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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Album Review: Duncan Lloyd – I O U M E
Duncan Lloyd – I O U M ETop Tracks: Hermetic Delight – Vow
Belwood Music is proud to premiere the music video from Hermetic Delight. ‘Vow’, the title track of the French band’s latest EP, is a dark and eerie voyage through a nocturnal landscape, complete with menacing post-punk instrumentation and vocals reminiscent of Courtney Swain from art rock band Bent Knee. The new video follows each of the band members as they wind their way through the city streets; from the brightly lit hustle and bustle, to its dark and seedy underbelly. Jumping between each band member, each new turn takes them deeper into an unseen world, where the threatening tension of ‘Vow’ seems all the more potent. The song and its accompanying video work in perfect harmony to create a broody atmosphere that is hard to pull yourself out of.
Top Tracks: The Firelight Opera – Alive
Now here is a new alternative rock band to get excited about! For a genre that prides itself on its high energy, these days it all too often feels stale and uninspired. Sunderland based band The Firelight Opera bring something new to the scene with their debut single ‘Alive’, taken from their upcoming album Communication Breakdown out 29th May. What sets them apart is the fact that four of the band members share lead vocal duties, bringing a refreshing dynamic into the mix. Though the intertwining vocal melodies often steal the show, the track also boasts plenty of soaring guitar work and a profoundly though provoking music video. Put all that together and you find yourself listening to the ideal alternative anthem from one of the most promising new bands on the scene.
Top Tracks: Rachel Jane – Waiting For A Change
I’m fairly sure “badass” isn’t a technical term, however there’s no denying that it perfectly encapsulates the new track from singer/songwriter Rachel Jane. ‘Waiting For A Change’, taken from her upcoming second EP The Mountain due in July, is an evocative anthem full of drive and conviction. With riffs akin to AM era Arctic Monkeys, Rachel sings with the spirit of someone beaten down by the world, only for each blow to further fan the flames of her inner strength. If you need a song to spur you forth to break the chains holding you back and step out into the world as through it was yours for the taking, then this is it, no question. Rachel Jane is definitely a name to look out for at this summer’s festivals.
Top Tracks: Lucy & La Mer – Honey, Put Your Weapons Down
I often find myself drawn to songs with something different or unique to offer, and that’s just what I discovered upon first hearing the new single from LA based singer/songwriter Lucy LaForge. ‘Honey, Put You Weapons Down’ combines a simple, albeit off-kilter melody with soaring strings to produce a curious folk pop hit. It has all the hooks and slick production to appeal to pop fans, but also brings together the kind of musicality and eccentricity that indie folk fans are sure to love. Lyrically the track speaks of the need for that special spark with a relationship, that if it’s meant to be it should feel relaxed and natural rather than an uphill battle. On this song Lucy has created an innovative and modern pop sound that is well ahead of the curve.
Interview: Levy & The Oaks
Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, Levy & The Oaks bring together classic, homegrown folk and Americana, with nuanced pop production and accessibility to create a sound that is entirely their own. After releasing their eponymous debut just last year, the band have wasted no time in releasing their new unplugged EP Out Of The Blue. The sparse arrangements on offer within have breathed new life into the tracks. I chatted to Lou Panico about Levy & The Oaks’ latest acoustic adventures ahead of the upcoming EP: Continue reading
Live Review: Ophelia, The Greystones Sheffield, 7th May 2017
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and likewise all great acts have to start somewhere. Belwood is all about supporting new music, and transatlantic duo Samuel Taylor and Rebecca Van Cleave are one of the most exciting musical projects the site has supported thus far. Blending classic Americana with modern English folk, and with plenty of addictive indie pop hooks for good measure, Ophelia’s music has something to offer everyone. Having just released their debut single, I caught them at their homecoming gig at the lovely Greystones in Sheffield for the final stop of their Vagabond Tour. Continue reading
Spotlight!: Goodwood Atoms
Photo by Katrin Braga
Though the music world is dominated by the US and the UK, Canada has been growing ever closer to reaching that level. The Great White North has become a real dark horse, and it is bands such as Goodwood Atoms that are leading the charge. With their latest EP The Place they have crafted a fascinating musical voyage. Listening to it is like drifting along in the jetstream; a sense of calm while a vast and bountiful world races past you. ‘Dreaming About’ kicks off with electronic beats and swelling synths before launching into a bass driven indie rock number reminiscent of Arcade Fire. ‘Tech Know’ sees the band at their most eclectic, crafting a moving atmosphere and populating it with intricate acoustic riffs and powerful drum patterns. ‘Into The Bay’ sees Goodwood Atoms further embracing electronica and injecting an all too often cold and reserved genre with some much needed fire, while the mellow acoustic closing track ‘Place’ has hints of Fleet Foxes and early Bon Iver. The band have released one of the strongest EPs of the year, exhibiting a high standard that few full albums have even been able to match, never mind maintain it for the duration.
Goodwood Atoms new EP The Place is out 12th May, and is perfect for fans of Radiohead, Anathema, Sigur Ros and Fleet Foxes
Unnecessary Albums: The rise of deluxe editions
You all know the type; once an album has been released the record label will keep flogging it for every penny it’s worth. In today’s modern music industry, during what is probably the most unpredictable time since it’s inception, the business side of things plays a bigger role than ever before. With streaming becoming the dominant form of music consumption, but offering little in terms of monetary rewards, labels have to go to greater lengths to try and push sales for physical copies of albums. One of the biggest, and most irritating ways that they do this is by releasing “deluxe editions”, packed to the brim with content that, if we’re honest, no one asked for. Continue reading
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