Naives – Naives
Electropop | Indie Pop
65%
music
Top 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
76%
Black Sabbath play their final show
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.
Top Tracks: Sol – Mystery
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.
Top Tracks: Embers – Signs
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.
Album Review: Martyn Crocker – Favouritism
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: Album Review: Justin Levinson – Yes Man
Justin Levinson – Yes ManSpotlight!: Ren
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.
