New Music Review #68

Ten more tracks you need to hear!

Chlöe Howl - Magnetic

Finally, one of the best emerging artists of the last few years releases a new song. It might lack the bubblegum energy of 'Disappointed' or 'Not Strings' but this punky, funky ballad has plenty of bite, some great lyrics and a soaring chorus, all cemented together by Howl's distinctive and listenable voice. Welcome back! (7.5/10)

Clean Bandit & Marina and the Diamonds - Disconnect

It's a good day when Marina and the Diamonds come back, here teaming up with Clean Bandit. Here she's the better of the two thanks to her distinctive and emotional vocals, Clean Bandit cut back to a rather generic dance track, but together they work well. (7/10)

Dawa - Put It Away

'Put It Away' is a delightfully laid back track, stripped back to a simple guitar, cajon and the beautifully sung vocals of the two leads, their harmonies working together magically. (7/10)

DiRTY RADiO - Champagne Bubbles feat. 528

With lyrics that are definitely NSFW, outside of the words this is a catchy, quirky, bassy number which makes an impression in its sub-3-minutes time. Sounding like the Black Eyed Peas but with more conviction, it's worth a spin. (6.5/10)

Don E feat. Veeiye - You Know (Radio Edit)

A cut back reggae-infused track and though the lyrics may be a little bland and fag-packet, it has a loveable rhythm and production vibe. (6.5/10)

Fejká - Ghostlight (Radio Edit)

A laid-back, chilled out number, but with a delightful instrumental focus and some relaxing, other-worldly lyrics gently overlaid. Delightful. (7/10)

Paul Menel - Spanish Mane 

Like a jazzed up version of 'Man in the Moon' by REM at the start this is a bouncy, summery hit with a Spanish twist, plenty of brass and boundless energy, like the Mavericks on a big night out. (7/10)

Pressyes - Touch The Sky

'Touch the Sky' is a laid back ethereal number with a calming, other-worldly musical track and an alluring vocal line that is the perfect accompaniment for a laid-back summer's evening. (6.5/10)

Rude Kid - Master System

My favourite of the tracks on his latest EP, this short yet sweet instrumental harks back to the retro era of the title of the song. Quirky yet modern. (6/10)

Urband Soul - Wake up

With a strong ska and reggae feeling, this is an immediate and addictive tune matched with some well written and thought-provoking lyrics. (7/10)

New Music Review #41

Another ten tracks you need to hear!

Disciples - On My Mind

Much of the song falls firmly into generic dance but it's the hooky, deeper chorus that means the track stays more on my mind. (6.5/10)

Harry Styles - Sign of the Times

Heavily influenced by the late David Bowie, this is quite a brave first single from the former 1D member. A little slow and ponderous but it grows on you, and feels pretty mature. (7/10)

JP Cooper - Passport Home

'Passport Home' is another smooth, lighters-out song from JP Cooper that is well written and produced. (6.5/10)

The Kooks - Be Who You Are

Taken from their new greatest hits compilation, this isn't quite up to their classic big hits but it showcases their ear for a great tune really well and has that fun sing-a-long indie-pop chorus they're known for. (6.5/10)

Melanie C feat. Alex Francis - Hold On

Mel C can usually be relied on for a few single and though this is more slower than her usual release it has a good heart to it. (6.5/10)

San Cisco - Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?

If you want a gentle, summery indie number then you can't go far wrong with this little number. (6.5/10)

Sigrid - Don't Kill My Vibe (Acoustic)

Much more emotive in its acoustic form, this is a delightfully stripped back little number. (6.5/10)

Tinie Tempah feat. Tinashe - Text From Your Ex

Mr. Tempah continues his journey moving away from his urban routes to something much more commercial and though this song isn't a patch on his early work the balance between his raps and Tinashe's perky choruses works well. But I long for his Labrinth collaborations. (6.5/10)

Urband Soul - Struggle

Coming to our attention after a bit of a gap this is a cool, slow rap with some solid metaphors making a cracking chorus. (6.5/10)

Will Joseph Cook - Beach (I Wanna Make You Mine)

Cook has yet to find a song as brilliant and poppy as 'Girls Like Me' but he's still doing well enough with this single which balances his indie and pop loves. (6.5/10)