SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 23/09/24 - 29/09/24
Rosetta West - Baby Doll
(words by Amy)
'Baby Doll' showcases Rosetta West's gritty rock sound, blending psych and blues influences in a fierce track. The gravelly vocals convey a man’s passionate yet tumultuous love for a woman, underscored by train wreck imagery that reflects impending disaster. The chaotic midsection gives the impression of an ad-libbed moment, enhancing the emotional turmoil. With rumbling riffs and a swagger that drives the song forward, this latest release builds on the band's growing hard rock fanbase, following their previous single 'Broken Glass' and the well-received album 'Labyrinth'.
Deadly Spirits - Why Did You Do (The Things You Did)
(words by Amy)
Deadly Spirits deliver an electrifying blend of raw soul and 60s garage rock with ‘Why Did You Do (The Things You Did)’. The track kicks off with pulsating, fuzzy guitars and a rumbling bassline that quickly sets the tone. Its high-energy, funky beat drives an infectious rhythm, effortlessly designed to get your hips moving and feet tapping.
Dynamic and playful, the song's explosive nature is balanced by a soulful twist that adds depth to its garage rock roots. High-spirited from start to finish, it's a lively listen.
Calotype - Summer Fade
(words by Amy)
Calotype’s 'Summer Fade', the project of New York singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Larry Lees, opens with a twinkling piano that gracefully transcends into a mellow, whimsical soundscape. Larry’s soft, delicate vocals carry a light imperfection that keeps the track grounded and real, while the song's simplicity is powerful, evoking a haunting beauty.
As the track progresses, the strings add an extra layer of elegance, building towards a bold crescendo that allows Larry to truly showcase the strength of his voice. A stunning rock power ballad.
FIVER - Reach
(words by Amy)
Oxford rockers FIVER deliver a gritty, textured sound on their latest track, ‘Reach’. The scuzzy guitar tones and raw, driven vocals give the song an edge, while the introspective lyrics add a layer of thoughtfulness. Drawing from the reverb-heavy influences of grunge and the desolate soundscapes of post-rock, the track builds powerfully, climaxing in a dynamic crescendo of crashing drums and decadent guitars. Ultimately, it culminates in a determined, full-bodied rock banger with hints of the DIY ethos of garage rock and the raucous nature of punk. A multifaceted listen that draws influence across a whole spectrum of genres.
Divine Decadence - No Turning Back
(words by Kempsey)
This Post-Punk rock band, Divine Decadence, takes electric darkwave to beautiful cinematic depths.
No Turning Back is incredibly rich with dark dissonant texture from piano to synth, rocked by those grounding rhythm guitars and hearty bass.
Those edgy vocals match the interweaving and sketchy synths however, come to angelic ranges in the final minutes of the track. I love that it also interweaves almost inaudible samples and the vocal monologue gives me chills-, it almost gives an arcane feel. Over all a mystifying track to bewitch the listener.
Michael Barrow & The Tourists - Over It
(words by Amy)
Hailing from Provo, Utah, indie rock quintet Michael Barrow & The Tourists serve up a vibrant blend of folk, rock, and blue-eyed soul with their latest track, 'Over It'. From the very start, it’s punchy and catchy, inviting listeners in with its energetic vibe. The delicate, serene vocals carry a charming, nostalgic feel, perfectly complemented by lush folk instrumentation. The upbeat, pop-infused melody is underpinned by powerful rock hooks and vibrant guitars, creating a dynamic soundscape. There are even elements of dance, with a chorus sure to fill any dance floor. It’s a truly joyful song, brimming with charismatic energy and a groove that you can’t help but get lost in.
Jimmy Mallia - Bye Bye Mamma
(words by Kempsey)
Jimmy Mallia writes for himself and his experiences, the audience has now the privilege to peer in on his life and feelings through songs and relate to that. Bye Bye Mamma is a very intimate song, a very loving song of course dedicated to his own mother. Although seemingly a very sad song, it is full of admiration and passion. I love that it is a very simple track. Mostly vocals and guitar with piano and strings to accompany. How a real heartfelt should be performed - from the heart. A real tear jerker piece of art, a natural songwriter and storyteller.
Burly Wood - Side by Side
(words by Nigel)
Punchy power pop from Montreal-based Burly Wood. Their new single, 'Side by Side', is a melodic delight with great hooks. The singer's tone and nuances remind me of Rivers Cuomo from Weezer; in fact, this song has a very early Weezer vibe. A six-track EP is due in November, and we can’t wait to hear it.
Tanner Orton - Wish You Were Here
(words by John)
There’s practically no intro to this uplifting, heartfelt indie rock track, as Tanner starts singing deep and powerful lyrics within seconds of the song starting. If you immerse yourself in the story, you’ll feel the passion and pain in what’s being told. This is one of those tracks that, once played, makes you want to listen again.
Horsebread - Cant
(words by Kempsey)
Electronic & Indie infusion duo influenced by Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens with echoing styles of Warpaint, MGMT and Mew. Every song of Horsebread is so different and lies within different genres that when you reach Cant it feels other worldly intimate.The vocals are beautifully tender accompanied by golden acoustic guitars and singing subtle synths describing the themes of love and loss. This stripped back track really highlights the talents instrumentally, lyrically and vocally. A definite track that will make a new listener fall in love with Horsebread! Another heartbreaking tearjerker that brings cosy autumnal vibes.
The Last Ghost - Lights
(words by Nigel)
The Last Ghost, based in Scotland, is the brainchild of Craig Higgins, who wrote, recorded, and produced his new album, “Knuckleduster”. The verses of the track we’re focusing on ('Lights') bounce along with a melodic vigour reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub. The fuzzy guitars, underpinning the solid vocals at the forefront, ensure this single is a memorable and enjoyable listen throughout.
Nothing Like Robots - all natural
(words by Kempsey)
Connecticut pop-rock and alternative band, show high energy and feel-good vibes and are recognised for their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that resonate world wide. Bonus points in my books for this band getting involved in their local community and charities.
Whilst Awkward is N.L.R’s breakout single bringing pop-punk vibes and the crowd, My focus of all natural brings nostalgic 2010’s pop vibes, demonstrating that iconic feel-good and empowering, with lover-boy vibes “You’re my star in the sky” even makes me feel like i'm being personally flirted with. A real head bopper that radiates
Jersey Ramblers - When You’re Gone
(words by John)
The song starts with a short, uplifting intro that blends elements of rock 'n' roll and country rock. The soft vocals from the lead singer give a true representation of the classic Nashville country sound, with an added twist of country rock. While the lyrics are meaningful, the catchy tone and tempo of the song make it a joy to listen to.
Desert Kites - Angel
(words by Kempsey)
Alt Rock band from Dundee heavily influenced by 90’s grunge and indie rock focusing on sonic quality with a dash of shoegaze and a pinch of prog rock. Desert Kites creates songs reflecting their lives sad, angry, indifferent but always poetic. Angel feels like the music soars from the moment you press play, it's romantic and light and really uplifts in those little solo break sections. It has a simple formula to follow along, however, it is captivating and soothing!
The White Orchids - Blue Collar
(words by Nigel)
East London-based indie band The White Orchids release their new single, 'Blue Collar'. It’s energetic, with the singer’s character and local accent coming through vibrantly. This will appeal to many fans of 00s and post-00s catchy indie, though I believe they need to stand out more from the crowd if they want to truly succeed and make themselves unique. It’s very Arctic Monkeys, with the phrasing of the verses almost identical to 'The View from the Afternoon'. I enjoyed the brass solo, and overall, I’ve no doubt many fans will enjoy the song, but for me, it feels slightly uninspired.
