Really enjoyable music – a refreshing injection of creative originality amidst a style that’s nostalgic and well-grounded. After Eight let unique songwriting shine a distinct light on a timeless approach, with the meandering rock intensity and vulnerability of The Reach.
Netherlands--Europe
The Blues Guy himself, promising the live seduction of a full-band set that’s intimate and soulful. Guy Renardeau drops an EP of seven modern blues tracks, with sultry grooves, guitar solos and warming keys, all backing up a high-class gathering of talented vocalists.
Letting go of things that no longer serve you – from relationships to ambition, work, self-identity. Creative alt-pop songwriter Lily Franc delivers on both depth and design, with the subtle charm, genre diversity and lyrical brilliance of The Fitting Room.
Eleven songs make up this album from Vivienne Aerts, something like alternative neo-jazz, with hints of Eva Cassidy, Chet Baker, to the voice and songwriting, but a more alternative edge of electronic design in unison, to keep things secure in this new artistic arena.
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.
Romantic desire and separation all contemplated in simple, short lines and phrases that help the positive bounce of the music linger in a mainstream quirky fashion. There’s nothing complex to battle with, just the likable nature of the music and performance – only the essential building blocks employed, by an elusive Dutch creative with a clear passion for the celebration and optimism of pop.
Where Do We Go? is an absolute earworm of an indie rock single – a huge hook, harmonised voices united, a familiar existential crisis at the forefront, and catchy verses that feel familiar but fresh enough in this distorted, high-energy setting. The juxtaposition of confronting lyrical depth and joyful pop-rock escapism is mighty, and that makes this an easy favourite.
Superb guitar, bass and drum unity at a high-octane pace storms into view – nostalgic and original melody and vocal dynamic quickly capturing attention from afar. Captain Graveyard delivers a boldly unique yet perfectly structured and satisfying ode to timeless hard-rock, with the precise complexity and weight of Tragedy of a blood romance.
Introducing the latest songwriting showcase from Martin Lucassen. Sonic Pulse Project utilises contemporary AI vocals to elevate a piano-led arrangement of songs and poetic lyricism, blending pop and rock across an evocative collection of nostalgic reflections.
Ambient acoustic grooves and stylish bass meet whispered, breathy layers of voice, as the elusive artist you wouldn’t know him, presents the poetic and contemplative depths of his album test of time.
Recently made record of the week on FM-R Radio in the Netherlands, When We’re Home offers a timeless sense of musicality and appreciation for the little things in life – the calming sense of stillness and safety provided by coming home; wherever in the world that may be.
This is the style The Rubicon have mastered, and these songs are arguably the best of the best in terms of their commitment and authenticity in the creative realm. Feel the uplift, the warmth, the honesty and heart, enjoy the genre-free expression and unplugged realness of a band both nostalgic and refreshingly true to their own artistic needs.