Carefully intertwining the vulnerability of singer-songwriter intimacy, with the contrast and power of pop-rock, Afterglow meanders from mellow to empowered throughout its diary-like expression. It’s a finely produced album, shining light on the quick progression of modern songwriting and AI creativity, and it still holds closely to the heartfelt essence and intentions of all things Sonic Pulse Project.
Pop Rock
Great songwriting will always stand out, and sometimes, the simple stylistic approach is all that’s needed to highlight that. In this case, a catchy piano riff, short lines and boldly relatable, inspiring lyrics, help guide the ultimately euphoric celebration of Awakening towards being a timelessly great song. BACK ON TRACK!! are an elusive UK act, … Continued
It’s a song about hidden wisdom, loyalty, honesty, but it’s complex – not linear but meandering between various thoughts and feelings. The music and lyrics alike walk you through this hallway of introspection, and it’s catchy, uplifting, and confronting.
Indie pop with a hopeful groove and contrasting darkness on display lyrically – Cam Row delivers a gentle but impassioned and captivating pop-rock gem, with the therapeutic escapism and confrontation of Shoulderman.
Initially appealing for its Tim Minchin-esque vocal lead, The Earthquake’s Daughter soon becomes both an earworm and an alternative indie hit that’s lyrically refreshing. Ghost Rebel Club have a likeable sound, but in this case, it’s their snappy and alluring songwriting that really sets them apart.
Catchy indie rock with a colourful groove and that old-school production to lightly reinforce asnappy leading voice. Belgian duo Bauman & Kane keep things simple and effective, with the upbeat earworm and quirky celebration Allyfornia.
Soft-rock Americana and folk anthems with a fine blend of heartfelt images, catchy hooks, and acoustic to rock and roll arrangements – Brendan McMahon highlights the very best of his dynamic songwriting abilities, with the addictive and aptly-titled new album Turn Up The Radio.
Standing tall on a great sense of groove, carefully blending a strong acoustic riff, organic musicianship and funky rhythms – a spacious and soulful, catchy mix, with a clear sense of evocative depth at its core. Exit12 highlight the wonder and beauty of their uniquely genre-fusing and immensely impressive album Condition: Human, with the perfectly distinct, engaging and frankly euphoric Known.
Organic, live, psychedelic indie-rock sets a strong groove, while gentle vocals and complex, captivating original lyrics paint stories impressively original and genuine. New York rockers The Grasping Straws hold authenticity in high regard, with the dreamy riffs, fresh melodies, thoughtful musings and brilliantly framed ideas of Shapes.
Award-winning songwriter and musician Sean Martin fronts the brilliantly unique genre-fusing indie rock act The Quarantined, delivering this summer an incredibly original story and set-up, for the passionate and powerful Skeleton Chair.
Conceptually united expressions of love, connected by stylistic threads of reverb and playful design – an aptly-titled artistic corner… Still Haunted presents stories of wonder, nostalgia, and inspiration, with Aren’t All Songs About Love?
McKay are an act upholding the realness and talent of organic, man-made bands and songwriting, at a time when we need that more than ever. They write youthfully fearless, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with fresh melodies and blissfully harmonised performances, and for all of these reasons, they’re a personal favourite act from the past couple of years, and Casino is incredibly special as an original project.