SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 21/08/23 - 27/08/23 (part one)

Single Malt 15 - To The Top

'To the Top' has a great funky groove. Gritty and melodic. Lyrically is a great push of positivity, a show that however hard things get, with drive and determination, you can fulfill your dreams. A catchy tune that radiates the incentive to push to the top, however near to the bottom you perceive yourself to be. I like the jagged bluesy guitars combined with a funk-inspired beat overlaid with classic raw rock vocals. 'To the Top' is an ear-pleaser that abounds in its notion that the underdog can achieve anything they want if they push to overcome the things in their way.

‘To the Top’ is taken from the album “Full Throttle”

FIVER - Unfold

I like the energy of 'Unfold' blasting from the moment it kicks in and not backing down in its frantic pulsation throughout. The monetary lull provides some great distorted grunge grit. It's a fantastic blend of punk raucousness and catchy blues rhythms. A powerful, impacting, thunderous listen. The perfect balance of raw and melodic.

Dirty Lasso - Handbasket

'Handbasket' is a wonderfully reflective listen. Harrowing and thoughtful. The gentle start leads into the more grueling nature of the song. The idea of living in the current hellish world, where there's more wrong than right, is conveyed with a balance of frustration and shock. The plodding drums perfectly back the more rugged guitars and hazy but raw vocals. 'Handbasket' is an excellent account of a crumbling society, how the only safe place is in the ground, away from the turmoil above. Big riffs and electrifying solos add further impact.

‘Handbasket’ is taken from the album “Sun Still Rises’

Luxifer - Killed

I like bold, dramatic style. There's a sinister, uncomfortable undertone running throughout. The slightly imperfect vocals add to the darkness flawlessly. The rumbling bass feels somewhat stomach-churning, and the majestic guitar solo is both captivating and intriguing.

Close to Monday - Colors

Trippy, mystifying, and infectious. ‘Colors’ is an immaculate combination of beautifully sweet, hazy vocals and a contagious synthwave beat. Partly indie, partly EDM, it’s an appealing balance of danceability and ethereal tones. Melodic and haunting, it’s like a tapestry of pleasing sounds and colourful mental imagery. It’s a captivating noise that’s sure to ignite the party.

The Lovelines - May Be Love

‘May Be Love’ is a beautiful lo-fi, dreamy jazz infusion. The vocals remind me of Amy Winehouse with their stunningly majestic, deep, soulful tones. It’s a very distinctive and eclectic sound. Thoughtful and soothing, it’s a mesmerising montage of genre influences, hypnotising with a wave of acidity and fueled by emotions. It’s an intriguing listen.

Amalgama - Back to the 80s

'Back to the 80s' is a screeching array of melodic, high-octane, 80's inspired power metal. Boasting unique shape-shifting vocals that impress with their range. Heavy riffs and an anthemic stance. It's a glittering example of confident, power-hungry metal with flamboyant, theatrical shock rock tendencies. 'Back to the 80s' is a stadium-ready tune that is sure to impress with this blasting pace and hook-heavy melodies.

James Keen - Yes & No

'Yes & No' is an upbeat, catchy, beautifully heartfelt track. James' vocals are stunning, with warm, homely tones backed delightfully by dancing keys and tender guitars. A fantastic folk country crossover track with hints of pop and indie, it charms with its superb storytelling, capturing the idea of making the most of situations rather than waiting and going around in never-ending circles with warmth and sincerity. The majestic guitar solo makes for the perfect dreamy ending.

Simple Jake - Balloons

'Balloons' is a mystical dark new wave track. Heavily influenced by the 80s, it's a nostalgic listen. Captivating with mesmerising synths and rhythmic drumbeat. It transfixes with the idea of not being weighed down by life, protesting the idea to "just do you."

Nevermeant - Dreaming of Adelyn

'Dreaming of Adelyn' is a gorgeous soundscape of soft noise, classical strings, and subtly raw ethereal vocals. Hazy and dreamy, it enchants with its melodic, Sigur Ros comparable whirling sounds. Mounting into a grander noise of crashing drums and swooping riffs before moving to a twinkling display of fluttering keys. It's like a journey through life: the calm, the storm, the awakening, rebirth, and a new beginning.

'Dreaming of Adelyn' mixes shoegaze distortion with the experimentation of post-rock. It's an understated listen while imposing in its stance.