Bryan Braning was inspired by his wife and daughters to write the songs of Rise Phoenix. The tracks read like poems in many ways, often abstract and provocative, rather than literal and detailed or following specific scenes. There’s a depth to the wonder of each song, and the music backs that up well.
Music
Beautifully captured for that reverb-kissed ethereal chamber of contemplation, There Is A Sound pours through like a nostalgic feeling of depth and wonder. The song achieves a sense of intimacy and vastness all at once, utilising contrast beautifully from these lower-toned verses to the impassioned and higher-pitched hook.
Long-time musician and songwriter Paul Maged ignites a sense of artistic legacy, bringing together the pace and energy of pop-punk with a progressive rock thread of musicality and lyricism. His five-track EP Crossroads proceeds to explore the depths of modern life and war amidst a melodic, awakening background.
Introducing an intoxicating fusion of spiritual contemplation and euphoric sonic design. H.4.N reflects upon the unstoppable current and power of Niagara Falls, through the intensely immersive EDM single In The Current.
That’s the key with much of Blue Julius’ songwriting – this sense of newness intertwined with that which naturally connects and soothes.
Featuring subtle vocal harmonies and a clear sense of longing and warmth carefully intertwined, Been Everywhere But Me is a profound retelling of the turmoil that inevitability comes from living a life incompatible with our authentic selves.
Beginning with a Content Warning, the album sets out to explore the story of a girl who attempts to commit suicide, but winds up immersed in an Alice in Wonderland-style adventure – within which she’s forced to confront her mental health demons. It’s a dark topic, but broadly relatable, and the album is loaded with imagery and ideas that feel hopeful and optimistic in contrast with the desperation at its core.
Catchy but non-intrusive, electro to organic pop unedited and unhidden by effects and falseness, Elliot Wren’s music always speaks its truth both stylistically and lyrically, and Queen Of Hell underlines that strength as the latest and perhaps most distinctly quirky or characterful song to emerge thus far.
Shar’s honouring of Chapman resounds beautifully, no doubt impressing all the more so in the live setting, and this is easily one of the more respectful and well-imitated covers to hit the scene in quite some time. Shar ignites the natural fluidity and warmth of the song with confidence and skill, and the results work their magic with ease.
Smoothly captured acoustic guitar rhythm and breathy vocals set the mood well, as Mike Cothrine blends the melodic appeal and heartfelt sentiments of country music, with something a little more soulful in its meandering and impassioned tune.
Melodic to gritty indie rock with a mild essence of punk to the vocal stylings – Chris Thomas & The Merrymakers bring strong riffs and vocal unity to the forefront of the indie space, with FromTheTop 2.0.
Unity is essential, and a key aspect of Faith – this belief in something more, something bigger, and in better days. The song’s sheer optimism and minimalist approach in contrast to the complex vocal layering all helps let that sense of Faith and possibility ring loud and linger in the mind.