KBPS Sound of 2019

On Monday 10th December the BBC will announce the 2019 edition of their long-running 'Sound Of...' poll, which speaks to pundits across various fields in music to find out who they think will make it big in that year, based on artists that have not had top ten singles or albums in the last year or are well known in music.

Previous years have had a good strike rate with Sigrid, Years and Years, Sam Smith, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Adele, Mika and Keane being winners in the past.

Here at KBPS we like to take a stab at who we think will do well next year, and though we're not on the BBC's taste makers list and our opinions are based only on our tastes and what we've heard so far, let's have a go at our own 15-strong long list, with acts in alphabetical order...

Cam

Camaron Marvel Ochs, or Cam as she's known, is an American country singer who got lots of airplay with 'Diane', rumoured to be a response to the classic Dolly Parton song 'Jolene'. Recently appearing alongside Train and Travie McCoy on their song 'Call Me Sir' will 2019 be the year country makes a further push into the modern mainstream?

Alice Chater 

With several singles under her belt already, it's the 'Ring My Bell' interpolation of July's 'Heartbreak Hotel' that has got us buzzing. Her pop and RNB crossover sound is popular at the moment.

Coin

Formed in Nashville in 2012, they came to our attention recently with the 'A Christmas Carol' themed 'Cemetery', a catchy slice of indie-pop that sounds very much in the British taste. Will they enjoy success this side of the Atlantic in 2019?

Fjokra

Hailing from Dublin, Fjokra has released a succession of great singles over the last 12 months including 'Bang on the Door' and 'Evening Lights', plus recently 'Sugarface'. The eccentric, excitingly produced songs cross genres and really jump out as something different and interesting.

Franko Fraize

A British rapper from Thetford, Norfolk, he's been bubbling under for a few years on BBC playlists and television shows, but with songs like 'Stop Me', released a month ago with Alex Joseph capturing our imagination, this could be his breakthrough thanks to has fast-paced style like a modern the Streets.

Girli 

English singer and rapper Milly Toomey, AKA Girl, has had several songs released this year and 'Mr 10pm Bedtime' is our favourite. A punky attitude mixed with a catchy poppiness helps her stand out musically, and an image that explodes visually.  

I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

1.9m views of their latest single speaks volumes. This quirky duo hails from Salt Lake City and their eccentrically produced, yet very catchy, pop song echoes 'Panic! At the Disco' crossed with 'Franz Ferdinand'.

Hannah Jane Lewis 

Based in London, her feisty relatable pop songs burst out of your speakers, especially the bouncy, tempo-shifting well-produced 'Aftershock'.

Kimono Loco

One of our lesser known pics, their recent single 'Big Boy' and the EP from which it was taken immediately grabbed us and we definitely want to hear more from this unsigned London band in 2019.

Little Brother Eli

Some songs immediately grab you when you hear them and Little Brother Eli's 'Oops' is one of them. Unsigned and from Oxford we look forward to more from this dark dance four-piece.

lovelytheband

With 14m views on their latest video this Los Angeles pop band formed in 2016 look set for big things with 'Broken' feeling like an anthem for Millennials, picking the darker personality songs of bands like 'Pale Waves'.

The Marmozets

A local band to me from Bingley, West Yorkshire, I've seen them live and their on stage power is every bit as great as their recorded material. Sounding like early Paramore there's plenty of energy in their music. With their second album out now and recent festivals under their belt, what will 2019 bring for them?

Matt Simons

The infectious 'We Can Do Better' has 20m views on YouTube and so it should. Catchy and upbeat, it's a great slice of pop, and Simons has a voice that should prove even bigger in 2019.

The Struts

A band from Derby that had much success over the last few years looks to bringing its sparky glam rock sound to a bigger audience, as showcased by their recent incredible collaboration with Ke$ha. More please!

Kerri Watt

An artist we've be following for several years since her tour of Universities early on in her career, she's recently added to her strong back catalogue with a heartfelt duet with Embrace which she also released an even more powerful solo version of. If there's one artist on this list we'd hope for big things from it's the incredible Kerri Watt.


What do you think of our selection? Have your own choices? Comment below!

Album Reviews #9

Ten more albums and EPs you need to listen to!

Callaghan - Skin on Skin (EP)

With a perky whistle opening up the first track 'Better Together', Callaghan's latest EP is a touching joy, from the brass-funky and optimism of the opener to the subdued, piano-focussed breathy closer 'All Through the Night' with its touching, gentle vibe, preceded as it is by a delightfully cinematic orchestral prelude.

The titular second track is a gentle, smooth little number with some heartfelt lyrics and a building, swaying vibe with a sensual central chorus. The EP is centred by 'Broken', another touching and beautifully sung track. A delightfully sombre but emotionally-hefty song with a huge orchestral build, this proves to be my favourite of the five tracks, though as an EP it's strong all the way through. (7.5/10)

Charlie Hole - Dirty Like Secret (EP)

This five-track EP begins with the title track, a smooth, slow and multi-layered calming number with elements of falsetto and moments like a lighter voiced Chris Rea combining with a range of percussion styles to form a strong soulful indie tune with a repetitive yet catchy central chorus. Strings are in full force for the ballad 'Make It Better' with a stripped back production style giving the emotively-charged lyrics room to be breathe and settle in, and the call-and-response vocals woven in near the end really add a great new element. Track three, 'The Chapel of Unrest', with its fun production and smooth chorus proves to be my favourite song on the release, with the vocal highs and lows, plus strings, woven in delightfully.

'Unlit Flame' keeps the smooth ballad theme going with moments of soaring vocals giving the song heart and the lighters-out multi-layered chant ending really gives it some great power. It's a similar downbeat tone for closer 'Flame', its simple and soaring sound tying up a delightfully smooth and touching EP. (7/10)

Charlie Hole - Someone Else's Dream (EP)

A four-track EP including an acoustic version of title track, which appears here as track number one, a smooth and gentle yet at times more powerful number, which passes the baton to the gentler 'Boundaries', which plays out as another well written and sung ballad. 'The City' keeps the pace and tempo in similar territories before the previously mentioned acoustic version of the title track closes the show. A nice, well produced and performed EP. (6/10)

Gecko - Volcano (Album)

Coming in at eleven tracks and two interludes 'Volcano' is a collection of tongue-in-cheek, pun-hefty run pop-indie-rap tracks created by the witty lyricist Gecko who I recently saw live and thoroughly loved. Though his energetic and entertaining live act doesn't quite translate as well to the recorded medium this album is still a delight in note-perfect humorous takes on modern life and, at times, is surprisingly poignant such as on the excellent titular closing track that covers families, hibernation and bears. This eccentricity flows throughout the entire album, particularly on highlights such as 'The Library' with its quirky and catchy chorus and 'iPhone, Therefore I Am' which is one of the best observational songs I've heard in a long time.

Elsewhere 'Any Other Room' spins off from an interlude about an unloved painting to become something more personal; opener 'Got Science' sees the strong album production mixed in with vocal samples; and 'End of the World' is surprisingly dark.

Any album that relies on humour will struggle sometimes to keep the joke going but after three listens still really love the album, the mix of personality, wordplay, puns and genuinely perky rhythms make for a joyous ride. Great. (7.5/10)

Hunger - Amused EP

We've previously reviewed opener 'Amused' and track three 'Bubbles' from this EP and loved them, and they're just as strong here as part of an ensemble. Energetic opener 'Amused' is an anthemic and well produced, bombastic indie single with a very catchy central chorus. New number 'Gravity' is a slower and darker number but with a strong harmonic vibe that keeps it going, and showcases the tight mixture of vocals and interesting multi-instrumentation, its stabs giving it a certain sense of urgency. 'Bubbles' is still the less noteworthy of the three but its building vibe and soaring vocals, with a heartfelt centre, certainly don't make it a failure and the energy gets injected just before the two-minute mark.

The EP is rounded off with some tweaks on 'Amused' and 'Gravity', with acoustic versions of both, though they feel like they've been turned acoustic in the studio rather than built from the ground up, which lessens their impact a little bit, but they offer something different.

Overall the 'Amused' EP is a great showcase of Hunger's considerable talent and I look forward to hearing more from them. (7.5/10)

Kerri Watt - Old School Sessions (EP)

At six-tracks strong and recorded live, this EP is the perfect showcase for the incredible talent that is Kerri Watt, no better showcased on the heart-wrenching stripped-back ballad of 'Long Way Home', beautifully delivered as it is lyrically, with a sad emotional core at the centre that hits you. Elsewhere there are two covers, from the emotive opener 'Jealous Guy' to the perkier take on 'Rich Girl'. There's a nod to Watt's heritage in a sparky take on the classic 'Loch Lomond' and 'Pirate Man' has a soulful swagger to its retro sound. Closer 'Little Sally' also boasts plenty of soul and a catchy mid-tempo pace, closing a delightful 22-minutes of well written and performed live numbers. (8/10)

Kerri Watt - You (EP)

A four-track studio EP it begins with the titular track, a spunky upbeat ballad with a large radio-friendly chorus and a very catchy feel. 'Got My Heart' is another perky indie track, whilst 'Paris' is the second best song on the EP, its determined beat, catchy pace and building feeling giving it a real upbeat vibe. The EP ends with the country-tinged 'Maybe' which continues the jaunty vibe of most of the tracks and boasts some neat synth work. A great showcase. (7.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Under the Radar Vol. 2 (LP)

Robbie Williams releases his second collection of unreleased b-sides and, though it feels a little less interesting than volume 1 which felt like an album, it still has enough highlights to justify a purchase. Opener 'Satellites' has a catchy rhythm and some fun lyrics like 'until she gets old...er' but is perhaps a little bit forgettable, whilst his popped-up cover of Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' has a fun heart to it, the up-tempo pace and electronic elements really making an impact on the oft-covered track. 'Ms Pepper' is one of my favourites on the collection, though it gave part of its rhythm to the earlier song 'Shit on the Radio' which stands out a little bit, but there's plenty of heart to it and a cool rhythm.

'Bambi', which sounds like a cross between Nina Simone's 'Take Me to the Water' and Jagger and Co's 'Sympathy For the Devil', has enough cheek and pop vibes to pull off the similarities, whilst lead single, the touching 'Eyes on the Highway', heads towards the upper echelones of a Robbie ballad in the spirit of 'Go Gentle' and its ilk, with a singable choral hook. Wrapping up the first half, 'Speaking Tongues' is one of the highlights of the record, a quirky and catchy pop number with some fun fantastical lyrics and a cheeky vibe built around a strong production vibe. 

Into the second half and we get second single 'Go Mental', featuring the jazzy vocals and music of Atlantic Horns which adds a real distinctive vibe to the sound, and a rap verse from 'Big Narstie' which adds little to the recipe though does give it a bit of changed-up energy. 'Run It Wild' is a smooth enough distraction but in the wake of the last track's energy feels a little middle of the road and sounds too similar to some other 'Take The Crown' songs, and 'Numb' fits into the similar basket of good, but not that memorable.

Entering the final quarter and though 'Andy Warhol' takes a bit to get going proves to be a fun, poppy number that captures the cheeky spirit of Williams again with a fun chorus and elements on the way to it. 'My Fuck You To You' is blander than the title would suggest, ending up as a middle of the road ballad with only the title giving it some attitude, and 'Weakness' wraps up the album in a similar vibe.

A treat for fans of Robbie with many highlights, but a less essential purchase than the first volume. (6.5/10)

Villa Rivercat - Days and Weeks and Hours

Having reviewed and enjoyed several of these singles on previous blogs it's a pleasure to listen to the full LP, though at seven tracks it does feel a little like a bridge between an EP and an album, though the 35-minute running time does lean more towards the latter.

Opener 'Sunshine' is a delightfully gentle and warming harmonised song with a smooth and calming vibe, beautifully produced and layered. 'Morning Comes' was reviewed only this week on our singles blog and fits in nicely, whilst 'Baby Low' has hints of a laid-back Chvrches number, before building into a calm, gentle yet soaring deliriously sung song that really lifts the spirits thanks to the lead's beautiful vocals.

'Song For F' feels a little more understated and ethereal, and proves to be not one of my favourites on the album as its low-key style doesn't progress as much as it could, though the keyboard riffs and sampled vocals that get woven into the mix offer something refreshing into the established style and there's plenty of heart behind it, possibly aimed at whoever 'F' is. 'More' as a more jaunty vibe to it with some haunting background vocals and has a bit more of a cool vibe to it, and its singable ending really works. 'Seagull Stars' with its sweeping instrumental section is great and moves gentle towards to the conclusion with the more introspective 'To See and Discover' which ties up a really strong and delightful little album with a smooth and gentle number. Beautifully produced and sung. (7.5/10)

We Are Parasols - Inertia (LP)

Coming in at thirteen tracks plus a piano version of one of the songs, 'Inertia' is quite a progressive and flowing album where each mostly-instrumental track bleeds into the next, so much so you're never sure where one tune begins and the next ends, unless there's a sudden jolt from the appearance of some angry lyrics like you get at one point. At times vocals, some more distinct than others, play in like instruments, forming a concept album which moves seamlessly around, generating a soundscape that weaves in and around you, forming a gentle background soundtrack rather than something that will grab your attention. Interesting and experimental. (5/10)

New Music Review #97

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Binky - Fireflies

'Fireflies' is a jaunty, country-tinged radio-friendly pop song with a great optimistic vibe and fun chorus. Well produced and Binky has a very loveable voice. (7/10)

Frequency Cowboy - Win Some Lose Some

With hints of Hot Chip in its chunky electronic style, this is quite a subtle and subdued number but it rolls along nicely thanks to its strong synth work and calming harmonies. (6.5/10)

The Ghibertins - Where Are We Now?

The Ghibertins take an even darker and somber turn for their latest single and though it might not have the buzz of their last couple of singles the production and atmosphere are definitely on point and it makes a strong set of statements. (6.5/10)

Julia Biel - Wasting Breath

Like a Joss Stone sung by Macy Gray crossed with Amy Winehouse this is a slow swagger of a soulful song with a touching mix of strings and Biel's on-point voice. (6/10)

Kaixen feat. MRKI - In Private

With a strong club feel this is a catchy bouncy number even if the lyrics of the verses are pretty low-brow. Fun. (6.5/10)

Kerri Watt - The Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond

One of the best singers around at the moment brings us this lovely version of the Scottish classic, giving it a pleasant folky feel. Neat. (7/10)

Ooberfuse - Never Give Up

A much slower affair than their last single this breathy and atmospheric, dramatic number, flows well with hints of Kate Bush in its ethereal sound. (6.5/10)

Rachelle Rhienne - When The Sun Goes Down

With Shakira-like vibes in her vocals this is a bouncy, summer anthem for a colder Autumn, with a catchy radio-friendly chorus and a brilliantly swaying rhythm. Cool. (7.5/10)

Robbie Williams feat. Big Narstie and Atlantic Horns - Go Mental

Taking a nod from Sam and the Womp with its horn base, this is a funky swing track and I never thought I'd hear a song where Robbie and Big Narstie would collaborate. Lyrically it's not exactly complex but its vibe and enthusiasm is palpable and there's plenty of variety from the mix of vocals. (6.5/10)

Secrettape - Forget It

'Forget It' is a rather memorable, ironically, track, with a fast-paced indie feel with its backing vocals and catchy pop chorus really lifting it up. A truly fun song that hits big. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #69

Time for ten more tracks we love!

Alexx - Persuede Ya

With a memorable vocal hook opening the track this is a funky, poppy Caribbean-tinged hit that has echoes of early - and better - Rihanna songs. Catchy! (7/10)

EazyMan - Get Em

The beat and rhythm might be quite repetitive and generic but the lyrics are witty and well delivered and this is where the track stands up in the genre. (6.5/10)

Frythm feat. AVNDR - There For You

'There For You' is a gentle, electronic light-dance number that will win you over with its smoothness. (6.5/10)

Kerri Watt - Old School Love

Kerri Watt could practically sing the phone book and it would sound good, but on 'Old School Love', a gentle stripped back number, her voice and the lyrics do the talking - or singing - on this beautiful indie ballad. Delightful. (7.5/10)

Mr Eazi feat. Tekzo - Short Skirt

A simple but evocative summery reggae track that feels like a nice soundtrack as part of a summer playlist. (6/10)

Rad Cat - Without U

'Without U' is a bouncy EDM track with a joyful vibe and a toe-tapping hook. (6.5/10)

Shaodow feat. Abiade - Morning After Morning (J-Fresh Remix)

A slightly poppier and more interestingly produced entry into the grime genre, this is a well composed and delivered number. (6/10)

Shystie - Wake Up (Radio Edit)

Though perhaps too close to modern Calvin Harris songs for my tastes this is actually a pretty powerful dance track that feels a bit more memorable than its peers. (6.5/10)

Sian Cross - Gave Away

Well produced, dramatic and unique, this is a sweet piece of music from Cross that drips with passion and energy. (6.5/10)

Tayo GG - Undercover Lover

It might run out of steam half-way through, repeating its hooks, but its a fun enough summer anthem. (6/10)

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 5)

It's time for the fifth part of our top 100 countdown, taking us from 61 to 50. Don't forget to leave your comments below!

60 Michael Bublé - I Believe in You

59 Kerri Watt - The Wild

58 MIAMIGO - Everyone I Know

57 April Towers - Silent Fever 

56 Cody Chesnutt - I Stay Ready

55 Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul and Anne-Marie - Rockabye

54 Madness - Mr Apples

53 Skyler feat. Snoop Dogg - Fire

52 Paige Monroe - Call It Love 

51 Smoove & Turrell - You Could've Been a Lady

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!