Ten more songs you have to hear! Avicii feat. Vargas & Lagola - Friend Of Mine
Certainly feeling very much like an Avicii track this is a fun upbeat little number and though it doesn't break any musical walls down is a pleasant enough listen. (6.5/10) Catherine McGrath - Talk Of This Town
Hailing from Northern Ireland, UK-based country continues to build after big successes over the last two years. Sounding like classic Taylor Swift before she went all poppy, McGrath's new single is a great pop-country number with a very singable hook. Delightful! (7.5/10) HAIM - Nothing's Wrong
'Nothing's Wrong' is another slice of electronic-tinged country-focussed pop from the bouncy trio. With bigger hints of Fleetwood Mac this is a great radio-friendly, upbeat, happy number. (7/10) Hoseah Partsch - Paper Planes
'Paper Planes' is a smooth, gentle little piano-led ballad that builds into something with plenty of emotional energy. Delightful. (7.5/10) Joseph J. Jones - Crawl
With hints of Rag N Bone Man and John Newman this is a soulful number with Jones' strong voice thumping through this great record. (7/10) MAGNUM - Without Love
With a Journey-esque retro-rock sound this should please the old rockers who enjoy a good mosh from an eighties-themed Top Gear Fathers' Day collection. Solid. (7/10) Post Malone - I Fall Apart
It might take a few listens to settle in but 'I Fall Apart' is a strong indie tune with a building chorus and dark, electronic riff. Certainly a grower. (6/10) Rae Morris - Atletico (The Only One)
Rae Morris continues her shift into something more poppy and dancy with her music, and 'Atletico' mixes her sound with something a bit more like La Roux, creating a foot-tapping catchy little number. (7.5/10) The Retrobot featuring Reggaebot - Melonbot
The world's best singing robot it back with a unseasonably summery tune with a cool lilt and plenty of innuendo. It's not quite up to the brilliance of its first track but it has enough quirkiness and catchiness to keep you listening. (6.5/10) SZA x Calvin Harris - The Weekend (Funk Wav Remix)
Ticking plenty of generic dance boxes, there's at least a slight Daft Punk vibe to the production which gives it a bit more bite, but it's pretty forgettable and familiar otherwise. (5/10)
Here are our thoughts on ten more albums! Astrobal - Memories of Stars (EP)
This five track EP is an unusual affair, including two one-minute-or-so long tracks, moments of spoken word and some rather unusual production, but its eccentricity, uniqueness and ethereal style is what makes it, and though it's not something you're ever going to hear on the radio it's wacky charm will keep you entertained for its perky sixteen minute run time. (6/10) Bootsy Collins - World Wide Funk
The distinctive voice from classic Fatboy Slim song 'Weapon of Choice' and cover of 'The Joker' gets a fresh album of his own and it's an almost-hour of funky throwback songs that begins with the rather eccentric opening of the title track that bursts from a story opening to an unashamedly retro-sounding funk number that sets the mood for the party album. Rattling through a variety of styles from the more pedestrian but still funky 'Bass-Rigged-System' with its cheeky 'all-funked up' riff to the female-vocal led 'Pusherman' that sounds more like TLC next to its 'monkey off your back' hook. With the record skips of that track giving way to more straight up funk on 'Thera-P' we get the Chic-esque 'Hot Saucer' and the R Kelly-light ballad 'Heaven Yes'. 'Ladies Nite' is not *that* song but a cool funky number and 'Earth, Wind and Fire' are the order of the day on 'Candy Coated Lover'. 'Snowbunny' and 'Hi-Heels', with its ode to the Avalanches in part, continues the too-cool-for-school feel, whilst 'Salute to Bernie' sees Collins in a more introspective mood. 'Boomerang' with its Victoria's Secret take and catchy country-tinged chorus, and closer 'Worth My While' with its slower vibe tie up an album that's equal parts fun and funky. Cool. (7/10) The Dayoffs - The Dayoffs
If you like your music punky and raw then you'll enjoy much of this debut from The Dayoffs. Their self-titled breakthrough boasts an opening four powerful punky numbers that screech along nicely, though they do have a habit of merging together. Thankfully the Oasis-like track five 'Nobody Knows Her' cuts back the punkiness to make for a far more listenable piece to me, and it feels like an entirely different band or album. 'Two Actors in A Cage' continues the more enjoyable stripped-back indie feel. Continuing in the vibe of Weezer through songs like 'A Million Days' and 'Next To Nothing' things start to get a little samey until the harmonica-introduced and perkier 'State of Madness' lifts things up much more with its quirky and poppier aesthetic and feels more like a single. 'Eleven', all 39 seconds of it, closes an album of one-third two-thirds that incongruously splits, and is far better, if not a bit too similar between tracks, from track five onwards. (6/10) Eamon - Golden Rail Motel
Having enjoyed his recent single we definitely wanted to give his first album a spin and this is a cool, funky collection of ten strong soulful numbers. Famous a decade ago for his expletive hefty 'Fuck You (I Don't Want You Back)' this is quite a change but a great direction, his Si Cranstoun sound really suiting him. Opener 'Before I Die' might have a title and chorus bordering on darkness but it's actually quite a positive sounding swagger of a track that name checks the album title and mixes in sounds of a bustling New York. 'Be My Girl' continues the funky vibe that will get your feet tapping whilst 'Lock Me Down' is a ballsy, attitude-filled catchy number, its stuttering hook really driving the vibe home, and is the best on the piece, with lead single 'I Got Soul' that follows a slower number but no less good, its honest and contemporary lyrics and soulful vibe smooth and very enjoyable. 'Burn It Up', with its funky brass, layered vocals and mid-tempo swagger, plays to the theme well, while the more heart-felt 'Mama Don't Cry' is a nicely stripped back and more somberly played piece. 'You and Only You' lifts the pace up and continues the relaxing soulful sound, with the funk and bass of 'Hands Make You Dance' palpable. Penultimate song 'Run' is one of the best songs on the album and feels like a future single, it's catchy radio-friendly vibe and plentiful hooks really amazing. Final number 'Requiem' with its classical vibe and dramatic turn of style makes for a grand enjoyable closer to a really top class and well put together album. (7.5/10) Fiona Kennedy - Time To Fly
Having already been won over by Kennedy's delightful double a-side, of which both tracks feature here, listening to this album was a must and it doesn't disappoint. Including 'Down the Line', the bouncy country number, as the first song, the album starts in a high-octane, foot tapping way that really sets the mood. The exceptionally touching take on the Willie Nelson classic 'Always on my Mind' comes in at number four and its gentle stripped-back sound and dual vocals still pull at the heart strings all these weeks later. In between we get the swaying 'Who Would Have Thought' with some great Irish themes and harmonies, and 'Tomorrow's Child', a slower more touching number grounded by Kennedy's delightful delivery of the heart-felt lyrics. The album continues with the more jaunty traditional-sounding 'Weaver of Dreams', and the upbeat country flavours of 'Trail of the Survivor'. 'I Am Whole', at the front of the second half, is a more touching, slower offering whilst 'Not My Baby Anymore', with its harking back to a lost relationship, will resonate with a lot of listeners and bring a manly tear to many an eye. 'Cold Brew' and 'Boy Blue' keep the flow going and 'Christ Child Lullaby' offers something a little more traditional and slow. 'The Crossing Over' continues the flavour, the swaying gentleness wrapping up a beautiful sung, performed and produced album. A must listen. (7.5/10) HAIM - Something to Tell You
The latest album from HAIM kicks off with the bombastic pop track 'I Want You Back' with the perky chorus you expect from the trio, as catchy as you'd hope, with their harmonies, like on many other tracks, really working. 'Nothing's Wrong' is faster and jauntier and though lacking the big chorus of the opener is a brighter and punchier number. Continuing the fun poppy harmony, 'Little of Your Love' is possibly my favourite on the album, its bombastic music suiting its more emotional lyrics well. 'Ready For You' with its 'Treat You Right' hook continues the fun pop vibe with the harmonies coming into their own. 'Something To Tell You' with its quickfire backing vocals may sound a bit too familiar but keeps the album's rhythm going. 'You Never Know' is the closest the album gets to a ballad, though it's a meatier number to work with its more heartfelt lyrics. The clap-along finger-clicking synthy 'Keep Me Crying' boosts the harmonies whilst 'Found It In Silence' and 'Walking Away' make for a strong double act which big choruses. 'Right Now' and 'Night So Long' tie up a strong, rhythmic album that combines good harmonies with well written lyrics. (6.5/10) Jamie Porter - Sonic Smile
Featuring one of our favourite songs of the year - 'Sound of the Summer' - nine tracks make up Jamie Porter's cracking album that starts with the gritty rock of the hooky 'Can't Stop Loving You' and doesn't give up from there. The REM and Aerosmith-esque 'I'm Not Running Away' is slower but no less enjoyable, whilst 'A Girl Like You' wins even if its a little bit more subdued. Other highlights on the album include the chugging 'Remember Yesterday' with its throwback sound and lyrics and, of course, the uplifting summer anthem mentioned at the top of the review. 'Everything You Do', putting Porter's Phil Collins-like vocals up in the centre, comes across as anthemic whilst the rockier 'Lay It On Me' with its gruff guitars closes the LP with energy. A great retro-sounding rock listen that fits in with the original sounds of ACDC, Bon Jovi and the like. (7.5/10) Labyrinth Lounge - Porgy
With six tracks coming in at just shy of 30 minutes, 'Porgy' is a stripped back, warming, retro-sounding soulful piece cemented together by the flowing delightful vocals of the lead, the Nina Simone of the record against the cool soul of the slickly produced music. Opener 'Trouble Won't Last' sees her asking for understanding about her state of mind, the emotion crisp in her voice, with the guest male vocals adding a refreshing Pharrell Williams-like vibe to the track and gives it a shot in the arm. Lead single 'It's Just Water' has much more urgency to its sound, its quirky beat and music keeping the song alert in your mind though it does perhaps outstay its welcome a little too much with the outro going on maybe 90 seconds too long. The more free-form 'I Loves You Porgy' is a little too much improvised jazz for my tastes, lacking the more conventional structure of the first two tracks, though I admire their desire to do something different and it feels like it works, even if it's not to my preference. 'We Be Rockin' is an eighty second interlude that leads with the male vocals and is the most normal of the tracks and crams plenty of moments into its short time, whilst 'Storytime' is a spoken word piece over a minimal backing and is the only really skippable track on the album. Closer 'Displacement', coming in at over six minutes, returns to the freeform jazz tying things up in a looser way. I prefer the earlier moments on the album but if you like your music jazzy and unconventional you'll find much to enjoy here. (6/10) Miles & Erica - We Came Here To Work
Built around the strongest track on the album, the anthemic, memorable and politically charged title track, the ten songs that make up this album are stripped back folk-indie numbers that, though at times are perhaps a little downbeat for my overall tastes, showcase great musicianship and are well composed, from perky opener 'When the Currency Was' that multilayers instruments in a crisp production that resonates throughout the whole LP. 'A Matter of Circumstance' is the closest the album gets to upbeat energy with its Kooks-like vibe, chirpy backing vocals and fiddle. 'Waste Some Time With Me' has an easily adoptable title whilst 'Witnesses' slows down the pace considerably, the lyrics slowly building the political undertones of the piece. Later on in the album 'The Absentee' stands out as a strong track but really there's no duff notes in the well composed and strongly worded album. (6.5/10) Paul K - OmertÃ
Coming in at eighteen mostly-instrumental tracks, this is an album to savour as one long exploratory journey as the smooth tracks weave in and out of each other creating a beautiful orchestral flow of songs that really set an atmospheric mood. It's difficult to signpost any tracks really as it's an album-album rather than a collection of songs so if you like your music to flow and create a soundscape this is definitely one to hear. (7/10)
Another ten tracks? Oh go on then! Big Tide - Half The Time With a retro sixties sound that combines the vocals of Elvis Costello and the sound of the Byrds, this a smooth warming track with a throwback feel. (6.5/10) Franko Fraize feat Alex Joseph - Side By Side A strong mix of slow-rap delivery and lighters-out chorus with a simple but building production that all combines well into a soaring number that empowers you. (7/10) HAIM - Little of Your Love
Having recently enjoyed their full album this funky song definitely stood out and it's good to see it releases as a single as it balances a very singable chorus with a strong crisp production. (7/10) Kelsea Ballerini - Legends
After the punchier XO we get the more touching, sentimental and well-written 'Legends', which will certainly pull at the old heart strings. Beautiful. (7.5/10) Niall Horan - Too Much To Ask
A little bit overly sentimental and covers familiar ground for the genre but this is a touching, nicely written and sung ode to break ups which resonates well. (7/10) P!nk - Beautiful Trauma
Though not quite as big as her recent comeback single this is still a strong emotionally written ballad with throwbacks to her big drug-related hit. Neat enough. (6.5/10) P!nk - Whatever You Want
It's double pink for this edition with this gentle yet soaring ballad. It's not quite got the bite of her other big records but has a smooth and likeable vibe to how it progresses. (6.5/10) PVRIS - Winter
With plenty of attitude in its electronic-influenced rock sound, this is quite an experimental sounding piece but one that works to bring together many elements into an interestingly produced piece. (6/10) Roy Orbison feat. Ward Thomas & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) - I Drove All Night
Taking a break from their work with Elvis Presley's back catalogue, the orchestra move onto the Big O with this spirited, yet faithful, re-imaginging of one of his biggest hits. The strings really compliment it, as do the voices of Ward Thomas on the second verse and harmonies. A cool take on a classic. (7.5/10) Voice of the Sea - Life's an Elevator / Cosmic Dancer Acting as a tribute to Marc Bolan and T-Rex, this is a delightful pairing of covers from Voice of the Sea, combining her strong vocals with a sweet and touching backing that pairs back the originals. The first track is much more fun than the latter, but both boast strong production. Pleasing. (6.5/10)
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)
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)
Another ten songs you'll want to hear from all of us at KBPS! Coco feat. Scrufizzer - Ingredients
A quirky, intriguingly produced grime track which sounds like it shouldn't work from its weird switches in pace and style, but does. (6/10) Coucheron feat. Ary - High By The Riverside
I keep getting impressed by the work of Coucheron and though the bigger focus on electronic club sounds rather than a catchy chorus works against this particular track, there's enough fun and hooks in the verse to keep things interesting. (7/10) Double S feat. Wiley - Get Paid
Another grime-pop cross over from Double S that again proves a successful merging of styles, with strong crisp production, fast verses and a commercial ear. (7/10) HAIM - Want You Back
HAIM release another quirky, catchy indie-pop number with solid harmonies. It's not ground breaking but makes for a pleasing listen. (6.5/10) J & The Rest - 4 a.m. Again '4 a.m. Again' is an upbeat, poppy track with a building funky rhythm and hints at a more clubby production style that bounce well of each other. (7/10) K.I.D - Taker
In definite need of a replay, this is a catchy, poppy, punky number with an instantly catchy chorus and a joyous fast-paced rhythm, though the lyrics are a little NSFW. Brilliant! (7.5/10) Lina - Can’t Keep Falling
'Can't Keep Falling' us an upbeat quirky little pop song with electronic undertones that keeps your feet-tapping. (7/10) Marshmello - Moving On
It might have two many dance-club tropes including being over-produced for my liking but there's something about the energy in it that I like. (6.5/10) Nasher - XO With hints of Gary Barlow in his vocal sound, this is a summery, catchy indie hit with a simple yet memorable chorus and an optimistic outlook that reminds you of the Boo Radleys at their peak. (7.5/10) The Pocket Gods - The Perfect Blue
'The Perfect Blue' is a really bouncy, upbeat pop song with crunching guitars, a toe-tapping vibe and a relentless optimism. Great. (7.5/10)
