From dreamy beginnings, reverb-soaked guitar creates a sense of rising brightness amidst an atmospheric wash of synths. A spoken word voice is distant but poignant in its reference to violence breeding violence, and the mood is uplifting in line with this – just as the central groove of the track falls into place.
Dream Pop
Big beats quietly mixed, soulful fragments and melodies presenting a mellow and immersive realm of imagery and contemplation. Good Spells returns this season with a beautifully humble, poetic balancing of delicacy and depth, for All In.
Essentially addressing the topic of loving the idea or illusion of someone (or something), Vine Song is a complex lyrical venture that’s melodically alluring and somehow feels like it was written purely for the listener.
That producer and performer combination is rare to find at such a distinguished and still humble, honest level, and this duo have it mastered. Their music is consistently a pleasure to escape into, always thoughtful, heartfelt and intricate, and the ethereal waves of synth and the sheer gratitude of the lyrics throughout Separate all exemplifies that truth in a beautiful way.
Songwriter and artist Michelle Bender creates a divinely harmonised story and song, with the heartfelt contemplation and ultimate uplift of her single Never Leave.
Dublin artist Jordan presents a fine balance of enchanting production and softly evocative vocals, throughout the alluring melodies and musical uplift of her beautiful new EP Driving Back To Love.
Celebratory pop rock with a hazy nostalgic mix – Alexander Beresford writes melodies and songs from the heart, throughout the likes of his single Don’t Break My Heart.
Euphoric dance-pop with a breathy softness and emotional core. LA songwriter and artist Louis Torre accesses the beating heart of California living, with the emotional poignancy and sublime production of new single feel something.
What grabbed me the most about this track was Amanda’s decision to write from the perspective of the cult leader. It’s interesting, original, and strangely intoxicating. If ever there was a relevant artistic representation of the allure and appeal that cult leaders manage to enchant their followers with, Cigarettes and Crucifixes is the one.
Chilled rhythms, nostalgic keys and retro production back up the distinct vocal sound and unorthodox stories of Shiny Glide’s EP Thank You Forever.
Reaching out from a colourful keys-led groove are joyful melodies and provocative contemplations akin to the likes of Bowie. The story is intriguing but resolves to a more anthemic chorus of unity and inspiration for its later sections. And all of this is wrapped up with a spoken segment from the musical (the title of which is The Music Of The Stars).
Built upon a softly evolving soundscape of delicate fragments and a shifting beat, the song captivates for Ole’s poetic and intimate reflections on life and love united. The voice is a key aspect in holding attention well, and while the song is something of a slow-burner, that’s purely to say that it begins as a lovely listen, and progresses to become quite stunning.