New York indie rockers Little Person are here with their latest single. ‘Solemn Is The Only Word’, taken from their upcoming EP I Feel Fine released 3rd April, combines a laid-back groove that wouldn’t sound amiss coming from some Parisian Jazz club, with subtle 60s psychedelics, a meandering bass line and some lush acoustic balladry to create a mellow and trippy soundscape. Drawing inspiration from so many sources, this duo is hard to pin down. These multi-instrumental twins, Max and Nicky Weinbach, have crafted their own unique sound that is sure to appeal to a wide range of music fans. As gentle as a summer breeze and as sweet as a rare wine, this is a perfect track for chilling out when the stress of modern life gets too much.
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Album Review: Frances – Things I’ve Never Said
Frances – Things I’ve Never SaidTop Tracks: Rival Karma – Scream
Every so often we all need a dose of no-nonsense hard rock to help us brush off our troubles, face the world head on and embrace our inner badass, and this London based quartet are just the prescription you need. With their new single ‘Scream’, with its heavy blues rock riffs, gritty vocals and uncompromising attitude, Rival Karma are perfect for fans of The Answer, Wolfmother, The Temperance Movement and Rival Sons. It’s rare to find hard rock of this high standard these days, which makes Rival Karma all the more memorable. It’s no stretch of the imagination that these guys could soon be the next big name in the scene. The lads are playing a headline show at The Islington London on 13th April, as well as performing at Camden Rocks this June.
Chuck Berry passes away
There are many artists who can deservedly be called legends, but if we were to look back through modern music history and pick out the most important and influential figure of all time, surely there is only one answer. Chuck Berry pioneered rock and roll; he took the old school rhythm and blues, injected it with a rebellious energy that was unique for the time, and changed music forever. With tracks such as ‘Johnny B Goode’ and ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, and his wild stage antics, he influenced everyone from Elvis and The Beach Boys, to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The sheer volume of music that can trace its lineage directly back to him is simply unfathomable. This revolutionary music icon passed away aged 90, but so long as people exist and make music his legacy will carry on.
Top Tracks: Trapdoor Social – Winning As Truth
There are few bands that are up to the high standard of this LA group when it comes to being good role models. Almost every step of their career thus far has seen them helping out numerous good causes, including local charities and campaigning for green energy. As if all that wasn’t enough, they’ve also come out with a brilliant new single. ‘Winning As Truth’, taken from their eponymous debut, hits out at those that claw their way to the top at any cost, and how in the end they wind up losing more than they gain in terms of admiration and respect. The track’s time-hopping music video features some superb imagery and storytelling, the subtleties of which you could spend months decoding. These guys seem too good to be true; if there’s a catch I sure as hell haven’t found it.
Top Tracks: No Vacation – Mind Fields
A year after their break-up, San Francisco dream pop band No Vacation are back with a brand new track. ‘Mind Fields’ is a bright and airy belter that boasts a spellbinding soundscape and a real attention grabbing bass interlude. Though it was penned as an ode to break-ups, this wistful track is teeming with optimism as it looks towards the future. This song is a single ray of sun piercing through the haze, illuminating the last glistening thread of positivity to guide the way through the darkest times of a break-up. With its catchy hooks and comforting atmosphere it’s the kind of track that will keep you coming back for more. This kind of gorgeous dream pop is making a real comeback as of late and ‘Mind Fields’ is up there with the best that you’re likely to hear.
Ed Sheeran to headline Glastonbury 2017
In a move that has surprised literally no one, Ed Sheeran has been revealed as this year’s third and final Glastonbury headliner. Given the year that he’s had thus far I’d say being top of the bill at the Pyramid stage is more than justified. His third album Divide has been breaking numerous records, becoming one of the fastest selling albums ever and completely taking over the UK charts with all 16 tracks in the top 20, in an unprecedented event that has called for changes in the role of streaming services’ contributions to the charts. Sheeran will close the festival on the Sunday, following fellow headliners Radiohead and Foo Fighters.
Interview: Charly Coombes
Photo by Rayana Macedo
Formerly of 22-20s and brother of Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, multi-instrumental singer/songwriter Charly Coombes has a wealth of musical knowledge and experience at his fingertips. With two solo albums already to his name, the folk rock of No Shelter and the interstellar soundscapes of Black Moon, his upcoming third album RUN sees him now exploring 80s synth vibes with new-found drive and confidence. I had a chat with Charly about the new record ahead of its release: Continue reading
Hajk – Hajk
Happyness – Write In
Belwood Music 