Sometimes, for no real reason that you can put your finger on, a song just naturally creates a scene in your mind. Listening to the latest single ‘Idle Stranger’ from this Birmingham band, for me conjures an image of someone breaking away in search of something more. Leaving their old life behind and leaping headfirst into the unknown, eager and anxious in equal measures. It’s the mark of a great song to make you feel something or tell a story in this way, even if the story is of your own making. This trio of siblings have paired bright cascading indie pop riffs with exemplary vocal harmonies to create a track that’s beautifully bittersweet. It weaves it’s way into your mind like the first light of dawn. Released 3rd March, it’s hard not to be moved by Miccoli’s melodious and soul-stirring new single.
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The Grammy Awards 2017
Despite being one of the worst batches of nominations in recent memory, this year’s Grammy Awards went better than expected… for the most part. David Bowie picked up posthumous awards for best rock song, rock performance and alternative album. Cage The Elephant won the pitiful pool of nominations for best rock album for their latest release Tell Me I’m Pretty. What was expected to be an endless stream of awards for Beyoncé ended up being clean sweep for Adele, picking up album of the year, song of the year and record of the year, as well as pop album and pop performance. She dedicated her award to Beyonce (and broke it, ‘Mean Girls’ style) in a moving speech. Performance wise the night was marred by technical issues, most notably when James Hetfield’s microphone wasn’t working during Metallica’s performance of ‘Moth Into Flame’ with Lady Gaga. By far the best performance of the night was surprisingly Bruno Mars’ tribute to the dearly departed Prince.
Album Review: Rag’n’Bone Man – Human
Rag’n’Bone Man – HumanAlbum Review: Amber Run – For A Moment, I Was Lost
Amber Run – For a Moment, I Was LostTop Tracks: Lorne – Bread Alone
“Man shall not live by bread alone”; the Biblical phrase that inspired the new track from the incredibly talented London-based singer/songwriter Lorne. The refined piano balladry and soaring strings make the perfect backdrop for Lorne’s pure, crystalline vocals. With ‘Bread Alone’ he shares a message of seizing the day and not letting your past hold you back. It’s a heartfelt plea to live your life to the full, to thrive and not merely survive, something which many of us need reminding of every now and then. It is a simple yet powerful song of self discovery, perfect for those introspective late night playlists. Taken from his upcoming debut EP Maze, it is the kind of track that resonates with you all day long.
Top Tracks: Haunt the Woods – Beautiful Catastrophe
It’s songs like this that sum up why Belwood Music, and music blogs in general, come to be. Because every so often you hear a piece of music so captivating that all you want to do is broadcast it to the world in the hope that it moves others the same way that it moved you. From it’s gentle folky beginnings, ‘Beautiful Catastrophe’ grows with effortless and graceful harmonies and soaring strings, before erupting into a passionate maelstrom of sweeping guitar solos and Jeff Buckley-esque vocals. There’s something so raw and honest surrounding what this Cornwall based quartet have created. With this track from their debut EP The Line, Haunt the Woods have jumped straight up to the top of my list of “ones to watch”.
Top Tracks: Salt Petal – Telephone
Any self-respecting music fan would love the chance to go back in time and experience Woodstock. If you did, the latest single from this multicultural, LA based collective certainly wouldn’t sound amiss. Taken from their upcoming album Rare Hearts, out 28th April, ‘Telephone’ carries subtle hints to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell in the vocals. With it’s driving bass and sweet vintage riffs, as a whole the track is the perfect throwback to Jefferson Airplane at the height of their power. There is a lot here to like, and Salt Petal are clearly a band that wear their hearts on their sleeve. With hints of surf rock and psychedelica, and plenty of purpose and attitude, ‘Telephone’ is the perfect mission statement to sum up what the band is all about.
Album Review: Naives – Naives
Naives – NaivesTop Tracks: Hajk – Best Friend
There’s very few times when I find myself lost for words, but this is one of those rare occasions. There is simply no recommendation I can give that will properly do this song justice. This stellar single from Oslo based band Hajk is about as close to perfect as indie pop gets. The piano melodies, the bright riffs, the uplifting harmonies all come together to bring joy from heartbreak, and portray the end of a friendship through rose-tinted glasses. With plenty of throwback 80s charm and a thoroughly addictive chorus, it’s a track that will follow you for a long time. I don’t know if lightning strikes twice, but if their upcoming eponymous debut has anything even half as good as ‘Best Friend’ then Hajk are definitely one to watch!
Album Review: The Little Kicks – Shake Off Your Troubles
The Little Kicks – Shake Off Your Troubles
Indie Pop | Electropop | Baroque Pop
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