Anonymous asked:

Do you take review requests?

Absolutely! Part of the reason I started this blog was to hopefully get to listen to some more music! (sorry for the very late reply)

Tape #2 - Rainy Days

Hey I haven’t been active in a while and I probably won’t be that active just because I got a new job that I’m going to be busy with for the next few months. Not like anyone reads these anyways. I plan on maybe dropping a review on Kodaline’s new album and a review on Nothing But Thieves’ Broken Machine as I went to their concert last week. Anyways without further ado, this is tape #2. A perfect mix for a rainy fall afternoon. I live in the Pacific Northwest so I listen to this a lot. 

1. The Night We Met - Lord Huron

2. Please Don’t Leave Quite Yet - Adam Agin

3. All I Want - Kodaline

4. Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran

5. C’est La Mort - The Civil Wars

6. Come Back When You Can - Barcelona

7. Fresh Pair Of Eyes - Brooke Waggoner 

8. Believe - Mumford & Sons

9. She Burns - Foy Vance

10. Flicker - Niall Horan

11. Barcelona - George Ezra

12. Move Together - James Bay

13. Like Real People Do - Hozier

https://8tracks.com/wearecastaways/tape-2-rain

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Tape #1 (Slow Late Night Drives)


Hey! So a big reason why I made this blog was so that I’d be able to share my music with others. I LOVE how music and put you in a certain mood, and after receiving a cassette player along with blank cassette tapes for my 15th birthday, I decided to make mixtapes that each display a certain mood. The first tape I made I’m sharing with you (there will be an 8tracks playlist down below). Each of my tapes are 13 tracks, as 13 is my favourite number and I find that 13 tracks is a good length for a mix. This first mix is meant for a late night drive where you can just sit and think. I made this mix as I was going through a rough time, and I found myself often going to this tape as it’s just a great mix of songs to listen to just to clear your head. There’s a few that relate a lot to mental health, like Brain, and some beautiful and sad love songs. So without further ado, here are the 13 tracks.

1. Drive - Halsey: I’m not going to write about all of the songs but this song is the first track as it starts with the sound of a cassette being put into the stereo and the song is about driving so I felt it was the perfect way to begin.

2. Somebody Else - The 1975

3. You Won’t Know Where You Stand - Aquilo

4. TALK ME DOWN - Troye Sivan

5. Winterbreak - MUNA

6. rock + roll - EDEN

7. Greek Tragedy - The Wombats

8. Magic - Coldplay

9. Brain - Banks

10. Medicine - Daughter

11. Skeletons - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

12. Twenty Twelve - Matt Maeson

13. fallingforyou - The 1975: This is probably my favourite song of all time just to let ya know.

Please trust me this is a really good mix and I’d love to share it with you. Here is the 8tracks link: https://8tracks.com/onderlauren/tape-1-late-night-drives-1 give it a listen and tell me what you think!

Also: right now the cover art is just a photo I found online so if you want to make me something that suits the aesthetic that’d be pretty cool. Thanks!

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EP Review: Matt Maeson - Who Killed Matt Maeson (2017)

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REMINDER: THIS REVIEW IS MY OPINION AND NOT FACT. EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINIONS.  

Matt Maeson is a singer-songwriter from Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. Maeson was raised in a musical, Christian family as his parents worked as musicians who performed for prison ministries. His first project, “Who Killed Matt Maeson,” was released in the spring of last year.

I’m going to be completely honest, this EP came out during a dark time of my life and was probably my favorite project of last year, or even one of my favorites of all time. So before we dive in, I want to let you know that this is going to be a very positive review. I cannot recommend this EP enough.

1.       Grave Digger – This is a great opener to the album, as it displays a common theme Maeson talks about in his music: how he is the reason for all of his problems. In this case, he compares himself to a grave digger, this especially true in the bridge where he says that he’s “digging [his] own grave.” Maeson also seems to talks about religion in this track when he says “tell me if I run away, how long will I bleed?” which seems to be referencing that if he were to leave Christianity, how much would it hurt him? Overall, Maeson shines vocally on this track and it’s very well put together.

2.      Cringe – Cringe was the first single from this EP and Maeson’s “breakout” hit. Maeson has said in an interview that cringe is about how when he’d return home from tour, people would often judge him for how he’s changed, and how this song addresses them by asking “do I make you cringe?” Maeson isn’t afraid to own up to the fact that he’s changed, whether in a positive or negative way. Maeson’s vocals are once again very powerful, as he proves himself as an outstanding vocalist on this project, and the quick guitar strums are enough to keep you hooked. It’s an acoustic anthem, even if that does seem a bit contradictory.

3.       Me And My Friends Are Lonely – The third track on this EP once again displays how Maeson isn’t going to hold back. He writes about how he is unable to open up to a lover because he never thought he’d had to and even goes as far to admit that he “always thought [he’d] be the one to die alone.” The second verse really stands out to me as Maeson sings it in a Sheeran-like style, where it seems to flow off his tongue so easily but can’t quite be classified as rap. Altogether, this is a well rounded song, even if it does fall short compared to some of the others on the EP.

4.      Straight Razor – As we begin to get into the slower (and my opinion better) side of the EP, Maeson delivers the powerful track “Straight Razor.” I can’t quite lay my finger on what makes this song so spectacular, whether it’s once again Maeson’s voice or his deeply meaningful lyrics. Maeson seems to be crying out for help in this tracks and how he “tried to start caring” and how he tries “to convince [himself] he’s worth it.” Maeson seems to be struggling with his faith once again on this track saying how they’ll “lie with [their] strange and fitting purpose.” The song continues to build as time goes on, and even adds what seems to be a children’s choir near the end. I cannot do this song justice by just writing about it, you’ll have to hear it for yourself.

5.       Tribulation – Maeson once again pushes his lover away, opening the track by saying “darling can’t you see I’m a broken man with addictive tendencies,” and that he “doesn’t ever think [he] can ever learn how to love just right.” Maeson sounds broken on this track and you can hear it throughout the song. It’s tragically beautiful, and not in a cheesy way, as you can hear how hard Maeson is trying to treat this girl right but how he has to accept that he’s hurting her by being with her. In the bridge he admits that he thinks he’s “better on [his] own” but that he “get’s so lost in [her].”

6.       Twenty Twelve – The closer on this track is short, but that doesn’t prevent it from being one of my favorites. Maeson seems to be debating with himself, wondering if he can maybe “cope to a life without hope.” He wants to know if he can move passed these demons and pretend that they don’t exist, but then asks “How could I leave if I know what’s out there?” I cannot think of a better closer to this EP.

Maeson proves himself as an excellent singer-songwriter in this project and shows just how willing he is to be open in his music. Maeson also demonstrates that loads of production isn’t what makes a good song, as an acoustic guitar is the lead instrument in most of the tracks. For me, being a Christian, I cannot help but love Maeson’s willingness to talk about his faith and struggles with it. This EP is full of great tracks with lyrics that will hit you in the gut. I cannot stress how much I recommend this EP.

Best Tracks: Cringe, Straight Razor, Tribulation, Twenty Twelve

Worst Tracks: N/A

Rating: 10/10

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EP Review: Hozier - Nina Cried Power (2018)

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REMINDER: THIS REVIEW IS MY OPINION AND NOT FACT. EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINIONS.  

After four years of musical silence, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier comes back with a four song EP, his first release since his self-titled album in 2014. His first album explored a blues and folk sound, and this EP is no different.

1.       Nina Cried Power (feat. Mavis Stapes) – This haunting title track is a great opener for this short EP. Hozier’s vocals during the chorus as he actually cries “power” are on par, especially as they are joined by a backing choir. Stapes also performs very well vocally and compliments Hozier’s voice fairly well. Stapes’ bridge adds a little bit of a change of pace before coming back into the soaring chorus. I really enjoy the clapping drum in this track as well.

2.       NFWMB (Nothing Fucks With My Baby) – This song starts out beautifully, Hozier’s voice is layered during the first voice and complimented by a soft guitar. As we get into the chorus, I find myself enjoying the song less as Hozier sings “nothing fucks with my baby.” I can’t lay my finger on why I begin to dislike it, but I feel it negatively changes the tone of the song. Overall, it’s still a decent song, just the worst on the EP in my opinion.

3.       Moments Silence (Common Tongue) – This song is my favorite on the EP. I enjoy the guitar in the background and the almost roaring 20s feeling it gives in the chorus. Hozier really belts out the chorus and it’s something you can’t help but tap your foot to.

4.       Shrike – Shrike is a longer slow song that explores Hozier’s Irish roots. Hozier’s voice remains calm and soothing in the first verse and then goes into head voice during the chorus which is absolutely breathtaking. The added violin in the second chorus is a beautiful touch, as I am a sucker for strings.

Hozier comes back into the music scene with four solid tracks. None of them necessarily are much different than his debut, the most different probably being Moments Silence (Common Tongue). Hozier writes a lot about religion in this EP, something he was known for mocking in his breakout hit Take Me to Church. He hasn’t seemed to change much in his four year break, and for some that might be a good thing but for others, such as myself, they might find themselves wondering if he will ever evolve musically. Overall, this short listen is a great soundtrack for your Halloween.

Rating: 7/10

Best Tracks: Nina Cried Power, Moments Silence (Common Tongue), Shrike

Worst Tracks: NFWMB

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Album Review: Troye Sivan - Bloom (2018)

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 REMINDER: THIS REVIEW IS MY OPINION AND NOT FACT. EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN OPINIONS.

Sivan shed’s the indie-alternative sound he had in his debut album, Blue Neighbourhood, and comes back older and wiser in his sophomore release, Bloom. Bloom, nicknamed “the sex album” by Sivan himself, shows that he isn’t afraid to really dive into his sexuality, something he was more hesitant to do on his debut. The record also has a happier tone, both sonically and lyrically. This album is filled with 80s influenced timeless pop bangers and love songs, that almost come across a little cliché, to his current boyfriend, model Jacob Bixenman.

1.       Seventeen – Sivan opens his sophomore album with Seventeen, a track that tells the listener that he isn’t afraid to open up. Sivan has stated the song is about how he would hook up with older guys on Grindr when he was 17 and still discovering his sexuality. He said in an interview that he didn’t want the song to come off predatory but that he didn’t want to promote it either. He says that he doesn’t “[look] back [on] those experiences in a negative or a positive light.”

Seventeen is probably the most similar sounding song to his debut album, Blue Neighbourhood. The song definitely gets better as it goes on, as the production continues to build up even though the lyrics don’t seem to change much. My favorite part of the song is a few instrumental bars with just Sivan’s backing vocals and a twinkling sound before the drums kick in and the chorus comes back with some extra back-up vocals. I also really enjoy the added guitar near the end of the track.

All in all, Seventeen is a solid song, although I’m not sure if it’s the perfect start for the album as it has a dark tone whereas the rest of the album has a lighter tone.

(Also, side note: I listened to the vinyl exclusive reprise, and it’s so beautiful so definitely try to check that out)

2.       My My My! – Although Bloom opened with a bit of a darker tone, My My My pulls Sivan away from his dark alternative pop in Blue Neighborhood and towards a new, fun, 80s inspired pop song. My My My is definitely a banger and shows that you can still dance to music even if it doesn’t have a beat drop. The lyrics aren’t anything special in this song, but they aren’t meant to be, the soaring chorus is what this song is all about. My My My displays the perfect mood of a love that is just beginning, when you can’t seem to get your hands off each other. The production on the first few seconds is absolutely spectacular and I love how the song slows down and then picks itself back up again every time the chorus comes back around. I love Troye’s vocals on the last chorus and the “ooohs” in the background. My My My is a timeless song that was the perfect choice as the leading single.

3.       The Good Side – This song is easily my favorite on the album, I’m a sucker for beautiful slow songs. I love the opening and closing production and how it goes into a nice acoustic guitar driven song. The production that takes the place of a chorus is beautiful and I love how his voice echoes on the second verse. The lyrics are beautiful as well, as Sivan reflects on a previous relationship and break up, and how he feels sorry for he knows that the break up didn’t affect him much, but did negatively effect the other person. He thanks the previous lover as he “taught him to love” and hopes that they can “meet in the spring,” when the wounds have healed. Sivan remains very self aware as he knows that he “found arms to fall right into,” but he hopes that one day he’ll understand. I love the production on this sound as it’s such a beautiful, tear-jerking song, but I also love how mature Sivan is about this break up. He still cares about the other person and wishes the best for them and that isn’t always the case.

4.       Bloom – The title track is another pop jam. Sivan has stated that he initially wrote this song as a joke, which explains some of the lyrics, especially the opening lyrics “take a trip into my garden.” This was the second single from the album, and although it doesn’t hold up to the expectation My My My started, this song definitely isn’t something you want to skip. The deep, edited, voice on the bridge may catch you off guard the first time, it’s definitely something you’ll enjoy in later listens. The song is fun, and although like My My My, it’s not anything special lyrically, it’s still something you’ll catch yourself singing along to in repeated listens. It’s a gay anthem and Sivan performs very well in it.

5.       Postcard (feat. Gordi) – This is a beautiful, piano driven song. Although the beginning metaphor of Sivan’s love being like a postcard that his lover “didn’t give a fuck” about even though he sent it from Japan and “even wrote it in Japanese” is a little bit of a stretch and may make you want to ignore it completely, Australian singer’s, Gordi, contribution is something you don’t want to miss. Sivan and Gordi’s voices mix very well together at the end of track, and I will say that Gordi did save the track from being one of my least favorites of the album. The lyrics do make me cringe a little bit, I still can’t help but love this song. But I will say, his performance of this song on his album release day with a string quartet is better than the original song in my opinion, so if you don’t like this at least check that out because the violins will for sure make you fall in love with the song.

6.       Dance to This (feat. Ariana Grande) – When this song came out, I was at first very disappointed as I was a fan of both Sivan and Grande and found that they didn’t shine as bright as I would’ve hoped. However, after I got passed this with repeated listens, I found myself with bopping my head along with the drum beat and it popping into my head at random times. I enjoy the breathing in the background and the heavier drums during the bridge. Sivan and Grande’s voices do mesh together very well, but they are not the stars of the show, it’s the beautiful production. I also enjoy the lyrics, talking about not wanting to go out and just wanting to stay home. The bridge did catch me off guard at first, but I find myself now thoroughly enjoying Sivan and Grande speaking as they say “I don’t wanna sleep tonight, I just wanna take that ride.” There is no particular moment in this song that stands out, but the song as a whole is a nice, mellow, pop song even if it wasn’t what I expected.

7.       Plum – I’m a little divided on this song, it’s very bittersweet. I really enjoy the production, especially the guitar after the chorus. It’s definitely a song you can dance to, and I love how the song pulls back when Sivan sings “Maybe our time has come.” I like how it’s an upbeat song even if it’s speaking about how Sivan is unsure if a relationship will last.

So with all of those positives, I can’t help but cringe at how Sivan compares this relationship to a rotting fruit when he says “even the sweetest plum has only got so long.” Maybe it’s just me that doesn’t enjoy this metaphor, but I just find it lazy. It’s trying to create this aesthetic that just doesn’t work in my opinion.  I enjoy this song a lot when I’m not focusing on the lyrics, and it’s playing in the background but whenever I really pay attention, I cannot help but hate those lyrics.

8.       What A Heavenly Way to Die – I don’t have much to say about this song. I really enjoy the track, how Sivan is saying that he’s going to die with this lover and that “forever ain’t half the time [he] wants to spend with [him].” I love the drums in this track, especially during the bridge which arguably is one of the best moments of the album. It’s a great deepcut, but not something I’d particularly pull out on it’s own. It fits the album very well, but I don’t see it going anywhere beyond that which is okay.

9.       Lucky Strike – Another fun love song. I don’t particularly enjoy the opening verse and the production on Sivan’s voice, but as the song get’s into the pre-chorus and then into the chorus I find myself enjoying the song more and more. I like the background synthesizers when Sivan says “tell me all the ways to love you.” I don’t like how Sivan reuses the lyrical cliché “a hit of dopamine, higher than I’ve ever been.” Comparing love to a drug is one of the least original things an artist can do, it’s one of my biggest pet peeves in music. Other than that, it’s a solid song that I enjoy whenever I hear.

10.   Animal – Animal is a perfect love song. The production is beautiful, the lyrics are beautiful and don’t come across as cliché unlike some of the others on his lovesongs, altogether it’s a great song. I love how the production picks up on the second verse and the added drums in the chorus. The short snippets of electric guitar are a perfect addition and the switch up during the bridge keeps this song from being like so many others. It’s the perfect closer to a love-song driven album.  I love the way the production pulls back near the end of the song for that short drum riff. I don’t have to say much about this song because it speaks for itself.

In conclusion, Bloom shows Sivan straying from his dark Blue Neighbourhood sound into a more mature, fun, pop sound. Sivan is growing into a great popstar and has also progressed vocally since his last release. The production is definitely an improvement on this album, especially the opening and closing production of each of the tracks, which are often the best parts. I do believe that lyrically, this album is a step back from Blue Neighbourhood, an album with songs like HEAVEN which dive into some mature topics. Altogether this is a fun pop release and a perfect way to start out a new school year.

Rating: 8/10

Best Songs: The Good Side, Animal, What A Heavenly Way to Die, Lucky Strike, My My My!

Worst Songs: Plum

(Side Note: This is my first review and I also wrote it very late so please bear with me I am trying to figure it out. Thank you so much for reading this.)

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Hello!

Hey, I wanted to just let give you some details about this blog.

This blog will mostly be dedicated to music reviews, specifically album reviews. I'll mostly be covering alternative, pop, singer-songwriter, rock, indie, and punk rock music as those are the genres that I listen to the most. I would really enjoy getting into hip-hop and r&b, but I really don't want to give an album a bad review just because I don't like the genre.

Especially in the beginning, the reviews I'll be doing will be mostly on albums I really enjoy and want to share with others, so don't get annoyed that all the things I'm reviewing have high ratings.

I'll try to also cover current releases and if there is anything you want me to review, my messages are open!

I'll try to do at least one album review a week, but it depends on how busy my life is. This is nothing more than a hobby.

I'm thinking that at the end of each month I'll maybe to a short post about what songs/artists I was listening to throughout the month. We'll see how that goes.

I also make mix tapes, each 13 tracks, which is just a mix of songs that fit a specific mood. I'm thinking I'll release the tracklists to those every once in a while along with a link to an 8-tracks playlist of the mix.

This is also a place for discussion so feel free to ask me things about music, I'm open to discussion. I love sharing music so you can ask me for music recommendations or give me some, this is meant to be an open place.

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