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.
Alt Folk
Melancholic musical theatre, carefully intertwined with an aptly-circus-like piano progression – waves of back and forth, creating a sense of energy and entertainment; drastically juxtaposed by the vulnerability and rasp of the leading voice. Magpies craft a single both instantly recognisable and boldly unorthodox, with the bluesy tone and story of The Ballad Of The Crying Clown.
Delicate solo harmonies and dramatic piano create a compelling opening dynamic, as Liz Davinci proceeds to craft a chamber of poetic contemplation, for Adamas.
Artistically rooted musical expression, built around the desire to explore feelings and ideas, and as such led by a powerful sense of freedom and conceptual purpose that boldly connects. PHI-108 is a fascinating and admittedly niche musical project, but one that aptly creates a profound space to escape into as it slowly fills the room.
Yorkshire songwriter and artist Gideon Foster explores the depths of human complexity and spiritual connection, with the poetic and musically enchanting new single Come The Rain.
Leaky Ship was indeed a rightful indicator of the artistic weight and purpose of BenBen and Lily’s collaboration. The music of this EP has so much to offer in terms of its musicality and conceptual consideration.
Songwriter Jon Casto fronts the acoustic and atmospheric World Music tones and conceptualisations of Universal Appeal – an act devoted to intertwining the deeply personal and the broadly relatable.
The Price Of Liberty showcases precisely these qualities, presenting a sense of individual journey and political poignancy throughout its exploration of liberty and this callout for freedom and possibility.
This is one of those songs that can’t be done any real justice in writing. Rich Strater creates a space within which listeners can reflect and ponder the world and the past in their own unique way.
From the upcoming collaborative EP White Elephant, Leaky Ship unites artists BenBen and Lily Desmond, for a metaphorical deep-dive into the art of appreciating the beauty of the world; even when the boat you’re floating upon is doomed to sink.
Featuring a pristine intertwining of delicate synths, a choir of breathy vocal layers and modest organic rhythms, This Life feels like a near-euphoric ode to the atmospheric musicality of eras past – as well as an inspiring and uplifting celebration of life and the world itself.
Somewhat mildly reminiscent of both Ani DiFranco and Rusted Root, but ultimately not adhering to either comparison for long, Follow The Crow build their sound upon feelings and reflections unique to themselves, and the brilliance of the musicianship in unison with that makes for a beautifully all-encompassing listen.
“Wild Vile West began as an idea in September 2022 to make an entirely conceptual album about a lonesome gunslinger in the old west, but with unconventional sounds and ideas.”