ALBUM REVIEW: Karmin Flaunts Unique Style and Sound in Debut Album "Pulses"

Credit: Epic Records

Credit: Epic Records

When I first heard Karmin’s cover of “Look At Me Now” in 2011, I knew that something big was coming. Shortly after releasing that cover, the duo of Nick and Amy announced that they had signed with Epic Records. Three years later, their debut album “Pulses” is about to be released. 

After listening to the album for a few days, I really can tell that Nick and Amy gave this album their all and didn’t rush it. It’s been almost two years since Karmin released their first EP “Hello,” so it’s good to hear new music from them.

The album opens with the title track “Pulses,” which actually is my favorite song on the entire record. I especially like how Nick is a huge feature in this song. “Pulses” showcases not only Nick's vocal chops, but more of Amy’s smooth vocals and killer rap. A great opener for the album, it’s obvious that the duo want their listeners to feel their energy, and “raise pulses.”

“Acapella” (debuted as a single in summer, 2013) is especially unique, as the majority of the sounds in the track are completely, well, acapella. Check out their video for the song below:

Other stand-out songs include the disco-sounding “I Want It All,” the extremely catchy “Night Like This,” and “Try Me On.” However, the album as a whole stands out. Nick and Amy have something going for them: they’re different. Many artists in the industry have work that seems repetitive, or have songs that resemble the work of another artist. Karmin just sounds completely different. The fact that Amy can both rap and sing, is something that just isn’t all too common in the rap industry. She manages to bring that unique facet of herself into the pop genre. 

“Pulses” gives Karmin a huge new presence in the music industry. They are the total package. Nick even raps on “Drifter.” The fact that Karmin already is a household name before the album is even released gives them a huge advantage. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the album go #1, so keep a lookout for Karmin dominating the charts in the coming weeks!

"Pulses" is out 3/25.

CONCERT REVIEW: Cher Lloyd at Topsfield Fair

On October 12th, Cher Lloyd brought her UK fame to Topsfield, MA for a great show. Cher may have been eliminated near the end of her “X Factor” career back in 2010, but that didn’t stop her. Since then, her fan base has been growing both in the UK and here in the States. Lloyd’s fame in the United States came back in May 2012 when her third single “Want U Back” rocketed to the top of the charts.

The show at the historic Topsfield Fair was the last date in Cher’s fall “I Wish” tour, and her fans were there to represent. The “Oath” singer came out right on time to a crowd of over a thousand singing her first single, “Swagger Jagger”. Following that, Cher Lloyd sang mostly songs from her first album “Sticks and Stones”, however, there were a few new ones that haven’t been released!

Cher Lloyd Topsfield Fair 10-12-13 16

Cher Lloyd Topsfield Fair 10-12-13 16

Towards the middle of the show, Cher took a seat and sang a few acoustic covers like “Breathing” by Jason Derulo, “OMG” by Usher (my personal favorite), and more. This part of the show was interesting because all of the fans stood and admired her singing rather than screaming and dancing like other songs- a really nice way to break up a show.

The UK star ended her show with hits like “Oath”, “I Wish”, and “With Your Love”, but it was obvious the crowd favorite was “Want U Back”. Adorable Cher Lloyd was dancing around on the stage singing her most popular song while her fans sang and danced along with her.

Cher Lloyd Topsfield Fair 10-12-13 76

Cher Lloyd Topsfield Fair 10-12-13 76

Cher Lloyd’s show at the Topsfield Fair proved that she has the potential to be a key-figure in the world of pop music. Her singing and stage persona emitted a feeling of happiness that was contagious. Feel free to browse the gallery below for all of the photos from the night.

Want to see Cher Lloyd live in concert? Click here to see when she goes on tour with Demi Lovato.

Special thanks to Epic Records.