Glen Hansard – Between Two Shores
Folk | Americana
76%
music
Interview: Ophelia
It’s always a delight to see artists that you admire grow and achieve great things. Sheffield based duo Ophelia have quickly become firm Belwood favourites, and their eagerly anticipated debut has set the year off in fine form and is sure to stand as one of the most memorable releases of 2018. Heartwarming Americana, folk as delicate as some flickering candle flame, and haunting gothic rock are all to be found within Blackbox Memories. I’ve been looking forward to interviewing Ophelia for some time now, and it struck me as the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into their new record: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Percival Elliott – Forever
It’s happened to me more times than I care to admit; you see some beautiful stranger and suddenly it’s like your eyes have opened for the first time, and in that moment you see your whole life together. Some blissful parallel world of lifelong love and devotion enthralls your day-dreams, before they disappear never to be seen again. This gorgeous track from folk duo Percival Elliott captures that same fateful spark. With its elegant orchestration and vocals reminiscent of Five For Fighting, ‘Forever’ carries an ineffable air of charm and romanticism. This poignant track from their forthcoming debut Save Your Soul feels like a song from another time, a precious relic long since forgotten, reminding us that there is still a place in this world for hope, innocence and romance.
Top Tracks: Parmy Dhillon – Friend or Foe
The latest single from this Melbourne based singer/songwriter may follow a well-trodden path, but Parmy Dhillon still leaves his own unique footprint. The acoustic driven Americana of ‘Friend or Foe’, recalling the late Tom Petty in his road-weary vocals, has plenty of heart. This track is like a place of comfort and dependability that you can take with you wherever you go. When we need reassurance in life we return to the familiar; we treat ourselves to lunch at our favourite cafe, we curl up and watch an old film for the hundredth time. That’s what this track is, it’s an everyman song; sometimes you don’t need something big and clever, all you need is a song offering warmth, familiarity and a little piece of home.
Top Tracks: Will Varley – Seven Days
It still seems like 2018 has barely started, and yet January is already half over… where does the time go? That’s exactly the sentiment captured by the new song from acclaimed singer/songwriter Will Varley. ‘Seven Days’, taken from his forthcoming album Spirit Of Minnie out 9th February, speaks of all the wonderful moments that we let slip by when we get too absorbed in living and don’t put enough thought into thriving, into enjoying every step of the journey while we can. The song’s video takes the theme even further, as we follow along on an 8-bit adventure, sharing in the landmark memories that make life remarkable. While the video may be in black and white, this vibrant folk favourite is sure to inject some colour in your life. Savour this song, before proceeding to savour each new day that life brings you.
Top Tracks: Chiara Berardelli – Deep Space Hibernation
If like me you are drawn to tracks that think outside the box and deal with unique themes then this little gem from Glasgow based artist Chiara Berardelli is just what you need. We all wish sometimes that we could just drift away to escape our problems, but ‘Deep Space Hibernation’ takes that feeling a step further as Chiara seeks to escape the heartache around not being able to have children by fading into unconsciousness in orbit of some distant world. Taken from her upcoming album Seamonster, out 2nd March, the track boasts sublime and elegant orchestration, rich imagery, Chiara’s hushed vocals and tiny subtle hints of psychedelica that recall early Bowie and the Flaming Lips. It’s a wonderfully bittersweet song that I’m sure you’ll love.
Album Review: Loz KeyStone – To Feel Love
Loz KeyStone – To Feel LoveTop Tracks: Natalie Shay – This Feeling
Do you ever hear a song that just sets you up in a good mood for the day? ‘This Feeling’ does that and so much more, leaving me with a sense of pride at the new talent emerging in this country and an eager excitement to see what else Natalie Shay has to offer. Natalie has gifted us with an indie pop gem that is as close to perfect as you’re likely to find, capturing the hectic bliss of falling in love and inspiring it within you at the same time as it works its magic on you. The bright riffs, expressive drums and relentless positive energy make this perfect for fans of James Bay, Clean Cut Kid and Sundara Karma… just so long as you don’t mind your favourites being thoroughly beaten at their own game. Even from just this single, I get the impression that Natalie will be the one to watch in 2018.
Top Tracks: Raina Bee and the Hive – Queen of the South
The latest video from soulful New York based singer Raina Bee, and her band the Hive, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Taken from the Stung EP (liking the ongoing theme here), ‘Queen of the South’ offers wild west mariachi vibes and jazzy vintage vocals perfect for fans of Amy Winehouse and Imelda May. If that somehow isn’t enough to win you over, then the video’s bloodthirsty quest for revenge certainly will. As well as taking girl power to whole new levels, Raina’s gory big-game hunting makes The Revenant look like a Disney film as she toys with her bandmates in the woods before brutally murdering them. Not something I’d usually condone, no matter how much they may snore on the tour bus, but you can’t deny it makes for one hell of a music video!
Ophelia – Blackbox Memories
Belwood Music 