New Music Review #117

Another ten songs you have to listen to!

The Allergies feat. Andy Cooper - Buzzsaw

'Buzzshaw' is not a huge departure from my favourite song of theirs from this year with the same rhythm and even musical hooks at times. If you loved 'Rock Rock' this feels very much like part two. (6/10)

Clara Mae - I'm Not Her

With hints of RnB amongst its pop vibes this is a cool and distinctive number which bodes well for future music from Mae. (7/10)

Empire Of The Sun - On Our Way Home

It might not be one of their most distinctive or experimental tracks but it has plenty of variety and gusto in it to offer something intriguing, even if it does run a little out of steam two-thirds in. (6.5/10)

Ephemerals - In and Out

Forgetting the pointless remixes that come with it, most cookie cutter and doing little to the original, let's focus instead on the throw-back and retro sound of the song, a gentle and focussed jazzy number that plays along nicely like a warm cup of cocoa. Smooth. (6.5/10)

Imelda May and Jack Savoretti - Call Me

A cool, jazzy, stripped back number, this is the perfect musical accompaniment to a night in front of a burning fire. Warming. (6.5/10)

Jazz Mino - Crush (Oliver Nelson Remix)

Though the remix doesn't make a huge impact on the song it gives it a slightly clubbier feel which should help this great cover reach a fresh audience. Jazz Mino's sound has definitely shifted a little over her last single but it's all still great. (7/10)

Makala Cheung - Dancefloor




Back with another new single, 'Dancefloor' is a straight forward number with a more traditional production than many of her recent releases, and though this might make it a little less unique 'Dancefloor' feels more at home with more commercial offerings, with a quickly catchy chorus and it feels like her best. (6.5/10)

Streets of Roya - All Eyes On Me

Quite a subtle little song, it's a grower with its gentle outlook winning you over after a few takes. (6/10)

Tony Humphries - Flytrap '72 

A cross between Gorillaz when they were good and the Avalanches this quirky rap number with some interesting production is fun and a fresh listen. (7/10)

Too Many T's - Neighbours

It takes a couple of spins to settle in but this tongue-in-cheek quirky pop-rap number has an annoyingly catchy chorus and some fun verses. A grower. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #89

Ten more songs that you really need to hear!

The Amazons - Ultraviolet

Another upbeat number from the Amazons that will get you rocking along, even if it's not quite as distinctive as some of their other hits. (6/10)

Beck - Up All Night

Not as huge as some of his other recent songs but it still has enough of a buzz about it to win you over. (6.5/10)

The Darkness - Solid Gold

The Darkness are always at their best when they stick their tongue firmly in cheek, and on this song (and video) they certainly do that. Welcome back! (7/10)

Erasure - Just A Little Love

Continuing their strong string of come-back singles this is a fun mid-tempo ballad with bite. (6.5/10)

Imelda May - Leave Me Lonely

'Leave Me Lonely' is another touching, well written and emotional mid-tempo number from Imelda May, balancing her distinctive voice with crisp production. (7/10)

Megan Mckenna - Far Cry From Love

The lyrics might be a little cookie-cutter but this touching, slow ballad is delivered with such emotion you can gloss over the familiar words. Definitely pulls on the heart-strings. (6.5/10)

Nadine Coyle - Go To Work

With quite a different sound to what I was expecting, this is a ballsy, retro-sounding pop hit with plenty of gusto and modern production. Fun! (7/10)

River Matthews - Sunshine

With a delightfully husky voice Matthews brings some real bounce to this upbeat poppy number. Great! (7.5/10)

The Tide - Naked

Lyrically it's not exactly the most highbrow of tracks but it's all wrapped up in a fun pop vibe that will get your feet tapping. (7/10)

Wolf Alice - Beautifully Unconventional

It might have hints of Tenacious D's 'Tribute' at times but this is a funky, slow-indie track from the band that has plenty of heart to enjoy. (7/10)

New Music Review #67

Another ten songs you must hear!

Be The Bear - Erupt

'Erupt' is a beautifully sung, atmospheric song with a soaring cinematic style and a calming production. It sounds more like a song suited for a cold winter night than the middle of summer, but it's a joyous listen whatever the weather. (7.5/10)



Dagny - Wearing Nothing

Dagny continues to be one of the most interesting new artists around. Her latest, 'Wearing Nothing', takes a catchy beat and a cool catchy chorus to create a fun poppy summer anthem. (7/10)

Imelda May - The Girl I Used To Be

Mentions of chips and buttered bread make this at times like an anthem for Yorkshire, but outside of that this is a smooth and gentle ballad with some touching personal lyrics and a great central heart that wins out against the stripped-back production. (7/10)

Kila - Raise The Road

Taken from their live album 'Alive', this a capella number is a funky, foot-tapping folky number that latterly introduces hints of an instrument into the mix. Cool. (6.5/10)

LeAnn Rimes - LovE is LovE is LovE

The chorus may not have taken long to write but this a summery, catchy, radio-friendly track. It's offensive but it's fun enough. (6.5/10)

Martine McCutcheon - Say I'm Not Alone

Coming out of the woodwork after many years away, Martine returns with this fun little poppy number. Like Rimes' number it's not a huge departure but it's a good radio-friendly pop ditty. (7/10)

Nick Byrne - Birch Tree

Taken from his 'Through The Tall Grass' EP, 'Birch Tree' is a gentle, smooth folky number with some beautifully composed imagery and a relaxing chill-out vibe. Neat. (7/10)

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - I Gotta Praise

The lead single from their upcoming third album this song may follow their established formula but when it's as perky, catchy and foot-tapping as this you can't help be press the replay button with a smile on your face. (7.5/10)

Shania Twain - Life's About To Get Good

After a decade away, Shania Twain returns with this catchy uplifting pop tune. Throwing her country roots completely away and relying a little too much on autotune, this lacks the spark and sound of her big period but it's positive and poppy enough to keep you interested. (6/10)

Wolf Alice - Yuk Foo

It might be quite sweary and very, very angry but there's something appealing about the stress-relieving grungy frustration of the record both lyrically, musically and through the production. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #40

Ten more tracks you need to hear today!

Amy Macdonald - Automatic

'Automatic' is another great indie-pop song from Macdonald that fits in neatly with her older material. (7/10)

Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) - Runnin' Home To You

Taken from the Flash TV show, there's something a little bit Disney about this release but it's a simple, stripped-back, little love song with a pun in the title. (6.5/10)

DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj - Kissing Strangers

After the catchy 'Cake in the Ocean' comes another fun, tongue-in-cheek little pop tune. Minaj doesn't really add much to it, but elsewhere it's a nice little radio-friendly ditty. (7/10)

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - Vampires

With a strong breakdown, a hook-filled chorus and a driving rhythm this is a surprisingly perky soft-rock song. (7/10)

Imelda May - Should've Been You

A little bit of a change of direction for Imelda but this is a catchy, spunky little number. (7/10)

Little Mix feat. Machine Gun Kelly - No More Sad Songs

It's a little bit generic as per their recent material but it's got enough of a poppy heart to win you over. (6.5/10)

Michael Bolton - Cupid

Let's be honest, it's not a million miles away from the original but it suits Bolton's voice and the gruffness in his delivery gives it a new angle. (7/10)

The Shires - Drive

'Drive' is another catchy pop-country crossover from the Shires that is, fittingly, a good tune to put on whilst you go and drive. (7/10)

Texas - Tell That Girl

'Tell That Girl' is another bouncy slice of pop from a resurgent 'Texas'. (6.5/10)'

Tinashe - Flame 

'Flame' is a laid back little number that showcases Tinashe's sultry vocals. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #26

Here are ten great tracks you don't want to miss!

Blondie - Fun

Blondie continue their modern period with this electropop number. It's not a huge departure from their previous recent singles but the catchiness and pop-rock feel are present in spades. (7/10)

Calum Scott - Rhythm Inside

'Rhythm Inside' is a bouncy, soulful number delivered by the Sam Smith-esque singer. With a little bit of bite from the drum machine this is a toe-tapping little number. (7/10)


The Divine Comedy - To The Rescue

'To The Rescue' is a gentle, string-led ballad that is more subdued than you'd expect from the band but is nicely layered in the production and chilled-back in its delivery. (6.5/10)

Imelda May feat. Jeff Beck - Black Tears

'Black Tears' is a gentle, emotive little ballad with May's powerful vocals rightfully thrust into centre stage. Beautifully sung. (6.5/10)

Jo Harman - When We Were Young

'When We Were Young' is a catchy mid-tempo ballad with vibes of Tina Turner. Catchy, beautifully sung, and very uplifting. (7.5/10)

Matt Boroff - What a Shame 

'What A Shame' moves along nicely with some gritty guitars and a chorus delivered by Boroff's gravelly vocals. It lacks any big moments but the rock and power elements work well. (6/10)

M.O. feat. Kent Jones - Not In Love

With a sunny electro-reggae vibe this is a fun upbeat little number that's level of poppiness will perk you up. (6.5/10)

Shaun Escoffery - Healing Me

Another artist who can be relied on to bring out some catchy soulful numbers, 'Healing Me' is one of his best, and is at its own best with its catchy temperature-based closing riff. (7/10)


Sound of the Suburb - Wild Weekend

'Wild Weekend' is a retro rock-a-billy throwback but if this doesn't get your hips swinging and your foot tapping I don't know what will. Something classic sounding for the new year. (6.5/10)

Train - Drink Up

'Drink Up' is a great catchy, poppy summer song all about celebrating with a tipple or two. It's tricky to listen to this and not smile! (7.5/10)