Dolores Forever describe themselves as Fleetwood Mac without the husbands. I like that. I also like the fact that back beat is rough and ready, combining conventional pop rock rhythms with a bit of Bossa nova in there. The vocals are strong, very confident – sung in unison for the verses but when it gets …
Single Review: “My Revolution” – Red Bird Rising. Words: Sammy Stein
‘My Revolution’ is a powerful release from Red Bird Rising and features Ukrainian musicians Taras Kuznetzov and Ana Pshokina. It was written by Diedrich Donald Weiss and the story behind the release is profound and moving, demonstrating the power of music and a bit of determination. Composer Diedrich Donald Weiss wanted to do something, in response …
Single Review: “Home” – NX Panther & Jay Johnson
This is a great slice of hip hop from London rapper NX Panther, she mixes chilled strings and drums with a rap and some singing, this is easy to get into. The strings at the beginning are padded out nicely I imagine there’s some phasing on that, to make it even more rounder in sound. …
Single Review: “Get In” – The Great Leslie
The new one by The Great Leslie is out, and it stutters along fabulously. The vocals are strong and confident, sitting on top of a great instrumental track. The guitars and bass play the same progression together sitting right in the pocket, switching between playing straight ahead to off beat, and it’s a joy to …
Blog interview: SAFIRE
Hello SAFIRE how are you? I’m great! Apparently I don’t sleep anymore but that’s just from excitement for everything coming up this year so I’m not complaining! Congratulations on the release of “Angels And Demons”, how does it feel? Thank you! Angels & Demons was received really well. I don’t often sing on …
Single Review: “Captain Elon” – Garlen Lo
This. Is. Bloody. Brilliant. This song is a commentary on life in the 21st century – specifically with one of the world’s richest men having enough wealth and influence to be able to make a difference. Lyrically this references climate change, the rise of AI technology, fake news, countries tweeting other countries, and of course …
Single Review: “Carry The Load” – James Numbere
James Numbere is back and he’s brought us a gospel song that is just gorgeous. Mixed with African percussion, acoustic guitars, piano and strings this just hits the spot. The lyrics appeal to God for help in carrying the load, and recognises that we are after all human with very human physicalities – the lyrics …
Single Review: “Voices Of Jericho” – Survibers ft. Aniff Akinola
Survibers are back and they’ve deployed a true wordsmith in Aniff Akinola. He’s given a fantastic backdrop of slap bass which slips between that and a squelchy synth bass, over a chilled out hip hop beat with a synth pad playing some dark progressions. The vocals are ethereal, Katrina has switched gears here as she’s …
Single Review: “Patience” – JFlames ft. Amethyst
JFlames is back with a smooth retro soul track! And he’s brought with him a singer that delivers the goods! Amethyst is the star here, bringing a vocal that’s so warm to the ear, and boy can she harmonise. JFlames has given her a lush blanket of a beat to wrap her vocals around. The …
Single Review: “Lazy River” – Aisha Badru
Something about this song just gives me goosebumps. The acoustic guitar that starts this off has a touch of reverb on it, giving it that spatial feel… it plays a simple progression but then Aisha’s voice joins it with muted drums… and what a voice. She whispers through this and gives you such warmth in …