Ukrainian artist and multi-instrumentalist Kondo wa Kondo, having relocated to America, found creative inspiration in the depths of nostalgia and missing something like home. In searching for the right word to explain these feelings, this struggle to adapt and accept such new surroundings, appeared to fit well under the Welsh word ‘Hiraeth’. The idea is a deep sense of longing for a place that no longer exists or can no longer be reached.
Singles
Come And Get Some V2 is a brilliant track – not overly performative but kind of confident and satisfying in its own way. Think Will and The People, Sticky Fingers, Sublime, but with a more relevant kind of indie-pop production and versatility to the lyrical and performative spread.
From intriguing verses of boldly distinct, crackling vocals and meandering bass, to the full-throttle intoxication of a soaring rock chorus, complete with equally striking guitar solo riffs, Lucious prides itself on this fierce musicality and groove united.
Troy Petty’s music always stands tall in its own right, the songs feel rooted amidst nostalgic rock but ultimately connect for their poetic contemplation and the quiet but clear passion brought to the stage. In this case, short yet effective outburst of volume and weight, distortion and change, elevate the progression and feeling of the song. And this is then contrasted by the gentler follow-up moments of melody and easy rhythm.
A personal favourite rock act from the UK scene this year – great songs, great sounds, great energy. If you get the chance to catch a live show – don’t miss out.
Songwriter and content creator Lisa Orlando delves further into the euphoric depths of heartfelt dance-pop, with this emotionally loaded, synth-kissed and colourful new single Into The Deep End.
Ethereal tones and softly passionate, poetic and confronting references to personal turmoil – Cat Rinn blends dreamy production with deeply thoughtful, heart-breaking sentiments and ideas, for the beautifully compelling Tears In The Rain.
Themes of love lost and its ‘lingering beauty’ make up much of the lyrical journey, and Robert’s repertoire features a rotating cast of singers whom have each been recognised as finalists in either The Voice or American Idol. This unique performative ability helps bring to life the genuine emotion and passion of every Lonesome Echo song, and Don’t Give Up On Us exemplifies that quality perhaps more so than any other.
Simple stylistics both effective and intriguing light up impressive bars and smooth confidence, as Swerrvinn TooMuch’s latest single HEADNOD proceeds to reignite the original authenticity and flair of Hip Hop.
Introducing a superb new single from an established artist with a beautiful voice and wonderfully original songwriting – Madilynn Treasure is amazingly still just ten years of age, and the quality and depth of Nashville Dream is all the more phenomenal in that light.
Largely optimistic but also mildly evocative during those resolving sentiments of no longer being together, there’s a roller-coaster effect to the progression of Blue Lagoon, dashes of grit and joy carefully alternating throughout a colourful and ultimately quite anthemic mix.
Musically inspired by JS BACH and Benedetto Marcello, Minuet 5.0 features a solo piano thread descending under vocal harmonies and a softly spoken poem about children.
With words delivered again by Stephanie Rodriguez M, Minuet 5.0 repeats the word ‘children’ throughout, forever reinforcing the innocence at the heart of the writing, and thus heavily juxtaposing this innocence and love with the shattering darkness and devastation of a polluted and desperately broken world.