Friday 28 July 2017

New Music Review #78

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Electric Blue




Not quite as catchy as their other single on circulation but the falsetto and electric-funk work really well and make for a catchy and quirky original hit. (6/10)


Echosmith - Goodbye




Though not quite having the pop credentials of 'Cool Kids' this more subdued number with a catchy electronic riff still has much to enjoy after a few listens. (6.5/10)


Galantis - True Feeling




A fun and optimistic dance tune brought to you by the power of autotune and a synthesizer. Familiar and generic but enjoyable enough as part of a dance playlist. (6.5/10)


Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry




A little generic for Lovato but there's enough bite in the production and lyrics to keep it on play, though the potty mouthed bridge feels a little unnecessary. (6/10)


Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul - Subeme La Radio (Remix)



It can't do any harm to jump on the coat-tails of Despecatio with this very similar sounding track. Though not as distinctive as that hit, Sean Paul does at least 'do a Bieber' and make this a good balance of languages even if he's on fag-packet writing duty. (6.5/10)

Louis Tomlinson feat. Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals - Back to You



The next single from a former 1D member lands and it's a tad generic musically and the swearing feels a little tacked-on to make an impact, but it has enough pop-rnb crossover to keep the fans happy. It feels more like Rexha's single than Liam's though and autotune should be credited as the fourth member of the line-up. The video plays out like the worst Doncaster tourist board video though. (6.5/10)

OneRepublic feat. Tiziano Ferro - No Vacancy



Ignoring Ferro's inability to sing the word 'vacancy' in the chorus correctly and that OneRepublic have moved away from their more familiar sound, this is quite a catchy, summery track. (6.5/10)

Prophets of Rage - Living On The 110


Not quite as heavy as the band's title would suggest, this is a strong light-rock song that rests more on its lyrics and what they say rather than its music. Has quite a Rage Against the Machine feel to it though. (6/10)

PVRIS - Half


A gentle, unassuming track with a rocky heart. Not their best but it's got a strong heart behind it. (5.5/10)

Shy Luv - Time 




'Time' is a funky dance number with some bite to it, though it's perhaps a little bit generic for the genre. (6.5/10)



Thursday 27 July 2017

KBPS Interview:

19 year old Alexx has released her brand new single “Persuade Ya”, an upbeat infusion of pop r&b dance and latino that’s set to be the ultimate summer tune!

Originally from Crawley, West Sussex, Alexx showed passion for music from a the age of 4 and started song writing when she was 11.   The singer’s inspirations include artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, as well as Craig David and old school legends Michael Jackson and Frank Sinattra!   

We spoke to Alexx about her new track and began by asking her about it.



Your new single is called ‘Persuade Ya’. How would you describe it?
It’s a cross between two different cultures. It’s reggae underlying and then on the top it’s got a really cool latin vibe. It’s really dance-y, but it’s also about this girl who’s in a club and it’s getting late, and this guy is persuading her to stay, [with] the chorus being from the perspective of the guy, which I think is quite cool. She’s having this internal battle – do I go? I need to go – but [she] really likes this guy, so should she stay?

Was that choice of genre down to you liking them or because it fitted with the song?
I went to do that with the music. I love those genres anyway to listen to, and so that was the direction I chose to take the song in because it really fitted into that genre, which was really quite cool actually. It wasn’t my go-to but it was nice to incorporate those genres.

How does the sound compare to your previous singles – has it evolved?
Definitely! Those were my garage records that were still out, which are still quite popular underground on the garage scene, which is quite cool. I’ve still got my soulful undertones which I like to keep throughout my songs, but my writing style has definitely evolved.


You started writing songs at an early age; was it important to you to write as well as sing?
Definitely; I talk way too much! I’ve got way too many emotions to keep them inside. I’ve been writing since the age of eleven, and it was just a way for me to express myself and tell people how I’m feeling as I’m not good at doing that verbally. But [if I] put pen to paper and sing it I’m fine!

Is song-writing a creative release for you?
Definitely. I was asked recently [if I] write songs better when I’m happy or sad. It sounds bad but I’m way better at writing songs when I’m sad as my emotions are right there on the surface, [and] that makes it so much easier as an outlet for me to express myself, through song-writing.

Will we see any promo videos coming out for your song?
That would be really lovely! For now we’re just promoting it as a single [but] I’d love to make a video for it.

How is work going on your debut album?
We’ve got a whole load of songs; a massive selection. We did think about bringing out an EP but I thought, with all these songs, why restrict it to six songs on an EP when I could release all of them as an album? We’re just going to go back and do some final tweaking; I’m excited!

You are starting University in September; are you looking forward to that?
Yeah, I am, very much so. I’m off to University but I’m coming back down every fortnight to continue with my career and hopefully continue with interviews etc, regarding ‘Persuade Ya’ as well as introducing other songs!

Finally do you have any ambitions and plans for the next year?
Obviously I’d like to get to the top and get signed and live the celebrity lifestyle! Wouldn’t we all! Regarding my singing career and my future, I’m hopefully going to be bringing out my debut album later this year and sign up for some more interviews and performances, and then festivals for the next year, which I’m really looking forward to. I live for performing live!


Find out more about Alexx at https://www.alexxh.com/

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Our Contenders for the best videos of 2017 (so far)

The MTV VMAs have revealed their top five nominees for their music video of the year and we feel, frankly, that this is a rather lacklustre set of videos. Outside of the Alessia Cara video having a strong message in it the rest are pretty bland and unexciting!

What do you think? Check out the nominees on the BBC website and post your favourite videos for 2017 below.

We've assembled our five contenders so which are best - the MTV choices or ours? Vote now!

(That said, do you long for the time when music videos were clever or interesting, like Fatboy Slim's 'Weapon or Choice' and those type?)

Amy MacDonald - Dream On


Be The Bear - Erupt


Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean  - Feels



Dirty Heads - Vacation



K.I.D - Taker



The Killers - The Man


Paramore - Hard Times



Tuesday 25 July 2017

Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott - Crooked Calypso

Former members of the Beautiful South Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott reunite for their third album together. 'Crooked Calypso' is a collection of twelve more tracks written by Heaton (with some co-credits to guitarists by Jonny Leaxus) covering the usual themes of love and loss, and whilst it doesn't quite hit the highs of their second and best album there's still plenty to enjoy here in the well written lyrics and catchy hooks. Fans of their previous two albums will certainly be at home here as the sound is pretty similar, aside from tracks like 'He Wants To' which are refreshingly different. Lyrically, it's strong, even if it does feel like part three of some sort of writing-based therapy for Heaton.



Opening track and lead single 'I Gotta Praise' is the best thing on here, and easily up with their best songs both in the old band and as a duo, it's piano riff, harmonised chorus and jaunty rhythm jumping out at you.

Follow-up track 'He Wants You' has a fun swagger to it, sounding like the cousin of Lou Reed's 'Satellite of Love' in its funky rhythm. Sounding much more different to the duo's usual sound due to the production and a larger focus on the instruments this is quite a fresh take with hints of Scissor Sisters in the vocal effects, but it's difficult to ignore the Reed sound-a-like that delivers a lot of the appeal.

'If I May' is a slower, sultry number that boasts some cinematic strings and solid harmonies but it's not quite as distinctive as the opening two numbers, with the lyrics better than the tune, though it flows nicely as it reaches its gentle end.

My favourite track lyrically on the album is 'She Got The Garden' and it also feels like the contender for single two. With some witty lyrics about who's left with what in the wake of, I assume, a divorce, it's funny words are matched with a catchy radio-friendly chorus even if the theme is, as expected for Heaton, quite dark.




'People Like Us', track five, is a funky number with a call-and-response style in the vocals, with a jab at the haves, rather than the have-nots, wrapping up some thought-provoking words in the seventies-riffs. Abbott takes centre stage on 'Blackwater Banks', a folkier-style number that has a classic dance-feel to it with hints at Irish folk tunes, which works really well.

Hitting the second half of the album 'The Lord is a White Con' is a bouncy number focussing on religion and offering some biting criticism about it, as you'd expect from the title, but like most of the songs it's stabbing words are performed in a very poppy way.

'Silence Is' another uptempo tune that turns the rather downbeat lyrics into something more perky, with the calypso feel of the album title finally coming into play at the start. Throw in an almost a capella chant section and a Caribbean breakdown near the end and you get something quite bouncy for the duo, making it a great little listen.

The strings come alive on 'Love Makes You Happy', a dramatic Elvis Presley-esque number that's not quite as optimistic as the title would suggest thanks to the addition of the word 'apparently' in the song. 'The Fat Man' returns to the upbeat music and downbeat lyrics, with a take on the culture of obesity and who is to blame, with some rather tongue-in-cheek lyrics thrown at you. 

'Your Bit of Stuff', the penultimate track, is a strong number continuing the style, before 'He Can't Marry Her', perhaps hinting back to one of the Beautiful South's older tracks at least in title if not musically, ties up the album nicely, with a smooth ballad with a bit of extra bite.

'Crooked Calypso' is another great collection of songs that combine lyrics with a message wrapped up in perky production and tunes with several stand-out numbers such as the opening track, 'He Wants To' and 'She Got the Garden'. Sitting between the last two albums in terms of enjoyment, this is still a strong LP without a duff track on it. Boasting more great lyrics from Heaton and vocals from him and Abbott that compliment each other very well, this is well worth a spin. (7/10)

Monday 24 July 2017

New Music Review #77

Ten more songs you must hear!

Bobby Bazini - C'est La Vie



Fans of George Ezra and Paolo Nutini and other similar sounding artists will love this soulful and smooth number with Bazini's voice properly centre stage. (7/10)

CHVRN - Secrets


Perhaps not having enough musical ideas to sustain three-and-a-half minutes it's still a pleasingly atmospheric and involving number, with a smooth and pleasant vibe. (6.5/10)

Dirty Heads - Vacation



Though we're not quite sure everyone loves their job this much, but alongside the great video is this catchy summer anthem that has been stuck in our heads for days now! (7.5/10)

Georgia Van Etten - Take My Hand



A beautifully written and sung number, showcasing van Etten's delightful voice. When the band kicks in the song begins to ascend and lifts to another level. Delightful and relaxing, and surely a star in the making! (7/10)

Hollie Cook - Angel Fire



There's a fun and funky reggae flavour to this single that feels like another great track to add to that 2017 BBQ playlist. (6.5/10)

Morrissey & Marshall - Hangin' Around



Sounding like a cross between the Beatles and Franz Ferdinand, this gentle throw-back track is a delightfully smooth and cool listen. Shame it's one of those annoying videos with sounds ruining the track. (6.5/10)

Rag'n'Bone Man - As You Are



Though not as immediately as grabbing as 'Wolves' or 'Skin' 'As You Are' is a great showcase for his soulful voice and this gentler, more rhythmic number is still a strong listen and a grower. (7/10)

The Script - Rain

The Script can often be relied upon for coming up with a catchy pop song and on 'Rain' they succeed, turning quite a downbeat theme into a jaunty chant-able ditty. (7/10)

TLC - It's Sunny



Heavily falling on Bobby Hebb's classic song for its appeal with a strong Earth, Wind and Fire feel, and quite poppy for TLC and perhaps a little away from their usual sound, this is aside from that quite a fun summer hit. (7/10)

Up Down Go Machine - Gambler

'Gambler' is a smooth number with an Imagine Dragons vibe, a gentle, building track with a dramatic build up and vibe. Nice. (6/10)

Sunday 23 July 2017

New Music Review #76

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Bonnie Li - Mallory





With a very listenable voice and a song with intriguing production, this is a delightful refreshing listen. (6.5/10)

Capital Cities - Drop Everything



Having released some great songs over their short career, this is perhaps not as explosive as those singles but it's still got a delightful rhythm, witty lyrics and an optimistic feel. (7/10)

Chris Simmons - Gold Dust

'Gold Dust' is a delightfully gentle and touching little track with some silky smooth production, creating a relaxing and heartfelt atmosphere. (6.5/10)

Coldplay & Big Sean - Miracles



Though their sound hasn't changed hugely, Coldplay are certainly branching out recently with their collaborations to do something a bit different, so although this isn't hugely revolutionary or as hooky as their big hits has moments of interest. (6/10)

Fjokra - Bang On The Door

After the great 'Sick Kids' Fjokra return with another quirky and catchy song that mixes up dual vocals, style shifts and didgeridoo with sitar, creating an eccentric but memorable number. (7.5/10)

The Ghibertins - The Less I Know The Better



We really loved their last single, but this is even better from the great didgeridoo opening to the downbeat but yet quickly catchy chorus, and some well written lyrics. (7.5/10)

OneRepublic and Seeb - Rich Love



It might be a bit bland and formulaic compared to OneRepublic at their non-dancey best but it's got enough of a summer-friendly vibe to hold things together. (6.5/10)

Ooberfuse - Why Oh Why

Electro-swing is one of the genres that is really growing on me, and here we have a classic example. Having seen Ooberfuse live a couple of years ago it's great to hear them back, and this catchy, radio-friendly quirky little number is their best song yet! (7.5/10)

Reverend and the Makers - Juliet Knows



Quite different for a song by them as it doesn't have Jon McClure on lead vocals, this is a nice and gentle stripped back tune with a warming, summery feel. Nice. (6.5/10)

Vance Joy - Lay It On Me



Vance Joy has always been on my radar thanks to its stonking breakthrough track 'Riptide' and though is a quieter number than that it has enough fun in its brassy breakdown and heart in its lyrics and delivery to raise a smile. (6.5/10)

Saturday 22 July 2017

KBPS Interview: Georgia van Etten

Georgia van Etten is a soul and blues songstress based in London with a rich, creative voice and a badass vocal trumpet. She has wowed audiences globally from major stages in her homeland Australia, to Ronnie Scott’s and famous European festivals like Montreux Jazz (Switzerland) and Porretta Soul (Italy). We got a chance to speak to her as she releases her debut single ‘Take My Hand’ and was preparing for her first Sofar Sounds event that night!



You have your first Sofar Sounds gig this evening. Are you looking forward to it?
I am! I got the call yesterday that I was doing it so it’s very terrifying to only have one day, but I’m ecstatic as it’s something I’ve wanted to do all this year! I didn’t think it would happen, but it is!

How would you describe your live sound?
It’s very much blues, but it has a lot of influence in soul music and jazz but it’s more like the rocky kind of soul!

Your new single is ‘Take My Hand’. How would you describe it?
This track is more like a blue ballad; it has more of a classic Bonnie Raitt-style country-ballad feel. It’s less heavy than a lot of my other music. It’s very much like a bitter-sweet kind of love song, and with my ten piece band it kinds of has this big “boom” when the band kicks in after about thirty seconds.

What was it like performing with the band?
It’s incredible! The guys and gals in the band are invincible musicians and sometimes when playing with them I get scared because they are so good. But it’s amazing hearing your original music coming alive with a ten-piece band, it’s an amazing thing to hear what’s in your head being translated by so many instruments.

The single is taken from your ‘Live at the Pool Studio’ EP; what was the recording like?
It was a bit of a nightmare! Trying to co-ordinate a ten-piece band is pretty full on, and even finding studios that we’d all fit in was pretty full on! But it was an incredible experience. We got Mark Fewell on board who directed the whole thing [and] it was amazing. We had a jimmy jib, a giant camera in there and we had all sorts of equipment in there. It was a big production and very exciting for me to do it.



So as well as the music it was all filmed?
Yes! It’s available on YouTube. ‘Take My Hand’ is up and ‘Sugar’ will come out in a few weeks and I’m really happy with the production – it looks really great and I’m very pleased.

The EP was launched recently at a special event. How did that go?
It was gorgeous! We launched [the EP] in this tiny little bar on Broadway called Kansas Smitty. It was an intimate launch with friends and a lot of people who are fans of my music, so it went really well!

You are now based in London but how does it compare to Australia in terms of your music?
Let’s just say I had to leave to establish my career. Australia is great if you’re in that indie-rock scene or you do electro music, but for my kind of music, blues and soul, there’s a very small scene and I think in London more people work in the industry and more people listen to soul music, so for my genre I’m really grateful that I can live here and can do the music I love, and it really has a great following here.

Further to this single what are your plans?
The aim of getting this EP out is so that I can get a booking agent and do these bigger festivals. There are wonderful blues festivals all around the world that I definitely want to be on, and also so I can hopefully be in contact with a label or management; getting an album out next year would be amazing! That’s the dream.

You’re also active on social media and posted on your Twitter about the launch of the WORLD'S 1ST CARBON FIBER FLUGELHORN LAUNCH. Did you attend?
I did! My husband is one of the top trumpet players in the UK and he’s been involved with a company who have launched the world’s first carbon fiber flugelhorn. It’s really strange to think of a trumpet not being made of brass but it has an incredible sound and is really lightweight. You’ve got to hear it to believe it!

Do you play it yourself?
No, [but] I would love to play the trumpet. I play the mouth trumpet (!) but I’d love to play the real deal. It helps having a trumpet playing husband if I ever wanted to learn!

Finally, what are your ambitions for the rest of the year?

One of my big dreams is to go and play on the Jools Holland show as I think [for] the kind of music I play, that’s such an amazing platform. I’d love to see myself doing some bigger European festivals [too]. Those are my big aims right now, that I hopefully can achieve, fingers crossed!

Click here to find out more about Georgia on Facebook and listen to this interview and the song on BCB 106.6FM (bcbradio.co.uk) 6pm on Saturday 5th August 2017.

Friday 21 July 2017

New Music Review #75

Ten more songs you really need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Everything Now



Before Andy Williams' lawyers call them for their nod towards 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' let's enjoy this great little pop-rock song with some great vocal and musical hooks and an earworm of a chorus. Great, but familiar sounding. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Lopez feat. Gente de Zona - Ni Tú Ni Yo



Something a bit different here from Lopez as she embraces Spanish for the complete record to bring something summery that isn't Despacito! (6.5/10)

Jess and the Bandits - Kings Of Summer



One of my favourite country acts comes back with this timely seasonal song, that throws nostalgia at you to win you over in a gentle, touching, well composed number. (7/10)

Kesha feat. The Dap-Kings Horns - Woman



It might be a little NSFW, or at least for the radio, but this is Kesha back on top form with a spunky, attitude-filled number complete with a top-class brass section from the Dap-Kings Horns! Great! (7.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Your Love



'Your Love' is a nice, gentle little indie-pop number that feels like summer immortalised in three minutes. (6.5/10)

Oh Wonder - High On Humans



Shifting into something a bit more uptempo than we'd maybe expect from 'Oh Wonder', this is still a great showcase for their trademark harmonies and electronic riffs, and the text-to-speech sound samples work well. (7.5/10)

Paul Weller - Woo Sé Mama



Paul Weller perks up his sound a little with this great uptempo ditty that adds a summery feel to his usual sound. A definite grower. (6.5/10)

Rat Boy - Laidback



Appropriately his most laid back single yet, this is a classic chill-out cool single that sticks in your head after a few listens. Nice. (7/10)

Sian Cross - Gave Away



Sian Cross returns with a great atmospheric and sultry track with a strong production feel and a darker, Pixie Lott-style vibe. Great. (7/10)

Zedd and Liam Payne - Get Low



Lyrically not as strong as earlier Zedd records it's a still a fun and poppy summer anthem that will keep you moving. (6/10)

Thursday 20 July 2017

New Music Review #74

Ten more songs we recommend that you need to hear!

Alice Cooper - Paranoiac Personality


Taking some time off from the golf course, Alice is here with a psycho-sampling pop-rock number that fits in nicely with his earlier material and is pretty fun, though his voice seems a little less powerful than previous numbers. (6.5/10)

Avante Black - Make A Mess 


Though the drum machine is definitely on over-time here, it provides a dramatic backdrop to this bouncy, atmospheric and quirky pop number. (6.5/10)

Blondie - Too Much


Blondie continue to release some great songs, and this highlight from their most recent album 'Pollinator' is a true highlight with a really catchy chorus and a joyful feel. (7.5/10)

Elkie Brooks - Forgive And Forget


The gruffly-voiced singer returns with this simple and gentle little number that will take you back to an era long-gone. Nice. (6.5/10)

Fall Out Boy - Champion


Though they may have disappeared from the spotlight over the last few years Fall Out Boy are still creating some great songs, such as this uplifting song. (7/10)

Francis and the Lights feat. Chance the Rapper - May I Have This Dance


There's a Phil Collins feel to this record that maybe goes a little OTT with the auto-tune but there's a tear-jerking heart to the record that works of a subtle and evolving indie track with a quirky yet enjoyable electronic backing. (7/10)

Kodaline - Brother


There are hints of Maroon 5 in this quieter number than I was expecting from Kodaline. With its building drum beat and sweeping chorus this is a pleasing listen with some production tricks adding to the style. (7/10)

The Kooks - Broken Vow


Taken from their new singles collection 'Broken Vow' feels like classic The Kooks. Here with a pushing rhythm, this is a strong indie number. (7/10)

Rudimental feat. James Arthur - Sun Comes Up


Rudimental does the impossible on this record and makes me enjoy a song featuring James Arthur. It's not an outstanding dance track but it's a good listen. (6/10)

Skinny Living - Why


A simple, yet touching, single with the lead singer's vocals a delightful listen, bringing the touching lyrics to life. (7/10)

Wednesday 19 July 2017

New Music Review #73

It's time for ten more songs that you need to hear!

Arcade Fire - Creature Comfort



'Creature Comfort' is quite an unusual and eccentric track but somehow the mixture of vocals, paces and styles comes together. (6.5/10)

Axwell /\ Ingrosso - More Than You Know



It might follow plenty of the expected codes for the genre, but the larger-than-life chorus works well and is one of the best club songs around at the moment. (6.5/10)

BETSY - Little White Lies



One of the best artists around at the moment, 'Little White Lies' is a powerful, catchy, radio-friendly track with those vocals something else. (7.5/10)

Bruno Mars vs David Guetta - Versace on The Floor



There are Daft Punk vibes to this new song from Bruno Mars, a slow and sultry number. The lyrics may be a little bland and telling a pretty by-the-numbers story but it's all wrapped up in the strong vocals and rhythms. (7/10)

Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean - Feel



Calvin Harris comes back with his best song in a long time, thanks to the strong electronic backing and the great guest vocals particularly from Williams and Perry. With a summery feel and a catchy chorus, this is a great summer hit. (7.5/10)

Declan McKenna - Humongous



'Humongous' - a great word - is a subtle and gentle indie track but it has plenty of heart and is a definite grower! Stay alert for the end where it shifts up a gear quite considerably. (6.5/10)

HAIM - Want You Back



'Want You Back' is arguably HAIM's best track yet, a poppy, catchy, well-written ditty with strong crisp production and a catchy rhythm. (7.5/10)

Sundara Karma - Explore



Another act that can usually be relied on to bring out a good tune, 'Explore' is another sunny slice of catchy indie. (7/10)

Texas - Midnight



Though it's not one of their biggest hits, it's got the sound and vibe you like from Texas tracks and it's got a fun bounce to it. (6.5/10)

Tom Speight - My My My



'My My My' is a catchy and optimistic little indie number with plenty of heart and a strong indie feeling. Lovely. (7/10)

Tuesday 18 July 2017

New Music Review #72

Ten more songs you really need to hear!

Estelle feat. Tarrus Riley - Love Like Ours


It's nice to hear Estelle back and she returns with this summer-friendly chilled-out duet that is the perfect accompaniment for a cheeky drink and BBQ. (7/10)

GIRLI feat. Lethal Bizzle - Feel OK


'Feel OK' is a catchy, tongue-in-cheek little pop song with a bit of credibility thrown in thanks to a rap from Lethal Bizzle. Fun. (7/10)

Green Day - Revolution Radio


It might be Green Day by-number but it's a return to their older sound and the crisp, pop-punk sound is perfect for this time of year, just don't expect anything revolutionary. (7/10)

HAIM - Little of Your Love


It's not HAIM's best - the repetition of the chorus gets a little bit too much - but it's a fun and perky song held up by their great sounding vocals. (6.5/10)

Imagine Dragons - Whatever It Takes


It might be ticking off the usual sounds and styles of the band as it goes but it's catchy, fun and varied, with a mixture of tempos, vocal styles and production effects. (6.5/10)

Jax Jones feat. Demi Lovato and Stefflon Don - Instruction


Starting off like a cross between the Jonny Quest theme and a dance instruction video, this is a Caribbean-tinged more sober take on songs like the Cha Cha Slide, i.e. a perfect lightweight dance track for summer holidays. (7/10)

KEIR - Probably


With a bass-heavy swagger and an Imagine Dragons sound, this is a stomping, building indie track that leads to a big chorus. Promising. (7/10)

PVRIS - What's Wrong


Following a handful of good singles, 'What's Wrong' is a strong listen, the beat and vocals working together to inject some energy into the chorus. It lacks a huge moment that it feels like it's building up to but it has plenty of energy and by the end will have you singing along. (6.5/10)

Sigala and Ella Eyre - Came Here For Love


It might be pretty by-the-numbers musically - Sigala is phoning it in a little - but Ella Eyre's vocals, the sunny Caribbean feel and the positive Pride-focussed message make up for it. A good summer anthem. (6.5/10)

The Strypes - Behind Closed Doors


It's another retro throwback with this sixties-sounding indie number from the Strypes; innocent, full of great harmonies, and a positive vibe. (7/10)