Christmas 2017

Yes, we know it's only November but let's take a look at some of the upcoming festive-themed releases coming up.

Ashton Lane - Winter Star (EP)

Delivering three tracks and a fourth live number, the title track is beautiful, the story-telling lyrics forming a vivid and seasonally delightful image in your head that is boosted by the delicious harmonies of the two leads, forming an understated but great festive song with a romantic centre. 'Frozen' is another strong love ballad with the vocals taking centre stage, quite rightly, the touching lyrics about relationships at Christmas really nailing the emotion, the chorus close to heartbreaking. 'Who Comes This Night' has a more religious theme, their cover a touching take on the old but not that familiar track, the consistent production style working well. This theme continues with the live version of 'The Little Road to Bethlehem' which is a delightful and gentle closure to a great EP. A must hear. (8/10)

Bento - It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

This urban-styled version of the classic song takes the overly-familiar song and adds a really fresh flavour to its recognisable flow, from a great beat, a jazzy tempo and some vocal shifts. It won't be to everyone's tastes but it's original and cool. (7.5/10)

Big Big Train - Merry Christmas

Featuring Mark Benton in the video, fresh from burgling with Paddington Bear, for M&S, this is a stripped back darkly produced song for the season that goes down the real meaning of Christmas route. Boasting a choir-led section it's an interesting switch between its Elbow-like darker moments and more hopeful sections. A neat little number that lifts the spirits, ending on a high, positive note. B-Side 'Snowfalls' also boasts a nicely imagined imagery too, woven through its lyrics and gentle sound. (7/10)

Callaghan - Christmas Lights

One of my favourite singers from the last couple of years, this piano-based stripped back song has plenty of heart all the way through the song, the cut back style allowing the emotional lyrics to breathe. Beautiful. (7/10)

Charlie Hole - River

A version of a classic Christmas song, Hole's soulful voice delivers the song with joy. It's not a revolutionary take on the classic number but it does it justice, and is beautifully sung. (7/10)

Ellie Goulding - O Holy Night

Though a potentially difficult track for a "pop artist" to tackle Goulding does a great job on this record, her soaring vocals making a strong take on the classic number, with the stripped back choral backing adding to the emotional delivery. (7/10)

Emma Stevens - Christmas (EP)

Coming soon, one of the country's best singer-songwriters releases a special EP of four festive-themed songs. In a weird coincidence the EP sits nicely next to Keane lead singer's Tom Chaplin album with one of their songs appearing here, alongside a shared cover of East 17's 'Stay Another Day', which opens this EP. Delightfully built around a simple piano riff with Stevens' gentle vocals really suiting the song, this is a smooth and touching opening to the record and creates a softer take on the 90s classic, and the gradual fade in of the seasonal church bells at the end works really well. Track two is the carol 'Silent Night' and though its a very faithful interpretation suits the vocal style of Stevens and the multi-layering of the vocals lifts it up. 

Keane track 'Somewhere Only We Know' with its humming open is beautifully done, adding more sweetness to it even than the original, creating a warming and delightful version of the de-facto Christmas track. Closer 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' is just as lovely, the stripped back, breathy take, really suiting the track, wrapping up a gentle and warming 15-minute festive offering. (7.5/10)

Eric McGrath - Back Home

Ticking all the expected production effects for a Christmas song, this is a gentle, airy and light, anthem for the time of year with a subdued production effect and vocals high in the mix, balancing some story-telling lyrics and a sweet atmosphere. A grower. (6/10)

Fiona Kennedy - Christ Child Lullaby

Going for the more traditional sound of Christmas songs this is a delightfully gentle song that gives Kennedy's strong voice and the building choral backing the chance to shine. Something different, and just as delightful. (6.5/10)

Frank Sinatra and Seal - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

These duets with artists who are no longer with us are becoming more and more common and though this is a nice version it feels like Sinatra is doing most of the hard work, Seal's new vocals not being distinctive or different enough to stand out. Fun but relatively pointless. (6.5/10)

Gary Shail - Modding Up My Christmas List 

With its funny tongue-in-cheek lyrics this ska-influenced song boasts a great catchy chorus that feels more summer than Christmas, which offers something a little different amongst all the rest of the more cliched production effects! (7.5/10)

Graham J. - O Holy Night

Continuing on the theme of traditional sounding songs this is a warm, beautifully sung classical-sounding number that eschews the, quite literal sometimes, bells and whistles of modern songs for something more old-fashioned. But what a voice! (7/10)

Gregory Porter - The Christmas Song

The world and his wife have covered this song and Porter's version isn't hugely revolutionary and very faithful / similar to the Nat King Cole version he's channeling, but his silky voice mixed with the orchestral backing make this a delightful enough take. (7/10)

Hanson - Finally It's Christmas

Continuing their low-key comeback, 90s wonder-kids Hanson are back with this bouncy pop number with hints of retro rock and roll. Like many songs it's more seasonal than substance but it's rhythm and joy will win over your Grinch-like heart. (6.5/10)

Gwen Stefani feat. Blake Shelton - You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Gwen Stefani proves to be the latest artist to jump on the Christmas album bandwagon and this funky, soulful number with a fair chunk of Blake Shelton on vocals is a great cut from it. It's not hugely revolutionary but hits the spot. (7/10)

Jess and the Bandits feat. Gary Quinn - Always Christmas Eve

One of my favourite country acts of the last few years has released a new Christmas EP including this song, which is a cool and stripped back, warm song that might not be revolutionary but will fit in well to your snug Christmas playlist, the contrast of the two vocals building to something special. (7/10)

Katie Garibaldi - Home Sweet Christmas (LP)

The first full album of the year, this clutch of original songs (albeit one closing cover) captures the season well, with country-hints tied in with the usual tropes of festive songs. Starting with 'Happy Married Christmas', a neat twist, on the usual greeting, has, in a rather strange comparison, hints of the theme of Scooby Doo in its rhythm and delivery (!), but is a great uptempo entry into the perky album that has a strong religious-slant as befits the season.

'Star in the East' is a slower affair, capturing the imagery of the seasonal story in its country rhymes, whilst the rawer sounding 'Jesus Touched My Heart' has shades of the White Stripes in their 'Get Behind Me Satan' era, if you pardon the religious contrasts. With a perky, soulful feel there's plenty of rhythm here to get behind, and the gospel ending will get you clapping along.

'Unhappy Holiday' returns to a more secular style with a mid-tempo country style that balances a relatively bouncy tune with more downbeat lyrics about missing your loved one. 'The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas)' is a great original pop song that eschews snow for tales of beaches whilst 'Wonderful Mother Mary' is a slower, more traditional-sounding number.

'Love on Christmas Day' goes much more country in its musical style with its twangy guitars lifting the spirit, but its the tempo that lifts for 'Holy Spirit in my Heart' with its quirky and catchy rhythm. 'Safe and Warm (Lullaby For Jesus)' kicks the pace back for a sweet, hymn-like number with a great choral-effect chorus.

'Tomorrow is Christmas Morning' is an atmospheric number that paints a delightfully season picture complete with the evocative sleigh bells, whilst 'Our Home Awaits you' will bring a smile to your face as you look ahead to the season.

The album finishes on its one traditional song, a strong folky-tinged version of the classic hymn 'Silent Night' which goes down the road of something with a little more energy than the usual slower version which offers something fresher. 

Balancing a mixture of religious-themed numbers with more secular pieces, this country and folk take of the season is a delightful listen and will set the mood for the season if you so wish to think this far ahead. (7/10)

Keith 'n' Julie - Mr. Mince Pie

Sounding a bit like a modern, Christmas-themed version of 'Come Outside', this quirky Cockney-fulled festive offering is a tongue-in-cheek hit with a fun centre to the knowing song. (7/10)

The Lancashire Hotpots - Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Singalonga Version)

If you've always wanted to hear a comedy folk band tackle, semi-seriously, a classic carol then we have the perfect thing for you here. With a bouncy upbeat rhythm this a great, nicely paced and tongue-in-cheek take on the favourite. (7/10)

LA Wise Man - All I Want For Xmas Is Rock & Roll

This year's Christmas song to eschew the usual production effects for something more rocky, this is a foot-tapping entry with a quickly catchy fast-paced chorus. Rock on! (7/10)

Lord Buckethead - A Bucketful of Happiness

Having taken the political world by storm Lord Buckethead goes all Meat Loaf on us with this witty festive offering. The vocoder vocals and production effects may be a little poor and muddy but the heart and style is there, plus the lyrics are very funny - in particular the John Lewis line and its punchline. (7/10)

Lucy Spraggan - Drink 'Til We Go Home

The perky pop-songstress Lucy Spraggan joins the roster of Christmas singers this year with this song influenced by the Pogues both in style, slur and subject matter. Fun and with some vivid, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, the sing-a-long string led chorus with its stein-swinging rhythm work really well. Fun and jaunty! (7.5/10)

Mariah Carey - Lil Snowman

Not at all the sound you'd expect from Carey, this 'Roll Over Beethoven'-influenced rock number does not sound like her at all, adding much more bite to her usual wailey-sound, though it's sound-a-like vibe does knock it a few points off. (6/10)

(For something more expected why not try the sweet, if not a little saccharine, 'The Star' from the recent movie about the nativity. It's gentle but building with plenty of heart. (6.5/10))

MiC LOWRY - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Taking a stripped-back, almost A Capella, take on the song, this is a surprising direction for the group, but a welcome take on the song. With some big harmonies, and a grandiose end this is a strong take on a classic. Smooth. (7/10)

Mister Sledge - What Do You Want For Christmas?

Given a 2017 re-release this is a fun, mid-tempo Christmas song with the familiar production values you expect from this time of year but a heart-warming feel and old-fashioned feeling style that warms the cockles of the heart. (7/10)

Panic! At The Disco - Feels Like Christmas

P!ATD join the throng of artists releasing Christmas songs with this frantic, over-produced number that throws plenty of eccentric licks at the wall. Unashamedly ticking all the boxes of their sound this is perhaps a little too generic but will bulk out your playlist well. (6.5/10)

Red Sky July feat. Graham Gouldman - Him and Christmas

With a Cardigans-feel washing around its country-lite styling this is a low-key Christmas song with its production but has a strong slick feel that makes it more distinctive than a lot of this season's fare. (6.5/10)

Rosie Ninmo - Being A Child Again (In the Snow)

With a classic Nina Simone sound both in vocals and brush-drum rhythm, this is a free-form and calming seasonal number that is the music version of chestnuts roasting on a hot fire. Smooth. (6.5/10)

Sia - Santa's Coming For Us

The title might sound more threatening than festive but it's a fun and perky, quirky, number from Sia with a simple yet very catchy chorus and all the Christmas trappings you'd expect from the song genre, though if you can translate the first four lines you're better than us. 'Ho Ho Ho' is another track from the album worth to hear. (7/10)

Sleigh Bells - And Saints

Though it feels like it's building to a crescendo that never comes and it doesn't feel particularly festive in its lyrics, it's got a warming feel to its production that suits the season. Not even sure, aside from the band title, whether it's even a Christmas song! (6/10)

Tom Chaplin - Midnight Mass

The voice of Keane returns with this sweet and gentle track from his loosely-themed Christmas album. It might like the huge hooks he's known for but it's a pleasant, warming seasonal offering. (6/10)

UNITY - Merry Merry Christmas (Each and All)

A delightfully gentle and friendly indie number with plenty of heart and warm lyrics, the two young singers winning you over with their touching delivery and catchy chorus. (7/10)

William Alvey Christmas - The Christmas Club

Your enjoyment of this song will depend on your tolerance for young children singing but if you can cope with that this is a nice, sweet middle-of-the-road Christmas song, but it's probably more for those involved with it. (6/10)

New Music Review #108

Ten more songs that you have to hear!

Amanda Mair - Empty Blockings

With a distinctive light and sweet vocal this is a nicely produced and warming indie-pop song built around a delightful vocal delivery. (7/10)

Andrew Applepie & Bjurman - Waltz of Despair

The title may suggest that it'll be a downbeat piece of music and whilst it cannot be described as uptempo its strong production, delicious vocals and interesting electronic vibes make for a beautifully composed chill-out number. (7.5/10)

Belle Ghoul - Lift Me Up

Another great single from Belle Ghoul. Partnered with a brilliant puppet-based video this is a foot-tapping indie-rock number that mixes harmonies, crisp production and a cool vibe into a sweet package. (7/10)

Big Shaq - Man's Not Hot

Chewing the scenery and doing a spot-on parody of the conventions of grime songs and videos this is both funny and pretty memorable. Nice. (6.5/10

Clean Bandit feat. Julia Michaels - I Miss You

Musically it might be a pretty standard affair from Clean Bandit but with Michaels heartfelt delivery of the downbeat lyrics to a missed ex it adds a certain level of emotional impact. (7/10)

Dagny - Love You Like That

One of our favourite artists at the moment this is another great track from Dagny with a catchy chorus, some fun lyrics and a foot-tapping vibe. Uplifting. (7/10)

Disciples - Jealousy

It's not breaking any particular mould created by Disciples but as an upbeat club tune it ticks all the boxes, the Rihanna-sounding vocals keeping things together next to the 90s-throw-back nonsense lyrics. (6.5/10)

The Fizz - Amen

75% of the original Buck's Fizz return with this Abba-esque perky pop song that will please their long term fans; inoffensive and fun, it's a nice slice of pop. (6/10)

MØ - Turn My Heart to Stone

With vocals that flick between Rihanna and a fun falsetto, this is a sultry swagger of a track with jazz influences in its free form structure. Nice. (6.5/10)

Rosko - Snifter

With a clear punky sound this is a raw little number with hints at something a little more commercial in its set-up and delivery. With its Cockney undertones this is a fun little distraction. (5.5/10)

KBPS Interview: JoAnna Lee

On the title track of her debut album So Free, JoAnna Lee makes a personal declaration about following her own path that will inspire anyone who wants to brush off the naysayers and take bold, massive action towards achieving their dreams. With her soulful, dusky voice sharing the urgency of following our hearts, she sings, “The world can be cruel and cold/Don’t let it take ahold. . .What will it take for you to finally see the truth. . .the only way to be is so free, free to be who I wanna be. . .You’re the one in control/Do what’s right for your soul…”

We caught up with JoAnna Lee as she reached the final days of her gigs as part of the nationwide University-visiting Coffee House Sessions tour, and began by asking her about her recent photo showing the Beatles Museum in Liverpool…

You visited the Beatles museum yesterday in Liverpool; what was that like?

Well, we actually got a picture of the door but we didn’t get to go inside as we’d made it there fifteen minutes too late so we went over to the Cavern Club where the Beatles used to play and it was nice to be there and see the history and everything that happened when they used to play there.

You’ve been touring around the country over the last two weeks – how has that been going?

It’s been good, it’s been pretty exhausting and catching up with me a little bit, but it’s been really nice to meet so many different people and see the entire UK pretty much and all the different cities!

Have you had any personal highlights from the tour?

Liverpool is really great. It’s a pretty cool place [and] I’d love to go back there at some point and check out the city. I also really liked Bath; that was a pretty unique spot and the campus there was awesome as well. And the Camden Market was cool and unique; I liked that a lot.

You’ve been instagramming your journey from places your visited to your new shoes; will those photos be something good to look back on after the tour?

Yeah. I’m going to have to leave some of the things behind because I don’t think I’ll be able to bring everything back that I’ve bought!

You have your debut album called ‘So Free’. How would you describe it musically?

‘So Free’ has been a bit of a reflection of my younger life. I wrote a lot of the songs as I was growing up through love and relationships so it’s a bit of a reflection of who I am, and I think it’s been a great way of introducing myself to people and how I’ve grown up [and] what I’ve been through.

What’s the message behind the title of it?

I decided to title it that because of everything we went through when recording the album. It was quite the experience. We had to record it a few times to get it the way we wanted it to be and a lot of people [were] trying to change my sound and over-produce [it]. One of the songs I wrote was ‘So Free’ and it’s all about just being who you want to be and not letting people change who you are and just going for loving yourself and expressing yourself the way you wanted to. It was meant to be that I should title it that as well.

Do you have a favourite track on the album?

Definitely ‘Drinking By Myself’. It’s the most emotional song on there and something more recently that I went through with a relationship. Everytime I sing that song I can go back to how I felt, just knowing that I can overcome what I went through; I can over-come anything.  

You have a new single out called ‘Drinking By Myself’ and you’ve done a video. What was that like to record?

The video was a lot of fun! I actually recorded it in Portland, Oregon. It was really nice to go around the city and capture the parts of the cities, and bridges they have there. It was pretty simple but it did take two days to record and I was pretty exhausted after that! But I think we nailed it after that.

When will the video be out?

It’s out next week, on the 10^th [November].

Did your move in America change the direction of your music?

Not as much as people thought it would. They said ‘you’re moving to Austin, you’re going to be doing Texan country music”. It didn’t really impact a lot but as far as the writing goes my journey is between Oregon and Austin; you’re going to see a lot of that coming out on a lot of the songs that I’ve been writing for the next album.”

So you’re working on new material?

Yes, definitely. You should be hearing new music by next year.

Finally what are your plans for after this tour?

Relaxing! I actually have a trip coming up to Mexico. I’m looking forward to just having some down time but when I get back it’s back to work and I’ll be heading to Dubai to do a couple of shows in December!

You can find out more about JoAnna Lee at Joannaleemusic.com.

New Music Review #107

Ten more songs you need to hear!

AstroVoyager - First Lights

'First Lights' is an atmospheric instrumental with hints of futuristic space travel in its delightful progression - like Muse if they turned their ear to pure synths. (6.5/10)

Bishop Briggs - Dream

An energetic and exciting number with a determined beat and a Florence and the Machine-vibe. A grower. (6.5/10)

The Ghibertins - I'm War (Live in a Cave)

The Ghibertins continue to release some great singles and though 'I'm War' is less bombastic than their previous singles, the deep voice of the lead singer, here demonstrating some emotive fragility; strongly delivered lyrics; and the recognisable guitar riff make this still a worthwhile listen. Plus as a live track is very strongly done. (6.5/10)

Jules Rendell - Old Friend

Though it's perhaps a little too gentle for its own good this is a smooth and soulful number with a chorus that reveals its magic over a few listens. Rendell has a great Emile Sande like sound and this is a good introduction. (6/10)

Junge Junge - I'm The One

'I'm the One', with its soaring production, heart-felt lyrics and uplifting thoughtful delivery, makes for a strong and touching ballad with extra balls. Great. (7/10)

Lucy Rose - No Good At All

Another beautifully sung number from Rose, with her delightful voice wrapped around this gentle number. It's not hugely memorable but it's a pleasant, relaxing piece. (6/10)

Marshmello - You & Me

Its club-sound might be a little off-the-shelf but its Good Charlotte / Blink 182 vibe works well, it's just a shame it would sound better as a less over-produced number. (5.5/10)

Melanie C - Room For Love

With hints of OneRepublic and Timbaland this is perhaps lyrically stronger than it is memorable but it's heart is in the right place and the production lifts it up. (6.5/10)

Shaydee feat Wiz Kid - Make Sense (Clean Edit)

Though its summery sound and video might feel out of place in late October this is a cool laid-back number with a fun vibe. Smooth. (6/10)

Taylor Swift - Gorgeous

Not quite sure it's the greatest of messages hidden within the lyrics, but it's mid-tempo chunky production style works well and the rhythm is cool. (6/10)

New Music Review #106

Ten more songs you have to hear!

The Academic - Bear Claws

Sounding more mature than they look in the video 'Bear Claws' is a radio-friendly indie-pop number with a perky, singable chorus. Very promising! (6.5/10)

Bryan Adams - Please Stay

A ballad is the order of the day for this latest entry into Adams' catalogue and though it's perhaps a little familiar it's gentle pace and touching lyrics and delivery help it along. (6.5/10)

Ed Sheeran - Perfect

If you are a fan of Sheeran I'm sure you've already swayed along to this, and though the lyrics might be perhaps a little saccharine it's string-led stripped-back production brings out the love. (6.5/10)

Elkie Brooks - Rising Cost Of Love

Lyrically a little bit forced in parts this is still actually pretty funky and memorable, with Brooks' gravelly vocals and the upbeat rhythm bringing a smile to your face. (6.5/10)

Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending

It could be arguing that Franz Ferdinand are getting less and less poppy as the album's go by - not that they were ever that 'mainstream' - but their first post-FFS track has a Goldfrapp and Jamiroquai feel in its synthy riffs, switching up from the choral opening to something catchier and on more familiar territory. A definite grower. (7/10)

Isaac Gracie - Silhouettes Of You

With hints of Chris Isaak and Coldplay, this gentle piano-led ballad is a great smooth and soothing listen with Gracie's gentle vocals a delight to listen to. (7/10)

Leading Ladies - One Night Only

Originally from the 'Dreamgirls' musical this disco-enthused song sounds like a Meat Loaf song mixed with Diana Ross, and its camp yet powerfully sung credentials work well for us. (7/10)

Steps - Dancing With A Broken Heart

It's a little bit like Steps-by-numbers but if you've enjoyed their previous songs then this chunky pop-dance number with its catchy chorus will tick those boxes. Not sure about the forced post-chorus section though. (7/10)

Stormzy feat. MNEK - Blinded By Your Grace (Part 2)

At atmospheric, gospel-tinged number where the lighter vocals of MNEK stand well next to Stormzy's gruffer raps. A slow but strong ballad number with a higher power. (7/10)

Texas - Can't Control

Perhaps a little bit of a change in direction for the sound of the band, sounding more like Madonna crossed with Cheryl. Lacking Texas' usual huge radio-friendly chorus this is something a bit different, but plays out nicely and grows with a few listens. (6/10)

New Music Review #105

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Faye Bagley - Fall & Break

With Bagley's strong voice up front and centre, this simply produced but powerful ballad has plenty going for it and feels rather uplifting both lyrically and in its delivery. (6.5/10)

Fever Ray - To The Moon And Back

With a lengthy yet enjoyable instrumental opening this is a gentle indie number with hints of electronic woven into its quirky, and at times a little explicit, vocals. (7/10)

Iffy Orbit - Not Good Enough (Live)

Not only a really strong life performance but also a great catchy indie track with a chorus that will stick in your head. Lovely! (7.5/10)

Intastella - The Rise And Fall of a Northern Dubstar

Quite an eccletic, nay eccentric number. There are hints of Gorillaz in its production and style and though you may want to turn it off in its opening bars stick with it as its hooks soon become apparent. (6.5/10)

Jacob Banks - Unknown (To You) (Timbaland Remix)

With a production style that is pretty by-the-numbers Timbaland it's Banks' sultry and soulful vocals that make this song. Delightful. (7/10)

K.Flay - Giver

With a bouncing drum beat and a quickly catchy chorus, this mid-tempo indie-pop number boasts a great sounding and distinctive vocal from K.Flay and a real memorable feel. (7.5/10)

K.I.D - Elevator

Though a far quieter affair than their excellent 'Taker' this short yet sweet ballad with a chorus with more bite quickly lodges in your brain and is another strong single from them. (7.5/10)

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Holy Mountain

Sounding like a crossover between 'San Plane Pour Moi' and a glam record, this lo-fi retro-sounding number is one of my favourite songs of the year: warming, catchy and quirky. Brilliant! (8.5/10)

Super Mario Odyssey Musical - Jump Up, Super Star!

Possibly the most unusual entry in our listings for a while, this swing-enthused pop song from the new Nintendo Switch game is a catchy, upbeat funky number that definitely proves to be an ear-worm! (7/10)

Tom Chaplin - Under a Million Lights

Taken from his upcoming Christmas album this is a warming, seasonal number without being hugely referential to the time of year. Beautifully sung and produced, this is a delightfully gentle and loveable track. (7.5/10)

New Music Review #104

Ten more great songs you need to hear!

AVEC - Waiting For

A simple, stripped back sound with hints of country make for a smooth and gentle showcase of Avec's sweet and very listenable voice. (6/10)

Cimo Fränkel - Never Give up

'Never Give Up' is a soulful number with some hints of Bruno Mars in its cut-back sound. It's chorus is perhaps not as big as you'd expect but it has a nice little vibe to it and feels very summery (7/10)

Jazz Mino - Crush

Delivering a funked up cover of the classic song, this club-influenced song lacks the subtlety of the original but it does something fresh with the hit and injects some modern vibes in it, and Jazz Mino's vocals are as great as ever. Cool! (7/10)

Judi Jackson - Worth It

With a soulful, stripped back chilled-out vibe and a Macy Gray-lite sound to the vocals this is a cool, relaxing number, perfect for a quiet night in. (6/10)

Paul Brand - Standing Over Elvis

Though you could argue it's a little twee in parts this is a smooth and gentle country-lite number with some sweet little reminisces and a warming feel, plus the chorus is quickly memorable. (6.5/10)

Reggie 'N' Bollie - On The Floor

Though its off-the-shelf sound effects don't bode well for it this becomes a catchy club-number with a hook-filled Shaggy-like chorus that keeps the summer alive for a little bit longer, and Beenie Man's inclusion adds a bit extra bite. (6.5/10)

The Sheratons - Better Days

Ticking the indie box for this post, this is a simple but fun enough indie track with a nice lo-fi production and throwback sound. (6/10)

Soldier On - Ropes 

With a drum beat appropriate to the band name this is a cool indie number with an Arctic Monkeys vibe and some neat twists and turns in its production. (6/10)

Soulitaire - One Of Many Parts

In a post that seems to include lots of stripped back numbers this is another cut back song which focuses on the vocals, the catchy chorus and multi-instrumentation working well hand-in-hand. (6.5/10)

Swym - That's So Drugs, Man

As free-flowing as the hippy culture that quite possibly inspires the title, this is a song of two-halves where swaying vocals give way to a foot-tapping musical style. Nice. (6.5/10)