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)

New Music Review #106

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)

Album Review: Ed Sheeran – Divide

Ed Sheeran is back with his third album and taking the top 40 by storm, but is the album any good? ‘Divide’ opens with the rap-heavy ‘Eraser’ which is a bit of an abrupt and strange opener to the album, not setting it off on a strong foot (outside of the references near the end of being away), but the track itself is solid enough thanks to its layered production, blending of genres and strong chorus., though I’m still unsure with Sheeran as a rapper. ‘Castle on the Hill’ follows, the better of the lead singles in my opinion, the record dripping in nostalgia which works well and feels more like classic Sheeran. With a soaring singable chorus this is one of the best songs on the album.

‘Dive’ is more of a traditional ballad but is a bit too close to ‘Thinking Out Loud’ to be truly original but its lyrical swagger and guitar elements help it along. ‘Shape of You’ follows and is quite obviously a big single this year but I’m still not convinced by it. Aside from it now being too overplayed to be enjoyable to listen to the lyrics are a little poor and tired compared to his other songs and it’s too close to ‘Sing’, but it still has a good beat and a catchy set of lyrics. ‘Perfect’, which follows, is a much stronger ballad, with its slow dance-pace and soaring strings, and ticks the box for the heartfelt song.

Latest song ‘Galway Girl’ at track six is my favourite track on the album and certainly proves to be the karaoke favourite with a strong Irish-influenced rhythm and some fun, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a good mix of styles and genres. ‘Happier’ is another strong ballad before we switch back to the raps with ‘New Man’ which again throws in modern references into a fast-paced vocal style with a catchy chorus, which is a fun listen but a little familiar, though the vinyl effects near the end offer a bit of freshness for the time they’re on.

Entering the final third of the main album ‘Hearts Don't Break Around Here’ switches back to the slower style and is nice enough but not as memorable as earlier numbers. ‘What Do I Know’ is one of the best songs on the album, its fast pace and stripped-back sound with interesting lyrics make it stand out from the rest and offers something a little fresher at this point in the album whilst ‘How Would You feel (Paean)’ is a solid enough ballad to follow it with. Final track ‘Supermarket Flowers’ keeps it slow but works better with more touching lyrics and a better structure and style, the simple piano riff working well.

For those who slapped cash down for the deluxe edition you get four extra tracks. ‘Barcelona’ with its sunny Caribbean style proves to be catchier and more fun than some of the main tracks with some more energy in Sheeran’s vocals and a more optimistic music style. The interestingly titled ‘Bibia Be Ye Ye’ continues this summery feel with another fun and bouncy track that will put a smile on your face. ‘Nancy Mulligan’ is another Irish-themed track that riffs on a classic tune, combining a retro feel with something a little more modern, feeling like a spiritual successor to ‘Galway Girl’ but more traditional whilst ‘Save Myself’ is a touching end to the record.

Ed Sheeran’s latest album is a good collection of 12 (or 16) songs but it doesn’t quite have the flow you’d expect from an LP, jumping around constantly between different tempos and styles so it gets a little tiring, and some of the better tracks appear in the bonus section. There are definite highlights to the record but it certainly feels more like a package of songs rather than a cohesive album, which is possibly indicative of music in 2017. (7/10)

New Music Review #37

Another ten tracks that you need to hear!

All Time Low - Dirty Laundry

Less in-your-face than I was expecting from All Time Low, this is a surprisingly low-key indie number from them, but it's no less intriguing. (6.5/10)

Arman Cekin feat. Snoop Dogg & Paul Rey - California Dreaming

For the most part California Dreaming succumbs to the stereotypical lyrics you'd expect from a Snoop Dogg collaboration but the very catchy whistle-riff makes it worth a listen, which says it all really. (6/10)

Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl

Almost approaching overplayed status before it's even released as a proper single, this is still a cracking Irish-influenced pop song. Once you hear it will become an ear worm. (7.5/10)

Jennifer Hudson - Remember Me

Joining the ranks of judges on the Voice using the show as a springboard back into music, this particular track if welcome, a delightful mid-tempo ballad with some heartfelt lyrics and a simple but effective delivery. (7.5/10)

Joseph - SOS (Overboard)

Taking a bit of time to come to my attention this pop-indie track boasts what you'd expect from it: a simple yet catchy chorus, crisp production and delightful lead vocals. (7/10)'

Lady Antebellum - You Look Good

Popping up their country vibe this is a catchy ode to that sexy someone, matching the fun swagger of the song's pace. (7/10)

The Magic Gang - How Can I Compete

'How Can I Compete' is a fun indie song with a sing-a-long ending and a loveable heart. Nice. (7/10)

Riscas - Panic Like Tom

'Panic Like Tom' is a solid little indie hit but with its ear for some good poppy hooks. Simple music, but well done with its upbeat guitar riff and hooky repeat of its title. (7/10)

Riton feat. Kah-Lo, Mr Eazi, Davido - Money

What could have been a cliched song suggested by the cash-focussed title is actually a stripped back, Caribbean-themed, number on needing a holiday. Simple but fun. (6.5/10)

Tom Grennan - Giving It All

With the title of the EP this comes through forming part of the lyrics, this is a catchy little indie ballad with the character of Grennan's voice aiding the delivery. (7/10)

New Music Review #21

Another ten new tracks that we love this week!

The Amazons - Little Something

'Little Something' is a dark and gritty slice of indie-rock with a growling guitar undercurrent and a crisp vocal line. (6.5/10)
Anteros - Breakfast

'Breakfast' is a great catchy piece of pop that is great to listen to anytime of day. With an understated but memorable chorus this is a great uplifting track for the time of year. (7.5/10)

Caravan Palace - Lone Digger

A track from a while back that has got a new lease of life, this is a dance-led, catchy, jazz number that mixes throwback riffs and sounds into a fast-paced catchy number. (8/10)

Crystal Fighters - Good Girls 

Crystal Fighters can be often replied upon to provide a great, bouncy, uplifting pop song and 'Good Girls', though not that different from their usual style, delivers on that. Very warming for a cold January! (7.5/10)

Dua Lipa - Be The One 

A catchy slice of indie-pop from one of the stars of 2017, it's not her biggest single and it gets a little repetitive but it's still a good listen. (6.5/10)

Dwayne Johnson - You're Welcome

Taken from the latest Disney film 'Moana'. Dwayne Johnson doesn't have the greatest singing voice but he delivers this song well and it's pretty catchy. And certainly less annoying than 'Let It Go'. (7/10)
Ed Sheeran - Castle On The Hill / Shape of You

Our Ed is back with two new tracks. They may be lacking the energy or originality of, say, 'Sing' but are some great comebacks. 'Castle on the Hill' is the better of the two with a strong building vibe and chorus and a certain pop-catchiness. 'Shape of You' is a bit more Sing-like with a rap vibe though the lyrics are a little shallower and drab, but the vocal effects are catchy. (7.5/10)

Halestorm - I Hate Myself For Loving You

A cover of a Joan Jett song this a solid rock version which keeps the classic song whilst injecting a bit of life into it. A good cover. (6.5/10)

Surfer Blood - Matter of Time

'Matter of Time' is a raw slice of indie but with some catchy licks and riffs and a fun, driving vibe. (7/10)

The xx - Say Something Loving

The XX continue with their strong pop-indie crossovers with this retro-throwback packed with harmonies any nicely evolving synths. It's more of a rolling track than building to anything but that still proves to be worth a listen. (6.5/10)