Single Review: “Tinder Bios” – Nina Mckendrick

This song literally embodies all that’s wrong with modern dating in the 21st Century, lyrically referencing how some people have pictures taken with people that they claim to be their sister, all the dating cliches like photos of you in the gym, and not taking yourself too seriously.  In the hell that’s the online dating …

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: “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: “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: “You’re My Favourite” – Alice Offley

Alice Offley is back with a funky disco track that’s got that summer energy, as the days are getting longer and sunnier this is the tonic that we need. The guitar riff is reminiscent of 80s pop, but Alice brings the bass action making it just as funky – this being her instrument it’s no …

Album Review: “The Synesthete” – Joe Adhemar

Joe Adhemar has released a new album. Let’s break it down shall we? “The Synesthete” available on Bandcamp   Found Out  This is a great track to kick off the album with, very bluesy, I like the way vocals have a slight delay to it, the main guitar riff has chromatic notes in there, and …

Single Review: “Going To Watch The Sunrise” – I’M

This is a fantastic piece of electronica from South East London based musician and producer I’M. Lots of of warped basslines mixed in with a beat that you can’t help but move your feet to.  The pitched down vocal sample of “Watch The Sunrise” is simple, but very effective, one of the things that I …