People say that there’s nothing new to be made in music, but even if this were the case, we can combine what is already out there in a myriad of unique and inventive combinations. A good case in point is the latest single from the wonderful Hannah Featherstone. Born in Britain but raised amongst the vibrant Parisian music scene, her new track ‘Solo’ combines classic jazz with contemporary electropop. With its off-kilter beat, it’s honest minimalist arrangement and a few little electronic flourishes, ‘Solo’ is one of the most distinctive and inimitable tracks I’ve heard this year. She is a curious artist, certainly someone to keep your eye on. With a new album due later this year, it will be interesting to see what other noteworthy creations Hannah has to offer.
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Top Tracks: The Lavender Scare – Drag For A Queen
I do love a band with a dash of flair and ambition, two boxes that LA band The Lavender Scare have certainly ticked with their new single. Musically ‘Drag For a Queen’ reminds me of ‘Lillian’ by The Dear Hunter as it carries the same air of sleazy theatricality, albeit with James Delos Reyes’ unique gritty vocals. Lyrically it tells the tale of a drag queen that finds religion and later falls back into his old habits behind closed doors. With this vivid caricature that the song portrays, the band does a superb job at storytelling and at building up a whole other world within your mind. Dark, witty, and the very quintessence of style; if The Lavender Scare build on the successes of this track they will soon jump up my list of the most exciting bands around.
Top Tracks: Prism Tats – Brainwaves
Let’s not beat around the bush here, ‘Brainwaves’ is a plain and simple indie banger, end of story. Its memorable melodic hooks are a potent brew which is almost certain to be loved by festival crowds far and wide. There are some big name bands out there who could learn a lot from this track. Garett van der Spek, under his moniker Prism Tats, has provided an upbeat and addictive tune that carries a deeper message, dealing with our unhealthy reliance on technology. Raised in South Africa, though now based in LA, Garett is on to a winning formula with his new single. After this latest taster of his upcoming second album due later this year, I for one am hungry for more.
Live Review: The Last Hearts, Cafe INDIEpendent Scunthorpe, 14th July 2017
Photo by Carl Gac
“We’re guerrillas, we don’t announce gigs. We hit, then we sink back into the night.” While The Commitments is an immensely quotable film, that line to me has always felt like a testament to a long forgotten phenomenon. Modern life thrives on routine, modern living is done squarely within the comfort zone, and these days spontaneous gigs sound like a foreign concept unless you’re in the big leagues and just fancy messing with people. But then the message came through loud and clear that a little pop-up gig was occurring; a showcase of some of the finest local talent, at the delightfully cool and quirky Cafe Indie. This was very much a new experience for me and not one that I was inclined to miss! Continue reading
Album Review: Oh Wonder – Ultralife
Oh Wonder – UltralifeTop Tracks: Lots Holloway – Stay A Little Longer
The word “bewitching” has somehow never felt so apt, as there’s no denying there’s something dark and mystical at play here. Born in Cornwall, but now based in London, singer/songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist Lots Holloway really captivates you with her latest single ‘Stay A Little Longer’. Written about all the various manipulative people who end up dictating our lives, the suitably hypnotic video and Eastern vibes cast a spell over you like some mysterious snake charmer, with its hold on you getting deeper and deeper with each repeat. It carries a seductive air of danger while still remaining accessible enough to lure in scores of eager new listeners. With her debut EP and a string of UK dates on the way later this year, Lots is definitely one to watch!
Album Review: HAIM – Something To Tell You
HAIM – Something To Tell YouInterview: The Last Dinosaur
Photo by Alexandra Cameron
Regardless of what the rest of the year offers, to me The Nothing is the essential album of 2017. This cathartic creation composed about the loss of a childhood friend rivals Nick Cave’s Skeleton Tree as the most powerful and personal record of the decade. With its uplifting atmosphere, poignant lyrics and deftly moving instrumental passages, it’s the kind of record you simply want to fade away into and never leave. I spoke to gifted songwriter Jamie Cameron about his new masterpiece: Continue reading
Top Tracks: Critics – Key Lime Pie
No matter what your tastes may be, there are always certain songs that are just too fun to resist. The latest single from up-and-coming indie pop trio Critics is just such a track. With its funky flair, retro synths, infectious chorus and it’s shamelessly silly music video, it’s a delightful little summer anthem. It’s cheery upbeat attitude and immaculate pop sheen really get under your skin and just brightens your day a little more with each listen. ‘Key Lime Pie’ sounds like a massive international hit single just waiting to happen. How this isn’t already on heavy rotation all across the country is beyond me. Critics are proving themselves one of the most promising new indie pop acts around, and it seems mainstream success for them is almost certainly a matter of “when” rather than “if”.
Top Tracks: Island Apollo – Feeling You
If you need a new addition to your indie disco playlist for you to dance around to like no one is watching, then look no further. Island Apollo are back, and the new single from this Southern California band combines indie, surf rock and tons of 80s charm. Recalling Duran Duran with its heavy synths and funky undertones, it’s hard not to be compelled to dance by this infectious new song. This fun track also has a whole lot of heart, as lyrically it speaks of standing by those you care about when they are at their lowest. It’s a fantastic little number offering guilt-free good times, fun summery vibes, and plenty of loveable retro appeal. There’s a lot here to like so I urge you to give it pride of place in your summer soundtrack.
