Author: James Fenney

Top Tracks: Ailbhe Reddy – Align

/ James Fenney

I can’t remember the last time I heard a song that so perfectly captures a feeling the way that ‘Align’ does. The music conjuring out of thin air the very emotion it’s trying to describe. In this case, the wave of bittersweet nostalgia that comes in the aftermath of a break-up. Somehow ‘Align’s expansive electronica embodies not only the warmth and comfort that comes with reminiscing on a happy memory, a precious moment shared that’s rapidly fading into history, but also the cold, detached emptiness that bubbles away within when the time comes to let it go. Sincerely wishing a life well lived to source of your heartache as you close the book on the chapter you once shared. This gorgeous new single from Belwood favourite Ailbhe Reddy sees her revel in the notion that “time makes all things feel alright” in the end. Those photos and keepsakes in a box under the bed, buried away like a time capsule – if left long enough, all the pain they bring now will have softened, all the wounds will have faded into scars. All that will remain is an echo of a happy memory, and gratitude for the brief time your life intertwined with another, even if it wasn’t meant to last.

Live Review: Coldplay, Craven Park Hull, 19th Aug 2025

/ James Fenney

Though the band can often prove to be quite divisive, I’ve always been pretty Coldplay neutral. I’ve rarely found reasons to get excited about them, but nor have I ever quite understood the hate they garner from some corners. Yet even their most steadfast detractors will concede the point that they put on a great live show. Vibrant, colourful, collaborative, life-affirming. One of the grandest spectacles in live music, though not without the occasional quiet, personal moments to boot. With that in mind, I felt the most excited I’ve ever been about Coldplay, when I did a double take at the news that the band would be playing in Hull. It’s always a thrill when one of the biggest live acts in the world practically plays on your doorstep, in what is likely one of the more intimate settings they’ve played in recent years. What sealed the deal for me though was the announcement that a sizeable chunk of tickets would be reserved for local fans, and that a share of proceeds from the shows would go to support Music Venue Trust. Seeing a high profile band championing forgotten communities and grassroots music like that was something I felt the need to celebrate, and so I was one of the lucky few locals gathered for this special occasion. Continue reading →

Top Tracks: Lucifers Beard – Loveland

/ James Fenney

I love when an act is able to change their sound as easily as changing clothes. Able to reach into their musical wardrobe, grab a different style on a whim, put in on, and just make it work. When last I delved into the world of Lucifers Beard, this singular solo project was sporting a Royal Blood style full-blooded rocker sound, with a pinch of southern grit for good measure. ‘Loveland’ is another world entirely. This lush new single, the titular centrepiece of the new EP Welcome to Loveland, takes more of a funky, disco inspired approach. It feels like the work of a completely different ensemble – trading the leather jacket and cowboy hat for a glittery, mirrorball blazer and flared trousers. It’s a pitch perfect love letter to Let’s Dance era Bowie, with a few nods to ELO in its string accompaniment, and with a playful eccentricity that reminds me a little of Belwood Award winning art rockers HMLTD. Bright, grand, and indulgent, with an infectious dance rock groove, Lucifers Beard flaunts this new sound with real flair and panache.

Top Tracks: Cristina Hart – Thank You For Leaving

/ James Fenney

Absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder, sometimes it provides the step back necessary to see everything in perspective. A chance to finally recognise all the pain and manipulation that you’ve put up with for far too long. An opportunity to put yourself first and realise that you deserve to be treated better. With her new single ‘Thank You For Leaving’, Belwood favourite Cristina Hart delivers a break-up anthem that bounces back brighter than ever from the ashes of heartache. Positively buzzing with Olivia Rodrigo vibes, fusing pop earworms with a hefty helping of edge and venom, Cristina’s new single has all the cathartic satisfaction of being the one left standing tall after a break-up. They say that the best revenge is a life well lived, and this pop-rock powerhouse is living her best life right now. After being handpicked to open for One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson in Zurich, and garnering support from Radio 1’s Future Pop show, this first taste of her forthcoming EP could be your last chance to join the hype train before she becomes a household name.

Top Tracks: Emily Popli – Alight

/ James Fenney

With such an overabundance of new releases all vying for attention, it can be hard to pick out just a few examples to shine a light on for the blog. Often all a track needs to stand out from the crowd is a single wow moment – something that stops you in your tracks and demands your attention. ‘Alight’ delivers on that front in the first few seconds, when that rich, bluesy guitar tone melts your heart as it swirls and intertwines with the subtle strings. That alone was all the wow moment I needed, but this gorgeous duet just keeps piling on more moments that take your breath away. I felt that same rush of endorphins again when I heard Emily Popli’s lush, golden tones ring out. Once more when Matt Giraud’s gritty, soulful voice belted out his verse with the utmost passion and sincerity. All of it culminating in the firework finale that finds their talents combined in a most heavenly harmony. For a song with the opening line “I just want your attention…“, it sure as hell delivers, pulling out all the stops to grab it and never let it go.