Baum Jr is back with another double A side, ready to blur the line between retro and futuristic with his own brand of ‘Next-Gen 8-Bit’. Few acts can take a genre known for crystal clear precision and inject such raw emotion like that found in the latter half of ‘The Sunset & The Coalpit’. What starts as a synth laden journey through a cyberpunk world, with some bombastic drums thrown in for good measure, soon can no longer contain the rising tension. The passion in the vocals at the climax of the track manages to outshine the technical wizardry at work. The stripped back re-imagining of ‘Foundations’ by London punk quartet Apologies, I Have None further shows off his vocals and delves deeper into the man behind the machinery. It’s these moments that make Baum Jr stand out; the loving heart beating beneath the electronic exterior.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Joshua Luke Smith – Heart of Man
This incredibly insightful wordsmith is easily one of the most well spoken and kind-hearted people in music. He has already caught our attention with his spoken word song for World Suicide Prevention Day, as well releasing a collaborative track for World Aids Day. His latest endeavour ‘Heart of Man’ sends a simple message; be the change you want to see in the world. We cannot drive out the hate and misery that plague the world by fighting back with more of the same, we need to all look within our hearts and only in bettering ourselves can we hope to make a better world. All proceeds from downloads and streams will be donated towards the work of the Preemptive Love Coalition. Looking back at the past year I feel we need more people like Joshua Luke Smith in the world, but perhaps all we need to do is to take his message to heart and take inspiration from his love and compassion.
Top Ten Songs of 2016
To coincide with this year’s Belwood Awards we’re introducing a new annual list of the top songs of the year. Apologies for the terrible oversight of not starting one sooner! After re-exploring numerous albums and playlists from January onwards, this list eventually formed after countless shuffle rounds and rethinks. Most of this year’s biggest tunes were from up-and-coming artists which needless to say is a very good sign of a thriving music scene. So without further ado, let’s get down to it: Continue reading
Top Tracks: The Molochs – You And Me
Any self-respecting music fan would kill for the chance to go back to the late sixties and experience the golden age of music firsthand. Rest assured however that you don’t need a time machine, all you need is the latest single from The Molochs. ‘You And Me’, taken from their upcoming album America’s Velvet Glory out 13th January, perfectly captures that sixties spirit. With the Lou Reed-esque vocals and hints of the Byrds and the Grateful Dead, this slice of psychedelic Americana brings the age of Aquarius into the modern day. Few bands can so completely capture retro styles without sounding like a rehash of old ideas, but that problem never comes close to plaguing this song. Sometimes we need to take a step back and appreciate what came before to figure out what the future needs, and somehow this throwback track ends up being the perfect solution.
Top Tracks: Ksenia Valenti – Powerless
First impressions can often be misleading. From the beginning of ‘Powerless’, its gentle echoes fading away into the ether, I envisioned the song to continue as a delicate piano ballad. From the moment the chorus started I realised I was mistaken. Ksenia’s voice suddenly finds new life and confidence, swelling with power and purpose to lift the song to new heights. Her breathtaking vocals perfectly capture the mood of the song and the feeling of falling in love; what starts as something so fragile and uncertain suddenly eclipses all other thoughts, and before you know it everything has changed. As with love I find myself powerless to resist the pull of this track. Anyone wishing to recapture that incredible feeling should delve into the work of this wonderful artist.
Top Tracks: Matt Blais – Set Me Free
This artful Americana artist cherry-picks all the finer points of the genre in this incredible new track. With splashes of slide guitar, bursts of blistering blues harmonica and simply fantastic gritty vocals that tell of a mis-spent youth and a life on the road, Matt Blais has pulled off a faultless song. ‘Set Me Free’ has an inescapable likeability thanks to the rich musical backdrop, the wild and rebellious vibe and Matt’s own apparent down-to-Earth nature. It’s like Neil Young’s greatest hits condensed into just a few short minutes. Looking at the video however you’ll see that Matt has something that Neil doesn’t; an air of effortless cool, wandering the desert in his shades complete with a classic car and some glorious vintage cinematography. This is roots rock at it’s finest, the perfect way to sum up what it’s all about.
Top Tracks: Five Mile Smile – Beg Borrow or Steal
This Belfast based band deal exclusively in heady doses of hard rock heaven. Recently reformed after breaking up back in 2003, their latest comeback single ‘Beg Borrow or Steal’ is a no-nonsense, in-your-face rock anthem. Complete with chunky riffs, splashes of southern rock slide guitar and hints of ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ in the backing vocals, Five Mile Smile have all the right classic rock influences pulling their strings. The band stick to their guns on this down-to-Earth and dependable track. It does exactly what it says on the tin and provides a full-blooded foray into an energetic back to basics approach with nods to The Who, The Rolling Stones and Oasis. A simple yet effective formula that seems to be working wonders.
Top Tracks: Caleb Nichols – Close My Eyes
With a lengthy and enviable resume that includes working with such Bay Area bands as Port O’Brien, Release The Sunburst and WATERS, Californian singer/songwriter Caleb Nichols has recently released a new solo EP. Entitled 90 Days in New York, it is a 4 track voyage through an honest and autumnal folk landscape, all based around his experiences of going to, and eventually leaving, The Big Apple. It is a gorgeously rural ode to city life. Belwood Music is proud to premiere Caleb’s latest video for ‘Close My Eyes’. A cover of a track by oft-overlooked experimental singer/songwriter Arthur Russell, it stands as a heartfelt message from one LGBTQA artist to another and fits perfectly with the poignant and peaceful atmosphere of the EP.
Top Tracks: Hayley and the Crushers – Jaywalking
There’s a lot to be said in music for charisma and character, something that Hayley and the Crushers clearly have in abundance. With their quirky debut album Jewel Case this Californian trio have created their own unique grit and glitter blend of 50s rock’n’roll with a punk attitude, like an alternate universe inspired by Marty McFly’s wild performance from Back to the Future. Belwood Music is proud to premiere the music video for the band’s latest single ‘Jaywalking’. Equal parts endearing and empowering; the charming tale of frontwoman Hayley Cain’s rush to rehearsals is an unlikely yet perfect match for the frantic drum fills and fierce, full-blooded bass line. Striking the perfect balance between style and substance, and with hints of classic Joan Jett, this slice of garage rock goodness is a sure-fire way to make your day. Get on board and embrace the crusherverse.
Top Tracks: Happyness – Falling Down
After their much acclaimed (if more than a little quirky) 2014 debut Weird Little Birthday, Happyness are back with the brand new single off their as yet untitled forthcoming album. The slow burning ‘Falling Down’ features some gorgeous dream pop guitar melodies, with subtle hints to the softer side of alternative rock icons such as the Pixies and Sonic Youth. Having also announced their biggest London headline show to date at The Dome, Tufnell Park on the 28th April, it seems the future is bright for these curious college rockers. After this sublime taste of what’s to come I’d advise you to keep your eyes peeled for more details about their new album.
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