If like me you are drawn to tracks that think outside the box and deal with unique themes then this little gem from Glasgow based artist Chiara Berardelli is just what you need. We all wish sometimes that we could just drift away to escape our problems, but ‘Deep Space Hibernation’ takes that feeling a step further as Chiara seeks to escape the heartache around not being able to have children by fading into unconsciousness in orbit of some distant world. Taken from her upcoming album Seamonster, out 2nd March, the track boasts sublime and elegant orchestration, rich imagery, Chiara’s hushed vocals and tiny subtle hints of psychedelica that recall early Bowie and the Flaming Lips. It’s a wonderfully bittersweet song that I’m sure you’ll love.
Author: James Fenney
Album Review: Loz KeyStone – To Feel Love
Top Tracks: Natalie Shay – This Feeling
Do you ever hear a song that just sets you up in a good mood for the day? ‘This Feeling’ does that and so much more, leaving me with a sense of pride at the new talent emerging in this country and an eager excitement to see what else Natalie Shay has to offer. Natalie has gifted us with an indie pop gem that is as close to perfect as you’re likely to find, capturing the hectic bliss of falling in love and inspiring it within you at the same time as it works its magic on you. The bright riffs, expressive drums and relentless positive energy make this perfect for fans of James Bay, Clean Cut Kid and Sundara Karma… just so long as you don’t mind your favourites being thoroughly beaten at their own game. Even from just this single, I get the impression that Natalie will be the one to watch in 2018.
Top Tracks: Raina Bee and the Hive – Queen of the South
The latest video from soulful New York based singer Raina Bee, and her band the Hive, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Taken from the Stung EP (liking the ongoing theme here), ‘Queen of the South’ offers wild west mariachi vibes and jazzy vintage vocals perfect for fans of Amy Winehouse and Imelda May. If that somehow isn’t enough to win you over, then the video’s bloodthirsty quest for revenge certainly will. As well as taking girl power to whole new levels, Raina’s gory big-game hunting makes The Revenant look like a Disney film as she toys with her bandmates in the woods before brutally murdering them. Not something I’d usually condone, no matter how much they may snore on the tour bus, but you can’t deny it makes for one hell of a music video!
Album Review: Ophelia – Blackbox Memories
Album Review: Typhoon – Offerings
Belwood Music Awards 2017
So here we are, another year over and a chance to look back on all that 2017 has brought us. Thank you to all of you that have supported Belwood this past year; our readers, industry colleagues and all the wonderfully talented bands and artists that have shared their music. Before we look forward to all that 2018 has to offer, lets take a moment to cherish some of the most memorable music from the past twelve months: Continue reading
Top Ten Albums of 2017
It’s that time of year again where we look back on all the amazing music the past twelve months have given us and gather together the ten highest rated albums on the site in 2017. This has been the closest year yet for albums, and with some Belwood favourites like Algiers and Wolf Alice missing out on the top ten, it’s also been a year that has offered its fair share of surprises. Continue reading
Top Ten EPs of 2017
We’ve had top lists of singles and albums since the site started, but we’ve neglected an increasingly important part of the music industry: EPs. They are a chance for new artists to show the world what they are all about, and hence by looking at EPs we can see where music is headed and who might just be the next big thing. They also offer an opportunity for established artists to take a chance and explore something new without dedicating all their effort to a full album. Simply put, EPs are the lifeblood of the music industry, and here are the ones that impressed most in the past year: Continue reading
Top Ten Videos of 2017
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with music videos. Sometimes they feel like a relic of the MTV days that we cling to because everyone else is doing them. Other times however, you find such a well conceived and brilliantly executed video that reminds you how they sometimes still have the power to make a band or artist a household name. There’s been a fair few great videos in 2017, and here’s a run-down of some of the best: Continue reading
Loz KeyStone – To Feel Love
Ophelia – Blackbox Memories
Typhoon – Offerings