Currently 75 years young and vocally distinct in an effortless and enchanting fashion, Cousti writes with a heartfelt and catchy approach, songs like Turn Around and Survive instantly appealing for both their sense of live-band warmth and the naturally inspiring sentiments and loving references of their lyrics. The melodies are simple but satisfying, and that voice carries things along in a way that feels genuinely fresh.
Rebecca Cullen
Fellow Mancunian Ben Heyworth highlights the very best of the talent, contemplation and magic of the city’s indie musicians, with his latest solo endeavour that is the beautifully organic folk EP Creatures.
Crisp acoustic guitar and boldly distinct, deep vocals, blending spoken and sung performance, throughout a heartfelt song that proudly celebrates the life-changing moment you meet your first child. Australian artist Simon Orton captures a sound both unique and classic, with The Next Me.
Norwegian three-piece GISKE capture an organic folk-pop sound loaded with warmth in both imagery and musicality. Light Upon The Water is every bit as hopeful and uplifting as its title and artwork imply, and the music grows all the more beautiful as things progress.
Slick riffs and a cool creative fusion of all things jazz, funk, psycehldic and rock – Nighthawks is the low-key quirky and catchy new single from a distinct Sea Breeze, and its organic make-up and lyrical simplicity make for a colourful, lovable vibe.
Eclectic hard rock with a clear alternative angle leaves familiarity and unpredictable freedom running wildly together. The Juan Solo 7 capture the essence of organic alt-rock songwriting, with the ethereal intensity of Persona.
Initially extending its reach as a timeless electronic house track, JUST SAY appeals at first for this simple surrounding beat and panned hi-hats, the rising melody and bass-line; the nostalgia. Soon enough though, as the keys build anticipation, the disco-esque vibrancy of the track’s peak leans into view, and suddenly we enter a much more other-worldly experimental realm.
Feel-good acoustic pop music, a call and response dynamic and interesting, refreshingly original lyrics – Phibian connect well, blending familiarity and a fresh sense of character, for their colourful and fearlessly honest album Pantophobia.
Supernatural storytelling, compelling audio escapism of a professionally captured, cinematic and impassioned nature. John Fitch III writes, directs and produces the Viewing – an audio fiction series and podcast, following the story of a young street artist immersed in a world of both the supernatural and a deadly conspiracy.
A Turkish born creative, currently living in Sweden and with extensive travels in Africa clearly influencing the tribal rhythms at play throughout his repertoire, Caner Yeniyurt continues to impress. One Tree told the story of a tree fighting a storm on a hill, and Kedi Knows, somewhat more upbeat and funky, depicts an arrogant cat, walking the streets of Istanbul.
Introducing a beautifully unmistakable, instrumental love song – a clear melodic gem from his catalogue, and a fine ode to both the skill of the player and the emotional intentions of his work – guitarist and composer Joe Hodgson releases the highly-anticipated, guitar-led single You I Think Of.
Acoustic fingerpicking, a crisp guitar sound, warm keys and deep folk-esque vocals – an atmospheric overtone but organic and ambient in the backdrop – The Bouquet Sessions capture a live sense of story and character, with Miss You.