Reviews

SoulClap “SoulClap: The Beatape”

DJ and producer SoulClap is sharing his craft by offering a free Beat Tape to emcees, fans and general listeners. Filled with 12 instrumental beats, each track can be used for your own devices provided you credit back the artist, of course. SoulClap is actually a hip hop producer who manages his own recording studio back in Germany. Back in his country, he has produced music for various talented artists like Freeway, Smif N Wessun, Epsilon Project, Those Chosen, Dominique Larue and several other new artists. It's definitely a great compilation for those looking to try their hand at mixing and creating their own sound.

Angry Monkey

The overwhelming success of Rovio's Angry Birds has just inspired developers to bring in something close to the franchise. There are numerous apps on iOS and Android that go all out and copy the Angry Birds game. So here it is, another feather to the cap and this one is called Angry Monkey, developed by Game Boss. Yes, the entire storyboard of the game revolves about an angry gorilla who is furious about his banana being taken away and he will stop at nothing to get it back. Deja Vu? No, its just that, in Angry Birds the Pigs rob the eggs of the birds, and in return the birds get angry.

Salvador: Rite of Passage

There's hardly anything about Salvador online but sometimes you don't really need that much information to enjoy the music. Rite of Passage is a one man band headed by Omar Khan. A young acoustic folk pop musician who likes to sing about the quiet things in life. This short record is purely DIY. Omar produced, recorded, wrote the songs and played the instruments, save on percussion which was provided by Raphael Guirguis. The album is a warm, lo-fi acoustic folk record that makes me think of Elliott Smithand a subdued Bright Eyes in certain places. It's perfect for a quiet and relaxing afternoon where all that matters is your thoughts.

Van Beuren’s Tom & Jerry – Redskin Blues (1932)

Many of you reading this would mistake this piece of work for MGM's classic "Tom & Jerry", but its not so. This is Van Beuren's Tom & Jerry episode of 1932 Redskin Blues. This particular episode is high on action, with "Boom-Bang" from guns and cannons ( a 1932 Mission Impossible we say) with the two iconic characters fighting of the 'Red-Indians'. Watching a movie like this would nowadays will do only one thing and excel in it: it will make you laugh and relive the good olden days. Nostalgia is the theme for this one!

Bloody Lovely Audrey: Animal EP

If you love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and looking for an indie band alternative that comes close, Bloody Lovely Audrey should be first on your list. The band is made up of Sinead Curry - Vocals, Rob Cleary - Guitars, Andy Cavenagh - Bass and Seb Guajardo - Drums. In the words of their bassist, their sound would be the outcome "if Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby…and drank heavily during the pregnancy." This is quite accurate since their music is a great blend of stoner rock, slight hipster with female-led vocals. You'd imagine them as playing in some cool downtown club with plenty of rock lovin' from the crowd.

iSplume

If you're looking for a different type of balloon busting game, iSplume might just be the game to try out next. Originally offered for sale, the game is now available as a free download on the Mac App Store. This cool puzzle game from Flash Bang Studios has gained quite a lot of fans since its release. Unlike regular puzzle bobble types, this one makes use of quirky little creatures called splumes. The objective is a bit similar to the original though. You have to position at least three similar colored splumes in order for them to pop. Of course, there are additional sets of rules that help make this one a little bit more interesting than its counterparts.

Entertainment for the Braindead: Roadkill

Entertainment for the Braindead is a moniker taken on by Julia Kotowski, a one woman band hailing from Cologne, Germany. Roadkill is the 5th full compilation from the singer/songwriter/instrumentalist. Known for her gorgeous folk music, this latest album is no exception. The record was born out of the artists desire to explore a new instrument, particularly the banjo. Playing with sweet reverie, her songs are filled with the beautiful strings of this country style instrument. Julia has been releasing music since 2007. Her first album Hypersomnia along with all her other releases are licensed under a Creative Commons and offered for free.

Kidd Russell: Backyard Heroes

Kidd Russell's Backyard Heroes is an interesting mix of alternative hip hop that you might want to check out. A college football player by day, Kip "Kidd" Russell turns into a rap star by night and creates an eclectic mix of hip hop music. Citing influences like Tupac, Common and 90s alternative bands like 311; it's no surprise you'll get a whole hodge podge of sound from this artist. Backyard Heroes is Kidd's 3rd album and in a short time he's found himself thrust in the limelight; opening for artists like The Roots, Common, Christ Webby, Uncle Kracker and The FLOBOTS just to name a few.