If there was any music trend that particularly stood out for me in 2017 it was that of members from established bands branching out and releasing solo work every bit as engaging, and sometimes even more so, than their previous work within the band. The debut release from Lokki seems a sure sign of that trend continuing well into 2018. This new project from Drew McFarlane of Glass Animals fame sees him exploring new horizons with the debut EP Cirrhi. The title track has a mystical feel to it, and you can just imagine the tune being carried through a forest on the mist, daring you to delve deeper. The timeless elegance of ‘Breathe A Breath Of Me’ has a few hints of The Beatles and is fleshed out beautifully by the addition of a choir, and the sweet and simple style of ‘I Catch You’ is reminiscent of the golden age of singer/songwriters, recalling the likes of James Taylor and Carole King. The androgynous inflections found in closing track ‘The Night’ really serves to showcase Drew’s range and versatility, and supplements his piano work with a smooth swell of strings. Even down to the artwork, everything points to Lokki being a project that is here to delight us for a long while to come.
Fans of Sampha, The Last Dinosaur, Flyte and London Grammar should check out Lokki’s debut EP Cirrhi
Great things rarely happen all at once, often it’s down to a multitude of little inconsequential factors that gather over time and end up knitting together perfectly. TALMA’s music grabs you in much the same way, all those little elements gel together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. With their second EP Out To Sea, this London based outfit offer a mature and elegant sound. ‘In Circles’ dabbles just enough in both retro and futuristic sounds to create a timeless feel, the bright dancing guitar tones on ‘Starless Skies’ imbue a sense of childlike innocence and nostalgia, while the hook heavy ‘Lifeline’ feels like a blend of Joy Division and Spandau Ballet with its pulsing post punk rhythms and soaring new wave vocals. It’s on the title track however where everything really comes together. The guitars wind a path through bluesy licks and indie riffs to reach a majestic climax, the bass line carries the very lifeblood of the song, and Henry Adams’ exceptional crooning vocals somehow steal the spotlight even more than usual. These artful alt rockers stand on the precipice of greatness with their refined and debonair approach.
Great art need not come in the form of some grand sweeping gesture. Sometimes the most humble and unassuming creations can have the most profound effect on us, providing that they come from the heart. In the case of Cameron Jones, he just seems to radiate beautiful melodies as though with all the effortless ease of breathing. Crafting mature and refined songs that exude elegance and encompass you like the morning mist, and with a voice as pure as some faultless crystal, Cameron is one of the most gifted new singer/songwriters on the scene. ‘Let Me In’ builds up layers of atmospheric synths, dreamy guitar tones and expressive percussion to form a chilled out indie vibe reminiscent of The Paper Kites. The driving beat and simple yet illuminating riffs of ‘Love You Save Me’ pull you in deeper and deeper as the song progresses, while the stripped back piano balladry of ‘Warning’ gives Cameron’s vocals a chance to shine. Cameron Jones is yet to disappoint, and should that continue then we may have something deeply special from him in the near future.
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.
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.
With so many singer/songwriters on the circuit it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. There’s one sure way however to give your music a warm glow of charm, integrity and individuality, something that Irish artist Peco McLoughin has down already; be true to yourself as an artist. Even just a cursory listen to his music shows someone naturally channeling his influences into his own distinct style. The galloping beat and disjointed verses of ‘Self Help – A Beginner’s Guide’ make it a perfect example of Peco’s unique character, while the blues stomp of ‘Harbour Master’ shows him crafting a narrative rich with imagery. ‘Safe Haven’ is a suitably serene folk number, the understated instrumentation of ‘After The Wake’ reminds me of Van Morrison, while ‘Grace Isn’t Easy’ show’s Peco’s ability to turn a phrase at it’s very best. Relatable lines such as “I may not be the best guy to explain to you the way I really feel, but it’s hard for me to separate what’s in my head from what is real” really connect and stay with you, which all singer/songwriters should aspire to do. Peco’s debut EP offers an insightful snapshot of this assured and talented songwriter.
I’ve often thought that names say a lot about a band, but while the actual young Earth was harsh and lifeless, this Dublin based band are anything but. This up-and-coming indie quartet are brimming with bright energy, youthful exuberance and an air of lovable charm, producing some of the finest indie pop to ever emerge from the Emerald Isle. ‘Frequency Illusion’ features a great driving rhythm and spiralling guitar work, ‘Worth It’ is an infectious festival ready anthem, while the catchy hooks of ‘Got a Secret’ show a heavier side to the band and carries a kind of roguish air to it. ‘Under Cover’ has some sublime bass tones and is reminiscent of Royal Blood in the chorus, while ‘Let Go’ plays around with more refined, sun-drenched soundscapes that could have come straight from LA. Perhaps the real moral behind the name Young Earth is that they will grow, and become even more vibrant and full of life as time goes on. Regardless of what comes next however, Young Earth are sounding on fine form on their debut EP.
Following on from her bewitching single ‘
If anywhere in the world knows about summer it’s Southern California, and therefore it should come as no surprise that their native bands know how to write a feel-good summer hit. With their debut EP The Standard Affiliates have made a worthy addition to SoCal’s extensive arsenal of summer ready indie rock anthems. Boasting high energy and high spirits, it doesn’t take much to picture their songs as real crowd pleasers in a live setting. The infectious chorus and bright riffs of ‘Is It News To You’ reminds me of Clean Cut Kid, while the rhythm section work overtime on the intro of ‘Shack’ to build up the beat like a galloping stallion in the distance heading your way. The sharp squalling guitar tones of ‘Naive’ really jump out at you, ‘Daydreams’ conjures up images of carefree days on the beach with its surf rock vibes, while ‘Paint it Gold’ sees The Standard Affiliates at their peak with an indie pop banger that is up there with the best of them. If you need a band to soundtrack your summer adventures, or inspire you to get out there and start them, then you’re in luck.
Though they probably have the least rock’n’roll origin story that I’ve ever heard, having all met via Craigslist, this LA based quartet prove that great music can come from the most humble of origins. With their latest EP Dichotomy, Midnight Divide prove to be a multifaceted marvel dabbling in a diverse range of influences. The mellow intro of ‘Fireline’ has the feel of some children’s music box before building into a fantastic melody driven hit. ‘Animal Eyes’ sees the band following a harder alt rock path, with frontman Austen Moret’s vocals in places reminding me of Franklin James Fisher from Belwood favourites Algiers. ‘Talking’ is a classic cut of bright indie rock, while the restless ‘Ketamine’ begins with a short section reminiscent of ‘Hocus Pocus’ by Focus, and displays some curious reggae influences in the latter half. while somehow linking it all together seamlessly. Any band that aims to blur the lines between genres with such reckless abandon gets a big tick in my book. With songs of this standard Midnight Divide have my utmost respect and my undivided attention, and I recommend you offer them the same.
Belwood Music 