Combining smooth soulful vocals and fragile folk, the latest single from Bianca Rose is something to behold. After many years of writing for others, 2017 sees her once again treading her own path and following her own ambitions. Taken from her upcoming debut album No Fear Here, out 30th January, ‘Because of Love’ features MOBO nominated singer/songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Between them they have elegantly created an understated and heartwarming track. It’s like the musical equivalent of a small random act of kindness when the world seems at its worst; like a helping hand to get you through the day. It’s innocence and sincerity is uniquely beautiful, and a sure sign that her debut will be something equally special.
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Spotlight!: Musketeer
One of my greatest loves in the world of music is the storytelling at work in a well executed concept album. Considering that these days the EP is the format of choice for up-and-coming artists, it strikes me as odd that more of them don’t work towards a bigger picture in the same way. With his debut release this Australian troubadour has delivered a rare and exceptional example of a concept EP. Over the course of four tracks of wistful folk, Musketeer shares the story of a 19th century convict shipped off to Australia to work away his sentence. With the title track of the Seven Long Years EP, he perfectly captures the mood and creates a tale of lovers so cruelly parted that sounds like it could have been sung for generations. With the gentle orchestral swell of ‘Hollow’ and the mournful brass of ‘Johnny Red’ we are given a sense of the prisoner’s fading hopes of returning to his old life, and a growing acceptance of the world he knew being gone forever. A compelling tale, exquisitely executed, that leaves me longing for more.
Musketeer’s Seven Long Years EP is out 27th January for fans of Mumford & Sons, Seafret, early Bon Iver and The National. He will also be touring the UK in February.
Top Tracks: Ailbhe Reddy – Relent
With over a million streams of her independently released debut EP Hollowed Out Sea already under her belt, this Dublin based singer songwriter has her sights set on bigger and better things. Her latest single ‘Relent’ is a soaring orchestral tale of trying to cope with the end of a loving relationship and endeavoring to learn from your mistakes. This new song is a must for fans of Daughter and Lanterns On The Lake. Along with the stunning new track, Ailbhe has announced her first ever UK gig on 15th February at the Servant Jazz Quarters in London. Having already conquered the Emerald Isle, and featured on the line-up for every major Irish festival, her ambitions are set firmly on the horizon. With her captivating vocals and expansive sound, her fanbase is soon set to grow!
Top Tracks: The Captain’s Son -Walking Around Perfectly
If you were to capture the carefree joy of youth on a warm summer’s day within a single song, this would be a damn close fit. This three-piece have combined the upbeat vibes of 60s California surf rock with the jangly guitar of iconic noughties indie bands such as The Strokes. Like the gorgeous musical lovechild of The Byrds and The Libertines, ‘Walking Around Perfectly’ is the pick-me-up you need on those dreary days. Taken from their upcoming eponymous debut EP, out 10th March, this track is the perfect excuse to kick back and just enjoy life for while. It’s the warm vintage sound of days gone by. Make a note of this one, when summer eventually finds its way here this will be the ideal anthem for every occasion.
Album Review: Patch & The Giant – All That We Had, We Stole
Patch & The Giant – All That We Had, We StoleAlbum Review: Johnnyswim – Georgica Pond
Johnnyswim – Georgica PondAlbum Review: The Flaming Lips – Oczy Mlody
The Flaming Lips – Oczy MlodySpotlight!: Maximum High
The music world generally revolves around the output from the US and UK, so it comes as a pleasant surprise when you stumble across a band from elsewhere in the world; especially when they are at the kind of high standard as Greece’s own Maximum High. Playing around with the classic hard rock formula, all four band members put in a slick and confident performance. ‘Control My Love’ features some fantastic funky bass tones and the guitar work on ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ effortlessly shifts from furious solos to understated atmospheric interludes. The dependable drum work really grabs your attention on ‘Long Ago’ and frontwoman Irene Dimopoulou’s superb soulful vocals really make Maximum High stand out from the crowd. This is a band that blew my expectations out of the water, working together like a well oiled machine to produce a perfect example of what rock is all about. I just hope with the right exposure they can get their message out to the masses and get some rightly earned recognition for their dynamic debut release.
Fans of Rival Sons, The Answer and Saint Jude should check out their eponymous debut EP
Album Review: Dearly Beloved – Admission
Dearly Beloved – AdmissionTop Tracks: Baum Jr – The Sunset & The Coalpit/Foundations
Baum Jr is back with another double A side, ready to blur the line between retro and futuristic with his own brand of ‘Next-Gen 8-Bit’. Few acts can take a genre known for crystal clear precision and inject such raw emotion like that found in the latter half of ‘The Sunset & The Coalpit’. What starts as a synth laden journey through a cyberpunk world, with some bombastic drums thrown in for good measure, soon can no longer contain the rising tension. The passion in the vocals at the climax of the track manages to outshine the technical wizardry at work. The stripped back re-imagining of ‘Foundations’ by London punk quartet Apologies, I Have None further shows off his vocals and delves deeper into the man behind the machinery. It’s these moments that make Baum Jr stand out; the loving heart beating beneath the electronic exterior.
Belwood Music 