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Album Review: Coheed and Cambria – The Unheavenly Creatures
Coheed and Cambria – The Unheavenly Creatures
Progressive Rock | Alternative Rock
78%
Spotlight!: Jessie Munro
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, but when it comes to music it often seems like heartbreak is the mother of creativity. That familiar torrent of hurt, anger and confusion has given rise to some of the most moving pieces of music over the years, and offered an intimate glimpse into the artists behind them. The mark of heartbreak is clearly felt on the debut EP from Canadian artist Jessie Munro. On My Own feels connected in a way that few EPs ever really manage, proving to be greater than the sum of its parts. ‘If Your Eyes Could Talk’ has hints of Lianne La Havas, while the vintage groove of ‘Under Fire’ offers an upbeat twist on heartache that reminds me of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. The simple but powerful riffs bring a real edge to ‘I’d Like To’, while the stripped back jazz intro of ‘Patiently I Wait’ soon gives way to an emphatic climax that ends the release on a high. What all these songs have in common is a clear focus on honest and meaningful lyricism, and the most wonderfully expressive and memorable bass you will hear all year. Jessie’s music is an enticing cocktail, mixing equal measures of the golden age of singer songwriters, classic soul and jazz, and contemporary R&B.
Fans of Lianna La Havas, Samm Henshaw and Arlissa should check out Jessie Munro’s devut EP On My Own
Top Tracks: Layer Cake – Keep Me Awake
They say that not only good things take time, but they also come in small packages. Every rule has exceptions however, and sometimes good things happen can happen all at once. Recorded in just one take, ‘Keep Me Awake’ is a fine example. The part about small packages though, does still ring true here. This new single from Australian band Layer Cake packs all the bright riffs, infectious melodies and driving rhythm you’d expect from a first class indie hit, and concentrates it into just a couple of minutes, like a dense neutron star of indie rock splendour. The track conveys such energy and urgency that you soon find yourself under its spell, drawn in by a vibrant and animated aura that just excels in exuding positivity at every opportunity.
Album Review: AVEC – Heaven/Hell
AVEC – Heaven/HellTop Tracks: Curtsy – A Better Pet
When it comes down to it, loving someone is giving them the power to break you and then trusting them not to. Letting someone in, showing a side of yourself that’s seldom seen. To be entirely vulnerable around a certain someone, and having faith that they will still love you just the same, can be a daunting prospect. It’s a risk you have to take however to know the joy of being with someone who knows you better than you know yourself, someone you can be completely open and free around. This lush new indie pop track from Curtsy follows that same feeling of apprehension of taking things to the next level, and all that comes with it, but ultimately taking the plunge anyway. ‘A Better Pet’ is a song to help cut away at the insecurities holding you back, and encourage you instead to follow your heart.
Spotlight!: Sophie Morgan
Have you ever gone for a walk at sunset? You could be walking along the most unassuming path, strolling past scenery you’ve seen a million times and take for granted, yet by some trick of the light it feels like a whole new world. The trees and houses glimmer with golden light, the clouds awash with colour like some impressionist painting, and you’re greeted at every turn by a chorus of birdsong. I get that exact same feeling listening to Sophie Morgan. This Cheshire born singer/songwriter doesn’t carve out a new path, she follows the trails carved out by generations of artists before her, but does so in a way shines some fresh perspective on it and makes it feel as though you’re experiencing things again for the first time. ‘Sons & Daughters’ is the kind of track that runs through your head when you just take a moment to yourself to watch the world drift by, while the delicate and dreamy ‘Lemony Girl’ reminds me of Billie Marten. Her mature songwriting on tracks like ‘Above You’ is remarkable for an artist so early in their career, while the Nick Drake inspired ‘Black Dog’ shows Sophie at her very best, her angelic vocals rising at its climax to meet the elegant swell of strings.
Fans of Billie Marten, Jade Bird, Hannah Grace and Freya Ridings should check out Sophie’s new EP Sons & Daughters.
Top Tracks: Colour Picture Book – This Time Around
I honestly don’t know where to start with this one. Do I talk about the funky bass that’s simply begging you to dance, or the unerring and steadfast drums that navigate complex rhythms with ease. How about the warm vintage organ glow that permeates the entire track, the soaring yet gritty vocals that come from somewhere deep within, or the incredible guitar solo plucked straight from another time that feels as though the instrument is an extension of the player. All of these elements require at least a full post on their own to do them justice. How much soul can you pack into just one song? – an awful lot it seems. To say this Canadian power trio are on fire with their latest single would be a massive understatement, on ‘This Time Around’ they are a raging inferno.
Snail Mail – Lush
The Joy Formidable – AAARTH
Belwood Music 