In an age of pitch correction and quantised instruments, here is a journey into sound that allows you to hear every pluck, every strum and every word with a vibrancy and clarity that speaks volumes about the live experience and about an exceptionally well-rehearsed band that have been honing their craft and chemistry together for the best part of twenty years.
Folk Rock
The Lexington Stretch is an absolute treat for the ears and the soul, soothing the energy in the room with gritty yet smooth blues melodies, seductive harmonies, and songwriting that digs right into the core of the human experience in a poetic and completely engaging way.
Beginning with an intriguing hit of poetry, followed shortly afterwards by a mildly haunting, slightly Gypsy-jazz like rhythm and soundscape, the song emerges with a decidedly traditional folk aura.
Sunday Morning kicks up with a simple Americana set-up, organic and fairly minimalist to begin with, then you get the leading voice for the verse – the first moment at which the personality and unique appeal of the band starts to stand out.
Contrast is utilized well throughout this song, there are indeed instances of peacefulness and folk purity, but these are more often than not followed up by those which strike as a little darker.
Jenkins’ writing style takes you through the many experiences of life – the successes, the regrets, the little things that light up an average day. When combined with such a genuine and real-time folk-rock sound this lets the songs connect in an honest way.
In a world full of regurgitated instrumentals and ideas designed to keep things on the level, White Owl Red are here to offer authenticity and an undeniably human approach to artistry.
Harris meanders between topics of intensity and those with a certain accessible lightness throughout this project. You never know where the journey will take you next, but always you can trust that a known level of creativity and professionalism will lead the way.
An unexpectedly addictive new song that’s easily a personal favourite for the year so far. Fusing somewhat theatrical, haunting musical building blocks, with a classic soft-rock aura, and an indie vocal that leans towards the poetry and passion of soul, the whole thing feels familiar yet unusual.
All This Huxley are incredible, refreshing and artful, fascinating, passionate. This project is everything you could hope for when the search for new music seems to have grown impossible. A total dream to escape within for a while.
That project title echoes in your mind as you make your way through the songs. Even with the musical positivity and bounce, you’re constantly drawn back to the thought of All I Do Is Bleed.
National Steel is a songwriter and musician who has complied a stunning collection of original tracks for the album Hiraeth. Beginning with the gorgeously organic and blues-led swagger of the title track, the project is quick to entrance and impress. The singer’s voice is perfectly soulful, melodically skillful yet raspy enough to give these emotional, reflective lyrics … Continued