SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 21/08/23 - 27/08/23 (part two)
Skittish - Second Act
'Second Act' is a heartfelt outpouring of emotion, a sincere blend of pain and liberation, embracing both acceptance and hope. Those who were once broken now find their strength and revel in the newfound freedom from the person who had been holding them back. This transformation is beautifully conveyed through powerful vocals and accompanied by a stunning brass arrangement and majestic strings. The song offers a wonderfully thoughtful and hedonistically sanguine perspective on life moving forward and progressing for the better. It reminds us that being alone doesn't necessarily equate to loneliness; it can be a fulfilling experience that allows you to embrace all the whimsical and carefree aspects of life that the constraints of other people might not permit.
Blistered Sister - Yes Man
Everyone loves an anti-establishment protest song, and 'Yes Man' encapsulates this with glittering girl power! It refuses to forever say yes. It's a fiery, driven track that urges the listener to find power in their own voice, to speak up when they don't agree, to be true to themselves, and to reject the need to conform. It conveys the notion of social unrest and a pushback against modern-day standards.
'Yes Man' is a promising debut single drawing influence from 90s punk, with its simmering riffs and uptempo, effervescent sound, while adding current, relatable, and youthful lyrics. It fizzes and surges with confidence and attitude. The chanted group vocals add more conviction to the track's anger, and the whispered elements introduce an impactful shock-rock element.
Pete Campbell - Maybe It Was Wrong
'Maybe It Was Wrong' is a delightful Americana track with folk influences. It's a beautifully pensive journeying song with howling riffs and thoughtful lyrics about love and loss. The vocals are wonderfully rich, with a comforting tone and friendly nature. It captivates with glistening keys and variable drums, sometimes enthralling with a tender plodding while at other times, more rowdy and dominating. It's a track sure to tug at your heartstrings, as the uncertainty of love plays out through Pete's authentic and sincere voice
Gimbal.Lock - Dont Waste Your Life!
Coming in with a hook that could only be more Nirvana if it was Nirvana, 'Don't Waste Your Life!' is a sublime grunge-fest featuring distorted, spiky guitars, an impending bassline, and thunderous drums. It's topped with gritty, raw yet melodic vocals that could be compared to the Goo Goo Dolls, given their stunning clarity and authentic emotion. The lyrics blast out a message not to sit around wasting life; it'll be over before you know it, so go out and make something of yourself. It's a great retro-sounding, instant anthem with an unwavering, positive and driven message.
William Agner - Livin’ By the Sword
'Livin’ by the Sword' is a dark and atmospheric listen. It's intimate and thought-provoking, driving home the message of how the world has become a dog-eat-dog society, where everyone lives for themselves without caring about how their actions affect others. Kindness is portrayed as an alien concept. Haunting guitars and a blackened bassline further contribute to this grim picture of selfishness and the relentless pursuit of personal gain. William's vocals are wonderfully rich and genuine, with a beautiful tone that allows you to feel the genuine pain in his words.
Belgrove - Forget About It
'Forget About It' is incredible! Picture Go West meeting Enter Shikari, and you've got this gem. It boasts stunning, infectious '80s pop melodies seamlessly blended with pop-punk catchiness and raucous interludes. It exudes confidence and passion, with a contagious and swooping energy that could easily fill a venue with pounding drums, hooky riffs, and wonderfully melodic vocals, complemented by raw metalcore bellowings. This flawlessly executed, multidimensional track is poised to become a gritting and gripping anthem!
Wilderman - Sleepwalkers
'Sleepwalkers' is a fun and funky rock 'n' roll track with a rockabilly edge. It's abundant in its catchy danceability, featuring distinctive, raw, soulful vocals, distorted guitars, playful drums, and a rumbling bass. It's full-paced right from the start, and it's sure to make you want to get up and dance!
