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: “The Power That Is Woman” – Ida Kudo
This song is so strong.. vocals, lyrically, musically, it is so well put together and it’s not afraid to challenge what is going on in the world… What do I mean about the lyrics? Well the opening line is: “You got blood on your hands, There’s blood in my pants, what’s the difference? My …
Album Review: “Desire” – Mattanja Joy Bradley
I don’t usually review albums at full length, when it’s already out in the world. But I chose to review this for many reasons, the main one being the premise. Desire, is inspired by a year-long adventure through the states in a beat-up 40-year-old RV she transformed into a tiny house with an on-board …
Blog interview: Modeste
Congratulations on the release of “Queen” how does it feel? Thank you, yeah, honestly it feels good to be able to show another aspect of my writing. “Queen” has a much more romantic feel than my previous releases. What’s the story behind the song? The story is actually based on a fictional scenario. …
Single Review: “Dilithium” – Soliheen
Listening to this brings up a lot of questions. Is Soliheen a Star Trek fan? Where did he get that fat snare from? Asking for a friend of course.. this track is making my Sunday morning walk to church that little bit more calmer even though it’s cold.. but it brings warmth to the soul. …
Album Review: “Northern Flame” – Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat. Words: Sammy Stein.
Northern Flame by Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat comprises Emma Johnson on tenor saxophone, Fergus Vickers on electric guitar, Richard Jones on piano, Angus Milne on double bass, and Steve Hanley on drums. This collective is fast achieving recognition as one of the most innovative and diverse collectives around. I discovered Johnson …
Single Review: “Shelf-Life” Marie Keane
Let there be horns! This comes in high and fast, Marie’s new single just comes in full whack! The drummer brings out the brushes, and leads the song through with stops and starts. The organ that comes in calls to mind country blues. Marie brings that soul, singing about someone living that single life but …
Single Review: “Hold The Weight” – Rosie Frater-Taylor
This is a stunning piece of soul and blues…. It starts off with an acoustic guitar in the intro but then it’s joined by Rosie’s electric guitar…. BOY can she play! WOW!!! I’ve been a fan from way back but this is taking it to another level. The chord changes are straight out of a …
Single Review: “Brother Chumbo” – Kontiki
Years ago I knew a kid in my neighbourhood called Chumbo. His family were from North Africa. I’m not sure exactly where. He was a bright kid, loved his football, and always had a big smile. When he moved, his friends around him were so sad, I never saw him again, and nothing on the …
Album Review: “Delta Breakdown” The Heavy North.
Grumble grumble… Liverpool…. grumble grumble… Talent from drinking the water of the river mersey. Grumble… Annoyingly good songs. Grumble. Oh hey! So…. My boys from Liverpool The Heavy North dropped their new album. And guess what? It’s bloody brilliant. This for me takes over from where their debut album left off, it’s bluesy as hell, …