By Daniel Warren Hill
Since our introduction to Valoramous last month with “Something Real.” His latest single “Amnesia” is another track we have fallen in love with for its unique composition and narrative.
The “Amnesia (Valoramous Remix) – Festival Mix” right after the original gives a great frame of reference for Valoramous’ ability to reimagine a song from a variety of perspectives and sub-genres.
Jenna Citrus’ “Strong as Iron” makes us want to be. It is an empowering track with a great message and a variety of interesting instrumental choices that drive positive energy forward with every measure.
“Dive in” headfirst toward helloworld’s trap and video game music (VGM). Break out the LED spinners and hit the dance floor, or just take in the full experience of this sonic landscape from the future
Contrasts between a warm and vibrating bass section, and bright vocals, lend a “All My Hope” a unique vibe not by sunset + mine not common in other worship and praise songs.
Sungaze builds a lush, dreamy, and inviting orchestral and vocal arrangement in “New Twang” inviting listeners to build a new world of their own.
If you are a fan of the multigenre bending and experimental sounds of Beck, you will admire JAWBERRY and the way “Watch Out” flawlessly embodies funk, hip-hop, and rock.
Ahbril skates a fine line between hard rock and alternative with post-grunge track “Nothing to Hide,” featuring a soupy guitar sound, hard hitting drums, and highlighting vocalist Ryan Jordan’s impressive range.
Mike Vermeil writes Bob Dylan-esque songs with the voice of Elliott Smith. It’s a match made in heaven for “Raeleigh” and the rest of Vermeil’s impressive catalog including his brand new EP, American Vacation.
Dog Motif has incorporated as much static as melody in electronically inspired track “a serpent slithered up my throat”, but we think that’s a reflection of the way life is sometimes.
Kayla DiVenere gives a perfectly good set of reasons why you should never compare your girlfriend to “Megan Fox” in this high-energy, fast-paced, pop-rock anthem.
FLYNN MARKS looks into the darkness and still finds a way to do better in “Grow.” The gravity created by just his voice and a piano is equal to that of Adele.
BGP’s first single of 2022, “Slowly” features big harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and even a searing guitar solo, capturing both he hope and the tension of a ‘will-they-won’t-they’ breakup song.
The last single by Sam Brace, “Brave” highlighted comparisons between Brace and artists like The Cure and Joy Division. “Partly Coded” definitely reveals more 90s alternative rock influences. We don’t know if Matthew Good is one of them, but we could see them sharing a stage one day.
Emil uses his favorite childhood cereal as a metaphor for the sweet girl in his life. A fun, sexy hip-hop single, and all part of a balanced breakfast.
Danny L Harle remixes “U Love It” by Sophie Powers for a really fun high-energy house dance track that we would love to see added to Dance Dance Revolution, though how you’ll hit every step we haven’t a clue.
A smooth and silky voice above equally smooth and silky music turn “Whisper” into an immediate modern classic R&B romance track by Washington DC area artist Dante’ Pope.
Mike Larry Draw and DatBoyGrand deliver a turbulent and dramatic performance about what it is like to feel like you have “No Choice” in this aggressive NYC style hip-hop track featuring Mandella Eskia.
Fun and funky best describe “Our Love” by Strutman Lane. The debut single from their forthcoming EP, “The Bedroom Sessions” sets the tone for the positive vibes yet to come.
The Movement loves lifting up their listeners and provides yet another example of the heights of their escapism in their latest single of encouragement, “No Worry.”
Kelly Hoppenjans feels like someone listeners can easily relate to personally, but they definitely relate to the feelings she conveys in the fun self-reflection that is “Love of My Life (In My Living Room)”
Richmond’s Gritty City Records collaborators Johnny Ciggs and Ant The Symbol are at it again with another song highlighting personal growth and moving past our personal demons to achieve our full potential in “AS MY LIFE GOES ON. “
A song that always felt like great vibes for a road trip, but the concept music video for “Bonnie and Clyde” by KONZI brings us for a ride we didn’t know we were on. It has to be seen in order to appreciate the band’s unique humor and elevates the song to yet another level.
Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, writer, and motivational speaker. He is best known as the frontman for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band YellowTieGuy, as co-founder of Capitol Groove Collective, and increasing the exposure of artists on a global scale through his work with Alchemical Records.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
