Gentle lo-fi synth notes and the quiet strum of an acoustic guitar, an intimate vocal and writing style that feels diary-like in its tentative expression and longing. Chris Pannella delivers the closing song from his EP The Four Seasons of Her, and its a sleepy to euphoric and heartbroken story of love lost and fading passion.
Singles
French duo Riatto & The Dog captivate in seconds, with the breathy harmonies and lyrical poetry of this heartfelt and melancholic but hopeful indie folk stomp.
Good songwriting stands tall, something authentic and well-built – a strong acoustic backdrop, a lush groove and lush vocals, a sense of meaning at its core. Wyoki delivers an alternative earworm on that front, with the strangely enthralling, imperfect but beautifully addictive Hotel.
Something cool, calm, and uncompromising – a strong groove, alternative but all-consuming, with delicate vocals that are intimate and honest in their self-reflective realism.
From the Riverside EP of gorgeous instrumental originals, Serbian guitarist and musician Zarko delivers a crisp and captivating acoustic composition, for the wonderfully impressive and moving Vilino Vrelo.
Unconfined by expectation nor style, mortez let the songwriting and performance process guide, and the result is a massive track like The Crossing, and a band who will no doubt captivate immensely from the stage.
More great music from Germany this season, the softness of nineties indie pop, acoustic and comforting, with genuine sentimental value at its core. The Last Lupine offer an evocative sense of escapism and story, with the stunning simplicity and wonder of Stay, Return.
Lush and hypnotic old-school trip hop vibes bring mellow ethereal mixing alongside organic guitar riffs and softly spoken melodies. Germany’s ATOMIC FRUIT capture a sense of alternative brilliance, in my view, with the humility and dark melodic stylings of Medicine.
Ambient post-punk escapism of short rhymes and tuneful refrains – Manchester’s Lucigenic bring through a dreamy and rather anthemic indie hit, for the mighty Shine On.
Harmonised backing vocals and crisp guitar riffs orchestrate a country pop arena of colour and contemplation. Blue Julius master the songwriting space once again, with the mighty poetic sentiments and scenes, of a beautifully enchanting Is The Bloom Off The Rose.
From ambient vocal harmonies through an upbeat indie pop arrangement that’s timeless in its fusion of light dance and intimate heartbreak, FERDIE blends melancholy and optimism quite seamlessly, with the gentle to impassioned single Till Dawn.
Hailing from the Netherlands, New Key is an elusive modern artist, writing and recording songs organically, and with little concern for social media or image – the music speaks for itself.