REVIEWS

Marc Soucy has released “That Thing You Said,” the thirteenth single in his year-long music series STIR: Soundscapes Evoking Realities Only Imagined. The series, which began in June 2024, is set to conclude with one final studio track, “Through the Quadrangle,” scheduled for release on June 6, 2025.

This latest piece offers a smoother and more relaxed sound compared to earlier entries in the series. Featuring a combination of strings, harmonica, and subtle electronic textures, “That Thing You Said” leans toward a ballad-like structure. The atmosphere it creates is lighter and more reflective, showing a different side of Soucy’s compositional style.

While much of Soucy’s previous work explored surreal and tension-driven soundscapes, this track takes a gentler approach. It focuses on emotional clarity through a simple, melodic structure. The production keeps things direct, allowing listeners to focus on the mood and flow of the piece rather than being overwhelmed by layers of complexity.

This release is part of Soucy’s effort to build a body of work that supports visual storytelling. The music is created with sync opportunities in mind, but still holds artistic weight on its own. With each new track, the STIR series has shown its interest in blending genres and pushing personal boundaries.

Soucy’s music is available on all major streaming platforms. A growing catalog is available for licensing, and his IMDB page continues to expand with new credits.

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Marc Soucy’s “PTSD: Paris-Tokyo Suborbital Departures” is a detailed and creative electronic composition that combines emotion with strong technical skill. The track blends influences from ambient, jazz fusion, cinematic sound design, and vintage electronic music to form a piece that feels both modern and rooted in musical history.

From the start, the arrangement pulls listeners in with its careful layering of synth textures, rhythmic pulses, and sound effects that mimic airport announcements and retro arcade sounds. These elements build a sonic world that reflects the pressure and speed of modern life, while also leaving space for moments of calm. The mix includes lounge-style chords, glitchy percussion, and warm melodic runs, all arranged to keep the track moving without becoming overwhelming.

What stands out most is how Soucy builds emotion without lyrics. The track moves through moods—unease, curiosity, and even brief joy—while staying focused and easy to follow. Nothing feels random. Each part of the track adds to its atmosphere and direction, and the transitions are smooth.

Marc Soucy clearly draws from years of experience. His knowledge of production tools and synthesizers comes through in the track’s detail and clarity. Every sound has a purpose, and the result is a piece that feels complete and thoughtful.

“PTSD: Paris-Tokyo Suborbital Departures” shows that instrumental music can still tell a story. It’s a strong entry in Soucy’s “STIR” series, and it offers a clear example of how personal expression and sound design can work together.

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Odelet’s “Wait For You (Revived)” offers a smooth and thoughtful reimagining of her earlier work. Instead of simply remixing the original, she brings new life and meaning to the track. The result is a calm, emotionally rich piece of music that balances subtle production with expressive vocals.

The song opens with soft, glassy synths that create a reflective mood. These sounds set the stage for a slow, steady beat that gives the track a relaxed but steady rhythm. Echoes and ambient layers fill the space without feeling crowded. Odelet’s voice floats above the mix, delivering lyrics that speak to waiting, longing, and holding onto hope. Her singing is gentle but clear, and her tone carries real feeling without ever becoming too dramatic.

Each part of the production feels carefully placed. The mix blends elements of trip-hop, electronic R&B, and dream pop, creating a sound that feels both modern and timeless. There are no sudden shifts or distracting effects. Instead, the music flows naturally, giving listeners time to sit with each moment.

Odelet shows real skill as both a producer and a performer. She doesn’t follow trends or force her music to fit one style. Instead, she builds a sound that is completely her own. “Wait For You (Revived)” fits perfectly within her larger project, which includes multiple albums and experimental remixes. It reflects the care she puts into every part of her work.

This track invites listeners to pause and reflect. It doesn’t rush. It simply asks you to listen—and maybe feel a little more than you expected.

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“All In Good Time” by ULTAN JP is a song built from personal experience and creative setbacks. Originally sparked by a canceled video project, the track turns that disappointment into something strong and honest. It reflects the artist’s ability to take frustration and reshape it into something listeners can connect with.

The guitars are the foundation of the song. They carry a warm, steady rhythm that supports the vocals without overpowering them. A saxophone adds a bold touch, giving the track a slightly retro feel without sounding dated. The mix is raw but intentional, showing that ULTAN JP values emotion over perfection.

The lyrics focus on the ups and downs of trying to create something meaningful. ULTAN JP does not try to hide the effort behind the song. Instead, he shares it openly. His voice is clear and expressive, making the message feel personal but easy to relate to. The chorus arrives naturally and brings a sense of release, offering a simple reminder that patience often brings clarity.

This track does not aim to be overly polished. That is part of its charm. It feels real because it is real, both in sound and in spirit. ULTAN JP shows that even when plans fall apart, something worthwhile can still be made. “All In Good Time” is a strong example of how music can come from honest moments and still reach others in a meaningful way.

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Dmitri Zouchinski’s “Drug Dealer” brings back the gritty sound of ’90s grunge with a deeply personal twist. The song starts with a slow, heavy rhythm that quickly builds into loud, fuzzy guitar riffs and crashing drums. This shift mirrors the real-life tension behind the song, pulling you into the emotion from the very first note.

The instruments are rough in the best way—grungy guitars and steady drums give the track its raw power. Nothing feels overdone or polished, which fits the story being told. Zouchinski’s voice adds even more feeling. He doesn’t just sing; he throws himself into each word, with a mix of anger, pain, and energy that’s impossible to ignore.

Lyrically, “Drug Dealer” is based on a real experience that shook the artist. The words are simple but powerful, showing just how real the moment was. Zouchinski doesn’t try to dress things up—he tells it like it is, and that honesty makes the song stand out. The chorus hits hard, full of frustration and emotion, as he works through the fallout of the encounter.

As a whole, this track shows how strong personal music can be. “Drug Dealer” blends the rough sound of classic grunge with true storytelling, giving it an edge that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re a fan of the old grunge scene or just looking for music that’s real and emotional, this is a song worth listening to. Zouchinski’s style is raw, honest, and deeply human—and that’s what makes it so powerful.

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Naomi Neva’s Burning opens with a raw guitar hook that immediately stakes its claim. The notes are jagged yet melodic and set a tense mood that mirrors the track’s themes of wildfire and betrayal. This is not a song hidden behind layers of sheen. It stands exposed, just like the landscapes it references.

Vocally, the delivery is unflinching. Neva’s voice carries the weight of childhood memory and present grief. When she sings of smoke rolling in and shy apologies that never arrive, she captures a moment that is both personal and universal. There is no overproduction here—every breath and inflection cuts straight to the heart.

Underneath the guitar, the rhythm section is subtle but steady. The drums hold a quiet pulse that drives the song forward without pulling focus from the vocals. As the track unfolds, you notice small electronic textures woven in the background. These ambient touches create a sense of space and distance as if you are watching flames dance just beyond reach.

Lyrically Burning balances the literal horror of wildfires with the metaphorical blaze of broken promises. Lines about running from the hills and hearing half-remembered warnings become shorthand for every time someone we trusted let us down. The song does not offer neat resolutions. Instead, it sits in that tension between loss and determination to keep going.

Produced in Naomi’s home studio and polished at Abbey Road Studio,s the track combines DIY spirit with professional clarity. It delivers a powerful reminder that music can process trauma and ignite a sense of shared experience. Burning is both a personal reckoning and an anthem for anyone learning to stand in the ashes and rebuild.

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Morgenrøde’s latest single, “Eudaimonia,” bursts forth with a raw energy that captures the essence of unfiltered punk spirit. The track opens with a surge of distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums, creating an immediate sense of urgency and rebellion. This sonic landscape is chaotic and controlled, reflecting the artist’s desire for autonomy and self-expression.

The instrumentation maintains its intensity as the song progresses, with gritty guitar tones and relentless percussion driving the momentum. The vocals are delivered with a passionate fervor, conveying a message of personal freedom and resistance against conformity. The production, handled entirely by Morgenrøde himself, ensures that every element feels authentic and unpolished, staying true to the DIY ethos of punk music.

Lyrically, “Eudaimonia” delves into themes of self-determination and the struggle to maintain individuality in a world that often demands conformity. The title, derived from a Greek term meaning human flourishing, underscores the song’s exploration of what it means to live authentically. Inspired by the defiant spirit of his young daughter, Morgenrøde channels a sense of youthful rebellion and the innate desire to carve one’s path.

Overall, “Eudaimonia” stands as a testament to Morgenrøde’s commitment to creating music that is both personal and resonant. The track’s unrefined sound and heartfelt lyrics offer a refreshing departure from overly produced mainstream music, inviting listeners to embrace their sense of freedom and individuality.

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Marc Soucy’s “Tashkent Club Fire” opens not with a bang, but with an atmosphere—one that creeps in subtly and sets the tone for an immersive listening experience. Built around a layered soundscape that blends electronic pulses with traditional acoustic elements, the track feels less like a song and more like a sonic narrative unfolding in real time.

As the piece progresses, textures multiply. Synths ripple across a foundation of intricate percussion, while hints of Middle Eastern melodic phrasing rise to the surface. The rhythm moves with a hypnotic drive, but the arrangement avoids predictability. Instead, Soucy allows space to do much of the storytelling, giving each instrument its moment without crowding the mix.

There’s a careful choreography to the instrumentation. Banjo and string elements enter with precision, grounding the track in something tactile and human. These organic voices play against shimmering electronic layers, giving the composition a dual nature—one rooted in tradition, the other straining toward abstraction. The result is music that feels both ancient and futuristic.

Rather than follow a familiar verse-chorus structure, Soucy crafts “Tashkent Club Fire” as a series of evolving movements. Shifts in timbre and rhythm create emotional pivots, building a sense of narrative without needing words. It’s a composition that respects the listener’s imagination, leaving space for personal interpretation.

Soucy’s experience as a producer is evident in the clarity and balance of the mix. Every sound has purpose, every transition feels earned. “Tashkent Club Fire” doesn’t just blur genre lines—it reimagines what those lines could mean. For listeners open to exploration, it offers a rich and rewarding sonic journey.

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Marc Soucy’s “When I Take The Five” offers a captivating glimpse into the exploratory spirit of early 1980s jazz-rock fusion. Recorded live in 1983 with his trio Antartica—featuring Jeff Carano on bass and Ray Lavigne on drums—this performance stands out for its purity and spontaneity. Unlike many of Soucy’s later works that incorporate synthesizers and layered production, this piece relies solely on acoustic piano, delivering a raw and intimate listening experience.

The composition unfolds with a rhythmic vitality that reflects Soucy’s dual immersion in jazz and progressive rock during his formative years. His piano work is both agile and expressive, weaving intricate melodies that dance over the steady grooves laid down by Carano and Lavigne. The trio’s synergy is palpable, each musician responding to the others with a fluidity that suggests deep musical rapport.

What makes this track particularly noteworthy is its embodiment of a transitional moment in Soucy’s artistic journey. As he was delving into jazz piano studies while composing progressive rock, “When I Take The Five” emerges as a synthesis of these influences. The piece captures the essence of jazz fusion—a genre known for blending jazz harmony and improvisation with rock’s energy and rhythms. This live recording not only showcases the trio’s technical prowess but also their ability to convey emotion and narrative through instrumental music.

For listeners seeking an authentic slice of jazz-rock fusion history, “When I Take The Five” offers both a nostalgic journey and a timeless musical experience. It stands as a testament to Marc Soucy’s early explorations and the enduring appeal of genre-blending creativity.

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Calamity Jay’s A Hobo’s Hymn is a striking folk ballad that blends emotional depth with musical sophistication. The song delves into themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the solitude that comes with the open road, offering listeners a rich narrative that invites reflection. As the fifth single from their upcoming EP, the duo, Rahel Rosenwald and Jean-Claude Boyer (JayC), demonstrates their ability to craft songs that resonate on both an emotional and musical level.

From the very beginning, the song captures attention with a delicate interplay of acoustic guitar and mandolin. These instruments create a soft, intimate ambiance that perfectly complements Rahel’s evocative vocals. Her voice, described as having a “weathered sense of wisdom,” guides the listener through the song’s emotional landscape, rich in imagery and introspective thought. As the song progresses, additional harmonies and piano elevate the sound, building toward an emotional and powerful finale.

The lyrics of A Hobo’s Hymn reflect a deep exploration of the life of a wanderer, one who finds peace in nature rather than in material wealth. The song speaks to the transient beauty of freedom, with the lyrics capturing the internal journey of finding solace in the vastness of the world. This sense of liberation is poignantly contrasted with the inherent solitude of the wanderer’s life.

What sets this track apart is its seamless blend of traditional folk with modern sensibilities. Critics have praised the duo for their ability to infuse a timeless genre with a fresh perspective. The addition of male backing vocals adds further richness to the sound, enhancing the emotional resonance and contributing to the song’s reflective quality. Many have drawn comparisons to the work of folk icons like Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch.

What sets this track apart is its seamless blend of traditional folk with modern sensibilities. Critics have praised the duo for their ability to infuse a timeless genre with a fresh perspective. The addition of male backing vocals adds further richness to the sound, enhancing the emotional resonance and contributing to the song’s reflective quality. Many have drawn comparisons to the work of folk icons like Townes Van Zandt and Gillian Welch.

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