I love a song that can tell a story, but sometimes it’s even more special to find a song that compels you to tell your own story. Such is the power of the new single from London based Swedish singer KLARA. With its sparse intro, consisting of little more than soothing piano and KLARA’s crystal clear vocals, it conjures an image of strolling through the forest on a crisp autumn afternoon. As the song kicks up a notch adding the swell of strings and some ethereal harmonies, it’s as though you’re raising up above the canopy, staring out at the vast golden landscape below, flitting between clouds like a leaf on the wind. As the song draws to a close, settling you back down to earth, it leaves you wanting to take the same journey all over again.
Author: James Fenney
Album Review: INHEAVEN – INHEAVEN
INHEAVEN – INHEAVENTop Tracks: Michael Oakley – Turn Back Time
I’m a man of simple pleasures; when a song sounds like the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie, and its music video features a DeLorean, then I’m fully on board. After all, if you’re gonna make a music video, why not do it with some style? This new single from Scottish singer/songwriter Michael Oakley, with its layered synths, electronic beats and bittersweet lyrics, is nothing short of pure retro heaven. The delightfully nostalgic ‘Turn Back Time’ recalls all the best qualities of 80s pop music (and pop culture) and offers a suitably cinematic feel. It captures that signature style so perfectly that it makes you wonder whether Michael is cruising around in an actual time machine, bringing with him a prime example of the golden age of pop.
Album Review: Deer Tick – Deer Tick Vol. 1 & 2
Deer Tick – Deer Tick Vol. 1 & 2Live Review: The Glass Child & Emma Buckley, The Maze Nottingham, 3rd Sept 2017
Music is always there; it’s your home, your family, something to depend on. It’s an essential part of life, and there’s a rare feeling of belonging and contentment that comes with going to gigs. With this in mind, the ‘Feels Like Home’ tour seemed like the perfect way to spend my weekend. Charlotte Eriksson, aka The Glass Child, is one of my favourite discoveries of the year, and the lovely Emma Buckley came highly recommended, so what better way to welcome in the autumn months than catching them both live in a cozy intimate gig. Continue reading
Album Review: The Duke Spirit – Sky Is Mine
The Duke Spirit – Sky Is MineAlbum Review: Reverend and the Makers – The Death of a King
Reverend and the Makers – The Death of a KingTop Tracks: Klez – Ain’t Nobody’s Fool
John Klezmer simply oozes cool with this latest single. In fact, I challenge anyone to find another modern pop song with this much style and class. ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Fool’ brings together all the best traits of the Motown hit factory, and bright summery indie pop. This new track, from his superbly titled second EP Old Soul New World, is perfect for fans of Belwood Award winner Samm Henshaw, or of classic soul legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. There is a world of potential here for Klez to catch the attention of the mainstream. seamlessly blending smooth soul and addictive pop, songs like this once ruled the world, but give this a few spins to work its magic on you and you can imagine that one day soon they will again.
Album Review: The War On Drugs – A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs – A Deeper UnderstandingSpotlight!: The Standard Affiliates
If anywhere in the world knows about summer it’s Southern California, and therefore it should come as no surprise that their native bands know how to write a feel-good summer hit. With their debut EP The Standard Affiliates have made a worthy addition to SoCal’s extensive arsenal of summer ready indie rock anthems. Boasting high energy and high spirits, it doesn’t take much to picture their songs as real crowd pleasers in a live setting. The infectious chorus and bright riffs of ‘Is It News To You’ reminds me of Clean Cut Kid, while the rhythm section work overtime on the intro of ‘Shack’ to build up the beat like a galloping stallion in the distance heading your way. The sharp squalling guitar tones of ‘Naive’ really jump out at you, ‘Daydreams’ conjures up images of carefree days on the beach with its surf rock vibes, while ‘Paint it Gold’ sees The Standard Affiliates at their peak with an indie pop banger that is up there with the best of them. If you need a band to soundtrack your summer adventures, or inspire you to get out there and start them, then you’re in luck.
The Standard Affiliates debut EP Standard is out now and is perfect for fans of Clean Cut Kid, Flyte, The 1975 and the Courteeners.
