Busting in on the American music scene from Armidale, New South Wales Australia comes female singer-songwriters, Alexandra. Having an interesting past with people not taking her musicianship seriously, Alexandra has proved the non-cheerleaders and rooters wrong. With a vocal style that sounds like a rough around the edges version of Emily Haines and a more modern Joan Jett, listeners beware for strong vocals and intense lyrics. “So you better run boy run, I said they are coming for you” hails in as a thematic lyric throughout Criminal and those who listen to such lyrics can only infer that Alexandra sings about rough heartbreak and the pains that come with it. With intense percussion throughout the track as well, it only fuels the fire with additional lyrics such as “You better change your name and forget her face”. Produced by Keith Olsen, Alexandra’s sound comes off as intentionally stylistic and has a sound that is full of emotion, wrath, and fire.
Sh-boom It’s The Koi Boys
17 May
You can present a cavalcade of incredible instrumentation, and I will still say that nothing beats tradition vocal harmony. I can listen to traditional doo-wop for hours, for that 1950-60s vocal groove is so beautifully infectious. Thus, when I stumbled upon The Koi Boys audition for The Voice AU and their version of Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass,” I nearly fell off my couch. The Koi Boys are superstars of vocal harmonies. Don’t believe me. Listen to this.
Link to Performance of “Sh-Boom”
I’ve always been partial to “Sh-Boom” by The Chords. I wrote about the song all the way back in March of 2013, and you can check out that post here. The song is a ear-dwelling ditty, and by ear-dwelling, I mean it takes up residence in your ear and rents an extended stay room with a kitchen. “Sh-boom,” sh-booms your head. The Koi Boys put such a wonderful spin on the piece, that it is hard not to fall in love with the classic over and over again.
In what will probably surpass the 100,000 view mark (and more) before one knows it, The Koi Boys cover of Trainor’s funky piece even displays the voices in the band more. Each vocalist has a unique style, from Frank Sinatra croon to hip-hop smoothness to true vocal power. This makes for a three-headed vocal monster that can take down any room, like they took down The Voice stage during their performance.
Keep up with the Koi Boys at their webiste or follow the band on Twitter and Facebook
New Release from Christoffer Øien & The Future Sounds – “Reach”
15 May
I’ve got another great release for you all from a good friend of the Music Court, Christoffer Øien and his Future Sounds. The new single, which was released on the first of this month, is the perfect way to break away from the long winter in both Norway and New York – you see, Øien, as always, his international appeal. “Reach” is carried by a steady chord progression and a lightly plucked melody. The verse finds Øien’s sultry voice utilizing a Colin Hay-like tone that sounds analogous to a nicely steamed latte or a perfect Spring day. Øien is not afraid to bounce his voice up to a falsetto once or twice and this serves as a perfect complement to the crashing drums of the drums. Shout out also to the excellent melody in the chorus and dulcet strings. “Reach” also features a slide guitar solo interlude that fits snugly into this multifarious release.
As has been stated several times now on this blog, Christoffer Øien and the Future Sounds are an exciting band creating exciting music, and you should be listening to them!
Totemic Delivers Unique Fusion In Falling
5 MayWith an upbeat-club like ambient sound starting off the track, Falling, Totemic puts the listener right into a futuristic experience. Performing at well-known festivals in Eastern Canada, their roster list of credits include Harvest, All Stars, OM, and Solstice. Amidst the musical scene that Toronto has to offer, Totemic’s unique fusion between electronic and futuristic sound sets them up for musical success. Set to release May 17th, tracks of the Falling EP, include a combination of violin with the heavily synthed and EDM undertones. In addition to an impressive impact within the festival scene, Totemic has also performed with Daega Sound, Funk Hunters, and Gremlinz. Fans of EDM music, sounds of the future, and experimental artists, Totemic will have you experiencing something new and unfamiliar to your ears.
For more listening:
The Music Court 