SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 27/11/23 - 03/12/23
Vampire Queens - After the Dream
Vampire Queens' "After The Dream" effortlessly fuses shoegaze, alternative, and grunge, crafting a captivating sonic landscape. With haunting vocals and hypnotic riffs, the track explores themes of desire and realisation. As the debut single from their upcoming EP, it signifies a significant milestone for the band, introducing their distinctive sound to the music scene. In this concise yet evocative release, Vampire Queens invite listeners into a poignant journey of introspection and atmospheric resonance.
Koalra - The Clouds Still Hang On You
Relaxed rhythms collide with fuzz-infused guitars in 'The Clouds Still Hang On You,' delicately creating a beautiful dreamscape. The blend of euphoric vibes and gentle ethereal vocals combines hedonistic dreampop with experimental noise and bold sounds. Fusing resonant grunge distortion with introspective reflection, it offers the sensation of being elevated high above the clouds.
The Plaid Jackets - She Does Something
A raw, groove-fueled garage rock stomper, 'She Does Something' swirls with a contemporary flair and an enigmatic whirlpool feel. Merging retro influences with a twist of modernity, it's a transfixing dose of genre-fusing rock. From the fuzz of grunge to the deconstructed simplicity of punk and power pop rhythms, it's a true showcase of everything The Plaid Jackets have to offer. A sonic experience that boasts a dynamic, multifaceted sound.
Bob Juch - Past Loves Present Heart
"Past Loves, Present Heart" intricately explores the journey of love, cleverly blending reflections on past relationships with a celebration of true love. With classic country chords and the emotive vocals of Mike Lusk, the song beautifully captures the complexities of love. The well-crafted structure, including verses, pre-choruses, and a dynamic chorus, enhances the storytelling. Juch's latest single is a poignant reminder that while our past shapes us, it's the love we experience in the present that holds true significance.
King In Yellow - Lightning Returning
‘Lightning Returning’ is a powerful post-punk track that combines dynamic instrumentation with ethereal tones. The dissonant guitar drones and heavy bass create a massive sound, while the raw, catchy main riff cuts through the mix. Despite buried vocals with a brooding, effect-laden quality, the intelligible singing adds an introspective twist, reminiscent of classic cold-wave and post-punk aesthetics.
Joshua Elyashiv - What I Know
"What I Know" is a poignant pop-rock creation that explores the complexities of coming of age, disillusionment, heartbreak, and hope. The track is characterised by Elyashiv's beautifully crafted and sincere vocals, infusing the music with a raw and honest quality that embodies vulnerability, passion, and resilience. This emotionally charged track serves as a testament to Elyashiv's artistic evolution, providing a powerful and authentic journey for listeners to immerse themselves in.
Waves Crashing - Wish
A rich, absorbing soundscape of melodic hooks and haunting vocals, 'Wish' seamlessly blends ethereal haze with upbeat jangle pop, fuzzy shoegaze hypnotics, and immersive dream pop production. It weaves a tapestry of sounds, merging the mellow with catchy hooks and bold eruptive outbursts. 'Wish' offers a nostalgic yet contemporary listen, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and emotive feelings evoked by the song.
Formal Gowns - Radio Love
"Radio Love" effortlessly captures the essence of a bygone era with its smooth sailing alt/rock vibes. The dreamy and nostalgic track, reminiscent of driving with the windows down during a sunset, emanates a relaxed and enticing aura. The slightly crooner-ish vocals, soft guitars, and a triumphant sax create a mellow and captivating atmosphere with a retro 60's feel. This sun-drenched musical journey evokes a warm, comforting glow, making "Radio Love" a beautifully crafted song that transports listeners to a timeless and feel-good space.
Lewis Tivey - Alien Nation
Raw, noisy, and chaotic, 'Alien Nation' delivers an impulsive, unfiltered blast of raucous DIY punk. Passionate and unstructured, it crashes with rampant drum beats, showcasing a stripped-back sound and angular, distorted guitars that rage with hard-hitting riffs and infectious, bounding energy. The vocals snarl perfectly, carrying an unapologetic ferocity and undeniable enthusiasm. Fast-paced, electrifying, and utterly addictive, it captures the essence of raw punk energy.
MANSHEEN - Signs From a Star
Fuzzed-out and energetic, 'Signs from a Star' features a captivating thumping drum beat and epic distorted guitars. It collides the hazy sludge of grunge with swirling, somewhat ethereal layers of shoegaze, infectious indie riffs, and the solid foundations of rock. The track incorporates elements of experimental, electronic, and improvised chaos of noise rock. The vocals take on a futuristic and otherworldly quality, cleverly using effects to transform a classic indie vocal into a voyage out into the universe. 'Signs from a Star' skillfully employs experimentation and genre-blending to craft a unique, vibrant sound experience.
