New Music Review #116

Ten more songs you must hear!

Banners - Someone To You

'Someone to You' is a really fun and catchy pop-rock number with a singable, radio-friendly chorus which suggests this will be a grower once it gets that airplay breakthrough. (7/10)

Gavin James - Hearts On Fire

It's been a strong year for Gavin James and if this new song is anything to go by it should be a strong 2018 for him as well. 'Hearts On Fire' is another bouncy, catchy number from him. (7.5/10)

Green Day - Back In The USA

Taking its lead from their famous 'American Idiot' album this boasts the poppiness of that album's title track with more subtle politics, in a surprisingly poppy entry into their canon, taken from their new greatest hits compilation. (7/10)

Hey Charlie - Young & Lonesome

A quirky and funky indie number with strong harmonies and a gentle, yet building presence from the trio, with more bite coming from the guitars and the sing-a-long closer. Neat. (6.5/10)

Liam Gallagher - Come Back To Me

Liam Gallagher continues to roll out some catchy singles, and this fast-paced indie-rock number with a pacey and powerful bridge and chorus keeps up the standard. Cool. (7/10)

Little Mix - Is Your Love Enough?

A little more interesting than their recent singles, the reggae, summery feel to this record gives it a refreshingly distinctive feel. A fun pop single with the work done by the production. (6.5/10)

Queens of the Stone Age - The Way You Used to Do 

Going back to the more traditional sound of QotSA, this is a fun rock number with a simple yet strangely compelling dark chorus. A grower. (7/10)

RedFaces - Take It or Leave It

Mixing in indie and electronic, like a more modern sounding Arctic Monkeys, this is a smooth and friendly number from a youthful band. Promising. (6.5/10)

Stephanie Cheape - I Am A Soldier

Built around a funky rhythm and the distinctive vocals of Cheape, this is a stripped-back yet involving number that showcases the talents of this singer-songwriter. (7/10)

Winter Mountain - Platinum and Gold 

We recently reviewed the EP from which this is taken and enjoyed it, and this cut from it is a delightfully warming indie number that will delight you. (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)