Spotlight!: Peco

/ James Fenney

pecoWith 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.

Fans of Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Neil Young and Laura Marling should check out his debut EP And So I Arrived At The Start out now.

Top Tracks: Jules Rendell – Old Friend

/ James Fenney

Birmingham born singer/songwriter Jules Rendell is back with a brand new single. ‘Old Friend’, taken from her forthcoming album due in the spring, explores a more pop orientated sound and throws some electronic elements into the mix. Lyrically it deals with how the connections we make in life leave a lasting mark on us that never really goes away. Sometimes it can hurt when the connections fade and people drift apart, but it can then provide an equally uplifting moment when two people find each other again when they need each other most. After all, it’s often our friends that give us the drive to carry on and to be better people. With its relatable storytelling, soulful vocals and pop sensibilities, Jules has gifted us with a lovely little number which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Top Tracks: Sam Valdez – It’s Alright

/ James Fenney

Sounding akin to Angel Olsen fronting The War On Drugs, and with hints of Fear Fun era Father John Misty thrown in for good measure, the new single from this Vegas born singer/songwriter is sure to be the kind of song that people have been waiting all their lives for without even realising it. The cinematic and bittersweet ‘It’s Alright’ is top class indie material that gives some of the scene’s heavy hitters a run for their money. Drawing influences from indie rock, folk, dream pop and Americana, Sam Valdez has all the makings of something very special. With tracks of this calibre it’s not hard to imagine Sam releasing a much beloved and critically acclaimed album in the not too distant future.

Top Tracks: By An Ion – Autre Vie

/ James Fenney

I often find myself coming back to the word “expansive” to describe music, but if you needed a textbook definition of what exactly I mean by it then look no further than the latest track from this LA based synthpop duo. One listen to ‘Autre Vie’ is all it takes for you to feel like there’s an entire galaxy of sound swirling round your head. Somehow managing to be both anthemic and atmospheric, this cut from their upcoming EP Violet Sky is like a heaven-sent dose of good vibes. It inspires awe and affection like it should be part of an Attenborough documentary sharing all the majesty of our world. By An Ion have delivered a regal and uplifting single which is unparalleled in its scope and grandeur.

Live Review: 2Q Lincoln 2017

/ James Fenney

DSCN0632There hasn’t been a good track record this year for small festivals. After the abject failure of Liverpool’s Hope & Glory Festival, the news of another new city festival surely must have set off a few alarm bells. I am delighted to report however that Lincoln’s inaugural 2Q Festival broke the downward trend, and provided a jam-packed day of entertainment for music fans from across the county and beyond. The event really brought out the best of this picturesque city and set the foundations for yet greater festivals further down the line.  Continue reading →

Top Tracks: Pearla – Somewhere

/ James Fenney

Following on from her debut EP If You’re Not Alright Now, New York based singer/songwriter Pearla is back with her new single. ‘Somewhere’ talks about feeling lost in this crazy world, and about having little control over the course of your life. With its music box melody and Pearla’s delicate vocals it begins with an air of childlike innocence, with the haphazard electronic drums echoing in the background like it’s part of another world that we are mostly oblivious to. The track soon builds into a full cacophonous wall-of-sound, like facing the harsh realities of the world, before it all settles down again by the track’s closing moments. It’s like a journey through the course of a lifetime in a single song, and like life it is made to be savoured.