SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 12/02/24 - 18/02/24

JEEW - Mad Hatter

JEEW, fronted by the visionary Joshua Elyashiv, releases their highly anticipated single, "Mad Hatter." The track boldly delivers an anti-establishment message, celebrating unwavering solidarity using Alice in Wonderland imagery to break conventional boundaries. Urging listeners to defy societal norms and unite, Joshua Elyashiv, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and advocate for social change, infuses raw authenticity into the music. "Mad Hatter" goes beyond a mere song, serving as a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of music. Join JEEW on a rebellious journey of unity and hope through this captivating single.

THE STARXZ - Buzzkill

I love the DIY aesthetic and the energetic, punchy sound encapsulated in 'Buzzkill.' It exudes a contagious vibrancy, complemented by the ideal touch of pretentious swagger that lends it a distinctive charm. The spiky guitars inject a raw intensity into the track, and the inclusion of a fun piano break adds an extra layer of quirkiness. Clocking in at 1 minute 30 seconds, it's a short, sharp stab of killer riffs, featuring a cute guitar solo flex and boundless amounts of snarling attitude. The brevity of the track intensifies its impact, leaving a lasting impression of dynamic musical prowess.

The Ugly Cowboys - Life sucks, do drugs

'Life sucks, do drugs' is certainly an acquired taste, but I really enjoyed it. Its quirky, off-the-wall sound and the gang vocals are perfect. It's a great playful, tongue-in-cheek DIY banger! Hillbilly silliness; if the Midwest did EMO, this is what it would sound like! Full of angst and disdain at the world but delivered in a more comedic, doesn't-take-itself-too-seriously way. The brash male vocals teamed with the sweet, melodic female vox make a diverse, unique pairing. The chorus is hella catchy and is sure to have you singing along in no time!

Pine Creek Academy - Stained Glass

‘Stained Glass’ is an absolute standout, capturing the essence of the early 2000s pop-punk heyday. The track boasts a powerful and driven sound, featuring hard-hitting, hooky guitars that pack a punch, accompanied by the frantic pummel of thunderous drums. The melodic journey is nothing short of stunning, amplified by the distinctive and emotive vocals. It's alive with exhilarating riffs and pulsating energy, making for an electrifying listen.

Getxo - Nothing to Say

'Nothing to Say' marks a fantastic debut offering from Getxo, embracing a raw and authentic DIY indie sound it's unpolished yet profoundly endearing. The slightly imperfect nature adds a unique charm, particularly evident in the off-key vocals, which, despite their unconventional alignment, brim with character. The dynamic drums and the rumbling guitars contribute to the track's catchiness and delightful melody. 'Nothing to Say' may not strive for flawlessness, but it thrives in its overflowing raw charm and bubbles with sheer passion.

The Exchange Project - Open Wide

The Exchange Project delivers another captivating insight into their world with the dynamic new single 'Open Wide.' The track seamlessly blends high-energy, fuzzed-out guitars with spirited and driving tendencies. Featuring intricate bass lines and thunderous drums, the song showcases vocals that effortlessly shift from soulful serenity to full-out eruptions within the same breath. The band masterfully crafts enthralling alt-rock, injecting a unique edge and a psychedelic twist of blues, accompanied by an addictive groove. 'Open Wide' stands as a testament to The Exchange Project's ability to flawlessly deliver a dynamic and immersive sonic experience.

Mud Shake - The Road

Mud Shake's debut single, "The Road," bursts onto the music scene with a pulsating energy that defines the alt-rock genre. The vocals, both bellowing and atmospheric, carry a powerful tone, adding an anthemic quality to the track. Confident and driven, the polished and professional sound features epic riffs that create a dynamic and enthralling sonic journey. Mud Shake blends classic rock vibes, evoking the spirit of bands like Bush, and weaves in grunge elements, reminiscent of Alice In Chains. With a groove that captures the essence of Incubus, the result is a nostalgic experience within a big, bold, and powerful sonic soundscape, promising an exciting voyage into the unique world of Mud Shake. A stellar debut offering.

Sanjib Sensei - Take Me

Sanjib’s ‘Take Me’ is like a blast from the past, throwing me right back into those Britpop-filled teenage days. The laid-back vibes and cool DIY aesthetic hit just the right notes. The catchy, nostalgic elements, paired with Sanjib's genuine and passionate vocals, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The infectious melody, big hooks, and lively drums give off those perfect summer vibes. My only gripe? It just stops abruptly, no fade-out or anything, leaving it feeling a bit unfinished. Other than that, it's a stellar track that pays a solid nod to the 90s scene.

Austel - Salt

Austel's ‘Salt’ is a captivating sonic journey that effortlessly blends gentle, transcendent, and ambient elements. The ethereal vocals, evolving from dreamy and hypnotic to a powerhouse display, create a dynamic and mystifying experience. Soft synths weave seamlessly into a pop melody, while distorted experimental elements add a touch of uniqueness. The song balances a painful and emotional undertone with its beautiful and trippy atmosphere, offering a combination of elements that make it both engaging and emotionally resonant.

Joe Heilman - Vibin;

'Vibin'' is a mellow, chilled-out alt-rock track with a distinct 90s vibe, coupled with the laid-back feel of the 60s. It carries a reminiscent tone, inviting contemplation on life and the recognition that childhood, despite perceived poverty, was rich with love. Looking back, what might have felt like having "nothing" through a child's eyes was, in reality, having everything. The track keeps it simple with a feel-good melody, providing a backdrop to an authentic storytelling narrative. Joe's vocals are honest and sincere, featuring a divine Southern rasp and a powerful range, making it a prime example of soft rock.

West Wickhams - The Conformist

Delicate, hazy, and sparkling, 'The Conformist' by Isle of Scilly born, Surrey-based West Wickams marries fragile sound particles with existential psychedelic explorations and lucid vocals, crafting a transcendent experience that draws inspiration from shoegaze, post-rock, and art rock. The track shines like a kaleidoscope of vivid colours, dancing thoughtfully like spring raindrops. It possesses a sense of being unfinished yet strangely complete – as if the band has designed its meaning while leaving space for the listener to voyage through the twinkling, chiming melody as they see fit. An exquisite array of minimal complexity that is both beautiful and strangely unnerving.

Mim Grey - A Little Love

'A Little Love' presents itself as a pretty, picturesque love song, with captivating, up-tempo guitars providing a heart-warming melody to Mim's familiar, friendly vocals. The track exudes a personable feel and genuine nature, offering a timeless, classic sound that could easily nestle into any decade. Emotive songwriting narrates the trials of love, exploring both the highs and lows—the dark moments and the hedonistic times of happiness. It's a charming mix of pop with the journeying feel of country and a certain soulful vibe. 'A Little Love' emerges as a delightful, gentle ray of sunshine, offering a versatile listen that is sure to leave you with a warm glow.

Amanda Cross - Hell or High Water

‘Hell or High Water’ exudes a sensational, bold, and uber-confident sound, pouring with female pride, independence, and defiant swagger. The track boasts a great attitude-heavy groove, blending dirty, gritty, and swampy textures that seamlessly fuse blues, Americana, and a catchy rock melody. The intelligent, resonant songwriting is paired with psychedelic vibes, making it a true and authentic girl power anthem. It's a belter, resonating with strong women who've had enough of being put down and belittled by men.

Sierra Levesque - WRONG ABOUT YOU

Following the bold and in-your-face anthemic nature of Sierra's debut single 'GET OFF MY STAGE,' the unexpected shift to a beautiful piano ballad in her new release 'WRONG ABOUT YOU' adds a refreshing dimension to her sound. This track reveals a different, more tender side, showcasing Sierra's versatility as a songwriter. Transitioning from 18-year-old tongue-in-cheek frivolity to a mature and heartfelt narrative, she maintains an assertive delivery while infusing a more fragile and vulnerable tone. 'WRONG ABOUT YOU' provides a platform for her multifaceted voice to shine, displaying its wonderful and powerful range. The fully self-recorded track, where Sierra played all instruments, creates a delicate, captivating, and emotional soundscape, solidifying her as a remarkable talent.

A Place In Between - Endless Easing

'Endless Easing' skillfully crafts a vast yet sparse engulfing soundscape, where swirling guitars deliver a nervous, uncertain, transcendent energy. The track evokes a macabre, gut-churning feeling of sombre regret, dreamily conveyed before exploding into the deluge of aggressive, harrowing riffs. This juxtaposition of whimsical, delicate vocals and fragile melodies with elaborate post-rock noise explosions creates an immersive and high-impact listening experience, adding depth and intensity to the overall sonic journey.

Bonbon Noir - KISS ME KILL ME

'KISS ME KILL ME' is an epic 6-minute deluge of interwoven, no-frills rock and sinister tones. It combines high-octane riffs with angular guitars that erupt from its classic stance. There's elaborate, dark cabaret-esque vocals that dynamically weave a path through the pulsating musical backdrop. Flamboyant and dramatic, it collides alt rock with erratic blasts of powerful noise rock, grungy grit, and the whirlpool feel of shoegaze. It has the grandiose feel of a track lifted from a Bond soundtrack, flirting with the sense of danger and traversing through areas of dark mysticism.