M.R.O. The Viking - HANGIN ON FOR LOVE
Alternative, Rock
California, U.S.
Overall Impression: Los Angeles-based artist MRO The Viking serves up deeply emotional and melodic alternative rock with an electronic edge, on his release of "Hangin on for Love". This mid-tempo number blends distorted guitars with staccato piano and swirling synths alongside wonky bass lines and rapid-fire double kick drum rhythms in support of meticulously layered and creatively filtered male vocals. The Viking's lyrics on this track express feelings of love and loss inspired by the passing of his longtime feline companion, and serve as a living reminder of the friends and family that we've all lost along the way. Alternative and indie rock fans can find MRO The Viking's "Hangin on for Love" now available as a single, on all major streaming music platforms.
Strongest Point(s): Excellent production, solid mix. Good tonal balance and use of stereo space. Compelling arrangement and interesting instrumentation. Nice fade-in intro; you don't hear that technique a lot, and it pairs well with the abrupt ending. Captivating blend of rock and electronic elements; great guitar tones (nice angular solo at 3:50 that takes us to the end), and the synths are supportive and highly integral to the song. Terrific bass lines that work well with the drums, wonderful tone and unorthodox part-writing (love that de facto bass solo at around 2:53). Piano works extremely well in this context as well. Strong vocal performance and production, fantastic use of filters/fx and the harmony stacks sound amazing. Brilliant lyrical content, delivered straight from the heart and listeners will recognize and appreciate the authenticity and sincerity of the songwriting. Overall this is an epic rock track with a somewhat unusual but incredibly engaging sound, as well as a glowing tribute and memorial to a fallen friend. Outstanding work, all around!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock
Artist target suggestions: Muse, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers, Royal Blood, Doves, Mew, Kasabian, Arcade Fire, Placebo
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.