Inspired by the seventies and eighties, Pennan Brae’s Arcade stands tall on its dedicative musicality, yet also makes sure to weave in a clear sense of identity.
Rock
Piercingly seductive blues-rock hits with an ever-authentic raw presentation, as live-show extraordinaries The Midnight Shepherds release their latest ode to the organic musicality and passion of times past.
Washington DC’s Grimm Winter reignite the poetic escapism and pace of nostalgic emo-rock and pop-punk united, with this contemplative deep-dive into the all-consuming turmoil that is anxiety.
Refreshingly bass-led to begin with and somewhat capturing a fine balance between freestyling and a catchy set of riffs – BATES energise with chaos and calm united, for Catalyst.
Free from the confines of expectation or even genre, guided entirely by a heartfelt connection to the therapeutic process of making music – Darren Middleton’s album HOME makes for a sublime and striking listen.
“I am going to put out my fifth poetry book sometime this year, so I’m looking forward to that. Currently, I’m working with a country artist, writing lyrics for a new album for a group called The Cow Cats.”
Rainy Thursdays were made for this kind of enchanting rock arrangement – D2UR drown out the noise of the world, with the beautifully melodic, organic and mighty Remember My Name.
Fearlessly autobiographical but also poetically vague enough to feel relevant to the modern listener – Ben Lazarus shifts the narrative and fuses genres in the process, with the eclectic and extensive project Ayy.
From the creative who brought us Robot Raven, WHISTLEWIT is the multi-faceted new ID, delivering memories of what many considered a simpler, happier time, through the Sunflower ’69 album.
Mike Kennedy connects and impresses with ease, as the leading single from his upcoming EP Grass Is Greener hits the scene with confidence, skill, passion and power.
An addictive alternative anthem for the contemporary rock fan. Well worth a few streams as the new year swings into view.
Were You Even There begs for you to listen more than once – this recognisable, questioning call-out and the timeless simplicity of the melody uniting effortlessly with the calm, organic rock set-up beside it.