Brooklyn-based artist David E. Beats plays with The White House Band and they are currently collaborating on a new album. Free Energy is a five-piece band from Philly who released their first LP Stuck on Nothing this year. Originally from Iran, the quartet Hypernova have released their debut album Through the Chaos as a follow-up to the Fairy Tales EP. Over the Hill is a four-piece band from Austin, Texas. Originally from Denmark, the band Terminal brings their single “Chasing Light” off debut album Bring Forth the Few to The Freshmen.

David E. Beats

“Maybe Tomorrow”

If you watched David E. Beats’ video for “Over Here” and were disappointed with the usual black & white city back-drop that is utilized by so many rap artists, than I suggest you give him another chance and check out “Maybe Tomorrow.” He greatly redeems himself. The opening reminded me of Children of Men and takes place in a post-apocalyptic/post-war world, but with personal touches throughout. I do have one small gripe with this artist. I wish he would stop dressing like Kid Cudi because I had to stop, blink, and remind myself a few times that this was a different person. It’s all about distinguishing yourself.

Free Energy

“Bang Pop”

Perhaps I am too old to appreciate this video. I understand that the cheesiness is supposed to be apparent (and perhaps even ironic?), but to me it’s just insanely overwhelming and somewhat annoying as a result. It’s filled with too many clichés and too many “oh look! Isn’t this so humorous?” moments for me to really garner an appreciation of it. In short, this video is simply trying too hard.

Hypernova

“Fairy Tales”

I have to admit the subject matter of this song caught me a bit off-guard. WAS NOT expecting that. But…moving on. It is catchy! And I do like how there is some sort of blatant honesty about the song in all its… flagrant dishonesty. I suppose I should make it a point to note that the band is from Iran, so I have to wonder if this song is, in actuality, a commentary on Iran’s cultural policies. But I’m not well-versed enough in their politics to really hash-out that speculation. I think what makes this group’s sound so interesting it is very classic American-rock. I’m a tad in love with the lead singer’s vocal styling. After a wave of falsettos, it’s nice to hear some deep tones.

Over The Hill

“Wickerman”

I love the languid laziness of this song with its slow tempo and drawn-out vocals set against the snazzy guitar chords. I did not, however, appreciate the equally slow-pacing of the video. It just dragged on and on. I understand the concept of turning into the Wickerman, but certainly they could have come up with something a bit more visually interesting? Although, the shots at the beginning of the guys in their glasses was slightly Wes Anderson-esque. No? Interesting that they are not members of the band either.

Terminal

“Chasing Light”

I don’t have much to say about this. I feel as though I can sense what the band envisioned when they created this video. Perhaps they wanted people to really focus on the song or the wanted to play around with the concept of the changing lights a bit in reference to the lyrics. However, that does not make this interesting to watch and while the song is a fairly solid track… it misses out on the punch of a strong accompanying visual.

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