New Music Review 2018 #6

Ten more songs you need to hear!

Black Eyed Peas - Street Livin'

Though I'm not usually a fan of songs full of explicit language this new song from the BEP returns them to their original sound with a strong rhythm of rap and rhyming and an important message. (7/10)

Franz Ferdinand - Feel The Love Go

The DNA of Franz Ferdinand practically flows through this track which doesn't really forget its own identity but will please the fans. (6/10)

Kylie Minogue - Dancing

Mixing up her club-sound with a country tinge this is actually a very strong comeback with a great foot-tapping rhythm and catchy chorus. Great. (7.5/10)

Liam Payne and Rita Ora - For You 

It's that time of year when we can't escape the questionable latest entry in the film franchise but the songs are usually worth a listen, and this radio-friendly entry is no exception. (7/10)

Nine Dart Finish - Kicking & Screaming 

'Kicking and Screaming' is a gentle indie track that constantly suggests it will burst into Linkin Park-esque pent up anger which never comes; instead we get a pleasing guitar-led tune with a strong vibe. (6.5/10)

Sam Gleaves & Tyler Hughes - When We Love

A traditional sounding country song with a strong and heartfelt central message. Beautiful. (7/10)

The Tailormade - Mr Perfect

With a jaunty guitar riff and sixties-sounding vibe this is a great upbeat little retro-pop number with a catchy and quickly singable chorus. A joy, and any song that includes the words 'rotten blokes' is a winner in our books. (7/10)

Tea F't Lizard X - We Met At A Party

'We Met At A Party' is a cool, laid back number that moves with a retro-sounding swagger towards its jazzy chorus. Cool and collected. (6/10)

Tom Grennan - Sober 

Arguably his best song yet this is a bouncy, catchy little number with a chorus that quickly sticks in your mind, plus the production works well alongside. (7/10)

Vance Joy - We're Going Home

A song that builds with each listen, this feels like a song that could soon become pretty anthemic. It lacks the unique footprint of 'Riptide' but its clap-a-long positivity and brass-led moments will make you smile. (7/10)

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)