SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 11/09/23 - 17/09/23

ANGLES - Driver

'Driver' is an electrifying burst of high-octane rock, fueled by determination and liveliness. It skillfully balances heavy riffs and grinding guitars with stunningly melodic vocals. It channels an explosive, distorted energy, incorporating elements of shoegaze for dreamlike qualities that add depth. 'Driver' exudes boldness, confidence, and is brimming with intelligent songwriting and infectious hooks. It serves as a powerful anthem, promoting resilience during challenging times and serving as a testament to how focus and desire can guide you through adversity. A killer, stadium-ready tune for sure!

‘Driver' is taken from the album “OBTUSE”

Gilad - As Times Goes By

'As Time Goes By' is a beautiful, classic soft rock ballad with transcendent passion and a delightful dreamscape. The vocal performance is charming and evokes a deep sense of emotion. It builds magnificently into grand moments, showcasing the impressive range of Gilad's vocals. The soft pianos are captivating, and the strings are gloriously majestic. The folk influences and nods to 70s-era Elton John add richness to the track's diverse sound. 'As Time Goes By' is an elegantly heartfelt and passionate track.

The Sonic Redemption - Cities of the Black Sun

"Cites of the Black Sun" is a blast of good, honest rock with a bit of roll. Think Motorhead brutality with just a hint of Europe. It doesn't aim to reinvent the wheel or add quirky elements. Instead, it stands out for its sheer honesty. The track is packed with killer riffs, thunderous drums, and a gritty bassline, maintaining an unrelenting pace from start to finish. The vocals strike a balance between melody and grit, exuding dominance.

This is raw, unapologetic, high-octane confidence at its core, offering a no-frills sound. If you crave exciting, raucous music fueled by the desire to rock out, this tune is a must-listen!

Potato - Irène's Night In

'Irène's Night In' is a simplistic soundscape of hypnotic melodies drawing influence from post-rock and jazz, while infusing elements of dream pop and ambient rock, creating a rich tapestry of kaleidoscope visions. Comparable to Sigur Rós and Mogwai, it's a track that captivates with its understated demeanour. By skillfully combining clarinet with dreamy guitars and alluring keys, it crafts a dreamscape of bewilderment beneath the raw yet ethereal vocals. Its lo-fi stance allows the emotion and passion in Bob's voice to radiate like sunbeams through the clouds. It's a melancholic, cathartic listen that finds beauty in its downtrodden outlook.

Topos @ the Wawa - Alien Abduction

'Alien Abduction' is wonderfully relaxed with blissfully rampant indie guitars and energetic drums. The vocals have a rugged crispness that makes them inviting and authentic. I appreciate how the lyrics playfully address fear, using the concept of aliens to delve into how the mind can be left in a state of confusion, uncertain of what's real and what's not. It's a clever piece of songwriting that, on one hand, is lighthearted, but upon closer examination, becomes a poignant story of how life can sometimes lose focus, with reality blurring amid disillusioned visions.

Eloise Kirkpatrick - Someone Great

'Someone Great' is a beautiful track with wise songwriting beyond Eloise's tender 17 years. Her voice has a sincere, honest richness and stunning hypnotic qualities. The poignant drum beat and churning guitar add a wonderful layer of intensity to the track. A thoughtful lyric channels a wandering, questioning mind against one that is driven by dreams and desires to achieve all that they can. With notes of indie, country, and folk, 'Someone Great' is a versatile listen. Elaine is an incredible talent who's growing in power and confidence with every single she releases.

The Train Rockers - Black Sheep

'Black Sheep' is a captivating melodic indie rock anthem with a raw edge. It boasts a triumphant groove that permeates the entire track, complemented by its hooky riffs, thoughtful drumming, and an authentically confident sound. The vocals possess a transfixing crispness, retaining a beautifully imperfect realness. The subtle use of synths adds a welcome diversity to the overall sound. The lyrics, dark in their portrayal of dismay and distrust, are lifted by a glimmering flicker of hope. 'Black Sheep' is a masterful tune that skillfully captures the band's deep love for music with a sincere and magnificent touch.

Laureen - Hostage

'Hostage' exudes a seductive ambiance, elevated by its stunningly soulful vocals reminiscent of Amy Winehouse's jazz-infused style. Its melodies are both creeping and melodic, weaving a captivating dark wave throughout the track. The lyrics paint a sombre picture of being trapped in love, unable to escape the clutches of someone who mistreats you. It's a theme of running away only to return to where you began, a sentiment both macabre and deeply relatable. Laureen's vocals deliver this emotion flawlessly, with a silky-smooth and instantly memorable performance.

Dirty Mitts - Women

'Women' is a resounding rock 'n' roll anthem! It unabashedly captivates with dramatic, theatrical vocals. The track pulsates with a fervent energy of massive riffs, tightly synchronised drums, and a rumbling bassline. Combining elements reminiscent of The Darkness with the bold anthemic style of the Foo Fighters and the charismatic allure of Kid Rock, 'Women' emerges as an unapologetically lustful anthem. It masterfully expresses appreciation for women while skillfully tapping into primal desires.

Emily Nicole Green - Thief

'Thief' is an emotional downpour of blissfully dreamy tones. The ambient musical backdrop provides the perfect setting for Emily's stunning, powerful voice to shine. Passion and pain flow like raindrops, and within the heartbreak, the song uncovers an unexpected beauty. It's a poignant lyric that delves into the feeling of powerlessness in love, teetering on the edge of self-preservation but ultimately succumbing to self-inflicted wounds. Even when aware of being used, the emptiness lingers after the relationship's end. Nicola's voice eloquently delivers her words, allowing listeners to feel every emotion, sharing in her hurt throughout the journey. 'Thief' is a powerful composition that's certain to resonate deeply with its audience.

Ayna Errboe - Belt of Orion

The hits keep coming from one-time street busker Ayna Errboe. His third single, 'Belt of Orion,' is another beautifully delivered folk ballad. Gentle and calming in its tone, the simple acoustic guitars and soft harmonica perfectly complement Ayna's wonderfully pure and soothing vocals. With each release, Ayna demonstrates growing professionalism and depth, exploring different avenues and capabilities within his music, all while staying true to his authentic style – it's like a friend sharing their latest tune. Shifting from a gentle, understated beginning, the song takes an abrupt but welcome turn, transitioning into a bright up-tempo wave of 60s laced harmonies and charming strings. 'Belt of Orion' is a captivating journey of blooming creativity.

Jason Webb - Time Is Tight

Infectiously upbeat and irresistibly catchy, Jason Webb’s debut single 'Time is Tight' is a lively rock 'n' roll gem. It's a toe-tapping delight that'll have you dancing in no time. This high-octane banger encapsulates the urgency of life and the importance of seizing the moment, all within its fast-paced tempo. A jubilant tune, it's bound to set your heart racing with its addictive riffs, dynamic drums, and adrenaline-fueled vibes.

Cherry Drop - Springhill Avenue

Erupting riffs, pulsating drums, and a funky tone define 'Springhill Ave.' It delivers a dose of frantic, classic heavy rock 'n' roll with an infectiously groovy backbone. This track is driven and dominant, bursting with hellfire and passionate assertiveness. It boasts an arena-ready sound, confident in its approach, and well-structured in its delivery.