Music Reviews

Teesside’s Nice Guy Shines with Anthemic Indie Pop Banger “Alone” – Single Review

29th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Teesside’s Nice Guy’s new single shimmers with its glistening indie pop production and standout performances.

The tight songwriting complements the great production with intricate guitar riffs and a wall of sound produced by the band.

Within the track, you can hear the influences of such artists as Sam Fender and The Stone Roses. This is especially evident in the vocal delivery, which combines nasal, laid-back style with a touch of North East accent, creating a distinctive blend.

One particular element I enjoyed was the excellent guitar work, which dances throughout the verses before hitting you with a wall of sound in the chorus.

The track doesn’t strictly follow the quiet verse/loud chorus formula, but it echoes that dynamic, with the chorus hitting particularly hard.

The gorgeous use of organ was also another delight, diversifying the production and bringing a depth to the overall sound.

If you’re a fan of indie pop and love catchy anthems, this one is definitely for you.

grapevine Delivers on Catchy 80’s Inspired Single “Bad Idea”- Single Review

26th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

The new track from grapevine features glossy 80s production combined with great pop songwriting to create a catchy piece of alternative pop.

Produced by local talent Jamie Donnelly, the song is drenched in the sonic palettes of the 1980s, as well as much of the pop landscape from recent years, particularly echoing the sound of artists like The Weeknd.

That is immediately evident from the intro, which begins with a driving drum machine beat that persists throughout the track.

A diverse sound has been crafted with an attention to detail, with a number of different synths being deployed to enrich the overall production, ensuring a varied sound.

At the heart of all of this is an incredibly strong and well put together pop song that takes a classic subject matter and explores it in new and interesting ways.

The chorus, which repeats the title of the track, pairs incredibly with the melody to provide an earworm, which will burrow into your mind for weeks to come.

If you enjoy artists like The Weeknd or your pop music with a catchy yet inventive edge, make sure to check out this latest single

Specky Cult Unleash a Bold New Sound with Their Explosive Single “Swish” – Single Review

22nd Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Specky Cult are back, with a whole new sound and bold punk inspired direction on their latest single Swish.

Gone is the acoustic feel of previous releases, replaced by a punchy, full-bodied sound that immediately grabs you.

The Sex Pistols feeling bass riff which greets you at the beginning of the song sets the theme for the more full-bodied sound that the band has gone for, setting the tone for the rest of the track.

This is immediately joined in the mix by heavy and thumping guitars, which the song’s catchy melody is constructed from.

Lying over the top of this is a set of lyrics which take aim at the current beauty standards and the impact they have upon individuals.

These are delivered with the emotion and personality that you’d expect from a Specky Cult, with the group continuing to build their reputation for strong lyricism.

Add to this a catchy and memorable melody, which reaches its glorious climax during the chorus and you have another great single from Specky Cult, which highlights a different side to the group.

If you’re a fan of indie and post-punk, Swish is sure to offer plenty of thrills and fun. Make sure to also check out their previous album, which I reviewed earlier this year.

Goodsprings Swing Big with Playful Ska-Reggae Fusion on “Lo Mejor De Lo Mejor” – Single Review

19th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Goodsprings’ fun new single shows the band continuing to develop, with an almost big band feel to this swinging ska tune.

Injecting playfulness into your songwriting is the key to producing amazing, fun music, and Goodsprings have done exactly this on their new single, Lo Mejor De Lo Mejor.

It’s fortunate that they’ve managed it with the English translation of the title of the track literally meaning “The Best of The Best”.

The fun nature of the title runs throughout the track, which combines elements of ska, jazz and reggae to produce a lively swing song.

This playfulness is also reflected in the lyrics, which are delivered with a cocky snarl, mirroring the song’s message as a love letter to those who don’t care to fit in.

This unpredictability is an element of the song I thoroughly enjoyed, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Combined with the big band atmosphere, this leads to delightfully, quirky results, particularly evident in the breakdown of the track, where the group engages in a scat-like section over a tight bass groove.

I also wanted to praise the amazing brass work, which elevates the track to such a high level bringing a gorgeous flourish, particularly in the choruses.

Overall, this is yet another strong track from Goodsprings, building on their good work from their previous single, Horrors. The fusion of genres works well, producing a charming track with a unique energy. Make sure to check it out if you’re a fan of groups like Sublime or Slightly Stoopid.

Citizens of Yeah! Deliver a New Wave Masterpiece with “3 Little Piggies” – Single Review

12th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Combining a range of New Wave and indie influences, Citizens of Yeah! have produced yet another great single in 3 Little Piggies.

From the intro alone, I can hear the influence of The Smiths and New Order, particularly in the the sound of the synth strings, which reminded me a lot of There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.

The string flourishes throughout give the track a strong New Wave feel, adding an extra edge to the overall production.

Paired with sharp guitars and intricately gorgeous bass lines, this is an absolute treat. I particularly enjoyed the guitars in the chorus which fizz with excitement, contributing to the multiple satisfying payoffs in the track.

Lyrically, the track is quite unique, using the concept of the three little piggies in Red Riding Hood as a metaphor for fear which I found inventive in just the right way.

I particularly enjoyed the breakdown at the end of the song, with a great back-and-forth between the backing vocals and the main vocal, which reminded me of early ’80s post punk especially when paired with stark guitar tones. Overall, I loved the track and can’t wait to see what Citizens of Yeah! come up with next.

Go On A Tranquil Escape with Parissa Zarifi’s New LP “Sing For My Soul” – Album Review

8th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Parissa Zarifi’s new album is a beautifully tranquil experience, seamlessly blending elements of folk and alternative music with remarkable results.

Beginning with Free of You, you are immediately ushered into a world of beautiful strings and twinkling guitars. This single provides an early glimpse of the collaboration between Zarifi and guitarist Rob Harvey, who features on several tracks throughout the album.

His guitar work pairs perfectly with Zarifi’s beautiful songwriting, adding an extra layer to the strong folk vibes that the track exudes. At times, it even evokes the feel of Fleetwood Mac’s folkier moments, with the classic rock guitar complementing nicely with the folk aesthetic.

Kings & Queens is rich with violins, bringing an almost medieval feel to proceedings. I could easily imagine it playing during a banquet scene in Game of Thrones, with its lush string arrangements.

This helps to build the peaceful and chill atmosphere of the album, which is masterfully put together with thought given to both the track structure and sequencing. I particularly enjoyed the ethereal choir on this song, which added depth to the production, creating a full-bodied sound where all the elements interact harmoniously.

Find Yourself In The Dark has a similar feel with gorgeous songwriting, especially in the chorus, which felt almost Kate Bush-esque with its dramatic swells of violins and timeless quality.

The next track, Slow, is blessed with beautiful twinkling guitars and harps, which allow you to sink into the song with their serene nature. The beautiful string section solo was also a gorgeous touch, enhancing further the stylish nature of the song.

The ethereal backdrop continues on To Be Free, where Zarifi’s stunning performance truly shines, particularly in the chorus, where her voice rises above the delicate string arrangements.

The performances across the album are strong, whether it be Harvey’s excellent guitar playing or the amazing vocal and string performances. Each contribute significantly to the album’s atmospheric mood.

The reverb-laden guitar passages in Written In The Sand contribute something slightly different to the rest of the album, without disrupting the overall style and production. Meanwhile, the classic songwriting of Don’t Look Back helps create a defiant mood, mirrored by the lyrics’ focus on moving forward as a form of healing.

Entwined In The Heat stands out with its beautifully layered guitar passages across a solid acoustic base. When the violins enter and the track intensifies, it reaches new heights with some spectacular performances.

The Stars Align yet again shows the really strong songwriting which Zarifi brings to this LP with an absolutely amazing chorus. The album concludes perfectly with Sing For My Soul, a track that encapsulates what makes this album so special, featuring beautiful string sections and impressive guiar work.

Overall, if you love your alternative folk then this is a must listen however I would also recommended it to anyone who wants to switch off and get lost in a really great album with a fantastic mood.

Simon Taylor Brings Geordie Grooves On Funky New Single “The Theatre of Broken Souls” – Single Review

5th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered what Lou Reed would sound like if he grew up in the North East of England?

Probably not, but if you have, then Simon Taylor’s new single is the perfect listen.

Combining influences such as Leonard Cohen and the aforementioned Lou Reed, Taylor has been building his reputation around the North East scene, and this latest record is sure to elevate it even further.

I can particularly hear the influence of Transformer-era Lou Reed within the track with its fun, funky guitar passages and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about working at a music venue.

The melodies are strong and stick with you for days, which is a testament to the great songwriting on display.

The North East, and Newcastle in particular, runs throughout the song, deepening the personal nature of the lyrics and bringing a unique voice to the track, crafting a great bit of Geordie funk.

Overall, this is a fantastic teaser track and a really fun listen. I can’t wait to see what Simon comes up with next.

J.P Riggall’s “The Cabin Session EP”: A Soulful Journey Through Stripped-Back Folk – EP Review

2nd Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

J.P. Riggall’s new live EP showcases the folk singer’s powerful songwriting ability with a striking collection of atmospheric tracks.

The EP opens with Cold Cold Mountain, a song that sets the tone with its chilled production, placing the emphasis firmly on the performance.

Riggall’s North East accent pierces through the folk vibe of the track, providing authenticity to the passionate delivery of the track.

Overall, the track is a heartfelt tune, demonstrating Riggall’s talent as both a songwriter and a live performer. The stripped-back arrangement highlights his focus on emotion.

This theme continues We’ve Already Seen Him Dead, where stark acoustics and melodic leanings take centre stage. The slight echo provided by the venue adds nuance to Riggall’s voice, enhancing the powerful and beautiful performance.

Through this power, Riggall amplifies the already strong songwriting, squeezing every inch of emotion out of the song. The result is a moving performance of an outstanding track.

The EP closes with My Lovely Bones, a gorgeously touching tune. Once again, Riggall achieves a lot with a little – just an acoustic guitar and his voice, creating a captivating atmosphere. The emotion is palpable, bleeding through the soundwaves as Riggall delivers yet another great performance.

The track itself is wonderfully constructed, with a melodic core and a heart-wrenching chorus. It’s a beautiful way to conclude a stunning live EP.

Boy Found Sound Delivers Americana-Tinged Indie Pop Brilliance on ‘Ultraviolet- Single Review

20th Aug 2024 — Leave a comment

Boy Found Sound’s latest single is a touching indie pop ode, featuring gorgeous production and well-constructed songwriting.

The track sets off like a runaway train, bringing with a nice Americana feel reminiscent of the likes of Bruce Springsteen and The War on Drugs, with its combination of acoustic guitar with beautifully reverbed riffs layered on top.

With the mood set, Boy Found Sound is free to write touching verses about a girl with ultraviolet eyes, over the top of this musical bed.

Musically, the track acts like a continuous train of thought, with no let-up throughout the tune and only subtle changes in tempo between the verse and the chorus.

This momentum only pauses for an amazing guitar solo, which reminded me a lot of Sam Fender with its reverb-heavy distortion and brilliant technicality.

Overall, this is a great song that has been meticulously put together. If you’re a fan of Sam Fender, then this is for you!

Electric Circus Strikes Hard with Their Latest Anthem, ‘War Crimes’ – Single Review

12th Aug 2024 — Leave a comment

Electric Circus’s new single goes hard. With its massive production and hard rock riffs, the single comes together as a thoroughly satisfying package.

From the outset, you’re greeted with a punch of distortion, with guitar lines layered on top of each other, each contributing to the cacophony of noise the band is creating.

These are joined in the mix by a thumping drum track, adding even more power to the track, building the hype before the vocals kick in.

Lyrically, the song addresses the current societal decline that the Western world is experiencing, with references to the Doomsday Clock amongst other pointed commentary the band makes.

This unfolds over an ever-steady blend of riffs that complement the track’s thematic focus.

The overall effect is reminiscent of rock titans like Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters, with a nod to heavier groups such as Bring Me the Horizon.

The expertly executed breakdown towards the end of the track particularly brought to mind some of those heavier groups, sounding primed for a live setting.

Overall, this is a great rock track that skilfully combines a variety of influences. If you like your riffs hard, then you’ll love this single.