“Break The Chains” by Tim Camrose

It’s funny. While the Billboard charts are filled with generic pop music that often lacks real depth—both musically and lyrically—excellent pop-rock continues to be released without ever reaching the masses. It makes you wonder what on earth is going on. What’s wrong with the music industry?

Take Tim Camrose, for instance. His latest single, “Break The Chains,” sounds remarkably like one of my favorite bands from the early eighties, The Icicle Works—and I mean that as the highest compliment.

“Break The Chains” is one of those tracks where everything comes together perfectly: great guitars (check out that solo!), tasteful keyboard work, and strong vocals. I especially love the sixties Motown-inspired beat in the chorus—the classic four-on-the-floor/four-on-the-snare rhythm. From The Supremes to The Beach Boys, countless artists used it, and for good reason: it gives the refrain an irresistible lift.

The production is equally impressive. Producer Andy Ross cleverly captures the spirit of the early eighties in the overall sound—a period before electronic drums and the ubiquitous ’80s gated-echo aesthetic completely dominated music production. What can I say? It works.

“Break The Chains” is a gem for anyone who loves that era of music. And for those who haven’t yet explored this style, give it a listen. Chances are, you’ll fall in love with it too.

Listen here: “Break The Chains”

Explore further:

Tim Camrose Spotify

Tim Camrose Soundcloud

Tim Camrose YouTube

Review by staff at MBTM

 

 

CS Hellman – The Fear I Felt

5 out of 5

The radio is so filled with mindless pop these days. You turn on any of the hot channels of the day and what you will hear is the same song over and over again. I know many might think I am exaggerating and perhaps I am a bit – guilty as charged! Yet, it’s quite remarkable how everyone is tapping into the same hooks, production gimmicks and sounds. In other words, pop and rock have become very generic and mediocre.

It’s a pity that this mediocracy is celebrated so widely on the commercial radio because there would be so many wonderful artists to choose from, artists whose music isn’t getting the recognition it deserves, artists like CS Hellman, whose new song, “The Fear I Felt” is eclectic and catchy, artistically challenging but yet familiar enough.

The song’s got it all: great guitars, poetic lyrics, wonderful breathy vocals and enough structural changes to keep the listener interested. Anyone who likes Editors should check this out. It’s got the same vibe as their music but displays perhaps more crossover mass appeal. All in all, “The Fear I Felt” is a great pop/rock track and CS Hellman is definitely an artist to follow and to keep track of. Brilliant stuff.

Listen here: ”The Fear I Felt”

Review/post by Tom Tikka