/2023, is slightly different to the previous, I still was very impressed with what I heard.

Leaning more to dance music than the previous track, this one has its foundations more in the pop rock genre but sprawls out into numerous others. There is a dark pop sound to the vocals which this time round focus more on melodic singing than it does hip-hop / rap vocals. The vocals are still quite quirky, and the lyrics bounce around in your head as the artist delivers them.

There are lots of electronic beats and sounds in this track, more so than on the previous track and this really gives the track a bouncy feel that will certainly get you moving.

This is a great track and will appeal to fans of pop/rock, hip-hop and even alternative/experimental rock.

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Brian Lambert is a musician, residing in Denton, Texas, the “friendly neighborhood rock and roller,” and his music captures the very essence of feel-good rock. Although he manages to encompass the heart and soul of the Lone Star State, he also manages to combine 80’s and 90’s rock with a modern twist, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary sound. As well as his solo work, Brian also produces other artists such as the Jr Moz Collective and is the lead singer in alt rock band The Star Crumbles.

I Don’t Believe In You is his latest single and was released on 23/06/2023.

Originally performed by the Jr Moz Collective, Brian has breathed new life into the song after being moved by its powerful message of standing up for what you know is right.

Opening with some funky bass lines, the track has a groove and a swagger right from the start, and this gives the track a real infectious feel, that really pulls the listener in and keeps them there. Synthesizers create a soaring backdrop for the track and the guitar and drum work are solid and performed well.

Musically, this song is fantastic, but it is the meaningful lyrics and the powerful way in which Brian delivers them that really makes this track stand out. Brians voice is captivating, and he uses it well to express the heartfelt message of the track.

Brian is undeniably talented, and this really shines through with this track. He has created a track that not only resonates with the listener but one which also leaves its mark due to his musicianship and artistry.

I loved this track and really can’t wait to hear more from him. Please check him out and see what you think!

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum

The Qwarks are a three-piece band from Brighton, and consists of Phil Johnstone on vocals, who effortlessly switches from a “narrative” style of singing to full on melodic harmonies, a sound that is reminiscent of the 60’s and 70’s, Simon Young on the bass, the funky basslines and tones being the underlying driving force behind the track, and Nick Flowers, whose energy on the drums is hard to miss.

The Tuba EP: Herbielife is the band’s latest EP and was released on 23/06/2023.

This EP is a collaboration with Herbie Flowers (hence the title) who is one of the most famous bassists of the 20^th century but is also a tuba player. He has played upright bass or bass for Blue Mink, T-Rex and Sky and has appeared on records by Elton John, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, David Essex and many more, and I must say, the collaboration works really well!

One thing I can safely say about The Qwarks is that this is a band who are not afraid to experiment with their music. Fusing stoner rock, with psychedelia and alternative rock, this is also a band that have perfected a sound just for them. With funky guitars and basslines and energetic drumming that gives the EP a swagger, there is also a progressiveness about the music that is unlike anything I have heard recently (except, of course, other Qwarks tracks that I have reviewed!)

The inclusion of the tuba gives a different perspective to the rock genres and there is a diversity to this EP that shows, not only the perception of the guys involved, but also an appreciation of music in general.

Once again, the vocals are quirky with a mixture of melodic singing, punky shouting and almost the spoken word and the accompanying backups are of much the same style.

Overall, this is a funky, weird, wacky EP but one that must have been a lot of fun making.  Check out The Qwarks and their music, it should make you smile 😊

Track Listing:

1) Deckchairs

2) Biscuit Man

3) Sun

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Aaron “Aza” Brown is a singer / songwriter based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and is currently the singer for the band The Wonderwhys. Having sung in various bands during the 90’s and 00’s, he took a fifteen-year hiatus from original music but is now back with the album he always knew he had in him.

Wasting Away is his latest single and was released on 23/06/2023.

A bouncy power pop / rock track this is a quirky song that is easy to listen to and will put you in a really good mood.

With a rock foundation, this track sprawls out into many genres, creating a great sound for Aza that really is unique to him. There are hooks throughout the track that you will be humming to yourself long after you have finished listening to the song and there is also a great summer vibe to it.

Musically, the song is spot-on, great hooks and soft riffs that really give the track a swagger that you can’t help but move along to. Vocally, the track is just as awesome. Aza’s voice is soft yet strong and accompanied by layered back ups that really do complement his singing style, the song has a great depth to it too.

This was my first track to review of the day and I must say it definitely put a smile on my face. Check out Aza and his band The Wonderwhys and see if his music does the same to you 😊

Aza also has a link to get the track for free if you give him a a little like on FB, IG, Twitter or TikTok:

https://hypeddit.com/azabrown/wastingaway

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum