In terms of spirit, I am very much reminded of the eponymous first album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Civilian feels earnest and honest and urgent.
Indie-Pop
Delicious, rich, and most definitely quirky, this genre and comparison-defying track is a rare treat indeed.
A proper pop nugget with some great musicianship, compelling vocals and smart production that bears repeat spins/streams with ease.
The luscious contemporary pop vocals of Trinity Rose dominate this smart and sassy sub-3 minute confection with a swagger and confidence that perfectly matches this tale of a recipient of the insistent attention of their wannabe-lover.
This is extremely accomplished – full of 90s nostalgia, joie de vivre, a terrific sing-along melody in the chorus and tasty, funky keyboard chops layered on top. It snakes into your headspace and stays there, probably mooning you as it arrives.
The word here is impressive, with Elina amply displaying some fine contemporary nous and songwriting, with Beyonce levels of vocal control and with something of a signature sound, too.
It rocks along, chock-full of character and has swagger to spare. Beholden to a wealth of sounds and songs that you think you can half-remember, it somehow carves a furrow all its own. Excellent fun!
There’s something about this artist and this sound that just breathes innovation into the scene. At the same time, the softness and humble delivery of that leading voice is so quietly confident that there’s an additional level of realness and even something slightly endearing about the whole thing.
HazyJane shine brightly with a classic and comforting pop-rock sound on this latest EP. The conceptually framed project unites the four seasons – Temporibus being a Latin term for in the times or seasons.
He uses his voice for texture as much as for carving out an individual niche as a vocalist and I’m led to the conclusion that Ete serves the song. Whatever is needed to serve the song is the right artistic choice, and I can only applaud decisions like that with all my heart.
Being a live performance recording, Deep Water has just enough rough edges to re-assure the listener that the talent on show is for real, and actually is playing live. Musically, the pre-chorus chords echo Eminem’s My Name Is, but influences aside, Elta Wave are exploring a soulful pop that has an indie edge and a nod to the 70s – courtesy of sound choices.
Rock Bottom has, at its heart, an epic sensibility that is screaming out to be synced to a film – probably over the end credits. Yep, it’s that good. It might be a slightly quirky take on indie pop, but that’s exactly what indie pop should be. This track is essential listening.