New Music Review #66

Our ten latest must-hear tracks!

FELIN - Destruction Therapy

Like a cross between U2 and the Chemical Brothers this is a gritty, rocking number that sounds like it's been ripped straight from a punky soundtrack. Great. (7/10)

Flora Cash - California

'California' is a gentle little number that takes things gentle over its four-minutes running time, but does leave itself enough energy to create a catchy light-pop chorus. (6.5/10)

Hannah's Yard - Doin' It For Myself (Radio Edit)

Country and folk come together on this relentlessly perky and happy pop number with a strong production mixing up several instruments and leading to a bouncy summery chorus. (7/10)

J-Fresh x Tubby Boy - Refills On Deck

It might not be too different from other songs in the genre but its fast tempo, determined beat and quirky breakdown allow it to stand up above many of its contemporaries. (6.5/10)

The Killers - The Man

Finally, one of my favourite bands of all time are back, and this is quite possibly their biggest change in sound after a couple of albums of rather similar production. Here they have embraced a seventies disco Chic-like sound and although the chorus doesn't quite have their usual stadium feel it's certainly a fresh and intriguing take and suits their style and feels more sing-a-long and danceable than their more recent bits. (7.5/10)

Mat Treiber - Go All Around the World

With a live feel to the production this a gritty soft-rock number with an Oasis-style vibe and hook. It might lack a big central chorus but it has enough guitar licks and rock sensibilities to keep you listening. (7/10)

Nina Schofield - Beat Another Rhythm

With hints or Europop and Eurovision in its delivery, this is a catchy pop-club number with a foot-tapping beat and an enjoyable, developing production style. (7/10)

The Rocking Horse Club - Straight White Man

'Straight White Male' is a spot-on sarcastic take on gender, LGBT and skin-colour discrimination and politics, delivered in a bouncy, pop-rock hit. It might have hints of ZZ Top's 'Sharp Dressed Man' in its sound but if you like your music radio-friendly and saying something then you need to hear this and then possibly blast it in the direction of your nearest Conservative or UKIP MP. (7.5/10)

tape.machines feat. Sam Seg - s.t.u.p.i.d

This acronymed 'stupid' is a cool, laid-back tune with Seg's vocals a pleasure to listen to. Delightfully smooth. (7/10)

Triggah - Believe

We make the comment on its religious or drug statements but as a funny yet catchy song with a really poppy background hook this really hits all the right places. (7/10)

Ten more great songs you need to hear!

New Music Review #55

Here's another ten songs that are must hears!

Cajsa Siik - Empire Mine

With some nicely ethereal vocals Cajsa Silk makes this low-key indie number rather listenable and sultry, and makes for a very enjoyable laid-back listen. (7/10)

Close Talker - Waking Up

'Waking Up' is a gentle, calming indie number that doesn't do anything huge but is great in its commitment to being a cool, crisp little hit. (6.5/10)

Harbottle & Jonas - Northumberland

With strong hints of country this is a rather subdued and downbeat number but has enough heart in its lyrical longing for the northern county to hold your attention, and the musicianship on display is great. (6.5/10)

Quiet Domino - Metropelium

With a surprisingly central keyboard riff and a mixture of electronic quirks and vocal effects, this perhaps doesn't jump out of your speakers much but is fun in its variety and commitment to its cause. (6.5/10)

Sharon Shannon - Sacred Earth

This accordion-hefty instrumental is upbeat, quirky and summery and though lacks the hooks you'd get with a vocal track is a pleasantly developing and toe-tapping number. (6.5/10)

Sir Reginald - Stand Up

With a ska theme woven into a perky keyboard riffs and summery vocals this is a fun warm toe-tapper for fans of something a little happier. (6.5/10)

tape.machines - Dirty Linen Sheets

The choruses may descend into stereotypical electronic-club in its chorus but otherwise it's a stripped back, crisp electro number with an ear-pleasing hook. (6/10)

Sam Gleaves - When We Love

'When We Love' is a beautifully little stripped back country song with a strong message and some well phrased political commentary hidden amongst the lyrics and calm delivery. Delightful. (7/10)

Taylorville - Cherry Pie



Some if its lyrics may be a little weird but the central catchy chorus really works and the production builds to something rather summery, poppy and fun. (7/10)


TOFFE - Painting Pictures

TOFFE's 'Painting Pictures' may have taken a year to get to our ears but this stripped back indie song has the hallmarks of a great radio-friendly number that grows with each listen. (7/10)