Skillfully fusing feelings of ambient calm with those a little more industrially energized, this single offers a dash of influence from the likes of Massive Attack – though with a hint of notably experimental, alternative creativity.
USA
Junior’s single Love Is Gone is one that swiftly evolves from simple pop to outstanding soul-rock within a few short minutes. Where the verses have a certain delicacy about them, a quietness even, the hook pours through as this completely unexpected moment of brightness – a choir of voices, a multi-layered rock soundscape, and a wonderful reminder of acts such as Queen and Prince alike – a fine fusion of royalty.
The soundscape itself loops out & around you as a soothing constant – that riff, that subtle sense of rhythm, that voice; all of it connects in a masterful yet natural way. Fusing poetry with personal reflections on life, the lyrics captivate & offer a fine balance between individual truth and a more widely accessible feeling of isolation or being lost.
There’s familiarity in the way the whole thing pours through. There’s not a common set-up, it doesn’t feel verse-chorus-like, it just emerges and moves along like an ambient hip hop loop; adding further to that laid back, calming energy.
KC Sisters harmonize beautifully on this refreshing take on The Marvelettes 1960’s classic Please Mr. Postman. It’s a pleasure to hear this song again after so long, especially when it’s been given such a light and lovely makeover.
Impressive, enjoyable from start to finish. It’s so great to have music play that feels ‘Christmassy’ but that isn’t compiled of the same two-dozen songs we hear every year.
Pushing the shoegaze boat out far into the creative distance, sweetsoak immerse their sound in lashings of reverb for this latest single – presenting the melodic and rhythmic qualities of rock through a dreamlike wash of warmth and lightness.
You get a notable sense of identity from the sound, and the voice seems inherently connected to the lyrics, so the whole thing just works in the way that you’d hope your favourite band’s music to – each time you return to it.
The religious aspect runs deep within these songs and so for those who want to feel a connection to something greater than themselves, this EP offers a modern and ultimately very heartfelt take on faith and dedication to a higher power.
The various stages of the song each seem to surprise and yet satisfy, suggesting there is hope for the future of songwriting and that there is undoubtedly plenty of creativity left to emerge as 2019 peaks its head around the corner.
Simple creative touches can be perfect as long as the sentiment & subject matter is being expressed in a genuine way. There’s a peacefulness to the music and a passionate energy to the vocal performance, creating a striking contrast that lets the message really sink in.
Bolder Range Operators give a timeless winter classic a smooth jazz makeover and a whole new organic groove with this release.