Johnny Wore Black | Walking Underwater Part 2
I was surprised when I started streaming the latest release from Johnny Wore Black, because I had expected it to follow the Walking Underwater Part 1 flow. In fact, Part 2 has a completely different tone, a more brooding and contemplative one. Its core is old-school rock ’n’ roll, evoking Ozzfest memories, but with a bold approach to current instrumental technologies. The album also features Megadeth’s David Ellefson, bringing another level to the party.

The 10-song album has a lot going for it. The first track, “Firefly,” is smooth as butter, with well-balanced harmony and a classic vibe, whereas “A Cut Above” brings a more modern feel, with some computerized elements well fitted over natural talent. “Fallen Angel” and “Shine On” were two of my favorites and had a Pink Floydish kind of dark calm to them. “Gift of Desperation” was my favorite song on the entire album, with a compelling story and excellent lyrics that I found myself humming to later in my day. “I Do Dissolve” and “Noise” are the catchy tracks I can see doing well on the radio long before the others.

The album is very impassioned and stirring and perhaps gives us a peek into the varying issues band members have faced or are facing and really draws us into their world. I really enjoyed the intertwined techno and rock elements and exquisite layering offered throughout the record, which really gave it a deeper sound more bands should tap into.

Visit johnnyworeblack.com for more information on the band, the album and other news.

XFactor1 ~ Reboot The System
XFactor1 is on a mission with Reboot The System. According to XFactor1, the rock and metal scene is in need of a jumpstart ~ or reboot ~ and they intend to deliver it. But do they?

Things get off to a fist-pounding start on the opening “Rise of the Rebellion,” with vocalist QBall yelling over a building guitar-sustain, “Rock is anarchy/Rock is decadence/This is the rise of the rebellion.” QBall clearly draws the line between his band and others that fall “for the trends, the fads and the bandwagon (expletive) that the sheep call art,” and for the most part, the band lives up to its end of the bargain. The majority of Reboot The System contains a loose and heavy formula that harkens back to rock godfathers of yore, but the aggressive and reckless rock attitude teased at the beginning of the album begins to taper off into post-grunge inner turmoil by the end.

While QBall certainly sounds sincere in his mission statement at System’s start, things become perplexing with XFactor1’s cover of Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.” Covering an iconic ’80s pop song comes off as contradictory and doesn’t seem like the ideal way to “reboot” the rock and metal scene, but the rendition is a unique take that keeps the original’s hooks and appeal intact.

XFactor’s members put a lot of pressure on themselves from the get-go on Reboot The System. Although it may not be the total reboot that it was intended it to be, XFactor1’s Reboot The System is a full and fierce listen.

For more, visit facebook.com/XFactor1official.

Mary J. Blige ~ The London Sessions
Going across the pond for her latest release was the right move for Mary J. Blige. The soul songstress finds her groove again ~ that groove she’s been seeking for the last dozen years in lesser efforts ~ and we’ve missed it. The sound on The London Sessions is fitting for the R&B queen because it allows her throaty, soulful voice to shine while matching it with big UK talents like Sam Smith and Disclosure (both acts with whom she teamed on their albums in 2014).

Most of the 12 songs on the album sound fresh and ~ more importantly ~ passionate, which is a cornerstone of Mary’s trademark sound. It begins with four ballads, highlighted by “Doubt,” a signature self-reflection anthem that bares her emotional core. Those looking for a Mary J. throwback to her ’90s R&B will have to wait through the album’s first third until she really hits her stride with “My Loving,” quintessential Blige that explodes with raw emotion.

Heartfelt is sometimes overused, but with Blige it’s been overdue, so we’re happy to hear her sounding unapologetically, emotionally invested in her songs. The singer gets personal about her demons of addiction with “Therapy” and is ready for the pulsating dance floor with “Nobody But You.” And while the transitions between moods can be a bit jolting and the random spoken-word interludes by Sam Smith and Disclosure between tracks which praise her talents are just awkward ~ it’s better to just let us hear her ~ this is the Mary J. Blige we’ve been waiting for. We’re just thrilled to be along for the ride … even if the road to get there is a little bit bumpy.

For all the latest on the queen of R&B, check out maryjblige.com.

By Jennifer Russo / Jason Savio / Michael Wood