NEWS4U AUGUST 2021 | MUSIC REVIEWS
DOJA CAT Planet Her Kemosabe/RCA Records I had been sleeping on Doja Cat, until just a few months ago when my YouTube mix started randomly playing her banger “Rules” which left me shell shocked by her dreamy vocals, killer raps, deliciously poetic yet snarky lyrics, and insane vision for visuals - everything from a satin purple tuxedo suit to the orange dreamsicle alien landscape in the “Kiss Me More” music video. And it's a team effort as she collaborates with SZA who is out of this world. Thankfully, this third studio album has come just in time for my musical and spiritual awakening. “Need to Know” is another sexy, futuristic song with Doja Cat on the prowl as an alien. And it tracks - the whole premise of the album is that everyone lives in harmony on Planet Her. Someone call Richard Branson for me because I’m ready for lift-off. - Marisa Patwa
MARINA Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land Atlantic Records I have been a fan of Welsh singer Marina since she dropped delightful gems like “I Am Not a Robot” in 2010's The Family Jewels - back when she still had “and the Diamonds” in her moniker - which subsequently became the soundtrack to my summer of 2011 visiting my best friend and her family in A Thousand Oaks, CA. Marina’s voice is distinct and gorgeously addictive, electrifying your ears as you listen while trying to catch up and memorize the lyrics so you can start dramatically singing along. And Marina’s music can be dramatic, too, but in the best way. On this fifth studio album, she effortlessly proves she is still in the game; even if she may not be the most well known or popular singer, her talent is undeniable - especially on songs like “Venus Fly Trap,” “Man’s World” and “Purge the Poison.” While she may not go by Marina and the Diamonds anymore, she is still a priceless jewel. - Marisa Patwa
MAROON 5 Jordi Interscope Records Maroon 5 have been in the industry long enough that it’s no surprise they are really experimenting with various flavors of sounds on their seventh studio album. While soft-rock and pretty pop songs have given them hit-singles worldwide, this album isn’t giving me any major obsessed vibes just yet other than “Beautiful Mistakes” with Meg Thee Stallion. It does tug at the heart strings though, being dedicated to the band’s late manager, Jordan Feldstein, who passed away suddenly in 2017. “Echo” with Blackbear is sweet like honey with Levine delivering some insane falsettos that sound a lot like something Bazzi would sing, but no complaints here. “Remedy” is a surprise delight with Stevie Nicks as a feature while the drums and bass in “Convince Me Otherwise” hit just right, as does H.E.R. who elevates the song with angelic vocals. While this album isn’t their best, it's beautiful and heartfelt. Jordi would be proud. - Marisa Patwa
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KK'S PRIEST Sermons of the Sinner EX1 Records Yes, it’s another band riven by conflict and touring as separate acts. Guitarist KK Downing left legendary metal outfit Judas Priest a decade ago, but he’s since decided that if founding members Rob Halford and Ian Hill won’t welcome him back, he’ll go it alone. Touring under the less than creative “KK’s Priest,” Downing has managed to assemble a formidable band. Most notable is former Iced Earth front man and one-time Judas Priest replacement vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. Add guitarist A.J. Mills, bassist Tony Newton, and drummer Sean Elg, and what you get is KK Downing’s first solo record, Sermons of the Sinner. With songs like “Hellfire Thunderbolt,” “Metal Through and Through” and “Return of the Sentinel,” this isn't high art. However, it's a raucous power metal nostalgia trip for longtime Priest fans and those thirsty for new metal. Standouts are “Hellfire Thunderbolt” and the title track. - Matt Alschbach
