self-titled
Review: Keeley Valentino’s Self-Titled EP
Keeley Valentino released her self-titled EP just last month under the direction of her mentor, Matt Mangano of Zac Brown Band. The EP is Keeley’s third album, following her debut The Mechanics of Leaving and Three Cities, which was generated from her travels throughout San Francisco, Nashville and Los Angeles. Keeley’s music resembles a conglomerate of soulful Americana/Roots, country, pop and elements we have yet to harness and label. Early on Keeley observed that the genre-fitting compulsion was driven even by geography. She explains, “I’ve been told that I’m too country for pop and that I’m too pop for country. When I lived in Nashville, I was told I should move to LA to pursue my career – and when I got to LA, I was told to get on the next plane to Nashville…” (www.keeleyvalentino.com).
The first track on Keeley’s recent release – “Everything in Between” – is a track I immediately envisioned playing in the car on my next road trip. The song sets a virtuous precedent for the tracks to follow; the song’s inspiring energy is carried by Keeley’s confident and empowering female vocal.
Keeley described the origin of her lead single,”Little Things,” to American Songwriter; “It was a long and beautiful drive on a country stretch, and it just kind of came to me. I sang the first verse and the chorus over and over to myself in my car. When I got home, I worked out what I had in my head and finished it up. It felt like I had finally found the words to something I had wanted to say for a while.” “Little Things” speaks for itself and it comes as no surprise that the song has become a fan favorite, as Keeley’s heart can be heard through and through.
She closes the EP with “Burned” and “Underneath,” two stunning ballads to which we all can relate, but often fail to notice, let alone admit. Through these two tracks, we find surrogate catharsis of expired but lingering relationships in one and the motivation to unmask ourselves in the other.
Web: http://www.keeleyvalentino.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/keeleyvalentinomusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/keeleyvalentino
YouTube: http://youtube.com/keeleyvalentino
Instagram: http://instagram.com/keeleyv
Review: Angus & Julia Stone, Self-Titled
By: Andrew Kase
Angus and Julia Stone, as siblings, stand out among their songwriting duo and their kinship influence on their newly released self-titled album is deeply felt and palpable.
The first single from the album, “Heart Beats Slow,” proves to be just that, as one of the more radio-friendly tracks. “Main Street” is one of my favorites on the album because of the soft instrumentals and soothing mingle of harmonies from both Angus and Julia.
Julia’s raspy, yet light voice combined with Angus’ monotone sound mixes beautifully, not only on the aforementioned track, but also “A Heartbreak” — a song with a little more rock ‘n roll feel. Although the duo’s strength clearly lies in acoustic/folk music, as they every-so-slightly depart from these classifications, the transition is successful.
“Do Without” and “Death Defying Acts” continue to carry you on a sweet ride of synth and folksy beats and restful words. The former representing one of the more deeper tracks on the album, and the latter carrying a slower, intense sound throughout.
The album as a whole relays stories of love, heartache and the tribulations of life; their melancholy tunes are destined to move you, which remains one of the most appealing aspects of not only this 16-song creation, but the duo themselves.
The Stone’s self-titled album is breathtaking. They achieve an unprecedented grace about their style of music, combined with the originality of their lyrics and performance art, making them a unique act in today’s industry. They will stand the test of time because they have the power influence and relate to all who listen.
Watch Angus & Julia Stone’s performances at Live Deezer Sessions and their premiere video of “A Heartbreak” here:
HEARTSTRINGS MAGAZINE 