It’s a tale as old as popular music itself; hearing a song live changes your entire perception of it. There’s some inexplicable magic at work, and suddenly it’s like hearing it again for the first time. Sometimes it can even happen when you’re not even there, simply by watching a live recording you can open your mind to new possibilities. Royal Street’s new live rendition of ‘Say Hello’, from their debut album Flavors, does just that. With plenty of pop appeal, some refined Americana vibes, and their trademark bass tones, this dark horse of a track has really grown on me. Showing a different side to the band, this charming performance really brings out the best of Royal Street, and is sure to delight their fans as well as lure in plenty of new faces.
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Album Review: The Rigs – World On Fire
The Rigs – World On FireTop Tracks: big tide – Thirst For The Limelight
Making a great song needn’t be rocket science, sometimes all you need is that one secret ingredient to bring it to life. That’s just the philosophy that has been followed for big tide’s new single ‘Thirst For The Limelight’. With his signature 12-string guitar, Liverpool born songwriter Ben Thomas, under his moniker big tide, has perfected an attention grabbing jangly tone that proves to be delightfully refreshing and engaging. With hints of The Byrds and R.E.M., and more than a little of The Smiths thrown in for good measure, big tide brings classic indie and subtle psychedelica together in this punchy little number. This track may not be the most diverse or the most technical music in the world, but none of that matters when you can so perfectly nail a sound and a vibe like this.
Top Tracks: NADINE – Rise
The new single from this Swiss singer is just as uplifting as its name suggests. ‘Rise’, the title track of her new EP out 23rd November, is a powerful slice of cinematic pop offering an affecting message of hope. From the elegant vulnerability of its intro, it soon builds into something every bit as grand and imposing as the gorgeous church featured in the music video. Carefully crafted and beautifully refined, this track does exactly what singles are supposed to do, but rarely ever achieve. Each single should show all that you are, all that you can be, in what could be your only chance to make the world sit up and take notice. ‘Rise’ does all this and more. There are few songs this year that can pack so much grandeur into just a few short minutes the way that Nadine has done here.
Top Tracks: Alex Francis – All I’ve Got
Music isn’t an exact science, there’s no ready-made formula for success. People can spend their lives working to make a hit, and sometimes, as with ‘All I’ve Got’, all the elements can come together as if by magic to create something truly compelling and timeless. This track, taken from his upcoming EP A Stronger Love out 1st December, really lets his gritty vocals steal the spotlight in its more subdued, bluesy moments, before kicking into full-blown anthemic territory in the killer chorus. Talking about how we need to take a step back from this material world and focus on the people who really matter, the lyrics keep to the same high standard set by the music. This really is up there with some of the best work that any modern singer/songwriters I’ve heard have to offer.
Interview: ISLAND
During their debut headline tour, I managed to pinch a few minutes of London-based rising stars ISLAND’s time, to ask them some questions. I very nearly missed the pleasure of getting to interview them though, as when I arrived they were seconds from leaving the venue in order to get some food. Instead of going hungry, the boys very kindly invited me along. After a long dispute on what food to order, the band members finally decided on what appeared to be a “small feast”. Once the food was all ordered, the boys were in good spirits and ready to answer my questions (although I think they were just excited to finally eat!) Continue reading
Top Tracks: Kylypso – Cosmic Dolphins
Besides having the best song title I’ve heard all year, the new single from this East London trio has a lot to offer. ‘Cosmic Dolphins’, taken from their upcoming debut EP Soon Fun out 24th November, is an airy yet playful number that fits whatever mood you will it to. The deceptively sparse arrangement and understated electronics are well suited for introspective evenings, but with its funky bass lines and bright disco vibes it is just as at home for when you emerge from that deep thought with a sudden urge to get up and dance. I’d struggle to think of another song so equally adept within these two very different moods. Whether the song was an artistic masterstroke, or they struck upon the magic formula by mere happenstance, it is a track that is well worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Monti – Echo
This new tracks from LA based artist Monti combines two of my favourite things: an uplifting message and an outside-the-box music video. With a few hints of Halsey, ‘Echo’ boasts expressive synths and emphatic drum beats to give its message of reassurance and solidarity for those facing adversity that bit more power. Likewise the music video, showing the vibrancy of passion and creativity against a bleak backdrop of poverty and hardship, ending with a heartwarming and indiscriminate act of kindness. Both the music and the visual are a perfect match. ‘Echo’ delivers everything it promises and then some. Whether the song provides comfort for whatever misfortune is holding you back, or compels you to help others battling their demons, Monti’s new single is sure to leave its mark on you.
Top Tracks: Nick Heyward – Perfect Sunday Sun
Nick Heyward’s new single couldn’t be more quintessentially English even if it came with a complimentary mug of tea. ‘Perfect Sunday Sun’, taken from the prolific singer/songwriter’s latest album Woodland Echoes, is steeped in a quaint and wistful air that simply exudes a deep sense of nostalgia. It’s like one of those inexplicable moments when your mind opens up to memories that have long since faded, and you reflect on all those forgotten moments from years gone by that helped make you who you are today. This potent dose of pastoral indie pop offers an excellent springboard for the uninitiated into Heyward’s work, and with the winter soon upon us it injects some much needed warmth into those cold and dreary days.
Spotlight!: Peco
With so many singer/songwriters on the circuit it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. There’s one sure way however to give your music a warm glow of charm, integrity and individuality, something that Irish artist Peco McLoughin has down already; be true to yourself as an artist. Even just a cursory listen to his music shows someone naturally channeling his influences into his own distinct style. The galloping beat and disjointed verses of ‘Self Help – A Beginner’s Guide’ make it a perfect example of Peco’s unique character, while the blues stomp of ‘Harbour Master’ shows him crafting a narrative rich with imagery. ‘Safe Haven’ is a suitably serene folk number, the understated instrumentation of ‘After The Wake’ reminds me of Van Morrison, while ‘Grace Isn’t Easy’ show’s Peco’s ability to turn a phrase at it’s very best. Relatable lines such as “I may not be the best guy to explain to you the way I really feel, but it’s hard for me to separate what’s in my head from what is real” really connect and stay with you, which all singer/songwriters should aspire to do. Peco’s debut EP offers an insightful snapshot of this assured and talented songwriter.
Fans of Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Neil Young and Laura Marling should check out his debut EP And So I Arrived At The Start out now.
Belwood Music 