Songwriter Archives - Page 35 of 63

Sivu – I Hold (Feat. Marika Hackman)

Two favorites of Team B3 (and soon to be tourmates), Sivu and Marika Hackman connect for the haunting space pop of new track “I Hold”. Sivu, who following his breakthrough 2013, is currently at work on his debut album for Atlantic, working w/ Alt-J producer Charlie Andrew. “I Hold” draws out the best bits of each performer’s sound incl. Sivu’s penchant for melodically complementary atmosphere and Marika’s A+ ability to convey an emotionally varied and diverse yet focused vocal.

Sivu (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

11-26-13

PHOTOS: James Vincent McMorrow @ Joe’s Pub in New York City on 11/21/13

Live Show Reviews Songwriter

Like many we were very pleased to hear “Cavalier”, the return single from Irish songwriter James Vincent McMorrow. In anticipation of his forthcoming sophomore album Post Tropical due in January, James Vincent McMorrow is currently on tour throughout North America. Below you can check out some photos from his recent gig in NYC courtesy of B3SCI contributor and photographer Eliana Siegal. Check out Post Tropical this January and be sure to catch James Vincent McMorrow on tour because he’s a talent to not be missed!

James Vincent McMorrow (Official) (Facebook) (iTunes)

*For more JVM, check out this early interview with him from the B3-vault in 2011

reviewed by b3

11-26-13

Avid Dancer – Stop Playing With My Heart

Rock Songwriter Track Reviews

There’s a few things that we know about the new project from Jacob Summers a.k.a. Avid Dancer. Born in Tennessee, raised in Alaska and now based in LA, Avid Dancer has already hit the local music scene pretty strong. Having opened for the likes of Born Ruffians, Night Terrors of 1927 and supporting Wild Belle, Avid Dancer has impressed the hipster breeds from Silver Lake to Echo Park. Now offering a first recording to the public, “Stop Playing With My Heart” hits all the chords with its throwback pysch-pop sound and misty, L.A. feel. Look for more big things to come for Avid Dancer in 2014. Reviewed by Brian Litwin

Avid Dancer (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

11-22-13

Howard Ivans – Pillows

Songwriter Soul Track Reviews

Ah yes, soul. The wonderfully soulful melodies and warm instrumentals (comfortable horns, soothing jazz-inflected guitar, riight you get the picture) of Gayngs affiliate Howard Ivans “Pillows” are next level. “Pillows” is the b-side to Howard Ivans “Red Boy” single which is out today on Spacebomb Records.

Howard Ivans (Purchase)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

11-19-13

Bird to Beast – Winter Snow

Songwriter Track Reviews

The intricately constructed style of The Beach Boys baroque pop of “Winter Snow” succeeds on its inventive, nearly cinema-like, use of melodic tension and dynamic mood. Part of a Double A-side release (w/ “Elephant”), Beard to Beast’s “Winter Snow” will see a release on January 13th via MUK Records.

Bird to Beast (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

11-19-13

Misty Miller – Petrified (demo)

Songwriter Track Reviews

The instrumentally spare but melodically quite accomplished “Petrified”, a new demo from London-based Misty Miller, is a track with its actual genesis in the songwriter’s early teens. Miller recalled recently re-discovering the song, “”I wrote this song when I was 15, but never recorded it and rarely played it live. In the past year I found it became relevant to my life again. So I worked on it, and what was once simply a song about a 15 year old girl afraid to meet up with a guy has now matured into complexity.” Misty Miller’s currently at work on an album which will be out sometime next year.

Misty Miller (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

11-18-13

Angel Olsen – Forgiven/Forgotten

Rock Songwriter Track Reviews

Previewed below is the excellent gritty latest track from Jagjaguwar artist Angel Olsen “Forgiven/Forgotten”. Built on a relentless guitar snarl, crashing drums and Ms. Olsen’s taking y’all to task vocal “Forgiven” is another standout song from the Chicago artist. Angel Olsen’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness LP is out February 18th on the aforementioned Jagjaguwar.

Angel Olsen (Purchase)

Rating 8.1

reviewed by b3

11-14-13