The new single from Scottish singer/songwriter Gus Harrower really doesn’t mess around. With ‘Cell Dilution’, taken from his upcoming EP Where We Were, Gus throws everything he’s got at you. The piano led intro weaves through some suave little swing sections into impassioned heartfelt balladry. It’s not long however until the track kicks it up a notch, throwing stylish synths and expressive drums into the mix, punctuated with gritty guitar bursts. This track is straining at the seams, crammed full of varied and engaging sounds, of which I’d pick out the jazzy piano work as the pièce de résistance. There are few acts this year that can pack in so much diversity and yet still make it work, which really reflects Gus’ talents as a songwriter and the enormous potential he carries.
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Top Tracks: Chloe Bodur – Glory
There’s a lot of talk this time of year about the “Sound of 2018” and the “ones to watch” in the coming year. Often these just serve to score points, rather than capture any sense of zeitgeist, but I truly feel this debut single represents something significant. With ‘Glory’ young Chloe Bodur brings together subtle little experimental flourishes reminiscent of Frank Ocean and Childish Gambino, but still maintains the smooth and intoxicating appeal of classic soul. It pushes the boundaries enough to stand out from the crowd but is inviting enough to make you want to play it on repeat all day. Mark my words, Chloe is ahead of the curve with this one, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of other artists unwittingly trying to recreate this sound in 2018. Whether any will beat ‘Glory’ though is another matter.
Top Tracks: Hamish Anderson – U
In a way the birdsong that opens this video couldn’t be any more fitting. This soulful slice of blues rock from Australian artist Hamish Anderson feels so natural. The warm and inviting vibes are just so inherently likeable that it may well be hardwired into your DNA, and the track flows so effortlessly from him as though it were as natural as breathing. The simply titled ‘U’, taken from his debut album Trouble, offers rich vintage guitar tones, smooth and expressive vocals, and the familiar organ hum that has graced many a classic record over the years. The whole track is like the musical equivalent of honey; golden, luscious and bringing with it a kind of rustic charm. This song offers simple pleasures and it delivers and delights by every measure.
Top Tracks: Megan Dixon Hood – Alias Grace
One of the most common and important human desires is a need to be understood, and that is in essence what this new track from Cheshire born singer/songwriter Megan Dixon Hood is all about. ‘Alias Grace’, based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, tells the tale of the eponymous Grace. Plagued by vicious rumours of a crime she didn’t commit, and lamenting how people wrongly see her as a monster rather than her true self. As well as molding the story’s world and characters into a wonderfully crafted narrative, musically it also offers a gorgeous refined style recalling everyone from Joni Mitchell to Fleetwood Mac. With expressive bass tones, elegant piano, and Megan’s angelic vocals, this song portrays in its music Grace’s true self; tender and dignified, yet equally proud and unyielding.
Spotlight!: Lorne
Maybe I just read too much into things, but sometimes you find an artist beyond their years, reflected in their songs. Sometimes you hear a voice that sounds as though it has regaled a thousand stories down the years, sharing words that show the wisdom of one who has an intimate knowledge of the world, and it simply doesn’t match up with the artist in question. With his debut EP Maze, Berkshire born singer/songwriter Lorne sounds as though he’s been releasing music all his life. The striking ‘Bread Alone’ shares a message of seizing the day and living life to the fullest, and feels like a ray of sunlight parting the clouds. The subtle electronics on ‘Cocoon’ supplement the elegant piano beautifully, recalling acts ranging from Benjamin Clementine to Bastille. ‘Oil and Water’ and ‘Navigate’ move closer into pop territory, but still maintain the mature and refined vibe that makes Lorne stand out from the crowd. Drawing inspiration from such artists as Peter Gabriel and Damien Rice, this classically trained pianist combines airy atmospheres and pop sensibilities, with his own elegant and sophisticated artistry.
Fans of Birdy, Five For Fighting, Bon Iver and Tom Odell should check out his debut EP Maze
Top Tracks: Keeva – Whisky
Sometimes it’s the simplest music that says the most, and has the greatest power to move us. The debut single from this half Jordanian, half Irish singer/songwriter thrives on nothing more than the bare essentials. Open and vulnerable, with just her voice and the piano, ‘Whisky’ is an intimate and heartfelt break-up track about Keeva’s move to London and all the difficult decisions and changes that came with it. This soulful little number, which features a co-writing credit from Benjamin Francis Leftwich, manages to sum up a vast swirl of difficult emotions in a raw and straightforward message. With a classic vibe to it, this whisky has been aged to perfection, and carries a timeless feel that speaks to something deep within. Rarely do you find a debut single as strong as this.
Spotlight!: Lightscape
Contrary to the old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover”, I often find album artworks can make a very important first impression. With even just a passing glance at the cover of their new EP Circles, you can’t help but be drawn to Lightscape’s latest work. An entire world in miniature standing over you, imposing and awe-inspiring, is the perfect metaphor for the music contained within. With fierce riffs, emphatic drum work, and even faint little electronic flourishes, all crowned by Will Overton’s towering melodic vocals, this alt rock quintet from Norwich have crafted an impressive sound. The slow build of ‘By Design’ kicks off the EP in fantastic form, while the anthemic ‘More To Life’ searches for a greater meaning and purpose as it winds its way through some of the record’s heaviest moments. The hard-hitting break-up track ‘Press Rewind’ delivers some passionate vocals, the relatively stripped back slow burner ‘Haven’t Got The Time’ makes a nice change of pace, while the epic ‘Live In Fear’ ends the EP on a high, showing great light and shade and standing out as Lightscape’s best work yet. These lads are on fine form, showing the rest of the country’s alternative scene how it’s done and leaving you wanting more.
Fans of Lonely The Brave, 30 Seconds to Mars and Nothing But Thieves should check out their latest EP Circles out 1st December.
Top Tracks: Janileigh Cohen – Same Old Road
The new single from this Bolton born singer/songwriter is nothing short of timeless. Recalling such classic artists as Joni Mitchell and Carole King, this heartwarming piano led track welcomes you like an old friend. ‘Same Old Road’ sounds like the kind of song that gets passed down like a family heirloom, a song that means so much to you that you long to share it with those who are most important. Janileigh sings with all the warmth and vibrancy of a fading sunset, offering a loving message of reassurance and imparting a sense that everything will be all right. This ‘Same Old Road’ is one that I would gladly stroll down anytime; no destination in mind, content to simply enjoy the journey.
Album Review: The Eskies – And Don’t Spare The Horses
The Eskies – And Don’t Spare The HorsesCritic’s Choice: Indientry
It’s that time again, where we like to promote some of our favourite fellow blogs and find out some of their current favourite music. This month it’s the turn of the lovely Abby from US blog Indientry, based in Columbus, Ohio. I consider myself well versed in music, but even I feel lost amongst all that’s offered on Indientry. The site is like a lucky dip, even if there’s no names that immediately jump out at you, you can be sure that you can dive in anywhere and expect to find something new and exciting. There are few sites so diverse when it comes to genre. Anything you can imagine, and some things that I doubt I ever could, can be found within. If I’ve caught your interest then here’s a taste of what you can find over at Indientry. Continue reading
Belwood Music 