Review: "Love At First Sight" - Van Norden

If you're on the hunt for something completely different from anything you've ever heard before, you need to check out the new EP "At First Sight" from Van Norden. That's because he has a way of combining electronic dance music with an acoustic folk sound. Van Norden knows exactly how to mix different genres of music to make an unique sound that's music to your ears.

Review: Bitter's Kiss - Bitter's Kiss

For those that love indie pop music, I have a new face to introduce you to. Bitter's Kiss is a project formed by New Jersey artist Chloe Baker that focuses on the realities of our everyday lives. She may seem like an innocent and naive girl, but with her self-titled album you'll see that's not quite the case. She truly delivers a whole new persona here.

Review: Break My Heart - Alice Sungurov

Are you looking for a new artist to obsess over? If so, look no further than Alice Sungurov. This New York based artist is taking an unique approach to songwriting, being compared to artists like Adele and Christina Perri. Her newest single is titled "Break My Heart" and with one listen, we're guaranteeing that you'll be hooked on this up-and-comer.

Review: Half Life - Marla Mase

Remember when we introduced you to Marla Mase back in September? For those who need a refresher, Mase's music is a mix of rock, punk, spoken word, and soul and she's even been compared to the likes of Patti Smith, David Byrne, Frank Zappa and Iggy Pop. Well, now that the New York native is signed to True Groove Records, she's gearing up to release her EP, Half Life.

Review: Turn the People - Monks of Mellonwah

Remember the name Monks of Mellonwah, because they're here to take over the music industry. These Australian natives are completely redefining the alternative rock genre with their unique sound and captivating lyrics. In the past, they've even been compared to the likes of Muse, Black Keys, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Now, they're getting ready to release their first full-length album, Turn the People.

Review: More Die of Heartbreak - Chuckie Campbell

Any hip hop fans out there? If so, you've got to check out Chuckie Campbell. This New York native is making audiences stand up and take notice with his new album, More Die of Heartbreak. That's because he's innovative and writes songs about real life issues happening in our society. Unlike a lot of others in this genre, he not only has the fast flow and catchy beats,but smart and creative words to back it up. It's exactly what's been missing from this kind of community for decades.

Review: Shining On - Ron Littlejohn & The Funk Embassy

For any of our readers out there who love funk music, we have a new band for you to check out. Hailing from Canada, Ron Littlejohn & The Funk Embassy deliver that feel good music that will have you hooked after one listen. The band first came together in 2009, when Thierry Matrat solicited the best singers and musicians he could find on Craigslist. That's where he connected with vocalist Ron Littlejohn. While Ron Littlejohn & The Funk Embassy have only been around for four years, they're no amateurs to this business. In the past, some of their members have opened for legends like James Brown and The Roots.

Review: Send the Night - The Walking Sticks

If you're a fan of artists like HAIM, Arcade Fire, Radiohead and Tame Impala, it's time to check out The Walking Sticks. This band, based out of Maryland, is comprised of lead vocalist Chelsea Lee and twin brothers Spencer and Max Ernst. Since taking off in 2011, they've been delivering a dream pop/downtempo sound that's completely unique from anything else you'll hear on the music scene today. Now The Walking Sticks are ready to share more of their music with the world.

Review: The Ria Reece Band

Canadian artists are dominating the music charts. From Justin Bieber to Michael Buble, you can't go anywhere without hearing their music blasting from the radio. Well get ready, we're about to introduce you to some Montreal natives you won't want to miss out on. If you love that old school rhythm & blues vibe, you need to check out The Ria Reece Band.

Review: "Lights Out" - MiXE1

Review by Stephanie Coffey

Fans of electronic rock, take note of MiXE1. While this band first started out as a solo project for songwriter Mike Evans, it soon evolved into a full out band that's been compared to the likes of Blue Stahli, Deftones and Linkin Park. Now with Evans on vocals and synth, Lee Towson on guitar, Lee O'Brien on drums, and Marcos Farias on live bass, these UK natives are ready to change the music scene. In July, they released their digital EP titled Lights Out.

Review: Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner - EdTang & The Chops

Review by Stephanie Coffey

EdTang & The Chops is one band you won't forget. This aggressive folk rock/indie group from New Jersey has not only garnered local support since starting out, but radio recognition as well. They've been a featured artist on Sirius XM's The Loft, as well as Rich Russo's "Anything Anything" free form radio program. Earlier this year, EdTang & The Chops released their full-length album, Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner.

Review: Deviations - Aurganic

Review by Stephanie Coffey

If you're a fan of artists like Massive Attack, Muse, Radiohead and Depeche Mode, you're going to want to check out Aurganic. This alternative/electronic duo is comprised of long-time friends Mike and Leo. They first came together back in high school when they were part of a local punk rock band. As their music tastes started to change, they decided to create the band Aurganic. Since their startup in 2010, they've released a self-titled EP and full-length album called Life as a Canvas. Now, they're ready to hit the charts again with their follow up CD, Deviations.

Review: Step Inside - Kevin Jenkins

Review by Stephanie Coffey

Being New York City based, we always love discovering new music from local artists. Recently, we stumbled upon Kevin Jenkins and knew we had to share his music with all our readers. Jenkins is a professional bassist turned soul singer who can best be described as a mix of Sting, Bill Withers, Seal and Stevie Wonder. Throughout his 38 year long career, Jenkins has worked alongside musicians like Cyndi Lauper, Enrique Iglesias, Roberta Flack, and Maxwell. He's also opened for legends like Michael Jackson, The Police, Tina Turner and Joe Cocker. Jenkins even played at major jazz and blues festivals around the world. Now he's ready to head out on his own and release his debut album Step Inside.

Review: Shuffle - EMW Music Group

Written by Adriana Morales

How can people deny a good deed? If you guessed "They can't/shouldn't", then you are correct. When people come together to donate their time, talents, money, knowledge, etc. for a greater cause, it should always be recognized.

Today we recognize Ben Lindell and the album titled "Shuffle", put together with the help of numerous artists for VH1's Save The Music Foundation. Ben and the artists involved had the desire to contribute to public music programs that inspire and help mold the next generation of musicians we come across each year. There is an urgent need to end cutbacks of scholastic music programs. All students should have the opportunity to benefit from these programs, and this is the message that Ben Lindell is trying to drive home. Statements such as the following one show just how beneficial these programs are to students:

Introducing Chevonne and the Fuzz

Written by Regan Brown

Background vocals for the likes of Lady Gaga and Estelle, a shot at reality TV on the third season of The Voice, and now the frontwoman to her own band, Chevonne and The Fuzz, Chevonne is letting the world know that she’s coming and there is no stopping her. Chevonne and The Fuzz will be releasing their first ever EP, Fire at Will, on September 17, which was completely fan-funded. Now instead of leaving everyone to wait in anticipation until the arrival of their EP, Chevonne and The Fuzz were gracious and considerate enough to release one song off of their upcoming EP called, “Glow”, which kind of sets the stage for what people can expect to hear when the entire album comes out.

Review: Perfect Ain't Perfect - Gedeon Luke

Written by Adriana Morales

"What would you think if I told you that there were more colors than gray?"

These are the first lines sung by 24-year-old Memphis, TN artist Gedeon Luke on his EP Perfect Ain't Perfect. Partnered with his rich voice that is full of life, "Lend Me Your Sunshine" is a fun and uplifting instrumental that starts off lightly but gets more complex as it goes on, all without losing the listener. Once the second track "Soul Child" began to play, I knew this EP was made to take us back to a time when music was still being mixed and experimented with; a time where music lovers could really connect to what they heard in their homes, cars, or walking down the street. Perfect Ain't Perfect is all about SOUL.

Backstreet's Back Alright

Written by Regan Brown

The boys are back! Nick, Brian, Kevin, Howie, and A.J., formally known across the globe as the Backstreet Boys, are back but this time around they’re all grown up.  After eight years since their last album, the Backstreet Boys’ eighth studio album, In A World Like This was released on July 30th.

Review: It's Only Change - Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why

Written by Adriana Morales

Alright readers, you are in for a nice treat today. If you haven't heard of Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why yet, you will now. I was recently asked to write an album review for them, a band I have never listened to until today. Just to give you an idea of what to expect, I suggest you grab a Piña Colada (or a cold beer if that's too "girly" for ya) before reading my review or listening to their album It's Only Change on your own.

PCL Music Exclusive: Warped Tour Review

Nothing screams summer to us quite like Warped Tour. It's America's longest running festival concert tour, reaching more than 500,000 fans every summer. The festival is held in venues, parking lots and fields throughout the nation for close to two months. What we love so much about Warped Tour is that it features so many different music genres. Rather you're a fan of punk, alternative, hip-hop, ska, emo or electronica, there's something for you. This year, we were given the opportunity to check out the hugely popular event when it hit the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey on July 13th. Check out our review below:

Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Written by Melissa M. Crespo

                                                                        
Now I know I'm two years late, but if you haven't read Bossypants by Tina Fey, then you seriously need to stop what you are doing and go and buy this book now! It is amazing! The novel, which is a compilation of autobiographical essays, proves that Tina Fey is witty, hilarious, and insightful. What is most enjoyable is that she intelligently constructs vignettes woven together for the creation of a greater fabric. Her accounts do more than simply provide the audience with humorous anecdotals. Each story, including early adolescence, traveling improv performer, marriage, writer on Saturday Night Live, and creator of successful sitcom 30 Rock, is honest and sensible as she goes about critiquing the world through her experiences. No subject goes untouched in this refreshing memoir about self exploration while encouraging a higher standard on issues of sexism, workplace politics, personal and professional decision making, and of course comedy.