Spotlight

Spotlight!: Afterwards

/ James Fenney

Afterwards

Britain and America have one almighty monopoly when it comes to modern music, hence why it’s surprising and refreshing when a great band pops up elsewhere in the world. Italian Indie band Afterwards are a perfect example. Their music creates an intricate and beautiful world of sound. The bright crisp guitars and drum flourishes that you’d expect from a top class indie band are present in spades, but they are much more than that. ‘Something New’ adds to the already complex soundscape with some 80s style synths and ‘Gloom’ features some fierce guitar work that wouldn’t sound out of place on an Iron Maiden album. The lyrics are deep and relateable and for a small band from just outside Venice, the vocals are to such a standard that they sound like they’ve been living in the UK for years. Any major label with any sense in their heads should snap them up in a heartbeat.

Their second EP ‘Rage‘ is out now and is a must for fans of Foals, Peace and all things Indie.

Spotlight!: Samm Henshaw

/ James Fenney

samm henshaw

This soulful songsmith from London is set to take the world by storm. He draws inspiration from the golden age of soul and blues and gives it a new lease of life. Tracks such as ‘Only Wanna Be With You’ showcase his fun-loving side, ‘Autonomy (Slave) and ‘Everything’ carry a deeper message and are fine examples of his exemplary songwriting, whereas the raw, stripped back blues of ‘Redemption’ puts his powerful vocals in the forefront in a stirring yet vulnerable performance. Samm has surrounded himself with a formidable backing band of top class musicians and as far as live performances go he is a consummate showman. He knows how to write a hit and with his talent, style and charisma it’s only a matter of time before he makes it big.

Samm’s debut EP ‘The Sound Experiment’ is out now

Spotlight!: Coates

/ James Fenney

Coates

West London singer/songwriter Oliver Coates is off to a stunning start with his debut EP. Inspired by the best that Britpop has to offer and raised on the lyrical commentaries of Morrissey and Bob Dylan, Coates has created a wry observation of the darker side of life in modern Britain and blended it with bright Indie melodies and infectious choruses. He’s created his own unique sound, like the dry wit of Jarvis Cocker set to a warm acoustic backdrop, that grows on you with each listen. His upbeat yet gritty satirical songwriting is a must for fans of Jamie T, Frank Turner and Jake Bugg.

Coates‘ debut EP ‘Vol.1’ is released on the 25th September and is well worth a listen.