When we look back at some of the most memorable and moving music, it is often something very raw and personal, or it carries a deeper message about the world we live in. It’s rare however to find an artist that can bring both aspects together. Singer/songwriter Joe Innes, and his lovingly curated band The Cavalcade, fits perfectly in the centre of that Venn diagram with his own unique brand of ‘Post-Brexit Indie’. His music interweaves his own life experiences with observations of the current state of the world. ‘Moscow’, taken from the upcoming album Foreign Domestic Policy out 26th May, juxtaposes a tale of lost love with the West’s uneasy relationship with Russia, with a sound that is equal parts indie rocker and folk troubadour.
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Album Review: Cattle & Cane – Mirrors
Cattle & Cane – MirrorsInterview: Chronologist
I must confess that whenever I’m not listening to one of the numerous and wonderful submissions that the site receives, I’m often busy exploring the world of prog rock and prog metal. With the incomparable complexity of the music and the grandiose concepts, there is simply nothing else to rival it in terms of ambition and technical skill. Chronologist, a new band on the scene from Austin, Texas, are proving to be a promising up-and-coming addition to the genre. I spoke with their drummer Zach Sacco about their debut album Cartographer: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Emma Ballantine – Through Your Eyes
I’m always on the lookout for music that follows interesting and moving concepts, and Emma Ballantine’s latest EP Somebody’s Story is a perfect example, bringing together true tales from people around the globe. ‘Through Your Eyes’ shares the story of a 14-year-old boy with autism named James. Aimed at capturing the way he sees the world, it even features samples of his own music. The airy, expansive soundscape, the crystal clear vocals and the arresting lyrics make for one powerful track. Joining stories of true love and chance encounters, it rounds off the EP as a profound and emotive piece of music, portraying an important part of the human condition. It’s easy to speak your own mind, but it’s something all together more challenging to portray another person’s view of the world so delicately, and so beautifully.
Album Review: Sound of the Sirens – For All Our Sins
Sound of the Sirens – For All Our SinsTop Tracks: emaé – Better
Soulful Scottish singer/songwriter emaé has returned with a brand new single. ‘Better’, taken from her debut album due later this year, is a gospel inspired, piano driven ballad. The track shares a message of reassurance, and of remaining confident and determined in the face of adversity. The song’s sparse arrangement gives room for emaé’s stunning vocals to really shine, and show that she is one of the most talented singers around right now. It’s rare to find such a powerful and moving voice these days, and rarer still for it to be blessed with a song that truly does it justice. Having already been named as “One to watch in 2017” by the MOBO Awards, I can wait to see her grow and blossom into the life-changing artist I know she can be.
Album Review: Mastodon – Emperor of Sand
Mastodon – Emperor of SandTop Tracks: Island Apollo – Hold It Down
If you’re looking for the perfect archetype of a modern rock hit, you’d struggle to find a better fit, or a more well-rounded track, than the new song from LA band Island Apollo. Their new single ‘Hold It Down’ kicks off with some Arctic Monkeys style riffs and a dash of Blossoms brand indie synths, before bringing it all back together for the layered vocal harmonies and slick pop production of its infectious chorus. It’s one of those tracks that can make your dreary walk down the street feel like a total badass surveying their kingdom, the whole world at your feet. Island Apollo are definitely one to watch, with tracks like this it won’t be long until they are on every indie hits playlist worth listening to.
Stop the solo concert shame
I will admit, I was a bit of a late bloomer when it came to live music. I didn’t attend my first proper gig until I was in university and it wasn’t until many many more down the line that I discovered that there is a stigma attached to going to concerts on your own. A great many more concerts later, both solo and with friends, and I still must profess that I don’t understand what the problem is. I think it’s high time people grow up and embrace the idea of going solo to live music events. Continue reading
Top Tracks: Cameron Jones – Call It Off
I’m a big lover of complex music that pushes the boundaries. But no matter how talented you are, it doesn’t mean anything without heart. It usually ends up being the simplest of songs that create the deepest connections with their audience. That is just the case with up-and-coming singer/songwriter Cameron Jones. His latest track ‘Call It Off’ follows a dark and simple folky path, but there is a palpable sense of emotion in his lyrics and their delivery. Honest and sincere, with just the right level of production to let the track truly flourish, Cameron has done everything right. It’s the kind of song that people will be racing to use as the perfect emotive soundtrack for big blockbuster dramas. Mark my words, you haven’t heard the last of Cameron Jones.
Belwood Music 