American Grim is renowned for their explosive live performances. Critics have noted their “powerful and polished performance” where they “pour every ounce of themselves” into the show. Their stage show is notably physical, with Ryan incorporating acrobatic elements, including jumping off drum kits, leading to the practical decision to use “a beat-up kit and just trash the shit out of it on stage.” 

American Grim is signed to Entertainment One (eOne) Records.

So let’s have a listen …

I love that the track starts with an alien keyboard/synth sound over a string section. The vocals kick in – heavily effected with the alien soundscape continuing. About 30 seconds in, we get our first metal growling yell. And then the band kicks in. “What really happened in Roswell?” “The secrets their hiding will be kept in the dark.” The drums are epic on this song.

I like that the vocals are clear and easily understood, even over the metal burning edge and the scream/shouting vocals underneath. Nice vocal break in the middle of the song, without the full band. Then the full band, heavy guitars, kicks in with the alien soundtrack still over the top. Nicely constructed song, arrangement, and mix. I would definitely listen to more of this band. The heavy guitars and backing vocals remind me of Korn.

SCORE/Excellent: American Grim hits megahard with their new single “Secrets of Roswell.” Dreamy vocals paired against scream singing. From the first alien soundtrack to the full heavy metal band, the track reminds me of Korn. Which is a very good thing. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Facebook
Instagram
Website

The post American Grim – Secrets of Roswell (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

If you’re familiar with Paul Rodgers, Paul McCartney and Daryl Hall, you’ll definitely appreciate this body of work. He also has stated that he is one of the best vocalists around, with this album serving as proof of that statement. John also singlehandedly wrote and produced all of the songs too.

The lead single from this release, ‘Ruby Red’, was released on August 18.

The song ‘Who’s In Town?’ begins with an exhilarating twist, taking tremolo trends of past rock-pop acts with a bit more mastering and excitation. From the syncopation to the way he delivers his verses, he almost reminds me of a new version of Tin Machine and David Bowie. It has a vintage flair to it, which will definitely enthuse listeners who crave a livelier take on classic rock.

The next tracks on the album follow suit with this pattern, presenting us with more exhilarating soundscapes that are chock-full of character and even motivic variation through the solos, with tracks like ‘Raining’ and ‘Ruby Red’. He also possesses a lot of spunk and character, similar to Aerosmith’s main vocalist, which definitely makes it not hard to believe that John was once a lead singer.

Things switch up in the middle of the album with the heartfelt ballad ‘Seventeen’, showcasing his ability to also be sentimental and explore the segments of his artistry that isn’t so boisterous. It’s extremely emotional, with a wonderful piano piece in the middle, accompanied by strings. In this track, he does have a Paul McCartney-esque tone to his vocals, showing not only his ability to be multifaceted as a composer but as a singer as well. This continues in tracks like ‘Another World’ and ‘Teds’ as well, with the peak of vocal ability being showcased in the track ‘Song For Erin’.

In a strategic manner, the album pivots back to a much more upbeat take with ‘Take The Money’ afterwards, which has a very innovative percussive syncopation that could’ve been elevated with better mastering. It’s a wonderful psychedelic-inspired track, but definitely needs to be rectified when it comes to the mastering in order to enjoy the track in its full capacity. ‘One of the Boys’ then closes the album with a groovier, almost 60s track that is quite easy to vibe to and honestly sing along with.

All in all, the album is competent enough, especially when you consider that the artist did most of the producing besides merely just singing. It falls flat on perhaps 1 or 2 tracks with very minute issues on mastering but frankly, most of the tracks on this album are very well mastered. The album shows two sides of his artistry, and I think people who enjoy the genres within this album would adore this album.

SCORE/Excellent – John Wilson expresses his artistry in Who’s In Town quite well with an interesting mix of rock songs that span his own influences and frankly, beyond. Oscillating between sassy, spunky and heartfelt, it displays his compositional intent and vocal ability quite adequately with minimal issues.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

The post JOHN WILSON – WHO’S IN TOWN ? (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

The new single starts with a guitar (or two) playing a bluesy two-chord riff. The vocals kick in. I like the chord changes in the chorus. They keep the song interesting. Eventually, the lead guitar joins the fray, simple but effective. I’m not really digging the lyrics or the vocals in this song. The song is pretty simple in its construction and arrangement.

In such songs, the lyrics are everything. Here, I find the lyrics fall a little short – too simple, simplistic rhymes that make the song awkward. Maybe that’s just a personal opinion, but as I’m also a commercial radio DJ, it has merit. The song is mixed well, without any issues with the quality of the production. It’s a good song, but not a great song. Listenable, but not a hit song.

SCORE/Good: Laurie J. Little’s new single “Keep on Walking” is a solidly constructed song. The mix and production are of good quality. My only issue with the song is the lyrics and melody, which fall short for me. But the song is good and worth a listen. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Laurie J. Little on:

Instagram
Facebook

The post Laurie Little – Keep on Walking (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

Opening with My Angels Will Never Return, Fingret sets a thoughtful and mellow tone. The piano and guitar interplay is emotional, with overlaid vocals giving the track an ethereal quality. The build is subtle but rewarding, and the final lyric landing as the song title is a satisfying touch.

In Shapeshifting, his storytelling takes a darker turn, describing an encounter in a parking lot with a woman who becomes something far more sinister. The lyric “She was feeding on my energy” crystallises the track’s eerie tone, although the consistently steady delivery can feel a little too uniform over its runtime.

They Have My Love leans into sweet guitar work and airy vocal layering that alternates between angelic textures and grounded, emotional solo takes. The sense of being lost is palpable in lines like “Where do I go now,” and Fingret’s narrative instincts are strong, even if the song might have benefited from a tighter edit.

Time is Waiting brings a mysterious guitar lick at the start and a refrain of “We will follow the sun,” echoing the cosmic inspirations that thread through the album. The guitar solo here is a highlight, even as some of the harmonies land slightly flat.

With The Multiverse, Fingret shifts to a funkier, more upbeat groove. The synth textures and bright guitar make it feel like a track built for interstellar dance floors. While the energy is refreshing, there are moments where the instrumental layers do not quite blend seamlessly. The Lonely Satellite reins in the arrangement for a cleaner, more intimate listening experience. The Bowie-esque delivery and restrained instrumentation work in its favour, and the continued space theme helps keep the album’s storytelling cohesive.

Seedship pushes the narrative forward with a mission to find a new home. The simultaneous build of vocals and instruments is executed well, with smooth verses that swell into fuller choruses. Infinite Love follows with a warmer, romantic tone. Its passionate guitar work and sway-worthy beat provide a lighter moment in the journey. This is Transcendence feels like the emotional and thematic peak, as Fingret steps outside his usual vocal approach to match the song’s climactic sense of release.

Ukraine offers a more grounded and topical reflection, perhaps an address to the ongoing war. The sentiment is heartfelt, though its place in the album’s spacefaring storyline feels somewhat detached. Still, the calm delivery and Elliott Smith-like softness give it an emotional weight.

The closing title track, You’ll Always Be a Human to Me, wraps the album’s arc with simplicity and sincerity. The guitar solo feels like a fitting final statement, underscoring the human core beneath all the cosmic imagery.

Fingret’s album plays like a long-form space odyssey with shades of Bowie’s visionary style. The balance of progressive arrangements, imaginative lyrics, and personal introspection makes for a compelling listen. While a few tracks could be tightened and some vocal moments sharpened, the album succeeds in building an expansive, interconnected world that invites listeners to step inside and explore.

SCORE / Excellent – You’ll Always Be a Human to Me is both a cosmic voyage and a deeply personal reflection, proving that even among the stars, Fingret’s music keeps its heart firmly rooted in humanity. Give it a listen!

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow David:

Facebook
Instagram

The post David Fingret – You’ll Always Be a Human to Me (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

Finally, the last song on the album is OVER THE COALS. But there are two different versions. The original version and the bonus version OVER THE COALS (RADIO EDIT). The original version clocks in at over 9 minutes. The radio edit is only 4 minutes. I like the strumming acoustic guitar and the interesting bass line. The electric guitars are more atmospheric, a sax enters, then eventually, the drums enter. I like the arrangement so far. I really like the breakdown section in the middle of the original version, where the sax and lead guitar start doing a call and response thing. The original extended version has 5 minutes of guitar solo at the end. The lead electric guitarist in this band is extremely talented, a real pleasure to hear. The record ends with a load of muted talking and strange sounds, much like a Beatles record from their more psychedelic period. The shorter (RADIO EDIT) version has less (almost none) of the extended guitar solo and also does not include the cool psychedelic talking bit at the end.

SCORE/Good: The Cherished Times deliver a solid debut album, full of interesting songwriting choices – a blend of indie rock and folk rock, dotted with psychedelic influences. A nice listen. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow The Cherished Times on:

Facebook
Instagram
Band’s Website

The post The Cherished Times – Battle (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

In a less vague fashion, Rage Unfold consists of Bozhidar Popov, who plays the guitars and handles mixing and production, as well as Marie-Louise Anastas with the lyrics. Bozhidar’s melting guitar solos and epic soundscapes produce emotionally powerful songs, and he consistently improves his craft through studying music theory, jazz, and the latest production techniques.

Marie-Louise has an edge too, with lyrics that dig deep through uncertain terrain, exploring lyrical structure and style, studying the lyrics of great artists such as Led Zeppelin, Fontaines D.C. and Joy Division.

Formed in 2022, Rage Unfold has produced 7 songs, including instrumentals. This collective effort has led to them gaining popularity on YouTube with 1.2 million views acquired from May 2022 to September 2024. With their newest single ‘My Division’ under scrutiny, let’s make up our minds about Rage Unfold.

The song begins with a very quick syncopation, with a unique time signature difference between the melodic phrasing and the percussion- before having an interlude and transitioning into the main segment. The melodic lines and the scales used within this track is very interesting and I can tell that they’re oscillating between many scales, which leads to a very high level of motivic variation.

Even though I would typically have a critique of how predictable the drum pattern of metal songs would be, the tension marked within the song and the strategic changing of drum patterns and segments as well as the accompaniment, really help to truly elevate the song.

This song is truly a music theorist’s dream, honestly. The lyrics are also quite fascinating and presented in an extremely energetic and theatrical manner, with the chorus almost touching on the pelog or Ambassel scale. This song is a trip and a journey while earning fascination all in one.

SCORE/Excellent: Rage Unfold presents itself with a track that is just as compelling as it is technical and exhilarating. With various scales, solos and different time signatures littered throughout the song, it’s definitely one that will capture your attention span and have you feeling enlightened about music.
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow the members of Rage Unfold on:

Twitter (Bozhidar)

Facebook

Instagram

or, check out their Official Website

The post Rage Unfold – My Division (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

So let’s have a listen …

The song starts with a punchy guitar chord riff with a vamping keyboard. The vocals remind me of The Kinks. After the first vocal part, the guitars get really heavy, then back off when the vocals come back in. Enter the heavy guitars again. At the end of the song, it features a soaring, slow lead guitar that sails over the top of the vocals. The lyrics are simple and straightforward. “You should really try to drink more water … Everyday”.

The song is quaint and has some catchy elements, but I feel it misses the mark of being a power anthem with a pressing political message. It’s a good song, but I think with a little more work, it could be a great song. I would change the lyrics to be a bit less simplistic and more engaging. The song is cheeky in its reference to simple aspects of life, but it could say a lot more politically. I like the contrast of the lighter guitars in the vocal verses and the harder-edged guitars that come in after the vocals finish. I think the song could use a nicely placed heavy single-note riff after the “every day the world is turning” vocals. Maybe rework it and resubmit?

SCORE/Good: This song starts with a catchy guitar/keyboard vamp. Overall, it’s a good song. Very Aussie. I like the contrast between softer guitars under the vocals and the harder guitars in the song. I think the lyrics could be rewritten to make this song more impactful. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Big Smack on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Website

The post BIG SMACK – Resinmate (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

He describes his own music style as one that intertwines many styles to bring something a little different, but still maintaining a central node to stay fairly rooted. His music has catchy melodic hooks, delivered through clever songwriting and compositional elements. He takes his listener on a journey of self-discovery, accentuating the fact that his lyricism tends to deal with talk about real life, with real emotions that strike a chord with the modern world.

It is also noted that Neil plays mostly acoustically live, using clever ways to loop his guitar and voice. He also can be seen hitting his guitar to create percussion, giving an upbeat and lively feel to all of his songs. This knack for innovation with not many tools makes it where he can play in a band at the drop of a hat with friends, some of whom he notes are in the business.

But in today’s article, there’s a reason why we’re honing in on his artistry.

He is about to release ‘Out of the Fjords And Into New Found Lands’, his debut solo album, serving as a 13-track epic with a full band and orchestration, as well as a few stripped-back numbers, showcasing his ability and versatility. We on Music Review World shall get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look on this release, set to come out on October 22nd 2025. The album is also entirely produced by Potter, which is quite interesting to note.

The album’s notes state that pop-rock could be considered the backbone of the release, with soothing melodies and emotional lyrics reminiscent of early Coldplay, Keane or The Fray. However, Neil Potter aims to differentiate himself from these acts by expanding upon that motif and inspiration by adding different directions and dimensionalities, reflecting his passion for jazz and experimental ideas in songwriting. Each song acts as a ‘mini stage’ for him to also push his vocal range, with some tracks demonstrating his ability to push his vocals into a higher range while modulating beautifully with vibrato techniques at the same time- and also, embracing his haunting lower register, lending a great deal of emotional range to this work.

This release is definitely quite exciting, with a lot of interesting ups and downs within this album. I think it has a capacity to divide people, honestly, as it does sound very polarising to my ears. It has a baseline node of musical competency especially when it comes to the instrumentation and the compositional aspect of this entire album, but the vocalist’s voice and at times, even the way it blends with the background vocalist, does not necessarily sound soothing. I understand, though, that not all of the themes on this album were meant to be soothing. I can hear the attempt at theatric, dramatic vocals, and they’re not necessarily bad, I just think the timbre of the main vocalist’s voice needs to grow on you before you entirely appreciate it.

In terms of themes and soundscapes, there’s a lot mixed into one but they still fall within subcategories of predictability when it comes to rock and the indie subgenres that one may be influenced by. It’s good, earnest music that can fall between funk in some instances, Spanish flamenco influence in another instance, and sometimes just a simple, clean acoustic slate for the vocals and the instrumentation to come out.

The three singles that will come out of the release will be the track ‘Over The Hills’, described as a signature Neil Potter classic with 70s rock influence clustered throughout the instrumentation. The project aims to give a bit of nostalgia to the whole she-bang, tying in the desire for experimentation with an extra oomph of relatability besides merely relating to the lyrics.

Secondly, the next single will be ‘Música El Idioma Del Amor (My Sweet Señorita)’, adding a vibrant, Mediterranean twist to the upcoming album, being also sung partly in Spanish.

Thirdly, the last single will be ‘Shipwrecked’, blending compelling and dynamic instrumental arrangements through infectious and groove-driven guitar patterns and soulful beats. I have to give this song its merit, being one of the few songs in the album that combines more ‘energy’ and subversive intent, giving a bit of excitement.

However, I find that this release lacks two things: true originality, even in the spirit of innovation, it sounds really quite predictable and I find that unfortunate. Secondly, the mixing and mastering sound a bit flat. For example, I think the instruments in the song ‘Shipwrecked’ are a bit too level, when more could be done to give the song a bit more three-dimensional dynamics. This issue is pervasive throughout the rest of the release, where the instrumentation sounds a bit too flat.

Either way, beyond my expectations and personal bias, I do think that this is an album that could potentially resonate with people, especially those that seek some sort of nostalgia not only through thematic choices but the way that this release presents itself. I think people who miss rock and rock-fusion music of the mid 2000s would definitely welcome this release with open arms- it is familiar, and filled with emotional intensity.

SCORE/Good to Excellent: ‘Out of the Fjords And Into New Found Lands’ is an interesting body of work that does take me back to the creativity displayed within rock acts and rock fusion acts of the mid 2000s. It delivers on eccentric vocalisms paired with hard-rock esque melodic hooks to keep your emotions running, providing you with the satisfaction of relatability and predictability, even if it aims to be unpredictable.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Neil Potter on Instagram, or check out his Official Website

The post Neil Potter – Out of the Fjords and Into New Found Lands (Album Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

So let’s have a listen …

Right off, I like that the song has a video. More artists should have videos for their singles. We are in the age of video and social media, after all.

The song is heavy metal and hits hard with a nice chugging riff right from the beginning. The video has a warrior chasing an attractive woman around in the woods. The warrior is then assaulted by evil and thrown into a gravesite, but survives only to be cursed by an evil temptress. Or something like that, it’s hard to tell because this song is purely instrumental. I like that the video has glimpses of the band performing the song.

The musicians’ performances are excellent! The lead guitarist soars over the band’s heavy-chugging metal riffage. Everything is in sync. I like the drums on the track; they keep the song moving. The song slows down a bit in the middle with the lead guitar taking center stage. It’s a nice heavy metal song. Even if only instrumental. I like where the bass and drums take over toward the end of the song, and all the other instruments drop out. Then the full band rejoins, nice lead guitar against the heavy-chugging. Then just as suddenly, the song ends. A nice ride through heavy metal.

SCORE/Excellent: Akkin’s new single Punishment Devine chugs hard through an epic storyline as told in it’s accompanying song video. The performances are excellent, as are the mix and production. The song is nicely arranged, and the video is fun to watch. If you’re a fan of Slayer, you’ll probably love this instrumental track! Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Akkin On:

Facebook
Instagram

The post AKKIN – Punishment Divine (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.

The song opens immediately with sombre piano chords and a later melancholy vocal line: “Can’t you stay just one more day.” It sets a tone that’s introspective and raw, evoking shades of Ricky Montgomery with a similar emotional edge and understated theatricality in the vocal delivery. DeAngelis’s voice has a storytelling quality to it, something you’d expect on a dimly lit stage, where every lyric is felt as much as it is heard.

Beneath the vocals, a steady drum beat keeps the song grounded, providing momentum without overwhelming the arrangement. It’s a subtle but effective element that drives the track forward. The production overall is impressively balanced. Every instrument, from the piano to the restrained guitar lines, sits comfortably in the mix, giving DeAngelis’s voice the space it deserves while supporting the mood with intention.

The chorus is a standout moment, both catchy and emotionally resonant. The lyric “I’m just the keyboard player” explores feelings of invisibility or inadequacy within a group dynamic, hinting at deeper themes of self-worth and identity. It’s a powerful metaphor that will resonate with listeners who’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated, and DeAngelis delivers it with a conviction that feels deeply personal.

After the chorus, there’s a brief but beautiful moment where the keyboard takes the spotlight, underscoring the emotional weight of the song’s title. The guitar work is equally restrained, slow, and thoughtful, complementing the vocal phrasing and adding to the track’s overall cohesion. As the song progresses, it gradually builds in intensity, especially as it approaches the final chorus. This sense of build gives the track a natural arc, keeping listeners engaged and emotionally invested through to the final note.

DeAngelis’s passion for songwriting, mental health awareness, and climate advocacy shines through in the authenticity of his music. “I’m Just the Keyboard Player” feels like more than just a rock song; it’s a heartfelt expression of personal struggle, artistic purpose, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability.

SCORE/ Outstanding – This track marks another strong step in DeAngelis’s evolving catalogue, and it’s a clear reflection of an artist who isn’t afraid to turn life’s challenges into something beautiful. If you’re a fan of that, give it a listen!

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Follow Matt here:

Instagram
Website
Twitter

The post Matt DeAngelis – I’m Just The Keyboard Player (Single Review) appeared first on Music Review World.