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Birmingham

Coming Up Milhouse’s debut single, Not Over You, is a riot of candied curveballs

Posted on 14 May 2023

Even though the track title leaves little room for guesswork in regards to the sentiments that flow through the swoonsomely crooned pop hit, the debut single, Not Over You, from Coming Up Milhouse, is a riot of candied curveballs.

With vocal lines that could tender the heartstrings of Elliott Smith, synths that create an odyssey of retro mutant pop in the same vein of Trudy and the Romance, and indie jangle pop melodies which add to the trending trajectory which spawned from revivalists such as the Midnight, Not Over You is a debut which plateaus above indie landfill releases.

The self-described soft boy indie rockers from Birmingham know just where to find the sweet spot when balancing lyrical melancholia and earwormy indie hooks.

Not Over You was officially released on May 5; hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Somebody is Waiting: HYPER CLASH reminds us of the possibilities on Everywhere I look there’s Angels

Posted on 3 April 2023

Urging us all to keep searching for cloud 9 no matter the windy weather, HYPER CLASH leads the way and shows us where the positive energy is on the terrific new single to heal with, Everywhere I look there’s Angels.

Bren Curran aka HYPER CLASH is a Hollywood, Birmingham, UK-based indie singer-songwriter who has a raw schizophrenic musical tendency electro sound.

”I wrote this track after my son split from his first girlfriend ( She ended it after they both went to different Uni’s this year) He was clearly heartbroken and I was useless… I didn’t have any words of comfort other than ‘ I am here for you’…It bothered me that I fell so short…so I wrote down all the words of comfort that were passed my way from the wiser generation before… some might seem old-fashioned… but all come from the heart.” ~ Bren Curran

Scintillating from each angle and showing such strength and skill, HYPER CLASH is rather ear-soothing on this wonderful song with soul. Alleviating all worries and reminding us that the light at the end of the tunnel is close, we are treated to a superb soundtrack made with love and care.

Everywhere I look there’s Angels from Birmingham, UK-based indie singer-songwriter HYPER CLASH is a rather splendid single which will settle the nerves and simmer all apprehensions away. Guiding us to the daybreak and hiding the darkness away, with a leader mentality and changing moods, into a striking story which so many of us have sadly felt before.

Even if it’s raining right now, the sun with come out to play again.

Hear this new song on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Aayushi has released her captivatingly cosy ukulele-led lullaby, I Ran Out Into the Snowflakes, Laughing

Posted on 5 January 2023

Daringly opting to use a ukulele as the main melody driver in a single that encompasses the nostalgia sparked by Christmas paid off in spades for the Birmingham-based folk singer-songwriter, Aayushi in her latest single, I Ran Out Into the Snowflakes, Laughing. The artist’s background in poetry and literature also owed itself to the quiescent track, as Aayushi reclaimed the term ‘snowflake’ away from those who wish to abstract from the beauty of compassion and uniqueness.

The stripped-back sonics did little to detract from the disarmingly arrestive power of the cosy lo-fi lullaby, which rekindles the warmth of childhood Christmases in the snow while reminding us that, as autonomous adults, we get to choose how we reignite that magic.

Released on December 23rd, the quaint serenade quickly amassed ample attention, including placement on several staunchly followed Spotify playlists. It is a single her fans will undoubtedly turn to year after year to stave off the threat of festive melancholy.

I Ran Out Into the Snowflakes, Laughing is now available to stream on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nathan Maurice drops stunning new instrumental single Amore Mio

Posted on 27 November 2022

With a love theme to remember fondly forever and a day, Nathan Maurice shall take all apprehensions away in an instant with the fine new single called Amore Mio.

Nathan Maurice is a Birmingham, UK-based indie classical music composer and producer who seems to effortlessly drift in with class and grace on each track.

”He has been writing and recording music for over 10 years, working in a range of genres; from Hardcore and Experimental Punk bands to Dubstep and house music, as well as Classical and Ambient music.” ~ Nathan Maurice

Sizzling with tranquility and elegance within, Nathan Maurice reveals to us the way to brushing away all worries with a quite tremendous performance from the UK native. Drenched in kindness and filled with love, this is a track to play loud when the world gets a bit too much sometimes.

Amore Mio from Birmingham, UK-based indie classical music composer and producer Nathan Maurice is a lovely experience which shall take many breaths for a calming flight. Soaked in so much goodness and imagination, we find an anthem for anyone who needs some peace and quiet.

Listen up to this song on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Gaby K embodies the nectar of the honeymoon phase in her latest RnB pop single, Everyday

Posted on 31 October 2022

With quirky vocals reminiscent of Kate Nash which simultaneously embrace the roots of RnB, Gaby K’s latest loved-up hit that embodies the nectar of the honeymoon phase is an all too efficacious reminder of how sweet it can be.

Refusing to bow to the trend of hypersexual lyricism, Gaby K versed in the same vein as her icons, Amber Mark, Joy Crookes and Emeli Sande and encompassed the sweet motifs of new-found love in Everyday.

For most, the feelings that transpire when you’re in the idealisation stage of a relationship are unexplainable, but with the help of the playful reverb-wrapped Afropop-Eqsue melodies, Gaby K got to the crux of the intangibility of the energy and emotion.

The Birmingham-born and raised artist who made her debut in 2019 is well on her way to racking up 1 million streams with her singles that always come straight from the soul. Something tells us that the best is yet to come.

Everyday is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Philip Brocklehurst is set to start a new epidemic with his catchy pop track, Who Am I?

Posted on 9 September 2022

Philip Brocklehurst’s single, Who Am I? is an identity crisis that is more than relatable. The Birmingham, UK singer-songwriter made his lyrical debut with this seminal bluesy pop single – not that the resonance would allow you to believe it.

As the term existential crisis becomes a common lexicon, it is getting harder and harder to eke nuance from concepts of them, but Brocklehurst more than succeeded through his questioning reprises which channel desperation for identity validation.

To contrast the heavy lyrical content, there’s a catchy upbeat vibe to the rock n roll to the soul instrumentals that will stick to your synapses like super glue. We can’t wait to hear the next installation of candour.

Check out Who Am I? by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Henry Liggins orchestrated every hopeless romantic’s quintessential playlist staple with his folk single, Makeup

Posted on 10 June 2022

After a Cohen-Esque acoustic guitar intro, Henry Liggins’ vocals mellifluously float in with the same captivating ease over his tenderly orchestrated piano and guitar progressions as Glenn Hansard in his latest single, Makeup.

The hopeless romanticism in Makeup is nothing short of breath-taking poetry as Liggins muses on his muse, capturing the fragile beauty within the vulnerability of relationships in our chaotic existence. The amount of sincerity is almost a shock to the system. There’s no doubt that this dreamy serenade came straight from Liggins’ sugared Shakespearean soul.

While staying true to his timelessly intimate style, the Birmingham-based singer-songwriter notably has a tirade of commercial appeal behind his ornately captivating sound.

Makeup will officially release on June 10th. Hear it here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Birmingham’s The Vista go back to their roots on the inspiring rock anthem, ‘Landscapes’

Posted on 31 May 2022

Knowing that those familiar hills will take them home again to that beautiful place that is somewhat comforting, The Vista sends us into a reflective spin with their latest single that might shake your spirit awake via the ‘Landscapes‘.

The Vista is a Birmingham, UK-based 4-piece indie-rock act who show us via their 4th single, that they are a band on a mission to reach the mountain top no matter what.

”Hitting hard with similar vibes to their debut release, ‘Jump Into The River’, the return to true indie is a message of intent when it comes to where the band’s sound is headed. One of the first songs written by the band, the track creates strong imagery of the need to get back to familiarity in your home town and back to your loved ones when you’ve been away for too long.” ~ The Vista

With an enthused vibrancy and an extra edge that has you nodding your head at this fiery new track, The Vista shows us what underground rock sounds like in 2022 with a supreme performance of monumental proportions. The sound is clean and the energy high, as we are placed in a time where the home is needed again, to get away from a place that you don’t wish to be in anymore due to its surreal energy.

‘Landscapes‘ from Birmingham, UK-based 4-piece indie-rock band The Vista is a catchy single that has you thinking back to your own motherland and all its friendly smells and formerly acquainted roads. They perform with such wonderful electricity that shocks you back into place, as we are entertained by a ravenous crew who are only headed exactly where they want to go if they want it enough.

Sometimes you just need to turn back for a while, to truly go forward in life.

Listen up to this sterling new single on Spotify and check out their IG page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The UK’s most promising electronic post-rock pioneers, Bear Witness, have released their temperamentally visceral stormer, Thorn in My Side

Posted on 18 April 2022
Bear Witness

If you ever found yourself with a soft spot for Celldweller, Highly Suspect or InMe, the Brighton-based Electronic Alt-Rock duo, Bear Witness have exactly what it takes to rekindle your affinity for viscerally raw turbulent tracks. Their latest single, Thorn in My Side, is practically post-rock pornography.

Around the overdriven scuzzy guitar riffs, there’s enough of a melody to leave you hooked in the temperamental rhythms, and perceptibly, Bear Witness know just how to use spatial effect and build tension throughout their sonic stormer.

Unsurprisingly, we aren’t the only ones hooked on Bear Witness’ refreshing candour and blisteringly off-kilter signature sound. They’ve already been lauded by the BBC, played to crowds at The Camden Assembly, and are currently semi-finalists in the Isle of Wight Festival’s New Blood competition.

Thorn in My Side will officially release on April 15th. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Birmingham’s Cage Park navigate life through those comforting cartoons on ‘Hand Me Downs’

Posted on 9 April 2022

Blessing us with the lead track from their brand new EP which dropped on the 8th of April, Cage Park knows that they need to move into adulthood but aren’t quite ready just yet on their epic new single, ‘Hand Me Downs‘.

Formally known to the world as FLARES, Cage Park is a fantastically raw Birmingham, UK post-punk 4-piece band who met while at school and their friendship has only gotten stronger since.

With a new name due to a pesky copyright dispute, Cage Park roar like hungry Lions and show us that they are here to stay. ‘Hand Me Downs‘ is a simply excellent single that will have you dusting off your guitar, to get into the mood as you are inspired by these young artists who seem to have that extra edge that is so easy to hear. They pulsate to perfect effect here, as you close your eyes and imagine them on the biggest stages of them all.

‘Hand Me Downs‘ from Birmingham, UK post-punk 4-piece band Cage Park is one of the best underground tracks you might hear today. They have such a gritty style that is properly likeable – with two vocalists who combine superbly together – as we hear a gripping style delightfully mixing into our awaiting ears. They might not be ready for some things in life (which are dull anyway) but are certainly ready for the big time.

UK’s next huge band could be right here amongst us already if they want it enough.

Listen up to a band you won’t be able to forget on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen