SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 18/09/23 - 24/09/23
Lucy Bell - I Wish We Never Met
Hedonistic, dreamy synths underlie the beautiful ethereal vocals in 'I Wish We Never Met'. Combining tender moments with chilled-out EDM vibes that emerge from the track's calming foundation. The lyrics explore regrets and frustrations within love, delivered with a sweet but frustrated tone. A happy, bright, up-tempo sound chanelling heartbreaking sadness within it’s words. Lucy's voice is stunning, adaptable, and diverse, effortlessly shifting tones to showcase the stunning range her vocals have to offer.
'I Wish We Never Met' is taken from the EP “Emotion Pending”
Sleep in Motion - Testimonial
After a somewhat chaotic introduction, 'Testimonial' settles into a funky groove, introducing assertive, powerhouse vocals with a sinister edge, juxtaposed with a soulful twist. Rippling with passion and emotion, the track charges through grand riffs and explosive drums that occasionally shift pace to establish a dark, atmospheric ambiance. 'Terminal' is an epic classic rock track with a metallic twist, creating a dynamic diversity.
SAFIRE - PARADISE
'PARADISE' fuses entrancing trip-hop with high-energy funky house rhythms, incorporating bass-heavy, repetitive beats reminiscent of UK garage. It's a versatile sound that skillfully melds genres to craft an explosive groove. SAFIRE's vocals are wonderfully rich, exuding a crisp, confident power and crystal-clear articulation. 'PARADISE' is a catchy floor-filler that would unquestionably set the stage ablaze at any rave.
ill Minds - All the Way to Tokyo
'All the Way to Tokyo' is a melodic fusion of rock and hip-hop, featuring an interesting melody. The blend of soft, pop-tinged vocals with heavier rock tendencies, along with gruff, Eminem-like raps, adds a diverse twist to the track. The music adopts a somewhat simplistic approach, almost carrying lullaby-like, dreamy qualities, chiming and meandering throughout. There's an element of aggression within the rapped sections, which, personally, doesn't fully resonate with me as it's the main aspect that puts me off rap. However, this aggressive element is nicely juxtaposed with the sung parts. 'All the Way to Tokyo' is a well-constructed tune. While it may not be a track I'll revisit due to personal preferences, I encourage pop/rock/rap crossover fans to give it a listen, as I think it will go down a storm with you!
Austel - Beds of Stone
'Beds of Stone' is a mystical and mysterious lullaby, adorned with gentle, beautiful, gorgeously soft vocals. It crafts a soundscape brimming with dreamy energy, conjuring an ethereal and whimsical atmosphere through its whirling tones and glistening keys. This romantic and melodic composition shines as one of the prettiest and most delicate tunes you'll encounter. It elegantly channels cathartic themes through its tender sound and pure, majestic vocals.
The Survival Code - Can’t Be Explained
The Survival Code is back with another impressive track, 'Can't Be Explained.' This song is gripping and pulsating, alive with contagious riffs and thunderous drums that provide a powerful backdrop to emotionally charged vocals. It soars with captivating energy and boasts a distinctive style, drawing inspiration from blues, prog, and hard rock. Remarkably melodic, it's a dynamic composition filled with buzzing guitars and raw, driven energy.
TORIA - Touch Me
TORIA's 'Touch Me' commences with soft, melodic wanderings that gracefully usher in her hauntingly beautiful vocals. The song takes a meandering journey through captivating ethereal tones and a hedonistic rhythm, skillfully blending beauty with a subtle, cabaret-like attitude. It steadily ascends to a crescendo of a richer sound, accompanied by infectious guitars. Throughout, a sinister ambiance weaves its spell, crafting a captivating blend of dramatic and blissful intrigue.
ottomotor - Drama
Impending shock rock radiates from your stereo as 'Drama' bursts in with its expressive riffs, resonant bass, and powerful drums that propel the track forward. The vocals exude theatricality and a commanding presence. It's a bold, intense listen filled with flamboyant artistic eccentricities.
Mat Hook -Runaway Road
Sounding like Oasis meets Feeder, 'Runaway Road' is a chilled-out indie anthem with captivating, heartfelt vocals. You can tell Mat is pouring everything into the song. The guitars weave an intricate path beneath, while the crisp drums provide a wonderfully percussive backbone. It's exquisitely melodic and perfectly raw, allowing the passion to flow. Mat has an enigmatic and sincere voice with a truly enchanting and personable quality.
The Lovelines - What Kind of Fool Would Want to Fall in Love?
'What Kind of Fool Would Want to Fall in Love?' melds Amy Winehouse's jazz tones with dreamy bedroom pop vibes to create a beautifully sweet and captivating listening experience. It's infused with sparkling acidity, exuding blissful elegance and delicacy, all while carrying a sharper edge that adds fire to its soulful, serene sound.
Geister Deck - The System
Blasting in on throbbing, pulsating hooks, 'The System' ignites like a fireball of fury. It combines the grandeur of metalcore with the gritty intensity of heavy rock, resulting in a ferocious and intoxicating sound. The electrifying guitars bleed killer riffs with melodic expressiveness. Syncopated drums drive a powerful rhythm, while the bass grinds, harmonising the sound. The vocals are both powerful and commanding, possessing a captivating quality and a lush, sultry sound that adds allure to the track. 'The System' offers a dynamic listening experience, filled with exhilarating energy that transports the listener to a higher plane of euphoric metal bliss.
Out Run - Dreams
I'm not usually a fan of cover versions, but Out Run has done a stellar job of making Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' their own. It's a wonderfully euphoric synth-driven rendition with a chill, laid-back ambience while also sounding upbeat. The vocals are beautifully sweet, exuding pure angelic sincerity. It's a tune that radiates feel-good vibe and positive energy.
