CJ Teffner: ‘Stars’ Album Review

A writer, performer, and producer reining from Phoenix, Arizona, CJ Teffner is ready to lay all of his emotions out on the table with his brand new album titled, Stars.  Released to the public on July 13, 2018, CJ Teffner expresses a vulnerability unlike any before in his music on this four track album.  With the help of the talented featured vocalist on the album, Robyn Cage, you can absolutely feel how personal this set of songs were to Teffner, as the instruments, vocals, and production scream vulnerability.  The amount of different vibes I got while listening to this album was hard to keep track of. With that being said, here is a little track by track of my thoughts about each of the songs on, Stars:

1.)“Crazy Train”

Sound familiar?  Honestly, the re-imagination of this iconic Ozzy Osbourne song took me a minute to realize it was a cover.  That is how ORIGINAL this re-imagination sounds. In fact, I am quite obsessed with this version. I never realized how vulnerable someone could make Ozzy’s, “Crazy Train.”  Instead of rocking out, I felt like crying out. Right from the beginning of it, I actually got major Evanescence vibes from the arrangement and I was really into it. Honestly, this version of, “Crazy Train,” was just pure genius.  Definitely on repeat for me, especially on those I-am-not-feeling-so-strong-days. I loved how it poked at my emotions.  Again, I never thought, “Crazy Train,” could do that to me.

 2.)  “Meant to Fit”

“Meant to Fit,” is the first original track on, Stars.  As I listened to the first few strokes of the acoustic guitar and beginning vocal melody, I immediately thought of the artist, Jewel.  You know that song, “Who Will Save Your Soul?” Those are the exact vibes this track gave me, except revamped and of course, a completely different song.  I think what I loved the most about this track was how easy it was too listen to. I also felt plenty of singer-songwriter vibes on this track as well, which is another characteristic I always adore in songs like this.  However, another unique thing about this track was the utilization of the title track, “Stars,” at 2:02. I really LOVE when an artist brings things into full circle throughout their album like CJ did here.

 3.)  “Stars:

“Stars,” is the title track of this album and the first single to be released from the album as well.  I definitely think that was an appropriate choice. “Stars,” truly wraps up the entire album and brings it all full circle.  This might even be the strongest track on the album because of the strong presence of vulnerability throughout this song. Through not only the production and instrumentation, but vocally too, as Robyn Cage hits the nail on the head again with the melody.  “Stars,” truly came together very nicely, when taking in all elements of the track. I also very much so enjoyed the guitar solo starting at 2:09 because it gave the song a whole new vibe, a little rock twist if you ask me.

 4.)  “Please Forgive Me”

I think out of all of the tracks on this album, “Please Forgive Me,” is definitely the MOST vulnerable song on, Stars.  Vocally, Robyn Cage KILLED these vocals and they sounded stunning, the perfect amount of vulnerable to the music being showcased.  I also found this track really relatable too. I think everyone faces points in their lives where we feel like we have to beg for forgiveness, although we often tend to forgive others faster than they may forgive us.  I mean, this is a situation I have been faced with before and this song reminded me of those feelings, tugging at my heartstrings. I truly admire how vulnerable CJ Teffner allowed himself to be on this track, specifically because a topic like that is not easy to tackle, at least I could only imagine it not being easy. The perfect ending to the album.

Be sure to keep up with CJ Teffner and the rest of his project on his website! You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! So give him all of the LIKES and FOLLOWS! As for, Stars, you can also find that on his website, Spotify, iTunes, and other music platforms! Can’t wait to see what is next for CJ Teffner and where, Stars, will take him!

Ser Xerri: ‘The Hype’ EP Review

 

Back on May 12, 2018, funk-rock band, Ser Xerri, dropped their debut EP titled, The Hype.  Hailing all the way from Bordentown, New Jersey these guys definitely have one of the most distinct sounds I’ve ever heard.  Not only do they cover the rock genre, but they also sprinkle funk and some alternative sounds into the mix of their EP, which will keep you curious to listen to more. Not to mention, some of their tracks come off as quite humorous, something I haven’t heard much from bands within the New Jersey local music scene. The Hype consists of three tracks: “The Hype,” “Sympathetic Response,” and “Applegate Mountain.”  Each of these tracks demonstrates how easily Ser Xerri is able to express their diversity through their sound, making it truly difficult to pin them down to just ONE genre. With that being said, let me break down each of these tracks a little bit more for you:

1.) “The Hype”

“The Hype” is not only the title track, but it is also the first song off of the EP.  Honestly, this was the first song I listened to and it truly caught me off guard as I listened to it for the first time (of course in a good way).  Whenever I listen to a band for the first time, I never know what to expect, but these guys got me good with this one. The frontman of the band, Ser Xerri himself, expressed to me that this track poked fun at the controversial connection between birds and dinosaurs before I listened to it, so I automatically was intrigued.  He also told me this song was played at an 8th grade formal dance recently too.

Once I gave it a listen, EVERYTHING made sense.  Not only was this song catchy and groovy, but also it was quite humorous.  I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. It was also danceable, so I understand why it would be played at a dance.  Overall, I really appreciated the funky vibes this track gave off. It is a lot of fun, contains a lot of groovy guitar parts and bass lines… Who wouldn’t want to smile while listening to something as fun as, “The Hype?”

3.)  “Sympathetic Response”

Sympathetic Response” definitely stood out the most to me on this EP.  I think it was because again, it wasn’t a sound I was expecting. It also sounds completely different from the other two tracks on this EP.  Whereas, “The Hype” and “Applegate Mountain,” give off a funky, fun, and humorous vibes, I didn’t quite get that from, “Sympathetic Response.”  In fact, I heard A LOT of Red Hot Chili Peppers influence on this track. It was a lot more serious, but still a great listen. I particularly heard a lot of this throughout the guitar and vocal parts of the song, which I could 110% respect.  Honestly, these guys would KILL a Chili Peppers cover. I might even dare to say this is my favorite track on The Hype.

3.)  “Applegate Mountain”

After, “Sympathetic Response,” listeners are introduced to the final track off the EP titled, “Applegate Mountain.”  Maybe the theme here throughout this EP is just to be consistently caught off guard while listening to it because once again, this track also caught me off guard (again, in a good way but I will get to that).  A lot like the title track, “Applegate Mountain,” definitely exemplifies the bands ability to add funk elements to their music. I mean, you can help but bop a little bit to this song! However, two things I appreciated the most about this song were 1.) the harmonies  and 2.) UM CAN WE TALK ABOUT WHEN 2:07 HITS (this was the off guard part I was talking about).

Anyways, the group vocals in each of the choruses of, “Applegate Mountain,” really added something special to this song and made it that much more fun.  I think these harmonies really make for a good amount of Ser Xerri’s distinct sound (in addition to their ability to get funky with it). Also, when the song 2:07, it takes a complete turn and everything changes for a bit while the lead guitar takes the reins for a couple seconds, until 2:45, when the song goes back to its original theme.  Just another surprise from the band on The Hype.

Be sure to listen to the full EP here!  Also, make sure you LIKE Ser Xerri on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram!