Photo: Graham Young
The legendary metal pioneers have played the final stop of their farewell “The End” tour in what could likely be the band’s final ever performance. Fans from all corners of the globe gathered at Birmingham’s Genting Arena for one final hit-packed set after nearly 50 years in the business. Closing the show with an encore of ‘Paranoid’, the title track from their most celebrated album, it was a fitting farewell for the rock icons and has hailed in the end of an era.
With it’s ethereal vocals, tribal rhythms and inescapable danceability, the debut single from the exciting, up-and-coming electropop star Sol is really something you need to experience firsthand. ‘Mystery’ instantly grabs your attention and refuses to let go, with a slick and stylish sound that is sure to be perfect for fans of Lapsley and Halsey. All that is before we even get around to mentioning the bizarre and thoroughly bewitching music video. Like some surreal and seductive ritual drawing you in deeper, it’s the perfect match for the song and is sure to be one of the year’s most memorable videos. With the music and visuals in perfect harmony, ‘Mystery’ will ensnare your senses and leave you in no hurry to escape.
After a couple of years away and more than their fair share of bumps in the road, Manchester quartet Embers are back with a brand new single. I’m sure their loyal fans will agree it was well worth the wait. With a heady backdrop of synths, pierced by bright indie riffs, air-drum worthy percussion and hints of emotive bass tones, ‘Signs’ is the perfect anthem for fans of The Killers and Amber Run. Set to be released as a double A side with ‘Unbound’ on 13th March, it’s the war cry of a revitalised band set to break free and soar to new heights. I can see them now winning over new fans galore at gigs and festivals across the country. Embers have set the standard for indie rock in 2017 and it seems that this year is theirs for the taking.
An incalculable amount of new music passes through my headphones day in, day out; whether discovered on my own or found awaiting me in my inbox. With that in mind, it’s rare when a song comes along and genuinely blows me away. Such was my reaction when I first heard Ren’s sweeping folk single ‘The Coast’. The affecting melody, the sense of yearning and wanderlust; it’s the kind of song that speaks to a deep and tender part of our souls. His debut EP is just as moving as the track that first won my heart. The soulful little guitar solo that catches you off-guard at the end of ‘All That I Need’, the bittersweet, slow burning blues of ‘Late Night Drive’ and the rich imagery and loving nostalgia of ‘My Heart Belongs To Ireland’. All these achingly beautiful moments come together to create an unforgettable first release. Drawing inspiration from great singer/songwriters both classic and contemporary, Ren carves out his own little pedestal to make him stand out as a genuine artist. Ren is one of the most promising up-and-coming acts in the UK right now, with bigger and better things surely just over the horizon.
Ren’s debut EP A Calling from the Shore is out 24th February and is a must for fans of Foy Vance, The Staves, Seafret and Glen Hansard.
From it’s atmospheric beginning to it’s bold, triumphant climax, the latest single from these Welsh alternative rockers really takes you on a journey. Taken from the band’s latest EP The Great Depression: Act 1, released last summer, their track ‘The Wars’ pulls off the perfect dramatic build and cathartic release. It’s the kind of powerful song that can move audiences regardless of scenes or genres, it’s something for all fans of meaningful music. The gorgeous melodies blend together with the interpretive dance of the new music video to produce a superb synergy of music and visuals. The Cardiff quintet will also be hitting the road for a few UK tour dates next month and are well worth checking out.
Indie rockers Little Comets are back with the latest single from their upcoming fourth album. ‘Common Things’ finds joy and wonder in the trivial and everyday, fusing funky, offbeat synthpop with glitchy indie riffs and a killer chorus. This cracking new track from these Newcastle lads is the perfect package for fans of Everything Everything, Yeasayer and Mystery Jets. Cool, quirky and eminently danceable, this latest offering is the hottest new indie hit around right now, and one hell of a way to kick off 2017. The new album WORHEAD is released 3rd February, with the band embarking on a UK tour shortly afterwards, and it should be something special if this first single is anything to go by.
It has been announced today that Kasabian will be headlining the twin festivals of Reading and Leeds this year. The Leicester lads, who last topped the bill in 2012, will be joining fellow headliners Muse, with the third and final act yet to be announced. Other bands announced today include Two Door Cinema Club, Circa Waves and Rat Boy. The line-up has one again received heavy criticism for not containing enough women.
Martyn Crocker – Favouritism
With his thoughtful and elegant piano balladry, Oregon native Taylor Jahn is a truly accomplished pop singer/songwriter. His faultless vocals, his gorgeous melodies and most of all his profound and heartfelt lyrics all point to a long and rewarding career in his near future. Following the release of his debut EP Hide Away, I was lucky enough to chat to him about his music: 
Justin Levinson – Yes Man
Belwood Music 