Caleb Moore / Fox Royale / Marie Keane / The Kaves

Caleb Moore’s “Happier” has some really lovely piano note riffs throughout that keep rolling down octaves… and develop into something rather unexpected, changing from a ballad and investigating several genres. I particularly appreciate how the lyrical structure is divided into a discussion between a guy and a woman about a relationship that is on the rocks. The vocal effects are employed in a pretty creative way, and the percussion is quite well-planned. This is a powerful piece of work that merits your entire attention. It is well mixed and produced and, for me, one of the better songs I have heard in a while. -John Michie

I never dreamt of running away and joining the circus, but I guess dreaming of being a rock star isn’t too far off. Maybe I didn’t have enough talent for either, but I could have worked at a carnival, which is close, right?! I could have been somebody. I could have been a carnie.

If you’re still reading my ramblings, thanks for being patient as I set up my review for “Carnival Gods.” Fox Royale has got what it takes to be rockstars. This good-mood rocker has a catchy melody, a pro sound (Produced by Nickolas Wheeler of All American Rejects) and all the ingredients for a rise to the top. After a few years of hermit life, who doesn’t need a fun tune about battling a bad night with a good time a carnival? I know I’m as ready for a Ferris Wheel as this song is for your ears. -Mark Grider

I like irony. It keeps life interesting. I like rock music for the same reason. What’s my point? I’m not sure, but this is how I am starting this review and it’s a little late to rewrite it, so perhaps you should read on to see if I make any sense.

Marie Keane doesn’t strike me as shy with her new tune, “Shy.” It’s a bold and proud, funky rock tune. I can’t help but imagine hearing this song live while everyone in the club dances and sings along. It just has that “sound.” It’s a fun tune and the horn section caught me off guard in the best of ways. Give it a listen and see what I mean. I dare you to control the urge to hum along while the chorus repeats: “Get it on. Get it on. Get it on like a man.” Yep, it’s stuck in my head now. You know you want it stuck in yours. -Mark Grider

My name is Mark and I’m a guitar part addict. I fell in love with the intro guitar melody and sound in “Premonitions” by The Kaves. It’s so catchy and majestic. I recognize that there is more to the song than that glorious guitar part. Like, there’s a whole song played by a band, with drums, vocals, and a bass. There are engaging lyrics and melodies. I just wanted more of that intro… and, much to my delight, I did get more of it because they do go back to it. Yet, after a few more bars, I still wanted more! Worried that I might be hopelessly addicted to that guitar part while the bridge did its bridgey thing, I was comforted by another stellar guitar part. At 4:02, a new guitar melody of equally epic proportions made me forget the first one. Wow! That’s huge sounding! Look, I could tell you about they other things in the song, but you’ll hear them when you spin it. And you need to spin it, if for no other reason than to hear that guitar. Ok. I’m sorry. I will see myself out. -Mark Grider