Alexis Perry – Rabid Dog
Sisters are doing it for themselves and, in the case of Ms Alexis Perry, they’re starting on their musical journey early, and they know pretty well where they want to go. In the case of the single Rabid Dog, the destination is clearly towards a more vicious, method-songwriting kind of world.
It’s perhaps reminiscent of PJ Harvey’s early records but in no way a copycat. The two artists do share in common a flair for the dramatic, and a love of using minimalist instrumentation to create tension.
We also like the vocal approach of Perry, especially on the verses, where she sounds positively cold and remorseless. The rest of the song showcases different interests and influences, with a large 90s alt-rock chorus, and layered vocals occupying the break section. Rabid Dog is the kind of single that announces that there is plenty more to come from this young artist.
Vince Tampio – Career Cheerleader
I’m a little suspicious of songs with a modern political message. Even more so when that message is delivered through the form of instrumental jazz tunes.
With that being said, and putting my naivety about how exactly the excellent trumpet leads on Career Cheerleader reflect the current social upheavals, this is great.
Truth be told, I am a man who has listened to a lot of jazz, but only semi-understands and enjoys the more common, commercial choices. While I haven’t yet delved into the undoubtedly exciting discography of Kenny G, I do love Miles Davis and John Coltrane’s more famous records.
Similar to those, Vince Tampio has a way of constructing lyrical, hummable lead lines. The South American-style percussion boogies nicely right alongside it. The chord progressions, as you may assume, are not your typical rock affair, but they lend to the overall dreamy feel of the song.
For me, this is very nice psychedelic music made by musicians who know how to play their instruments really well and would get bored of playing three-chord rock over a four to the floor beat.
