Creativity on top form – a song that masters the space between the comfortingly familiar and the outright unexpected. Artist and performer Lauralie drives with cascading layers of melody and mystique, throughout this revealing yet modest ode to an unnamed subject of admiration.
Folk Pop
An impressively modest and melodically hypnotic debut from Paul McCartney’s son James – Primrose Hill speaks volumes on behalf of an artist who has clearly found the essence of escapism that is the joy of true and uninhibited songwriting.
Softly stunning vocals, acoustic guitar and brilliantly unexpected lyrics blending gritty realism with heartfelt reflections – Gracie Rey impresses and connects, with the familiar yet refreshing icarus.
An intimate recording captures beautifully the crisp and warm sound of acoustic guitar, humble rhythms and naturally paired voices. The Beige return with a beautiful Folk Pop anthem, a thoughtful ode to the inevitable passing of time, and appropriately well-suited to the current Spring season.
Written to explore and expose the current state of living in the USA. Still Living In War is a confronting yet catchy collection of anthems from the organic musical duo, and is being released single-by-single this year.
On reading a nostalgic UNCUT article from years past, which relayed the story of Elliott Smith’s well known struggle with sudden fame, and how it led to his demise, Somebody I’m Not examines the pure humanity at the heart of such a tragedy.
Working its magic as both a timeless pop hit and indeed a clear acoustic contender – one that would no doubt connect beautifully in a stripped-back, unplugged live setting – Atmosphere marks a fine introduction to an established songwriter, with a clear talent and style of his own.
Nostalgic indie pop with a deeply moving undertone; delicate vocals, vulnerability and acoustic purity at its core – Emilia Vaughn impresses, with the intimacy and heartbreaking revelations of Skeleton.
When good songwriting and real musicianship unite, it almost always makes for a worthy listening experience – in this case, definitely one to look out for across the UK’s live scenes this year.
The creative return of 旋林Rowens this month brings a soulful jazz-pop single of trembling vocal realism, retro keys and bossa nova rhythms. The melodically nostalgic Old Photo presents a catchy yet calming progression, and relays a lyrical poem exploring the impermanence of love.
Boasting over a million plays across nearly two-dozen original singles, LA-based Joseph Rutakangwa has carved out an impressive niche within modern music, the likes of Avani and I Am Meant For you building further upon a naturally distinct and evocative style.
For the new release, Joseph returns to the poetic reflections and optimism of his earliest work, and in the process gifts listeners a feeling of positivity, self-belief, and lasting calm.
Florida songwriter and artist Luanne Hunt compiles the warmest examples of her thoughtful style and the impressive evolution of her writing, with the wonderful seven-track album Miles & Memories.