New Music Review #115

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Calum Scott - You Are The Reason

It's slightly familiar lyrics and heart-string pulling choral effects and soaring verses may feel at times a little clawing and overly emotional but Scott's delightful vocals and the building production make this a seasonal-sounding emotive song with plenty of heart. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Choirs With Purpose feat. Michelle McManus - We All Stand Together

Former X-Factor winner Michelle McManus returns with this delightfully seasonal offering. Simply produced and backed by a chorus, this is a sentimental yet rousing charity number that builds nicely. (7/10)

Dan Owen - Hideaway

With a distinctive sounding voice this dramatic and thumping indie-rock number pushes along with serious gusto and energy. (7/10)

Enter Shikari - The Sights 

After a really strong last single, the synth and fast pace of 'The Sights' makes for a poppier entry into their discography and though it doesn't have the big hook of it's predecessor there's enough variety in here to keep you entertained. (6.5/10)

Jamie Lawson - A Little Mercy

You usually know what you get from Jamie Lawson and 'A Little Mercy' is no different, a beautifully written and sung heartfelt ballad. If that's your sort of thing then this will tick all the boxes for you. (7/10)

JP Cooper - Closer

Another artist who can be relied upon to deliver a strong song, 'Closer' is another nicely produced and sung mid-tempo ballad. It's not hugely memorable but gives you a warmth whilst it flows. (7/10)

Not3s - My Lover

Shakespeare it isn't but Not3s deep voice and the simple production values work well together to form a cool, chilled-out number. (6.5/10)

Sigrid - Strangers

In a week where Sigrid has been announced as one of the stars to look out for in 2018 she drops this electro-pop number with a catchy beat and upbeat feel that will get you bouncing along. Fun. (7/10)

Stereophonics - What's All The Fuss About?

Quite an unusual sound for the Stereophonics but all the more intriguing because of it. With a strong western-influenced sound, this is quite a dark sounding number and its soberness is beautifully echoed in the mournful trumpet and production sound. (7.5/10)

Tom Walker - Leave a Light On

With a few nods towards Imagine Dragons, this is a joyful indie track that matches a slower, more introspective set of verses with a building a bridge to a distinctively gruff chorus. (7/10)

New Music Review #114

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Charlie Puth - How Long

Returning to the quality of his earlier singles 'How Long' is a Justin Timberlake-like rnb-pop number with a catchy rhythm and hooky lyrics. (7.5/10)

Gary Clark Jr. & Junkie XL - Come Together

Taken from the Justice League trailer this chunky take on the Beatles classic has plenty of beef and gives the original song more drama and purpose and, whisper, improves on it... (7/10)

Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato - Échame La Culpa

After taking the world by storm in the summer with Despacito, Fonsi is back with another summer-tinged number that doesn't quite fit in with a cold November, but it has enough bouncy optimism and a strong mix between the two lead vocals to cover up the fag-packet lyrics. (7/10)

Machine Gun Kelly, X Ambassadors & Bebe Rexha - Home

The verses may be a little bland but the touching, Oh Wonder-esque choruses lift it up and give what could be quite a generic pop-rnb track a bit of heart. A grower. (6.5/10)

Maggie Lindemann - Obsessed

Onto single #2 and it's another catchy pop number from Lindemann. The verses may take a little bit to get going but the attitude-filled poppy chorus will win you over. (7/10)

Pop Chorus - Always

Simply produced but touching, this is a beautifully composed and sung choral charity song that feels well at home at this time of year. Smooth and sweet and well layered. (7/10)

Rachelle Rhienne - Candle

Another great track from Rhienne, this is a slower and sweeter number than her last single but the warmth and heart in her vocal performance and production is a delight. Touching. (7.5/10)

Rex Orange County feat. Benny Sings - Loving is Easy

It may be a little rough around the edges with some production-based help but its smooth, warming vibe will win you over thanks to its gentle, wholesome vibe. (6.5/10)

Shed Seven - Room In My House

A welcome return for the band from my home town this is a fun and anthemic indie-rock number with a solid guitar solo and a chant-able chorus, though it does outstay its welcome a little. A grower. (6.5/10)

The Wombats - Lemon To A Knife Fight

The Wombats return with this first cut from their upcoming album and it balances the band's familiar sound with a rather quirky title. I wouldn't say it does anything particularly revolutionary compared to their older tracks but it is fun and memorable enough to please the fans, of which I am one. (7/10)

Album Reviews #8

Some more albums and EPs we recommend listening to!

Amanda Mair - To The Moon

This five-track EP is an absolutely delight, mixing in cool and calm production tracks and a deliciously sweet and listenable voice in the form of Amanda Mair. 'Stay You And I' begins with a Chrvches-like flash of vocoder before soaring into a powerful chorus that tugs at the heart strings. 'Rush' and 'Wednesday', which we've previously reviewed, continue the theme and are powerful yet emotive, the chorus of 'Rush' full of hooks and 'Wednesday' ethereal and majestic. 'Hopes' has tinges of Linkin Park in its production and is the only real skippable number on the EP, whilst the more energetic closer 'Empty Blockings' boasts a great chorus and overall feel that permeates throughout the entire EP. Excellent. (8/10)

Bansidhe - Roo (EP)

'Roo' is an unusual and ethereal EP with the music and vocals a little freer and jazzier than my tastes would usually go to. It's built around the EP's central and best track called 'Katie' with its memorable titular hook and faster breakdown moments. Elsewhere it's all piano sequences, vocal scales and off-piste sections which make for a loose experience that's enjoyable but not all to my personal tastes. (4.5/10)

The Ghibertins - The Less I Know the Better (LP)

Having already heard and enjoyed several of the singles taken from this album, hearing the full LP was definitely something I've been looking forward to. Coming in at thirteen tracks plus a remix (sadly track eleven 'There's No Doubt About It' was unavailable for me to listen to) it's a strong mix of indie-rock songs centered around the distinctive sound of the lead singer's vocals. Opener 'Madness' is an, at times, hard-hitting song, with the hints at the politics that flow through the album's lyrics. Boasting a well produced guitar solo this is a neat, albeit low-key, introduction to the album.

'Carnival' is a gentle number that continues in a similar vein to the opener whilst 'Breathe For Me', one of the first songs heard by the band, is an emotionally written and performed song that will grab you, the strings, fast drum beat and delivery giving the song an emotional heart. 'Let 'Em Dance' is a weaker track on the album, lacking a focused direction, but 'I'm War', with its distinctive riff and determined delivery give it that power you expect from the band and proves to be one of the best on the album. The title track, with its didgeridoo opening and elements of the Scissor Sisters' take on 'Comfortably Numb' in parts, is the highlight of the LP, its bridge and dark chorus incredible, creating a politically charge somber track but one you'll definitely enjoy.

'In My Hands (A Pop Song)' is actually a bit jazzier than the title would suggest, its lilt owing more to funk than pop but it does have a more positive sound and style compared to the tracks proceeding to it, offering a rare moment of light in a relatively dark album. This feeling continues with the faster 'Facing A Loaded Gun' which is at a perkier pace than the title would suggest.

'Where Are We Now' takes a shift back in darker territories, delivering arguably the most politically-charged track on the album with some rather hard-hitting visual imagery, forming a track that makes you think whilst remaining listenable thanks to its strong production and instrumentation, even if it's a difficult listen.

'No Way' shifts the tone once more, its stripped back acapella-opening with a clap rhythm then a brass-hefty marching pace, this is the most distinctive track on the album, offering something different in production.

The LP wraps up with two live versions - of 'Madness' and 'I'm War' - recovered in a cave (!) which showcase the quality of the band, sounding very reminiscent of the studio versions, before truly ending with the Spada Remix of the title track which adds a bit of extra rhythm to it but doesn't really do anything radical to the track as a hole, basically adding one layer to the already strong song.

One of my favourite new discoveries this year, The Ghibertins' debut is an album you should pick up with plenty to enjoy, even with its dark stylings. (7.5/10)

Reverse Family 365 (Sampler)

Consisting of four tracks this is a rather lo-fi and free-form, almost punky without the punch. 'Sunshade City' with its memorable hook is the best of the four and has the most conventional approach though its riff does keep sounding like it's going to interpolate Gary Numan's 'Cars'. 'We Got It Supreme Positivity' boasts a quirky and noteworthy chorus, its echo effects working well to create an ethereal feel, but its lack of a distinct structure might make some people shy away from it.

'Keep Being the Good Guy' has its moments but it becomes a little bit drawly at times outside of its early White Stripes-esque chorus. 'Dark Pop' is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of sound, with highlights and then moments I'm not a big fan of. This sampler is definitely a mixed bag though there are some interesting moments scattered amongst them. (5/10)

Sarah Walk - Little Black Book

'Little Black Book' is a rather personal, often very much so, downbeat ode to lost love and trying to get it back, and while that could sound relentlessly downbeat it's done in such a way that there is a buzz to the heartbreak-filled songs that start with the attitude and rock of the opening, titular, track. Here Walk is on determined, almost manic, form which continues into the guitar stabs of 'Bored to Death' which asks the question 'I Don't Know What Will Become Us?' and struggles emotionally for an answer.

'Maybe Someday' is more heartfelt and searches for a resolution over a stripped-back piano ballad. 'I'm not ready to let you go / I'm not ready to say goodbye', are two lines of the chorus in what becomes quite a heartfelt ode and hoping for the passage of time to dent feelings.The more sombre style of songs continue with the emotional 'Wake Me Up' though the chorus beefs up up the anger and determined calls for being reunited, the layered production of vocals working really well.

'Still Frames' and 'Time' is gentler and really focuses in on the lyrics, its orchestral breakdown a smooth and heart-wrenching moment as it reaches its soaring heights. 'Can't Slow Down' takes the themes and ups the tempo, with Pink-style shouts of attitude. 'The Remains' is neat, whilst 'Let Me Try' soars to new heights. 'Prettiest Song' is a pleasant listen before 'June' suggests a potential resolution but the heartfelt, personal lyrics keep coming. Closer 'Keep on Dreaming' is arguably the best album on the track, laying hopes of seeing a lover in your dreams over strings, with a strong chorus.

'Little Black Book' is a difficult listen due to its immensely personal lyrics and anguish of Walk's vocals, and it will resonate heavily on those coming out of a relationship, but this personal angle and all the emotions is captured well over the dozen tracks. (8/10)

Strange Hellos - Chromatic

Coming in at ten tracks including an atmospheric instrumental opening number that shares its title with the album 'Chromatic' is a downbeat and sombre piece but one that has several highlights, no less on later track 'Albert' which is the absolute stand out of the record, the Irish-country tinged number the most solidly produced and sung number on the piece, and it drips with heart and longing. 'The Prime' showcases the LP's fuzzy production style that gives it a certain warmth and though the album never seems to showcase much in the way of energy outside of the fuzzy chorus of this track with it's 'I'm Just No Good For You' section, there's something strangely appealing about it.

'Is It Me?' has a Fleetwood Mac and Blondie feeling to it whilst 'Broken Teenage Heart', one of my favourites, has some strong lyrics about romantic break-up. 'Gold for the Golden' has a certain Cranberries feeling to its style and 'We Are Trouble' kicks up the tempo in a very welcome way. Closer 'The Way Home' stretches for six minutes and its darker pace suits the album closer. It's an LP that will take a few listens to bed in but there's plenty to enjoy in this dark, but listenable, collection of songs. (6.5/10)

Tusks - Dissolve

Coming in at ten tracks and just over 36 minutes, Tusks' album 'Dissolve' is a dark, almost sombre, low-key affair that's quite stripped back in its production and downbeat in its delivery, but as a atmospheric, consistent piece it works. From the smooth falsetto and piano-led 'For You' that opens the album, arguably the most distinctive and touching track on the piece, the soundscape built really sticks with you. 'False' builds up to a crescendo not necessarily present elsewhere on the album giving this piece a fair bit of energy, which does drip into track three 'Last' whose raw drum sound punctuates the delightful and ethereal lead vocals. 

The album's titular track is a slower, more somber affair, with the rattle of cymbals accompanying a soaring and heartfelt chorus. '1807' is another atmospheric piece with literal drips of sound whilst 'Paris' has moments of industrial effects amongst its soaring stripes, the production multilayered and enigmatic. 'Ivy' continues the darker vibes whilst 'Toronto' sweeps from drama to more subdued introspection. 'My Love' and the five-minute-plus 'London Thunder' tie things up nicely, the final track offering a clearer sound of the vocals, wrapping up an album that flows from one track to another as one body, creating a sonic atmosphere that pulls you in. (6.5/10)

The Veldt - Thanks to the Moth and Areanna Rose

Standing at six tracks including a remix, this unusually titled album is a sonically dark and gruffly produced piece built around the EP's best track 'Fit to be Tied' with its sad movies choral hook. 'The Colour of Love is Blue' has a Radiohead style to its opening, its falsetto-esque vocals masked a little by the music and its sombre approach not the best way to open proceedings. The faster 'Black and Blue' has more energy but again struggles with the contrast of layers. As mentioned the poppier 'Fit to be Tied' is the best track on the album but a stronger production would make it more radio friendly if the lo-fi style is tweaked. 

'Camus' is a shift in direction with a vocal change that offers something fresh and more urgent thanks to its delivery. 'Dakini' is again more experimental and moves along in a dream-like way, whilst the mix of 'I Like the Way You Talk' see the Veldt on a more introspective style at the start, before getting a little cloudier.

The EP is a strong enough listen though its muddy production is not to my taste and masks the more enjoyable moments of the recording. (5/10)

Watch Clark - First Week of Winter

Stuffed to the rafters with electronica, synth, vocoder and autotune, this is actually a stronger album than that intro would suggest. With music that's more Depeche Mode than Daft Punk there are plenty of stand out songs on the 10 track album particularly the eighties sounding 'Seduction on the Dancefloor' whose chunky beats and catchy chorus will get you moving; the slower but no less hefty 'Missed Opportunities' with its 'overthinking everything sexual' riff that proves to be really catchy; and the slower tempo 'Hole in my Heart' that wraps up a heartfelt ode to being back with an ex that pulls on the heartstrings even disguised in its vocoderised vocals, feeling like the sister song to DP's 'Something About Us'.

Elsewhere we get the pumping opening double act of 'The Warmest Place' and 'New Revision', and the bouncy closer 'Sit Here For A While' which finishes the album off on a high note.

I wasn't too sure when I started on the album but this is a really strong and interesting album with a focused production style and a retro throwback vibe. (7.5/10)

Winter Mountain - I Swear I Flew

This ten track album which gets a major release a year after its initial release is a country-tinged collection of songs with a gentle and toe-tapping style from the opener 'Platinum and Gold' with its catchy mid-tempo chorus. 'Sunlight, Good Roads' is bouncier and portrays the style of travel well. 'The Lucky Ones', with its anthemic chorus, is one of my highlights of the album with its optimistic, singable chorus. The album continues with its smile-inducing uptempo Christmas songs with Irish-hints including 'Banbas Crown' and the rockier 'Things That I've Done Wrong' which bookmarks the slower, more introspective, beautifully sung 'Dragonfly' which pulls at the old heartstrings.

As the album reaches its second half 'The Morning Bell' combines winter imagery and a storytelling style with a smooth vibe; whilst 'Before The Flood' lifts the pace up whilst keeping the traditional vibe alive. As the LP reaches its conclusion 'Open Heart' keeps the energy in a danceable, atmospheric number with a catchy chorus, whilst a snatch of the mouth organ introduces the seasonal slower number 'Fireworks Night' which ties up the ends of a delightfully stripped-back, story-led, country-tinged collection of hits. (7/10)

New Music Review #113

Ten more songs you need to hear!

BANNERS - Someone To You

Vocally sounding like a rockier Scouting for Girls this is a upbeat and hooky pop-rock number that bounces along pretty nicely. (7/10)

Bastille - World Gone Mad

As cinematic as you'd expect from a song taken from a film soundtrack this is another solid song from Bastille with crisp production and plenty of hooks that build to a sweet crescendo. (7/10)

Ecca Vandal - Future Heroine

Packed with attitude this is an rnb-pop track with bite and a steady building pace with hints at a softer 'Imagine Dragons'. Well produced and a grower. (6/10)

Ed Sheeran - Perfect 

The lyrics may be a little saccharine and sickly sweet but as a ballad that will bring a warm glow to people's faces and hearts this works. (7/10)

Fall Out Boy - Hold Me Tight or Don't

Another poppier entry in their discography, this latest from FOB boasts another catchy chorus and a jaunty, fun vibe throughout. (7/10)

The Killers - Rut

One of my favourite songs off their most recent album, 'Rut' is a slower number but the personal lyrics and building production make for an emotive number that crescendos. (7/10)

Liam Gallagher - Come Back To Me

Though not as catchy as his last two singles this is still head and shoulders above some of his earlier solo work and with its Oasis-sound feels like a grower. (6/10)

MIKA - It's My House

Back after a considerable time away Mika returns with 'It's My House' and it sees Mika pretty much on form with another catchy radio-friendly pop track. Expect this to get some traction soon. (6.5/10)

MØ - When I Was Young

With a mish-mash of elements that don't often gel this is still quite a perky and upbeat pop number with some fag-packet, but relatable, lyrics and a fun ska-feel. (6/10)

Paloma Faith - Guilty

Though not her catchiest single the Bond-esque production and vocal delivery and powerful chorus give it a distinctive and dramatic feel. (6.5/10)

Live Review: The Killers (19th November 2017)

The Killers (with Juanita Stein)
First Direct Arena, 19th November 2017

Thanks to an album pre-order offer I managed to tick one more band of my bucket list by seeing Las Vegas' finest the Killers in my neighbouring city of Leeds at the First Direct Arena, Brandon and the boys (now down to two original members) bringing a huge and visually stunning set to the arena and a set list that, by luck, contained some songs from the pool that changes every night that fell in my favour.

Support act Juanita Stein, with hints of country, wasn't my favourite support act I've ever seen, a combination of unfamiliarity with her material and muddy vocal mixing impacting on the performance but her thirty minute set was enjoyable enough to set the mood going.

Onto the main event and we got a great selection of 21-songs spanning the band's career. Opening with the first track from their new album the titular 'Wonderful, Wonderful' with its dramatic desert-scapes projected onto the huge screens creating the darker atmosphere of the opener. Boasting a set with a lifting male symbol, which came into play on the testosterone-filled second number, huge arrows and a water-tower marked 'Leeds' the large visuals really kept the focus. 'The Man', second up, was energetic and backed by the neon glow of Las Vegas cowboys, whilst crowd-pleaser 'Somebody Told Me', appearing quite early on, got the crowds to their feet. Personal favourite 'Spaceman' was great to hear, as was the slower 'The Way It Was'.

Credit for the best song of the evening probably has to go to their energetic take on 'Run For Cover' that mixed up some incredible drumming, spot-on vocals and well timed visuals from the promotional video on the screen, all combining to form a big spectacle. 'I Can't Stay' and 'Smile Like You Mean It' brought some quieter moments to the performance, and it was great to hear so many inclusions from their third album 'Day and Age', arguably their best album.

The singable 'For Reasons Unknown' gave way to the big treat of the night, a spirited cover from one of my other favourite bands Kaiser Chiefs. Joined on stage by former member and drummer Nick Hodgson, now on guitar, this was a surprise and fun inclusion that lifted the roof off the arena.

'Rut' and 'Tyson v Douglas' from the new album kept the show going whilst 'Human' proved to be the next big sing-a-long favourite. 'A Dustland Fairytale', 'Runaways', 'Read My Mind' and closer 'All These Things That I've Done' tied the main show together nicely.

The band also treated us to a four-strong encore, starting with one of the highlights of their new album 'The Calling' complete with a very strong VJ-package of images, giving it an other-worldly, almost apocalyptical feel. My personal highlight of the show came in the next song, a performance of, in my opinion, their best song 'Bones', one of the songs not played every night. The show ended with the double header of 'When You Were Young' and 'Mr Brightside', both getting the crowd doing, and wrapping up a visually impressive and tight performance, with a set-list that was pretty much spot on. (7/10)

Live Review: The Lancashire Hotpots (18th November 2017)

The Lancashire Hotpots (with Stu Penders and Spladoosh)
Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (18th November 2017)

It's been a couple of years since I last donned by flat cap, neckerchief and rainbow waistcoat to see the Northern comedy-folk band The Lancashire Hotpots so considered their tour to celebrate ten years since their debut the perfect re-introduction back to seeing the now six-strong band, and that decision was rewarded with one of their biggest, brightest and best performances yet.

Jumping in the popular bandwagon of playing their debut album in full, something done recently by Maximo Park, Scouting for Girls, Reverend and the Makers and many others, they also delivered a best-of of the rest of the albums around it.

The night opened with support from Stu Penders and Spladoosh, an act I'd come across last year with some brilliant drunken Christmas covers (this is hilarious and I only wish you could buy them). It would be disingenuous of me to reveal the people behind the wigs but all I'll say is that, even with a strong history of the Hotpots picking quality support acts, this was the best and arguably one of the most intentionally hilarious support acts I've ever seen. Over twenty-or-so minutes I probably laughed more at the mangled lyrics, over the top performance and skits by Stu Penders than I have in many comedy movies. Including an on-stage serenade to a member of the audience, this was a well rehearsed and planned comedy set that was laugh out loud funny and brilliantly timed.

Onto the main act and we got an impressive almost two-hours of music, and the Lancashire Hotpots once more showed that they could give far bigger bands a run for their money in the entertainment stakes, with a set-list that was pretty much the ideal one considering the confines of playing their first album in full. Opening with arguably their best introduction song 'Mek Us A Brew' the crowd, many dressed in flat caps, were on top form singing along to their songs.

After this we got the debut album 'Never Mind the Hotpots' in full which, even though the order of songs, as the band confessed on stage, wasn't quite how they'd do it live, the energy was palpable. 'Chippy Tea', naturally, lit up the room whilst the singable bits of 'I Met A Girl on Myspace' lived on even if the social network doesn't. A calypso version of 'He Turned Emo' - either a funny error by keyboardist Billy McCartney or a set-up stage riff - was brilliant, and 'Ebay 'Eck', a personal favourite, was very welcome. Other highlights included an extended outro for 'The Firewall Song', the ever loveable 'A Lancashire DJ' complete with their infamous chorus, and after many years away a brilliant version of 'Me PSP', one of their best on the album. Throwing in live regular 'Bitter Lager Cider Ale and Stout' and the revitalised 'Sat Nav', complete with quick tribute to former member Willie Eckerslike, and it was clear that their first album was full of big hits. They even wrapped up with the ending Christmas song which is now relatively seasonally appropriate.

After a quick pause the band delivered a greatest hits ending to the show that included many of their biggest party hits. We got the singable highlights of 'The Perfect Pint' and 'Thirsty Thursday', the anthemic 'The Girl from Bargain Booze', 'You Could Get Hit By A Bus Tomorrow', 'Do The Dad Dance' and 'Egg, Sausage, Chips and Beans', proving that there are many big numbers beyond that first release, and they were all performed with big energy from the band and the crowd were in the zone with them. It's a shame that several favourites were missed out due to the restrictions of the format, but when you have as many albums as the band does now there's always going to be omissions.

With one of the best support acts I've seen in a long time and a lengthy, hit-packed and well-delivered set, you'd be hard pressed to have found a better more energetic band to see on a Saturday night. (8/10)

New Music Review #112

Ten more tracks that you need to hear!

All Time Low - Good Times

With a tempo and feel that sounds more like the band's name than the title, this is a well written emotive soft-rock ballad that has echoes of other hits by the band, especially in its multi-layered vocal chants. (6/10)

Andy Brown feat. Crissie Rhodes - Landslide

With one half of the Shires on guest vocals this is a pretty straight-forward country track, not really doing anything particularly distinctive, but if you like your country-pop upbeat and happy then this is a great little number. (7/10)

Jake Bugg feat. Noah Cyrus - Waiting

There's a bit of a Christmas feel to this gentle duet which tones down Bugg's usually quite nasal vocals into something much smoother and sweeter, well produced over a simple jazzy backing. (7/10)

Katie Melua - Fields Of Gold

Katie Melua is one of those artists that could sing the phone book and you'd probably want to listen to it. The official Children in Need single, this is a stripped back and simple cover but that allows you the opportunity to focus on the lyrics and the beautiful delivery. (7/10)

Kesha - Learn To Let Go

'Learn to Let Go' is another uptempo, uplifting and very personal single from Kesha, all elements coming together into a fun and funky pop song. (6.5/10)

Pete Tong feat. Becky Hill - Sing It Back

Pete Tong returns with his second stringed-up compilation and though Hill doesn't quite have the same distinctive vocals as Moloko and the mid-riff is reminsicent of Bronski Beat, there's enough variety and twists in here to work. (6/10)

P!nk - Halfway Gone

P!nk is always good value in getting a good song and this gritty, soft-rock entry throws her gruff vocals and heartfelt-lyrics right bang in centre stage where they should be. Great. (7/10)

Pioneers - Take Time

With subtle hints of punk in its production this is a bouncy upbeat pop number that will get you moving. (6.5/10)

Vance Joy - Like Gold

Though lacking the uptempo joy from his best songs like 'Riptide' this slower number still boasts a great little beat and a catchy lyrical delivery. A grower. (6.5/10)

Wild Beasts - Punk Drunk And Trembling

With hints of electronica in its laid back mid-tempo indie-styled number, this is a smooth and involving listen that shifts along nicely in a cool vibe. (6/10)

New Music Review #111

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Bootsy Collins - Hot Saucer 

Having recently reviewed and loved his full album this single slice of funk is also welcome, mixing in Collins' familiar vocal punches from his work with Fatboy Slim sitting alongside a much funkier, retro-sound that will get you moving. Cool. (7/10)

DYGL - Let It Sway

With hints of early Arctic Monkeys mixed with the Kooks this is a stripped back, simple indie number with a fun vibe, though doesn't have a hugely memorable feel, though its riffs are fun whilst it plays. (6/10)

Hafdis Huld - Dream Small

Taken from her delightful recent album, 'Dream Small' is a gentle and sweet swaying ballad that feels like it's a cosy night-in on a cold Winters day embodied in a song. Peaceful. (7/10)

Human - Higher

With hints of Plan B in the sound this mid-tempo rap-influenced track shines with his funky undertones and foot-tapping beat. With a simple yet catchy brass-led chorus this is a definite grower. (6.5/10)

Iris Gold - All I Really Know

'All I Really Know' is a funky and upbeat pop number with plenty of attitude and bounce, with Gold's vocals well mixed in the jazzed up rhythm. (7/10)

James Litherland - Back 'n Blue

It might perhaps be a little by-the-numbers when it comes to embracing the country sound but it's a fun enough entry into the re-vitalized genre. With hints of Dire Straits in its sound this is a smooth enough listen. (5/10)

MALMØ - You

A gentle, ethereal-sounding ballad, with a delightfully smooth vocal. The perfect song to put on and chill out too. Nice. (6/10)

Morrissey - Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up on the Stage

Though a little less poppy and memorable than his last single this lengthily titled song has more bite in its lyrics and delivery and ends with a repetitive, yet catchy, ending. (7/10)

Ordinaryson - Round Here

A delightfully calming mid-tempo ballad centered around a very listenable vocal line and a gentle and warming set of lyrics that transports you back to the past. Sweet. (7/10)

Owen Paul - Amazing (StoneBridge & Damien Hall Indie Radio Edit) / (Lenny Bunn Big Rock Radio Mix)

It takes something special for a remix to win me over as they can often mask a great song in unnecessary club sounds and whereas this is certainly clubbed up it doesn't take away from the heart of the song and adds more energy to it. I wouldn't say there was a huge difference between the two remixes but the first perhaps edges it, though the 'Chain Reaction'-esque riff of the second is nicely woven in. (7/10)

New Music Review #110

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Alana Henderson - Let This Remain

Led by strings with an electronic-influenced but stripped-back production, this is a smooth and at times touching gentle piece. (6.5/10)

Ásgeir - Afterglow

With a piano riff reminiscent of Meat Loaf's lengthy and biggest hit, this is an atmospheric, beautifully building song with a delightfully laid back and emotive feel. (6.5/10)

Benny Banks x Joe Black - All In (Radio Edit)

Crossing RNB with grime this is a poppier entry into the genres and it has a memorable vibe and production style and though it relishes in the usual cliches has a crisp sound. (6.5/10)

The Chords - Man On The Northern line (Bank Branch Remix)

There's something about the lyrics and the ELO / Beatles-esque production that gives this is a seasonally wintry feel, but one that warms up the cockles. Evocative and interesting, this is a story-led song that builds with every listen. Delightful. (7/10)

The Decrees - Sons of Rage / West Sierra

Wearing their Scottish accent clearly on their sleeves this is a bouncy duo of tracks. 'Sons of Rage', with its clear brass, marches along with attitude and kicks you straight in the ears. Building from radio interference, 'West Sierra' has a more Green Day feel to it alongside its free-form drums, again marching ahead. A pair of strong energetic indie-tracks. (7/10)

Hunger - Bubbles 

Gradually building up to a lighters-out power chorus this is a gentle but evocative indie number that arrives at a really powerful crescendo. (6/10)

Krief - Ordinary Lies



It takes a few spins to settle in, but this gentle falsetto-driven ballad proves its warmth and ethereal joy when you let it in. (6/10)

Lorne - Navigate

Though the chorus is perhaps a little repetitive the gentle and smooth production vibe and strong and crisp lyrics make for a cool and calming audioscape. (6.5/10)

Poppy Ackroyd - The Calm Before

A gentle and building instrumental, this a gentle, smooth orchestral number that mixes a classical set-up with a crisp modern production - atmospheric. (6/10)

Rinngs - Oceans (Le Malls Remix)

A dramatic, largely produced remix, it perhaps masks the lyrics and vocals a little too much which are the star of the show but it has some enjoyably large heft as a song. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #109

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Anne-Marie - Heavy

Another strong showing from Anne-Marie on this lyrically-heavy thought-provoking single that eschews a bombastic music score to concentrate on the feelings behind the words. (7.5/10)

Fickle Friends - Hard To Be Myself

'Hard To Be Myself' is a catchy, radio-friendly pop track with the occasional bit more of a bite. With elements of electronic and disco this is a fun mix. (6/10)

Kelly Clarkson - Meaning of Life

Though the chorus is less poppy you'd expect from Clarkson there's plenty of power in her vocals and she's on strong form, and it's certainly a grower thanks to its big soulful and gospel style. (6.5/10)

King No-One - Constellations

With hints of Franz Ferdinand in its guitar riff this is a fun little indie song with a poppier chorus, chants and other production effects to keep you listening. (6.5/10)

The Magic Gang - Alright

With more than a little hint of Weezer in their sound this is a gentle, soft indie number with a chorus with enough rocky guitars to hold your interest. (6/10)

Men in the Sky - Motel

With hints of indie and electronic, with hints of Mama's Gun, this is a perky cross-genre song though it's a shame the vocals feel a little too low in the mix to pop. (6/10)

NF - Let You Down

Though falling into the typical rap-verse sung-chorus template this is a stripped back touchingly written song in the vein of Professor Green. Neat. (6.5/10)

PNAU - Go Bang

It might be a pretty straight forward and generic club tune but it's sunny enough to be worth a spin. (6/10)

Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still

'Feel it Still' is a funky falsetto number with a swinging swagger that will get your hips swaying! (6.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Run It Wild

Another cut from Robbie's latest b-side album this isn't quite as distinctive or memorable as the previous cuts, but for fans of his work it fills a gap. (6/10)