New Music Review #50

Ten more tracks you need to hear!

alt-J - In Cold Blood

Alt-J are back and though 'In Cold Blood' doesn't have the same hooky nature as their earlier material this is actually one of their best in a while, with several vocal hooks, a poppier overtone and some strong production. (7/10)

Carol Laula - August Leaves

It might have taken a while for this song to come to our attention but this is a beautiful understated indie-pop ballad with plenty of heart. Delightful. (7.5/10)

Cliff Richard & The Piano Guys - (It's Gonna Be) Okay

This collaboraton is a fun poppy number that's Cliff's best thing in years. With hints of 'Bright Light, Bright Light' this is a bouncy number that lights up the radio. (7.5/10)

Dua Lipa - Lost In Your Light feat. Miguel

A more subdued affair than her previous singles this is a strong ballad between the two vocalists and has plenty of emotion in there. (6.5/10)

Elles Bailey - Wildfire

'Wildfire' is a great pop-indie crossover with Bailey's vocals and the rough guitars complimenting each other on a mid-tempo hit. (7.5/10)

James TW - Ex

It perhaps run out of fresh ideas before its conclusion but it's a neat little indie-pop number. (7.5/10)

Oh Wonder - Ultralife

Taken from an upcoming new album this is 'Oh Wonder' on more uplifting form but still boasting their very listenable vocals and progressive strong structure. A little poppier than their last album but still great. (7.5/10)

Robbie Williams - The Heavy Entertainment Show

The opening track of Robbie's latest album finally gets a full video. A perfect opening song, this mixture of Williams' inflated ego and Serge Gainsbourg's sample works well in creating a rather eclectic story-driven song. (7.5/10)

Sam Way and Henry Dell - Pretty Liability

With hints of Example and Calvin Harris this is a bouncy pop-club crossover with a catchy poppy chorus. (7/10)

Shawn Mendes - There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back

Another fun pop song from Mendes with a heady mixture of building up production and very listenable lyrical delivery. Not earth shattering but good. (7/10)

New Music Review #30

Another batch of tracks recommended by our ears!

BETSY - Waiting

Her previous breakthrough single was incredible and whilst 'Waiting' doesn't compare at all BESTY's vocal power and the poppiness hold it together. (6/10)

Charlotte OC - Darkest Hour

This mid-tempo indie hit wins thanks to Charlotte OC's loveable vocals and a strong flow of music. (6.5/10)

Earl - Tongue Tied

'Tongue Tied' is a great retro-sounding pop hit that sounds like it's been dragged off the Halcyon soundtrack and given a modern polish. (7/10)

The Hunna - Piece By Piece

'Piece by Piece' is a fun little slice of indie with a good mix of riffs and a central poppy chorus. (6.5/10)
Illenium - Fractures

The club breakdown is a little cliched but the sweet Chvrches like vocals and production work sort of make up for it on the verses. (6/10)

JP Cooper - September Song

Coming to prominence in a month that's a little wrong, this is a catchy little piece of indie-op with some club-influenced moments. (7/10)


Matinee feat. Pier Ferrantini - Satellite

A slow building verse gives way to a chorus that sounds like it should be on an album by 'The Killers'. Its perhaps not as all-out as their last single but the indie-pop-electro vibes work well. (6/10)

Robbie Williams - Mixed Signals

The Killers must be kicked themselves that they gave this song away to Robbie. Sounding so much like their music aside from the vocals this a great driving mid-tempo song with a great little story central to the indie-pop-rock vibe. (8/10)

Sam Way - Home Piano / My response 2

Taken from a longer EP these two gentle stripped back tracks focus on Way's dream and listenable voice. There's perhaps a little bit of energy that could be injected here and there but they're both neat little gentle ballads with heart. (6.5/10)

Stormzy - Big For Your Boots

The lyrics might be naff at times and the video almost parody-like but the crisp production, fast flow and electronic sounds make up for it. (6/10)