SMILEZ – Digital Mania Tell All

If you paid close attention to what’s happening on the contemporary music scene, you’ve noticed how many artists and bands deliver some of the finest works any genre has seen in recent years. However, sometimes modern music can sound stale, repetitive, predictable, and bland, often falling into that category when all those artists and bands release music that sounds nearly the same as what renowned acts released and recorded decades ago. Whether they over-mimic bigger names in the game by infusing predictable moves, not-so-new ideas, and sonic maneuvers into their music, it always seems like those recordings miss something. But, of course, there are also artists like SMILEZ willing to break all the rules and shapeshift the boundaries in order to deliver fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting music to the table. With “Digital Mania Tell All,” his latest full-length album released on May 1st, he not only released one of the finest alternative rock albums this year, but also entirely changed his sonic direction in favor of a new, improved sound. He shifts away from his hip-hop roots and leans more into an alternative rock sound, a genre he aligns more with as an artist. But, as usually is the case, there’s always more than meets the eye. Perhaps alternative rock comes to mind first, as SMILEZ incorporated all the fundamental elements of this genre into these songs, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from pop-punk, indie rock, emo, and many other similar styles. And by stacking all these additional sonic ingredients, you’ve noticed how much time and effort he invested into this material. Each element has its place and purpose here, acting as more than necessary enhancements, accentuation, decoration, or a detail that unquestionably uplifts everything to an entirely new level while the artist remains loyal to the primary sonic direction. He thought about everything while writing, composing, arranging, and producing this material, making “Digital Mania Tell All” such an incredible album that will not only appeal to the longtime alternative rock fans but also to anyone who appreciates cleverly assembled and flawlessly performed music.

Digital Mania Tell All has so many qualities that will force you to spin this marvelous album over and over again. Each composition arrives with a perfect structure, decorated with so many clever arrangements, profoundly detailed segments, brilliant ideas, and outstanding orchestrations. This album is literally packed with everything you ever needed from alternative rock music. This epic sonic journey starts with “Coming Down”, a perfect introductory composition adorned with well-accentuated, dynamic rhyhtmic patterns, catchy riffs, and Jack Bruno’s melodic vocal delivery. It immediately forces you to take a deep dive into this material and pay close attention to what’s coming up next. “LUV 2 HATE” is one of those songs that somehow feels so modern, yet it carries that irresistible late-nineties alternative rock energy. Jack Bruno’s voice sounds so sincere and confident, navigating through every segment with such precision and finesse, while the sonic and rhythmic patterns craft a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. And SMILEZ knows how to deliver those retro-sounding alternative rock songs when needed. “Nothing’s Ever Good Enough” all the vital elements of the nineties alternative, wrapped in a sound that meets all the trends in modern music production. His voice delivers catchy, memorable, engaging vocal harmonies while fuzzy guitar riffs and basslines contribute more than necessary rawness. In the meantime, the excellent drumming performance keeps this song as groovy and detailed as possible, while keeping the remainder of the orchestrations in line. But also, if you crave some modern, dreamy, soothing, relaxing indie music, songs like “Bella Vita” will immediately transport you to an entirely new sonic universe. Those lush instrumentations paired with a subtle touch of electronica make this song one of the standouts of this material. “Lights, Camera, Action” brings back that aggression, rawness, and abrasiveness alternative rock music is known for, with jangly yet tastefully distorted riffs and chord progression, and energetic beats. This is a style that suits SMILEZ so well, and this song will definitely become a staple on your playlist.

Lyrically, Digital Mania Tell All mostly explores identity and the duality of figuring yourself out in public. Therefore, it’s a highly relatable material that will immediately resonate with the broader audience. You can hear how SMILEZ navigates complex emotions, love, moods, situations, and circumstances through his music, and “Point Of No Return” exemplifies his dedication to tackling all the senses. The music is always a vehicle, and he is a guide on this epic sonic journey. “Sunshine” is a straightforward, grungy, raw punk rock song where all those heavy, powerful, gritty riffs command attention. Beneath those lush guitar works, you’ll notice equally distorted basslines and energetic drumming parts, offering tremendous groove and detail. Also, SMILEZ knows that the best alternative rock albums deliver both aggressive and calm songs, so after that particular track, there is “Attention,” a calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal, modern indie rock ballad that carries everything you ever needed from this particular genre. It also showcases Jack Bruno’s skills, creativity, talent, and experience to the max, as he delivers one of the finest contemporary indie songs this year. And do not get fooled by the calm overture of “No One Else,” because this love song packs tremendous dynamics and energy as soon as Jack Bruno introduces all those powerful, memorable, catchy verses and choruses. With its hypnotic vocal lines, irresistible melodies, and well-accentuated beats, it’s one of the standouts of “Digital Mania Tell All.” This epic sonic journey comes to an end with “Shadows,” a perfect closing song that carries a subtle hip-hop vibe but still leans towards alternative, indie, and pop-punk sound. Jack Bruno perfectly incorporated every genre in this sonic equation, making “Shadows” a song that will convince you to spin this marvelous album over and over again.

If you crave a modern alternative rock music decorated with all the fundamental elements of the genre while still leaning towards indie rock and pop punk sound, then “Digital Mania Tell All” will be right up your alley. SMILEZ has created an absolute masterpiece where every vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver works flawlessly. “Digital Mania Tell All” is a cleverly assembled and flawlessly performed album, proving that alternative rock, when done right, can still sound fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting just like the first time you heard it. Do not miss this gem!