Ubyk: Matryoshka EP

Wow, it's been almost a year since my last review. So I decided to start from the beginning with a band I got in touch with a year ago about their music.

Ubyk's music is instantly gratifying and full of sounds that float and drift with the mood. The harmonies are deeply satisfying. This is an EP that will keep you wanting more. I really can't wait until they release a full album. Th 5 song EP just seems to skim the surface of they're capabilities.

Ubyk's tunes sound like they're influenced by a swarm of classic artists such as Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and other 1960s era prolifics. And there is just enough of a change in style from song to song to keep things interesting. I strongly recommend checking out the Los Angeles band and hearing their music first hand. Enjoy!

www.myspace.com/ubyk

Soulganic: All Directions Forward

The first time I heard Soulganic's music I thought to myself ", hey those are great female vocals!" I looked around their website trying to find the lead singer. After reading the bios of every musician on the page I was a little frustrated. I could not find a description of this singer. All that was listed was a bio for a lead singer, Anthony Rodriguez. Obviously I was missing something. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps it was a man singing! I listened to the track again with a more open mind and decided it was possible. So I emailed Mr. Rodriguez and he confirmed it himself.

Now that I know it's a man I can't really picture anyone else. His voice is extremely reminiscent of Michael Jackson. But the music is worlds away from that genre. We're looking at soul/R&B here folks. The first track on the album sounds straight out of the movie, "Jackie Brown".

Every track has a new groove and the same impressive vocals. But there is also enough variety to keep things new and fresh throughout the album. Track three, "If I Could Forget You", goes into a lush and organic flamenco guitar solo toward the end. And the following track is a smooth and heavy blues song.

This band is groovy, solid and original. I highly recommend checking it out for yourself.

www.OrganicSoulMusic.com