New Music Review 2018 #3

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Baxter Dury - Prince Of Tears

It's an unusual mix of styles with light-hearted pop verses mixed with Madness like rhythms and William Shatner-like vocal sections. That might sound quite eccentric but like the best off-the-wall recipes works in a cool, string-led way. (7/10)

Django Django - In Your Beat

Quite an unusually produced track, as you'd expect from this act, this Pet Shop Boys-esque pop-dance number with distorted vocals and a large instrumental opening, is quirky and fun in equal measure. (7/10)

Elles Bailey - The People We Used To Be (Acoustic)

We've loved the singles so far from Bailey from her debut album and this acoustic track taken from the deluxe version of her album is simple and stripped back but this makes for the perfect showcase for her delightful voice and the twangs of the country guitar. Deliciously chilled out. (7.5/10)

First Aid Kit - Fireworks

'Fireworks' is another throwback sounding sixties-feeling song from the beautifully sounding 'First Aid Kit'. It's perhaps a little too Mariah-Carey in parts but it's gentle warmth will win you over. (7/10)

Graham J. - Déjà Vu

Picking up from his festive themed release last month the king of the falsetto returns with this gentle, operatic number. The verses are perhaps a little free form for my tastes but the building chorus and the heartful delivery work very well. (6.5/10)

Nick Byrne - Birch Tree

'Birch Tree' is a delightfully gentle and evocative folk-tinged song with Byrne's smooth and ear-pleasing vocals complimented well by the subtle and swaying strings. Beautiful. (7/10)

Patrick Bergin - Crazy in Love

The Irish actor releases this chilled out, soulful jazz number that takes the familiar sounds and expectations but brings them together in a cool, relaxed vibe that will envelop you and bring a chilled out smile to your face, its whistle section, percussion layer and catchy chorus all working in its favour. (7.5/10)

Paulaa - Know You

With hints of electronica in elements of the song, this is a well produced and intriguing number. It might lack a standout chorus but it's a pleasing fusion of styles with a relaxed chilled-out vibe and hints of 90s rnb. (6.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Ms Pepper

A great song cut from Robbie's latest b-sides collection which will make you wonder why it didn't appear on a proper album. A soaring ballad with a catchy central chorus (later re-used in an official song) this is a touching, building pop-ballad with plenty of heart and one of the highlights of the LP. (7.5/10)

TC&I - Scatter Me

With hints of Placebo and Divine Comedy in its style this is a really quirky but catchy little pop number. Its driving rhythm and fun style lift it up. Fun! (7.5/10)

New Music Review #67

Another ten songs you must hear!

Be The Bear - Erupt

'Erupt' is a beautifully sung, atmospheric song with a soaring cinematic style and a calming production. It sounds more like a song suited for a cold winter night than the middle of summer, but it's a joyous listen whatever the weather. (7.5/10)



Dagny - Wearing Nothing

Dagny continues to be one of the most interesting new artists around. Her latest, 'Wearing Nothing', takes a catchy beat and a cool catchy chorus to create a fun poppy summer anthem. (7/10)

Imelda May - The Girl I Used To Be

Mentions of chips and buttered bread make this at times like an anthem for Yorkshire, but outside of that this is a smooth and gentle ballad with some touching personal lyrics and a great central heart that wins out against the stripped-back production. (7/10)

Kila - Raise The Road

Taken from their live album 'Alive', this a capella number is a funky, foot-tapping folky number that latterly introduces hints of an instrument into the mix. Cool. (6.5/10)

LeAnn Rimes - LovE is LovE is LovE

The chorus may not have taken long to write but this a summery, catchy, radio-friendly track. It's offensive but it's fun enough. (6.5/10)

Martine McCutcheon - Say I'm Not Alone

Coming out of the woodwork after many years away, Martine returns with this fun little poppy number. Like Rimes' number it's not a huge departure but it's a good radio-friendly pop ditty. (7/10)

Nick Byrne - Birch Tree

Taken from his 'Through The Tall Grass' EP, 'Birch Tree' is a gentle, smooth folky number with some beautifully composed imagery and a relaxing chill-out vibe. Neat. (7/10)

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott - I Gotta Praise

The lead single from their upcoming third album this song may follow their established formula but when it's as perky, catchy and foot-tapping as this you can't help be press the replay button with a smile on your face. (7.5/10)

Shania Twain - Life's About To Get Good

After a decade away, Shania Twain returns with this catchy uplifting pop tune. Throwing her country roots completely away and relying a little too much on autotune, this lacks the spark and sound of her big period but it's positive and poppy enough to keep you interested. (6/10)

Wolf Alice - Yuk Foo

It might be quite sweary and very, very angry but there's something appealing about the stress-relieving grungy frustration of the record both lyrically, musically and through the production. (6.5/10)