New York indie rockers Little Person are here with their latest single. ‘Solemn Is The Only Word’, taken from their upcoming EP I Feel Fine released 3rd April, combines a laid-back groove that wouldn’t sound amiss coming from some Parisian Jazz club, with subtle 60s psychedelics, a meandering bass line and some lush acoustic balladry to create a mellow and trippy soundscape. Drawing inspiration from so many sources, this duo is hard to pin down. These multi-instrumental twins, Max and Nicky Weinbach, have crafted their own unique sound that is sure to appeal to a wide range of music fans. As gentle as a summer breeze and as sweet as a rare wine, this is a perfect track for chilling out when the stress of modern life gets too much.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Rival Karma – Scream
Every so often we all need a dose of no-nonsense hard rock to help us brush off our troubles, face the world head on and embrace our inner badass, and this London based quartet are just the prescription you need. With their new single ‘Scream’, with its heavy blues rock riffs, gritty vocals and uncompromising attitude, Rival Karma are perfect for fans of The Answer, Wolfmother, The Temperance Movement and Rival Sons. It’s rare to find hard rock of this high standard these days, which makes Rival Karma all the more memorable. It’s no stretch of the imagination that these guys could soon be the next big name in the scene. The lads are playing a headline show at The Islington London on 13th April, as well as performing at Camden Rocks this June.
Top Tracks: Trapdoor Social – Winning As Truth
There are few bands that are up to the high standard of this LA group when it comes to being good role models. Almost every step of their career thus far has seen them helping out numerous good causes, including local charities and campaigning for green energy. As if all that wasn’t enough, they’ve also come out with a brilliant new single. ‘Winning As Truth’, taken from their eponymous debut, hits out at those that claw their way to the top at any cost, and how in the end they wind up losing more than they gain in terms of admiration and respect. The track’s time-hopping music video features some superb imagery and storytelling, the subtleties of which you could spend months decoding. These guys seem too good to be true; if there’s a catch I sure as hell haven’t found it.
Top Tracks: No Vacation – Mind Fields
A year after their break-up, San Francisco dream pop band No Vacation are back with a brand new track. ‘Mind Fields’ is a bright and airy belter that boasts a spellbinding soundscape and a real attention grabbing bass interlude. Though it was penned as an ode to break-ups, this wistful track is teeming with optimism as it looks towards the future. This song is a single ray of sun piercing through the haze, illuminating the last glistening thread of positivity to guide the way through the darkest times of a break-up. With its catchy hooks and comforting atmosphere it’s the kind of track that will keep you coming back for more. This kind of gorgeous dream pop is making a real comeback as of late and ‘Mind Fields’ is up there with the best that you’re likely to hear.
Top Tracks: Charly Coombes – SPX
Singer/songwriter and filmmaker Charly Coombes is back with the latest single from his upcoming third album. Formerly of the 22-20’s, and brother of Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, his new track ‘SPX’ follows a synth driven retro 80s sound, but maintaining some of the space age vibes of his 2015 album Black Moon, like music from some alternate future. If you’re looking for the musical lovechild of indie rock and the Stranger Things soundtrack then your prayers are answered! The bare bones video for the single, directed by Charly himself, focuses on the live performance of the track and the passion of the musicians all working together. Taken from his new album RUN, out 24th March, ‘SPX’ is perfect for fans of Mystery Jets, Gunship, LANY and Børns, with its warm and inviting soundscape of cascading electronica.
Top Tracks: Young Earth – Got A Secret
Dublin based band Young Earth are on to a winner with their first new song of the year. ‘Got A Secret’ is a pure-bred indie rock banger, the perfect crowd-pleaser for festivals and clubs alike with its catchy hooks and superb spiralling riffs. It’s one of a dying breed of the iconic noughties sound of bands like Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, a reminder of a time when indie ruled the world. Whether you want upbeat and carefree vibes or heavy, adrenaline fueled overdrive, this track is a must for your latest playlist. Even at this early stage of their career they are very much on their way to being the best Irish band on the indie scene. Young Earth may have a secret, but it’s plain for all to see that the ingredients are all here for something special.
Top Tracks: Kris Angelis – Heartbreak is Contagious
The latest single from California based singer/songwriter Kris Angelis is the perfect example of a gold standard acoustic pop hit. The bright energy and infectious melodies make ‘Heartbreak is Contagious’ the kind of warm and inviting song that is difficult to resist. The title track of her upcoming EP, out 2nd June, it deals with the idea that seeing someone’s pain and heartache can start a chain reaction and result in the cracks starting to show, and bring about fresh heartbreak in someone else. To create so much joyful spirit from such a dark topic is no mean feat, but Kris pulls it off. It won’t take long until this song wins you over and has you singing along. In fact, it’s the kind of track that will have you shamelessly singing for weeks to come!
Top Tracks: LAOISE – Halfway
The latest single from upcoming Irish electropop artist LAOISE is a track that seeps its way into the inner workings of your mind. ‘Halfway’ draws you in with its breathy vocals, subtle mystical vibes and bewitching melodies. It’s a song that refuses to be ignored, pulling you in deeper like some siren luring you towards the shore. It’s ethereal atmosphere, somewhere between Halsey and Stevie Nicks, suddenly shifts towards the end of the track into seductive R&B territory, with soulful organ soundscapes and understated funky bass lines. Both of the distinct styles that ‘Halfway’ explores are superbly executed and perfectly matched to produce one of the most gorgeous and engaging singles of the year. If this track is anything to go by, then we can expect great things from this immensely talented Galway girl in the near future.
Top Tracks: Hidden Cabins – Bet It All On You
New Jersey duo Craig Cirinelli and Brian Hofgesang have released their new single, the slow-burning epic ‘Bet It All On You’. Over the course of ten minutes the tension within the track builds from broody folk intro, through to its thrilling cathartic climax. It’s like the soundtrack of some desperate last stand, resolute as the end slowly approaches and storm clouds gather. The song’s dark atmosphere and emotive guitar tones show hints of classic Nick Cave and the powerful vocals towards the end of the track are reminiscent of Maynard James Keenan. Hidden Cabins have managed to build a powerful epic from the simplest of arrangements, which is a feat in itself. The track grows and takes you on a journey, but never outstays it’s welcome.
Top Tracks: Mount Song – Halo
The new single from this Swedish singer/songwriter is an understated affair. Jacob Johansson, under his moniker Mount Song, has released the haunting ‘Halo’ from his upcoming album released 7th May. ‘Halo’ is a brief but bittersweet track that deals with those times when the weight of the world, and the demons within, just become too much to bear. Built around a simple acoustic melody, it adds some lovely harmonies and subtle psychedelica to give a real dreamlike feel. It’s the perfect track for those late nights where your swirling thoughts keep you from drifting to sleep; it captures the sensation better than any other song I know. There is plenty of beauty to be found in sadness, and Mount Song has found just the right balance with this single.
Belwood Music 