New Music Review #112

Ten more tracks that you need to hear!

All Time Low - Good Times

With a tempo and feel that sounds more like the band's name than the title, this is a well written emotive soft-rock ballad that has echoes of other hits by the band, especially in its multi-layered vocal chants. (6/10)

Andy Brown feat. Crissie Rhodes - Landslide

With one half of the Shires on guest vocals this is a pretty straight-forward country track, not really doing anything particularly distinctive, but if you like your country-pop upbeat and happy then this is a great little number. (7/10)

Jake Bugg feat. Noah Cyrus - Waiting

There's a bit of a Christmas feel to this gentle duet which tones down Bugg's usually quite nasal vocals into something much smoother and sweeter, well produced over a simple jazzy backing. (7/10)

Katie Melua - Fields Of Gold

Katie Melua is one of those artists that could sing the phone book and you'd probably want to listen to it. The official Children in Need single, this is a stripped back and simple cover but that allows you the opportunity to focus on the lyrics and the beautiful delivery. (7/10)

Kesha - Learn To Let Go

'Learn to Let Go' is another uptempo, uplifting and very personal single from Kesha, all elements coming together into a fun and funky pop song. (6.5/10)

Pete Tong feat. Becky Hill - Sing It Back

Pete Tong returns with his second stringed-up compilation and though Hill doesn't quite have the same distinctive vocals as Moloko and the mid-riff is reminsicent of Bronski Beat, there's enough variety and twists in here to work. (6/10)

P!nk - Halfway Gone

P!nk is always good value in getting a good song and this gritty, soft-rock entry throws her gruff vocals and heartfelt-lyrics right bang in centre stage where they should be. Great. (7/10)

Pioneers - Take Time

With subtle hints of punk in its production this is a bouncy upbeat pop number that will get you moving. (6.5/10)

Vance Joy - Like Gold

Though lacking the uptempo joy from his best songs like 'Riptide' this slower number still boasts a great little beat and a catchy lyrical delivery. A grower. (6.5/10)

Wild Beasts - Punk Drunk And Trembling

With hints of electronica in its laid back mid-tempo indie-styled number, this is a smooth and involving listen that shifts along nicely in a cool vibe. (6/10)

New Music Review #31

Here are another ten tracks that are worth listening to!

ARCAVES - Out of the Blue

Something upbeat to start this blog with, this is a fun and funky piece of indie-electro-pop.(6.5/10)

Beyond Recall - Get It Right

We always like a bit of bouncy uptempo emo rock so this high-energy number from Beyond Recall ticks those boxes for this week. (7/10)

Chance The Rapper feat. Knox Fortune - All Night

The lyrics might be the definition of fag-packet-written but the poppy chorus is catchy in its simplicity and the electronic-focussed understated verses are fun enough. (6.5/10)

Katy Perry feat. Skip Marley - Chained To The Rhythm

Katy Perry returns with another poppy number. It takes a few listens to show its hand and even then the lyrics are a little tired and the pop style a tad artificial, but it's pretty radio friendly. (6.5/10)

Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa - Scared To Be Lonely

It may wear its club-influences on its sleeve but the vocals for Dua Lipa give it a bit more heart and the strings and classical theme lift it up even more. (6.5/10)

Nell Bryden - Thought I Was Meant For You

Nell Bryden is one of the stars of the music circuit and this touching ballad is another example of some of her well written and brilliantly sung material! (7/10)


Sarah Darling - Halley's Comet

Amongst all the blandly written songs we have to listen to occasionally a song stands out, and in this case it's this from Sarah Darling. Beautifully written, sung and produced, give this one more than one spin! (7.5/10)

St Francis Hotel - Stay As You Are

'Stay As You Are' is a throbbing indie-electronic number with hints of 1980s Depeche Mode or Kraftwerk. Hauntingly intriguing. (6.5/10)

Texas - Let's Work It Out

A bit of a change in musical direction for Texas, the 70s-influenced vibe suits her voice and it feels like a grower. (7/10)

Wild Beasts - Alpha Female

The verses may drag on a little, but the bassy catchy choruses work better and there's steady driving rhythm and gritty guitars that work better. (6.5/10)