We’ve had top lists of singles and albums since the site started, but we’ve neglected an increasingly important part of the music industry: EPs. They are a chance for new artists to show the world what they are all about, and hence by looking at EPs we can see where music is headed and who might just be the next big thing. They also offer an opportunity for established artists to take a chance and explore something new without dedicating all their effort to a full album. Simply put, EPs are the lifeblood of the music industry, and here are the ones that impressed most in the past year: Continue reading
Top Ten Videos of 2017
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with music videos. Sometimes they feel like a relic of the MTV days that we cling to because everyone else is doing them. Other times however, you find such a well conceived and brilliantly executed video that reminds you how they sometimes still have the power to make a band or artist a household name. There’s been a fair few great videos in 2017, and here’s a run-down of some of the best: Continue reading
Top Ten Songs of 2017
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas! It’s that time of year again; as 2017 draws to a close we’ll be talking about Belwood’s highlights of the year gone by, starting with our favourite songs. It’s been no easy task to whittle it down to just ten tracks, there’s been a lot of outstanding music released this past year. With a healthy mix of acts both old and new, large and small, it’s our strongest list yet. Hopefully you can find a few hidden gems here that you missed first time around, or just jam along all over again! Continue reading
Album Review: Diablo Swing Orchestra – Pacifisticuffs
Diablo Swing Orchestra – Pacifisticuffs
Progressive Metal | Swing | Symphonic Metal | Avant Garde
81%
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.
Interview: Mark Stoermer
It’s truly been a stand-out year for stunning solo albums from members of big established bands. One of the main highlights was the surreal psychedelic soundscapes and theatrical lyricism of Filthy Apes and Lions from The Killers bassist Mark Stoermer. Creating colourful worlds and spinning sinister stories, it was one of the most surprising releases of the year. Belwood Music was lucky enough to catch up with Mark over the phone and ask a few quick questions about his new solo record, as well as talk about The Killer’s new album Wonderful Wonderful: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Winter Mountain – Platinum and Gold
If some celestial visitor with no experience of humanity and it’s art asked for some examples what would you give them? If you had sum up what folk, in particular that indefinable Americana sound, was all about in one song, you’d present a damn good case with the new single from Winter Mountain. It has all the musical elements you’d expect; resplendent guitar tones, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and vocals that find the perfect mid-point between gritty and uplifting. More than that however, the music reflects part of the human spirit. The video is a perfect fit with its crashing waves and roaring campfire, as if you just close your eyes you naturally imagine just such a scene. Music says a lot about an artist, but sometimes it’s nice to find a song that lets you sit back and see the bigger picture, and think of the art that’s in all of us.
Vote for Belwood Music in the UK Blog Awards!
I’m delighted to announce that Belwood is up this year for the UK Blog Awards in the individual arts and culture category. In order to proceed to the next stage I need your help! All I ask is that you take a moment out of your day and VOTE! It really does mean the world. ❤️
Top Tracks: Gus Harrower – Cell Dilution
The new single from Scottish singer/songwriter Gus Harrower really doesn’t mess around. With ‘Cell Dilution’, taken from his upcoming EP Where We Were, Gus throws everything he’s got at you. The piano led intro weaves through some suave little swing sections into impassioned heartfelt balladry. It’s not long however until the track kicks it up a notch, throwing stylish synths and expressive drums into the mix, punctuated with gritty guitar bursts. This track is straining at the seams, crammed full of varied and engaging sounds, of which I’d pick out the jazzy piano work as the pièce de résistance. There are few acts this year that can pack in so much diversity and yet still make it work, which really reflects Gus’ talents as a songwriter and the enormous potential he carries.
Top Tracks: Chloe Bodur – Glory
There’s a lot of talk this time of year about the “Sound of 2018” and the “ones to watch” in the coming year. Often these just serve to score points, rather than capture any sense of zeitgeist, but I truly feel this debut single represents something significant. With ‘Glory’ young Chloe Bodur brings together subtle little experimental flourishes reminiscent of Frank Ocean and Childish Gambino, but still maintains the smooth and intoxicating appeal of classic soul. It pushes the boundaries enough to stand out from the crowd but is inviting enough to make you want to play it on repeat all day. Mark my words, Chloe is ahead of the curve with this one, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of other artists unwittingly trying to recreate this sound in 2018. Whether any will beat ‘Glory’ though is another matter.
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