Club Paradise have started the countdown to their new EP by releasing two great teaser tracks to whet the appetite before their October release.
The first of the two tracks, Years, starts with a bold guitar solo, which glides over a bright synth line.
The verses to the track builds the tension with reverby guitar swells intersecting a driving rhythm section which gains pace as it continues.
The chorus twinkles with a sparkly synth line driving the catchy eighties-inspired melody. It is here that you can hear the influence of bands like The 1975, as well as a range of other indie pop groups.
The song has a smart pop sense and a glittery production; but, it also knows how to deliver a punch with the crunchy guitar solos and dark lyrics, which contrast the light production.
Previous single, Chasing the Summer, has lofty ambitions, beginning with a huge intro featuring a big guitar solo and thumping drums.
The vocals immediately hit you and are delivered with passion and energy. These are joined by backing vocals in the verses, which once again reminded me a lot of The 1975.
The chorus is huge, with guitar lines which go hard over a thumping beat. Overall, the track is the epitome of an anthem with huge guitars and catchy melodies.
Together, these tracks do a great job of wetting the appetite for the upcoming EP, which arrives in October.
Hannah Robertson returns with yet another gorgeously dark single, taking her dream pop sound in a more twisted direction.
Beginning in a realm of dreamy and hypnotic guitars, the track quickly awakens you with a rush of distortion and drums, bringing a gnarly edge to Robertson’s dream pop production.
The influence of groups such as NewDad and Slowdive is evident within the dreamy shoegaze-inspired production. However, an underlying darkness brings a nasty edge to the ethereal track, making it more dream rock than dream pop.
The anticipation built up through the verse explodes in the chorus, which musically acts as a dark counter balance to the airy intro.
Throughout the track, the performances and production are exceptional, helping build a dark, dreamy atmosphere with their crispness.
If you love groups like Wolf Alice and enjoy hypnotic, dreamy production, then this track is perfect for you!
Last Case Scenario’s latest single is an energetic ode to youth, combining pop punk riffs with singalong choruses to great effect.
The Newcastle group combines a number of different influences on the track, from the riotous energy of bands like Green Day to the pop punk delivery of groups like Sum 41.
Altogether, this leads to a song that yearns for the good times and spontaneity, something reflected in the energetic nature of the track.
Opening with a distorted guitar riff, the track immediately hits you with a party vibe, something reflected in the lyrics celebrating having a good time with friends.
This is all powered by in your face drums and a punchy bassline that propels the track forward. The singalong nature of the chorus reminded me of Green Day and very much puts the “pop” in their pop punk sound.
The give and take between those two influences is further emphasised by the gorgeous guitar solo, which is played with precision and energy, adding a touch of rock energy to the already raucous track.
New elements are regularly added to the mix to draw the audience in, with the use of repetitive guitar lines adding a different flavour.
Overall, the track is a great pop punk track, which will delight fans of bands such as Blink 182 and Paramore.
A really enjoyable track from producer Khabs blends a number of different ideas together to great results. The second single from the project takes you on a journey through an enchanting sonic landscape which unfurls as the track progresses.
Dreamy guitar riffs giveaway to a celestial chorus embellished with reverb heavy harmonies, which further allow you to sink back into the track.
All of this powered by a pulsating beat which pierce out from the rest of the song’s dreamy surroundings.
If you’re a fan of bands such as Gorillaz, this is definitely a track for you, bringing gorgeous dreamy production perfect for unwinding.
Overall, I really enjoyed the single and am looking forward to where this project goes in the future.
Heidi Curtis is ambitious for success and there’s no reason why her aims couldn’t become a reality.
The band after the Sophie and the Giants show – @heidicurtismusic
The singer songwriter has already supported Sophie and the Giants and appeared on Sam Fender’s amazing single, ‘Hypersonic Missiles’.
However, there is no standing still for Newcastle based artist. She has already begun to implement her manifesto for success with her band, who are currently rehearsing and writing with her.
‘My guitarist Josh is a massive Toon fan so I would just like to headline the arena so he could shout a chant and the crowd could shout it back.’
On her Career Ambition
Curtis has highlighted the importance of being prepared for anything and whilst no gigs are currently planned, she understands the need to be prepared for anything which transpire.
‘The past few gigs have been amazing and we’ve got a promoter involved but we know we have to wait for good support slots’
Her main aim is to build a passionate following, something she is currently well in process of achieving with over a thousand followers on Instagram as well as a growing YouTube community in which she highlights her work.
The singer songwriter is first concentrating on this rather than releasing music. However, she was quick to tease what it will sound like with demos described as if Blondie hit Fleetwood Mac.
The huge range of influences are already demonstrated on her YouTube channel in which she has reinvented popular favourites from acts such as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and New Order, transforming them into her own unique style.
It is this and her sensational singing voice which has led to big things for her so far, supporting Sophie and the Giants at the Northumbria Institute last month.
‘It was a great experience, the whole thing was amazing and to play on a proper stage was great… They were super lovely’
However, this is just the start for Heidi who wishes to go all the way to the summit of music with ambitions to top the bill at Boardmasters as well as to have her own headline tour.
This may well become a reality for her with the excellent acoustic version of ‘AGAIN’ on her Instagram demonstrating her supreme talent for songwriting.
Describing herself as a ‘methodwriter’, Heidi often writes from her own experiences dreaming up melodies whilst painting, molding the impressive lyrics around them.
Her songwriting journey began as a way of trying to work her way into her brother’s inner circle, something which clearly worked with her sibling now managing the singer songwriter.
It is also through this that Heidi has formed a friendship with her brother’s best mate and inspiration Sam Fender.
‘He’s always been massively supportive, he’s like an older brother.’
The North Shields based artist has always helped Heidi, having a huge influence on her music as well as helping her to write her first song.
He also provided a memorable moment for the singer songwriter, with Heidi appearing on the spectacular ‘Hypersonic Missiles’, providing backing vocals on the track.
The singer songwriter also has ambitions to headline Mouth of the Tyne Festival like Fender did earlier in the year.
However, top of the to do list for Heidi Curtis is to eventually headline the Ultita Arena in Newcastle if only to provide a special moment for her guitarist Josh.
‘My guitarist Josh is a massive Toon fan so I would just like to headline the arena so he could shout a chant and the crowd could shout it back.’
With her immense talent there’s no reason why the dream couldn’t become a reality.
Humbug North East 