music

Spotlight!: Ailbhe Reddy

/ James Fenney

ailbhe reddyThis Dublin born singer/songwriter, having already made waves in her native Ireland, seems set to carve out a path towards international acclaim. With her new upcoming EP, Ailbhe Reddy crafts a curious amalgamation of styles. Attach To Memory combines elements of folk, indie and electropop; all underpinned by her unique vocals, recalling everyone from Lianne La Havas and The Cranberries, to Daughter and Feist. Indie rocker ‘Fingertips’ takes a frank look at female sexuality and boasts a curiously addictive chorus, while the folky beginnings of ‘Never Loved’ conjure up an image of falling leaves in some picturesque city park. ‘Disconnect’ builds towards a climactic wall of sound and the genre-hopping ‘Loose’ sees Ailbhe’s voice at it’s very best, shifting from psychedelic soul to beat driven pop perfection. There are a thousand tiny elements within the music that I could trace back, but all together they create a sound that is truly one of a kind. Following on from the success of her first release Hollowed Out Sea, Ailbhe Reddy has kicked it up a few notches and seems sure to reach even greater heights with furture releases. The sky is the limit.

Fans of Feist, Daughter, Lanterns On The Lake and Lianne La Havas should check out her latest EP Attach To Memory out 24th May

Chris Cornell passes away

/ James Fenney

Chris_CornellOne of the most iconic frontmen of the 90s, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden has passed away. Early reports suggest the singer tragically committed suicide. One of the most influential rock singers of his generation, he was one of the key figures in the grunge movement that defined an era. As well as releasing such acclaimed albums as Badmotorfinger and Superunknown with Soundgarden, he also fronted two short-lived yet enduring supergroups; Temple of the Dog with members of Pearl Jam, and Audioslave alongside members of Rage Against The Machine. His solo career saw him perform ‘You Know My Name’, the theme for the 2006 Bond film Casino Royale. His work inspired a whole new generation of rock bands and he will be sorely missed.

Top Tracks: Carlo Barbagallo – Any Girl’s Eyes

/ James Fenney

Belwood is proud to premiere the new video from Sicilian musician and songwriter Carlo Barbagallo. ‘Any Girl’s Eyes’, taken from his new album 9, stands at the crossroads between folk, jazz and soul, having explored a fair share of miles towards each musical horizon. With an airy melody reminiscent of Nick Drake, albeit fleshed out with an understated brass section, smatterings of soulful guitar and organ, and slick piano work, the track stands as an impressive and expansive music monument. Straddling the line between classic and contemporary, Carlo has taken a deceptively simple song and has given it a larger than life sound. Carrying the same kind of ambition and attention to detail that you’d find on Michael Kiwanuka’s acclaimed album Love & Hate, it’s easily the best R&B offering that I’ve heard thus far in 2017.

Top Tracks: Hermetic Delight – Vow

/ James Fenney

Belwood Music is proud to premiere the music video from Hermetic Delight. ‘Vow’, the title track of the French band’s latest EP, is a dark and eerie voyage through a nocturnal landscape, complete with menacing post-punk instrumentation and vocals reminiscent of Courtney Swain from art rock band Bent Knee. The new video follows each of the band members as they wind their way through the city streets; from the brightly lit hustle and bustle, to its dark and seedy underbelly. Jumping between each band member, each new turn takes them deeper into an unseen world, where the threatening tension of ‘Vow’ seems all the more potent. The song and its accompanying video work in perfect harmony to create a broody atmosphere that is hard to pull yourself out of.

Top Tracks: The Firelight Opera – Alive

/ James Fenney

Now here is a new alternative rock band to get excited about! For a genre that prides itself on its high energy, these days it all too often feels stale and uninspired. Sunderland based band The Firelight Opera bring something new to the scene with their debut single ‘Alive’, taken from their upcoming album Communication Breakdown out 29th May. What sets them apart is the fact that four of the band members share lead vocal duties, bringing a refreshing dynamic into the mix. Though the intertwining vocal melodies often steal the show, the track also boasts plenty of soaring guitar work and a profoundly though provoking music video. Put all that together and you find yourself listening to the ideal alternative anthem from one of the most promising new bands on the scene.

Top Tracks: Rachel Jane – Waiting For A Change

/ James Fenney

I’m fairly sure “badass” isn’t a technical term, however there’s no denying that it perfectly encapsulates the new track from singer/songwriter Rachel Jane. ‘Waiting For A Change’, taken from her upcoming second EP The Mountain due in July, is an evocative anthem full of drive and conviction. With riffs akin to AM era Arctic Monkeys, Rachel sings with the spirit of someone beaten down by the world, only for each blow to further fan the flames of her inner strength. If you need a song to spur you forth to break the chains holding you back and step out into the world as through it was yours for the taking, then this is it, no question. Rachel Jane is definitely a name to look out for at this summer’s festivals.

Top Tracks: Lucy & La Mer – Honey, Put Your Weapons Down

/ James Fenney

I often find myself drawn to songs with something different or unique to offer, and that’s just what I discovered upon first hearing the new single from LA based singer/songwriter Lucy LaForge. ‘Honey, Put You Weapons Down’ combines a simple, albeit off-kilter melody with soaring strings to produce a curious folk pop hit. It has all the hooks and slick production to appeal to pop fans, but also brings together the kind of musicality and eccentricity that indie folk fans are sure to love. Lyrically the track speaks of the need for that special spark with a relationship, that if it’s meant to be it should feel relaxed and natural rather than an uphill battle. On this song Lucy has created an innovative and modern pop sound that is well ahead of the curve.

Interview: Levy & The Oaks

/ James Fenney

levy and the oaksHailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, Levy & The Oaks bring together classic, homegrown folk and Americana, with nuanced pop production and accessibility to create a sound that is entirely their own. After releasing their eponymous debut just last year, the band have wasted no time in releasing their new unplugged EP Out Of The Blue. The sparse arrangements on offer within have breathed new life into the tracks. I chatted to Lou Panico about Levy & The Oaks’ latest acoustic adventures ahead of the upcoming EP:  Continue reading →