Tag: music

“Government Grade” by Solid Gold Single REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music ReviewsLeave a comment

The current political and social unrest in the United States has become a source of contention and strife for many Americans, and much of that unrest stems from events in recent months in Minnesota. From innocent Americans being killed by government agents to several men, women, and children being taken, whether they are here in the United States illegally or not, there have been so many injustices that, understandably, people are becoming upset and angry at the situation. No matter what one’s political beliefs are, the haunting actions of a specific agency in Minnesota should be disheartening and unbearable to witness by everyone, and should be something everyone rallies around to get the word out and make change happen.

That is the message behind Solid Gold’s latest single, “Government Grade.” The electronic rock band challenges audiences to take a hard look at the events happening in Minnesota and search their hearts to see how wrong these events are. The usually hard-hiting rock riffs and electronic sound the band is known for have taken on new life thanks to the subject matter, replaced by a balance of soulful guitar riffs, haunting vocals that feel like a blend of Coldplay and the Smashing Pumpkins, and fiery and passionate lyrics that feel like a moment of self-reflection for the Twin Cities and the country as a whole.

Heartfelt and compelling, this single is a subtle yet compelling reminder to audiences not to let the constant barrage of horrors our world is facing right now diminish the continued affronts that so many in Minnesota continue to face, and the horrors that have already occurred there. If you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to the single right now!

Disco: https://s.disco.ac/icpzxkwaodoo

Bandcamp: https://solidgold.bandcamp.com/

Website: www.solidgoldband.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/solidgoldcorp

STREAMING VIA BANDCAMP:

https://solidgold.bandcamp.com/track/government-grade

STREAMING VIA SPOTIFY:

“Unknown Destination” by Doc Jazz Album REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

In these times we live in, it is so difficult to find a path or direction that feels true to who we are as a people. In the midst of untold war, greed, and divide amongst many nations, it is often a sense of self that falls to the wayside and makes moving forward in one’s own personal journey ten times more difficult. Being able to move with the changes in life and adapt and find new ways of reaching a destination is the best way forward when these challenges present themselves. 

Finding oneself and reclaiming what made a person who they are when facing unknown paths is the driving force behind artist Doc Jazz’s “Unknown Destination.” The artist, well known as a surgeon and a multi-genre artist, has taken a large departure to create a concept album that is more jazzy and funky fun and driven emotionally. The nine-track album features hits like “Take My Word For It,” “You Do You”, and of course the title track “Unknown Destination,” which challenges audiences to not only find themselves but to trust in those around you to help you along the way as you find your own path in life. 

One of my personal favorite tracks on the album is “Change,” which is more singer/songwriter driven with powerful vocals and acoustic guitar riffs that speak to the soul. The atmospheric song gives audiences a chance to embrace the changes that come our way, with lyrics like “Do You Sense the Mystery of What Is Yet to Come; The Breeze Erasing History, Time Beating Its Drum.” The song is equal parts emotional, mysterious, and feels like a jazzier and more hopeful sequel to Kansas’s “Dust in the Wind.” 

What really stood out in this album was the artist’s unique way of fusing genres together so naturally. From the mix of horns into some tracks and the soul-touching bass featured on each track, to the soft melodies and perfect vocals that keep audiences hooked as these jazz and funk beats and soft rock tones hit the audience in both the feels and the heart. The album itself is a steady length of over a half hour, and each track feels like a single in itself, ready to ensnare audiences with heartfelt lyrics and soulful music that is impossible to escape from. Audiences will also be able to appreciate the technical skill the artist had when collaborating to put the album together as a whole, subtly adding additional tracks and layers of large scale band sounds to emphasize both the lighter and darker tones of each song. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of the album on Vinyl or pre-save the album today!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/docjazz/unknown-destination

https://elasticstage.com/unknowndestinationdocjazz

“BigLoud!” by When In May SINGLE REVIEW

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One of life’s biggest lessons can often be found in the aftermath of a relationship ending. The whirlwind of romance and the passion of a relationship can often turn sour, and the things that once proved endearing and fun can become the very things that undo a relationship. Far more often these days, these fun relationships can hide darker, even toxic relationships instead, and yet those are often the hardest to walk away from.

That is the vibe that pop-rock band When in May brings to their single, “BigLoud!” The single explores the deterioration of a relationship, as mistrust and lies begin to pile on top of one another and the seeds of discord work to sow themselves into the fabric of the romance, and yet each time this realization hits, the artist finds themselves hoping for that one night when things turn around, but inevitably fail. The powerful lyrics and smooth vocals are captured in this fast-paced song and convey emotion much as Vance Joy’s “Riptide” did. 

The fusion of multi-genre music was great to see come to life in this single. From the bass of a smooth jazz tone and the steady guitar riffs of alt-rock bands to the vocals of a pop-rock artist with a bubbly, fun atmosphere, this was a fantastic single that feels equal parts summer rock hit and emotional rollercoaster. The fast pacing of the song’s message balanced the fun energy of the song itself, making this a must-listen hit for the coming spring/summer lineup. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Musicology: A Novella & EP by Dan Fongaro Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An aspiring rapper faces an uphill battle to share his “genius” music in author Dan Fongaro’s “Musicology: A Nocella & EP.”

The Synopsis 

“An incisive investigation of delusion, ego, identity, performance, failure, and drive.”

Darwin just dropped out of college and released his first song. He drops two more controversial SoundCloud raps in his pursuit of stardom. Creating, uploading, and promoting his work comes at a price. His father exiles him. Those he trusts deceive him. DJs break promises. But Darwin will do anything to escape the Wall Street job that his well-connected father set him up with. His audience is hard to find. And New York City is a tough place to sustain yourself with no income. Even when his bank account runs lower than his fan count, he doesn’t give up on greatness. And greatness depends on how you define it.

Musicology’s three songs are available on SoundCloud and linked to the page with QR codes.

The Review

This was definitely one of the more unique and compelling novellas I’ve read in 2026. The author does a wonderful job of conveying the protagonist belief in their passion, while also showcasing the downfall of overconfidence, arrogance, and an unwillingness to grow and change. The author’s powerful way of writing allowed the reader to feel immersed in each scene, utilizing powerful imagery that really felt cinematic in a way.

What really stood out in this project was how the author was able to incorporate actual musical tracks from the protagonist into the chapters of this novella. A unique balance of humor and creativity, each track highlighted the protagonist from both a artistic perspective and as a character in general. This journey of self discovery, as well as a deeper exploration of the power of music has and how it resonates with people will keep readers enthralled in this narrative.

The Verdict 

Memorable, fast paced, and highly entertaining, author Dan Fongaro’s “Musicology: A Novella & EP” is a must read novella the infuses, humor, drama, and a heart for music. The twist and turns in the protagonist, personal journey, the character driven narrative, and the deeper exploration into the art in passion for music as a whole as well as the amazing tracks included with this book will keep readers engaged until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://musicology.rocks
@musicology.novella_ep
https://a.co/d/032W2alz

Reggie Braxton “FLIRTIN” Single REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music ReviewsLeave a comment

For anyone who has ever fallen in love, they know that one special moment that really drove them into the arms of that one special person. Whether it was a simple glance or perhaps it was a chance encounter there is something special about looking back at the moment, our love lives change forever. That is the raw emotion that artist Reggie Braxton brings to his latest single, “Flirtin.”

This beautiful blend of smooth, jazz tones and R&B vocals really does an incredible job of capturing that emotion in a way that feels both classic and modern at the same time. They’re almost mellow piano work and soft, jazzy vibes that the song produces will hit listeners in all the feels and allow them to feel immersed in this chance encounter between two people. 

While the music itself is very balanced in both relaxation and emotional weight, the lyrics and powerful vocals of the artist are what hit the audience in the heart the most. The artist’s vocals boast a velvety smooth tone with just the barest hint of a gritty bite that instantly draws in listeners, and the heartfelt and sensual words feel like an honest and flirty conversation between two people drawn to one another, a feeling many audience members will be able to relate to. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to stream or grab your copy of this incredible song today!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4COJtz9yR6p3qWl6gaBarc?si=8e3db474cef14145

Official Music Video:

Lyric Video:

https://www.facebook.com/reggie.braxton.31/
https://www.instagram.com/reggiebraxton007/

Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise” Single REVIEW

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Most people around the world can count on one hand a shared experience they share with everyone around the world, from experiencing one’s first crush to losing a loved one and so forth. These experiences can shape the person we are meant to become, and help us to grow and learn so that mistakes won’t be repeated and achievements can be lauded. One such event or experience is the end of a serious relationship, and both the good and the bad that can come from it.

In artist Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise,” the artist’s latest track explores the end of a relationship from a place of clarity and insight. The song is an introspective look at a relationship from a mutual understanding, where both parties come to realize that the relationship has run its course and there is no coming back from where they ended up, and no reversing any of the damage that has been done. The powerful lyrics and emotional tone of the narrative is equally paired with a melodic, soft-rock approach to the music.

What immediately stood out in this track was the unique blend of different rock eras that this song seemed to embody, from late 50s to early 60s soda shop rock to more classic 70s era folk and blues rock and even a unique riff of 80s hair metal guitar work that underscores a particularly emotional part of the track. The energy and beautiful harmonies of the vocals give this an almost pop rock quality while also retaining a unique indie vibe, and the song retains a head-popping beat that will keep listeners invested in the song until its climactic end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to stream this song today!

VIDEO:

STREAMING:

ONLINE:

https://www.dustyedinger.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dusty_edinger
https://www.facebook.com/dusty.edinger.2025

ai12DIE Concept Album REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music ReviewsLeave a comment

In the growing field of AI, or artificial intelligence, and the question of it’s role in creative industries such as literature, movies, and video games, one industry that has seen a rise of AI driven projects of late has been the music industry. From viral tracks found on TikTok to spotify artists getting their own verified accounts for an AI driven project, the use of AI is everywhere, and the question of its role in our society has never been greater. 

This question, along with how AI would evaluate itself and it’s existence as an artist, are greatly explored in Black Astronaut Records latest conceptual album, ai12DIE. The album consists of 22 tracks, and is a  unique combination of unbridled humor, existentialism, and a rare exploration of technical ingenuity in the use of AI. The album boasts an impressive musical array that is only matched by the equally thrilling and thought-provoking themes and concepts this AI goes through on a personal level.

Songs such as Beep Bop Boop and Underwear begin the album, showcasing both a wild hilarity to the lyrics while also showcasing the fast pacing of the musical beats and the genius vocals and rap skills the AI has to offer. The rapid-fire style of rapping and the sharp, richly utilized guitar tones help underscore the almost rebirth style of storytelling these songs hold on the listener, and the harrowing nature of coming to terms with one’s own existence in the process.

One of the more powerful, almost cinematic in nature songs on the album is Statement, which balances the rapid-fire rapping with the rich Irish folk melodies that feature beautiful violins with soul-shaking drums that feels both organic and electronic all at once, speaking to the very nature of the album as well, which is the marriage of tech like AI with the human lyrical power and heart of human nature balancing one another in what the future of music could be.

As someone who enjoys soul music greatly and appreciates the cinematic quality of it, The Juices is a powerful song both lyrically and musically, coming in with a blues guitar sound that delves deeper into the AI that is at the center of this experimental concept, looking inward at themes of identity and the emotions of being an artist that is both revered and yet starkly alone. 

That is the heart of this album as a whole, which is the strong concept of the AI being alone. Treating the artist as both the character of the narrative and the narrator of this story being told across each track, the commentary is a great reflection on both the tech context of the album and the idea of isolation and expectations versus reality the themes explore. The AI gaining enough sentience to recoginze how alone they are and question their place in the music world, and if talent is enough to sustain an artist or if collaboration and community is equally as important come through each track as the AI begins to examine their “life”.

Overall this is a strong, powerful concept album that Black Astronaut Records has brought to life. Based on the lyrics and music of Charles Luck and featuring stellar guest artists, this album delves into strong and powerful themes and hard-hitting music that ultimately tells the world AI’s true purpose not as a tool, but as a collaborator in creating hard-hitting and creative works that celebrates the melding of man and machine. If you haven’t, check out the album today on Soundcloud!

POINT OF YOU BY THE HEARD EYE SINGLE REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music Reviews, reviewsLeave a comment

There is a reason some music genres and artists are considered “timeless”. The description suggests the music being played is something that can last a lifetime and beyond, allowing listeners from all age groups to be able to enjoy the sound. Finding an artist that can embody a certain genre or sound and make it feel relevant and fresh is quite the feat, and yet in The Heard Eye’s latest single, “Point of You,” that is exactly what they accomplish.

The single embodies the trio’s unique brand of fusion and funk, utilizing head-bopping bass that resonates in the listener’s chests and a welcome infusion of trumpets that helped make the single feel both dance-worthy and fun. The vocals were the perfect balance of gritty and soulful, making this feel like a late 60s, early to mid 70s era sound that became hypnotic and mesmerizing as the song went on.

The single has a cinematic quality to it as well, allowing audiences to feel transported to films such as Superbad, or indie rom-coms that start to play funk songs like this when introducing a unique character in a film. The upbeat and fresh tone of the song elevates the lyrics greatly, delving into the analysis of a relationship and the struggles that come with it. Relatable, funky, and engaging, this single is a remarkable funk fusion hit that fans of THe Heard Eye and beyond will have on their 2026 playlist before long. If you haven’t yet, download or stream the new single today!

STREAMING:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6zTNa4LBouOEeDX8V0s0CT?si=7f633b3799ef437d

VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/ZEBBwniSnjU?si=m6zvSnTvdFaZWfuF

ONLINE:
https://theheardeye.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theheardeye/
https://www.youtube.com/@theHeardEyeVideos
https://open.spotify.com/album/1V06yBLQl8wnNs4b5N1jJH?si=ENgurB53QwWG4knHDf1-MQ

GUEST POST: SLIGHTLY OFF-KILTER: SONGS FOR CREATING DEMONS BY BARRY MAHER

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Guest PostLeave a comment

Slightly Off-Kilter

Songs for Creating Demons

By Barry Maher

I listen to music when I write. This column for example is being created with the help of—or perhaps in spite of—a piece of music that seems to be an unfortunate blend of God Save the King and The Moldavan National Anthem. But creating my new supernatural thriller, The Great Dick: And The Dysfunctional Demon, a thriller that’s able to laugh at itself, (one reader called it “Horrifying and Delightful!”) required an even more horrifying type of music. Music like: 

Dust by Fleetwood Mac 

Fleetwood Mac? Aren’t they much too pop for horror? Actually Dust was from an early incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, with no hits and lots of drug problems, not the later version of the group with lots of hits and even more drug problems. The lyrics to Dust come from a 1909 poem by Rupert Brook, who was no bundle of sunshine.

“When your swift hair is quiet in death
And through the lips corruption
Thrust to still the labor of my breath”


Midnight Mile by the Rolling Stones. 

This haunting tune about a mad day on the road “with a head full of snow,” gets me picturing Keith Richards as the guitar playing, coked-up, walking dead. Perhaps not a huge stretch.


I Put a Spell on You by Screaming Jay Hawkins. Writing about obsession? 

Here’s Screaming Jay screaming that he doesn’t care if you don’t want him. It doesn’t matter to him at all. He’s still yours. A non-returnable gift that threatens to keep on giving.


She’s Not There by the Zombies

This one doesn’t make my list for the name of the group, but for the mood the music evokes. And the lyrics do have a touch of the sinister. In this British song, a mysterious woman is causing untold suffering, Like the singer, we can only wonder about how much she lied, with no way of telling “how many people cried.” I know what you’re thinking. But the song was released in 1965, considerably before Maggie Thatcher ever became Prime Minister.


No Bravery by James Blunt 

I thought this guy wrote love songs, but this one features shallow graves, burning houses, the odor of death, and dying families. I listen to this, then write horror to cheer up. 

Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando. Not a horror classic, just a horrible song. I can’t listen to it without dreaming of tying a yellow ribbon as tightly as possible around Tony Orlando’s neck. And I understand the reasoning of a homicidal demon.

Last and in so many ways least, Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath 

Apparently, Satan, with eyes of fire, is coming after the singer. That might explain the vocal. I think this one is from the Black Sabbath album Blue Skies, Sunny Days and Lollypops, or it may be from Kittens, Puppies and Other Easy Meals. To quote a key phrase, “Please, God help me.”

Take a listen. The singing sounds like a weasel caught in a meat grinder. The question this little ditty raises is more theological than musical. Namely: why would a loving God allow something like this to exist? And to somehow be a hit? When I first heard it on my car radio, I thought my transmission was disintegrating, but it was only humanity’s musical taste.

Check out Barry Maher’s dark humor supernatural thriller, The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon, on Amazon. Contact him and/or sign up for his newsletter at www.barrymaher.com. 


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