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: “Voices Of Jericho” – Survibers ft. Aniff Akinola
Survibers are back and they’ve deployed a true wordsmith in Aniff Akinola. He’s given a fantastic backdrop of slap bass which slips between that and a squelchy synth bass, over a chilled out hip hop beat with a synth pad playing some dark progressions. The vocals are ethereal, Katrina has switched gears here as she’s …
Single Review: “Patience” – JFlames ft. Amethyst
JFlames is back with a smooth retro soul track! And he’s brought with him a singer that delivers the goods! Amethyst is the star here, bringing a vocal that’s so warm to the ear, and boy can she harmonise. JFlames has given her a lush blanket of a beat to wrap her vocals around. The …
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 …