‘Lifedreamer’ is a tale of two halves. This latest single from London-based artist James Hargreaves, aka .imp, opens with a bright and airy psychedelic sound that’s simply bursting with life and pulsates like some mystical aura. The hectic skittering drum beat may seem at odds with the otherwise dreamy atmosphere, but somehow the two elements really work well together. If you thought the opening of ‘Lifedreamer’ was vibrant then you’re in for a real treat when the triumphant horn sounds kick in. This uplifting section rings out like some hero’s welcome while ascending Olympus. The drums shift to keep pace, providing some of the best damn percussion I’ve heard all year, before the euphoric climax gives way to the final ethereal fade-out. It may have been written on morphine while recovering from surgery, but that’s nothing compared to the high that the song itself makes you feel.
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Interview: Ash Johnson
With his debut solo record The Mad Ship, consummate songwriter Ash Johnson offers a diverse range of lyrical viewpoints adorned with rich imagery and memorable hooks. With songs about everything from love and dearly departed friends, to dealing with change and trying to find light in dark corners of our lives, it’s proving to be one of the most engaging and relatable releases of the year thus far. I caught up with Ash to find out more about how the record came about: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Natalie Shay – Perfume
One of the UK’s most promising new talents, the brilliant Natalie Shay is back with a brand new single. ‘Perfume’ sees the rising star embrace a bold new direction. Trading the bright indie riffs and bombastic drums of her debut single ‘This Feeling‘ for some dreamy synths and retro 80s vibes, this new track is an immaculate indie pop delight. With its flawless production and infectious melodies, it seems Natalie is on to a winner yet again. For all artists, new ones especially, it is a risky move to change-up your sound when you’ve already found a formula that works. The fact that Natalie has pulled it off so well with ‘Perfume’ just further shows why this exciting and eclectic artist will surely be a big name in the not too distant future. This stylish synthpop anthem is nothing like what I was expecting, which just makes me all the more eager to see what comes next.
Top Tracks: Persona – Indie Cowboy
You don’t get as many crossovers between indie and alternative rock as you might expect. While hardly polar opposites, the two styles do have enough differences to make finding the right balance a tricky task. Anyone hoping to walk that line should look no further than New York’s own Persona for inspiration. Their new single ‘Indie Cowboy’ seamlessly combines the bright riffs and melodic hooks of the indie scene, with the frenetic drums and raw, impassioned vocals that make alt rock so compelling. A potent reminder to look beyond the division and see the humanity in everyone, this latest single is a promising sign that the band are on to a winning formula. Persona know how to get you feeling fired up, giving you their all on this new track, and with that in mind it seems that their next EP will definitely be one to look out for.
Top Tracks: The Rareflowers – Shake
The more you listen to ‘Shake’ the more you start to uncover. This track from New Jersey based trio The Rareflowers, taken from their eponymous debut EP out 29th June, plays almost like a microcosm of American music. The opening few seconds of bass sound like the start of some melancholy alternative track from the 90s before the bright jangly guitar kicks in like some spark igniting. With hints of classic 60s surf rock, a mellow psychedelic breakdown, and plenty of that indescribable heartland charm, The Rareflowers are in full bloom with this sun-drenched new single. All across America you find different iconic sounds and unique musical heritages as you go. In ‘Shake’ there is a sense of the familiar. No matter where you may find yourself you can play this eclectic song and people will find something they can connect with. This is a taste of the many flavours of the States, bottled and ready to go.
Interview: Gozer Goodspeed
Photo by thelazyphotographer
With three EPs to his name in as many years, Plymouth based blues-man Gozer Goodspeed appears to be on a roll. His latest release Impossible To Pick Up introduces a range of new elements and influences that push the boundaries of what can be called an acoustic release. Rest assured though that his latest EP is still a must for fans of all things old-school folk and blues. I had a chat with him about his latest release, and about what the future holds: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Maple & Rye – Only Hope
I’ve been nothing but impressed by the new music I’ve heard from Swedish artists over the past couple of years, and this latest single from Gothenburg’s Maple & Rye is no exception. Channelling the anthemic folk pedigree of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, ‘Only Hope’ is the kind of song that’s made for sharing, the kind made for bellowing out the chorus arm in arm with your friends. The uplifting melodies drift around like blossom on the breeze, while the lyrics tell of that one person who brings joy and stability to your life when all else seems to be crashing down. It is a heartwarming reminder that we’re stronger together, and with our friends by our side we can weather any storm. This festival ready hit is just the summer anthem your playlist has been missing. Just grab a friend, play it loud, and go make some memories.
Spotlight!: IAKO
With Venice being regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and having been a centre for art and culture for centuries, naturally it’s safe to assume that in growing up there some of that magic will rub off on you. Italian singer/songwriter Jacapo Rosetto, performing under his stage name IAKO, has released a collection of songs every bit as grand, elegant and impressive as the classical architecture of his native city. His debut EP Queen of Balance offers refined piano and soaring falsettos and stands out as one of the best EPs of the year. ‘Paint’ opens with a delicate folk sound akin to Bon Iver before expanding into a bittersweet choral sound, while ‘Bloodbath’ is all about the build as its mighty crescendo comes crashing down upon you. Vocally the title track bares some similarity to Sam Smith, ‘Stones’ carries a hint of vaudevillian drama, while the highlight ‘Vanishing Point’ takes a more upbeat approach, complete with some fantastic bass tones, that ends up reminding me a little of Five For Fighting. Showcasing a rich and varied array of musical talents, this debut release from IAKO offers a finely crafted and memorable first impression.
Fans of Bon Iver, Five For Fighting, James Vincent McMorrow and Rufus Wainwright should check out IAKO’s debut EP Queen of Balance.
Top Tracks: Bent Knee – Paper Earth
I’m rather stretching the definition of Top Tracks here, as ‘Paper Earth’ is longer than most EPs, but a piece of music this extraordinary couldn’t just be passed by without mention. Performed with the Boston Conservatory Percussion Ensemble, this half hour, 6-part epic about how our memories affect the present is every bit as inventive and otherworldly as you’d expect from ambitious art rockers Bent Knee. These Belwood favourites have really outdone themselves with this new project, rivalling Tubular Bells in both scope and execution with this classical inspired progressive masterclass. Displaying the full range of their talents, and bolstered by the unique percussion at work, this magnum opus of theirs just serves to secure their place in my mind as one of the most innovative and exciting bands out there at the moment. ‘Paper Earth’ is a singular experience, one that I can’t recommend enough.
Father John Misty – God’s Favourite Customer
Belwood Music 