AVEC – Heaven/Hell
Pop | Folk
73%
music
Top Tracks: Curtsy – A Better Pet
When it comes down to it, loving someone is giving them the power to break you and then trusting them not to. Letting someone in, showing a side of yourself that’s seldom seen. To be entirely vulnerable around a certain someone, and having faith that they will still love you just the same, can be a daunting prospect. It’s a risk you have to take however to know the joy of being with someone who knows you better than you know yourself, someone you can be completely open and free around. This lush new indie pop track from Curtsy follows that same feeling of apprehension of taking things to the next level, and all that comes with it, but ultimately taking the plunge anyway. ‘A Better Pet’ is a song to help cut away at the insecurities holding you back, and encourage you instead to follow your heart.
Spotlight!: Sophie Morgan
Have you ever gone for a walk at sunset? You could be walking along the most unassuming path, strolling past scenery you’ve seen a million times and take for granted, yet by some trick of the light it feels like a whole new world. The trees and houses glimmer with golden light, the clouds awash with colour like some impressionist painting, and you’re greeted at every turn by a chorus of birdsong. I get that exact same feeling listening to Sophie Morgan. This Cheshire born singer/songwriter doesn’t carve out a new path, she follows the trails carved out by generations of artists before her, but does so in a way shines some fresh perspective on it and makes it feel as though you’re experiencing things again for the first time. ‘Sons & Daughters’ is the kind of track that runs through your head when you just take a moment to yourself to watch the world drift by, while the delicate and dreamy ‘Lemony Girl’ reminds me of Billie Marten. Her mature songwriting on tracks like ‘Above You’ is remarkable for an artist so early in their career, while the Nick Drake inspired ‘Black Dog’ shows Sophie at her very best, her angelic vocals rising at its climax to meet the elegant swell of strings.
Fans of Billie Marten, Jade Bird, Hannah Grace and Freya Ridings should check out Sophie’s new EP Sons & Daughters.
Top Tracks: Colour Picture Book – This Time Around
I honestly don’t know where to start with this one. Do I talk about the funky bass that’s simply begging you to dance, or the unerring and steadfast drums that navigate complex rhythms with ease. How about the warm vintage organ glow that permeates the entire track, the soaring yet gritty vocals that come from somewhere deep within, or the incredible guitar solo plucked straight from another time that feels as though the instrument is an extension of the player. All of these elements require at least a full post on their own to do them justice. How much soul can you pack into just one song? – an awful lot it seems. To say this Canadian power trio are on fire with their latest single would be a massive understatement, on ‘This Time Around’ they are a raging inferno.
Album Review: Snail Mail – Lush
Snail Mail – LushAlbum Review: The Joy Formidable – AAARTH
The Joy Formidable – AAARTHTop Tracks: Tom Leeb – Are We Too Late
Any song whose video opens with a gorgeous car cruising through serene countryside gets an enthusiastic thumbs up from me, but there’s a lot more to the latest single from French folk artist Tom Leeb than just its wanderlust inducing visuals. Tom’s striking gritty vocals work wonderfully with the elegant swell of strings to make a song that is raw and passionate, whilst also carrying a quiet air of thoughtfulness. Detailing the struggles of a long distance relationship, of being loved but still feeling isolated, that feeling of sand slipping through your fingers no matter how hard you cling on, it is a masterclass in heartfelt songwriting. Though the love regaled in the song may end in heartbreak, the song itself is a long distance love built to last, as with ‘Are We Too Late’ Tom will assuredly make people the world over fall in love with his music.
Album Review: KitFai – The Things You Left Us
KitFai – The Things You Left UsInterview: Scott Lloyd
With a focus on honest and heartfelt lyricism, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Scott Lloyd has certainly been making a name for himself in the Manchester scene, standing out from the crowd with his mature and meaningful mix of folk and Americana. With an enviable string of independently released EPs to his name, and a relentless touring schedule over recent years, his work ethic has rightfully yielded him praise and acknowledgement as he now moves forward as a newly signed artist. I had a chat with him about his most recent single and his journey thus far: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Vulgarians – Dead People Are Easier To Love
This latest track from Hull’s up and coming post-punk powerhouse is just the song you need to get you feeling fired up. ‘Dead People Are Easier To Love’ feels as though ‘Eric’s Trip’ by Sonic Youth has been pushed to absolute breaking point. The fact that it was written a mere matter of hours before being recorded only goes part way in explaining the sense of spontaneity and urgency found here. The tortured guitar tones and wild frantic vocals create just the most glorious chaos you could ask for. The rock solid bass line keeps the whole thing grounded, and the polished and stylish synths that weave their way through the song contrast wonderfully with all the anarchic elements in the foreground all vying for your attention. Post-punk has seen a real resurgence in recent years, and Vulgarians have provided us with one of the finer examples with their unbridled new single.
Belwood Music 