It still seems like 2018 has barely started, and yet January is already half over… where does the time go? That’s exactly the sentiment captured by the new song from acclaimed singer/songwriter Will Varley. ‘Seven Days’, taken from his forthcoming album Spirit Of Minnie out 9th February, speaks of all the wonderful moments that we let slip by when we get too absorbed in living and don’t put enough thought into thriving, into enjoying every step of the journey while we can. The song’s video takes the theme even further, as we follow along on an 8-bit adventure, sharing in the landmark memories that make life remarkable. While the video may be in black and white, this vibrant folk favourite is sure to inject some colour in your life. Savour this song, before proceeding to savour each new day that life brings you.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Chiara Berardelli – Deep Space Hibernation
If like me you are drawn to tracks that think outside the box and deal with unique themes then this little gem from Glasgow based artist Chiara Berardelli is just what you need. We all wish sometimes that we could just drift away to escape our problems, but ‘Deep Space Hibernation’ takes that feeling a step further as Chiara seeks to escape the heartache around not being able to have children by fading into unconsciousness in orbit of some distant world. Taken from her upcoming album Seamonster, out 2nd March, the track boasts sublime and elegant orchestration, rich imagery, Chiara’s hushed vocals and tiny subtle hints of psychedelica that recall early Bowie and the Flaming Lips. It’s a wonderfully bittersweet song that I’m sure you’ll love.
Top Tracks: Natalie Shay – This Feeling
Do you ever hear a song that just sets you up in a good mood for the day? ‘This Feeling’ does that and so much more, leaving me with a sense of pride at the new talent emerging in this country and an eager excitement to see what else Natalie Shay has to offer. Natalie has gifted us with an indie pop gem that is as close to perfect as you’re likely to find, capturing the hectic bliss of falling in love and inspiring it within you at the same time as it works its magic on you. The bright riffs, expressive drums and relentless positive energy make this perfect for fans of James Bay, Clean Cut Kid and Sundara Karma… just so long as you don’t mind your favourites being thoroughly beaten at their own game. Even from just this single, I get the impression that Natalie will be the one to watch in 2018.
Top Tracks: Raina Bee and the Hive – Queen of the South
The latest video from soulful New York based singer Raina Bee, and her band the Hive, is certainly not for the faint of heart. Taken from the Stung EP (liking the ongoing theme here), ‘Queen of the South’ offers wild west mariachi vibes and jazzy vintage vocals perfect for fans of Amy Winehouse and Imelda May. If that somehow isn’t enough to win you over, then the video’s bloodthirsty quest for revenge certainly will. As well as taking girl power to whole new levels, Raina’s gory big-game hunting makes The Revenant look like a Disney film as she toys with her bandmates in the woods before brutally murdering them. Not something I’d usually condone, no matter how much they may snore on the tour bus, but you can’t deny it makes for one hell of a music video!
Top Tracks: Will Varley – Statues
If you need a heartwarming track to help you snuggle up on these cold winter nights, then the latest single from singer/songwriter Will Varley is just what the doctor ordered. Taken from his upcoming album Spirit Of Minnie, out 9th February, ‘Statues’ is a laid back slice of Americana boasting a rich musical palette of airy slide guitar, quiet contemplative folk and Will’s gritty vocals. Lyrically it talks about feeling stuck in a particular place and time, longing for change, but should you find yourself stuck with this sublime song on repeat I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the perfect song to get lost in and forget about life for a while, and there’s sure to be more great tracks just like it on the way in the new year.
Top Tracks: Winter Mountain – Platinum and Gold
If some celestial visitor with no experience of humanity and it’s art asked for some examples what would you give them? If you had sum up what folk, in particular that indefinable Americana sound, was all about in one song, you’d present a damn good case with the new single from Winter Mountain. It has all the musical elements you’d expect; resplendent guitar tones, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and vocals that find the perfect mid-point between gritty and uplifting. More than that however, the music reflects part of the human spirit. The video is a perfect fit with its crashing waves and roaring campfire, as if you just close your eyes you naturally imagine just such a scene. Music says a lot about an artist, but sometimes it’s nice to find a song that lets you sit back and see the bigger picture, and think of the art that’s in all of us.
Top Tracks: Gus Harrower – Cell Dilution
The new single from Scottish singer/songwriter Gus Harrower really doesn’t mess around. With ‘Cell Dilution’, taken from his upcoming EP Where We Were, Gus throws everything he’s got at you. The piano led intro weaves through some suave little swing sections into impassioned heartfelt balladry. It’s not long however until the track kicks it up a notch, throwing stylish synths and expressive drums into the mix, punctuated with gritty guitar bursts. This track is straining at the seams, crammed full of varied and engaging sounds, of which I’d pick out the jazzy piano work as the pièce de résistance. There are few acts this year that can pack in so much diversity and yet still make it work, which really reflects Gus’ talents as a songwriter and the enormous potential he carries.
Top Tracks: Chloe Bodur – Glory
There’s a lot of talk this time of year about the “Sound of 2018” and the “ones to watch” in the coming year. Often these just serve to score points, rather than capture any sense of zeitgeist, but I truly feel this debut single represents something significant. With ‘Glory’ young Chloe Bodur brings together subtle little experimental flourishes reminiscent of Frank Ocean and Childish Gambino, but still maintains the smooth and intoxicating appeal of classic soul. It pushes the boundaries enough to stand out from the crowd but is inviting enough to make you want to play it on repeat all day. Mark my words, Chloe is ahead of the curve with this one, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of other artists unwittingly trying to recreate this sound in 2018. Whether any will beat ‘Glory’ though is another matter.
Top Tracks: Hamish Anderson – U
In a way the birdsong that opens this video couldn’t be any more fitting. This soulful slice of blues rock from Australian artist Hamish Anderson feels so natural. The warm and inviting vibes are just so inherently likeable that it may well be hardwired into your DNA, and the track flows so effortlessly from him as though it were as natural as breathing. The simply titled ‘U’, taken from his debut album Trouble, offers rich vintage guitar tones, smooth and expressive vocals, and the familiar organ hum that has graced many a classic record over the years. The whole track is like the musical equivalent of honey; golden, luscious and bringing with it a kind of rustic charm. This song offers simple pleasures and it delivers and delights by every measure.
Top Tracks: Megan Dixon Hood – Alias Grace
One of the most common and important human desires is a need to be understood, and that is in essence what this new track from Cheshire born singer/songwriter Megan Dixon Hood is all about. ‘Alias Grace’, based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, tells the tale of the eponymous Grace. Plagued by vicious rumours of a crime she didn’t commit, and lamenting how people wrongly see her as a monster rather than her true self. As well as molding the story’s world and characters into a wonderfully crafted narrative, musically it also offers a gorgeous refined style recalling everyone from Joni Mitchell to Fleetwood Mac. With expressive bass tones, elegant piano, and Megan’s angelic vocals, this song portrays in its music Grace’s true self; tender and dignified, yet equally proud and unyielding.
Belwood Music 