Reflecting on the ache of isolation or feeling like an outsider, Germany’s Tim Vicis delivers a catchy, melancholic new vibe, with the ethereal pop stylings and evocative, wave-like tune of Allein unter Vielen.
Songwriter
Great musical arrangements set the bar well, then we need a little depth of topic, an interesting voice, and a melody that engages and even satisfies. Borovsky puts the building blocks in place for all of this, with the unique writing, long-form expressions, ideas and personality, of A Leap In The Dark.
Organic and honest songwriting, live recordings to match – a singer-songwriter authenticity that’s needed in these times. Gregor Vagner brings the melody and music to move you, with the hopeful tune, acoustic groove, and outer-layered meandering electric guitar, of Rosemary.
“I wrote it from a place of realizing how loud the world can be, even when you are alone, and how easy it is to confuse anxiety with intuition. The EP is my way of choosing something quieter but stronger, the voice underneath the chaos.”
Everything from the lyrics to the arrangement breathes new life and creative realism into the space. ELROD is humble but effective, the melody short and snappy, the production subtle but purposeful. Vulnerability is bold yet also vague, meaning you can make this your own, attach your meanings and memories, whilst believing that every word is authentic and heavy to the singer.
Live guitars, live keys, live vocals – live visuals to reinforce the realness – authenticity rings loud, alongside great songwriting, as Johnny Minkley delivers the catchy hook, poetry, and anthemic power of Forever Falling.
Unique melodic twists and deeply moving, relatable but fresh stories and sounds – a classic rock set-up with an unpredictable sense of humanity and heart. At a time when music seems to have lost its realness and originality, Vinyl Floor keep the essence of interaction and artistry alive, with the evocative anthems and grooves of their brand new album Balancing Act.
Explosive political artistry of a post-punk vocal energy, scathing lyrical pairing, live vocals and assisted production – Gregory Lioi holds nothing back performatively, with the high-energy weight and theatrics of Uncomfortably Numb.
You have to hear it to know how it feels – words can’t really convey. This song has the alt-folk beauty and pop warmth of some of history’s classic, unpredictable hits. Something like Ben Howard’s Keep Your Head Up, an alt-folk legend lifting the mood; this time somehow both catchy and not. Calling For Change is soulful, to repeat that truth again. It’s yearning, mellow then emotionally desperate in its outcry, and the set-up furthers this, with modest guitar solo moments and a huge crescendo at the end.
Taking inspiration perhaps from the more evocative and low-tempo hits from Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, Bob Berdanier keeps the authenticity of great songwriting and natural performance alive and well, and December is, in my view, one of his most engaging and memorable singles yet.
Poetic piano-pop with huge hooks and self-empowering themes – Brooklyn-born songwriter and artist Gabrielle Marie keeps things classic and upbeat, with singles like My Town.
Ambient lo-fi grooves that envelop their listener, alongside deeply emotional vocals – drawn out, expressive phrases and notes, blending something like soul and jazz across a colourful, contemplative tapestry. Matthias Boretius fuses passion and quiet musical presence, for the sweeping sentiments and sounds of Open Door.