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 #104

Ten more great songs you need to hear!

AVEC - Waiting For

A simple, stripped back sound with hints of country make for a smooth and gentle showcase of Avec's sweet and very listenable voice. (6/10)

Cimo Fränkel - Never Give up

'Never Give Up' is a soulful number with some hints of Bruno Mars in its cut-back sound. It's chorus is perhaps not as big as you'd expect but it has a nice little vibe to it and feels very summery (7/10)

Jazz Mino - Crush

Delivering a funked up cover of the classic song, this club-influenced song lacks the subtlety of the original but it does something fresh with the hit and injects some modern vibes in it, and Jazz Mino's vocals are as great as ever. Cool! (7/10)

Judi Jackson - Worth It

With a soulful, stripped back chilled-out vibe and a Macy Gray-lite sound to the vocals this is a cool, relaxing number, perfect for a quiet night in. (6/10)

Paul Brand - Standing Over Elvis

Though you could argue it's a little twee in parts this is a smooth and gentle country-lite number with some sweet little reminisces and a warming feel, plus the chorus is quickly memorable. (6.5/10)

Reggie 'N' Bollie - On The Floor

Though its off-the-shelf sound effects don't bode well for it this becomes a catchy club-number with a hook-filled Shaggy-like chorus that keeps the summer alive for a little bit longer, and Beenie Man's inclusion adds a bit extra bite. (6.5/10)

The Sheratons - Better Days

Ticking the indie box for this post, this is a simple but fun enough indie track with a nice lo-fi production and throwback sound. (6/10)

Soldier On - Ropes 

With a drum beat appropriate to the band name this is a cool indie number with an Arctic Monkeys vibe and some neat twists and turns in its production. (6/10)

Soulitaire - One Of Many Parts

In a post that seems to include lots of stripped back numbers this is another cut back song which focuses on the vocals, the catchy chorus and multi-instrumentation working well hand-in-hand. (6.5/10)

Swym - That's So Drugs, Man

As free-flowing as the hippy culture that quite possibly inspires the title, this is a song of two-halves where swaying vocals give way to a foot-tapping musical style. Nice. (6.5/10)

KBPS Interview: Jazz Mino

Jazz Mino is a London based pop artist with a northern twist who has released some really incredible singles over the last few years including ‘Hurt’, ‘Suffocate’, ‘Superwoman’ and ‘Blue Eyes’, and she’s back with an exciting new song called ‘Footprints’, and we got the chance to speak to her about this record and what 2017 has in store.

You have a new single out called ‘Footprints’. How did that track come about?

When I wrote it I was playing around in the studio with my producer and he came up with this really cool sound. It just really took me back to summer time and hanging out with my friends, and flirting and sunbathing, and really enjoying the beach.

For those who have yet to hear your music, how would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as electro-pop with a tropical house influence.

Is that the sort of music you like listening to, or just making?

I think I’ve been quite influenced by it at the moment. I’m really, really enjoying it. I’m absolutely loving Kygo and Sigala, so I think that has influenced my writing quite a lot.

You had several songs out in 2016. Would you say your sound has changed for your new single?

A little bit, yeah. I spent a lot of time doing festivals and gigs last year and spent the past few months just really working on my song writing, and writing lots, and experimenting, so I think it’s changed and developed a bit more and all I can say is that I’m really excited about ‘Footprints’ and the new sound as well!

You were also at a live date recently focussing on up-and-coming pop stars. What was that like to be part of?

It was great, really, really fun! I had an amazing time. The rest of the acts were great as well, and I’ve got a few bookings off the back of that too!

So what’s the plan for this year – is it performing live or writing?

It’s a bit of both really. I’m writing a lot at the moment and recording in the studio. I’m really focussing on the music but when it gets to the summer I’m going to be doing festivals, and supporting, so I’m really, really excited. I’m just in the middle of confirming everything at the moment so I’ll be back in the summer performing live.

When we spoke previously you talked about busking and sets around London cafes; is that something you still do?

Not at the moment, to be honest. I got lots of great opportunities towards the end of last year which has really just helped me be able to really focus on my song writing, and developing my writing and music, so I’m lucky that I get to do that. And I performed so much last year it’s really exciting to get to do something else for a little bit, but I’m really excited to getting back to singing and having a dance on stage this summer!

With you concentrating on writing and with quite a few singles under your belt, have you got any plans for an album?

I’m not sure to be honest, I’ll keep you posted! I’m doing a lot of writing and it might go into an album but I think I’m just going to see how the creativity flows and talk to my team about whether we want to release them as singles or as a big album. I’ve never done an album so it would be an exciting thing to do but we’ll see!

With the single launching what are your plans for the release?

It’s all over the internet now and I’m really excited about it. It’s been a long time coming!

And are there any video plans?

Not at the moment. It’ll be on YouTube so people can hear it but I’m just focussing on the musical aspect!

Finally, do you have any big ambitions for the rest of 2017?

One thing that’s not quite confirmed yet, but I think might happen, is doing Pride, which will be really amazing. That’s a big goal and will be an exciting experience for me this year. I’m also confirming some supports with some artists that I really love so I’m excited about that, and doing some collaborations. I think for me, that’s my main aim for this year: to really enjoy and love the music that I’m putting out for all of my fans to enjoy as well!

Find out more about Jazz Mino on her website at http://www.jazzmino.com/. You can hear this interview and her new single on BCB 106.6FM (bcbradio.co.uk) as part of our radio show on Saturday 25^th February at 6pm.

New Music Review #32

Ten tracks or albums to keep you entertained today!

Calum Foad - You & I

Poppy, catchy, radio-friendly, 'You and I' is a great slice of bouncy pop that will get your feet tapping with its vocal hookery. (7/10)

The Divine Comedy - Foreverland (LP)

Though this might sound like I'm speaking ill of the dead, 'Foreverland' is an album that sounds like the one David Bowie should have released. With the lead vocalist definitely channeling the singer in vocal tone and in musical style, this is a far more upbeat and listenable album than the similar sounding final swansong from DB. Opener 'Napoleon Complex' is a fun, swinging opener to the record, with the titular follow-up building up to a gentle mid-tempo ballad complete with whistling and an evocative tropical island feel. Lead single 'Catherine the Great' is a great Tudor-sounding hit that's distinctly the band's song whilst the throwback sound works well. 'Funny Peculiar' freshens things up with a call and response style over a sweet little piano riff. 'The Pact' is a nice distraction and second single 'To The Rescue' grows after a few listens thanks to its neat strings and gentle pacing.

The subtle Sparks feeling at points is emphasised on 'How Can You Leave Me on My Own' which is great thanks to its poppy vibe and tongue-in-cheek style. I mean, how many songs end with animal noise? 'I Joined the Foreign Legion (To Forget)' and 'My Happy Place' continue the perky feel to the record whilst 'A Desperate Man' switches back to Sparks with an Egyptian vibe. 'Other People' is a joke track that feels a bit like padding - perhaps intentionally - before 'The One Who Loves You' wraps up a surprisingly enjoyable album with a mixture of styles and a wry smile permeating the tracks. (7/10)

Elbow - Little Fictions (LP)

Opening with lead single 'Magnificent (She Says)', 'Little Fictions' the new ten track album from Elbow, is pretty much what you'd expect: a downbeat, low-key collection of dark tracks. It doesn't feel like one of Elbow's best, many of the songs pretty flat, familiar and bland, and Guy Garvey's vocals not exactly thrilling my bones. Throughout the album you want something to perk up and by the time 'K2' rolls around with its off-putting echo effects the album verges on monotony. Not my sort of thing I'm afraid. (4.5/10)

Jazz Mino - Footprints

Jazz Mino has released a succession of great pop singles and though 'Footprints' is quite a bit different from her 2016 work the production is spot in and the more club focus will bring more people into her fold, and it's certainly a grower. (7/10)

Jen Gloeckner - VINE (LP)

'VINE' is an LP of eleven tracks, each a haunting, instrumental focussed number, like a cross between Enigma and Royksopp. I wouldn't say any track particularly stands out as a single, but that's not the point, as this feels more like an album album, where it's meant to be listened to as a whole, and it's a good, ethereal, listenable piece with some mesmerising electronica and production work, and a strong dream-like quality. (6.5/10)

Lupe Fiasco - Drogas Light (LP)

Weighing in at a slightly unwieldy 61 minutes, 'Drogas Light' is an album of two halves. The first half - really two thirds - is a hefty collection of rnb and urban crossovers choc-full of the usual cliches and swears, though the production is top dollar. Out of these songs its the Rick Ross & BIG K.R.I.T featuring 'Tranqillo' that impresses the most thanks to its catchy hook-filled chorus. Then from 'Kill' it takes a bit of a turn, with a funkier more danceable vibe, with 'Pick Up The Phone', 'I'm Not Designed' and 'Wild Child' a really solid threesome, so different in sound I had to check I'd not accidentally mixed up two albums. With a faster pace, more hooks and a poppier sound these are vastly superior to everything that came before it, particularly the beat-heavy 'I'm Not Designed' and the catchy 'Wild Child'. If the back end of the album was the whole one this would be a solid eight, with the first less-impressive half a bit less. (6.5/10)

Paul Menel & The Essentials - Hey, Did You Hear About Paul?

The question-based title is a mish-mash of styles and sounds, coming together neatly into a gruffly sung indie tune that moves along quite nicely. (6.5/10)

Rodina - What If

Taken from her new album this gentle yet swinging indie-pop number boasts a fun jaunty-vibe that is smooth and relaxing in equal measure. (7/10)

Steve Ravensfield - No More Love

With hints of country, this harmonised soft-rock song keeps things ticking over neatly with some strong production and a bouncy, catchy beat. (7/10)

Wild Child - Fools

With a funky electronic riff this is catchy pop-rock number which builds up neatly into a fun chorus. (7/10)

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 7)

It's time for our next countdown of the best songs of 2016 as we enter our top 40!

40 Jazz Mino - Suffocate (Released: June)

39 Kate Rusby - Big Brave Bill (Released: July)

38 The Slvr Tongues - Johnny Cash (Released: August)

37 Twenty One Pilots - Heathens (Released: June)

36 Walk The Moon - Work This Body (Released: February)

35 Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Come With Us (F9 Radio Edit) (Released: July)

34 RagnBone Man - Wolves (Released: June)

33 Lola Coca - GQ (Released: April)

32 Sia feat Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills (Released: February)

31 Axwell and Ingrosso - Dream Bigger (Released: May)

KBPS Sound of 2017

Each year the BBC do their 'Sound of' poll where they ask numerous music bloggers, journalists and more who they think will be the upcoming stars of 2017, and you can find their 2017 longlist online.

Each year we also do a similar thing and reveal our top fifteen tips for the top. We really shoot blindly with this list as we are just one magazine with our own thoughts but even if these artists don't chart next year at least you will have discovered fifteen new brilliant acts to enjoy.

Betsy
https://www.facebook.com/betsymusic/

This Welsh artist has a very distinctive voice, a bit like a more operatic Cher. Her single 'Wanted More' got played on BBC Radio 2 so expect to hear more from her in 2017.

Everywhere
https://www.facebook.com/everywheretheband/

With new single 'Heroine' on promotion now, it was their breakthrough song 'Some Other Dude' that first grabbed our attention in 2016. Poppy, catchy and very radio friendly, both songs have been great and this band from London deserve bigger exposure in 2017.

Florrie
https://www.facebook.com/florrie.music/

Florrie last released a single about nine months ago ("Real Love", above) which was played on mainstream radio following a couple of years releasing EPs of very high quality. She's disappeared a little from social media recently but there are few others on this list that deserve big success based on her ability to write a great pop tune.

Glass Animals
https://www.facebook.com/glassanimals/

Based in Oxford, Glass Animals released the incredible 'Life Itself' back in June as well as a follow-up single and album. You'll be hard pressed to find a catchier indie-pop song from 2016 with such a bouncy chorus.

Hannah Trigwell
https://www.facebook.com/hannahtrigwellmusic/

Regularly broadcasting live performances to her increasing number of social media follows, Yorkshire-based Hannah Trigwell has a great clutch of her own songs and a voice that can tackle lots of covers. Throw in a very strong promotional strategy from the singer and 2017 should be huge for her.

Janet Devlin
https://www.facebook.com/thejanetdevlin

Ranking highly back in 2011's X-Factor competition since then young singer-songwriter Janet Devlin has built up a fanbase through her distinctive covers of songs from all ages. Recently she released her original tune 'Outernet Song' which is one of the catchiest pop songs of the year, plus a beautiful EP of original Christmas songs and chosen covers. A unique voice and a keen ear for her fans, Janet Devlin deserves a big 2017.

Jazz Mino
https://www.facebook.com/JazzMinoUK

A dedicated performer live both in traditional venues and on the busking circuit 2016 saw Jazz Mino release a succession of great singles such as 'Superwoman', 'Suffocate' and 'Hurt' and if the quality of these records continues into an album we're sure the bright-haired singer from London will score highly.

Kerri Watt
https://www.facebook.com/KerriWattMusic

Recently touring to much acclaim, Kerri Watt has had success with her songs on national radio and it's difficult not to be impressed by her continuously quality singles. A great voice, strong songs and a fun live act, we'd love to hear more releases from Watt in 2017.

Lady Lykez
https://www.facebook.com/LadyLykezArtist/

It's impossible to ignore the rise of urban and grime music and one of my favourites is the slightly more tongue-in-cheek Lady Lykez, who is great musically whilst also doing something more interesting than falling back on the tired tropes wheeled out from some other artists in the field.

MIAMIGO
https://www.facebook.com/miamigomusic/

Catchy dance tracks are the order of the day from MIAMIGO as showcased on the track above. A great duo, we look forward to more from them.

Ms. Henrik
https://www.facebook.com/MsHenrik/

Hailing from Sweden we had the pleasure of listening to their full album and it's choc-full of radio-friendly pop tracks. Quirky, poppy, electronic, the music is great and should burst through in 2017.

Rat Boy
https://www.facebook.com/RatBoyRatBoy/

Rat Boy may not have quite hit the heights of breakthrough Beastie Boys-esque single 'Move' but an energetic Glastonbury performance and several singles throughout 2016 suggest big things are just around the corner.

The Strumbellas
https://www.facebook.com/thestrumbellas/

Based in Toronto, breakthrough single 'Spirits' is one of the catchiest songs of 2016 so far, taken from an album. Hopefully 2017 will be big for them on this side of the pond.

Throttle
https://www.facebook.com/throttleofficial/

Young producer Throttle teemed up with Lunchmoney Lewis and Aston Merryhold on this cheeky, funky, seventies throwback. If there's more where this came from then send it our way!


Tiggs Da Author
https://www.facebook.com/tiggsdaauthor/

Another urban act coming from London, there's a definite cross over appeal from this artist who teamed up with rising star Lady Leshurr on 'Run'.



What do you think of our choices? Post your thoughts below in the comments!