New Music Review #45

Ten more great songs we've personally picked for you!

Pink Noise Party – Queer

A mid-tempo number whose opening and choral lyrics will perhaps spark a little controversy, outside of this it’s a disco-influenced funky little number complete with vocal tricks, piano riffs and other refreshing elements. A cool little number. (7/10)

Reggie N Bollie - This is the Life

Talent shows singers Reggie N Bollie return with this summer-friendly number which fits in neatly with the tropes of Caribbean music. It perhaps doesn’t plough its own unique furrow but it’s fun and enjoyable enough while it lasts. (6.5/10)

Saint Motel – Move

Another one of my favourite songs around at the moment, this catchy and dance-focussed number boasts memorable lyrics, a solid production style and a building verse that leads to an enthusiastic chorus. A brilliant, poppy, radio-friendly number. (8/10)

Shakatak - Carry On

Sounding like a mixture of Simply Red and the Bee Gees ‘Carry On’ is a retro-sounding funky number with a calming, chilled-out vibe and a very welcome keytar breakdown. Fun. (7/10)

SQRD – Together

‘Together’ is a chilled out number with a catchy, electronic riff and simple, but complimentary, lyrics. (6.5/10)

Steps - Scared Of The Dark

Another band returns after a while away, and though it’s pretty much the Claire show this is a catchy, classic-sounding Steps song complete with electronic drums, synthesized strings and soaring bridges. Fitting perfectly into their established discography, this is pop-dance at its cheesy finest. (7.5/10)

Tayfun – Figo

A musical backing that sounds like a cross between a Christmas carol and something by Enigma, is what makes this song. The rap laid over the top is good too but familiar, but it’s when it’s matched with the audio that it comes alive, especially in the multi-layered chorus. Full marks to the producer for bringing the best out of the song. (7.5/10)

The Allergies feat. Andy Cooper - Love That I'm In

‘Love That I'm In’ is another funky little number from the Allergies, the mixture of vocals and rap, disco backing and electronic riffs all working together to create a bouncy, joyful atmosphere that will put a smile on your face. (7/10)

Train - Play That Song

Building its riff from the famous piano piece from movie “Big”, this is cheesy, poppy and commercial but that’s not always a bad thing when it’s wrapped up in a song as fun and friendly as this. Cool. (7.5/10)

Tuxedo - 2nd Time Around

With echoes of Chic this is a seventies-sounding funky number with a positive vibe, catchy riffs and a sunny optimism, and a very singable chorus. A great throwback sounding number. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #34

It's time for ten more great tracks that you should hear!

Creeper - Black Rain

Perhaps a little bit heavier than the music I'd normally listen to, there's something about the Evanescence-sound and building guitar work that make this much more enjoyable than the usual heavy rockers of the genre. (7/10)

The Fallen State - Nova

'Nova' is a strong slice of emo-rock with solid guitar work, clear lyrics and a building feeling to an emotive chorus. A rocker with heart it seems. (6.5/10)

Galantis - Rich Boy

'Rich Boy' perhaps wanders into the club parody territory in its sound and embracing of cliches but it has its moments of catchiness and variety that just about justify its inclusion here. (6.5/10)

Lady Gaga - John Wayne

Finally after a series of pretty lacklustre singles Lady GaGa is back with something a bit more fun and memorable. It's not her best but it has more balls and power than much of her recent stuff. (6.5/10)

Little Big Town - Better Man

Little Big Town return with another catchy country ballad with heart-felt lyrics and a gentle, involving vocal performance. Nicely done. (7/10)

Mallory Knox - Better Off Without You

Bringing a bit more energy to this clutch of songs, this new one from Mallory Knox is buzzing with power and fun and will get you moshing, perhaps. (7/10)

The Pale White - Reaction

Part of the intonation of the song title takes me back to the White Stripes' and their hit 'White Orchid', but elsewhere this indie-rock hit works on its own merits. (5/10)

SAINT MOTEL - Move

After their great track 'My Type' from a few years ago, Saint Motel are back with another catchy slice of dance pop. Give this a couple of plays and you'll be singing and moving along. Plus the video is great! (7.5/10)

Sia - Helium

Taken from the soundtrack of the new 'Fifty Shades Darker' movie this is perhaps a little bland by Sia's usual standards but it's still a strong ballad, grounded by her great voice. (7/10)

Temples - Strange Or Be Forgotten

'Strange or be Forgotten' is quite an ethereal little number that takes a few listens to show its hands but when it does it becomes a pleasingly understated little number with surprising heart. (6.5/10)