Composer and artist Adnan Joubran delivers a completely absorbing composition, for this visual and musical ode to longing for an end to the nightmare in Gaza.
UK--Europe
Beautiful vocals and a euphoric production elevate the pop songwriting of UK artist Daisy Peacock. While It Lasted carefully balances the strum of an acoustic guitar, with the synth-loaded ethereal embrace of a dance-ready soundtrack, and all the while promises a heartfelt and memorable ode to the highs and lows of adolescent relationships.
Celtic metal, alt-folk and rock – bold and beautiful vocals, distortion and delicacy consistently ebbing and flowing – Morganway carve out an unmistakable lane, with this piercingly emotive and gritty new anthem I Feel The Rain.
Turn the volume up, not simply for the boldness of production, but for the purity of a voice and song connecting for their soulful depth and rising sense of drama and personality.
LORD & LAND meander through the space between genres, for the beautifully intoxicating, boldly original single Games in the Garden.
Led by a strong title concept and lyrics that prove equally provocative and poetic, WHITE NOISE features an unprecedented collaboration with the iconic Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens), and showcases the value of great songwriting in elevating the talent and passion of a modern band.
Beautifully complicated, profoundly poetic – Kid Anansi is one of the only albums this year that genuinely prompts a deep-dive listen and repeated sessions with the tracks. The level of thought and smart, sharp wit incorporated throughout each and every story and line is phenomenal, and the delivery is second to none. An absolute highlight from 2024 so far.
“I think personally music is the biggest form of escapism for me & the biggest form of inspiration. I don’t really like reading poetry, but I love writing it, I think my musical identity revolves around experimenting with sounds & ideas.”
From Nairobi to the UK, mau’s cultural influence and commitment to creative music shines beautifully throughout this original and organic new album SOFT STEPS.
A personal favourite rock act from the UK scene this year – great songs, great sounds, great energy. If you get the chance to catch a live show – don’t miss out.
Big beats quietly mixed, soulful fragments and melodies presenting a mellow and immersive realm of imagery and contemplation. Good Spells returns this season with a beautifully humble, poetic balancing of delicacy and depth, for All In.
Chas Leman first hit the radar with the evocative and poignant yet anthemic single The Last Boys To Be Picked at Football. The artist introduced a great sense of melodic-riff building, energy, and topical nostalgia that was quick to appeal.
Now we get to hear the true versatility of that approach, this old-school Brit Pop and Rock aura that’s rooted in stories and a broad range of influences.
The deciding factor is not always just my enjoyment of the track, sometimes it helps to note the response of others who hear it playing. My three-year-old son is not easy to please musically, but as I turned this one up loud, he ran into the room dancing, and openly declared it ‘his favourite song’. Strangely enough, it quickly became mine, too.