Indie-Blues Artist Aidan Ochre Conducts Science Experiment on Love vs Lust
20-year-old New York State indie artist Aidan Ochre explores the derailing emotions of differentiating what’s love vs lust on his latest ep release Ochre. Ochre feels like a science experiment.
20-year-old New York State indie artist Aidan Ochre explores the derailing emotions of differentiating what’s love vs lust on his latest ep release Ochre. Ochre feels like a science experiment. On “Is This Love” Ochre questions his own intentions and feelings before reacting.
“Playing with emotions/ It all feels hopeless/ Unless you’ll be feeling it too.”
The plush production allows the spacing between his words to show curiosity and optimism. Disguised under heavy reverb, fuzzy production, and beautiful guitar solos, Ochre allows his unguarded feelings to conduct his research on “Let You Know.” While still acknowledging his adulation, Ochre decides to “Slow Down.”
“I don't want to rush now/ If we don’t have to.”
The atmospheric transition from “Let You Know” to the jazz-funk influenced track “Slow Down” feels like Ochre might’ve jumped the gun by putting his emotions out too early and is now seeking to ground himself. Usually, after some research, your hypothesis is slightly adjusted before the experiment. Occupying the fourth slot is “Keep it Moving,” which is a bit more upbeat compared to the rest of the project. On this track, Ochre is dancing through the pain.
“We keep it moving but it’s so easy to see/ I’m losing feelings and you keep on pushing me.”
Now that Ochre is finally experimenting with those emotions, he’s coming to the realization that maybe it wasn’t love. “Guess I should've saw it coming.” On “Ever Changes,” Ochre cuts right to the chase and comes to terms with his conclusion. Sometimes, the truth feels better than the bliss. But, you’ll never know unless you test it out. This project feels very blue. Honestly, closer to indigo. The bluesy and fuzzy production is comforting while filling space in the mind of Aidan Ochre. Ochre is encouraging listeners to just go for it because moments of uncertainty could provide growth and healing.
This project feels very blue. Honestly, closer to indigo. The bluesy and fuzzy production is comforting while filling space in the mind of Aidan Ochre. Ochre is encouraging listeners to just go for it because moments of uncertainty could provide growth and healing.
Punk-Rap Artist Hollow Sinatra Sets Ode to Self-Love on Black Takes
The distortion Sinatra uses pierces the soul. The pace and texture of “Yard” can be compared to metal/punk rock, like on some Metal Church meets blink-182
Learning to love yourself is a process. It’s easy to say it, but to really mean it... that shit takes time and effort. At times, we find ourselves filling up others and forget to replenish ourselves. Last November, my grandmother passed away. A week before she had passed, I drove down from NY to VA after work on a Friday night. I only spent 24 hours down there because I had to rush back for a meeting. We laughed, we reminisced, and even spoke about the future. Before I left, she asked “Now, boy, why were you so eager to see me?” and I mumbled “because I felt the need.” But, deep down, I knew things were coming to an end. I needed to get my fill because I knew I would be depended on to replenish my loved ones as they mourned.
“Sometimes my life feels like a filler.”
As I listened to Black Takes, the first thing I thought was that I’m upset this wasn’t out around the time I needed it. Second, it makes me appreciate myself and the concept of one learning to love themselves. “Yard” feels like a song you would blast as a teenager during your emo phase. Sinatra’s vocal layering is abrupt and harsh but the message is a positive ode to loving yourself. The distortion Sinatra uses pierces the soul. The pace and texture of “Yard” can be compared to metal/punk rock, like on some Metal Church meets blink-182 type shit. You could also feel a small ounce of Yeezus influences but aye, we’re all at fault for that at some point.
“Off a Bridge” is my highlight track off the tape. I recommend you throw this on at the beginning of a pregame playlist. “The shadows of yesterday's pillars/ Sometimes my life feels like a filler.” The dubstep-ish lilting production makes a perfect blend with Sinatra’s hazy wordplay, making listeners sink into the music. I felt as if I was falling into a dark space while extending my hands out, hoping someone would reach for mine. I believe that’s the feeling Sinatra wanted to portray with this project… Learning to love yourself during moments of emptiness and loneliness.
I love seeing black musicians going against the grain and experimenting with different genres. At times, music could feel like a rat race when everyone is chasing the same sound. It’s refreshing to hear something rare that makes you question the next direction music will take. As we approach the half year mark of 2020, I am interested to see where Hollow Sinatra takes the new age sound of punk-rap.
“GRIP is Far From the Porch” - Halo by GRIP Review
As a listener, it feels like we’re watching Grip shadow box in front of an audience with a spotlight on him. You can feel that he’s aware of the eyes on him but his confidence is energized off his sharpened lyricism.
The snubnose rapper opens up his five-track ep with the lyrics “this shit feels like a classic” on “Cassius,” followed by towering drums that remind you of a Just Blaze production during his Roc-a-fella/Dipset run. As a listener, it feels like we’re watching Grip shadow box in front of an audience with a spotlight on him. You can feel that he’s aware of the eyes on him but his confidence is energized off his sharpened lyricism since his 2019 release Snubnose.
“Dont get it confused cause I’m a nigga who raps”
On “Randy Watson,” Grip pokes fun at himself, emulating Eddie Murphy’s subconscious spirit in the 1988 comedy Coming to America. Poking fun at his fellow rap mates and himself shows that Grip is down for the antics but demands respect for his lyrical efforts.
The final track “Memories is 4eva” brings the EP insync. Grip allows grief to strip away his ego and reveal what is beneath the Halo. Grip thinks back on the loss of friends, his grandmother, and his first child. “My grandma was right there for my first words/ Damn I wasn't even there for her last/ I figured I would visit when I could/ I was at work and got the call when she passed.” It feels like Grip is having a conversation with his listeners and is trying to find a hopeful brightside.
In 2017, I heard Porch by accident. What I appreciate about Grip as an artist is that he makes you believe him. The details in his storytelling are captured to the point where you don’t have to ask questions... but, you want to, just to see where his explanation would take you. Halo is definitely a tape I would suggest listening to. Grip is far from the Porch.