New Music Review #106

Ten more songs you have to hear!

The Academic - Bear Claws

Sounding more mature than they look in the video 'Bear Claws' is a radio-friendly indie-pop number with a perky, singable chorus. Very promising! (6.5/10)

Bryan Adams - Please Stay

A ballad is the order of the day for this latest entry into Adams' catalogue and though it's perhaps a little familiar it's gentle pace and touching lyrics and delivery help it along. (6.5/10)

Ed Sheeran - Perfect

If you are a fan of Sheeran I'm sure you've already swayed along to this, and though the lyrics might be perhaps a little saccharine it's string-led stripped-back production brings out the love. (6.5/10)

Elkie Brooks - Rising Cost Of Love

Lyrically a little bit forced in parts this is still actually pretty funky and memorable, with Brooks' gravelly vocals and the upbeat rhythm bringing a smile to your face. (6.5/10)

Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending

It could be arguing that Franz Ferdinand are getting less and less poppy as the album's go by - not that they were ever that 'mainstream' - but their first post-FFS track has a Goldfrapp and Jamiroquai feel in its synthy riffs, switching up from the choral opening to something catchier and on more familiar territory. A definite grower. (7/10)

Isaac Gracie - Silhouettes Of You

With hints of Chris Isaak and Coldplay, this gentle piano-led ballad is a great smooth and soothing listen with Gracie's gentle vocals a delight to listen to. (7/10)

Leading Ladies - One Night Only

Originally from the 'Dreamgirls' musical this disco-enthused song sounds like a Meat Loaf song mixed with Diana Ross, and its camp yet powerfully sung credentials work well for us. (7/10)

Steps - Dancing With A Broken Heart

It's a little bit like Steps-by-numbers but if you've enjoyed their previous songs then this chunky pop-dance number with its catchy chorus will tick those boxes. Not sure about the forced post-chorus section though. (7/10)

Stormzy feat. MNEK - Blinded By Your Grace (Part 2)

At atmospheric, gospel-tinged number where the lighter vocals of MNEK stand well next to Stormzy's gruffer raps. A slow but strong ballad number with a higher power. (7/10)

Texas - Can't Control

Perhaps a little bit of a change in direction for the sound of the band, sounding more like Madonna crossed with Cheryl. Lacking Texas' usual huge radio-friendly chorus this is something a bit different, but plays out nicely and grows with a few listens. (6/10)

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)