Home Blog

Max Gomez Explores High Desert Landscapes On New Americana LP ‘Memory Mountain’

Eric Alper
-
0
Max Gomez Explores High Desert Landscapes On New Americana LP ‘Memory Mountain’

Acclaimed Americana artist Max Gomez has officially released his new album ‘Memory Mountain’, a collection that distills generations of folk and country traditions into a voice distinctively his own. Produced by the legendary Mark Howard—known for his work with Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams—the record features evocative lyrics and echoing guitar lines that capture the cosmic Western sound of Gomez’s Taos, New Mexico roots. To celebrate the release, Gomez shared a new video for the single “Don’t Leave Me Lonely,” a haunting waltz shaped by the solitude of the high desert and still northern skies.

Throughout ‘Memory Mountain’, Gomez showcases the weathered vocals and confessional songwriting that have earned him praise from Rolling Stone and NPR. Having apprenticed under regional troubadours like Ray Wylie Hubbard, he has carved out a unique niche that feels both intimate and cinematic. The album marks a bold step forward for the songwriter, expanding his sonic palette while remaining firmly grounded in the emotional honesty and timeless storytelling that define the spirit of modern American folk music.

Rakim Reclaims the Throne With Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Project ‘The Re-Up’

Eric Alper
-
0
Rakim Reclaims the Throne With Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Project ‘The Re-Up’

Hip-hop history was reborn this past August as Rakim, widely regarded as the “God MC,” returned with ‘The Re-Up’. The project, a collaborative effort with elite producer Big Ghost, serves as a powerful rebirth of boom bap mastery and precise lyricism. The rollout was spearheaded by the cinematic single “Not To Be Defined,” featuring Detroit artist and physician Lazarus, which has rapidly climbed toward seven million views on YouTube. Beyond the collaborative tracks, the album also features a standout solo performance from Rakim on “I’m Good,” showcasing that his pen remains as sharp as ever four decades into his legendary career.

The release of ‘The Re-Up’ follows a historic year for Rakim, who continues to break barriers for the genre. In May 2025, he became the first rapper to receive the prestigious George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America. He accepted the honor while serving as the commencement speaker for the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, where he also received an honorary degree. Joining an elite roster of past recipients like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder, Rakim’s academic and musical achievements in 2025 solidify his status not just as a foundational figure in hip-hop, but as a global cultural icon.

Kwame Returns With Self-Produced Hip-Hop Masterclass ‘The Different Kids’

Eric Alper
-
0
Kwame Returns With Self-Produced Hip-Hop Masterclass ‘The Different Kids’

Hip-hop multi-hyphenate Kwame has officially released his new album ‘The Different Kids’, a 15-track self-produced project that serves as a bold manifesto for artistic independence. The title reflects Kwame’s lifelong feeling of existing outside the mainstream, while also serving as a tribute to his dedicated fanbase. Throughout the record, he balances witty braggadocio with profound social commentary, touching on everything from the evolution of the Black family structure on “The Kwame Show” to the realistic complexities of marriage on “Adulthood.” By ignoring industry trends and focusing on pure creative freedom, Kwame has delivered a project that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

The album features a standout guest appearance from Lady Tigra of L’Trimm on the tongue-in-cheek track “Ole Skool Rapper,” while “KWAME 2 KWAME” finds the veteran artist in a poignant dialogue with his younger self. Musically, ‘The Different Kids’ is a tour de force of production, moving from the sitcom-inspired textures of the intro to the spare, bouncy drum patterns of “Ms Mary Mack.” Kwame describes the soul of the album as a refusal to let external styles dictate his art, opting instead to drop “gems” interwoven with high-energy, dexterous flows. It is a powerful reminder of why he remains one of the genre’s most respected rapper-producers.

Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon Expand Their Sonic Journey With ‘Come As You Are (Deluxe Edition)’

Eric Alper
-
0
Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon Expand Their Sonic Journey With ‘Come As You Are (Deluxe Edition)’

Six-time Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin and three-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Kenyon Dixon have officially released the ‘Come As You Are (Deluxe Edition)’ via EMPIRE. This expanded collection builds upon the genre-bending foundation of the original record, further blurring the lines between jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. The deluxe set introduces fresh collaborations with artists like YG, Arin Ray, and Jason Martin, alongside reimagined highlights such as the project’s new intro, a meditative cover of the classic “Nature Boy.” According to Martin, the release is a celebration of “freedom and honesty,” allowing the duo to revisit their work with a new spirit while paying homage to the musical legacies that shaped them.

The release of the deluxe album follows a series of historic, sold-out performances at the newly opened Blue Note Los Angeles, where Martin and Dixon showcased their undeniable chemistry on stage. The momentum continues as the pair prepares to take their “Black Radio Experience” to the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, California. Featuring newly produced takes on tracks like “Body & Soul” and “See You Later,” the ‘Come As You Are (Deluxe Edition)’ serves as both a continuation and an expansion of a deeply personal sonic journey. By focusing on authenticity and soul, Martin and Dixon have solidified their positions as vital cultural forces, proving that the spirit of their music is an ever-evolving story.

Max Cavalera Ignites the Tribe with “Storm The Gates” From New Soulfly Album ‘Chama’

Eric Alper
-
0
Max Cavalera Ignites the Tribe with “Storm The Gates” From New Soulfly Album ‘Chama’

Extreme metal trailblazers Soulfly have returned to their spiritual and tribal roots with the release of their thirteenth studio album, ‘Chama’, which arrived this past October via Nuclear Blast Records. The title, a Brazilian word meaning both “flame” and “calling,” perfectly encapsulates the modern-day edge and primal vitality Max Cavalera has infused into these tracks. Lead single “Storm The Gates” serves as a relentless battle cry against greed, blending the slamming rhythmic riffs that defined Max’s career with an ancestral aggression that unites the “Tribe” in rebellion. Max noted that the energy of the record was partly inspired by UFC champion Alex Pereira’s use of the Soulfly classic “Itsari” during his walkouts, signaling a powerful moment of cultural and musical intersection.

The production of ‘Chama’ also marks a significant milestone for the Cavalera lineage, as drummer Zyon Cavalera stepped up to handle a substantial portion of the production duties for the first time. This evolution in the band’s dynamic allowed them to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the unapologetic heaviness their global audience expects. Recorded with the intent to capture the raw “fire” of the band’s live energy, the album has already become a staple in their discography since its October 24th release. As Soulfly prepares for a massive 2026 touring cycle, ‘Chama’ stands as a testament to the enduring mastery of Max Cavalera and his ability to keep the flame of tribal metal burning brighter than ever.

House & Home Cracks The Code With “Swarm” From Sophomore LP ‘I Won’t Look For You’

Eric Alper
-
0
House & Home Cracks The Code With “Swarm” From Sophomore LP ‘I Won’t Look For You’

Alternative rock outfit House & Home has officially released their sophomore album ‘I Won’t Look For You’ via Open Your Ears Records, marking a visceral evolution in their sound. The project was introduced by the lead single “Swarm,” a track the band describes as a cathartic vent of internalized disdain that set the aggressive tone for the entire recording process. By blending dissonant leads with an uncomfortable, raw energy, the band aimed to push their established boundaries further than ever before. Recorded through a period they describe as “loud and scary,” the album arrived this past November, solidifying House & Home’s place as a band capable of turning personal frustration into a powerful, wide-open sonic experience.

Don’t Believe In Ghosts Celebrate Most Ambitious Chapter With ‘But On The Bright Side’

Eric Alper
-
0
Don’t Believe In Ghosts Celebrate Most Ambitious Chapter With ‘But On The Bright Side’

Don’t Believe In Ghosts have officially entered their most sonically rich era with the release of their new album, ‘But On The Bright Side’, which arrived this past November via Mindful Recordings. Preceded by the high-energy anthem “Driver”—a track frontman Steven Nathan describes as a “colorful journey about living in the moment”—the album serves as a definitive statement of the band’s resilience. Recorded over two years across New York, Nashville, and Cleveland, the project saw the trio of Nathan, guitarist Dan DelVecchio, and drummer Ken Yang diving deep into analog techniques and classic console recording. To celebrate the release, the band hosted a sold-out album release party on November 15th at Soho Live in NYC, marking a triumphant return to their home turf following a year that saw Nathan navigate a significant health challenge while completing the record.

The production credits on ‘But On The Bright Side’ read like a masterclass in modern alternative rock, featuring mixes from legendary engineers Mark Needham (The Killers) and Ken Lewis (Taylor Swift). The band’s signature anthemic sound, which has previously landed them on the soundtrack for Apple TV+’s ‘WeCrashed’, is pushed even further here with layered, textured arrangements where all three members took on multiple instruments. From the synth-driven pulse of “Outta Your Head” to the retail radio success of past hits like “Slow Down,” this new collection solidifies their reputation for creating music that is both sonically expansive and emotionally grounding. By choosing to find the “Bright Side” amidst the wreckage of a challenging production cycle, Don’t Believe In Ghosts have delivered a record that feels destined for the big stages they continue to conquer.

The Story So Far Captures Live Magic On ‘I Want To Disappear In The USA’

Eric Alper
-
0
The Story So Far Captures Live Magic On ‘I Want To Disappear In The USA’

The Story So Far has officially transitioned into a new era with the surprise release of their live album, ‘I Want To Disappear In The USA’. This 21-track collection marks the debut release for their own California-based indie label, Oak Grove Records, moving away from their long-standing home at Pure Noise. Recorded during their 2024 headlining run, the record captures the raw, visceral energy that has made them a pillar of modern pop-punk, featuring high-octane versions of “Big Blind,” “Letterman,” and earlier fan favorites like “Quicksand” and “Nerve.” It is a calculated move that allows the band to own their masters and provide fans with a definitive document of their live show’s current evolution.

The release arrived just as the band wrapped up their massive 2025 autumn tour alongside Neck Deep, Origami Angel, and Pain Of Truth. This run across the United States served as a victory lap for their fifth studio album, ‘I Want To Disappear’, which was hailed for its sharp guitar riffs and the urgent, “Proper Dose”-era maturity that frontman Parker Cannon has mastered. By launching Oak Grove Records with a live record, the band is signaling a more DIY, fan-focused approach to their future. For those who missed the sold-out dates in cities like Brooklyn and Santa Ana, this live set offers an intimate, unfiltered look at a band that remains at the top of their game twenty years in.

‘I Want To Disappear In The USA’ Track Listing:

  1. “Big Blind”
  2. “The Glass”
  3. “Out Of It”
  4. “Nothing To Say”
  5. “High Regard”
  6. “All This Time”
  7. “Watch You Go”
  8. “Letterman”
  9. “Things I Can’t Change”
  10. “Proper Dose”
  11. “Jump The Gun”
  12. “Empty Space”
  13. “Solo”
  14. “Keep You Around”
  15. “Upside Down”
  16. “Keep This Up”
  17. “You’re Still In My Way”
  18. “Roam”
  19. “White Shores”
  20. “Nerve”
  21. “Quicksand”

This LEGO “Marble Machine” Is The Ultimate Desk Accessory For The Musically Inclined

Eric Alper
-
0
This LEGO “Marble Machine” Is The Ultimate Desk Accessory For The Musically Inclined

If you’ve ever lost an afternoon watching the Wintergatan Marble Machine, you’re going to appreciate the sheer mechanical stubbornness of this latest build from Brick Machines. We’re talking about an autonomous LEGO instrument that ditches marbles for tiny plastic soccer balls, dropping them onto xylophone bars with the kind of rhythmic precision that would make a metronome sweat. The best part? It’s a closed-loop system that hauls the balls back to the top to start the sequence all over again, effectively creating a “perpetual” music box that only stops when you pull the plug.

Bon Jovi Celebrates New Jersey Roots With “Red, White & Jersey”

Eric Alper
-
0
Bon Jovi Celebrates New Jersey Roots With “Red, White & Jersey”

Bon Jovi has officially released ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’, a massive 14-track reimagining of their 2024 album ‘Forever’ that doubles down on their Garden State heritage. The collection is anchored by the new high-energy anthem “Red, White & Jersey” and a long-awaited studio collaboration with Bruce Springsteen on the atmospheric track “Hollow Man.” Born out of Jon Bon Jovi’s necessity to keep the music moving during his vocal cord recovery, the project features a “who’s who” of guest artists, including Jason Isbell, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Joe Elliott. By trading verses with his friends, Jon has given ‘Forever’ a second life, transforming it from a solo reflection into a communal celebration of rock resilience.

The album arrives following a busy year for the band, which saw the release of their career-spanning Hulu docuseries ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’ and a headline-making video shoot for “The People’s House” in Nashville. The ‘Legendary Edition’ also includes exclusive physical bonus tracks like “Fight Somebody,” available on the direct-to-consumer vinyl and Japanese CD editions. With the new year approaching, the band has already begun teasing a return to the road in 2026, marking a triumphant new chapter for one of the most enduring acts in rock history. Whether it’s the Nashville soul of The War and Treaty or the gritty Jersey storytelling of The Boss, ‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ proves that even after forty years, Bon Jovi still knows how to make it look easy.

‘Forever (Legendary Edition)’ Track Listing:

  1. “Red, White and Jersey”
  2. “Legendary” (with James Bay)
  3. “We Made It Look Easy” (with Robbie Williams)
  4. “Living Proof” (with Jelly Roll)
  5. “Waves” (with Jason Isbell)
  6. “Seeds” (with Ryan Tedder)
  7. “Kiss The Bride” (with Billy Falcon)
  8. “The People’s House” (with The War & Treaty)
  9. “Walls Of Jericho” (with Joe Elliott)
  10. “I Wrote You A Song” (with Lainey Wilson)
  11. “Living In Paradise” (with Avril Lavigne)
  12. “My First Guitar” (with Marcus King)
  13. “Hollow Man” (with Bruce Springsteen)
  14. “We Made It Look Easy / Hicimos Que Pareciera Fácil” (with Carín León)
123...3,028Page 1 of 3,028

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper