Alden Groves knows how to craft something that washes over you like a wave of colour but impresses and provokes thought in the same instance. Sway is something of a creative masterpiece for this genre right now.
Singles
It rocks along, chock-full of character and has swagger to spare. Beholden to a wealth of sounds and songs that you think you can half-remember, it somehow carves a furrow all its own. Excellent fun!
Emerging with something of a classic driving rock ballad vibe, Flame is a quickly addictive and familiar piece of music and writing, though with a notably poetic back-bone that lays out a series of detailed images and scenes that perfectly suit the emotion and energy of the music.
Irresistible and so drenched in 80s nostalgia that I almost drowned in the ghost of hair gel past, Satellite is a joyous thing that sounds like A Flock of Seagulls had a child with Starship and invited Miami Sound Machine along to the baptism, where Flashdance… What A Feeling was playing in the background.
Melodically more fluid and complex than a first listen betrays, Our New Plan plays with texture in subtle ways, with keys and guitar and percussion swapping prominence throughout the track, with a warm bass line providing energy and heart throughout.
The tune is robust, fascinating and demonstrates a great sense of dynamic range and colour which elevates it to a very high level.Anthony Vince – Like This
It’s melodically fascinating, lyrically savvy, with interesting chords and features a terrific vocal performance that is a great advertisement for an exciting talent that should be soon to garner much attention.
It’s warm, fuzzy and comforting as well as accomplished and tuneful. It’s rare to find a song that wears its influences and target so plainly upon its sleeve – it’s a totally refreshing experience.
The upbeat and optimistic Ode To Joy vibe contrasts well with the language and the angst of the lyrics, resulting in something that – for half of its listeners at least – will light up the room; bringing a glimmer of essential joy in an otherwise turbulent time.
This whole track utilizes both theme and language to build something consistently relevant and interesting – whilst also holding onto that necessary style and confidence to keep it rooted amidst today’s sound.
A simple and smooth beat meets with a clear sense of melody and rhythm from a songwriting perspective, making Van Kings’ Tell Me a fine introduction to an artist and lyricist with a clear connection to the process.
Breathing is superb, a classic hip hop banger with a nostalgic crackle of a finish and a general sense of togetherness to the whole arrangement and recording.