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)

New Music Review #28

Here are ten more great songs we think you should listen to!

Cage The Elephant - Cold Cold Cold

'Cold Cold Cold' is a mid-tempo indie number with a poppier, sixties sounding, chorus that lifts up what is otherwise quite a downbeat, yet retro-sounding number. (6/10)

Delta Goodrem - Heavy

Delta Goodrem returns with a great new powerful ballad that builds to someone special, with her delivery almost rap-like in speed at times, giving it a fresher sound in parts. (6.5/10)

Hi, Charity - Dopamine

'Dopamine' is not quite as uptempo as the title might suggest but it's mid-tempo indie-rock sounds work well and the 'Panic! At the Disco'-esque feeling works well on the single, the title proving to be an effective little hook. (6.5/10)

Holly Brewer - I Wish I Loved You More 

The best of this year's nominee songs for Eurovision why this didn't win I do not know. Catchy, powerful and filled with hooks this is a great pop number with power. (7.5/10)

The Imagineers - If I See You Again

Another great little sixties throwback from Scottish band The Imagineers, its mid-tempo almost-Mavericks like sound giving it an interesting vibe and a gentle, warming throwback feel. (6.5/10)

Maggie Rogers - On + Off

Perhaps taking a little inspiration from Christine and the Queen for the video this is a fun indie-pop song with Rogers' voice suiting the funky electronic sound. (7/10)

Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts 

One of the unsuccessful nominees for the British entry to this year's Eurovision this is actually a corker and the second best of the half-dozen, with its catchy pop-friendly chorus and driving drum rhythm. (7/10)

Ryan Adams - Do You Still Love Me?

Now that he's left behind Taylor Swift songs, we can get some new original material, and this mid-tempo indie song is a good 'un, with verses that kick into a simple, yet hooky, chorus. (7/10)

Ryder - Nirvana

'Nirvana' by a Ryder is a delightful little indie-club number with eastern vibes mixed in with the sweet vocals of the lead singer. Gentle but a rewarding listen. (7/10)

Samuel Sim and Tracy Kashi - Hourglass

Used in the opening titles for ITV's 'The Halcyon', this is a deliciously thirties-sounding evocative number, almost Bond-like in its production, with Kashi's vocals a delight. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #27

Ten more musical picks from KBPS for you to enjoy!

Cascada - Run

'Run' is another uptempo catchy club-friendly number from Cascada. It might not be the most intelligent in terms of lyrics but it's bouncy enough to forgive that. (7/10)

Chance the Rapper and Knox Fortune - All Night (Kaytranada Extended Joint)

One of my favourites by Chance, this mixes up electronic hooks with soulful throwbacks and enough catchy riffs to keep you interested. (7/10)

Emile Sande - Highs & Lows

Another artist you can rely on for a quality single, 'Highs & Lows' sees Sande back on strong form with a soulful, poppy number that will get you signing along after those first few notes. (7.5/10)

Imagine Dragons - Believer

'Imagine Dragons' return with another hefty rock number. It's not a huge departure from previous singles but the mix of vocals, choral effects and crisp production make it a really energetic number. (7/10)

Jamiroquai - Automaton

Jay Kay is back with another hat and another tune, this time something much more electronic focussed. It takes a few listens to grab you but once it does its Daft Punk-feeling vibes will hook you in. (7/10)

Little Mix - Touch

Another great catchy little pop number from Little Mix that sounds like one of their best for a while. It's just a shame that the video feels a tad inappropriate for their young audience. (7/10)

Madness - Another Version Of Me

'Another Version of Me' is not a huge departure from the classic sound of Madness and the rhyming dictionary is plundered at times, but this slots in nicely to their discography and is as fun and poppy as you'd expect from the Nutty Boys. (7/10)

Oliver Heldens - I Don't Wanna Go Home 

Though it revels in its club music cliches this is still in the top half of club tunes, with a strong electronic production and a simple, catchy hook. (6/10)

Rag'n'Bone Man - Skin 

After two incredible singles in 'Wolves' and 'Human' Rag'n'Bone Man is back with another corker, with another singable chorus and a brilliant line in production. (7.5/10)

Vant - Do You Know Me?

With rocking guitars, a rhythm that drives forwarded and an anthemic set of riffs, put this on and vent some anger with this great rock number. (6.5/10)

New Music Review #26

Here are ten great tracks you don't want to miss!

Blondie - Fun

Blondie continue their modern period with this electropop number. It's not a huge departure from their previous recent singles but the catchiness and pop-rock feel are present in spades. (7/10)

Calum Scott - Rhythm Inside

'Rhythm Inside' is a bouncy, soulful number delivered by the Sam Smith-esque singer. With a little bit of bite from the drum machine this is a toe-tapping little number. (7/10)


The Divine Comedy - To The Rescue

'To The Rescue' is a gentle, string-led ballad that is more subdued than you'd expect from the band but is nicely layered in the production and chilled-back in its delivery. (6.5/10)

Imelda May feat. Jeff Beck - Black Tears

'Black Tears' is a gentle, emotive little ballad with May's powerful vocals rightfully thrust into centre stage. Beautifully sung. (6.5/10)

Jo Harman - When We Were Young

'When We Were Young' is a catchy mid-tempo ballad with vibes of Tina Turner. Catchy, beautifully sung, and very uplifting. (7.5/10)

Matt Boroff - What a Shame 

'What A Shame' moves along nicely with some gritty guitars and a chorus delivered by Boroff's gravelly vocals. It lacks any big moments but the rock and power elements work well. (6/10)

M.O. feat. Kent Jones - Not In Love

With a sunny electro-reggae vibe this is a fun upbeat little number that's level of poppiness will perk you up. (6.5/10)

Shaun Escoffery - Healing Me

Another artist who can be relied on to bring out some catchy soulful numbers, 'Healing Me' is one of his best, and is at its own best with its catchy temperature-based closing riff. (7/10)


Sound of the Suburb - Wild Weekend

'Wild Weekend' is a retro rock-a-billy throwback but if this doesn't get your hips swinging and your foot tapping I don't know what will. Something classic sounding for the new year. (6.5/10)

Train - Drink Up

'Drink Up' is a great catchy, poppy summer song all about celebrating with a tipple or two. It's tricky to listen to this and not smile! (7.5/10)

New Music Review #25

Another ten songs worth listening to!

Aston Merrygold - One Night In Paris

Hopefully not alluding to any dodgy viewing habits, this is a stripped back, falsetto-heavy soulful number with a simple yet alluring chorus. (6.5/10)


Mist - Madness

Offering a more emotional vibe to the usual quite crass grime tracks this has a nicely composed chorus and some attitude-filled verses. (6.5/10)

The Plum Peppers - In Life (Album)

This eleven track album has a mixture of tempos, styles and vibes and is a really pleasant, gentle listen that will lift your mood. The lead vocals are distinctive, the production crisp and the instrumentism works well. A pleasing joy from start to finish. (7/10)

Rayne - Subject A



Mixing in archived audio this is a neat little soft rock number. It might lack a big chorus but it's a good mixture of genres wrapped into a fun package. (6/10)

Samaris - Wanted to Say

'Wanted To Say' is a gentle, stripped back, laid back number that will get you chilled out after a stressful day. Beautifully composed this is a real surprise. (7/10)

Tom Chaplin - Still Waiting

The Keane frontman delivers this, a heartfelt very personal single with a touching and building sound and a great little poppy chorus. (7.5/10)

Train - Play That Song

Train are known for bringing their bouncy upbeat hits to your ears and this catchy pop number is no exception, its mid-tempo swagger bringing summer to us a little bit earlier. (6.5/10)


Tree - Hold My Hand

'Hold My Hand' is a slow, sauntering ballad with a great mix of instruments woven into the simple production. A lovely little number. (7/10)

twenty one pilots: HeavyDirtySoul

Though not quite as memorable or tight as some of their previous singles there's something hooky about the various elements that flow together to form the whole. (6.5/10)

The Wild Things - I Think You Can Do Better

'I Think You Can Do Better' is a great soft-rock number with a smooth heartfelt vocal performance and enough guitars to give it a bit of grit too. (7/10)

KBPS Interview: Eugene Twist

With a lyrical arena that boasts whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and self-consuming psychonauts, Scotland’s Eugene Twist is not your everyday songwriter. After two years in the musical wilderness, his second album ‘The Stuntman’ has arrived on the back of one mission: to let the storyteller run riot inside the song. Taking time to build a makeshift studio and learning how to record and mix allowed Eugene time to breathe with his arrangements. We spoke to Eugene all about his new single ‘Stuntman’.

How would you describe your new single ‘Stuntman’?

It’s an upbeat song with a very kind of narrative lyric. Hopefully, if you tune in and listen long enough, there’s a story there you’ve not heard before!

And is the stuntman based on anyone?

I think it’s based us all and also a character from my imagination.

Is that how your songs usually come about?

It depends. Sometimes you want to go into some kind of fantasy or metaphor for something you’re feeling and then other times you might need to be more topical, referring to something that’s a bit more direct. It really depends on me; I write in lots of different ways.

There’s a great retro-style video to go with the song; what was that like to do?

I did it with a bunch of friends on not a very big budget and not on a very long timescale. The day itself was quite intense. We had these big bright lights that were very hot, and just trying to get the right attitude under the time constraints was fun but quite sweaty!

‘Stuntman’ is taken from your second album; is the single reflective of the album as a whole?

I think ‘Stuntman’ stands as a good mid-way point for the album. It’s maybe not a climax for the album but it’s followed by some similar songs, and there are some similar songs that come before it. It’s a very varied album; there’s a wide range of music on [there]. There are ballads and stuff that’s more visceral like ‘Stuntman’. I’d say to anyone, just to listen through to get the best measure of the album. I plan to release a few more singles for people to get the full extent of the writing and the band.

Will you be working on videos for those?

Yeah. There will be one or two more videos to come from the album.

What have you been up to over the last two years?

I’ve never stopped doing music, ever. I kind of got caught up in the recording process, mostly the technical side of things. The writing happens very quickly but I decided this time to go out and get some gear together and record it myself, so that was kind of my downfall in terms of how long it took, as I had to learn the ropes. It started to get easier. The technology started to inform the writing and visa-versa. It’s a useful skill to have now, this technology at [my] fingertips.

Did this help the album become closer to your vision?

It does. It affords [me] some control. I’m not having to watch the clock as much when it comes to experimenting.

Have you got any live dates coming up in support of the album?

I’m just about to announce some, probably next week. I’m hoping to get down to London and maybe Manchester, and definitely Glasgow.

How would you describe your live sound?

You’ll want to dance and you’ll also want to tune in and listen!

Finally what are your big ambitions for 2017?

As an emerging artist you’re always trying to get set up so you can just keep on doing it, so really it’s just to get out and play as many good shows as we can, and then maybe think about another release for the year!

Find out more about Eugene Twist on Facebook and listen to this interview and his new single on our radio show on Saturday 18th February at 6pm on bcbradio.co.uk.

KBPS Interview: The Wild Things

The Wild Things are a four-piece alternative rock band from West London consisting of sister-brother team Sydney and Cameron White, Rob Kendrick and Pete Wheeler. We got a chance to speak to Sydney from the band about their new single ‘I Think You Can Do Better’ as well as acting and other topics!

What was the inspiration behind your new single?

A bad thing happened with one of the band members in terms of their health and I think it was a big ‘screw you’ to the world kind of song and how we can empower ourselves. That was the real inspiration behind it.

Does your song writing come from real-life inspirations?

Each one comes around different. Sometimes a song will just come about really organically or another time it’ll be based on a specific event. Usually I’d say it was more organic as we spend big periods of our day writing. This one was definitely spurred on by something but it’s usually kind of organic.

As a band you like to be involved with the production and artwork etc. Does that help you shape the music as you’d like it to be?

We do everything in house, from production to making our own videos and visual content, so I think having that control has allowed us to explore our music and granted us more freedom to do it rather than having outside influences or other voices saying ‘we think you should do this’ or ‘we think you should do that’, and I think the way we have developed is because of the space that we’ve been given, and the characters we’ve created ourselves, within our own little world.

Do you have a favourite part of the creative process?

For me I love just performing and going on stage and putting on a show. There’s something very cathartic about it. But I guess we all the recording part, very much so, especially my brother Cameron who basically writes the song and produces. The videos are always really fun to shoot as we come up with the concepts ourselves. We know we’re not going to be uncomfortable in any way when we’re shooting them.

You mentioned about performing on stage; how does your live sound compare to your recorded material?

Loud and energetic!

Have you got any live dates coming up?

We have a few. We do our own pop-up festival in Hackney and we’re resuming that in March and we have a gig in Liverpool, our first one in the north, filming for The Tube hosted by Janice Long, so that’s going to be fun! We have a busy schedule.

You recently did an acoustic session on London Live; was that a good experience?

It was great! It was our first ever television performance. Myself and Rob, we’re professional actors [so] we’re on television a lot, but it was a very different experience for us to be playing music on television in that environment. We had a great time.

You mentioned there your professional acting work; do you have a favourite role from your credits?

I have a TV show out at the moment called ‘Uncle’ in which I play a mean punky character called Gwen; she’s definitely up there! I just shot a movie with Michael Keaton playing an FBI agent which I’ve never done before, which was cool. I’m looking forward to that coming out sometime later this year.

Is your role in ‘Uncle’ based on yourself in any way?

This is the third series we shot. When we initially did the first series they took on board a lot of what I was and carried that into the other series’. I love the writers, and they’re phenomenal, and they certainly write a lot of my quirks into the character, or maybe I’ve become the character! Maybe it’s that way around!

You also did one of the BBC comedy specials for the 60^th anniversary?

Yes, ‘Til Death Do Us Part’. That was really fun. I’d never done anything like that before so it was a great experience to do a period piece.

Is there a video for ‘I Think You Can Do Better’?

There is indeed! It’s on our YouTube channel and our social media. We shot it ourselves under the train bridge. It was a really interesting experience. It’s a cool video: very grungy; kind of 90s, and a bit Nirvana-y.

Do you have any EP or album plans following the success of the single?

We have spoken about it. This year we’re planning on releasing a number of singles throughout 2017, and each will have a video attached to it, and maybe there’ll be a through-line. Rather than having an album or an EP out there’ll be different songs coming out, at a scheduled or specific time, but there’s going to be a lot of content, a lot of good stuff, a lot of new songs. I think people are going to be surprised.

Do you have any big ambitions for the rest of 2017?

We’ve been really successful over the last few months. We were the BBC Introducing band of the week over Christmas. We’re going to be on Radio 1 in the next couple of weeks. There are a lot of exciting things coming up. Obviously we’d like to play the 02 but rather than saying ‘this is our goal’ we’re just enjoying what’s coming to us naturally and organically and really enjoying picking up new fans and the really exciting adventures coming our way!

Finally has your next single been decided yet?

I think our next single is going to be released at the end of March or the beginning of April I believe so that’s really exciting. We’ve already shot the video and it has been co-directed by another famous actor called Shaun Dooley and it’s his directorial debut so we’re really excited to get that out there and show the people what he’s made of along with us!

Find out more about The Wild Things on Facebook, and hear this interview and their single on our radio show on Saturday 11th February at 6pm on bcbradio.co.uk