Hi thank you for coming to the site. Take a seat. You’re helping me realise a dream come true. Sounds soppy but I’ve been wanting to launch this site under this domain for a very long time and it’s part of a list of dreams that I’ve had for the last few years that are …
Single Review: “Scenarios” – Mark Hill ft. Esco Williams
Mark Hill is back after a hiatus. And he brought a banger! Vocals by Esco Williams – what we have here is a track that starts off on a slow build. This could really work well with a full band…. Piano laying down the chords with the strings, Esco brings a flavour of gospel, soul …
Single Review: “Gap Year” – Offing
It starts off with a big snare snare sitting front and centre, and with a bass line playing a riff that’s kind of hypnotic, it’s on two strings at the same time. Cherry’s vocals come in at 0:41 really delicate but hold on to your seat because she switches it up with some distortion for …
Single Review: “Drowning In Fire” – Dani Slovak
I like the ethereal reverb vocal intro to this, it makes a very pleasant surprise when the actual lead kicks in a little bit later. The drums are hard hitting, I like the fact it’s not a conventional snare, it has a bit of an industrial thud to it, and it sits well with everything …
Single Review: “When I Say So” – Dolores Forever
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 …