Superb guitar play adds a quick-fingered level of skill to an instantly distinct riff. Follow that with sharp, smart vocals, and a long-form melody that’s just as slick and satisfying as the riff, and UK rock outfit STRANGE WOMAN delivers a pretty faultless modern punk-rock anthem, with FAKE VALENTINE.
UK--Europe
Currently 75 years young and vocally distinct in an effortless and enchanting fashion, Cousti writes with a heartfelt and catchy approach, songs like Turn Around and Survive instantly appealing for both their sense of live-band warmth and the naturally inspiring sentiments and loving references of their lyrics. The melodies are simple but satisfying, and that voice carries things along in a way that feels genuinely fresh.
New music from indie’s iconic environmentalists The Lurxx storms through in the form of a boldly theatrical, explosive and captivating glam-rock EP.
Uniting talents from the UK and Germany, The Lovekiller drives with a smooth electronic-rock soundscape and faultless vocals, progressing through a rising pop verse, towards a memorable hook – a moment that leans mildly towards the softer offerings from a timeless No Doubt.
Folk vocals that feel beautifully traditional, perhaps a twist of something Jake Bugg-like for the modern audience, and a classic folk-rock groove of acoustic guitars and hi-hats. UK singer and artist FRASER. brings thoughtful, poetic songwriting to the forefront, with the gentle embrace and rhythmic comfort of White Picket Fences.
The UK’s own, bringing back the ferocity and riffs of classic, timeless rock – Canada Hill energise the space in an instant, with the relentless tempo, raw distortion and anthemic chorus of voices that make up Hit!
Unafraid to go-there experimentally as an artist, Stephan Folkes adopts a playful and limitless creative angle with music. His sound is not traditionally satisfying, but his voice, in both tone and songwriting, is undeniably recognisable from one release to the next, and there’s a lot to be said for artistic integrity.
Sometimes collaboration is the key to finding that sound or artistic moment that connects more strongly with a broader audience – no longer something exclusively personal to the performer, but bridging the gap to realise that actually, these ideas and feelings are relatable, and the music is impressively original and impassioned enough to hit with impact.
Evocatively reflecting on the unconditional love we get from and give to our pets – the wonderful degree of joy, the memories, friendship, and the inevitable pain of losing them – Canadian songwriter Martin Gladstone crafts a timeless folk-pop ode for any and all pet-lovers, with the beautifully hopeful Over The Rainbow Bridge.
The UK’s own Harrison Rimmer reignites the short lines and upbeat energy of pop-rock from a simpler time. Ripped Up Magazine feels like a slept-on single from the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, but it also quickly injects its own sense of clear identity and feeling, and this becomes a true quality of the Harrison Rimmer sound and style.
Soulful pop-rock with stunning vocals, a poetic songwriting thread and catchy melodies, organic grooves – a touch of harmonised wonder to light up the bigger moments. MCVEIGH capture a lane somewhere between the likes of Sam Fender and Nothing But Thieves, with The Thief Of Leaving.
Genre-fusion and quirky storytelling, a hearty dose of intention and some stylish free-playing – an eclectic album, inspired by all things jazz, rock, country. Paul Cann’s latest album feels like an uninhibited ode to creative freedom, and celebrates the joy of that from start to finish.