As time goes by the once firm boundary between genres blurs more and more, to the point where electronics are a key element for bands seeking to explore new territories and even create their own. With their new single, Brooklyn’s Oh Malô utilise electronic flourishes alongside alt rock and post punk instrumentation to build a glitchy, frenetic tension that is perfect for fans of Radiohead and newer Bon Iver. ‘Don’t Look, Don’t Stare’ keeps you on edge with its panicked percussion and anxious angular riffs. It feels like a song of restrained chaos, ready to let loose the tempest but instead letting the pressure build. You can practically feel a frenzied mix of apprehension and anticipation prickling at your skin as it teases a release that never comes. The release just isn’t necessary when the build-up is this good.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Monti – Cowards Castle
We all build emotional walls around ourselves to a certain degree, but some people find it all too easy to take things too far. They keep building brick by brick, pushing you further and further away, and before you know it you realise they sit atop some lofty spire while you’re left out in the cold. There’s no point beating bloody fists at the gates of the citadel, when you can barely even recognise the person atop the tower as someone that you once cared about. This stunning new track sees Monti walk away dignity and purpose as the walls crumble to dust behind her. Full of pop sensibilities, boasting passionate soulful vocals and a cathartic guitar driven climax, ‘Cowards Castle’ is one of the first big stand-out songs of the year.
Top Tracks: Annachristie Sapphire – Cut The Line
I always take delight in discovering tracks that blur the line between genres, but I’ve yet to come across a song that blurs a decades long divide in styles the way that this does. Kicking off with a hazy 90s melancholy that recalls the likes of Jeff Buckley or the Smashing Pumpkins, before bursting into dreamy 50s doo-wop, ‘Cut The Line’ shares a superb interplay of light and dark. Not a combination you perhaps consider, but it sure as hell works. Lyrically the song takes the old adage about there being “plenty of fish in the sea” and takes it a step further, as Annachristie contemplates reeling in her love. I feel like this song is ahead of the curve, like it should be the next big trendsetting track. Needless to say, Annachristie is on to a winner with this one.
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.
Top 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!
Top Tracks: Will Varley – Statues
If you need a heartwarming track to help you snuggle up on these cold winter nights, then the latest single from singer/songwriter Will Varley is just what the doctor ordered. Taken from his upcoming album Spirit Of Minnie, out 9th February, ‘Statues’ is a laid back slice of Americana boasting a rich musical palette of airy slide guitar, quiet contemplative folk and Will’s gritty vocals. Lyrically it talks about feeling stuck in a particular place and time, longing for change, but should you find yourself stuck with this sublime song on repeat I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the perfect song to get lost in and forget about life for a while, and there’s sure to be more great tracks just like it on the way in the new year.
Belwood Music 