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 #24

Another ten songs you need to listen to!


Captain Cuts feat. Nateur - Love Like We Used To

This isn't the most revolutionary dance track ever and it's pretty similar to what you've heard many places before but it has a bit more oomph than some and it's worthy giving a spin. (6/10)

Desmond John - Untradable

A clubby, uptempo, pop number that might be a little familiar in parts to much in its genre but is a neat bouncy piece that will bring a smile to your face with a perky chorus. (6.5/10)

Grey feat. Bahari - I Miss You

The choruses may be generic off-the-shelf dance but the verses are strong and nicely written and make the song what it is. (6.5/10)

January Thompson - Too Soon

January Thompson has an incredible voice and 'Too Soon', with its stripped back piano and whistle-led riff, is a joy to listen to. Well written, produced and sung this is a joy. (8/10)

Joel Gion - Tomorrow

With muddy production values that give it a throwback retro-sound this is a solid indie-rocker that ticks over quite nicely. (6.5/10)

LewRey - 'Til You Come Home

LewRey have always been known for using their multi-instrumentalist abilities on a single and this is a classic example, mixing in crisp piano work with saxophone on a touching, heartfelt little pop ballad. Nice. (7/10)

Makala Cheung - Fire

Released for this year's Chinese New Year, 'Fire' is Makala's best single yet, mixing her strong vocals with a great Chinese soundscape given a modern twist. (7/10)

Norma Jean Martine - Still In Love With You

'Still in Love With You' is a beautiful, retro-number. Martine's lead vocals are both a delight to listen to and heartfelt. Lovely. (7.5/10)

Sia - Never Give Up 

Taken from the recent 'Lion' the song's actually better than the film. Inspired by the Indian setting of much of the film it combines that sound with Sia's familiar riff into something that works. (7/10)

Zayn and Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever

From the upcoming 'Fifty Shades of Grey' sequel Swift and Malik bounce off each other well vocally on this touching, power-ballad. It's certainly the best of Zayn's solo work. (7/10)