Whilst the 80s had a few stylistic dead ends, much of the music spawned at the time now seems to have a curious timeless quality about it. Fast forward to 2016 and big cascading synths sound as fresh as ever. This stunning debut double A side single (remember those?) from electropop artist Baum Jr draws inspiration from classic video game and film scores in a style which he has christened ‘next-gen 8-bit’. On ‘When I Grow Up’ he dusts off the hit track from forgotten 90s alternative rockers Garbage and breathes new life into it. The transformation is miraculous, and the expansive soundscape he has created continues even further with his track ‘Heroes’ which boasts a brilliant beat and addictive electronics. Baum Jr has tapped into influences from years gone by, but by all accounts the end product sounds like something from the not too distant future which we just happen to lucky enough to experience slightly ahead of schedule.
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Live Review: Foy Vance, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 12th Nov 2016
It’s been a great year to be a Foy Vance fan. He released his incredible new album The Wild Swan earlier in the year after signing to his dear friend Ed Sheeran’s record label Gingerbread Man Records. His track ‘Coco’ has been getting heavy airplay on BBC Radio 2 and the music video for ‘She Burns’ featuring Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars fame has been getting a fair bit of attention too. 2016 also saw him gathering new fans performing in front of ever larger crowds supporting the one and only Elton John on tour. Even though I have seen him live twice already I naturally leapt at the chance to see Foy in action in Leeds as part of his Wild Swan world tour. Continue reading
The Bataclan reopens
The Bataclan concert hall in Paris has reopened it’s doors on the eve of the first anniversary of the terror attack that claimed 90 innocent lives. Sting performed a charity set in remembrance of those that died, with the night’s proceeds going towards charities that benefit the victims and their families. There have been reports that Jesse Hughes, frontman of Eagles of Death Metal who performed at the venue on the night of the attack, was denied entry. This is due to the controversial claims he made about the security staff being involved in co-ordinating the attack.
Live Review: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, O2 Academy Leeds, 10th Nov 2016
When Colorado based singer/songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff made the bold move to hang up his life as a folk troubadour and instead decided to forge a new path in the form of old school rhythm & blues, I doubt he saw the success waiting for him on the horizon. With his eponymous debut album with his new backing band The Night Sweats he became one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2015. With his infectiously fun and soulful performances he has been wowing audiences at some of the biggest festivals, appearing on some of the most popular tv shows and winning fans on both sides of the Atlantic. I caught him at the O2 Academy to see the main man in action. Continue reading
Leonard Cohen passes away
As if we haven’t lost enough amazing people this year it seems that 2016 has at least one more soul to take. Folk legend Leonard Cohen has passed away aged 82. Widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, known for his dark tones, unique humour and haunting lyrics. He has left behind an immortal body of work including such songs as ‘Suzanne’, ‘Bird on the Wire’, ‘Everybody Knows’ and most notably ‘Hallelujah’ which reached a wider audience due to Jeff Buckley’s famous cover version. His death follows just weeks after the release of his 14th studio album You Want It Darker, which received universal critical acclaim and will be remembered as his final swansong. An unparalleled artist whose influence is too expansive and densely knit to ever fully unravel, his loss comes as a keen blow to many music lovers across the globe.
Album Review: Honeyblood -Babes Never Die
Honeyblood – Babes Never DieTop Tracks: Thom Hell – 1985
The critically acclaimed Norwegian singer/songwriter has returned with the latest single from his upcoming album Happy Rabbit out 16th December. From it’s simple bass driven intro ‘1985’ soon builds into a glorious track reminiscent of the heyday of 60s and 70s pop. It’s sweet melodies and heady guitar tones make for one uplifting listen. The latter half of the song in particular is simply divine and occasionally has hints of Belwood favourites Holy Holy. From it’s dark beginnings ‘1985’ soon blooms into vibrant new life, like the first flowers emerging from the thaw. With songs like this at his disposal it’s no surprise that he is one of Norway’s most established writers and producers. If his new album has more of the same to offer then I can imagine his fanbase is all set to grow.
Spotlight!: King Cole
From the opening few bars of ‘Trouble’ it seems clear that the debut release from King Cole is nothing short of bliss incarnate. The gorgeous vibe that opens the Cold Blue EP seems all the more poignant when you discover that it was woven from a place of heartbreak and suffering, and it is soon tinged with a hint of bittersweet. The darker side of their music is most striking in the throes of ‘Friend Song’ which sits on the opposite end of the spectrum and evokes a keen sense of isolation. This breath-takingly evocative new Americana project is the labour of love of frontman Jacob Cole. Ranging from splendid psychedelica to soundtrack a hazy midwinter morning, to delicate folk so raw and personal it must be played on his own heartstrings, the whole release is permeated with a feeling that Jacob gives a piece of his soul to every song he creates. It defies logic that music so airy and fragile can be so powerful, as though moving a mountain with a gentle breeze. California’s King Cole can make all seem right with the world or bring a tear to your eye depending on whatever mood takes them.
Fans of Keaton Henson, Gavin James and the lighter side of Ryan Adams and The War On Drugs should check out their debut EP Cold Blue.
Album Review: Celeb Car Crash – People Are the Best Show
Celeb Car Crash – People Are the Best Show
Alternative Rock | Hard Rock | Heavy Metal
71%
Belwood Music 