Ten more songs you need to hear! AstroVoyager - First Lights 'First Lights' is an atmospheric instrumental with hints of futuristic space travel in its delightful progression - like Muse if they turned their ear to pure synths. (6.5/10) Bishop Briggs - Dream
An energetic and exciting number with a determined beat and a Florence and the Machine-vibe. A grower. (6.5/10) The Ghibertins - I'm War (Live in a Cave)
The Ghibertins continue to release some great singles and though 'I'm War' is less bombastic than their previous singles, the deep voice of the lead singer, here demonstrating some emotive fragility; strongly delivered lyrics; and the recognisable guitar riff make this still a worthwhile listen. Plus as a live track is very strongly done. (6.5/10) Jules Rendell - Old Friend
Though it's perhaps a little too gentle for its own good this is a smooth and soulful number with a chorus that reveals its magic over a few listens. Rendell has a great Emile Sande like sound and this is a good introduction. (6/10) Junge Junge - I'm The One 'I'm the One', with its soaring production, heart-felt lyrics and uplifting thoughtful delivery, makes for a strong and touching ballad with extra balls. Great. (7/10) Lucy Rose - No Good At All
Another beautifully sung number from Rose, with her delightful voice wrapped around this gentle number. It's not hugely memorable but it's a pleasant, relaxing piece. (6/10) Marshmello - You & Me
Its club-sound might be a little off-the-shelf but its Good Charlotte / Blink 182 vibe works well, it's just a shame it would sound better as a less over-produced number. (5.5/10) Melanie C - Room For Love
With hints of OneRepublic and Timbaland this is perhaps lyrically stronger than it is memorable but it's heart is in the right place and the production lifts it up. (6.5/10) Shaydee feat Wiz Kid - Make Sense (Clean Edit)
Though its summery sound and video might feel out of place in late October this is a cool laid-back number with a fun vibe. Smooth. (6/10) Taylor Swift - Gorgeous
Not quite sure it's the greatest of messages hidden within the lyrics, but it's mid-tempo chunky production style works well and the rhythm is cool. (6/10)
Ten more songs you have to hear! The Academic - Bear Claws
Sounding more mature than they look in the video 'Bear Claws' is a radio-friendly indie-pop number with a perky, singable chorus. Very promising! (6.5/10) Bryan Adams - Please Stay
A ballad is the order of the day for this latest entry into Adams' catalogue and though it's perhaps a little familiar it's gentle pace and touching lyrics and delivery help it along. (6.5/10) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
If you are a fan of Sheeran I'm sure you've already swayed along to this, and though the lyrics might be perhaps a little saccharine it's string-led stripped-back production brings out the love. (6.5/10) Elkie Brooks - Rising Cost Of Love
Lyrically a little bit forced in parts this is still actually pretty funky and memorable, with Brooks' gravelly vocals and the upbeat rhythm bringing a smile to your face. (6.5/10) Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending
It could be arguing that Franz Ferdinand are getting less and less poppy as the album's go by - not that they were ever that 'mainstream' - but their first post-FFS track has a Goldfrapp and Jamiroquai feel in its synthy riffs, switching up from the choral opening to something catchier and on more familiar territory. A definite grower. (7/10) Isaac Gracie - Silhouettes Of You
With hints of Chris Isaak and Coldplay, this gentle piano-led ballad is a great smooth and soothing listen with Gracie's gentle vocals a delight to listen to. (7/10) Leading Ladies - One Night Only
Originally from the 'Dreamgirls' musical this disco-enthused song sounds like a Meat Loaf song mixed with Diana Ross, and its camp yet powerfully sung credentials work well for us. (7/10) Steps - Dancing With A Broken Heart
It's a little bit like Steps-by-numbers but if you've enjoyed their previous songs then this chunky pop-dance number with its catchy chorus will tick those boxes. Not sure about the forced post-chorus section though. (7/10) Stormzy feat. MNEK - Blinded By Your Grace (Part 2)
At atmospheric, gospel-tinged number where the lighter vocals of MNEK stand well next to Stormzy's gruffer raps. A slow but strong ballad number with a higher power. (7/10) Texas - Can't Control
Perhaps a little bit of a change in direction for the sound of the band, sounding more like Madonna crossed with Cheryl. Lacking Texas' usual huge radio-friendly chorus this is something a bit different, but plays out nicely and grows with a few listens. (6/10)
Ten more songs you have to hear! Faye Bagley - Fall & Break
With Bagley's strong voice up front and centre, this simply produced but powerful ballad has plenty going for it and feels rather uplifting both lyrically and in its delivery. (6.5/10) Fever Ray - To The Moon And Back
With a lengthy yet enjoyable instrumental opening this is a gentle indie number with hints of electronic woven into its quirky, and at times a little explicit, vocals. (7/10) Iffy Orbit - Not Good Enough (Live)
Not only a really strong life performance but also a great catchy indie track with a chorus that will stick in your head. Lovely! (7.5/10) Intastella - The Rise And Fall of a Northern Dubstar Quite an eccletic, nay eccentric number. There are hints of Gorillaz in its production and style and though you may want to turn it off in its opening bars stick with it as its hooks soon become apparent. (6.5/10) Jacob Banks - Unknown (To You) (Timbaland Remix)
With a production style that is pretty by-the-numbers Timbaland it's Banks' sultry and soulful vocals that make this song. Delightful. (7/10) K.Flay - Giver
With a bouncing drum beat and a quickly catchy chorus, this mid-tempo indie-pop number boasts a great sounding and distinctive vocal from K.Flay and a real memorable feel. (7.5/10) K.I.D - Elevator
Though a far quieter affair than their excellent 'Taker' this short yet sweet ballad with a chorus with more bite quickly lodges in your brain and is another strong single from them. (7.5/10)
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Holy Mountain
Sounding like a crossover between 'San Plane Pour Moi' and a glam record, this lo-fi retro-sounding number is one of my favourite songs of the year: warming, catchy and quirky. Brilliant! (8.5/10) Super Mario Odyssey Musical - Jump Up, Super Star!
Possibly the most unusual entry in our listings for a while, this swing-enthused pop song from the new Nintendo Switch game is a catchy, upbeat funky number that definitely proves to be an ear-worm! (7/10) Tom Chaplin - Under a Million Lights
Taken from his upcoming Christmas album this is a warming, seasonal number without being hugely referential to the time of year. Beautifully sung and produced, this is a delightfully gentle and loveable track. (7.5/10)
Ten more great songs you need to hear! AVEC - Waiting For
A simple, stripped back sound with hints of country make for a smooth and gentle showcase of Avec's sweet and very listenable voice. (6/10) Cimo Fränkel - Never Give up
'Never Give Up' is a soulful number with some hints of Bruno Mars in its cut-back sound. It's chorus is perhaps not as big as you'd expect but it has a nice little vibe to it and feels very summery (7/10) Jazz Mino - Crush Delivering a funked up cover of the classic song, this club-influenced song lacks the subtlety of the original but it does something fresh with the hit and injects some modern vibes in it, and Jazz Mino's vocals are as great as ever. Cool! (7/10) Judi Jackson - Worth It
With a soulful, stripped back chilled-out vibe and a Macy Gray-lite sound to the vocals this is a cool, relaxing number, perfect for a quiet night in. (6/10) Paul Brand - Standing Over Elvis Though you could argue it's a little twee in parts this is a smooth and gentle country-lite number with some sweet little reminisces and a warming feel, plus the chorus is quickly memorable. (6.5/10) Reggie 'N' Bollie - On The Floor Though its off-the-shelf sound effects don't bode well for it this becomes a catchy club-number with a hook-filled Shaggy-like chorus that keeps the summer alive for a little bit longer, and Beenie Man's inclusion adds a bit extra bite. (6.5/10) The Sheratons - Better Days
Ticking the indie box for this post, this is a simple but fun enough indie track with a nice lo-fi production and throwback sound. (6/10) Soldier On - Ropes With a drum beat appropriate to the band name this is a cool indie number with an Arctic Monkeys vibe and some neat twists and turns in its production. (6/10) Soulitaire - One Of Many Parts
In a post that seems to include lots of stripped back numbers this is another cut back song which focuses on the vocals, the catchy chorus and multi-instrumentation working well hand-in-hand. (6.5/10) Swym - That's So Drugs, Man
As free-flowing as the hippy culture that quite possibly inspires the title, this is a song of two-halves where swaying vocals give way to a foot-tapping musical style. Nice. (6.5/10)
It might run out of steam in its over-long verses but it's pop-grime crossover chorus has a wry smile on its face and a hooky feel. (6/10) A Perfect Circle - The Doomed
Sounding a little like a piratic ELO, this multi-faceted single covers stripped-back instrumental, cinematic stylings and rockier sections in a surprisingly versatile and building hit. (6.5/10) Cheat Codes feat. Fetty Wap - Feels Great
Though the chorus is pretty generic dance-pop it's ode to youth and the energy in the verse almost make up for it. A little bit too familiar but a strong enough distraction for three minutes. (6/10) Kehlani - Touch
'Touch' is a gentle sultry little number with simple production that gives Kehlani's sweet and suggestive vocals room to breath. Smooth. (7/10) Kodaline - Ready to Change
Though the chorus is perhaps not as catchy as previous ones it's great to hear Kodaline back as there's much to enjoy in this guitar-lick hefty pop-rock crossover with an anthemic central chorus. (7/10) Louis Tomlinson - Just Like You
Though lacking the energy of his last single this is a sweet ballad with enough lyrical buzz to keep it together. (6/10) Pink feat. Eminem - Revenge
Pink continues her succession of recent fun singles with this more tongue-in-cheek and poppy offering that offers a nice more fun alternative to her more introspective current numbers. (7/10) Rita Ora - Anywhere
Quite possibly Ora's best single yet, this is a well written and performed introspective song that beefs up the music with something a bit more clubby, though the live stripped-back version is even better. (7.5/10)
Riton, MNEK and the The House Gospel Choir - Deeper
Though the lyrics are anything but deep this is a catchy pop-dance number with the mix of vocal talents contributing into something that keeps the energy and fun high. (7/10) Tom Grennan - Royal Highness
A little bit like if Danny Dyer started singing, this is actually quite a catchy radio-friendly number thanks to its fun and poppy central chorus and energetic delivery. (7/10)
Ten more songs you must hear! BED HEDZ - Love Is Calling Though its club sound and production effects are pretty run of the mill for the genre it's all wrapped up in a catchy and uplifting way with some perky energy through its run time. Nice! (7/10) Frequency Cowboy - Are You Out There? With hints of the Young Knives, this is arguably their best single release out of a clutch of good 'uns, it's poppy, catchy chorus really hitting home. (7.5/10)
Jessie Ware - Alone
'Alone' is a sweet and touching ballad and though the lyrics may wander around familiar territory the gentle and solid production and Ware's beautifully sung vocals will win you over. (7/10) Lauran Hibberd - ELIZA A little like a cross between Lily Allen and Kate Nash this is a jaunty uplifting folky indie track with a hooky spelt-out chorus and a dramatic drum beat that powers it forward. Neat. (7/10) SANDS - Let's Run With a bouncy indie riff leading into its darkly produced chorus, this has a strong walking rhythm that gives it a throwback-sounding retro sound that works well. (7/10) The Scruff - Her
'Her' is a gentle, thought-provoking ballad, that is more about the lyrics than the stripped-back vocals, but it's a joyous, introspective, if slightly melancholic number, though it does burst nicely into something more energetic as the emotion builds up (7/10) Starsailor - Take a Little Time
Back with their first new album in a while, Starsailor return with this catchy slice of indie with a delightfully warming production style and catchy chorus. Welcome back! (7/10) STRØM - Shay-Ling
'Shay-Long' is a gentle, ethereal, atmospheric number that mixes in a range of elements and styles into a heady and enjoyable mixture of soundscapes. (6.5/10) Tears For Fears - I Love You But I'm Lost
Back with a new album this is a strong return from the band with a quite timely November-based reference. A little more indie and a lot more upbeat than I expected the catchy background vocals and memorable chorus work well. (7/10) Tokio Myers - Bloodstream
Though the shift 90 seconds in is quite abrupt, this delightfully composed instrumental track recovers to form a dramatic, emotive, filmic orchestral score. (6.5/10)
There
is much more to 21 year old songwriter Tally Spear than first meets the eye.
The pretty folk driven songsmith may draw her musical inspiration from Bob
Dylan and Neil Young, but the daughter of a musician and an actress has always
known at her core that her own journey is truly unique. Having expressed
herself through an assortment of mediums as a child, Tally may now have a
career in music as her primary target, but this does not override the creative
flair she has in other fields.
Having
teased her audience with the release of the country bounce of Wrong Side Of The
Road, Tally Spear is showcasing not only the versatility of her sound on new
single Days Like These, but also offering insight to her other forms of
self-expression. From the artwork she has crafted for the cover through to her
post-production skills for the forthcoming video, Tally is an artist who
oversees every aspect of her output.
We spoke to Tally about her
new single ‘Days Like These’ and asked her to describe it.
The
track is a very honest track, which is what I wanted. I really want to be a
very honest artist at this stage. The song is about the struggles everyone has
a writer at times, writer’s block. It’s kind of an ironic track as it’s
actually a song about a struggle to write songs at times!
Writer’s block was in the
news recently with Brandon Flowers of the Killers talking about his struggles;
do you think it’s a common thing with musicians?
It’s
a mysterious phenomenon; I don’t think anyone really understands why they experience
it; what it really is; how they fix it. I don’t think there is an answer. We’re
all human and we don’t know when creativity is going to flow or when it’s not
going to flow. I think the most important thing is not to fight against it. If
you’re not feeling creative then just put the pen down and try another day.
How does it compare to
'Wrong Side of the Road'?
I
think ‘Days Like These’ is very much a continuation of that track. They were
both written in similar times and have a similar sound to them, but I’m
planning on releasing some new music in the new year and later on next year
that will be going off into a slightly different direction but keeping some of
the same sound going too.
How have you been involved
with the video?
I
created and directed it. I wanted the video to be super honest and super
simple, and I didn’t want to make it too fancy. It’s a small video that’s meant
to be a window into the day when I wrote the song in my wood cabin in my garden
and it’s showing the process, spending a lot of time on my own, feeling
inspired, but also frustrated. I also edited the video afterwards myself so it
was a self-project.
Is it important to you as an
artist to have that control over your image as well as your music?
Yes,
definitely. As I develop as an artist being involved with the projects as much
as possible is important to me, just because I have this image in my mind of
what I want to say and how I want to say it. If it comes from me that’s the
best way to be as honest as possible.
Who would you class as your
big musical inspirations?
I
have an eclectic taste in music and I listen to everything from folk – Bob Dylan
is a huge, huge inspiration, especially as I initially looked for my sound, I
listened to a lot of him at University in my late teen years – to punk. My
brother is a punk rock drummer so I listened to lots of fast-paced music in my
house! I’m also a fan of jazz so I get inspiration from a wide range of genres.
You recently did a Sofar
Sounds event, how did that go?
I
have a good relationship with the Sofar Sounds team. I really enjoy playing
with them. I do a gig with them every month or too and they’re always a lot of
fun!
How would you describe your
live sound?
I
usually perform on my own or with a backing band. I love playing with other
musicians; I think it’s my favourite set-up, live performance wise, as the
energy is there and you bounce off their energies. Your songs come alive when
you have those different textures.
Do you have any album or EP
plans?
It’s
all kind of up in the air at the moment, nothing is set in stone. I haven’t
announced anything publically yet but I do have plans for bigger things. Keep
your eyes peeled!
Finally what are your
ambitions for the next six months?
Just
really making connections with other people and getting heard a bit more. 2017
has been my starting line, and I all I really look forward to is meeting new
people [and] getting involved with as many new projects as possible, and
getting my music heard by others.
Check
Tally Spear at tallyspear.com which includes links to her social media.
With
mesmerising golden locks, captivating smile and shimmering blue eyes, stunning
Scottish singer/songwriter, Rachelle Rhienne, turns up the summer heat as she
steps onto the global music stage with her debut single ‘When The Sun Goes
Down’. Well known in Scotland as a DJ on
her former show ‘From Rachelle With Love’ on Your Radio 103 and 106 FM,
Rachelle now steps into summer as one of Scotland’s most tantalising exports
this year.
We spoke to Rachelle about
her brilliant new single but started by asking her about her thoughts on living
in Scotland.
It’s
perfect really! The only thing we don’t get is the weather, most days, though
it’s actually quite sunny today! It’s good for inspiration. I go up to the park
a lot to write, play piano and guitar a lot. Everything is perfect apart from
the weather. I’m just back from Spain too, where the weather was perfect, so to
come back here to thirteen degrees is like ‘Oh no it’s so cold!’
Your new single is ‘When the
Sun Goes Down’. How would you describe it?
Musically
it’s mainly pop but it’s got a bit of a Spanish twang to it. It’s a very happy,
feel-good tune for summer and when you’re on holiday. It was a lot of fun
filming the video too, lots of fun recording it!
You’ve been to Spain and you’ve
translated your songs into Spanish too. Is that Spanish influence part of your
musical identity?
Yeah.
From a very young age I’ve always had the idea of, once I finally get around to
doing an album, is translating all the songs and doing a Spanish album, as I
just love the language and the culture and the people, and I think the Spanish
market is incredible, and it will expand my horizons. It’s just something I’ve
always wanted to do.
Where did the inspiration
for the song come from?
I
wrote it about four years ago. It was specifically about Spain; it was just
generally about being on holiday and travelling the world with someone you’re
with, like a partner or a friend, and you realise how close you are, and how
everything kicks off when the sun goes down. We wanted to film the video around
the same sort of vibe to explain the lyrics that the song has. We filmed the
video in Sardinia, which was absolutely perfect!
What was it like being involved
in the video?
It
was amazing! It was a three-day video shoot and we ended up having the
opportunity to use a yacht, and so we were on the seas, filming on the yacht,
and we literally had to chase the sun so we could get the scene where the sun
is actually going down, as it would have been really bad if we missed that part
for the song! We got it in the end, and I did lots of stunts and it was just a
great experience!
You’ve won song writing
competitions in the past; has that helped build your confidence in terms of song-writing?
Definitely!
With the competitions the judges are usually someone really high up in the industry,
so it’s just an amazing feeling and really rewarding that these people find
your music really good. I started writing when I was twelve so getting feedback
from the judges was just incredible, and it really helped.
You have been a radio DJ; did
that help give you an insight into the music industry?
That
was really fun. It was on my local radio station and all the guys there were so
amazing and really friendly and helpful. It was another experience I’d never
done before so I wanted to broaden my horizon. It was really fun to pick songs
I could share on the radio that I liked and I knew other people would like too.
They were great guys to work with.
Back to the song, how did
the collaboration with Diaz Rodriguez come about?
That
came about from a friend in America, [who was a] mutual friend with Diaz. I
asked him for someone that I could use on the track, a rapper, and he
recommended him. As soon as I heard his reggae, Jamaican accent I knew we had
to have him as that’s what we were looking for, the kind of rough, manly voice
with gravelly tones! He’s from London, which I didn’t know, so he did it in his
studio and sent up and we got it mixed and produced up here and in London. He
was a great guy to work with. He came onto the video shoot with us and we all
had a great time!
Have you got future EP and
album plans?
I’m
going to be working on an album very soon. I’m going to be heading off to Sweden
in the new year to work with some producers and writers to get the best
material possible. I’ve got a single coming out in November and then one in the
new year to build up a bit of hype and buzz before the album. [There’s] lots to
do!
You have a live show on
Saturday; how are preparations going for that?
I’m
really looking forward to it; there’s so many amazing musicians I’m performing
alongside, and it’s such a great cause as well. It’s my first gig after being
on holiday so it gets me back into the swing of things!
How would you describe your
live show?
I
play piano, so most of my gigs are focussed on piano. I play some covers, and
it’s acoustic, so it’s a chilled out vibe. I have a backing band that I do a
lot of the bigger gigs with; that’s a more up-tempo fun-vibe. They’re all
really talented guys and really nice guys to get along with, so that creates a
good atmosphere!
Finally what are your
ambitions for the next six months?
Just
to get a bigger fan base [and] to gig around as many as places. My main goal is
to go on tour in the UK and hopefully head over to America and work with a lot
of producers over there and get as much material as possible for the album!
Find
out more about Rachelle Rhienne at rachellerhiennemusic.com/ where you can find
links to her social media accounts!
Here are our thoughts on ten more albums! Astrobal - Memories of Stars (EP)
This five track EP is an unusual affair, including two one-minute-or-so long tracks, moments of spoken word and some rather unusual production, but its eccentricity, uniqueness and ethereal style is what makes it, and though it's not something you're ever going to hear on the radio it's wacky charm will keep you entertained for its perky sixteen minute run time. (6/10) Bootsy Collins - World Wide Funk
The distinctive voice from classic Fatboy Slim song 'Weapon of Choice' and cover of 'The Joker' gets a fresh album of his own and it's an almost-hour of funky throwback songs that begins with the rather eccentric opening of the title track that bursts from a story opening to an unashamedly retro-sounding funk number that sets the mood for the party album. Rattling through a variety of styles from the more pedestrian but still funky 'Bass-Rigged-System' with its cheeky 'all-funked up' riff to the female-vocal led 'Pusherman' that sounds more like TLC next to its 'monkey off your back' hook. With the record skips of that track giving way to more straight up funk on 'Thera-P' we get the Chic-esque 'Hot Saucer' and the R Kelly-light ballad 'Heaven Yes'. 'Ladies Nite' is not *that* song but a cool funky number and 'Earth, Wind and Fire' are the order of the day on 'Candy Coated Lover'. 'Snowbunny' and 'Hi-Heels', with its ode to the Avalanches in part, continues the too-cool-for-school feel, whilst 'Salute to Bernie' sees Collins in a more introspective mood. 'Boomerang' with its Victoria's Secret take and catchy country-tinged chorus, and closer 'Worth My While' with its slower vibe tie up an album that's equal parts fun and funky. Cool. (7/10) The Dayoffs - The Dayoffs
If you like your music punky and raw then you'll enjoy much of this debut from The Dayoffs. Their self-titled breakthrough boasts an opening four powerful punky numbers that screech along nicely, though they do have a habit of merging together. Thankfully the Oasis-like track five 'Nobody Knows Her' cuts back the punkiness to make for a far more listenable piece to me, and it feels like an entirely different band or album. 'Two Actors in A Cage' continues the more enjoyable stripped-back indie feel. Continuing in the vibe of Weezer through songs like 'A Million Days' and 'Next To Nothing' things start to get a little samey until the harmonica-introduced and perkier 'State of Madness' lifts things up much more with its quirky and poppier aesthetic and feels more like a single. 'Eleven', all 39 seconds of it, closes an album of one-third two-thirds that incongruously splits, and is far better, if not a bit too similar between tracks, from track five onwards. (6/10) Eamon - Golden Rail Motel
Having enjoyed his recent single we definitely wanted to give his first album a spin and this is a cool, funky collection of ten strong soulful numbers. Famous a decade ago for his expletive hefty 'Fuck You (I Don't Want You Back)' this is quite a change but a great direction, his Si Cranstoun sound really suiting him. Opener 'Before I Die' might have a title and chorus bordering on darkness but it's actually quite a positive sounding swagger of a track that name checks the album title and mixes in sounds of a bustling New York. 'Be My Girl' continues the funky vibe that will get your feet tapping whilst 'Lock Me Down' is a ballsy, attitude-filled catchy number, its stuttering hook really driving the vibe home, and is the best on the piece, with lead single 'I Got Soul' that follows a slower number but no less good, its honest and contemporary lyrics and soulful vibe smooth and very enjoyable. 'Burn It Up', with its funky brass, layered vocals and mid-tempo swagger, plays to the theme well, while the more heart-felt 'Mama Don't Cry' is a nicely stripped back and more somberly played piece. 'You and Only You' lifts the pace up and continues the relaxing soulful sound, with the funk and bass of 'Hands Make You Dance' palpable. Penultimate song 'Run' is one of the best songs on the album and feels like a future single, it's catchy radio-friendly vibe and plentiful hooks really amazing. Final number 'Requiem' with its classical vibe and dramatic turn of style makes for a grand enjoyable closer to a really top class and well put together album. (7.5/10) Fiona Kennedy - Time To Fly
Having already been won over by Kennedy's delightful double a-side, of which both tracks feature here, listening to this album was a must and it doesn't disappoint. Including 'Down the Line', the bouncy country number, as the first song, the album starts in a high-octane, foot tapping way that really sets the mood. The exceptionally touching take on the Willie Nelson classic 'Always on my Mind' comes in at number four and its gentle stripped-back sound and dual vocals still pull at the heart strings all these weeks later. In between we get the swaying 'Who Would Have Thought' with some great Irish themes and harmonies, and 'Tomorrow's Child', a slower more touching number grounded by Kennedy's delightful delivery of the heart-felt lyrics. The album continues with the more jaunty traditional-sounding 'Weaver of Dreams', and the upbeat country flavours of 'Trail of the Survivor'. 'I Am Whole', at the front of the second half, is a more touching, slower offering whilst 'Not My Baby Anymore', with its harking back to a lost relationship, will resonate with a lot of listeners and bring a manly tear to many an eye. 'Cold Brew' and 'Boy Blue' keep the flow going and 'Christ Child Lullaby' offers something a little more traditional and slow. 'The Crossing Over' continues the flavour, the swaying gentleness wrapping up a beautiful sung, performed and produced album. A must listen. (7.5/10) HAIM - Something to Tell You
The latest album from HAIM kicks off with the bombastic pop track 'I Want You Back' with the perky chorus you expect from the trio, as catchy as you'd hope, with their harmonies, like on many other tracks, really working. 'Nothing's Wrong' is faster and jauntier and though lacking the big chorus of the opener is a brighter and punchier number. Continuing the fun poppy harmony, 'Little of Your Love' is possibly my favourite on the album, its bombastic music suiting its more emotional lyrics well. 'Ready For You' with its 'Treat You Right' hook continues the fun pop vibe with the harmonies coming into their own. 'Something To Tell You' with its quickfire backing vocals may sound a bit too familiar but keeps the album's rhythm going. 'You Never Know' is the closest the album gets to a ballad, though it's a meatier number to work with its more heartfelt lyrics. The clap-along finger-clicking synthy 'Keep Me Crying' boosts the harmonies whilst 'Found It In Silence' and 'Walking Away' make for a strong double act which big choruses. 'Right Now' and 'Night So Long' tie up a strong, rhythmic album that combines good harmonies with well written lyrics. (6.5/10) Jamie Porter - Sonic Smile
Featuring one of our favourite songs of the year - 'Sound of the Summer' - nine tracks make up Jamie Porter's cracking album that starts with the gritty rock of the hooky 'Can't Stop Loving You' and doesn't give up from there. The REM and Aerosmith-esque 'I'm Not Running Away' is slower but no less enjoyable, whilst 'A Girl Like You' wins even if its a little bit more subdued. Other highlights on the album include the chugging 'Remember Yesterday' with its throwback sound and lyrics and, of course, the uplifting summer anthem mentioned at the top of the review. 'Everything You Do', putting Porter's Phil Collins-like vocals up in the centre, comes across as anthemic whilst the rockier 'Lay It On Me' with its gruff guitars closes the LP with energy. A great retro-sounding rock listen that fits in with the original sounds of ACDC, Bon Jovi and the like. (7.5/10) Labyrinth Lounge - Porgy
With six tracks coming in at just shy of 30 minutes, 'Porgy' is a stripped back, warming, retro-sounding soulful piece cemented together by the flowing delightful vocals of the lead, the Nina Simone of the record against the cool soul of the slickly produced music. Opener 'Trouble Won't Last' sees her asking for understanding about her state of mind, the emotion crisp in her voice, with the guest male vocals adding a refreshing Pharrell Williams-like vibe to the track and gives it a shot in the arm. Lead single 'It's Just Water' has much more urgency to its sound, its quirky beat and music keeping the song alert in your mind though it does perhaps outstay its welcome a little too much with the outro going on maybe 90 seconds too long. The more free-form 'I Loves You Porgy' is a little too much improvised jazz for my tastes, lacking the more conventional structure of the first two tracks, though I admire their desire to do something different and it feels like it works, even if it's not to my preference. 'We Be Rockin' is an eighty second interlude that leads with the male vocals and is the most normal of the tracks and crams plenty of moments into its short time, whilst 'Storytime' is a spoken word piece over a minimal backing and is the only really skippable track on the album. Closer 'Displacement', coming in at over six minutes, returns to the freeform jazz tying things up in a looser way. I prefer the earlier moments on the album but if you like your music jazzy and unconventional you'll find much to enjoy here. (6/10) Miles & Erica - We Came Here To Work
Built around the strongest track on the album, the anthemic, memorable and politically charged title track, the ten songs that make up this album are stripped back folk-indie numbers that, though at times are perhaps a little downbeat for my overall tastes, showcase great musicianship and are well composed, from perky opener 'When the Currency Was' that multilayers instruments in a crisp production that resonates throughout the whole LP. 'A Matter of Circumstance' is the closest the album gets to upbeat energy with its Kooks-like vibe, chirpy backing vocals and fiddle. 'Waste Some Time With Me' has an easily adoptable title whilst 'Witnesses' slows down the pace considerably, the lyrics slowly building the political undertones of the piece. Later on in the album 'The Absentee' stands out as a strong track but really there's no duff notes in the well composed and strongly worded album. (6.5/10) Paul K - OmertÃ
Coming in at eighteen mostly-instrumental tracks, this is an album to savour as one long exploratory journey as the smooth tracks weave in and out of each other creating a beautiful orchestral flow of songs that really set an atmospheric mood. It's difficult to signpost any tracks really as it's an album-album rather than a collection of songs so if you like your music to flow and create a soundscape this is definitely one to hear. (7/10)
