Martyn Crocker – Favouritism
Indie Rock
82%
music
With his thoughtful and elegant piano balladry, Oregon native Taylor Jahn is a truly accomplished pop singer/songwriter. His faultless vocals, his gorgeous melodies and most of all his profound and heartfelt lyrics all point to a long and rewarding career in his near future. Following the release of his debut EP Hide Away, I was lucky enough to chat to him about his music: Album Review: Justin Levinson – Yes Man
Justin Levinson – Yes ManSpotlight!: Ren
An incalculable amount of new music passes through my headphones day in, day out; whether discovered on my own or found awaiting me in my inbox. With that in mind, it’s rare when a song comes along and genuinely blows me away. Such was my reaction when I first heard Ren’s sweeping folk single ‘The Coast’. The affecting melody, the sense of yearning and wanderlust; it’s the kind of song that speaks to a deep and tender part of our souls. His debut EP is just as moving as the track that first won my heart. The soulful little guitar solo that catches you off-guard at the end of ‘All That I Need’, the bittersweet, slow burning blues of ‘Late Night Drive’ and the rich imagery and loving nostalgia of ‘My Heart Belongs To Ireland’. All these achingly beautiful moments come together to create an unforgettable first release. Drawing inspiration from great singer/songwriters both classic and contemporary, Ren carves out his own little pedestal to make him stand out as a genuine artist. Ren is one of the most promising up-and-coming acts in the UK right now, with bigger and better things surely just over the horizon.
Ren’s debut EP A Calling from the Shore is out 24th February and is a must for fans of Foy Vance, The Staves, Seafret and Glen Hansard.
Top Tracks: Calling Apollo – The Wars
From it’s atmospheric beginning to it’s bold, triumphant climax, the latest single from these Welsh alternative rockers really takes you on a journey. Taken from the band’s latest EP The Great Depression: Act 1, released last summer, their track ‘The Wars’ pulls off the perfect dramatic build and cathartic release. It’s the kind of powerful song that can move audiences regardless of scenes or genres, it’s something for all fans of meaningful music. The gorgeous melodies blend together with the interpretive dance of the new music video to produce a superb synergy of music and visuals. The Cardiff quintet will also be hitting the road for a few UK tour dates next month and are well worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Little Comets – Common Things
Indie rockers Little Comets are back with the latest single from their upcoming fourth album. ‘Common Things’ finds joy and wonder in the trivial and everyday, fusing funky, offbeat synthpop with glitchy indie riffs and a killer chorus. This cracking new track from these Newcastle lads is the perfect package for fans of Everything Everything, Yeasayer and Mystery Jets. Cool, quirky and eminently danceable, this latest offering is the hottest new indie hit around right now, and one hell of a way to kick off 2017. The new album WORHEAD is released 3rd February, with the band embarking on a UK tour shortly afterwards, and it should be something special if this first single is anything to go by.
Kasabian announced as Reading and Leeds headliners
It has been announced today that Kasabian will be headlining the twin festivals of Reading and Leeds this year. The Leicester lads, who last topped the bill in 2012, will be joining fellow headliners Muse, with the third and final act yet to be announced. Other bands announced today include Two Door Cinema Club, Circa Waves and Rat Boy. The line-up has one again received heavy criticism for not containing enough women.
Spotlight!: Kara Ann Marie
Combining gospel, folk and spoken word, Kara’s debut release is a diverse, yet persistently personal affair. Having founded indie label Orphan No More with her husband Joshua Luke Smith, she has at her disposal the perfect platform to share her honest and heartfelt songwriting. When not making music Kara is a certified counsellor, a fact that is reflected in her lyrics. She has the rare gift of finding just the right words to both perfectly sum up how you feel, and to say exactly what you need to hear. Whether sharing a positive message of self-worth in ‘I Like The Way’, or simply assuring you that you have the strength to weather the storm in the haunting spoken word of ‘Keeping On’, Kara always delivers a sincere and arresting performance. The soothing soul of ‘Walk Slow’ stands as her most powerful performance, it’s simple yet stunning arrangement and Kara’s vocals are simply captivating. Sometimes we all need someone to tell us that our troubles will pass and that happiness is just around the corner, and to that end Kara Ann Marie’s music is always there for whoever should need it.
Kara’s debut EP Keeping On is out now for fans of Joshua Luke Smith, Julien Baker and Johnnyswim
Top Tracks: Bears Banquet – Fighting Mist In Light
The debut single from London based singer/songwriter Adam Baring, released under his moniker Bears Banquet, is a real feast for the senses. Shifting between quirky, off-kilter folk and slide guitar driven, wall-of-sound psychedelica, it’s a curious and unique offering. There are nods to everyone from classic Grateful Dead, to viral bluegrass sensation Steve’n’Seagulls, but the end result is a sound entirely his own. The world of Bears Banquet is certainly a bizarre one, but it’s also damn good fun. Released 10th February, it’s not quite clear what this first release will lead to in the future, but I for one am eager to see where this bewildering journey leads.
Torgeir Waldemar – No Offending Borders
Belwood Music 