EP Review: "Amethyst" by Moe Carter
"Amethyst" is the new EP release from North Carolina based rap artist @MoeCarter107. Featuring seven tracks, it’s an epic introduction for new listeners and provides excellent insight into this artist's world.
"Amethyst" is the new EP release from North Carolina based rap artist Moe Carter. Featuring seven tracks, it’s an epic introduction for new listeners and provides excellent insight into this artist's world.
Moe's lyrical ability is visible on top of the groovy and sleek instrumental on the track ‘Kult’ and is a great opener to the EP. Next is ‘Bludini’, a stand-out track with it’s beat and fascinating rhythm scheme. ‘Sourbunga’ captures the listener's attention from the beginning of the track and highlights Moe's flow with a catchy hook and beat. ‘Gotta Blow’ has a vibe reminiscent of the early Eminem days of The Marshall Mathers LP, but Moe adds his own twist to the track with greatness. ‘Dap Rap’ finds Moe spitting his words to an upbeat, fast instrumental. Moe gets real on ‘Neighborhood' and doesn’t find him diluting his past, present and future. It brings more character with his authentic take on the refreshing track and is an excellent offering to the collection of songs. ‘Woof’ closes out the EP with a bang and is an epic ending to the project. It completes the story and provides a glimpse into Moe’s character, vulnerable traits and his artistic life.
"Amethyst" is a complete masterpiece with true meaning behind it. Moe rhymes about relatable topics like struggles and strength, to discussing sex and politics, and showcases his effortless abilities on the mic. Throughout the seven tracks, his influences like Jay-Z and Earl Sweatshirt are evident, but he created a collection of songs that is authentically "Moe Carter".
In an era where music may seem to be messy, some genres forgotten or pushed back to let others rise, Moe’s ambition to bring the hip-hop genre back is proven throughout "Amethyst". There’s tough moments, complicated feelings and self-reflection throughout the EP, but that's Moe's truth; non-compromising and ruthless.
From the beginning to the end of the EP, Moe's progression as an artist is shown immediately. Once the first beat drop, his development continues to shine. And from this body of work, it’s safe to say that Moe has a lot of potential and will be turning heads in his direction very soon. "Amethyst", is only the start for Moe Carter; jump on the bandwagon now.
Album Review: "Dreamworld" by Elora C
Every song on “Dreamworld” by @iamelorac sees a progression from the songstress. The development as an artist is certainly showcased from the first note on ‘Wrong Shade of Blue’ all the way to the album’s closer ‘Beautiful Toys’. There’s a journey to adventure on this fantastic release.
After spending approximately three-years making "Dreamworld", Elora C has finally released her highly-anticipated debut album.
Every song sees a progression from the songstress. The development as an artist is certainly showcased from the first note on ‘Wrong Shade of Blue’ all the way to the album’s closer ‘Beautiful Toys’. There’s a journey to adventure on this fantastic release.
There’s a cohesive sound throughout that captures the tragic, yet hopefulness of the songstress that shows she embraced her own life into each song making a big impact through songwriting and performance. Although there are some mid-tempo, immersive soundscapes throughout each track, there are some slower songs to balance out the record like "Dreamworld".
The 12-track album features her dark, narcotic-like dream pop production along with a unique blend of smoky and honey-sweet vocals. The album’s first tasters were ‘Stay in Love’ and ‘Chemical Lie’ gathering attention for the effortless and brilliant body of work.
The cinematic soundscape makes the album a fascinating listen from beginning to end with the luscious darkness that pulls the listener in seductively while drawing them into their own "Dreamworld".
The multi-talented artist on the rise opens the record with ‘Wrong Shade of Blue’ singing “take a walk through the darkness that lives inside me,” over a daunting beat.
'Stay in Love’ is smooth and vocally driven over an infectious, electro-dreamy production.
‘Dark Arts’ has a groovy beat with elevating vocals.
‘Monster/Angel’ has a whiny vibe to it as Elora C sings, “Hold me baby,” to an electronic beat. She perfectly pulls off its excellence. On this particular song, her vocals sound alike to Lana Del Ray.
‘Pop's New Princess’ is a daring name, title and serving itself true. Elora C’s vocals are alike to Irish singer Enya on this particular track.
‘Alone at the Top’ is a lonely tune, but might be one of the album’s catchiest songs as it lives up to its name.
‘The Fall Girl’ has an aesthetic vibe to it with powerful and heartfelt lyrics and instrumental.
‘Hundred Dollar Haircut’ is a hopeful, enthusiastic and fun song as Elora C declares she wants to find her ‘Mr Right’.
The title-track finds Elora C searching for a ‘Dreamworld’ over a haunting, beating instrumental.
‘Chemical Lie’ finds Elora C wanting to ‘floating into space like a lullaby’ singing in a dreamy, soothing way over a dreamy, narcotic beat.
‘Let's Tempt Fate’ is upbeat and electrically driven. It’s fun and powerful with a sense of nostalgia to artists like Alanis Morissette.
‘Beautiful Toys’ closes the album making the listener want more.
There’s a lot of diversity on "Dreamworld", but Elora C has a niche that showcases her signature in a delicate way that makes the entire album a worthy listen. The evolution from start to finish shows her authentic self as an artist. No two songs sound the same, every track is named in their own right, bringing the stories to life in a magical way.
"Dreamworld", thematically is based around the beauty and cruelty of the world and our frail place it it. Throughout the 12 tracks, Elora C explores the wish to escape to another place where fear and pain cannot touch her; whether it’s a person or a place.
About Elora C
Elora C is the moniker of Irish singer-songwriter and producer, Carole Wood. The name, being Carole spelled backwards, was inspired by the duality of human nature, especially being an alter ego of sorts. She began piano lessons as a child which progressed into writing songs at the age of 14 on her guitar. Throughout her teen years leading into her twenties, she founded and played in many different indie, rock and alternative bands. And after a brief hiatus, this lead her to discover jazz and blues music where she found her voice as an artist.