'REMOTE (DELUXE)' / WALLOWS: REVIEW

February 19, 2021

by madden levin

We at Unclear have been a fan of this next band for some time now so we are just as excited as you for their new EP release! Who are we talking about you ask? None other than Wallows, who just released the deluxe edition of their EP Remote TODAY! As they came to each other’s lives as best friends at such a young age, the chemistry that rings through your speakers when you listen to Wallows is like no other. So, if you haven’t ever given Wallows a chance, now is your time to get addicted. Let’s take a walk through some of their new songs on the Remote (Deluxe) EP.

“Quarterback,” the band’s newest single, is one that you’ll find on this EP! In fact, you may also find a music video for this new single released today as well; so for our visual-lovers, there is no need to panic! Within the first few seconds of the tune, I was interested in the unique instrumentals that I was hearing. What I’ve noticed in prior released Wallows songs is that there will always be something that sets each individual sound apart from one another — something that may seem so simple, but must be executed so carefully, which I firmly believe is accomplished every time! Whenever I review a song, I try to envision the physical journey of being in the song, as crazy as that sounds. That being said, I imagine “Quarterback” blaring amidst the golden sun as summer approaches and it’s time to act like a kid again and run around a field with your friends; maybe as summer gets closer, someone can confirm this idea.

Another new song featured in the deluxe EP is “On Time,” a slower song that would probably be playing on a slow winter night at a bar in the city. The introduction to the song is very old-school, with a modern twist by roping in the voice effects. As the mood increases as the song progresses, hopefulness immediately takes hold of your heart. Something about the mix of instruments and the use of layered lyrics that creates a wave of emotion — an incredible song overall!

I know there is a bit of a controversy behind artists releasing short, transition like songs in their LP or EP releases; however, “Another Story” stands on its own to produce its unique story and place in the EP. At just 1 minute and 42 seconds, Wallows had to be extremely strategic with how they packed this song to stick with the emotional factor of the rest of the EP. Nevertheless, the guys surely achieved that goal by focusing on a calm tone of voice and a progressive growth throughout that short time period. This is truly a song that you’d want to listen to on a continuous loop on one of those days where the bed is the only place you can stand to visit.

Also found on Remote (Deluxe) EP is the amazing single that I know I’m not the only one who is obsessed with: “OK.” Not only is the single version on the EP, but a version with Remi Wolf & Solomonophonic appears to provide a different perspective on the amazing song. All I can say about this new version is that you truly have to listen to it for yourself and that is 100% a head-bopper — if you know what I mean.

If you haven’t been listening along with us, make sure to take some time out of your hopefully relaxing day to give it a listen. We’d like to thank Wallows for giving us the opportunity to share our thoughts on this new release — which we absolutely adore and cannot wait to share with our friends. Let us know what your favorite songs are and why!

ROZEI: INTERVIEW

February 17, 2021

by meghan brianna

Blurring the lines and breaking barriers between genres of music, Rozei continues to reinvent himself through his music. Making waves with his viral hit, “Ooo La La,” garnering nearly 25 million streams on Spotify, Rozei is grabbing the reins of 2021 and steering the year in the direction he wants to go. Starting 2021 with a bang, Rozei has graced the world with two new singles, “Chase,” and “Heartbreak Hotel,” both of which were released 10 days apart from each other. This marks a new era for Rozei. We had the chance to talk with the rising artist about his two new releases, how he got his start in music, and more!

For our readers who are unfamiliar with Rozei, take a second to introduce yourself, your background, what got you started in music.

Rozei: “Of course! Hello, I’m Rozei! I’m just a guy who started making music in his bedroom in 2016. My family has been involved in music for as long as I can remember. I was surrounded by all sorts of genres. Growing up, I developed a passion for it and one day I decided to make my first song. One turned into hundreds and it was all I could think about. I ended up dropping out of college in 2017 to pursue music full time and haven’t looked back since! In 2019, I released a single titled ‘Ooo La La’ and it started blowing up. As a result, I had dozens of labels reaching out to me within a month of the song dropping. At the beginning of 2020, I ended up signing with Atlantic Records and that brings us to now!”

Was there ever any musical influence as a kid? A specific song you remember hearing that got you into music? A song that you still look back on and remember the first time you heard it?

Rozei: “I grew up listening to a lot of rock music. A few of my favorites bands growing up were Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects. The most impactful first listen to a record I’ve had would have to be ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by Nirvana, which actually was the reason I got into them.

You pursue music full time, what made you make that decision to fully commit to music?

Rozei: “Ever since I started making music, I’ve had this hunger. I want to keep getting better and better even though I’m never going to be satisfied. When I was in school full time, all I wanted to do was make music. I ended up dropping out based off a gut feeling that I was going to make it in the music industry and I wasn’t prepared to take ‘no’ as an answer.”

Let’s say you get three words to describe you and your music. Which three words would you use, and why?

Rozei: “‘This is Rozei.’ I put my everything into my music. The words I say are an embodiment of my emotions and thoughts.”

You dropped two songs, “Chase” and “Heartbreak Hotel,” practically back to back. What made you release these two songs at this time? What is the relation between the two?

Rozei: “The main reason we chose these two to release so closely with each other was to act as a smooth transition from my ‘Ooo La La’ and ‘Hollywood’ style music to a more alternative/punk sound displayed in the project.”

Take us through the creative process behind these two recent tracks. How did they come to be? What came first? A lyric, melody, chord? Were either of the songs, songs that just happened and flowed naturally?

Rozei: “Heartbreak Hotel is definitely more melody driven. Whereas, Chase is more of a story. I wrote and recorded both of these songs while out in LA surrounded by some very talented people. I love the fact that music is a collaborative effort and the ideas flying around the sessions all just worked together so well. Everything was natural.”

These are your first two releases for 2021. How do these tracks set up the rest of your year?

Rozei: “Everything we’re releasing this year is leading up to the project! I’m just focusing on shedding my skin and developing myself as an artist. This year is going to be one to remember.”

How do you want fans to consume “Chase” and “Heartbreak Hotel?” What message or feeling do you hope listeners get from the two songs?

Rozei: “I hope that my listeners feel the emotion behind the lyrics in these two. I’ve fallen in and out of love along with toxic relationships and I feel like as if that really resonates with these.”

Do you have a message to anyone who wants to pursue music?

Rozei: “My three biggest pieces of advice to aspiring artists and/or people who want to start in music would be to be original, don’t be afraid to do something outside the box. My second would be to not get unmotivated, continue even if it feels like you’re not getting anywhere. Finally, you can never stop learning, you’ll never know everything there is to know in a form of art.”

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'HEAVY HITTING HURTS MY HEAD' / CHRISTIAN LEAVE: REVIEW

February 16, 2021

by meghan brianna

Unknowingly beginning the creation of a new EP in November of 2019, Christian Leave has graced the world with yet another pristine compilation of art. According to his Instagram bio, he “hit [his] head on the fridge and received encouragement” for his new EP, Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head.

Having been a fan of Christian Leave since the release of his EP Hope, seeing announcements for new music is always exciting. Featuring two previously released singles, “Bedache” and “Your Life Your Time,” the EP features five songs in total. Originally starting with covers, then writing and producing his work, Christian has moved through the genres. From soft guitar melodies, Christian moved through bedroom pop and has now found a home within alternative rock.

Listening through the EP, I can hear notes of 90’s alternative rock sprinkled throughout each song. “Bedache” seems reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins with the prominent guitar riffs and use of percussion. With lyrics like, “All this thinking makes me want to drop dead,” and “I am so afraid of getting older,” I think that many can find solace within this song.

Each song fits so perfectly in today’s time, but it also feels as if Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head could have been pulled from the ’90s. “Hearts Melt,” started by Christian nearly two years ago, seems like it could have come from one of The Cure’s many albums. Bridging the gap between two decades, Christian Leave does a phenomenal job of blending genres and time periods.

This is yet another EP from Christian Leave that I will have on repeat until the end of time. “Bedache” has come on multiple times and not once have I felt the need to skip, if anything, I want the song to continuously play on a loop. When listening to Heavy Hitting Hurts My Head, I have to remind myself that this is an EP that was just recently released in 2021, not sometime in the ‘90s. Christian Leave is an exceptional artist that continues to release beautiful, well-developed music.

MICKY JAMES - LIVE AT THE MET - THE PHILADELPHIA SPECIAL: REVIEW

February 15, 2021

by emma schoors

“Micky James - Live At The Met - The Philadelphia Special” is an exhilarating, soulful live show full of incredible vocals and raw musicianship.

One of my closest held beliefs about music is when you hear a song you immediately adore, or see a musician who’s self-expression you admire, you have to say something. Because though the chances are the musician gets similar comments all the time, it’s always worth it to express that love. I will always be afraid of not fully incapsulating what’s great about the music I love, or in this case a live show that connected heavily with me, but I have to try.

Though I’ve been an admirer and fan of Micky James’ work since the end of 2017, I came into the live show with no specific expectations. Concerts are fluid and shouldn’t always be compared to the recorded versions of the setlist. But I was utterly blown away by what I heard as the opening song, “Tie Me Up,” began.

Watching musicians get comfortable onstage is always amazing, but especially so with this performance. Imaginative lyricism reminiscent of a late-60’s Beatles track broke through right away with the opening lines:

“I'm up with Lisa in the stars with her rubies

While the ant hill animal people

look up and look through me.

I'm seeing crystal clear, kaleidoscope,

deer in the headlights.

So full of life, so drop your kite, Mr. Sinister.

Let me go.”

Guitarist Ryder Stuart immediately gripped audiences with his guitar parts, notably with the incredibly clean riff that plays just before the second verse of “Tie Me Up,” as well as the beautiful guitar nearing the end of “Walk The Line.”

Speaking of, “Walk The Line” was one of the most stunning live performances I have ever heard. It’s hard to overstate how difficult it can be to find a sound and look that truly reflects how a musician feels and who they are, but this performance in particular felt so utterly raw and authentic. Bassist Adam Jessamine was one of the highlights; the bass in the entire show was phenomenal, but I found myself appreciating the low end even more during this track. Starting at 17 minutes and 34 seconds all four musicians began the second verse, and the build up of the first verse became completely worthwhile. About a minute later, James sang one of the most hard-hitting lines:

“I won't cover my tracks, never look back.

Hear the footsteps are following my back.”

Drummer Josh Grigsby shone on “Rest Of The Best,” with a hard-hitting drum intro and a firm hold on the rest of the song. It should not be overlooked how effective his drumming is during the rest of the performance, though: songs like “Kings” and “New Heart” were made infinitely better through his craft.

One of the most impressive parts of the performance was James’ seemingly effortless voice control. He navigated “New Heart” by moving in and out of falsetto like it was nothing. Though I knew his voice was fantastic, there was something about the electricity and passion evident in the live show that accentuated it.

If there’s one artist you check out this month, let it be Micky James. If there’s one concert you watch, let it be “Live At The Met.” Each and every song was performed beautifully, and the lyrics will leave you knowing a little more about yourself than you knew walking in.

'ROUTINE' / SAM MACPHERSON: PREMIERE

February 11, 2021

by emily harris

Red Bank, New Jersey native Sam MacPherson has earned a name for himself out in his current residence in LA. With honest lyricism and smooth-flowing sonics, MacPherson’s sound is simple and pleasant to the ears, and to the heart when you read into the lyrics. His newest single, “Routine,” is no outlier to his already unique discography. The single, his first of 2021, marks the beginning of a new era of his work. The song is the first of four new singles off his debut EP coming later in the year. With a soulful tone and delicate melodies, “Routine” is bound to be a beautiful addition to his first EP release.

The vocals for this track were recorded in his childhood home in just twenty minutes. The feeling of comfort flows well into the fully produced track by Andy Seltzer. MacPherson’s vocals are nothing short of raw and vulnerable, which add to the beauty of the song. Written about the realization and depth of true love after it’s too late, the theme is something listeners can easily relate to. With the lasting chorus of “falling in love was a part of my everyday routine” ringing in your ears, the track lends itself to be listened to multiple times in a row. The story is honest and the delivery of the track works hand and hand in that way.

With an accompanying music video dropping alongside the single, the visuals are bound to add a nostalgic feeling for the song’s running time of three minutes and fifteen seconds. If you’re looking for a soulful artist with a true attention to lyrics and sonics, look no further than the work of Sam MacPherson. You may just want to discover him while he’s still small, because he is bound to make waves in the industry soon!