Chas Leman first hit the radar with the evocative and poignant yet anthemic single The Last Boys To Be Picked at Football. The artist introduced a great sense of melodic-riff building, energy, and topical nostalgia that was quick to appeal.
Now we get to hear the true versatility of that approach, this old-school Brit Pop and Rock aura that’s rooted in stories and a broad range of influences.
The music is finely-produced so as to wholly embrace the listener in this repeating energy and pattern, but then the voice emerges like an old-school phone call or message left on a retro device. The lyrics feel relentless and fast-paced though gentle, almost like a stream of consciousness, uninhibited and unable to find a sense of calm or connection throughout the wires.
Funky soul-rock with a catchy rise and fall melody and energised vocals at the forefront – Gitarsong recaptures the simple fun of live music and songwriting, with the upbeat and likeable You Hit The Mark.
Dreamy trap production lays a strong foundation for the personal storytelling and emotively tired vocal stylings of DonJulioo. GONE features a versatile flow from one section to the next, and maintains a groove that suits the introspective nature of the performance.
Rhythm first, ambiance second, soulful vocal unexpectedly next – Gokhan Aydogmus seamlessly unites the intoxicating qualities of House and EDM’s sub-genres, with the immersive escapism and evocative presence of Lost.
Established composer and multi-instrumentalist Marco Palmieri continues his creative expansion as a contemporary artist. Noting years of performance experience and backed by two studio albums in the jazz realm, Palmieri’s devotion to composition now sees his music effectively create a uniquely immersive and distinct realm of escapism for modern and classic fans alike.
Simple yet striking production from Young X again backs the flow and character of Unk Da Chef with faultless precision and vibes, matching his energy and bringing out an unmistakable alternative anthem that’s both hateful and empowering in its commitment to the cause.
As ever, art and music remain the pure and punk-rock reaction to injustice, and in many ways, this single and video captures a crucial moment and unignorable lesson from our history.
Great vibes and catchy lines set the mood with ease, Monark Ishere delivering an uplifting but smooth and intimate ode to love, with the likable afrobeat earworm Jay Joycie.
That’s the key these days, songwriting that balances the quirky and the commonplace, to engage and stand out all at once. It’s a simple psychedelic combination of musicality and playful, cat-like guitar sounds, but it all feeds into the beast that is Radioactive Cat. An angry celebration of sorts – one that will no doubt go down brilliantly at live shows.
Sometimes it feels like modern music is in a rush to connect – like it has to be, because attention spans won’t stand for anything else. Real art isn’t made that way though, music neither. It emerges from a creative space of contemplation and expression, a desire to understand either oneself or the world at large.
When the gift of music shines its light through just a solo performance on a single instrument, it holds the power to remind us of the essence of our being – the simplicity of life that can feel far more rewarding and fulfilling than anything overly loud or complex.
Solo pianist and composer Michael Strening Jr. captures precisely that quality, with the easy rise and fall of his melodically and rhythmically evocative Into The Light.
