The Family Crest – The War: Act I
Baroque Pop | Indie Rock
83%
Top Tracks: Charlotte Enegren – Same Old Joe
Tracks like ‘Same Old Joe’ are among the most difficult to write about, as when all the instruments are working together in perfect harmony it is difficult to pick out your favourite moments. On this new single from Swedish singer/songwriter Charlotte Enegren, taken from her upcoming debut EP Mirror Lights, all the instruments are on a sure and equal footing; from the expressive rhythm section, to the warm ambience of the brass, to the jazzy piano interlude. But all of these elements quite clearly need to be working together to stand any chance of matching the most impressive instrument of all: Charlotte’s astounding voice. An assured blend of jazz, soul and pop stylings, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s one of the most impressive and memorable vocal performances to have ever graced the site. With a voice like that, Charlotte’s potential for greatness knows no bounds.
Top Tracks: Matthew Gordon Price – Vixen Queen
Songs like ‘Vixen Queen’ are special in many ways, but perhaps the most telling of all for me is the sense of wanderlust that they ignite. Listening to this new single from alt folk troubadour Matthew Gordon Price, taken from his new EP Rivalry, I can’t help but picture hiking with friends along some woodland trail, not a care in the world about the destination, just revelling in the journey as the sun streams through the canopy. It’s the kind of song that inspires adventure and leaves you longing to leave your old life behind in search of new frontiers. ‘Vixen Queen’ has a timeless feel that is sure to warm your heart. Bringing together the rustic charm of The Felice Brothers, the lush instrumentation of First Aid Kit, and the passionate vocals of Glen Hansard, Matthew’s sublime new single is one adventure that is not to be missed.
Album Review: The Amazing – In Transit
The Amazing – In TransitSmall But Mighty: Why we need more small festivals
It’s a peculiar time for the music industry. Streaming services are showing record figures, but there are still struggling up-and-coming artists being paid mere pennies. A recent report showed that live music attendance in the UK is at an all time high, yet grassroots venues up and down the country continue to close. Our music industry has experienced a massive boon in recent years, but it seems that only those at the top are reaping the rewards. Continue reading
Spotlight!: Flicker Rate
I can be rather selective when it comes to instrumental music. It needs to feel complete, as though adding vocals into the mix would take something away rather than add in something that feels missing. There are two ways to do this: the first is to pack in so much complex and unique instrumentation that there’s just no room left for vocals, the second is to make something so calming and chilled out that vocals would just disturb the delicate atmosphere. Flicker Rate, aka Irish multi-instrumentalist Spencer Bassett, somehow manages to achieve both of these sounds at once with his third and final EP Skylight. It makes for the perfect background music, but under closer scrutiny all the fantastic little details become clear as day. The title track shows his work at its most mellow and melodic, ‘Shimmer’ factors in electronic elements, and while the guitar generally takes centre stage there’a a lot to be said for captivating drum work on ‘Cloud Drop’.
Fans of Plini, Polyphia, Anathema and Intervals should check out Flicker Rate’s latest EP Skylight.
Live Review: Steven Wilson, Bridgewater Hall Manchester, 31st March 2018
Having been a Porcupine Tree fan for many years, and with the band playing a key part in my musical development as it were, a trip to see the main man himself Steven Wilson was long overdue. With his new solo record To The Bone offering some of his most well constructed songs to date (and with the size of his back catalogue that’s saying something) now seemed like the perfect time. I had not been this excited about a gig in a long time, and knowing his reputation for his spectacular live performances over the years, I was eager to see one of my idols in action. Continue reading
Top Tracks: Veladraco – Coldest Winter Day
We’ve all done it: sat on public transport, rain falling upon the window as you look out into the world, listening to a song you’re so completely absorbed in that you forget everything else exists. When that perfect song comes up at the perfect time it feels like you’re at the centre of a movie and are filming some bittersweet montage where you reflect on all that’s happened, and all that’s still to come. This cinematic new single from South African band Veladraco is just such a song. Walking a fine line between introspective and anthemic, it’s a song to hold you up and keep you moving forward when you just don’t know how to feel anymore. Wherever your journey leads, whatever comes next in your story, ‘Coldest Winter Day’ is just the companion you need.
Top Tracks: Tancred – Reviews
‘Reviews’ is my first experience of Tancred, but it certainly won’t be the last. This first single from forthcoming album Nightstand, out 1st June, showcases an astounding interplay of light and shade. With the imposing bass tones and sombre, introspective lyricism juxtaposed against bright flashes of indie guitar and keyboards, and infectious pop melodies, this track is a paragon of bittersweet brilliance. There are two whole worlds captured here in a mere three minutes, the perfect musical yin and yang. The music is equal parts lush and lo-fi, and the contrast between the downcast lyrics of the verses to the heartwarming hints of optimism in the chorus says something of the two sides at war within all of us. Both the storm cloud and the silver lining, this is truly a song for every occasion.
Sunflower Bean – Twentytwo In Blue
Belwood Music 