Author: James Fenney

The Undermining of Modern Protest Music

/ James Fenney
climate sign outside blur

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Music has a lot of power over us. It can bring us to tears, help us fall in love, comfort us when we’re at the end of our rope, and make us feel like we’re on top of the world. Though we all connect with music on a personal level, in the wider scheme it can also bring people together and unite them behind a common cause. In these ways a song can become the voice of a generation, a call to arms against injustice, an inspirational voice for positive change. There’s certainly no shortage of causes for artists to rally around, especially given the current state of the world. We have the abhorrent rise of far-right ideologies, the ever growing division caused by racism and xenophobia, the worst wealth inequality the world has ever seen with the richest getting richer and the poor dying needlessly, and of course the looming threat of an ongoing climate crisis. There’s enough ammunition there to spark a golden age of protest music… so why does it feel like protest music has lost its bite? Continue reading →

Top Tracks: The Satellite Station – Phantom

/ James Fenney

Everyone that we meet who we welcome into our lives leaves their mark on us in some way. Some small trace of them lives in us, and we come across little reminders of them as we go about our lives. Perhaps it’s hearing their favourite song, or visiting a place you spent a lot of time together. For those closest to us, the ones we give our heart to, even the most slight of stimuli can bring them to mind, like the faintest of scents drifting by on the breeze or the soft touch of another’s hand against yours. When you lose someone you love, be it through a break-up or them passing away, you begin to feel the marks they left everywhere you turn. The suitably haunting ‘Phantom’, from singer/songwriter Travis Rue under his moniker The Satellite Station, details what it is like to be living in the shadow of someone’s memory. Having so many things that remind you of them that it feels like they never left. Trying to move on when there are reminders all around you, but at the same time not wanting to escape by forgetting them entirely. This sparse and elegant number is one that you can really empathise with, and it will live on in your memory for all the right reasons.

Top Tracks: Limón Limón – Normal Now

/ James Fenney

A huge part of who we are is determined by what we want other people to think of us. We all wear a mask to blend in with the crowd to some degree; it’s human nature, we’re sociable creatures and we want to belong, to feel like part of the group. To that end we don’t try to be exceptional, we don’t let our unique character shine through as much as we should, instead we end up striving to be average. We keep our heads down and conform, we live our lives guided by society’s standards and try to keep up with the latest trends. This new track from indie duo Limón Limón rejects the notion of normality and acts as a celebration of individuality. The hazy synths, understated groove, and light and airy riffs make ‘Normal Now’, with its vintage 80s vibes, feel like a splash of vibrant colour in an otherwise bland and beige world. It’s a track that we find happiness within ourselves, not from the approval of others. 

Spotlight!: Simon Alexander

/ James Fenney

simon alexanderA lot changes in a year. We take it in our stride as we’re so focused on the day to day, but if you really think about it you can look at your life from one season to the next and the contrast can be so stark that it’s almost like different people living in different worlds. The summers so lush and full of life that we welcome their warmth with open arms, cast our worries aside, and jam to music that’s bright and boisterous; the winters stark, sombre and unforgiving so that we retreat inside to escape the cold, and our thoughts too turn inward as we cling to music that is quiet and introspective. Each season a disparate chapter of a long and winding story, each passing year holding something new and leaving its mark on you.

Swedish singer/songwriter Simon Alexander embodies this idea in his new EP In The Rust. Lyrically the release often reflects on the passage of time, taking a nostalgic look back at years gone by through rose tinted glasses, and apprehensively pondering what fresh changes and challenges the years ahead have in store. Musically the four songs contained here are as rich and varied as the seasons. ‘Move Steady’ is an uplifting indie anthem packed to the brim with bright melodies, and the title track delights with its rustic folk arrangement and gorgeous harmonies. The smooth and joyous rhythm & blues of ‘Good Friends’ is just what the doctor ordered to banish the winter blues, and the soulful slow-burning closing track ‘Rain’ has some sublime guitar work and showcases Simon’s vocals at their very best. These four tracks really show just how wide-ranging his talents are, and I look forward to hearing what fresh delights he has in store further down the line.

Fans of Hozier, Gavin James, Ben Howard and Wilder Mind era Mumford & Sons should check out Simon’s new EP In The Rust out now.

Top Tracks: AARYS – Talk

/ James Fenney

When artists share their inner demons through music, not only does it provide relief by venting their struggles, it also gives a voice to everyone else listening that has ever felt the same way. It serves as a reminder for both sides that you’re not alone and there are people out there who understand what you’re feeling. Especially so when it’s a song as well written as ‘Talk’ which finds the right words to capture a feeling you thought was indescribable. This latest single from Canadian artist AARYS deals with the crippling isolation of anxiety. How it builds two walls around you that keep you from reaching out to others: the anxiety itself, that relentless inner critic that convinces you that you’re an outsider and aren’t welcome, and the stigma surrounding the anxiety that instills a fear that people will see and treat you differently if they knew what was going on inside your head. Between them its like being caught in a vice grip, wanting to call out but finding your voice just catches in your throat unheard. All who know the feeling will find their struggle echoed in the song’s vast yet empty arrangement and its striking refrain of “I wanna talk to you, but I wanna hide from everyone.”

Live Review: Thank You Scientist, Satan’s Hollow Manchester, 22nd Feb 2020

/ James Fenney

IMG_20200222_201130-01One of the most frustrating first world problems that comes with running a music blog, especially one covering new acts and niche genres, is discovering incredible bands and artists from across the globe that you may never get to see live. I was worried that Thank You Scientist would be in that category for a good long while yet; a real blow as, being the most exciting prog act around and our 2019 album of the year winners, they were also near the top of my list of bands I most wanted to see. In a stunning stroke of good fortune however, TYS decided to embark on a UK tour. Despite everything from stormy weather to closed rail links battling to keep me away, I was determined that this was one show I was not gonna miss! Continue reading →

Top Tracks: Kate Vogel – Glad It’s You

/ James Fenney

It’s hard to say goodbye, and it’s even harder to admit to yourself that it’s for the best. They say when you truly love someone you put their happiness before your own, even if it means that they’re better off with someone else. A truly noble gesture on paper, but in practice how many of us are really strong enough to be so selfless. ‘Glad It’s You’ plays as a letter to an ex’s new partner, acknowledging all the things they give them that you never could, and wishing them both the best for the future as everyone deserves to know love and happiness. I’m not sure I know many people that have the strength and maturity to even admit such a thing to themselves, let alone articulate those thoughts into a gorgeous folk ballad and share it with the world. The candor, sincerity and tenderness shown in this track stands as a real testament to Kate Vogel’s strength of character and her remarkable ability as a songwriter. In both its music and its sentiment, ‘Glad It’s You’ is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a good while.