Mark Stoermer – Filthy Apes and Lions
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Spotlight!: Young Earth
I’ve often thought that names say a lot about a band, but while the actual young Earth was harsh and lifeless, this Dublin based band are anything but. This up-and-coming indie quartet are brimming with bright energy, youthful exuberance and an air of lovable charm, producing some of the finest indie pop to ever emerge from the Emerald Isle. ‘Frequency Illusion’ features a great driving rhythm and spiralling guitar work, ‘Worth It’ is an infectious festival ready anthem, while the catchy hooks of ‘Got a Secret’ show a heavier side to the band and carries a kind of roguish air to it. ‘Under Cover’ has some sublime bass tones and is reminiscent of Royal Blood in the chorus, while ‘Let Go’ plays around with more refined, sun-drenched soundscapes that could have come straight from LA. Perhaps the real moral behind the name Young Earth is that they will grow, and become even more vibrant and full of life as time goes on. Regardless of what comes next however, Young Earth are sounding on fine form on their debut EP.
Fans of The Vaccines, Circa Waves, Two Door Cinema Club and The Kooks should check out their debut EP Frequency Illusion out 7th November
Top Tracks: The Luck – Rise and Shine
Brother and sister duo Max and Esmay Luck have struck gold with their latest single. ‘Rise and Shine’ carries an epic, cinematic feel. Listening to it you feel as though you should be strolling through the desert, wearing shades and a leather jacket, leaving the world behind you and not once turning back. Their voices blend brilliantly, the soaring instrumentals imbue an uplifting energy, and the whole song simply makes you feel like you can overcome any obstacle that dares block your path. With their debut album on the way soon, ‘Rise and Shine’ is surely a sign of great things to come. Luck by name, luck by nature, as I truly feel fortune is in my favour after discovering this powerful track.
Top Tracks: Ailbhe Reddy – The Tube
Belwood favourite Ailbhe Reddy is back with another stellar single. ‘The Tube’ is her best work yet, making her all the more deserving of her spot as one of the frontrunners for this year’s Spotlight Award. This latest offering shows her at her most expansive and cinematic, as she captures the feeling of a goodbye at the collapse of a relationship, when there are no words sufficient to give closure and the best you can manage is to walk them to the tube station. Touching and relatable, Ailbhe’s expressive vocals and wistful soundscapes offer a kind of catharsis that is so desperately missing from the story it tells. This incredible singer/songwriter is just getting better and better with each new release, and is just a stone’s throw from greatness.
Album Review: Slaughter Beach, Dog – Birdie
Slaughter Beach, Dog – BirdieTop Tracks: Two Islands – Still Life
Maintaining an air of anonymity is a challenging and risky move in this image focussed modern lifestyle, but when someone offers up a deliriously addictive hit like ‘Still Life’ it doesn’t matter where it came from, you’re just thankful it’s there. Enigmatic Liverpudlian band Two Islands have delivered a dose of indie pop perfection with their latest single. With its shimmering synths, groovy bass lines and gorgeous retro melodies, ‘Still Life’ injects some pure, undiluted joy into your day. A late addition to my list of top songs of 2017, this irresistible indie anthem brings together the best of modern pop with classic 80s vibes, and is sure to get you up and moving. I defy you not to be drawn in and eager for more from the terrific Two Islands.
Album Review: Low Chimes – Illumine
Low Chimes – IllumineAlbum Review: Rationale – Rationale
Rationale – RationaleAlbum Revew: Benjamin Clementine – I Tell A Fly
Benjamin Clementine – I Tell A FlyTom Petty passes away
Shortly after concluding the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour, Americana icon Tom Petty died aged 66 after suffering cardiac arrest. With his band The Heartbreakers he penned such hits as ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’, ‘Free Fallin’ and ‘Learning To Fly’, which helped him become arguably the quintessential Americana artist and inspire generations of songwriters. He also played a vital role as part of The Travelling Wilburys, quite possibly the greatest “supergroup” ever assembled. His work is so deeply ingrained in American culture that it’s difficult to say just how far-reaching his influence was. This much-loved bastion of heartland rock will be sorely missed.
Belwood Music 