New Music Review #108

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Amanda Mair - Empty Blockings

With a distinctive light and sweet vocal this is a nicely produced and warming indie-pop song built around a delightful vocal delivery. (7/10)

Andrew Applepie & Bjurman - Waltz of Despair

The title may suggest that it'll be a downbeat piece of music and whilst it cannot be described as uptempo its strong production, delicious vocals and interesting electronic vibes make for a beautifully composed chill-out number. (7.5/10)

Belle Ghoul - Lift Me Up

Another great single from Belle Ghoul. Partnered with a brilliant puppet-based video this is a foot-tapping indie-rock number that mixes harmonies, crisp production and a cool vibe into a sweet package. (7/10)

Big Shaq - Man's Not Hot

Chewing the scenery and doing a spot-on parody of the conventions of grime songs and videos this is both funny and pretty memorable. Nice. (6.5/10

Clean Bandit feat. Julia Michaels - I Miss You

Musically it might be a pretty standard affair from Clean Bandit but with Michaels heartfelt delivery of the downbeat lyrics to a missed ex it adds a certain level of emotional impact. (7/10)

Dagny - Love You Like That

One of our favourite artists at the moment this is another great track from Dagny with a catchy chorus, some fun lyrics and a foot-tapping vibe. Uplifting. (7/10)

Disciples - Jealousy

It's not breaking any particular mould created by Disciples but as an upbeat club tune it ticks all the boxes, the Rihanna-sounding vocals keeping things together next to the 90s-throw-back nonsense lyrics. (6.5/10)

The Fizz - Amen

75% of the original Buck's Fizz return with this Abba-esque perky pop song that will please their long term fans; inoffensive and fun, it's a nice slice of pop. (6/10)

MØ - Turn My Heart to Stone

With vocals that flick between Rihanna and a fun falsetto, this is a sultry swagger of a track with jazz influences in its free form structure. Nice. (6.5/10)

Rosko - Snifter

With a clear punky sound this is a raw little number with hints at something a little more commercial in its set-up and delivery. With its Cockney undertones this is a fun little distraction. (5.5/10)

New Music Review #64

Ten more songs you need to listen to!

The Allergies - Entitled To That

We've gone back to the sixties and seventies for this Motown-sounding number that could well be an old song dragged out of history and given a 2017 polish. With hints of Duffy and Paloma Faith in the powerful, grand vocals, this is a great number full of energy and attitude. (7.5/10)

Andrew Applepie & Bjurman - Drowning World

Sounding like a cross between Rokysopp and Moby if they're enjoying a quieter moments, this electronic-infused stylophone-sounding number is a delight in terms of production and the atmosphere created, its filmic style nicely composed. (7/10)

Dani Sylvia - Perfection Generation

Sylvia's best song to date, this is a storming European-pop track with a catchy EDM-influenced chorus and a real catchy vibe. A great comeback number! (7/10)

Hafdis Huld - Take Me Dancing

We loved her album and this track is symbolic of what made the LP great: a loveable, sweet voice, well written lyrics, strong radio-friendly vibe and a simple yet picturesque production style. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

JACY feat. Myles Parrish - Brand New

The chorus itself might be decidely simple and bland but the electronic feel to the record creates a pleasingly reacting and laid-back aesthetic and when the more urban elements are rolled in for Parrish it gives it a bit more interest that compliments the package as a whole. (7/10)

Julia Michaels - Uh Huh

After the great 'Issues' this single goes off in a different direction. With some quirky but well done vocal effects this builds up well to a poppy and fun chorus. Great. (7/10)

Liam Payne feat. Quavo - Strip That Down

It might sound like the love child of Eminem's 'Shake That Ass' and 'The Bad Touch' by the Bloodhound Gang, and various other songs from its overplayed genre, but is has enough fun and pop sensibilities to keep a smile on your face, though it's pretty cliched and by-the-numbers. (6.5/10)

MissinCat - Made of Stone

'Made of Stone' is a great little showcase of MissinCat's distinctive vocals that offer something genuinely interesting to listen to over its soaring classical production style, like Bjork but with a better more soulful voice. (7/10)

PictureHouse - Sunburst

Initially only being released in Ireland two years ago summer anthem 'Sunburst' has now been remastered for a release in 2017. With a big energy pop vibe this screams out radio hit  thanks to its 90s-sounding pop-rock vibe that sounds like U2, REM, Smashmouth and the Boo Radleys rolled into one headed up by Phil Collins. (7.5/10)

Plan B - In The Name Of Man

Plan B has been away for a while and we've certainly missed him, and though 'In The Name of Man' doesn't quite have the radio-friendly chorus of his earlier material the Sam Smith gospel sound he channels on this single is well put together and lyrically it has plenty to say. Definitely a grower, though I could do without the overly repetitive and long closer; cut if off after four-and-a-half minutes. (7/10)

New Music Review #38

Ten more great tracks we say you need to hear!

Axwell /\ Ingrosso feat. Kid Ink - I Love You

Let's be honest, most of the appeal of this song comes from the classical riff of its chorus and not the by-numbers Kid Ink verses, but it's a better song from Axwell and Ingrosso than they've had recently. (6.5/10)

British Sea Power - Keep On Trying (Sechs Freunde) 

Not known for their poppiness, there is a surpisingly Sparks-level of hook here in a song that is memorable in a more arty fashion. Nice, and arguably their best track in a long while. (6.5/10)

Bruno Mars - That’s What I Like 

The lyrics may be pretty shallow and the territory familiar but it's all wrapped up in a catchy funk like his most recent singles that it's hard not to be won over. (6.5/10)

Elle King - Wild Love

Elle King could do no wrong with her singles last year and 2017 looks like she's continuing in a similar vein with this quieter but no less strongly sang single with her trademark power and comforting voice. (7/10)

Glenn Hodge Banned - Faces on Tables

‘Faces on Tables’ is a foot-tapping post-punk number with a delightful fast-paced rhythm, great lyrics and a distinctive vocal from Glenn Hodge. Instantly catchy, this is a great stripped-back acoustic punk number that is worth a spin today. (8/10)

Julia Michaels - Issues

'Issues' is a sexy and sultry little number with Michaels vocals being very listenable and the simple production giving her vox and lyrics room to breathe. (7.5/10)

Lorde - Liability

In my opinion better than 'Green Light' this stripped back, dark, emotional and vulnerable single is heartfelt and all the better for it. (7/10)

Louis Berry - She Wants Me

If George Ezra had a love child with the Animals or a similar act then out would pop Louis Berry. 'She Wants Me' is a gruff indie hit with a cheating little hook with its use of las, but it's well done. (7/10)

LP - Lost On You

My favourite song of the moment, this thumping pop number is a delight, from the lead vocals of LP to the soaring classical-influenced backing. Instantly catchy and singable, this is a great song from start to finish. (8.5/10)

Matoma & MAGIC! feat. D.R.A.M. - Girl At Coachella 

D.R.A.M.'s rap is entirely superfluous to this song and adds a level of crassness the song doesn't need, but elsewhere this laid back saunter of song captures the festival mood well in a more casual way, with a catchy chorus. (7/10)