An artistic mind is creative all the way through. I have found that musical artists often have talent in the visual arts as well. Our recent discovery Kenneth Cookson seems to be one of these super artistic minds. With his new musical project New Rival and debut album My Urban Condition this has been proven.
Art and music have been the focus of Kenneth Cookson’s life for quite a long time. In High School he studied commercial art and orchestral music. Exploring these artistic talents through different bands, fine art, solo folk songwriting, and graphic design developed him into the multi-talented artist he is today.
Now some 30 years later, Kenneth Cookson is ready for the world to hear his debut under the New Rival name, My Urban Condition. The 12 track instrumental album dives deep into a mesh of Rock, Jazz, Soul, and Electronic genres. The title track “My Urban Condition” hits right away with an emotion inducing melody. Feelings will wake up inside you.
‘Stroke Of Luck’ by New Rival
Lead single “Stroke Of Luck” turns up the energy with a beat that will get you moving. There is a soul vibe lying underneath here. Sounds come from many angles to give your ears something different to focus on with each listen. The darkness gets turned up on “Tempest” with its deep atmospheric sounds creeping along in the background. A speedy drum beat gets the heart pumping while trying to feel the direction of the song. It seems to take you wherever it wants to. Embrace the freedom.
On “You Get Me I Get You” we again see the multi-direction approach of New Rival with rock guitars scraping the surface as big orchestral notes soar in the background. There is again a lot going on here. The ability of New Rival to blend it all into one listening experience is top notch. The Rock vibe is turned up on ”Possessed” with another dark feel. An interesting guitar sound adds to the tortured elegance.
The album closes with “Now I See” and its trend towards a pop sound. There is a pretty piano melody punctuated by swirling guitars and a driving drumbeat. Soothing yet upbeat, but either way satisfying. Great listen all the way through as you allow the music to take you away.
Keep up with more from New Rival on his WEBSITE
