FIZZ – The Secret To Life
Psychedelic Pop
83%
orla gartland
Top Tracks: FIZZ – High in Brighton
2023 is proving to be the year of the supergroup. First a full album from Boygenius, and now new project FIZZ pops up from out of nowhere! This fabulous four-piece, comprised of longtime friends and collaborators Dodie, Orla Gartland, Martin Luke Brown and Greta Isaac, is the band I never knew I needed. If their arrival out of the blue had afforded me any time to form expectations, their debut single would have blown them away. ‘High in Brighton’ is every bit as effervescent as the band’s name promises. This vibrant slice of playful psychedelic pop boasts boundless energy, thunderous drums, towering harmonies, and 70s Queen levels of whimsy, bombast and theatricality. With a debut album on the way in no time flat – The Secret to Life due 15th September – there’s not long left to wait for another electrifying hit of whatever else the band have up their sleeve.
Top Ten Videos of 2021
Before our list season dives into the year’s marvellous music, it’s time for one more list celebrating 2021’s most stunning visual splendour. We’re talking the acts that utilised the medium of music videos to its fullest potential with their delightful dance moves, creative concepts, and cinematic storytelling. So, without further ado: lights, camera, action! Continue reading
Top Ten EPs of 2020
The medium of choice for rising stars, an invaluable tool for up and coming artists, EPs are the oft overlooked lifeblood of the music industry. It’s always been our most hotly contested list as the wealth of great EPs often represents the very best and brightest new acts on the scene. In a music industry decimated by Covid-19 however, these artists are amongst those hardest hit. So as we reel off our favourite EPs from our least favourite year, if you stumble across a release that resonates with you, we ask that you do your bit to support the artists in whatever way you can. Continue reading
Top Ten Videos of 2019
Our list season continues with one more foray into visuals before we get on to… y’know, the actual music. While 2019 has not really been a year for big spectacles, there have been plenty of great videos to tug at your heartstrings and make you think, to pour over and analyse, and some to just put a great big smile on your face. Here are the ten videos that made the biggest impression in the past twelve months. Continue reading
Live Review: Barn on the Farm Festival 2019
A lot can happen in ten years. People change, trends come and go, and a small gathering of music fans in a wooden barn in Gloucester can become the best festival in the world. After building up a reputation over the past decade for championing new music, breaking down barriers, and being the most warm and welcoming festival family around, Over Farm found itself at the centre of a very special birthday. With Barn on the Farm celebrating it’s tenth anniversary (and Belwood returning for a fifth year), expectations were high that they would pull something special out of the bag. And, in spite of a few big names pulling out last minute, they did all that and more. Continue reading
Top Ten Songs of 2018
Though this past year has had it’s fair share of ups and downs, 2018 has consistently delivered some killer songs. In previous years my number one song of the year was obvious, it would spark something within me, ignite a fire that would keep burning all year. This time round I’ve had that same feeling about half the songs on my list! Continue reading
Top Ten Music Videos of 2018
While 2018 has been a very inconsistent year as a whole, it has really delivered when it comes to music videos. There have been some incredibly inventive and entertaining visuals over the past twelve months, and here’s my pick of the best of the best. Continue reading
Live Review: Barn on the Farm Festival 2018
Even in the midst of the most unbearable heatwave I’ve ever experienced, the best weekend of the year didn’t disappoint. While most festivals would have had people literally fighting over the rare patches of shade, or disappearing to watch the England match and causing havoc on their return, this is Barn on the Farm we’re talking about. Everyone that’s been to this little patch of paradise can attest to the indescribable sense of community, and for whatever reason that feeling was stronger than ever this year. On the year where the festival returns to its roots in breaking new artists, I was lucky enough to occupy Over Farm for the full four days and catch all the action. Continue reading
Belwood Music 