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The overdriven alchemy in Three Mile Island’s Ride Your Luck unleashes sonic spirits.

Posted on 23 April 2024

With elements of dreamy indie and classic rock n roll as the cornerstones of their sonic signature in their latest seminal single, Ride Your Luck, the West Midland’s prodigal sons of innovation, Three Mile Island, found plenty of room between the stylistic pillars of influence to inject their own over-driven, time-defying, alchemy.

The haunting chorus, which incidentally replicates what Black Sabbath’s single Changes does to the soul, fused with vocals that are as locked and loaded with visceral dynamite as Chris Cornell’s, Rolling Stones-reminiscent lead guitar work and an underpinning aura of Primal Scream’s iconic release, Give Out But Don’t Give Up, culminates in a single that doesn’t only allow you to imagine what is possible when the intersections of rock are explored, it grips you with a soulful intensity that leaves an inexplicable mark.

If this is the future of rock, the genre is about to make one hell of a mainstream comeback.

Stream Ride Your Luck on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Simon Ewing serenaded through the eras in his acoustic indie folk triumph LULLABY

Posted on 23 April 2024

Simon Ewing’s latest single, LULLABY, artfully blends a spectrum of musical epochs with a mastery of guitar play that fans of folk and beyond will find irresistibly compelling. The track is a confluence of lo-fi charm and intricate guitar work that nods to The Maccabees’ Toothpaste Kisses while embedding a distinctly Americana vibe interlaced with blues’ soulful essence.

LULLABY won’t sing you to sleep; instead, it vibrates with life, signifying the Bristol-based troubadour’s knack for weaving narratives that affirm the sensibility of the soul. The song’s architectural simplicity in structure belies a complex, layered emotional resonance that hooks the listener from the first chord.

Ewing’s ability to synthesise swathes of genres into a seamless, flowing piece shows not just versatility but a deep reverence for the roots of each genre. Each note reflects a rhythmic exploration that feels both classic and innovative, making LULLABY a testament to Ewing’s ability to transcend traditional storytelling through music.

If Elliott Smith’s songs had veered away from melancholy towards this vein of succinct sweetness, they might have touched the same bright corners of the soul that Ewing reaches with this track.

Stream LULLABY on SoundCloud and YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chill Hop meets RnB Dream Pop in Eth4n’s emotion-driven release, Daisy

Posted on 23 April 2024

Driven by emotion and experimental innovation, the standout single, Daisy, from Eth4n’s debut EP, Inerrata, is a hazily melodic installation of aural hypnosis that demands you submit to the catharsis from the first note.

With saturated in delay guitars giving the seminal release a vintage tape deck recording feel and the mellow electronic elements rounding out the RnB dream pop/chill hop hybrid instrumentals, Daisy unravels as an intoxicatingly artful release.

By borrowing the serene dream pop timbres of AIKA’s vocal harmonies, the bitter-sweet exploration of how affection gives us a temporary lust for life strikes all the right evocative chords, especially when Eth4n’s effect-laden pseudo-trap vocals enter the mix and inject swathes of dynamism into the vignette of tentative idiosyncratic affection.

The Australian-born, London-based experimentalist may pull inspiration from the likes of Frank Ocean and JPEGMafia, but rather than assimilating their styles, he runs with the influence into brand-new sonic territory that you’ll be compelled to join him in every time you need sanctuary.

Stream Eth4n’s Inerrata EP on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Stic N Move’s This is My Life became a vibrant new pulse in the heart of hip-hop

Posted on 22 April 2024

Stic N Move merged the vibrant soul of Reggaeton-inspired beats with the core of hip-hop in his latest single, This is My Life, which radiates the warmth of exotic rhythms and a palpable sense of old-school hip-hop grit.

The intrinsic authenticity within every element of Stic N Move is a refreshing divergence from the cliché rap tracks with rappers waxing lyrical on what they think the genre wants to hear. The instant hit showcases an infectiously charismatic approach that’s bound to captivate any hip-hop enthusiast.

Stic N Move, born Eric Braxton, lives his lyrics, expressing a genuine pursuit of passion over the trappings of fame. His music isn’t crafted from the fabric of superficiality; instead, it’s woven with the threads of personal truth and dedication to family.

The construction of the track is killer. The polyphonic keys are a vibrant extension of his personality, seamlessly matching the energy and conviction in his voice. The result is a sound that could light up any room and invigorate any playlist.

Stic N Move continues to redefine his journey by committing to projects like a new podcast and writing new songs weekly. His relentless drive and innovative spirit are making significant waves, promising a future rich with potential and new anthems for his growing audience.

“This is My Life” is more than just a song; it’s a statement, a manifesto of an artist who refuses to blend into the background, urging everyone to live authentically and passionately. As Stic says, leave your hatin’ at the door and embrace the groove.

This is My Life is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emma Hunter Shot to Kill Sonic Banality in Her 3rd EP, Morire

Posted on 22 April 2024

Emma Hunter’s third EP, Morire, emerges as a defiant rejection of sonic predictability, marking a high point in the Oxford-based singer-songwriter, guitarist and loop artist’s career with a collection that’s as audaciously raw as it is artistically sophisticated.

With Tom Bruce’s trip-hop-infused percussion, the 50s-inspired Flamenco-guitar-licked EP unfolds a landscape soaked in cinematic tones and intricate, chanteuse-esque harmonies that narrate a four-part poetic anthology of turmoil. Every chapter brings you closer to the darkest corridors of the mind as it navigates an imperfect world, filled with vices and prejudices.

Starting strong, Guilty pierces the veil of comfort with its visceral energy and poignant lyrics, exposing the unnerving ease with which we catastrophise – it’s enough to open a window into your own soul. This duskily strident opening salvo sets a formidable standard, intricately balancing fiery guitar work with solid percussive rhythms as Hunter lyrically unravels through an insurgence of relatable unease. The robust instrumental work anchors Hunter as she carries the weight of the world, surrounded by demons and they tease the end of the world after inconsequential incidents.

Love is Not a Choice follows, dissipating the initial turmoil into an anthem of acceptance. The track stands bold in its portrayal of love’s inherent defiance against societal norms, offering a melody that radiates warmth and liberation. As you drench yourself in the sun-soaked bliss of the flourishing serpentine rhythms, you surrender to the true, unbiased nature of love. In an era that is increasingly hellbent on insisting everyone stays within the heteronormative mould of hegemony, you see that the only choices made in relation to love is discrimination.

Awaken Me introduces itself with Hunter’s looped vocals artfully circulating over waves of ambience before the first verse crashes onto the shore of the single, plunging into the thematic deep waters of personal rebirth and spiritual stagnation. You can’t help but be pulled into the undercurrents of the compassionate lyricism which aims to pull the listener out of deep water as Hunter aches for an emotional awakening. The interplay of confession and compassion opens a deeply affecting affirmation that sometimes, healers need to heal.

Finally, the titular track, Morire, presents a harrowing narrative of watching a loved one tend to their vices and sink into personal decay, culminating the EP on an aching note. The paralysing power in Hunter’s vocal prowess reaches its zenith here as she exudes primal agony while never losing her ability to artfully hold notes in a delicate balance of pain and pitch-perfection, delivering a poignant exploration of loss and helplessness with a backdrop of soul-stirring crescendos.

With the Morire EP, Emma Hunter, alongside Tom Bruce, carved a niche in the alternative music scene that resonates with both intimacy and grandeur, making the release a compelling listen for those who seek depth and defiance in music.

Morire was officially released on March 29; stream the EP on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Follow Emma Hunter on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Slip into a post-punk dream with Forgotten Garden’s hauntingly ethereal single, Memoriam

Posted on 22 April 2024

Forgotten Garden’s sophomore EP, ‘In Memoriam,’ brings us the single ‘Memoriam,’ a track that deftly carves its niche within the indie post-punk landscape with its distinct blend of sound and sensibility. The hauntingly ethereal vocal lines in ‘Memoriam’ find a hallowed ground between Mazzy Star, Florence Welch, and Siouxsie Sioux, imbuing the track with an arcane nuance that resonates deeply.

This unique piece strides far from indie mediocrity, propelled by the quintessential angular intensity of indie post-punk instrumentals that jangle with a monochromatic yet vibrant dynamism. ‘Memoriam’ offers enough familiarity to draw listeners in but retains them with its ingenious deviations and its gothic tribute to shoegazed post-punk.

In an era flooded with throwaway indie filler, ‘Memoriam’ stands out as a track that spectrally stays with you, proving Forgotten Garden to be a razor-sharp cut above the rest. The power of ‘Memoriam’ not only captivates but also cements Forgotten Garden’s place in the music world as pioneers with a clear and compelling artistic vision.

In Memoriam was officially released on March 29th; stream the single on Spotify.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Hannah Johnson pioneered a new path through 90s nostalgia-wrapped alt-pop with her sophomore release, Mine

Posted on 22 April 2024

Hannah Johnson’s sophomore hit ‘Mine‘ blew all expectations out of the water following her 2023 debut, ‘Slow Motion‘. Mine is a kaleidoscope of sound that catapults listeners into the past and the promising future of pop music. The masterclass in genre fusion blends the rhythmic bounce of funk, the raw edge of pop-punk, and the lush textures of R&B into a compelling pop synthesis.

From the outset, ‘Mine’ pulses with a life of its own, driven by Johnson’s rich vibrato that dances over layers of funky guitar riffs and a solid dance-y backbeat. The production, with its lo-fi charm, accentuates the authenticity of her musical exploration, allowing her distinctive voice to guide the narrative through this densely woven sonic landscape.

Johnson’s journey from the quiet suburbs of Coppell, Texas, to an emerging pop sensation is reflected in her music’s ambitious reach. With her roots in diverse musical disciplines, from drum beats to lyrical piano melodies, Johnson channels this extensive background into a sound that recontextualises the sonic past and builds the future of pop.

With ‘Mine’, she not only secures her spot as a trailblazer in the pop genre but also invites her growing audience of nearly 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners to join her in a vibrant exploration of musical boundaries. This single is less a step and more a stride towards the zenith of pop charts, promising that Hannah Johnson’s trajectory in the music world will be as intriguing as the melodies she creates.

Mine was officially released on March 15th; stream the single on Spotify.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kentucky penned a patriotic rock-licked love letter with ‘America, The Beautiful’

Posted on 21 April 2024

Kentucky’s latest single, America, The Beautiful, is a soul-imbued tribute to the multifaceted allure of the United States, delivered with a rock ‘n’ roll heart that pulses with a distinct Americana twang.

The love letter captures the sweeping landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the USA, offering listeners a sonic road trip across its vast expanse with pop culture pitstops along the way. With an approach that will resonate with fans of Bruce Springsteen and Guns n Roses alike, Kentucky weaves a narrative rich with patriotic pride, crafting a soundtrack that is both a celebration and a reflection.

The production melds classic rock influences with a nuanced Americana style, making it an essential addition for those who adorn their playlists with heartland rock. Despite the stripped and simplistic instrumental arrangement, there is no lack of depth. Each acoustic guitar-led progression strikes a resonant chord, echoing with rich, cathartic timbres under Kentucky’s gravelly vocal delivery that resonates with an aura of sincerity.

America, The Beautiful invites listeners to feel the pride and beauty of the American spirit. Its release, which stirred enough emotion to briefly face a ban on TikTok, underscores its impactful message and the poignant exploration of American identity that Kentucky so masterfully encapsulates in this acoustic rock anthem.

America, The Beautiful was officially released on April 1st; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Didier Recloux painted what it means to be human in an inhumane world in his cinematic score, First Walk

Posted on 21 April 2024

Didier Recloux’s single, First Walk, from the album Monsieur Linh and His Child, submerges listeners into a sombre, war-torn universe, showcasing humanity’s struggle against unimaginable atrocities. This profound composition, hailing from a Belgian-born composer with roots deeply embedded in a rich musical lineage, speaks to the resilience and spirit of the human condition.

A veteran of various musical influences—from the progressive rock echoes of Maurice Jarre to the iconic cinematic scores of Ennio Morricone—Recloux’s work reflects a diverse palette of sounds and emotions. Having mastered multiple instruments and the art of orchestration, his compositions carry a unique signature that resonates with the mind, body and soul.

First Walk itself is a poignant reminder of this versatility. The orchestral arrangement, carefully cultivated under the tutelage of experts across continents, delicately weaves a tapestry of humanistic progressions that evoke deep emotional responses. The dual essence of purity and torment reverberates through the very core of the release, engaging the listener in a deeply immersive cinematic experience.

The crescendos, striking in their clarity and impact, build a pensive atmosphere that transcends mere auditory experience; they demand contemplation of what it truly means to endure in an inhumane landscape.

Stream the official music video for First Walk on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

FCF’s U AND I is a dynamically exhilarant dancefloor catalyst

Posted on 21 April 2024

“U AND I” by FCF is a revolutionary dancefloor catalyst that ignited the sphere of alt-electronica and added intense anticipation around the producer’s upcoming LP.

The track launches with a tender progressive house pop prelude, where deep reverberating basslines and soulfully intoxicating vocal lines set the stage for the impending infectious aural oblivion to come. As the mix escalates, it transitions into a hypersonic entrancing hit that promises not just to bring listeners to the brink of euphoria but to climax with them through an exhilarating fusion of psytrance electronic layers and Spanish guitars. But don’t think the peak is reached here; before long, FCF introduces adrenalizing rap bars that evoke raw tribal energy, seamlessly interwoven with reprising female vocal harmonies. This blend is not just innovative; it’s evolutionary; while some artists are content with constructing floor fillers, FCF went one step further by dropping a track that could start a riot on even the most subdued dancefloor.

FCF, hailing from Lisbon and inspired by artists like Rosália and Travis Scott, has a proven track record of breaking boundaries in electronic music. His eclectic influence—ranging from techno and house to hip-hop and reggaeton—allows him to craft tracks that challenge the conventional frameworks of music production.

“U AND I” exemplifies FCF’s unparalleled ability to fuse fire, fervour, soul, and rhythmic magnetism into a coherent whole that resonates across diverse audiences.

U AND I was officially released on March 2nd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast