SINGLE REVIEW: Kempsey’s Weekly Round-Up 18/11/24 - 24/11/24

Build For Tomorrow- Out Of This World

Back reviewing another Build For Tomorrow track this time, we’re focusing on Out Of This World from their Debut EP On Deck To Shipwreck. 

From the moment of pressing play this track blasts its way through with heavy guitars, thunderous guitars, an awesome powerslide and a build up of intricate lead sections before we drop into the riveting verse. The song is fast and upbeat with romantic lyrics describing a love interest that has the listener also falling in love with her. I love the use of different vocal processing techniques from echoes, telephone effects and panning that keeps our little attention spans at peaked interest. It’s to the point and pays homage to the classic pop-punk of the 90’s and 2000’s. A must add to all your pop-punk playlists!

The Marra - I Can’t Sleep

Songwriting duo from Derry, The Marra, take on all new sonic territory with I Can’t Sleep.

Opening with rich propulsive bassline and drums accompanied by shining cymbals, really builds a groove and apprehension for the listener before diving into lush and gazy guitars. The vocals hold quite a lot of air and grace that drive the track further before dropping into little pockets of peace leading to uplifting and compelling choruses. The solo sections are quite other worldly, showing off their grit. You can really hear the 90’s influences, The Strokes-esque and Indie inspirations. Quite an infectious washy track worthy of a mention.

Dead Orchards - Parallel Paths
Dead Orchards are demonstrating their new direction of synth-lead compositions, previously an acoustic outfit, discovering new depths of emotion. As self-described Dead Orchards are simple, murky and emotive and Parallel Paths fit into that. Opening with slow dreamy synths, subtle pulsating murmurs of bass and rich piano ostinato tied together by a steady beat of drums. The vocals are poetic and airy. Parallel Paths eventually pours itself into dreamy layers and paints a perfect portrait of sadness and pain, ideal for the cathartic moody playlist.

Cat Sensei - Ghosts In The Afternoon
Describe themselves as punk, post hardcore with math rock intentions,, Cat Sensei release almost 6 minutes of gungecore chaos with Ghosts in the Afternoon, an abstract journey of a track with muddy tones, high energy, instrumentally, both guitars sound they are running their own show, pulling the listening to both left and right, however, are calculated to be on the same page. They pull and join and twist at different points in the track, keeping it very spicy. The bass sits tight with the drums, with the occasional flickers of personality shining through. The vocals sing of betrayal and regret, almost in a storybook AA- BB format to keep it easy to follow. And then rings out the title a little satisfying cherry on top of this creative road trip.

Midsummer Motel - Heavy Tripp

Alternative indie with Post-Punk influences Midsummer Motel Atlanta Georgia Songwriting Duo released Heavy Tripp a disconsolated track with deep grooving rhythms, cinematic high-flying leads and ground-shaking percussion. For such a lyrically simple song, the instrumentals are the heart, the middle breaks are the luscious honey, with a friendly key change to create hope and nostalgia. Very impressive demonstration of songwriting and technical skills. The dynamic changes take you on a little drive, it feels like cold cityscapes contrasting with warm countryside. Very fulfilling to the ears. 

Hotel Du Globe - BE YOURSELF
Belgian Alt Rock band Hotel Du Globe state “Embark on an immersive, powerful and imminent listen, offering a grand but discreet journey through shifting emotions” of which I successfully did with Be Yourself a very funky tune with nostalgic and cheesy synths that remind me of a modern day ABBA in a way, if they had a little edge. It’s pulsating, fun, uplifting and ideal for a good dance. A very repetitive and rich track that will definitely get caught in your head. The music video is very fun and colourful with all the childlike love for fair grounds and slot machines, what more could you want from this project!

The Mega Nuts Busters - Platinum Rocket

Japanese altrock, punk/ grunge band, The Mega Nuts Busters release their debut single PLATINUM ROCKET harnessing raw emotive vocals both English and Japanese. The track is a whirlwind of energy and catchy choruses. There’s quite a lot of infusions and cleverly written transitioning sections that I believe is a piece of each member's contribution and influence. Platinum Rocket is high energy, wild and free. A must listen, especially for a band starting out just this year!

Morganway - I Feel The Rain
Americana-rock power house, Morganway, unleash their fiercest track I Feel The Rain, grounded by that gritty guitar tone and rich bass, soulfully accompanied and decorated by violin, and never to forget those formidable vocals and destructive percussion! This is an impressive track and I was immediately blown away. Such a timeless track with huge depth and beauty. Those solos are electrifying and the build ups are phenomenal! Such wondrous balance in catchy songwriting as well as implementing those complex solos as well as the balance in the production. Crystal Clear all round. A track that has an immediate Wow factor!