Capturing a sense of both mental instability and the sheer punk-rock outcry of rebellion, Daily Grind’s hook resounds somewhere between the likes of awakening and melancholic. The chorus is heartbreakingly and painfully relatable, not least of all for those who’ve sacrificed their dreams and freedoms just to make a cheque or pay rent.
Music
Multi-instrumentalist Olly Davidson leads us with evocative and unique, classically inspired piano, into an ambient, reverb-soaked realm of quiet contemplation, and contrastingly uplifting indie gems, for the beautiful new album Up and Awake.
Most recently, Kivo Van Twist launched the single and video for Lay Down, capturing the energy and intentions of the band quite perfectly. From surf-rock hooks and grooves to alternative sentiments and lashings of personality, the performative wonder and musicality of Kivo Van Twist is gripping, and impressively unique.
Soaring metal riffs and superb production guides us into the soulful soundscapes and songs of one-man-band Aaron Newsome – known to the streaming platforms as ServanT of 1.
Songwriting and substance first, creativity intertwined – an electronic-pop nostalgia elevated by personal and poetic reflections on modern love. Kath Moskvina delivers an anthemic and addictively catchy new single, for Baby You Are Mine.
From a growing repertoire of over 200 original songs, Richard Alberts Music presents an organic band sound and great songwriting, throughout the likes of the catchy good vibes of My Adorable Unaffordable Babe.
Talented and passionate producer and artist Velo Sol blends intricate production with catchy, thoughtful songwriting, for a modern deep house sound and style noting Latin influences and lush to euphoric melodies.
Lo-fi rhythms and hazy bass, clean keys and catchy melodies – a dreamy indie ambiance and dynamic vocals guide us into a deeply introspective, relatable and comforting realm. Jordi and Sophie Woodhouse join forces, for the blissful earworm Think Too Much.
Wilderness of Mirrors is a split concept album with heavy industrial production but a clever sort of ambient escapism akin to trip hop running alongside. Think industrial metal meets atmospheric soundscape design and conceptual depth, as four unique acts join forces to create the perfect creative storm at the start of the new year.
Talking sacrifice and self preservation, Faith and prospects in the face of struggle and disappointment in friendships and life, Dead Wrong is incredibly catchy, and achieves a likeable fusion of rap and pop akin to the breakthrough hits from acts like Black Eyed Peas. The FarGoneWorld sound has its own truthful core though, and the music feels timeless in this setting, honest and unaffected by the expectations of the current scene, and this integrity stands tall.
Dark atmospheric rock with thick basslines and tumbling rhythms, alongside whispered to softly passionate female vocals, carving out a thoughtful, ambient and provocative space – not unlike the peak sound of Portishead from back in the day. KEE deliver an edgy alternative take that’s captivating, and fully immersive, for Sound.
From Sea Gods to the solo life, Bolton-born musician and rock artist Jack Flint captures a moment quite beautifully, with the raspy vocals, short lines and smooth, soulful riffs of Dirty Road.