In an industry loaded with flashy images and intentions, with showboating and volume and the constant pressures dictating that we all aspire to own Lamborghinis – above purely being better individuals – artists who truly adore the wonders of the real world, and who make music and create things purely out of a love for doing so, are increasingly the ones worth listening to.
Rebecca Cullen
Beautifully intoxicating purely on the surface of this dreamy and reverb-drenched arena of contemplation, Dance With Darkness is impossible to ignore, yet it’s also impressively modest and calm in its confrontational realism.
Canadian songwriter and artist Lola Balter masters the acoustic pop space at just seventeen years old. I wish you knew me is a vocally sublime and rhythmically uplifting single, with a quirky groove and long-form lyrics that feel decidedly mature in their storytelling and personal revelations combined.
Heartfelt poetic songwriting and raspy vocals lead us through a finely crafted Americana soundscape of organic guitars, slide, bass and drums – Kelly Collins brings the passion and melody, with the evocative and intense Sanctuary Land.
Switzerland folk and rock outfit Burning Sage continue to bring emotional intensity back to the scene, not least of all with their latest atmospheric, lyrical and melodic gem that is Weapons of My Hometown.
Built around fast yet evocative piano playing from musician Haley Myles, with full orchestral support as things evolve, Concerto for Renaud unites emotional intensity with a distinct and recognisable melodic thread – a haunting but deeply moving progression that’s quickly unmistakable.
Essentially addressing the topic of loving the idea or illusion of someone (or something), Vine Song is a complex lyrical venture that’s melodically alluring and somehow feels like it was written purely for the listener.
The desperation and search for connection is profound and powerful, making this a boldly unique and impactful new single, from an artist whose next step is forever impossible to predict.
Featuring a compelling fusion of smooth rhythms and enchanting tunes, Soul’d Duets acts as a timeless reminder of the precision and heart combined that Waithaka brings to the RnB and Soul Pop production space. It’s an album of easy hits, but it’s also a simple pleasure to let play – an uplifting listen, often celebratory and bright, and one that effectively bridges the gap between fans of RnB past and present.
Modern pop punk with an anthemic rock backdrop lights up a series of deeply personal songs – Tipperary’s Pat Donnelly blends the upbeat and intimate, for his powerful new album Reading You Closely.
Essentially fusing genres with fearless commitment to the artistry of its idea, Drop depicts an electro-pop softness at first, but with a clear sense of rising anticipation. On occasion, the vocal passion rises so high that it seems fit to peak as a pop-punk anthemic explosion.
Big vibes from a retro electronic Odd Cadet – I Should Go is the nostalgic new anthem, and is all at once catchy, evocative, and powerfully immersive.