Tag: music

The Fever Dreams of Hozier

On By Steven D'AdamoIn Reviews, Writers - Steve D'Adamo4 Comments

It’s a pleasant surprise to see a true blues artist on pop radio in 2014. The Black Keys are the perfect example of a blues rock (more rock than blues) group who burst onto the mainstream scene with a sound that was revolutionary not in how much it changed music, but in how it reaffirmed the staying power of staple rhythms behind heavy distortion riffs and lyrics of struggle and loss. Their seventh studio album El Camino took home the 2013 Grammy’s for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance (both for the single “Lonely Boy”).

Now, just in time for serious Grammy’s 2015 chatter, we have another artist bursting into mainstream pop consciousness with a sound that both reminisces and transcends the Blues. Continue reading “The Fever Dreams of Hozier” →

Creativity Sessions: What’s Your Creative Muse?

On By Steven D'AdamoIn Creativity Sessions, Writers - Steve D'AdamoLeave a comment

Last month, I wrote the first of what I intended to be a series of articles on creativity. Continuing on the theme of learning how to channel your creativity, I’d like to explore how one of my biggest creative inspirations – music – affects my work. Continue reading “Creativity Sessions: What’s Your Creative Muse?” →

Linkin Park Hunts for a More Expansive Sound

On By Steven D'AdamoIn Reviews, Writers - Steve D'AdamoLeave a comment

Our music reviews seek to trace the narratives that weave between songs and albums. Check out our Rhythmic Fiction tag for other stories told through music.

Upon hearing the first single from Linkin Park’s sixth studio album, I was intrigued by the heavier sound. “Guilty All the Same” teased an album full of heartbeat rhythms, pounding distortion riffs, and the familiar wailing of lead vocalist Chester Bennington that were the early earmarks of the group.

However, this is not the Nu-Metal sound that Linkin Park became known for with 2000’s Hybrid Theory and 2003’s Meteora. The Hunting Party brings to us a heavier, alternative rock sound lacking  some of the hip-hop inspired sound effects and backdrops some LP fans may have expected. Continue reading “Linkin Park Hunts for a More Expansive Sound” →