Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

I previously reviewed a track from Shid Latta here , and was impressed with his delivery and lyricism. This time around he’s got a new record out, and a single that smashes together some incredible beats, in order to create a whole new track of epic proportions. This track, “High” produced by Hippie Sabotage drops serious lyrical elements. Shid Latta bounces through serious emotional heart felt lyrics about loss and the honesty is up front. It hits you hard with reality, and if you’ve ever loved and lost you know exactly what he’s talking about with this track. I’ve heard a lot of remixes and productions, but this is one that is done right. Right when you think you’ve figured out where this is going, Shid Latta comes through with a different take, a new verse, and rolls it into the beats with relative ease. It’s the craft that really works here, and promotes the right elements of hip hop with a far more diverse range of ideas than you would normally expect. By the time you hit th...

“Circle Round” sold me on Rasplyn’s release. “Scenes Through The Magic Eye” filled my office with music that seemed to drive me into a circle of artistry, I had been pining for all day. It hadn’t been a great day here at Sell Out Records HQ, but as soon as I started to pay more attention to Rasplyn’s release, I was drawn into a world of beauty, art, and magic. This compelling first track is an exciting introduction into a world of musical clarity that should not be ignored. On this release of 7 tracks, you get layered musical instrumentation, compelling and artistic vocals, with a “world music” vibe that is hard to narrow down. It’s not really “one” thing, as it is pure art. There’s bits and pieces from all sorts of sounds, instruments, and elements that are very much artistic in nature. From far off lands to symphony inspired notes, to beautiful landscapes of musical creativity, you’re really taken on a journey through time and space. “Priestess of the Goddess” for example, is a t...

Raving Wild releases a track that not only encompasses what I hear on rock radio right now (106.7 KROQ L.A) but the kind of heart felt music that connects with you on a visceral level. With a mix of the 1980s introspective lyricism you’d except from The Cure and touches of folk like guys like Mumford and Sons, to a whole new spin on the genre, you get pushed into an anthem that will have you singing along in no time. In fact, I was very impressed with the way “Raving Wild” pushes you into the song with a good deal of focus on leading you down an adventure. From the first notes, through the chorus and guitar notes, you are given a sound that is eclectic, and very much honest. It’s catch, it’s fun, it has soul and that’s something that you don’t always get with these types of songs. There’s a certain urgency in this song, and you are going to tap your feet, and absolutely fall in love with the chorus. Overall, this is one hell of a single, and really does a lot to put a stamp on wh...

Miriam Crespo got me, right in the heart with this track. This folk, country, rock tune is such a good mix of music. It’s got a real folk sound, but with an indie push that reminds me a bit of Neko Case, but a bit more mature in sound. This is a very heart filled website, and it’s the first track from the artist’s upcoming record. This is a strong song full of emotion. It tells a story, and it paints you a picture. It’s as though someone is there with you, talking to you about the world around them. I found myself having to listen to this track several times as the overall emotion poured through the lyrics. There’s always something unique about folk and country singers, especially when you start to break down the overall flow of their vocals and connect the dots of their backing bands. Miriam Crespo’s vocals flow nicely over the eclectic band that gives you several notes to float on. I love the interludes, the notes, and the vocals which all connect to the soul. I love it. “Thi...

Shane Sebastian complete floored me with the track “LA LA”. I wasn’t really sure what to expect upon first hearing the track, and as soon as it got into gear, I was sold on the song. Within a minute, you’ll find yourself swimming in a world of emotion. It’s a lovely tune with some very introspective and eclectic moments. I loved hearing the balance here, moving through a strong vocal arrangement, and good sound amidst layered music. You will find that the song really comes alive around a minute, as things really come together in such a strong manner. You may find yourself thinking about David Bowie in how the vocals are dynamic on this tune. They elevate the song to another level, and definitely brings forth a great emotional connection. Acoustic guitar work, electronic elements, and powerful vocals lead through “LA LA”, and it’s hard to really put your finger on. So many pieces come together here and the song really shines. Shane Sebastian has a real winner here, and I am comple...

Panda Bear is the brain child of Noah Lennox. Don’t remember that name? Well, he’s the founding member of Animal Collective, and the guy has been pushing music for quite some time. In this release he takes a bottle, smashes it open, and then makes art of the pieces. I mean that in a musical way, as this is an experimental EP that delivers on all the right pieces, and creates an image of the artist that you are not going to find with other albums right now. “Mr. Noah” is an EP that is all over the place in consideration of arranging music. It doesn’t have a set genre, although the electronic vibe is definitely in place here. You get a mosaic of sounds when you listen, and it’s very creative, and personal on many levels. “Faces In The Crowd” stands out as my favorite track, as it goes up and down in terms of sound design and features some very interesting notes. I like the way it flows through the noise and comes together with vocals that are all but poignant, and saturated underneat...

Kava took the idea of recording tracks in 3 cities, each one for each member’s home town and created what very well may be the most creative use of electronic music you’ve heard in a minute. “Transmissions” is set to be released in 11/11, and it’s by far one of the coolest fusions of digital music you’re going to hear this year. It’s presented with a certain passion that really comes through on the record. I found myself not only listening to this at home with my cats, but also streaming it on my phone while I did a quick session at my local skate park. There’s a vibrancy found here that moves your ears , with some robotic elements that rival some of the artists you may already know. I thought “Elevation Repair” was right out of the book of Gandalf’s Beat Machine, but right when I wanted to peg this as a comparison, there’s a balance that shocks the system and creates something new. I like how you can’t predict where the tracks are going, and there’s a fluidity to this that is very...

Sursum Verbo has released a strong contender for my favorite record this year. I know I say that a lot, but seriously, there’s so much good music coming across my desk that I don’t know what to do with myself. This is another shining gem for me, and as soon as I heard “9 Volt” I was sold. The track reminds me of early Tooth and Nail Records releases, when they were still pushing art and music together. This is a classic example of indie rock, but with a twist here and there. With “Fool” Sursum Verbo tap into something that makes indie rock so good. The record uses a steady stream of guitar, percussion, and strong vocals to create a resounding sound that echoes across your home. I turned it up loud, and tried to dance with my kitty. She was having none of it, granted she just got spayed and is mad at me, but still this is a solid recording. On the track “What You Can”, I was sold with the bass line intro. As a bass player myself, I always love strong bass lines coming up front, and ...

John Neal is an artist from Little Rock, Arkansas and upon listening to his latest self-titled release, I can truly say I’m a fan. His new record is out now and fuses together a southern rock gospel that is going to completely blow you away. (Not gospel as in religious, but you know the blues/rock sound) Whatever the case is, this is one hell of a release and it definitely deserves to get cranked up. It’s hard hitting from the opening track “Mexico City” through the last track of “Call on Me”. Diving into the roots of blues music and bring out some stellar rock is hard for even established artists, but John Neal makes it seem easy. Bring together the best parts of several genres, the presentation on the record is quite good. It has a country tinge, but it’s not country, it has a rock feel but it’s not just pure rock, it’s built on solid song structure, good lyrical elements, and just plays through like a crossover record right out of CMT. Don’t misunderstand though, there’s more ...

“Instant Drone” is the latest release from Figures of Light, and it’s a sonic boom of frequency, and audio communication. It’s a vibrant display of musical orchestration done in the most unique manner I’ve heard in a long time. This instrumental track pushes the boundaries of creativity in such a scope, that it becomes difficult to really give it comparison. Think Joy Division, Statistics, or Starflyer 59, or perhaps Sonic Youth on this track. There’s a variety of noise, feedback, and guitar work that is made to come together like a kaleidoscope. The fusion of the different sounds and melodies work very well here, and it is far and away the most unique track I’ve heard in music in a long time. You will not be able to stay away from what Figures of Light is doing here, and upon first listen, you’re going to be blown away. It’s a hypnotic tune that takes you to another landscape, a ride through what Rod Serling would introduce you to before going to a place of not only sight and soun...

There was a time when I would purchase every single record released from Jade Tree Records. When playing the latest War Poets disc, I was brought back to that era in my life. Jade Tree introduced me to this type of song writing. It wasn’t emo, it was indie, but it had more lyrical integrity than the genres, it had a deep sense of communication and emotion that made me a music fan of all genres. It’s with that in mind that War Poets have created an outstanding EP that molds and shapes musical genres into something pure. With the release of “Hot and Cold: American Relationships”, you are driven through several themes, melodies, and songs that will be welcomed by even the hardest of critics. This all starts very well with “Say No More”, and goes through “Perfect One”, “Upside Down”, and an introspective “Know The Way”, before coming through on the last 2 tracks in full circle of musical themes. The lyrical elements are all very well put together, throwing together a mix of emotions th...

Hong Kong Danger Duo is such a cool name, I wish I would’ve thought of it first. The release of their debut EP marks an incredible start to what very well may become a long career for this band that plays a mix of rock fused with lots of genres, and definitely defies the monikers I can think of. The self-titled EP starts strong with “Haymaker’s Son” and drives through layered guitar riffs, percussion, and strong vocals amidst electronic backdrops. There’s so much here, that you’ll have a hard time pinpointing any one given direction, and that’s a powerful thing with this debut. The songs flow together with a strong blues rock feel, but there are moments of metallic glory, and a streamlined fuzz that is going to definitely pique your interests. With “City Smog” you get a southern rock style, and some nice guitar work flowing with lyrical elements that are stronger than what you will hear on the radio today. It’s a strong second song, and leads right into the heavy “Flatline” to fini...

Whole Wheat Bread is a band that doesn’t get enough credit today. I first saw them in 2006 (I think) when they toured with Reel Big Fish and MXPX. They opened the show and it was a spectacular display of punk rock ethos by three individuals that knew how to write a hook and drive through some catchy songs. The trio was able to rap too so it wasn’t all just punk rock elemental displays. I found their work to be quite good and ended picking up their record that day. They’ve been bouncing around the underground scene and even put out a record with my man MURS (I don’t really know MURS), and that was solid. In 2009, they put out “Hearts of Hoodlums” and I still think it should get more spins than it does. In my attempt to shine light on more music within this site, I am going to recommend you look up this record, and pick it up. This record features everything you’d expect from a new school punk rock record, but it has a lot of themes and ideas that would permeate with urban, Africa...

Ok, so I didn’t cry, but wow, what a voice. Thorne’s “The Parade” is one of the most incredible songs I’ve heard in a long time. It’s powerful, and it features incredible lyrical elements, amidst tracking that is nothing short of breath taking. At the chorus point I was completely enthralled with this track, and I could see it play through the moments of my life. I could see moments of happiness, sadness, and introspection come through as I listened to the beauty come through the speakers. I absolutely love the mix here, with passionate singing and percussion that comes through with acoustic guitar work. I am completely impressed by the ease of the musical landscape painted here, as it truly shines with such an easy going attitude. At the second minute, I found myself in a whole new world of music. “I want you to cry”, the lyrics come through and hit me hard. Thorne has a way of singing to me, as if I were the only one in the audience, and that’s the sign of an incredible artist. W...