Book Review: Diane Adams - Broken Light (Book One 'Beyond the Night' Series)

Returning to the writing scene with another stunning addition, is prolific adult fiction writer, Diane Adams. From her start with her 'The Making of a Man' series, Adams has gone from strength to strength and dabbled in different genres. The one thing that stands true is her ability to write emotive pieces and characters which are easy to relate to and feel for.


This time, Adams has gone with a supernatural theme. With the story feeling quite similar to the WB show Supernatural, Adams has captured a mood of loss and yearning for something more perfectly. The research and hunt of supernatural villains is well crafted and watching the relationship between the characters grow and come to fruition is delectable.

The story starts with the heartbreak of watching our main protagonist, Jace Bennett, going through the heartbreak of losing his one reamining family members, Wade, to the supernatural. The lose is instantly emotive and you're challenged not to feel tears tickling the corners of your eyes.


The story progresses and we soon meet Jace's romantic interest, Elias. Jace is confronted with handling feelings that he had long suppressed and desires long ignored. The revelation and consequences of these emotions leads to a breathtaking journey which any gay or bisexual man will instantly align with. Adams has captured the confusion and inner turmoil beautifully.


It wouldn't be a Diane Adams story without man on man sex. The lead up is seductive and the peak is breath taking. The emotional and physical connection between our two main leads culminates into a vibrant display that as pleasurable to the eye as it is to the two characters.


Ever the storyteller, Adams doesn't have a straight forward story. There are a couple of twists. Some predictable. Others, well, not so much. The story line is entrancing and enriched with Adams descriptive and narrative writing style.


For someone who is looking for a mystery, romance and smut story all in one... here it is. Adams is a breathtaking writer and has given this story her all. The end result? Spectacular!


Broken Light is out now through Silver Publishing

Music Review: Evanescence - Evanescence

It's been five years since we were last graced by the stunning voice of Amy Lee. Now Evanescence, who were touted as 2003's new Linkin Park, are back with their brand new self-titled album and proving that they are no one-hit wonders. The album has everything of their standard trademark complete with ethereal vocals, moody lyrics, wailing guitars and pounding drums.


From the blasting opening track and lead single What You Want, it's quite clear that you are going to have any amazing journey ahead. It's also evidence that Lee has lost nothing of her song writing ability. The song is catchy and instantly memorable. The piano almost sounds of place as the song goes on but is also strangely fitting.


Following is Made of Stone which is heavier rock and a darker version of Evanescence than we have previously known. The guitar scratching in the background and vicious lyrics are showing that this is a new and more adult version of the band. The song shows such growth that it is nothing short of amazing.


The Change and My Heart is Broken set a new standard for all other similar bands to live up to. The key to loving these tracks is remembering what endeared the band to you to start off with. It's a return to their The Fallen days and it's not experimental. It's Evanescence at their rocking best. It's the melody. It's the sheer stunning quality of Lee's voice. It's the music. It's the best way to describe these two tracks.


Skipping forwards a few tracks and you find Lost In Paradise. Here we have a much subdued track. Yes, they did a ballad. This is what the original version of My Immortal should have been. It plays along quietly, a true ballad and then at the right time, the band comes in with guitars wailing. It may sound like a bit of disaster in written word form but when you actually hear the song, it is amazing and perfect.


Sick is a return to the darker and heavier version of the band that we first found on the track Made of Stone. This song will rock you and you will love it. This is both lyrically and musically emotive. It's a highlight of the album with both the story it's telling and the performance. Listen to this track and tell me that you don't love it.


Returning to their original style are the tracks End of the Dream, Oceans and Never Go Back. It's like listening to their early work with a more mature song writer which is what was missing from The Open Door. They let go of the feeling that was there in their debut. Now, with their third album, they mastered how to mature and reach back to their roots. Don't be disillusioned into thinking that this is old work rehashed, it's not. This is something all new and no matter what gets written, nothing will prepare you for what you will hear.


Closing the album is Swimming Home which is an electronic, rock, ballad mix up. Nothing you have ever heard before will prepare you for the song. It's stunning. This is something that you've never experienced. Lose yourself in it's sheer beauty. The song is amazing. 


The album doesn't have a My Immortal or Call Me When You're Sober but it does have more than it's fair share of stand out tracks. This album may have taken five years to reach us but it's certainly been time well spent writing and perfecting the album. If you have only ever liked one of their songs in the past, this album will appeal to you. Even if you don't put the album on your 'To Buy' list, make sure as hell it's on your 'To Listen' list.


Evanescence is out now through EMI Music

Music Review: Gotye - Making Mirrors

One of the biggest names to be thrown around of late is Gotye. With the release of his sophomore album, Making Mirrors, he is gathering attention from around the globe. With this smooth harmonies and catching melodies, Gotye is being hyped around the world. This time, believe the hype.

From the opening of Making Mirrors, there are 12 tracks that you can't help but fall in love with. The beats, the drums, the harmonics, the riffs and that smooth vocal performance. This album is nothing short of astounding and will be played non-stop in an attempt to appease the ear.

By now everyone should be familiar with the single Somebody That I Used to Know which features the talents of Kimbra. The song is memorable and engrossing. Listening to it time after time and the song does not get tiring. Gotye has found the joys of highs and lows in his music and changing tone from soft to loud.

Following is Eyes Wide Open, which was the lead single on the album which was released October 2010. Since then it has been well received and even clocked in at number 25 on Triple J's Hottest 100. It's up-tempo and catchy riff that leaves will have even the most leaden of feet tapping in time.

Smoke and Mirrors is a strangely stunning mix of alternative rock and smokey blues. The chemistry of the track is no less appealing that any other track on the album. It's rich sound and smooth performance arrest the ear. It's preformed with such light and shade that it's listening pleasure at it's best.

When you first here I Feel Better, you are forgiven to think that you're listening to something that has appeared from somewhere between the 70's and 80's. The track sounds closer to something that you would expect to hear Cliff Richard sing back in his heyday. The brilliance of the track though, is that it still works and is just as captivating as the rest of the album. The catchy feel of the song. The up-tempo, foot tapping enticement that is so rich throughout the song.

The personal favourite track of the album, however, is State of the Art. The song feels seductive and layered with enticement that clings to the skin and will turn your head to pay attention to the track. The overuse of vocal exciter and digitization of Gotye's vocals breaks the sound the rest of the album goes through. Right up until the chorus when the the harmonics are just breath taking,. The jazzy and electronic feel of the track are an absolute fusion that is just amazing.

The closing track is Bronte which is far more subdued than the rest of the album though no less appealing. It's actually a welcome change and quite fitting way to end the album. It's delicate nature and almost dream like performance means that it is set aside and given extra notice that it otherwise may not have been. Let your breath be stolen... it's worth it.

The album has been given hype by people around the world. Guess what, it's deserved. The mixture of melody, harmonics and just out and out talent, means that this album is worth listening to. You do want to grab it with both hands and have a damn good listen. It's highly recommended for everyone and anyone to get their hands on this album and hear what all the noise is about.

Making Mirrors is out now through Universal Music

Music Review: tyDi - Shooting Stars

Music Review: tyDi - Shooting Stars


Who wants one of the hottest dance albums of the year? Well, here it is. One of the hottest DJ's in not only Australia but worldwide, is here with his second phenomenal album. 


Back in 2009, Brisbane boy tyDi released his stunning album Look Closer. It turned the Australian dance scene on it's ear and set a whole new level for aspiring DJ's and electronic music artists to live up to. Many have striven but none have achieved the same standard.


Now signed to the penultimate of dance music labels, tyDi has release his album Shooting Stars on the Armada label which is known for having some of the biggest and most amazing artists on their books.


Spread over 18 luscious tracks is evidence why so many people have taken notice of this young musical mastermind. The moving music, the spectacular composition of lyrics and sound. From the opener Take A Chance to the uplifting Vanilla to the almost ambient Long Nights on Fast Planes. There is something to appease every electronica lover.


The album features some of the most known vocalists within the dance world. Gracing the track Greater Heights is Jennifer Rene who featured on the Armin Van Buuren track Fine Without You. Her is rich and full and lies over the top of the stunning and steady beats that pulse beautifully through any type of speaker.


Also appearing is Audrey Gallagher who every knows from epic track Big Sky where she appears with John O'Callaghan. The track World's Apart may not have the same anthem like qualities that Big Sky did but it is certainly captures the ear and demands attention. Even when the album plays as background music, Gallagher's ethereal voice starts to play out of the speakers and you will pay attention. The song is easily an eargasm just waiting to happen.


The sheer and simply beauty of World's Apart is so dynamically different to the following track Never Go Back featuring Brianna Holan that you will check to make sure that it is the same album. The steady, driving beats that ripple throughout the track are addictive. It's hard to look past this track as a favourite.


For those who don't know, tyDi studied at the prestigious Conservatorium of Music and has a classical background. On the closing track Ariana, you can understand why. It's an instrumental track that is unrivaled in it's beauty. The delicate piano, the gentle strings and the calm soaring percussions that glide throughout the song are stunning. There are no real words to describe the sheer rapture that can be found in listening to this track.


This album is sheer brilliance and proof positive of just how diversely talented an individual can be. From the arrangement and production, to the effort that would have been put into writing this album. 


Don't be fooled by the hype, this album is worth it. You don't just want this album, you need it. For want of a better description, this musical journey is nothing short of astounding and breath taking. This man has been touring the world, head lining music festivals and has played club after club and garnered the attention of dance lovers world wide. To understand why, listen to this album.


Shooting Stars is out now through Armada

Music Review: Zoë Badwi - Zoë

Music Review: Zoë Badwi - Zoë


It's been two years in the making, but the unmistakable talent of Zoë Badwi is now recorded and ready for you to take home. This unmissable vocal powerhouse has released her first album and it's worth every cent.


From her first release back in 2009 with Release Me to 2011 with the release of Accidents Happen, Badwi has shown that Australian artists can produce absolutely amazing music. Her debut album, Zoë, is just that evidence.


The album starts thumping from the outset with the opening track Freefallin. It's a track that brings back memories of so many nights out. People moving on a dancefloor, gyrating to the beat as Badwi's voice soars to high notes that no human should be able to hit. It's certainly one of Badwi's best known tracks and a welcome inclusion to any clubbers library.


Following is the amazing track Until You're Over Me. It's got the thumping bass that we have come to know and love as part of Badwi's signature that combined with soaring vocals and slick production, leave no doubt that it is destined to join her other singles as a club staple.


For those who were wishing, praying and hoping for it's inclusion, yes, Release Me has been thrown in. The throbbing beat that we all fell in love with and threw our hands in the air to so many nights. It also plays nicely into Carry Me Home which, while still dance-like, has a much more demure approach. It's certainly a pleasant change of pace in comparison to the rest of the album.


Skipping forwards a few tracks is Reckless. The song it catchy and will get your foot tapping. It also sounds very similar musically to Wynter Gordon's smash hit Dirty Talk. The lyrics, however, prove that this is a Badwi production. 


The only other comparison on the album is One Step Behind which has a similar feel to Kylie's X album. This leaves Minogue dead in the water though. Badwi presents the song with enticing beats and seductive vocals that stimulate the ear and drag the listener's attention.


Badwi's other, lesser known, single from 2009 was In The Moment and has been included on the album. It's catchy and flashy. It's something else to behold and start dancing to. Slick production, steady beats and a healthy amount of bass mean that it's club ready and deserved more attention than it got.


Badwi does have a softer side. Included on the album is Believe You. The album's token ballad. It's a beautiful piano based track which matches Badwi's voice perfectly. For this one, stunning song, Badwi croons rather than belts out the tune. The performance has a raw and vulnerable quality to it that is endearing and heartfelt.


The album closer is The Other Side. Don't try and compare it to anything else that you know of Badwi. The minimalistic instruments at start gives way to the vocal dynamics that have, by now, come Badwi's trademark. She proves her vocal range is just out of this world with the high notes she hits. It's hard not to at least nod your head as the music ripples and entices the listener.


For a debut album Zoë Badwi couldn't have done any better. This is the strong type of album that is missing so often in today's music scene. While it sticks to primarily one genre, it excels and shows just how talented Badwi really is. This album is phenomenal and any lover of electronica will want this album.


Zoë is out 5th August 2011 through Neon Records


The latest single Carry Me Home:





And the club favourite, Freefallin:

Live Performance: Zoë Badwi

Live Performance: Zoë Badwi 


She's been captivating Australia's dance scene hearts for a couple of years now and she's finally releasing her debut artist album. Zoë Badwi is ready to take the Australian music industry by storm and she's got a set of pipes that will floor a nation.


From starting off with the club smash hit Release Me back in 2009, Badwi has firmly planted her name in the international dance scene. With her voice that belts out over any speakers and a style that sets a whole new standard for vocal dynamics, Badwi is set to turn the music scene on it's ear.


The comparisons are instantly obvious. She's a Melbourne girl who is not only stunning but very girl-next-door, but she's also very personable when you speak to her. Badwi is a star in her own right and nothing will dissuade that visage that she has created.


Wednesday, 3rd August 2011, Badwi had her Melbourne album launch at the Greyhound Hotel in St Kilda. Climbing up on stage, Badwi blew away the crowd that had gathered to hear what she had to offer and the response was spectacular.


There had been whispers among the crowd that Badwi would be auto-tuned within an inch of her life. Those whispers were soon squashed and the gathered audience amazed at the true talent that the tiny star had to offer. 


From the opening song Freefalling, which any good club goer should know, to the breathtaking acoustic version of Accidents Happen, Badwi left the audience in sheer amazement as she belted through song after song. There was even a stunning cover version of Estelle's classic American Boy thrown into the mix. Badwi showed how brilliant she is by performing it as an acoustic version featuring her friend Isaac.


There were members of the audience who danced along to each track and didn't stop dancing, even on the one ballad that she performed to a more than receptive audience.


There was no theatrics or spectacular visual displays. There was Badwi on stage with backing music and her voice. What a voice it is. Strong, powerful and distinctly feminine. Some vocalists tend to lose themselves in scales and electronic enhancements, Badwi isn't one of them.


This is certainly an up and coming performer that needs to be watched. From her dynamic vocal ability to club heavy tracks, she's got it mastered and carved out a spectacular niche for herself. Not only within the Australian music scene, but as an international dance artist. Should Badwi play near you, make sure you go and see her belt out your favourite track but to witness her pure bliss as she sings each song to her heart's content.


Zoë Badwi... keep an eye out for her. This is the next big music export from Australian shores and will be setting your local club ablaze with little effort.

Music Review: Roger Shah - Openminded!?

Music Review: Roger Shah - Openminded!?


When thinking of premier electronic artists who can easily grace the speakers of any music love, it's hard to go past Roger Shah. His work under his own name and several nom de plume have carved out a niche market in this fickle music world.


With his last solo album, Songbook, being back in 2008, Shah has returned with another breath taking album that is sure to turn the ears of so many back to the trusted trance beats. The steady driving rhythm that plays right through the album is an absolute delight to listen to and will get the most uncoordinated toe tapping away.


His signature mixture of stunning melodies and driving beats are ever present throughout the album. Coupled with the brilliant choice of vocalists featured throughout, it would appear that Shah can do no wrong.


The first single to be lifted from the album is Morning Star featuring the breath taking vocal dynamics of Moya Brennan. For those who don't know the voice, think Saltwater by Chicane. The sweeping sounds of Brennan's lush voice and the almost orchestral quality of Shah's music will sweep you away.


Not one to leave a good song lie, Shah has recruited Sian Evans of Kosheen fame and redone their 2002 worldwide smash Hide U. It keeps the same feel though, at the same time, takes on a life of it's own. It's hard to pick the version to prefer. The original classic, or this newer driving force. The more dynamic electronic sounds ripple with energy and can't help but captivate the club kids who remember the first release, or the new listeners who will be dragged into the magic of the beat.


Realising that he's on a good thing, Shah brings Evans back twice more on the album. She features on tracks In The Light and Shine. Both the tracks are worth any hype made about them. 


When first listening to In The Light, the ethereal quality of Evans' voice, couple with the grit of the heavy trance throbbing creates a feeling which can't be clearly described in simple words. There is something magical about the way the pair work together. This can only, we hope, be an indication of what is yet to appear in the coming years from the music industry.


Shine itself is not without merit. There isn't the harshness of the sole heavy beat. Evans' voice proves that it can be quite melodious and enrapturing all over again. It proves how she has grown as an artist since we first heard her voice with Kosheen all those years ago. Breathe in the wondrous beauty of the song and it's uplifting feeling.


Also appearing for a track on the album is Chris Jones. Hot on the heels of his success with Armin Van Buuren in the song Going Wrong, Shah has brought him in for the floor filler Obsession. Apparently it's not just a Calvin Klein fragrance. It's also an eager track that will pound out over club speakers and have the highs and lows playing out as you lose yourself to the shamelessly enticing sounds of the song.


A dramatic and spicy highlight of the album is Porque. It features the amazing talent of Salma Ros. It would appear to be a debut for the songstress as there is very little information about her out there. The rich and smooth vocals are addictive. The track can be repeated several times over and still not get boring. The excitement of the track and the divinity of the production with the voice all creates a breath taking piece of musical breakthrough.


Appearing as an added bonus for those who buy the digital copy of the album, there is a second Chris Jones track Summer Days. It's got the open and uplifting feel to it that the title would suggest. It's actually hard to describe. There's so many positive things that can be said, it's hard to pick just one or two. The song if just a phenomenon on it's own.


As with any Shah production, there is a second version of each song that is more down tempo. The serenity of each track with a laid back and ambient feel, it's hard not to have your breath catch in your throat. Having Porque stripped back is addictive. Listening to Shine as an acoustic production just enhances it's beauty. It all proves just how truly versatile Shah really is with his production. 


Openminded!? is a masterpiece of electronica. Shah is constantly evolving and learning the art of his craft and applying the evolution to each release. It's crisp and modern yet still timeless. This is a fantastic release that is ready to have the uptempo versions playing before a night out and the down tempo ready for the recovery the next day. Whatever the time, this is an album and trance lover must have.


Openminded!? is out now through Armada