“Realign” with Tiyou & MXZ.
Featuring Tiyou and MXZ.
Tiyou & MXZ
“Realign”
Ep Release
Checkout the epic artwork done by Caleb St. Julian.
Boston’s TiYou and MXZ team up to make a funky, soulful EP channeling Anderson Paak and FKJ and bring you “Realign”.
I am not the least surprised that this record is as good as it is. I started hearing the man behind the microphone a few years ago when we were studying in Boston and he was the frontman of a soul band called Whale Tail. I followed this band around town whenever I could and they brought in a huge audience, always girls screaming and horns blazing (Literally).
This EP is full of luscious licks by Max Zietsman (MXZ), a fellow Berklee student who is as cool as his writing is. Before I even knew of the singer, I knew Max (guitar, co-producer), from many run-ins at Berklee. Max was always in the right place at the right time, and this record proves my point. Max has the ability to bring his California vibes into his music and share it through the radio and make you feel cooler, lighter and more relaxed just by second-hand listening. Max was always an extremely talented player and I am so glad these performers joined forces for this epic EP. With added musicians, James Paolano (freaking NASTY bass player - look him up, fall in love), and James McKernan on horns, it's destined for gold. I have been non-stop listening to it since it has come out and the immediate reaction of when I put it on is always, “wow, this is awesome.” Nick Restivo said, “it sounds like Anderson Paak with James Brown’s backing band,” when referring to the first song on this EP. Well, I can't disagree. But give it a listen, and get back to me. Overall- damn, that's amazing.
The EP is extremely cohesive. Not one song jumps out as erroneous, giving the entire album a beautiful tone and setting the mood for whatever you have going on for the day. For me- it gets me moving. Whether that’s dancing around in a crowded *masked* room (I see you, folks), or grooving while I fold my laundry, its utterly relaxing with the push of motivation to get me through the day.
It starts off with Battery, which immediately slaps you with the tasty licks of Max. The man knows how to create a mood. Immediately, Matt starts overlaying vocals, exploring each area of his large range. The song makes you feel full, energetic…..almost like...your battery is full? Okay jokes aside, this song is cool. If the head shaking groove doesn’t catch you, Matt’s lyric writing and patterns will. See 1:35 for my favorite section, it’s like traveling through time and space.
We then travel to my personal favorite off the EP, Be like That. Tiyou doesn't miss a beat or take a breath. This would be my favorite album to travel to. The horns that come in at :54 seconds are absolutely my favorite part and I replay the song time and time again for that exact section. Representing the horn section is the very talented James McKernan, and I can't wait to see what they do next. I love how the song comes back to the mantra, “Be like that,” quite a few times. Giving it a home base and a catchy phrase to sing along to.
Then off to the sexy, Black Cherry. With a very sultry and jazzy intro, the musicians set the stage for the club piece. Tiyou has such an interesting rap/singing pattern that’s absolutely intoxicating. You can get lost in the syntax, yet hear every word. The story he paints is absolutely clear. See the breakdown at 1:46. You will absolutely hear this song when you are out dancing in 2021.
“Liquor Body”
We all can do a getaway at this point in our Covid-19 experience, but using an extremely upbeat song, Tiyou explores heartfelt lyrics to find what he needs for his soul in Trop 14. If you were stuck in a box for the last few months….years…..lifetime? Then these lyrics may mean nothing to you. However, Tiyou gracefully explores what it’s like to be a black man walking the streets.
We end the musical experience with the EP’s title track, Realign. Again Tiyou explores, using his voice as a drum beat and impresses me by making another hit that fits the tone and mood completely but offers an entirely different vibe. Lots of really cool percussion, perfectly placed. This song in particular has made its way to repeat in my brain as I travel through my day singing, “and I know you don’t know me….” I am sure this album will find its place in your brain and in your soul.
This album was mixed and mastered by the ever talented David Korn and produced by Max Zietsman and Matt Gonya.
I cannot wait to see what this duo comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and pop over to Spotify or Apple Music and give it a listen now.
FFO: Masego, Anderson Paak, FKJ.
KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS PEALED FOR THE MOST’S ALBUM RELEASED THIS MORNING. SEE REVIEW HERE LATER.