Scott Kirby has always impressed, always been worthy of a pause – stand back and enjoy the music in every case. With So Many Ways, it appears that those qualities, and all we’ve come to love about the authenticity and heart of his music, reaches intense new heights.
Singles
Hypnotic production and distant vocals instantly present an enchanting, retro realm of sound, as Joanna Adamiak crafts her latest synth-pop exploration Let Go.
Pairing electric guitar and programmed drums with reverb-soaked vocals and poetic images of a ‘wild village, unruly town’, New York Sound is subtle, even minimalist, yet still creates an immersive vastness in its melodic and rhythmic embrace.
Building up from colourful beginnings through soul-pop and electro verses to the ultimate looping of that central phrase, Nice Things gathers momentum like a classic summer anthem, blurring the lines between electro-pop and EDM with grace and intention.
The instantly catchy All I Want brings through a multi-layered array of retro synths and keys, alongside an admittedly Taylor Swift-like vocal tone, and is quick to assert itself with a uniquely meandering melody.
Fragments of voice and melody light up the outer edges of this relentless and euphoric rhythm, distortion playing its part for that wholly enveloping power of sound, and structure too weighing in for a crucial dynamic; which helps shine light on the unique nuances of Robot Sunrise all the more so.
The piece does in fact brilliantly underline the implications of its title, taking the listener along on this whisper in the wind – to feel both the unrelenting speed and stillness of nature all at once.
There’s almost a touch of irony in the nostalgic presentation of this otherwise contemporary exploration of concept. The very thought of the GOAT is undoubtedly a modern day reference, but the yesteryear production and confident melodic stylings of this release draw focus to anything but the current sound of the scene.
The project ultimately reflects upon the role of the self, the weight of a life learning things through turmoil and blessing combined. There’s plenty to unpack lyrically, and fortunately the beauty and character of these four tracks allows for an easy re-entry to listen to time and again.
Coinciding with his first Celtic Christmas Tour in the UK, A Celtic Christmas compiled a diverse collection of classics and reimagined them entirely in the acoustic fingerstyle and folk realm.
The live and fairly raw sound of authentic indie songwriting captures attention from the outset, as Katie Brown releases her latest poetic outpouring, in the form of the melodically enchanting and imagery-laden Insomnia.
Perfectly timed to coincide with the new rise of nostalgic, soulful EDM anthems, the creative force that is Ibericanism launches the beautifully intoxicating, euphoric and catchy Dream Of You 2024.