SINGLE REVIEW: Weekly Round-Up 30/10/23 - 05/11/23

circle round a sphere - cell

Post-rock intensity marries DIY indie coarseness in 'cell,' crafting an astonishing, engulfing ambiance that envelops you in a cloak of emotion and wonder. This musical journey thrills with up-tempo jangling guitars and addictive choruses, all set against a backdrop of noisy, driven solos and killer, shimmering riffs. It skillfully weaves power with raucous energy, interspersed with moments of vulnerability and uncertainty.

The Deci Project - In Your Name

'In Your Name' is a deeply emotional tune, featuring gently chiming guitars and a wonderfully melodic tone that erupts into a raw, volatile chorus with loud, angular, and erratic guitars that brim with intensity. The verses pour out a flood of emotions, self-deprecating thoughts, and regrets. The vocals are uneven, somewhat rugged, with a coarse husk that exudes sincerity and conveys frustration. The drums provide a powerful backbone, serving as the driving force behind this tumultuous display of heavy-hearted emotions, unifying the entire track.

not hermes - machine

Starting with an exploratory quiver of ambient noise, 'machines' ushers in with an impending buzz before delving into an 80s-inspired EDM vibe. It introduces artistic vocals with a raw edge and a casual demeanour. Jagged echoing synths chime and interweave, creating a charming and airy soundscape of dancefloor ready grooves. Elements of distorted experimentation layer over the melodic foundation, and 'Machines' evolves into a dreamy soundscape filled with distortion and a touch of unpredictability.

Jakeb Reel - Cryin’ On Me

'Cryin' On Me' is a delightful blend of country, hillbilly, and bluegrass, all wrapped up in a catchy package! This melodic, foot-tapping number features lively guitars and charming fiddle bursts that make it a joy to dance to. Jakeb's vocals, with a touch of gruffness and a husky quality, are a perfect match for the country sound of the track, infusing it with the charm reminiscent of Nashville.

Alexz Johnson - Borderline

'Borderline' is a powerful listen with a beautiful, bright aura. Alexz possesses a stunning, warm voice with a sublime harmonious quality that blends seamlessly with the mellow yet upbeat guitars and the magnificent vocal harmonies.

This gracefully uplifting track tells a majestic tale of how swiftly life passes by – one minute you're 18, and the next, life has raced ahead. Sometimes, tough decisions must be made, and things may not unfold as expected, but your resilience shines through. Despite fear and uncertainty, you'll emerge with strength and determination. It's a positive track presented with wonderfully absorbing warmth and a lush, timeless sound.

Against Robots - None of the Above

We know I don't find instrumental pieces the easiest to write about, but 'None of the Above' is a clever composition despite my limited technical knowledge. It intricately blends elements of jazz and blues, featuring a whimsical quality, alongside louder, more experimental, somewhat electronica aspects, and occasional metallic elements.

It combines bright keys with rugged riffs, underpinned by a satisfying groove, while searing guitars add a layer of intensity to the track. It offers a jarring, almost cinematic experience with an absorbing, enigmatic ambiance, allowing the listener to interpret it as a noisy confusion or a jubilant cacophony of pleasure.

46 Forty Six Band - Night and Day

'Night and Day' is a profoundly captivating composition, drawing listeners into a world that's both macabre and harrowing. It begins with a dark ambiance, carrying an eerie discontent and ghostly quality that gradually intensifies, leading us through a mesmerising soundscape. As the track nears its finale, it mellows, leaving us with ethereal yet unsettling, hypnotic female vocals.

The vocals themselves possess a gritty, attention-grabbing quality, while the guitars skillfully blend swirling shoegaze-like tendencies with a robust, anchoring bass, crafting a dynamic and resonant sound. The drums, marked by irregular syncopation, introduce layers of complexity akin to the intricate nature of metal. This musical journey offers a haunting experience.

Brett McCutcheon - The Bottom

'The Bottom' is an exquisite orchestral piece, radiating epic grandeur while shrouded in a dark, sinister ambiance. Its introspective lyrics add depth and meaning to the composition. This track captivates with its bleak, downward-spiralling demeanour, much like a mind ensnared within its own dark thoughts, steadily drawn deeper by turbulent waves into a ferocious sea of unending trauma, all while the world continues above.

June Bracken's vocals, both powerful and vulnerable, convey pain and torment with majestic elegance. The musical score is exquisite, transitioning from gentle, carefree vibes to forceful, crashing tones, expertly mirroring the discontent and turmoil the track conveys.

The Ratskins - Lockdown

In just 2 minutes, 'Lockdown' delivers an infectious dose of punk 'n roll that's an urgent, relentless burst of energy. It's raucous, raw, and downright addictive, offering an exhilarating, punchy, abrasive, and chaotic listen. With a deep-seated, rockabilly-inspired backbone, it combines electrifying guitars, thundering drums, and a gripping, rugged vocal performance. This track is a short but sweet tirade of high-octane noise that's impossible to resist!

The Dazed Son - Judgment Day

'Judgment Day' is a conceptual track that takes elements of prog and glam, infusing them with a groovy melody and a sizable dose of rock 'n' roll, along with a wave of dark cabaret and bold riffage. The track chugs along with a drive that clearly knows where it's going.

The vocals feature a delightful rasp and elegant articulation, while the track seamlessly blends tempos to produce a captivating, original sound.

Long Road Home - What They Call the Blues

With a sultry and seductive allure, 'What They Call the Blues' unfolds, offering a somewhat erotic sound with wonderfully husky vocals and beautiful rasp. This track is a fabulous fusion of dreamy blues infused with progressive elements and classic rock attributes. It skillfully blends sensual vibes with sombre melancholic undertones, enriched by distinctive chord progressions, an impactful yet straightforward walking bass, bellowing solos, and syncopated drums that add a dissonant touch. It's a work executed flawlessly, combining sensuality with musical artistry.

Clément Pégard - HENDRIX

Creeping in with a distorted, dark ambiance, 'HENDRIX' swiftly ramps into an explosive heavy rock banger. It seamlessly weaves elements of rapcore into its fiery, solid vocals, driven riffs, and relentless, dramatic drums. The track boasts an elaborate, diverse production that captivates with its unique blend of attitude and raw energy. It takes yiu on a high-octane musical journey that doesn't let up. 'HENDRIX' is an electrifying sonic listen that's bound to leave you feeling exhilarated.

Luca Mine - Mine

'Mine' seamlessly blends the darkness of gothic rock with the bleak outlook of darkwave and the grit of indie rock. It features a stunning vocal performance delivered with wonderful clarity and pure emotion. The track mellows into the verse before building into the powerful chorus, merging epicness with waves of vulnerability, all channeled against attitude and flair. Fueled by melodic chords, it's a magnificent, enthralling listen, offering a captivating dark soundscape of pain and turmoil.

Dream Pusher - On the Dime

Blasting in on a chiming, electrifying riff explosion that instantly reminded me of Meatloaf with a hint of The La's 'There She Goes,' 'On the Dime' is a gruff punk rock tune with raw vocals, brawling harmonies, and screaming chords. It boasts a powerful sound and a touch of existential intrigue. The track resonates with intricate guitars and a sturdy bassline, paired with a resonant drum track. Ostentatious and dramatic, it's an exuberant yet melodic burst of energy.

Forest and the Tree - Broken In Two

Sun-drenched and Beatles-esque, 'Broken in Two' radiates a wonderfully bright, sublimely catchy indie rock, jangle pop charm. It boasts an airy sound with charming harmonies and wonderfully inviting, warm vocals. Seamlessly blending elements of 60s kaleidoscope psychedelia with a 90s DIY aesthetic, it carries a romantic spirit mixed with contemporary grit and a rumbling bassline. 'Broken in Two' is a stunning earworm with a whimsical yet solid character.

Jamie Backlight - Escape Game

Frantic and electrifying, 'Escape Game' masterfully fuses punk-ish protesting vocals with emphatic, metal-like rhythms, creating a dense sonic landscape. It's a chaotic eruption of boundless energy, relentlessly driven by thunderous drums and dynamic, poignant chords. The track captures your attention with its highly infectious fireball of brash confidence and an explosive nature, immersing you in its innovative sound. 'Escape Game' offers a captivating and high-energy listen.

Charlie Risso - Dark

I enjoyed the hypnotic ambience of 'Dark'. Charlie's vocals are beautifully ethereal and dreamy. It's a real kaleidoscope of sound, twisting and falling like a vision of colours and shapes.

It's a wonderful dreamscape of tranquillity and emotion, romantically painful, and a real mesmerising haze. There's a feeling of being trapped between the light and the dark, suspended in fear. The haunting, picturesque whirlpool sounds of graceful synths blended with Charlie's dreamy but nervous vocals give 'Dark' a transfixing aura that draws the listener in deeper and deeper, getting lost in a maze of darkness.