With bold and cinematic tracks such as ‘My Reflection’ at their disposal it’s no surprise that LA natives King Washington are quickly becoming one of the hottest indie bands around. This latest single from their aptly named upcoming album Potential, out 27th January, puts a new twist on their signature sun-drenched 60s/70s musical aesthetic. With hints of psychedelica and layered electronic beats it bears some of the hallmarks of bands such as The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, albeit combined with the band’s own soaring harmonies and artful blues-tinged guitar tones. This combination of styles makes for a fresh and invigorating sound that will see the band populating people’s playlists in no time. King Washington are constantly evolving and it would be worth your while to try and keep pace with them, as one day soon they could well be at the forefront of the indie scene.
Album Review: Ender & Valentine – Siofra
Ender & Valentine – SiofraTop Tracks: The Urban Renewal Project (feat. Gavin Turek) – Armor Love
When it comes to music, bigger is usually better. This 13 piece musical collective, led by multi-instrumental songwriter R.W. Enoch, have created a grand and exhilarating sound with the wealth of musical talent at their disposal. This latest release with soulful pop powerhouse Gavin Turek on vocals boasts some hints of classic jazz from the brass section, an R&B rhythm that wouldn’t sound amiss coming from Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and the kind of infectious fun you would expect from disco legends Earth, Wind & Fire. It’s now wonder that their fanbase is constantly on the rise as this gold standard slice of vintage funk and soul is guaranteed to brighten your day and fill every available dance floor within earshot. Fusing together a range of dynamic and attention grabbing styles this new song from The Urban Renewal Project is the perfect way to banish the winter blues.
Top Tracks: Maggie McClure & Shane Henry – Christmastime Again
I know there are plenty of cynics out there that don’t want to admit it, but Christmas is just around the corner! No matter how much some people may complain, the truth is that we all love Christmas; the people, the lights, the presents, the food, and of course the music. This dynamic duo have put together an addictively catchy hit that celebrates the best Christmas music in a fabulously slick throwback 50s style. Shane Henry started out his career opening for blues legend BB King and Maggie McClure has shown off her songwriting skills by having her music appear in countless US TV shows. Their voices are a perfect match and together this brilliant singer/songwriter team have put their skills to good use to make the most wonderful time of the year just a bit more wonderful.
Top Tracks: BRUMBY – Leave a Light On
Hailing from Las Vegas, a city famed for it’s bright lights and big thrills, one would expect the new single from native band BRUMBY to follow a similar path. Instead ‘Leave a Light On’, the band’s first release since their 2014 EP The Westwind Kid, is a much more subtle and bittersweet affair. The synth-laden Americana vibe, the anthemic chorus and the bright guitar melodies make this song essential listening for fans of Bear’s Den and The War On Drugs. ‘Leave a Light On’ makes the perfect soundtrack for an introspective, late night drive or equally for carefree summer cruising. Whichever way you’re headed, whatever path you follow, the new single from BRUMBY is all the company you need. With tracks like this it won’t be long until the band are leaving the city lights far behind and are sharing their music with fans across the world.
Live Review: Keaton Henson, London Palladium, 18th Nov 2016
Concerts are naturally a very thrilling and special thing, but every so often one comes along that feels like the most important thing in the world. Seeing the acclaimed yet reclusive singer/songwriter Keaton Henson at the London Palladium felt like the most significant concert I have ever been to. Despite his immense talents ranging from folk, electronic and classical music, and even art and poetry, Keaton rarely performs live due to his crippling anxiety. Thankfully for me and the rest of his adoring fans he decided to face his own personal hell, a fully sold out London Palladium, to produce a truly unforgettable night. Continue reading
Top Tracks: Heat – Lush
I’m a great admirer of bands whose music carries you away from life for a while, and I’m even more enamoured by those few acts that do so by taking you to a rich and vibrant world of their new creation. Montreal based band Heat certainly fit into the latter category, and their debut single ‘Lush’ undoubtedly lives up to it’s name. The bare bones of the track are built with dark post punk in mind, with the resulting musical landscape given new life with an array of bright dancing dream pop melodies. The track is like the musical equivalent of an explosion of colour in a world that only knows black and white. If the rest of their upcoming debut album Overnight, out 20th January, is up to the same high standard as this track then we may have found Canada’s next great music export.
Top Tracks: Baum Jr – When I Grow Up/Heroes
Whilst the 80s had a few stylistic dead ends, much of the music spawned at the time now seems to have a curious timeless quality about it. Fast forward to 2016 and big cascading synths sound as fresh as ever. This stunning debut double A side single (remember those?) from electropop artist Baum Jr draws inspiration from classic video game and film scores in a style which he has christened ‘next-gen 8-bit’. On ‘When I Grow Up’ he dusts off the hit track from forgotten 90s alternative rockers Garbage and breathes new life into it. The transformation is miraculous, and the expansive soundscape he has created continues even further with his track ‘Heroes’ which boasts a brilliant beat and addictive electronics. Baum Jr has tapped into influences from years gone by, but by all accounts the end product sounds like something from the not too distant future which we just happen to lucky enough to experience slightly ahead of schedule.
Live Review: Foy Vance, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, 12th Nov 2016
It’s been a great year to be a Foy Vance fan. He released his incredible new album The Wild Swan earlier in the year after signing to his dear friend Ed Sheeran’s record label Gingerbread Man Records. His track ‘Coco’ has been getting heavy airplay on BBC Radio 2 and the music video for ‘She Burns’ featuring Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars fame has been getting a fair bit of attention too. 2016 also saw him gathering new fans performing in front of ever larger crowds supporting the one and only Elton John on tour. Even though I have seen him live twice already I naturally leapt at the chance to see Foy in action in Leeds as part of his Wild Swan world tour. Continue reading
Belwood Music 