Multi-instrumentalist Olly Davidson leads us with evocative and unique, classically inspired piano, into an ambient, reverb-soaked realm of quiet contemplation, and contrastingly uplifting indie gems, for the beautiful new album Up and Awake.
Pop Rock
Most recently, Kivo Van Twist launched the single and video for Lay Down, capturing the energy and intentions of the band quite perfectly. From surf-rock hooks and grooves to alternative sentiments and lashings of personality, the performative wonder and musicality of Kivo Van Twist is gripping, and impressively unique.
Soaring metal riffs and superb production guides us into the soulful soundscapes and songs of one-man-band Aaron Newsome – known to the streaming platforms as ServanT of 1.
From a growing repertoire of over 200 original songs, Richard Alberts Music presents an organic band sound and great songwriting, throughout the likes of the catchy good vibes of My Adorable Unaffordable Babe.
Good songwriting stands tall, something authentic and well-built – a strong acoustic backdrop, a lush groove and lush vocals, a sense of meaning at its core. Wyoki delivers an alternative earworm on that front, with the strangely enthralling, imperfect but beautifully addictive Hotel.
Hailing from the Netherlands, New Key is an elusive modern artist, writing and recording songs organically, and with little concern for social media or image – the music speaks for itself.
Lush riffs, an old-school pop-rock warmth that’s organic and immersive, with vocals and storytelling that again lean towards the softer rock tones of the nineties and early noughties. US songwriter Zach Outman captures a sense of groove and emotional refrain that’s beautifully uplifting, memorable, and just distinct enough to stand out right now.
Vituia writes songs unfiltered and unafraid to really go there – the style is genuine, the stories devotedly unbothered by expectation or opinion, and the voice, in both writing and tone, is quickly unmistakable. The realism resounds, and Vituia’s creative escapism as such provides something defiantly pure.
Visa Anxiety are perhaps unexpectedly cool, somewhat quiet and uncertain, but ultimately uplifting in their careful contrasting of tentativeness and confidence. The band are playfully honest, interesting, and creatively rooted amidst the sounds that get things moving towards the end of a long week. I look forward to hearing more.
Less than two weeks until the big day, Christmas is approaching at pace, and here we have the third instalment of One World One Christmas – just in time to light up the celebrations, as we get everything ready for December 25th.
Big indie alternative vibes light up a strong riff and groove that naturally draws you in. NYC band Why Another capture creative structuring and mood beautifully, with the highs and lows of this deeply confronting, thoughtful and intimate yet colourful new single.
With a classic rock and roll sound as ballsy as its artwork, singer and songwriter Walter Miller brings an edge of pop character and charm to the scene, with the fierce riffs and massive anthemic chorus of Basic Instinct.