There’s something to be said for those who can craft a beautiful melody seemingly out of thin air and ‘Stargazing’ is a perfect example of that rare musical phenomenon. Consisting of just Laura Kidd’s mellow vocals, a simple acoustic guitar pattern and soothing splashes of strings She Makes War has created a vast and striking musical landscape from the sparsest of arrangements, like a city of clouds standing firm against the breeze. There is little of the harshness of war in this gorgeous track save perhaps the uncertain calm of the aftermath. The song captures a sense of malaise and loss tinged with a glimmer of hope and determination to find the silver lining. The stunning ‘Stargazing’ is the new single from her latest album Direction Of Travel.
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Album Review: Two Door Cinema Club – Gameshow
Two Door Cinema Club – GameshowTop Tracks: TALLISKER – Salanfe
Thanks in no small part to the success of acts such as Bon Iver and Clean Bandit, there has been a sudden trend in combining electronica with more traditional styles. Riding the crest of that wave with the utmost ease and majesty is Parisian performer and producer TALLISKER. Try to imagine the musical lovechild of Sigur Ros and Aphex Twin and you’ll find yourself pretty close to the intriguing world awaiting you in her debut single ‘Salanfe’. The opening rise and fall of the classically influenced string section is soon interrupted by intricate percussion and a myriad of intruding electronic entities. The end result is the sound of order and chaos intertwining to create this diverse soundscape. TALLISKER’s debut EP Heliotrop is out 11th November.
Radiohead to headline Glastonbury 2017
It has been confirmed that Radiohead are the first headliners of Glastonbury Festival 2017. The official announcement arrived after rumours surrounding an odd crop circle that appeared on the site of the famous Pyramid stage on the festival’s live webcam, which later turned out to be the band’s “bear face” logo. This will mark the third time the band have headlined the festival following performances in 1997 and 2003. Radiohead will be performing on Friday 23rd June with the other headliners yet to be announced, although those rumoured to be appearing include Daft Punk and The Stone Roses.
Top Tracks: Oh Wonder – All We Do
Spellbinding synthpop duo Oh Wonder have outdone themselves with their brand new video for ‘All We Do’. To create their new video they reached out to artists and filmmakers across the globe and asked them a single simple, yet impossibly complex question: What does it mean to be human? Interspersed between Anthony and Josephine’s mesmerising trademark harmonies we are further gifted with life affirming messages from people of all walks of life. This is certainly the most moving video I’ve seen in a long time. The multitude of beautiful thought provoking statements represent the very best of humanity. We each have our own views on what it means to be human, but with all the hate and darkness currently suffocating the world we are all in need of such beautiful music and such a powerful message.
Album Review: Kings of Leon – WALLS
Kings of Leon – WALLSTop Tracks: Albert af Ekenstam – Made of Gold
There is a bitter chill in the air, fallen leaves litter the ground and winter is well and truly on it’s way. In many ways that often pass by unnoticed we as people change with the seasons, and for many of us the bleak autumn and winter months prompt the need for an introspective and melancholy soundtrack. Swedish singer/songwriter Albert af Ekenstam is the perfect solution, with his Bon Iver inspired arrangements brimming with powerful, emotive storytelling. With hints of The National and Kaleo his new single, the piano driven ballad ‘Made of Gold’, has a grand cinematic feel, yet at the same time carries a bittersweet and understated elegance. His deep brooding vocals cut through the delicate atmosphere to really capture your attention. What begins as a solemn funeral march concludes with a sense of new life blooming from the ashes of loss. Albert’s fittingly titled debut album Ashes is out now.
Spotlight!: Mariam
Judged solely on her gorgeous, silky smooth vocals Mariam is a phenomenally talented artist and certainly one to watch. However look beyond her fantastic voice and you’ll find that this South London based singer/songwriter has a lot more to offer. Songs such as her debut single ‘Be There For Me’ has all the hooks you could want for a big hit alongside meaningful lyricism and heartfelt storytelling. On tracks like the folk inspired ‘Running’ it becomes apparent that she has a way with weaving her innermost thoughts and emotions into a rich musical tapestry, creating a profoundly passionate yet accessible work of art. Musically a diverse and expansive backdrop takes the songs to new heights with all the hints of pop, folk and soul building up to create an inviting and addictive atmosphere. Here we find an artist that can create something truly beautiful that speaks to some deep down part within all of us. I doubt it will be long until Mariam is selling out venues across the country and has Jools Holland rushing to call.
Fans of Belwood favourites Samm Henshaw, Eryn Allen Kane and Rationale should check out Mariam’s debut EP Heart to Heart, which is out 4th November.
Top Tracks: Hieroglyph – Starlight (The High Priestess)
If you had to assign the term “awe-inspiring” to a certain genre it would fit very well with the world of progressive metal. With a plethora of virtuoso musicians and grand ideas it operates on a level few other bands can match. This six piece are a welcome addition to the family, and with their upcoming debut being a concept album they are not a band to hold back. Ouroboros, released on the 18th November, follows the theme of the first 11 Major Arcana Tarot cards, charting a journey from The Fool to The Magician. The band’s first single from the album ‘Starlight (The High Priestess)’ features high-octane guitar work, a frantic driving beat and the great two pronged attack of the melodic tones of Valentina Reptile and the harsh vocals of Mark Howes. There’s no doubting they have the necessary talent and ambition to produce a stellar debut. You don’t need Tarot cards to see the bright future this band has in store.
Bob Dylan wins Nobel prize
Legendary songwriter Bob Dylan has been announced as the surprise recipient of the 2016 Nobel prize in literature. The longstanding Swedish institution awarded the folk icon with the prestigious prize “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. Widely considered the greatest living songwriter, his selection has been met with divided opinion with some praising the choice and others questioning the bold move to award the prize to a songwriter for the first time in the institution’s history. Regardless of what it means for the Nobel prize there is no doubting Bob Dylan’s incredible impact to the world of music and there can surely be no other songsmith more worthy of such praise.
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