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: “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 …
Single Review: “Carry The Load” – James Numbere
James Numbere is back and he’s brought us a gospel song that is just gorgeous. Mixed with African percussion, acoustic guitars, piano and strings this just hits the spot. The lyrics appeal to God for help in carrying the load, and recognises that we are after all human with very human physicalities – the lyrics …
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: “Silence Is Music” – Florie Namir & Franck Biyong
Florie Namir is back with a stunning ballad and a duet partner – Franck Niyong. Their voices are very different, Frank has a soulful touch whereas Florie’s vocals are suited to folk/jazz but they find a middle ground, and this song is a perfect vehicle for this. It’s an acoustic number, the percussion is gorgeous, …
Single Review: “Shelter” – Marie Keane
This is a gorgeous ballad. Marie’s voice is accompanied by a cello, drums with brushes, a bass, and piano. This is from her album “Mná”, and is one of the slower paced tracks on there. It shows off her vulnerability vocal wise but also shows her versatility too. In fact the whole album is very …
Single Review: “Love Has Come” – SōMuch
SŌMuch are back and they’ve got an EP! This is one of the new tracks that hasn’t yet been heard. The sound is sophisticated, very polished – but what would you expect of a band mentored by Ralph Rolle of Chic? Let’s break it down. The back beat is laid back, the hats give the …