Hello Mary, how are you? I am very well, thank you, Del. Congratulations on the release of I Heard The Moon Is In C. How does it feel? It feels really good to finally get it out into the world. It’s been a bit of a long process, and it’s really lovely to finally have a …
Blog interview: HENS BENS.
Congratulations on the release of Shut Up Samuel, how does it feel? It feels good! People seem to like this one! It’s had a few radio plays here and there too, including Mr Robinson’s 6 Music show [the BBC Introducing Mixtape]. We recorded it as a special version of another new song when we realised …
Single Review: “To The River” – Dorsten
Arizona brother and sister duo Dorsten are back and what a number! This song starts off with footsteps and claps slowly, along with finger picked guitars, then Sophie comes in with her signature powerhouse vocal. Careful. She will knock you off your seat. Little blonde girl with the big voice? Of course she is. This …
Single Review: “Someone’s Sometimes” – Sarah Michie
This song starts off really moody, with chords in the lower register… But Sarah’s vocals come in over the top and it’s such a lovely contrast. It’s such a powerful ballad, and the lyrics even name check “Creep” by Radiohead, and I love that for this song. I’ve just realised there’s a nerdy reference in …
Single Review: “Tears” – Miles Pascall
This new single from Miles Pascall return to what he does best. Great soulful vocals over an epic backing. It’s been a minute since we heard from him and it’s a welcome return. The stand out parts for me are the chorus, but also the verse where it’s him versus the piano, just giving the …
Single Review: “In The Air Tonight” – Jen Vix ft. Vernon Reid. Words: Sammy Stein.
Jenn Vix is a multi-instrumentalist from Rhode Island, who plays bass, lead guitar, drums, and sings. She is half of the post-punk duo Feeney Vix and has collaborated with an impressive line-up of musicians including Andy Anderson, the late drummer with The Cure, John Ashton from The Psychedelic Furs, Ali Score, original drummer of A Flock Of Seagulls), Reeves Gabriels (former …
Single Review: “By The River” – The Crystal Teardrop
Sitars? Of course. This has a bit of the Eastern touch melody-wise combined with a bit of indie pop, and it works really well. The vocals are so clear, and the guitars are put through their paces with phasing, a bit of reverse and tremolo. Great work production wise. This is quite a soundscape especially …
Single Review: “Turn It Up” Onika Venus
Ahhh a bit of reggae! Again, with that 70s vibe the latter part of the Faves has such a retro feel, and as we squeeze out the last dregs of the summer we might as well have some sunshine in the tunes to give it a lift. The intro challenges us to turn it up, …
Single Review: “Mirror Shoes” – Matt Edible And The Obtuse Angels
This next one has lots of fuzz on the guitars – this is made up for with big vocals! Unison in the verse and harmonies very much in the 70s rock vein in the chorus. Cowbell? Of course there’s a cowbell. The toms are big as well on this, I wonder if the drums were …
Single Review: “Time And Space” – Joely June
This next one has a lovely drum pattern that had me tapping it out on the table as I listened. I like the touch of an afrobeat groove at around 0:49, it adds a different spice to the track. In fact, that’s what makes this song for me. It’s the drums. Winner! Again strong vocal …