New Music Review #59

Ten more songs that you must hear!

The Alibi - No Solution

'No Solution' is a hefty rock number but with enough of an ear for the radio to give it some more memorable moments to listen back to. (6/10)

Ayo Beatz - Make It Right

Summer is always the time when we want to hear from ska and reggae-infused songs and this is one of those, mixed in with an urban feel. It perhaps doesn't get to the big chorus that you'd expect but is fun, clubby summer number. (6.5/10)

foreverandever<3 w. Sameblod - feel smthn

I'm not sure what it is about the song that I like but its quirky production values, reluctance to fit into a box and a vocalist that sounds like Justin Bieber if he was interested in what he was singing, make for a heady mix. (7/10)

The Ghibertins - Breathe For Me

With hints of Ronan Keating in the vocal style, this is a touching, on-point indie-soft-rock number with a strong central heart to its lyrics and a dramatic build up of strings that give it a haunting quality. (7/10)

Hanson - I Was Born

Back to celebrate their 25th anniversary (!!) this is a great pop-indie comeback song with a Bryan Adams-esque soaring chorus. Quickly catchy and bouncy - love it! (7.5/10)

Jonas Blue feat. William Singe - Mama

It might embrace more music cliches than I could list but it's a poppy, summery number with a catchy enough chorus and not too many club-music tropes to drown it in familiarity. Singe's vocals help lots. (6.5/10)

Mike & The Mechanics - The Best Is Yet To Come

Mike and the Mechanics' comeback continues well. Though this isn't quite as great as the last song - it's pretty subdued and low-key - it has a strong enough production and chorus to keep you interested. (6.5/10)

Miley Cyrus - Malibu

After the headline grabbing wrecking ball-era, 'Malibu' goes in the completely opposite direction as a mid-tempo, subdued, stripped-back indie-song that has its moments of pop amongst some quite somberly delivered moments. Something different from her. (6.5/10)

Steve Rodgers - I Will Grow

'I Will Grow' is a smooth, atmospheric, dark number with hints of Richard Marx in its slow, building delivery and gentle, stripped-back, outlook. (6.5/10)

Tuxedo - Thank You

I keep hearing more from Tuxedo and enjoying everything they put out. 'Thank You' is perhaps not as immediately great as the others but it's 70s-throwback Chromeo feel will put a smile on your face and get you moving. (6.5/10)

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 #29

Here at KBPS we bring you some more songs to listen to and enjoy as well as an EP and two albums!

Divisionists - Daybreak (Album)

'Daybreak' is a gritty lo-fi album of twelve tracks, each strongly produced and offering a focussed indie-rock vibe that plays along well for over 45-minutes. With strong lyrics and a good mix of tempos, paces and vibes, this is a strong album to put on and chill out to that's not afraid to make it quieter when it needs to, though it does at times get a little too maudlin for its own good. (6.5/10)

Eugene Twist - Stuntman

'Stuntman' is a well produced indie number with retro throwbacks with some great changes in pace and emotion that hold your interest. (6.5/10)

Fancy Cars feat. Foy - Heart of Stone

'Heart of Stone' is a great track of electronic swagger with a catchy central chorus and some strong production effects with a big bite. (7/10)

Flora Cash - Nothing Lasts Forever (And It's Fine)

Brought to you by the sweet and listenable voice of Flora Cash this song mixes some neatly written lyrics that come with a message and a quirky, poppy electronic riff. (7/10)

Fufanu - Liability



'Liability' is a neat little mid-tempo electronic number that sounds like Kraftwerk meeting Gary Numan. Fans of that era will get much out of this fun little track. (5.5/10)

God Damn - It Bites

A little heavier than the music I would normally listen to there's still plenty of fun in the catchy chorus and strong flow of lyrics to hook in people who aren't maybe into as guitars as loud as this. A crossover song with good appeal. (6.5/10)

KOYO - Tetrachromat




The intriguingly titled 'Tetrachromat' is an atmospheric electronic number with an otherworldly vibe that really suits its musical aesthetic. Nicely produced. (6.5/10) 

Thieves Like Us - Thieves Like Us (Album)

This nine-track album has a strong indie, ethereal vibe and though no particular tracks stands out as a radio-friendly single (though 'Jennifer', the concluding track is the best contender), the overall vibe as each song flows into the next works really well, and there a few more uptempo pieces amongst the sultrier ones to lift your mood. As an atmospheric, electronic-heavy concept album, though, it works very well. (6.5/10)

Tuxedo - Fux with the Tux (EP)

Opening with title track, this is a seventies sounding EP mixing up the sounds of Chic and Earth, Wind and Fire but with the benefits of modern production values. Catchy and funky in equal measure, the opening track sets the mood for the piece with its quirky and catchy effects and riffs. 'Special' is the second track and has shades of 'Ladies Night' in its vibe and it continues the sound from track one, whilst the third and final song 'July' drops the tempo and brings you a more soulful number, rounding off a really strong and well produced seventies sounding vibe. (7/10)

Vanbot - Collide (Krasnoyarsk)

'Collide' is a hazy, fuzzy little electronic number that growls along with its genuinely intriguing production style, lifted up with its simple but perky synth riff. (6/10)