New Music Review #107

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)

New Music Review #54

It's time for another ten tracks you need to hear!

AstroVoyager - First Lights

With hints of dark industrial elements 'First Lights' mixes Moby, Fatboy Slim and Robert Miles into an atmospheric soundscape. (7/10)

Hebe - Tell Me

'Tell Me' is a cool, calming indie number with Hebe's delightfully calm and alluring vocals taking centre stage. Lovely. (6.5/10)

January Thompson - Whelmed 

'Whelmed' is the single single from January's current album and is another beautifully crafted and sung ballad that is dreamy in its delivery. (6.5/10)

Mauro Dirago - Slave For You

With hints of Sting in his melancholic saxophone line, this is a delightfully silky and undulating number that ticks all the right boxes. (7/10)

Seyi Shay - Yolo Yolo

Sounding like Rihanna before she went more commercial, this samba-influenced number might be making illusions to a capitalised YOLO but even if not its an uplifting ska-style song with a vibrant multi-colour heart. (6.5/10)

THE SLVR TONGUES - Ain't Just the Whiskey

This follow-up to their last single may be more stripped back but the harmonies, country-pop tinges and subtle yet enjoyable production still ear-mark them as a strong contender on the country scene. (7/10)

Sweet Tempest - Colourful Rain

As gentle as their track below but more memorable and poppier in its laid-back vibe, this is a strong yet sweet number. (7/10)

Sweet Tempest - Empty Box

'Empty Box' is a gentle, underlating track that offers a calming and relaxing mood to anyone who listens to it. Subtle but involving. (6/10)

Tallia Storm - Still In Love

With plenty of attitude and production effects to give the vocals some bite, this is a sunny, catchy, laid-back number with summery swagger like a beefier Eliza Doolittle sound. Great. (7/10)

This Party - Lover

Though the production may be a little quiet and lacking in depth the song itself is a nice slice of indie-pop that does what it needs to do in its two-and-half-minutes run time with a fun guitar and vocal hook. (6.5/10)