Any self-respecting music fan would love the chance to go back in time and experience Woodstock. If you did, the latest single from this multicultural, LA based collective certainly wouldn’t sound amiss. Taken from their upcoming album Rare Hearts, out 28th April, ‘Telephone’ carries subtle hints to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell in the vocals. With it’s driving bass and sweet vintage riffs, as a whole the track is the perfect throwback to Jefferson Airplane at the height of their power. There is a lot here to like, and Salt Petal are clearly a band that wear their hearts on their sleeve. With hints of surf rock and psychedelica, and plenty of purpose and attitude, ‘Telephone’ is the perfect mission statement to sum up what the band is all about.
top tracks
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!
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.
Top Tracks: Calling Apollo – The Wars
From it’s atmospheric beginning to it’s bold, triumphant climax, the latest single from these Welsh alternative rockers really takes you on a journey. Taken from the band’s latest EP The Great Depression: Act 1, released last summer, their track ‘The Wars’ pulls off the perfect dramatic build and cathartic release. It’s the kind of powerful song that can move audiences regardless of scenes or genres, it’s something for all fans of meaningful music. The gorgeous melodies blend together with the interpretive dance of the new music video to produce a superb synergy of music and visuals. The Cardiff quintet will also be hitting the road for a few UK tour dates next month and are well worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Little Comets – Common Things
Indie rockers Little Comets are back with the latest single from their upcoming fourth album. ‘Common Things’ finds joy and wonder in the trivial and everyday, fusing funky, offbeat synthpop with glitchy indie riffs and a killer chorus. This cracking new track from these Newcastle lads is the perfect package for fans of Everything Everything, Yeasayer and Mystery Jets. Cool, quirky and eminently danceable, this latest offering is the hottest new indie hit around right now, and one hell of a way to kick off 2017. The new album WORHEAD is released 3rd February, with the band embarking on a UK tour shortly afterwards, and it should be something special if this first single is anything to go by.
Top Tracks: Bears Banquet – Fighting Mist In Light
The debut single from London based singer/songwriter Adam Baring, released under his moniker Bears Banquet, is a real feast for the senses. Shifting between quirky, off-kilter folk and slide guitar driven, wall-of-sound psychedelica, it’s a curious and unique offering. There are nods to everyone from classic Grateful Dead, to viral bluegrass sensation Steve’n’Seagulls, but the end result is a sound entirely his own. The world of Bears Banquet is certainly a bizarre one, but it’s also damn good fun. Released 10th February, it’s not quite clear what this first release will lead to in the future, but I for one am eager to see where this bewildering journey leads.
Top Tracks: Bianca Rose – Because of Love
Combining smooth soulful vocals and fragile folk, the latest single from Bianca Rose is something to behold. After many years of writing for others, 2017 sees her once again treading her own path and following her own ambitions. Taken from her upcoming debut album No Fear Here, out 30th January, ‘Because of Love’ features MOBO nominated singer/songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Between them they have elegantly created an understated and heartwarming track. It’s like the musical equivalent of a small random act of kindness when the world seems at its worst; like a helping hand to get you through the day. It’s innocence and sincerity is uniquely beautiful, and a sure sign that her debut will be something equally special.
Top Tracks: Ailbhe Reddy – Relent
With over a million streams of her independently released debut EP Hollowed Out Sea already under her belt, this Dublin based singer songwriter has her sights set on bigger and better things. Her latest single ‘Relent’ is a soaring orchestral tale of trying to cope with the end of a loving relationship and endeavoring to learn from your mistakes. This new song is a must for fans of Daughter and Lanterns On The Lake. Along with the stunning new track, Ailbhe has announced her first ever UK gig on 15th February at the Servant Jazz Quarters in London. Having already conquered the Emerald Isle, and featured on the line-up for every major Irish festival, her ambitions are set firmly on the horizon. With her captivating vocals and expansive sound, her fanbase is soon set to grow!
Top Tracks: The Captain’s Son -Walking Around Perfectly
If you were to capture the carefree joy of youth on a warm summer’s day within a single song, this would be a damn close fit. This three-piece have combined the upbeat vibes of 60s California surf rock with the jangly guitar of iconic noughties indie bands such as The Strokes. Like the gorgeous musical lovechild of The Byrds and The Libertines, ‘Walking Around Perfectly’ is the pick-me-up you need on those dreary days. Taken from their upcoming eponymous debut EP, out 10th March, this track is the perfect excuse to kick back and just enjoy life for while. It’s the warm vintage sound of days gone by. Make a note of this one, when summer eventually finds its way here this will be the ideal anthem for every occasion.
Belwood Music 