Album Review: “The Summoned” – Mama Terra. Words: Sammy Stein.

I became aware of Mama Terra when I took part in a Jazz FM panel show at Pizza Express, Holborn, London. The band was exploring and recreating partially, Herbie Hancock’s 1973 album ‘Head Hunters’. I was impressed by co-leader Marco Cafolla’s animated exposition of why he likes Herbie Hancock – and then by the music …

Single Review: “Give And Take” – Rosie Frater-Taylor

Rosie is back with the opening track from her upcoming album “Featherweight”, it switches gears well – going from Latin-jazz flavour to distorted riffs – I’ve been a big fan for a long time. Her voice is as strong as ever, my favourite part is at 1:20 nice bit of guitar playing but then there’s …

Single Review: “Finally Alive” – Edsun

Track Of The Day “Finally Alive” @edsunmusic This starts off as what I thought would be a retro disco track, especially with that piano and the bass drop.. but then it kicks into something funky, loving the muted guitar on this… watch out for the drum rolls because that’s where it changes up into a …

Single Review: “Living The Dream” – Ski Lift

Is this a song told from the perspective of a turtle?  Possibly, given the first line of the song!  “I can feel my head sliding back inside my shell…” and the picture of one of the front cover.  Or, it could be a contemplative song of what the writer could be doing instead of their …

Album Review: “Moonshot” – 1201_Alarm. Words – Sammy Stein

120_Alarm comprises Steve Thompson (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nigel Kennedy, Robert Smith, Lisa Stansfield) on Electronics, Laser Harp and Keyboard, Tamar Osborn (Akram Khan, Collocutor, Kelis, Van Morrison, Billy Ocean) on saxophone and flute, Emma Bassett (Adele, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tim Minchin) on trombone, Alistair ‘Titch’ Walker (Divine Comedy, Doolally Tap) on trumpet, Ollie Weston (Amy Winehouse, …

Single Review: “Music Is The Drug” – Roleplay

A nice slice of EDM here, but it’s more than just that. There are some lush strings on this, and I love the house piano riff on this. This track puts you in a good mood soon as it starts, and it’s the harmonies in the chorus that whisk you off.  What’s the song about?  …

Single Review: “Coward” – Kar Stanton

Nice little drum fill to begin this! The pulsing synth bass is a real earworm.  I love it. But then it’s joined by a conventional bass which makes me think this is not a bass line as such, but an analogue synth that’s been put through an arpeggiator to give it that feel. Whatever it …

Blog interview: Mattanja Joy Bradley

Hello Mattanja how are you? I am doing well. Very busy at the moment moving house. Congratulations on the release of “Desire” how does it feel? It feels great to have come to the point of releasing it into the world. It has been a challenge to be honest. What’s your favourite track from it? I …