The new single from this London-based electropop duo offers a delightfully retro 80s twist to the increasingly popular synth-driven scene. Laurence Jepson and Charlie Dale mix in tried and tested futuristic synth sounds with hints of everyone from Bastille and James Vincent McMorrow, to Belwood Award winner Rationale. The production here is immaculate and the track boasts a passionate vocal delivery that is streets ahead of most acts in the scene. It’s the kind of song that will appeal to fans of the mainstream and the underground alike; a rare and fascinating place to be. Lejon offer a glimpse into their vast potential with ‘If’, and depending on where they go next they may well lead the genre to exciting new places with future releases.
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Top Tracks: Night Click – The Drug Store Ceiling
‘The Drug Store Ceiling’, the title track from Night Click’s upcoming debut album out 21st July, plays like an amalgamation of two classic American sounds. A New Jersey native, songwriter Michael Klics relocated to LA to perform under his new moniker. His music carries with it the legacy of two incredibly important places of musical heritage, each on opposite sides of the country. ‘The Drug Store Ceiling’ combines the radio friendly harmonies and sun-drenched psychedelica of the classic Californian sound, with a bold brass section and Springsteen-esque Americana vibes. It’s a winning combination, and as such this track simply oozes charm with each new listen. Night Click has released a very promising first single and I look forward to hearing how his sublime sound develops from here.
Spotlight!: Simon Baum
Being a singer/songwriter and performing in very stripped back and intimate arrangements is all about creating a sense of honesty. Sharing with the audience something personal and meaningful, baring your soul for the world to see. London based artist Simon Baum understands this role better than most. With his new EP Better he has crafted four touchingly heartfelt songs that say a lot about his character. The title track speaks of being thankful for what you have and feeling confident in one’s self, and ‘It’s All For You’ is a moving declaration of love, complete with vivid lyrical imagery. ‘Firelight’ sees Simon’s voice at it’s most vulnerable and delicate, while the incredibly moving ‘Bridges‘ shares an important message of togetherness, and about how the only way we can make the world a better place is to celebrate the things we all have in common. Simon Baum gives a modern spin to the classic 70s singer/songwriter sound of artists such as James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, producing an intimate portrait of himself within his music, albeit one that we can all see some small part of ourselves within.
Fans of Seafret, Frances, Isaac Gracie and Billie Marten should check out his new EP Better.
Album Review: Royal Street – Flavors
Royal Street – FlavorsTop Tracks: Whitehorse – Nighthawks
The latest single from this Canadian duo has all the wickedly addictive pull of the classic psychedelic pop sound. ‘Nighthawks’, taken from their upcoming album Panther In The Dollhouse out 4th August, boasts some stunning melodies. With 60s surf rock reverb, hints of modern electropop, and a chorus with more hooks than a tackle shop, it’s a genre-bending track that’s hard not to love. On paper, all these separate elements are things you would associate with something upbeat and summery, instead it spins them around a slick noir vibe that simply oozes attitude and danger. The end result is a song so certifiably badass that it seduces you a little more with each new listen. One of the most captivating and rewarding listens you’re likely to find right now.
Top Tracks: Calais – Seeing It All
This Brisbane based band have released one of the most attention-grabbing indie singles of the year. Although this Australian outfit boast a synth driven sound akin to our own up-and-coming Blossoms, the real pull of this track lies with its chunky bass lines. I honestly can’t remember the last time I heard such sublime bass tones within a rock song. Lyrically ‘Seeing It All’ deals with a relationship that becomes so consuming, you lose all sense of self and purpose without that person, and the subsequent journey to find yourself that follows. That deeper meaning within the song is adorned with indie hooks to make the perfect playlist material. Australia has had a real musical renaissance in recent years, so keep a close eye on Calais, as they could be the country’s next great export.
Spotlight!: Ailbhe Reddy
This Dublin born singer/songwriter, having already made waves in her native Ireland, seems set to carve out a path towards international acclaim. With her new upcoming EP, Ailbhe Reddy crafts a curious amalgamation of styles. Attach To Memory combines elements of folk, indie and electropop; all underpinned by her unique vocals, recalling everyone from Lianne La Havas and The Cranberries, to Daughter and Feist. Indie rocker ‘Fingertips’ takes a frank look at female sexuality and boasts a curiously addictive chorus, while the folky beginnings of ‘Never Loved’ conjure up an image of falling leaves in some picturesque city park. ‘Disconnect’ builds towards a climactic wall of sound and the genre-hopping ‘Loose’ sees Ailbhe’s voice at it’s very best, shifting from psychedelic soul to beat driven pop perfection. There are a thousand tiny elements within the music that I could trace back, but all together they create a sound that is truly one of a kind. Following on from the success of her first release Hollowed Out Sea, Ailbhe Reddy has kicked it up a few notches and seems sure to reach even greater heights with furture releases. The sky is the limit.
Fans of Feist, Daughter, Lanterns On The Lake and Lianne La Havas should check out her latest EP Attach To Memory out 24th May
Chris Cornell passes away
One of the most iconic frontmen of the 90s, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden has passed away. Early reports suggest the singer tragically committed suicide. One of the most influential rock singers of his generation, he was one of the key figures in the grunge movement that defined an era. As well as releasing such acclaimed albums as Badmotorfinger and Superunknown with Soundgarden, he also fronted two short-lived yet enduring supergroups; Temple of the Dog with members of Pearl Jam, and Audioslave alongside members of Rage Against The Machine. His solo career saw him perform ‘You Know My Name’, the theme for the 2006 Bond film Casino Royale. His work inspired a whole new generation of rock bands and he will be sorely missed.
Album Review: Joe Innes & The Cavalcade – Foreign Domestic Policy
Joe Innes & The Cavalcade – Foreign Domestic PolicyTop Tracks: Carlo Barbagallo – Any Girl’s Eyes
Belwood is proud to premiere the new video from Sicilian musician and songwriter Carlo Barbagallo. ‘Any Girl’s Eyes’, taken from his new album 9, stands at the crossroads between folk, jazz and soul, having explored a fair share of miles towards each musical horizon. With an airy melody reminiscent of Nick Drake, albeit fleshed out with an understated brass section, smatterings of soulful guitar and organ, and slick piano work, the track stands as an impressive and expansive music monument. Straddling the line between classic and contemporary, Carlo has taken a deceptively simple song and has given it a larger than life sound. Carrying the same kind of ambition and attention to detail that you’d find on Michael Kiwanuka’s acclaimed album Love & Hate, it’s easily the best R&B offering that I’ve heard thus far in 2017.
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