I remember when online reviews meant you paid a fee. Sometimes, it was above board and sometimes under the table.
Real Reviews
That’s a big part of why you see so few reviews in my EPK. I never paid for any of those. Thankfully, over the years, there have been some wonderful reviewers who were genuinely drawn to my music or my online presence.
Meanwhile, I think we are continuing to see a shift away from websites dedicated to music reviews. Instead, the reviewers are completely organic, leaving reviews on BandCamp and social networks.
Where It Happens
Some of those are from friends with a simple share…
Stan Stewart writes about the inspiration behind his latest EP ‘Cosmic Theories’. Available now on Bandcamp (link in comments).
— John M Davis (@jdsampo.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 7:56 AM
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…or a lovely comment.
Listening now- this is EPIC! The intro to the first song had me completely hooked!
— Rose Alaimo (@rosealaimomusic.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 1:03 PM
love that track Stan! Feels like the frontier of emotion
— Edward Givens (@edwardgivens.bsky.social) February 16, 2026 at 12:11 AM
And Keeps Happening
Others offer mini-reviews…
And here's another from Stan Stewart, who is grasping the Zeitgeist and making the best of it. Some nice atmospheres here.BandcampFridaymuz4now.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic…
— Insides And Outsides (@insidesandoutsides.bsky.social) February 6, 2026 at 12:36 PM
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…sometimes with a favorite track.
This whole ep from @muz4now.com is amazing, but I love the way the 2nd track, Cosmic Crust Theory, in particular transitions from haunting to hopeful and then braids the themes together like the Fates weaving our lives into eternity. bandcampfriday
— Rod Hillen (@rodhillen.com) February 6, 2026 at 6:47 PM
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“Social” Reviews
All of these are wonderful. Here’s a review that includes all the songs weaving them together as a story. And I have to admit that this holds a special place for me as a composer and songwriter. Thank you to @florgoth on BlueSky for this amazing thread.
JustListenedA new album with 4 relatively short tracks by @muz4now.com has just come out. This moves more into the Ambient area and is full with beauty, but also restless, uneasy bits.Highly recommended!More detailed thoughts below. 👇mirlo.space/stan-stewart…
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
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“A new album with 4 relatively short tracks by @muz4now.com has just come out.
This moves more into the Ambient area and is full with beauty, but also restless, uneasy bits.
“Highly recommended!
“More detailed thoughts below.”
What stood out to me in the first song, was the dark cello under the bright chimes and ethereal synths. It sounded to me, like the strings were progressively pushed forward, just the tiniest bit. It felt foreboding and ominous.
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
“What stood out to me in the first song, was the dark cello under the bright chimes and ethereal synths. It sounded to me, like the strings were progressively pushed forward, just the tiniest bit. It felt foreboding and ominous.”
The second track starts with a drone and whale sounds, making me immediately think of an ecological theme. Following this we have possibly the most deliberately melodic part, even complete with vocals, before returning to the whales. This part felt sad to me and is probably the most musical piece.
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
“The second track starts with a drone and whale sounds, making me immediately think of an ecological theme. Following this we have possibly the most deliberately melodic part, even complete with vocals, before returning to the whales. This part felt sad to me and is probably the most musical piece.”
Halfway There
The third and shortest song heavily features flute and cello. This time the cello does not feel like a counterpoint, but serves as a foundation for the brighter sounds. Pretty much like a drone is used. Under all that, synths and vocal samples make up a (quiet) cacophony.
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
“The third and shortest song heavily features flute and cello. This time the cello does not feel like a counterpoint, but serves as a foundation for the brighter sounds. Pretty much like a drone is used. Under all that, synths and vocal samples make up a (quiet) cacophony.”
“This one felt like something busy and unsteady is happening underneath the calm and pretty surface. Constant movement that is covered up and barely recognizable.”
The final track is called "Untranquil" and is ironically the most calm one. An atmospheric drone effect makes this feel spacious, with picked strings, an flute occasional flute and clacky wood or bone chimes giving it a very prominent texture.
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
“The final track is called ‘Untranquil’ and is ironically the most calm one. An atmospheric drone effect makes this feel spacious, with picked strings, an occasional flute and clacky wood or bone chimes giving it a very prominent texture.”
“This one feels empty, almost dead. Like random sounds you’d hear when walking through a wasteland; remains of things that existed before. To me, this was the emotionally strongest piece of the suite. Yeah, overall a sobering experience, fitting for the times we live in!”
This one feels empty, almost dead. Like random sounds you'd hear when walking through a wasteland; remains of things that existed before. To me, this was the emotionally strongest piece of the suite.Yeah, overall a sobering experience, fitting for the times we live in! 👍
— florgoth (@florgoth.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:09 AM
Reviews for Our Time
Nearly all modern social networks have the ability to thread postings together like this one. Whether on BlueSky, Mastodon, or Threads, this weaving together makes for a wonderful way to post reviews.
Sending appreciation to all of the friends, fans, and neighbors who make social networks the new way to support each other. I, for one, am incredibly grateful for this way of saying what you heard as you listened to a new release. Thanks for being a friend!
Discover more from Stan Stewart - @muz4now
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Rose Alaimo is great!
Definitely! We are friends who have jammed and played out together.