HogBarber - Witch's Ingredients (2019)

(HogBarber - Witch's Ingredients)

1. Witches Ingredients 2. Hyper Normie Rando 3. I Need a Song for This Name 4. Ghost In The Road 5. Boy(i) voice/ Boiz voice 6. A Timer is Set 7. I’ve Told You. Meelian Times 8. Hurrying/ Not Worrying 9. Shining in My Head 10. 50 Foot Flames (it’s Starting to Rain) 11. Sleep Feeling Nice 12. Water, Acid ... And Some Other Stuff

                             This is the second post featuring the work of Drew Blankenship's project "HogBarber" and our first post related to the latest SoundCloud release "Witch's Ingredients" coming in at 32 minutes and 42 seconds.  The first nine minutes sound like what it would be if every member of the band The Strokes had a mellow & collective lucid dream with The Flaming Lips and nobody can see their hands moving just music coming from within.  The next phase of this work is more awake and comes together to form very melodic psychedelia in sunshine feel complete with ambiguous vocals to make it all the more mysterious when intermixed with abrupt song changes leading into a meditative drone.  This is the sound of true d.i.y. straight to soundcloud psychedelic indie music.  Personally I could have gone without the vocal loop crescendo jammer but they are sure fun to make I can tell you that.  

                                   Not sure if I can tell you the exact list of ingredients after listening to the whole thing but this work has something magical to it and could be worth listening to again if you like the d.i.y. soundscape and original heartfelt xylophone riffs.  

by Alroy Mellor

8 out of 10 stars 

Echo Options     ________    Official Review   ________________   2019

(HogBarber is Drew Blankenship)

Fake Object - Burden (2019)

Fake Object - Burden (2019)

         An intimate peak into the life of Eric Tomillon (RVA) in the form of 'Burden' (2019).  A stunning portrait of personal reflections in the light of the Super-moon synchronicity with the Spring Equinox.  This is nothing like anything Fake Object has ever produced in that it's more than an exploration into harsh noise wall, this is the arrival at a brand new form of psychic relief structures mixed with aesthetic rituals that will leave you digging deeper and deeper.  This is a monument to inspire future generations of sound artists who have realized the importance of stripped down, soul bearing revelations to showcase the evolution of internal dialogue and the repetition of spoken word sentimentalities.  

        Recorded solely with a microphone and a contact mic.  Moments of liberation sneak into the framework and you find that escape in the hearts of mankind in the dawning of a larger day.  The reality is 'Burden' (2019) by Fake Object is one of the realest releases from Eric Tomillon's prolific career as a sound artist.     

9.3 out of 10  

Written by Alroy Mellor

Official Review ________________ Echo Options  ___________________ 2019

HogBarber - The Beautifiul Nasty Laughtrack At The Portal To Hell

( HogBarber -  The Beautifiul Nasty Laughtrack At The Portal To Hell )

HogBarber (Aka Doctor Ew) is Drew Blankenship based out of DC and is an artist who potentially holds the key to understanding modern ambient lo-fi.  With just one long .wav file on soundcloud available, it actually makes for a very convenient listening experience.  Here are the song titles:

1) 1st Portal
2) Common cuckoo

3) An Elves Work Space
4. 4) Too late
5) Pull up ( can’t come down)
6) Acquire a hang gun
7) Let it all out
8) Something I can’t focus on

9) Slow street
10) Dance party (smashing around)
11) Shoved-under-the-rug-bug being shoved around
12) Riverlude
13) Waking up the birds
14) Portal #2
15) Roach clips theme
16) Late dinner
17) Credits rolling
18) Underneath the floors
19) Sleeping
20) Third portal
21) Drunk acid funk
22) What time is it? Old times
23) Sassy shack
24) Ice cream cone
25) With the morning coming soon
26) We can
27) Warbly
28) All these things in my life
29) Ethereal mural

The songs go in and out of shoe-gaze influenced transcendental smoothness to a more gritty lo-fi radio swelling type experience.  This has a very homemade feel to it which will delight people familiar with the underground cassette tape trade.  The rhythms are organic and the vocals are almost reminiscent of Damon Albarn.  The mixing is what really stands out in this album and ability to be completely honest in not trying to hide any imperfections which are far and few.  The sounds float long and bring you to very nostalgic states almost as if teleported directly into a video game soundtrack.  This journey will keep you questing till the end. 

I recommend giving this album a listen. 

8.8 out of 10 stars

Written by Alroy Mellor  

( HogBarber )

2019  _______________  Echo Options Label  ______________ Official Review

Reptile Tile - Reptile Tile vs Human Man

( Reptile Tile vs Human Man )

If you're a fan of inter-dimensional genre-moshing this is the right place for you.  Strap yourself in for a ride of a lifetime.  This is a unique synthesis of musical prowess which will make you question which plane of existence you have entered.  Not to say you will feel alienated in anyway, you'll find a new home in your species and awareness of how good this group operates, apparently in perfect cohesion and sync.  Truly unlike any other work by these incredible and critically underrated artists.  

You don't have to be a reptile to appreciate how the album starts with an instant banger called 'Drink the Potion' and immediately satisfies the thirst for high-quality riff-heavy lo-fi psyche-pop which morphs into a mystical odyssey to titillate the imagination, full of magical themes and commentaries on visceral realities.  It sets the tonal precedent for how the rest of the album will unfold.  

These guys know how to capture the purity of light upbeat rock and roll jammers with songs like Lemon Meringue, Judy Boon, Ecoterrorist, Mystery Friend, The First Call to contrast with the clean-shimmers and polished pop ballads which glimmer like beautiful dreams, such as: 3 A.M. Meteor Shower, Bridgette Midnight, The Party is Cancelled, To Daniel and Phantom of Time.  But it's not all rock and pop, getting into the experimental jazz and avant-garde/post-psychedelic punk sensibilities has to be what makes this one of the most cosmically-manifested albums in contemporary American musical history, with tracks like:  Split Spirit, Crimes of the Times, Perfect, Puffins, Blue Pocket, Use the Honey Sweetie, Sex Club Nazi and Shinto Weather Station.

Bull in a China Shop was a good track which actually reminded me of my ex. 

Obvious standout is We Are Not A Cult which features an inspiring music video with Mandek Penha.  

Word from our sponsors:

Exclusive Reptile Tile tracks will be featured on an endless loop for the only show on Finality Radio a collaborative experimental noise radio platform based in Philadelphia, PA 

"Everyday is the Same Day". 

10 out of 10 Stars

Written by Alroy Mellor

( Reptile Tile )

2019      ____________   ECHO OPTIONS REVIEW ________________ ( Official )

Cop Jokes​/​Hallucinogenic Bulb - Split (2018)

Cop Jokes / Hallucinogenic Bulb - Split (2018)

Two on two.

Two incredibly talented noise artists:  Hallucinogenic Bulb & Cop Jokes have come together to create an immensely stacked sonic experience in the hearts and minds of all listeners.  It's really quite a cinematic experience with this unique soundscape which will test your abilities in visualization and auditory processing, leaving you needing to hear it again and again.  With only 4 tracks, this split finds a happy medium between both artists sound pallets arriving at a balanced and cohesive ambience with a side order of original cacophony.  

With a straight to the point track title giving you a taste of literal vs abstract interpretation of what's going on behind-the-scenes called '200 Whooshing Noises Played At The Same Time' Dave Peterson has brought new awareness to the simplicity of arranging noise to create actually very complex results in the delivery and presentation of the piece.  'Resynchronization' takes you to the peak of industrialized sound structures and drops you straight into the gears and gizmos of a harsh noise factory that happens to sit by an ocean of chaos; a wispy hiss, a hissy wisp which unites the whole with whispers from beyond our sense of time and space.  Truly a hallucinogenic experience and lives up to the name.  

There's nothing funny about Cop Jokes.  In all seriousness, Dan Getty showcases a very organic quality and dedication to nostalgia with the track 'Sidewinder' that could very well be one of the best ambient noise tracks of 2018.  Get ready to hold on for dear life after 'Blood Gulch' which works very well as the opening track and helps set the precedent for what's to come.  It's an explosive piece that will affect you viscerally and take you deep within the realm of harsh noise sensibilities like a log flume ride that got renovated into a tower of actual blood soaked terror, or maybe the white water rapids just got replaced with kool-aid (Jim Jones brand).  Not that this will make you contemplate ending your life via mass-suicide, in the best way your life will have already ended before the split is over and you will have been reborn, re-assembled in the human biology factory to make you into a better person who also happens to be a highly seasoned noise-aficionado.  

In the end, it's well worth the time downloading the free digital download and I highly recommend spending some time with these two and their four amazing tracks.  

9 out of 10 stars

{Cop Jokes is Dan Getty}

{Hallucinogenic Bulb is Dave Petersen}

Written by Alroy Mellor

Echo Options - 2018 - Review

Botched Executions - 23 Years

{Botched Executions - 23 Years}

This is fucking intense.  

A debut of the latest side-project of Eric Tomillon which will leave you trembling after it cures what ale's ya deep within.  

Written by Alroy Mellor

9 out of 10 stars

Echo Options - 2018 - Review

Shambolic Neuromancers by TRASH GODZ

{Shambolic Neuromancers by TRASH GODZ}

A constant source of surprise and delight, TRASH GODZ delivers something far sweeter than any found material on the side of the road, though one can't be entirely sure until you've examined every single street on every single trash night ever.  This 6 track album is like plugging in something you initially thought was broken and it turns out to work better than you could have ever imagined.  

What stands out are the levels and a carefully mixed set of solid rhythms complimented by background vocals which tease the listener to listen closer to hear what's being said.  The lyrics are pure poetry which tap into and out of different modes of psychedelic sub-consciousness.  At times sounding like a mad scientist trying to explain the mysteries of life while on a heady trip into another dimension, the vocals give the tracks a new life and take the listener on a tour of a sonically rad-trip that you can appreciate as if put into a Zoo where the animals are actually scientific instruments monitoring your experience from within.  Hard to explain how cinematic the soundscapes are in 'Shambolic Neuromancers' but you can see for yourself in your minds-eye as you listen to this, the depth is ever-expanding.  Reading the 'Neuromancer' isn't a prerequisite to appreciate the dynamics of this album but I'm sure it's worth checking out when you get a chance (the book).  

If you can appreciate the falling-into-a-rabbit-hole-like chaos you'll be happy to find a comfort zone in this beautiful abyss.  

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

 (Thanks for letting me take a year off of writing reviews my loyal followers... the hiatus/rest was well-deserved!)  

{TRASH GODZ}

9.3 out of 10 

Echo Options - 2018 - Review

Hot Tropic by Reptile Tile

{Hot Tropic by Reptile Tile}

Reptile Tile has done it again!  This time it's even more power-pumped.  

           134 tracks clocking in at 7 hours worth of material, Reptile Tile has set new boundaries to cross into long term relationships with music.  This isn't your average jam band going-on-and-on with no sense of tasteful limits, this is carefully coordinated compositions which explore the eternal mystery almost as accurately as a science.  Beautiful psychedelic bliss like this could only be expressed in a vast and constantly expanding environment that still makes you feel at home and comfortable while still busy questioning how these master-craftspersons have manifested such a glorious big-bellied ship to carry us to a new promised land.  

         Setting the framework for a new conception of album consumption, this masterwork requires a long sit or a powerful standing grounding stance rooted in the positive vibrations from tracks like 'Snake Oil' which make you nostalgic for the old days.  You will be wondering how such kind human beings could have ever made all of this wealth available to the masses with such care and consideration for the listener and their experience.  You will feel lifted and exposed to the inner world which will be visited by the new breed of reptilian rockers.  If you want to know how it feels to have deep space-time distortions which lead to the most inspiring internal dialogues then this is the right album for you.  Sit back & relax and enjoy the show and the most epically glorious noises ever generated by molecular life in this dimension.  Crossing over into so many different genres may disorient some but for the initiated few they will understand the deep references and feel the justice these tracks to in service to their honor.   

        Without spoiling too many surprises, I will leave it up to you to experience the ride yourself.

Written by: Alroy Mellor

{Reptile Tile}

10 out of 10

Echo Options -  2016 -  Review

*MIDNIGHTERS~* by Pond Scum

{*MIDNIGHTERS~*  by Pond Scum}

1.  margaret jane

2.  themes of neoplatonism, platonihilism, plates of steel rhythm, and the gestapo

3.  the gfsf 

4.  freeze the clock

5.  aries

6.  am too

7.  head lopper

8.  incompatible genetalia 

9.  temptress

10.  i can no longer think in guitars

11.  drama club!  

12.  digitalis

13.  sexual betrayal

14.  ghost

15.  grow pretty or beautiful

16.  shopping whore / starmen

                   Get ready to listen to the sounds of the approaching summertime of your soul.  Rise and shine, these are quality electro-pop songs which are clearly better than the greats of the older generations.  Pond Scum has created something really worth listening to here.  You'll be dancing and clapping hearing these tracks while wondering how these time travelers have managed to find you in time to calm your wild heart and reassure you there are good people making amazing music all the time and here it is.

                   Behold a masterwork of glorious pop and, at sporadic but appropriate times, ambient joy noise and other escapades of sonic delights.  There are countless moments where this album completely takes over your consciousness leaving you comfortably in the hands of those who know how to guide you to an ultimate climax of enjoyment through tonal manifestations and psychic phenomena.  Keep this album close to your top 10 most played songs on your iTunes.  Without spoiling any surprises, I recommend hearing it for yourself and experiencing the magic.    

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

{Pond Scum, VA}

Echo Options -  Review -  2016

10 out of 10 stars

Emeralds of Opium by Sandcastle

{Emeralds of Opium by Sandcastle}

1.  dark deal
2.  blue tattoos (of angel wings)
3.  dust
4.  alone
5.  riding with the wind

_________________________________________________________________________

                    Sandcastle happens to be one of the best DIY bands from Philadelphia at this current juncture in human evolution.  Emeralds of Opium does a splendid job staying true to the original Sandcastle soundscape featuring whimsical and magical concepts made as sweetly and enjoyable as honky tonk pop-rock can be when under the control of a tasteful composer.  These songs are almost out of a space-time vortex connected to the 70's.  There's something very other-worldly yet timeless about these tracks which can only help to launch the creative mind to feel immediate inspiration (and at times heavy perspiration) at the rush of amazing tones and guitar riffs.  It hits right to the soul of what makes good rock and roll so addicting and fulfilling on a musical-spiritual level.  

                   I was fortunate enough to hear their album Kisses for Witches back in 2013 via Dingus and was blown away by the instrumentation complimented by the most gentle and beautiful vocals.  Recently I was even more fortunate enough to see their live set at Cha-Cha-Razzis last show with Moor Mother Goddess and R. R. Perkins, as well as other amazing acts.  

                                         This is a band to keep your eyes & ears tuned to.    

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

________________________________________________________________________

Echo Options - Review - 2015

10 out of 10 stars

Paraísos artificial by Daniel Yafalian

[ Paraisos artificial by Daniel Yafalian ]

1.  Bowduk (cuarto de yerra)

2.  Mercedes y Gaboto

3.  Paraísos artificial

4. Duerman Ovejas

5.  Solo en el monte

6.  Pequeño Mao

7.  blablablablablabla

8.  Carrusel

9.  Muerte en el tarde

10.  Columna Durruti

11.  Sergio Leone

                Having seen the film 'Gigante' by Adrián Biniez, I was immediately struck by a few key moments during the soundtrack and then I found out Daniel Yafalian was behind the best parts.  

                     This album is immensely lush and living as the soundscape goes from soothing experimental drone to forrest sound orchestra.  The ambience expresses so many different moods in a powerful storm of electroacoustic resonance coupled with dynamic dissonance and delivers as well as Brian Eno at his best.  Getting lost in the trance will increase the visualizations of the glory of sonic arrangements and the paradise which is present inside this work of immaculately structured tracks.  

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

10 out of 10*

Echo Optons - 2015- Review

Layman's Worms by Vanilla Lord

[Layman's Worms by Vanilla Lord]

1.  Worm Game

2.  The Tube (Cha-Chee-Cho)

3.  Mechanical Demands

4.  E_Rectangles 

5.  Zillion Weevils

6.  Heartworm (Returning)

                     The Philadelphia based musician known as Vanilla Lord is Mac Kennedy who leads the way with brilliantly syncopated vocal melodies and synthesizer harmonies.  Accompanied by three other fantastic musicians, they perform as professionally as they sound on their bandcamp page.  

                    This album specifically resonates to people who appreciate blissful up-tempo pop music mixed with indie synth rock.  You could possibly hear comparable qualities to bands like Islands, or Blitzen Trapper mixed with Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, perhaps even Arcade Fire.  

Written by: Alroy Mellor

10 out of 10* 

Echo Options - 2015 - Review

RTT Greatest Hits by Reptile Tile

{RTT Greatest Hits by Reptile Tile}

                       Whenever you find the time to listen to all these tracks you will be moved to tears at how perfect each track is so be prepared to cry a lot.  This album will take you through multiple layers of musical history and will test your ability to sit down and listen to the resonant voices of pure consciousness.  It's hard to play favorites because each track is more unique than the last and could be eligible for a guinness world record of some kind, it's that good.  It's almost as if these songs have always been written by the immortal reptilian beings who seem to be responsible for most of societies greatness, tho this might not be the case.  Going from beautiful electronic noise to lo-fi psychedelic grooves, Reptile tile enlightens the listening experience by being completely original for a gloriously extended period of time.

                      The messages in this album are powerful, "you've gotta love yourself before others can love you," while others are seriously hilarious and seem to be poking fun at the musical tropes and cultural units (or memetic entities) which appear time and again.  The content is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and don't worry if you can't listen to it all at once because you'll certainly want to hear it more than once.  These really are the greatest hits and Reptile Tile never ceases to impress with each song so there's always something to look forward to.  Get ready to be shocked at how talented this group is and prepare to merge into the everlasting greatness contained within this bandcamp album which is hands down the most entertaining collection of heartfelt bangers ever written by the hybrid-humans of reptile tile.  

Written by: Alroy Mellor

10 out of 10 *

Echo Options - 2015 - Review 

JNL by Janelle

 {JNL by Janelle}

1. Restore

2.  No Maps

3.  Man Town

4.  Hero

5.  Drive

6.  Bed of Lies

                     These local Philadelphia musicians are successfully packing a solid blend of lush shoegaze influences and carefully constructed three-piece rock & roll jams.  This album starts off like hardcore space punk that lifts off into pure experimental jam with a hint of grunge.  What stands out is the clarity of the bass on these tracks and the organic synchrony between the steady rhythms of the drum beats which are spectacular to listen to.  It's hard to skip any of these tracks but if you do be sure to skip to track 6 'Bed of Lies' which is a stand-out cut from this release.  Definitely comparable to many great indie bands that are also borderline synth pop but individuates efficiently enough to sound completely unique.  

                     Suicide Bong Tapes  has a glorious arrangement of other South Philly bands who explore a similar vibe of powerful punk and hardcore mixed with experimental indie jams.   

Written by: Alroy Mellor

{Janelle}

9 out of 10 *

Echo Options - 2015 - Review

Vision In Furs by Chemists // 化学者

{Vision In Furs by Chemists}

1.  Warm // Forever

2.  Heirloom Luna

3.  Vision in Furs

4.  It's Still You..

5.  Sayumi 

6.  Soundless

7.  Into Slow House

8.  The Deep Time Virtual

                       Chemists // 化学者 manifested a glorious gem of d.i.y. psychedelia inspired by shoegaze and chillwave in the form of 'Vision in Furs' which was recorded in June of 2014 in Richmond, Virginia.  Playing underground shows and dazzling audiences, the sounds are beautifully mastered forms of the spirit of the live show which are phenomenal to behold.      

                       With a magnetic splendor, this album will fuse your understanding of magnetism with the musical morphology as each track gravitationally lifts you to the pinnacle of human-natures wisdom in its purest form.  This is a psychedelic masterpiece which will stand the test of time.  As gently as it starts it gradually fades away into the softest fireworks display ever made.  The glimmer will work it's magic on you and put you in the place of your dreams.  Each track is a completely unique experience and the whole album is a must-have item for any lo-fi psychedelic collectors of sonic enhancements.            

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

{Chemists  // 化学者)

9 out of 10*

Echo Options - Review -2015

Vol. II by R. R. Perkins

 {Vol. II by R. R. Perkins}

1.  Motion

2. Stroll

3.  River Trail

4.  Tangled

5.  Mimi

6.  Sidewalk

7.  Wane

8.  Spectrum

                   A golden cohesion of classic sounds, the artist known as R. R. Perkins (Philadelphia, PA) has a musical depth to share with the world and does so marvelously well.  One must be prepared to be immediately elevated to a new plane of auditory appreciation and prepare for the relaxing walk into your ideal visionary paradise within your own imagination.

                   Inspirationally vast while in a very confined space, this album takes you on a pleasant and quick tour through the soundscape of R. R. Perkins sonic vision from the golden days.  Each song runs about a minute but your mind will be transported to a long winding dream trail through a serene field of opals resonating a chill frequency into the upper atmosphere.  The rhythms and the melodic hooks will pull you back for a few more listens before Vol. III comes out in December.  

{R. R. Perkins}

9 out of 10 *

Echo Options - Review - 2015

Serenity Calling... by Gurl Crush

{Serenity Calling... by Gurl Crush}

1.  Remind Me (prod. by d e t e n t e)

2.  Blind to Choose

3.  On My Own

4.  Satellite

5.  Don't Go To Waste

6.  Remind Me (Jeremiah Meece Mistake Mix)

7.  Blind to Choose (Schwarz Remix)

8.  Don't Go To Waste (d e t e n t e remix)

              With an artist like Gurl Crush it's hard to resist falling head over heels and forming immediate romantic attachments.  The first track 'Remind Me' will heal your soul if you've recently been involved with a miscommunication resulting in a "break-up" and will break-down the blues to bring you solace and much needed musical healing.  This track comes back as a remix later and is worth hearing a couple times until you've worked up enough courage to confront your insecurities and call your lover back and make up.  Similar themes reappear on this album and it's hard to escape the pure bliss of listening to someone who knows how to truly express their feelings eloquently and efficiently while staying on top of stylistic aesthetics.   Gurl Crush will save you at your darkest hour and bring you to the light of understanding what well composed and excecuted electronic dance music actually sounds like.

             Nina Pop record label based in Baltimore has a glorious set of releases of which 'Serenity Calling...' is an obvious standout work of brilliant synthesis of sound design.  Electronic pop has never been more refreshing to listen to and find sanctuary from the accumulated stress of society.  This album will improve the quality of your day and allow you to find out how to have a good time in spite of the oppressive circumstances.

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

{Gurl Crush}

9 out of 10*

Echo Options - Review - 2015

Shedio LP by The Snuggalos

{Shedio LP by the Snuggalos}

1.  Shoelace

2.  Wrestlemania

3.  Life is Butt a Dream

4.  I Seen a Ghewst

5.  My Channels

                   With a name like the Snuggalos you can rest assured you will receive a quality product.  Sure enough, here are some of the best songs ever written and recorded in 2015.  The levels of bliss which result from listening to Shedio LP are off the charts.  Right from the start you hear a delicious rawness combined with masterful taste arrangements under the radar of potential aliens in the distance.  The melodies will instantly stick in your mind and the instrumentation will amaze as the synthesizers support the addictive sound organization.  Only problem is the ending, I'm very sorry to hear the end of this album but looking forward to listening to this over and over again.  

                  I am happy to be haunted by these songs for the rest of my life and will always remind me of beautiful summer moments and all the ghosts I used to sleep with in the cemetery.    

Written by:  Alroy Mellor

10 out of 10*

Echo Options - Review - 2015

Real Virtual Unison by Negative Gemini

{Real Virtual Unison by Negative Gemini}

1.  Real Virtual Unison

2.  Forget Your Future

3.  Red Rose

4.  Hold U

                   Lindsey French's solo project Negative Gemini has been consistently impressive throughout the years and has now come to be recognized the world over.  This is an invigorating moment for 100% Electronica and a brilliant synthesis of hard work and genuine talent.  

                   This work borders on industrial pop in a dream factory set in a romantic fantasy reality tv-show drama while still capturing the essence of what makes chill & vaporwave music so enjoyable.  The smoothness and the simplicity make the focus much more distinguished thus you are more able to appreciate the vocals which are much more developed and dynamic, also perfectly leveled which put these songs in a league beyond typical sub-categorizations or parallels.  It's a contemporary transcending of the limitations of genre and results in a gorgeous and lush assembly of refined electronic aesthetics.   The overall affect of 'Real Virtual Union' is basically as breath-taking as taking a vacation next to a waterfall of synthesized vapor smoke in slow motion, in the best way possible.  Experiencing Negative Gemini in a live setting is a rare treat and always very memorable due to the high-quality of Lindsey French's immaculately conceived emotive abilities through phenomenal vocal performance skills.  Her newest single 'You Never Knew' has become immensely popular in only 5 days has almost 24,000 plays on Soundcloud.   

Written by: Alroy Mellor 

{Negative Gemini}

10 out of 10 *

Echo Options - Review - 2015

Fuel by Rhino Fight

 {Fuel by Rhino Fight}

1. Fuel

2.  Successors

3.  Bloodruns

4. Down with the Thickness

5. Backfire

6.  Afternoon Mood

7.  Mr. Runaway

8. Spent the Days

                Fuel is an eight track power-house under the control of the rambunctious Philadelphia pioneers of underground and basement D.I.Y. rap/hip-hop: Rhino Fight.  They have a mesmerizing quality which is evident in the excellent mixing and mastering by Mark Rascati.  Each track has a bouncing balance of beatific visions dirty dancing with some silly some serious concepts and shared experiences.  Marcus Clarke delivers dynamic and dramatic lyrics which can't help but bring on a smile and a good time.  Soulful backup vocals carry a lot of these tracks provided by Rascati and his multi-instrumental compositions and Clarke drops in the most cleverly cognizant creations of consciousness composed of vividly cinematic imagery.      

  

               Full of bass and sex-appeal, the lyrics don't always distract from the high quality musicianship but compliment each others layers of carefully composed symphonies of urban craftsmanship, poetically and tonally.  Rhino Fight makes it's case to be a leading force in the contemporary Philadelphia hip hop and rap scene with the potential to hit a wider audience of people who appreciate alternative/indie R&B and Hip Hop.  Only thing missing are the lyrics which would greatly add to the experience.  

   

Written by: Alroy Mellor

{Rhino Fight, original artwork 2015 by Marcus Clarke)

8 out of 10*

Echo Options - review - 2015