Chuck Morris- A Good Life ( Single Review)

Words by Anselm Anderson 

Jazz Drummer Chuck Morris forged a career on The Arsenio Hall Show, before forming his own band  Chuck Morris & Freedom.

The legendary musician now releases new single " A Good Life" from his upcoming new album, due for release in 2019.

The upbeat, jazzy, funk piece has garnered attention across national radio stations, as well as coverage in Europe and Japan. This is none too surprising once you hear the first few seconds of notes that slither across the overt drum -fills and saxophone that introduce this to an all to endearing ear. The funky rhythm of bass skips across nicely to the encompassing vocals of Morris himself. The listener truly hears the joy in his wholesome voice as he bellows out huge vocals lines. The lyrics content feels like an autobiographical account of what makes Morris enjoy his life. This shines through with the harmonic progressions and melodic accompaniment of a talented music section.

 This does not feel showy, but... more a feelgood factor. There is a nice instrumental break midway that you can't help but pat your knees too. The searing keyboards and drums work in tandem to the constant revolving motions of bass that never lets up. Chuck Morris is currently working on a new project with a slew of talented musicians such as Tracy Carter ( Keys) Andrew Gouche ( Bass) Eric Walls ( ( Guitar) Craig Thomas ( Sax) and many more.

You can follow Chuck Morris via www.facebook.com/chuckmorris

You can check out the song by clicking on the Player below;

 

Kyshera ( Artist Review)

Kyshera is an Alternative Rock act from Cardiff, South Wales. The trio- James Kennedy (Guitar & Vocals), Matt Warr (Bass) and Glyn Bateman (Drums) are best described " as a welcome change to the rock scene" with their unique brand of heavy guitars and melody vocal lines.

The band create a blend of rock that has not been experienced since those heady days of the 2000s. They have earned critical acclaim from media outlets one would say are better placed than I to throw out superlatives. BBC Radio 1 sate they were " Warped Genius", whilst Classic Rock Magazine labelled them as " pioneering innovators"

 One listens to either of their three albums- 2010 debut " Paradigm", 2012's Made In China & 2015 Circles- may prove a hard one to argue with. Moreover, Kyshera has also gained notoriety as a live act that plays explosive shows. The band made a breakthrough with the progressive and experimental " Made In China before a crowdfunding campaign helped gain funds needed to create breakthrough album Circles, an album that has been described as the trio's most accessible to date. And it is with this latest, I shall begin my review of this innovative and explorative of acts- Kyshera;

Napoleon is a fine start with its dynamic and bombastic guitar-driven sound. The combination of melodic and harsh vocals creates a staple part of heavy metal stylings with pounding drums, sing-along choruses and an effects-driven solo that closes the track. A fully likeable track that will take people of a certain age back to those nu-metal days.

Behind Enemy Lines, This track leans more towards Nu-Metal stylings with Downtuned Bass, distorted feedback, and chunky guitars that grimace in unison to Kennedy's impassioned lyrics that I think relate to self- identity.

Demon This has to be the standout track on the album with a more commercially accepted sound. The full throttle cries of " You are an animal, and I am your demon" creates a melodic hook that will have fans singing long into the night. I feel the track is about fighting your conscience. The songwriting behind the track is essential with its macabre riff that is personified Tom Morello-esque fretwork guitar and dual melodic/rapping vocals.

  Gone and The Wrong Size favouring more the ballads side of things with tracks that would be apt as closers. This is where the album picks up its intensity once again with Inertia showcasing why this is Kyshera's most accessible album to date. This eerie track has all the hallmarks of a radio hit with the distorted power chords and sardonic vocals reflect the dark nature of the lyrical content of loss and anger. The album wraps up with the aptly titled

The End This tearjerker is a ballad that reflects on moving on. The whispered vocals and acoustic guitar lines help this track be an appropriate finish. Overall, Circles has it's moments with some genuinely rocky tracks that can appeal to a marketable demographic. However, the album does seem to go missing at times during the second half. I feel that Kyshera are a talented hard rock outfit that deserves to be amongst their contemporaries. The production values are a testament to the band's hard work and passion for music. One listens to their three albums will instantly lead you to understand why the Welshmen are so underrated.

 If you'd like to hear more from this outfit, you can visit their website at http://www.kyshera.com/ or, alternatively, you can follow the band via their social media links below;

https://www.facebook.com/KYSHERA/

 https://twitter.com/kyshera