Gillian - The Eyes In My Head EP

"The Eyes in my Head" the followup to Gillian's 2013's two song effort "Freak Flag", opens with the warm, atmospheric "Spirit Night". A song as uplifting as the title implies. Celebratory, nerdy and somewhat spastic, it has an immediate impact that had me leaning in, wondering where this was taking me.

"Out & Out", my personal favorite takes the listener even forward with it's dreamy keys and Kym Hawkins addictive vocal qualities.

The airy, atmospheric qualities continue to draw the ears in. There's an unwritten invitation to not only dance, but lose any inhibitions you may have brought along with you.
A gateway drug to happiness, to say the very least.

While "Breathing in Style" brings me back a bit to the more Pop rock stylings of say, Invisible Lines. The songs overall vibe reminds me of that of the EP's opening track.
"The Good Life" closes out the set on a high note. I couldn't help but find myself arguing with.... myself on whether or not this would win the "personal favorite" award. Luckily, I won't have to decide any time soon.

Overall, "The Eyes in my Head" deliver four intoxicating songs that make you want to dance and just plain celebrate all the good things in life. Proving that dance music is more than DJ's, programmed music and auto tune. Brooklyn's Gillian have something quite appealing to offer. Personally, I am more than happy to accept. James Damion

Gillian Bandcamp

Boxed Wine - Cheap, Fun LP

Boxed Wine are a five piece indie pop act that have been featured on UBRS a handful of times in the past. The bands upbeat, get on your feat and dance rhythms have managed to transform the contributors here from old,bitter and jaded men to lighthearted and joyous ones.

"Cheap, Fun" the ten song full length follow up to the three song EP of the same name continues that trend with ten songs that are, much like the editors here, uplifting and celebratory. The LP opens with
"Into the Night" which immediately puts the listeners toes on notice. "Cheap Fun" quickly makes its presence felt with it's falsetto vocals and intoxicating guitar melodies. Qualities that made the band stand out from the crowd early on. Though "Cheap Fun" doesn't do much to break new ground for the band. It does more than it's part to allow us to dance on it. As a band, Boxed Wine reminds me that life is all about the little pleasures. Moments when we let go of our fears and allow ourselves to just live in the moment. "Cheap, Fun" spares no expense to let us do just that.
Enjoy every note... James Damion

Cheap, Fun LP  Download Here