Bryan Braning was inspired by his wife and daughters to write the songs of Rise Phoenix. The tracks read like poems in many ways, often abstract and provocative, rather than literal and detailed or following specific scenes. There’s a depth to the wonder of each song, and the music backs that up well.
Songwriter
Beautifully captured for that reverb-kissed ethereal chamber of contemplation, There Is A Sound pours through like a nostalgic feeling of depth and wonder. The song achieves a sense of intimacy and vastness all at once, utilising contrast beautifully from these lower-toned verses to the impassioned and higher-pitched hook.
That’s the key with much of Blue Julius’ songwriting – this sense of newness intertwined with that which naturally connects and soothes.
Featuring subtle vocal harmonies and a clear sense of longing and warmth carefully intertwined, Been Everywhere But Me is a profound retelling of the turmoil that inevitability comes from living a life incompatible with our authentic selves.
Catchy but non-intrusive, electro to organic pop unedited and unhidden by effects and falseness, Elliot Wren’s music always speaks its truth both stylistically and lyrically, and Queen Of Hell underlines that strength as the latest and perhaps most distinctly quirky or characterful song to emerge thus far.
Smoothly captured acoustic guitar rhythm and breathy vocals set the mood well, as Mike Cothrine blends the melodic appeal and heartfelt sentiments of country music, with something a little more soulful in its meandering and impassioned tune.
Timeless piano-pop shines light on the power of self-belief, relationships, and inner strength, as Sara Rego and Tiago Freitas deliver the boldly honest yet inspiring duet Stay.
Indie four-piece Gear keep things as simple and effective as their name implies, carving out a uniquely evocative, nostalgic but gritty realm as an authentic band, and building their sound around boldly poetic and powerful soundscapes and songs.
It’s always the songwriting that separates the lasting artists from the crowd. Great voices can entertain, but a great song can stand the test of time, and that seems to be what lets the single Burn rise above many folk-pop and indie releases.
Japanese pop artist Sena Kana has amassed an impressive following in her time on the scene, noting collaborations with the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Sheppard – for the 2019 single Up. That particular release was certified Gold in the USA, and ultimately helped set off an upward trajectory for the uniquely distinct pop singer.
You Keep Me is a gem of an album, a true ode to the album as a timeless artform, and a strong introduction to a band who consistently deliver on the promise of realism, melody, groove, and pure musical connection.
Letting the music guide, through a series of deeply personal reflections on adulthood and uncertainty about progression in life. Ziggy Lebon captures the enchanting mood of indie rock and shoegaze’s past, with the three-track EP FOOA (Fear Of Old Age).