SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 23/10/23 - 29/10/23

Belgrove - The Horror

'The Horror' is a commanding experience, a pulsating Metalcore track with vocals that bellow with urgent, fire-driven fury. It's accompanied by frantic, chaotic riffs and thunderous drums. The song introduces hazy, mellow vocal segments intertwined with swooping guitars, creating a dynamic build in intensity before ramping up the pace once again.

This grinding and insatiable track bursts with shock factor and a dark, immersive energy. It's an enthralling and engulfing listen that's bound to evoke a sense of unease as it juxtaposes angry bawling with vulnerable elements of fear and unrest.

Peter Pantin - Dakota

'Dakota' is a gruelling listen that proudly showcases its post-punk and new wave influences, seamlessly blending in electronic synth elements to create a sound that's unmistakably gritty and authentic. Sung entirely in French, this track immerses you in its jagged, erratic journey, with a pulsating beat and dramatic musicality that adds an extra layer of intrigue. As you navigate through this unique musical landscape, you'll find that the additive eccentricities further deepen the song's enigmatic charm. With each listen, 'Dakota' unveils new layers and hidden nuances, making it a fascinating experience for those who appreciate music that challenges conventions and expectations.

a lost decade - F Zero

'F Zero' is an exhilarating listen, offering a pulsating eruption of powerful sound that harkens back to the shimmering riffs of the 90s. The track features melodic indie vocals that add to its captivating charm. It exudes a vibrant and nonchalant energy, bursting with unapologetic swagger. The song seamlessly blends chiming, elaborate guitars with graceful acoustic moments, showcasing the versatility in a lost decade's sound.

‘F Zero’ is taken from the album “Valley of Death”

Blake - Finally Home

Admittedly 'Finally Home' quite isn't for me. It's a little too pop and R&B influenced for my taste. However, I can appreciate its vibrant and up-tempo atmosphere that combines straightforward yet impactful keys with enveloping synths, creating a somewhat hypnotic quality.

The lyrics are contemplative and are delivered with sincerity and authenticity. They narrate a love story, emphasising the discovery of serenity within another person, the realisation that they bring a sense of belonging and tranquillity into your life.

‘Finally Home’ is taken from the EP “Est 1991”.

Topos @ the Wawa - Never Need to Breathe

'Never Need to Breathe' is a delightful indie rock track with a heartwarming benevolence and a sunny demeanor. It radiates warmth and a catchy, melodic vibe. With up-tempo guitars, buoyant drums, and epic solos, it's a fun tune that encapsulates the idea of cherishing the moments spent with the one you love. The vocals are beautifully toned, exuding a heartwarming tenderness and sincerity. It's one of those songs that simply brings a smile to your face, makes you tap your foot, and washes you over with a wave of happiness.

Costa Calcinara - Biciclette

'Biciclette' is a vibrant pop rock banger with a blissfully melodic foundation and gritty outbursts. An upbeat verse of jangly guitars merges seamlessly with an epic chorus of robust riffs and thunderous drums. Catchy and grand, it masterfully fuses pop influences with dynamic rock and hazy indie, resulting in a dynamic sound. This is complemented by wonderfully smooth vocals that possess an expressive edge and a versatile range.

Gli incubi di Freud - Leader Carismatico

'Blasting in with a raw ferocity, 'Leader Carismatico' is a captivating blend of nu-metal and hard rock. The track features melodic vocals paired with killer riffs and occasional hip-hop-infused bursts of energy. This dynamic builds in intensity, culminating in a crash of off-pitch guitars and amplified beats. The track then transitions into a dreamy ending with more ethereal vocals, muffled drum beats, and contemplative guitars.

In short, 'Leader Carismatico' is a diverse musical collage that weaves vulnerability with moments of aggression and emotional intensity.

Los Blackbirds Project - Invierno

'Invierno' is a pulsating and electrifying track, a bold and ballsy hard rock anthem that demands attention. It's characterised by killer riffs and a dynamic, eruptive sound that hits with the force of a sonic explosion. The drums pummel with raw intensity, driving the track forward with an anthemic quality that's heightened by stunning classic gravelly vocals.

This song shines with its musical complexity and enigmatic shreds, offering a captivating glimpse into the professional diversity within Los Blackbird Project's sound. It's a raging, fire-driven listen, both enthralling and exhilarating, charging ahead at full speed with unwavering passion and raucous energy.

Mantrafox - I'm Needing You

Southampton's Mantrafox unveils his enchanting debut single, 'I'm Needing You.' This chilled-out track pays homage to the Beatles, boasting jangly, upbeat chords that evoke a sense of 60s nostalgia. 'I'm Needing You' offers a delightful and somewhat hypnotic listen with its subtle psychedelic undertones. Mantrafox's vocals, rich and inviting, lead us through a narrative of unrequited love and the enduring feeling of being the underdog.

'I'm Needing You' is an indie rock gem that exudes a pleasant, bright, and airy vibe, teeming with harmonious allure and a friendly, welcoming energy that warmly embraces the listener.

Conversation Pit - Swim

A glittering shower of melodic guitars, bouncing drums, and sparkling keys ignites your interest as 'Swim' delivers a sound that conjures a fusion of Coldplay and The Strokes. It features an accessible pop rock-inspired melody complemented by raw yet perfectly precise indie vocals. It exudes a wonderfully swirling energy and a hauntingly captivating ambiance. Musically, it creates a rich, full-bodied sound with a jagged, irregular heartbeat dancing around the rhythmic base. 'Swim' is expressive and somewhat poetic, making it a delightfully attention-commanding listen.

Elliott Rubin - Declaration

After a slow-burning start, 'Declaration' ignites like a demonic possession, a frenzied brawl before transitioning into an intensely powerful, nervously sinister vocal that gradually builds back up into a raging yet melodic outpouring of thunderous protest. Heavy riffs collide with pounding, highly driven drums as the track skillfully merges elements of classic rock with soaring metalcore tendencies, all while incorporating a rap-rock style reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine, with a touch of funk and an enticing groove.