Browsing Tag

Acoustic Pop

Chrissie Romano Band has released her empowering Americana pop single ‘Resilient Me’

Posted on 27 February 2021

Fans of K T Tunstall, Amy McDonald, or Sandi Thom would be well advised to check out New York threepiece the Chrissie Romano Band and ‘Resilient Me’, taken from the new album ‘Somewhere Along The Way’. Acoustic-guitar led, with Romano’s easy, enticing vocal and a rhythm section that’s tighter than…well, something pretty tight…’Resilient Me’ is a story of struggle and survival and of emerging on the far side a stronger, better person.

It’s a strong, catchy track, with perhaps a smidgeon of Sheryl Crow about it in its singalong-strummed chorus and self-aware, storytelling lyrics, and energetic performance. As an album, ‘Somewhere Along The Way’ is a killer, strong from start to finish without a ‘skippable’ track; ‘Resilient Me’ is a perfect taster.

Check out ‘Resilient Me’, and the rest of the album, on Spotify or via the band’s website.

Review by Alex Holmes

KAiA delivers sun-kissed candid resilience with “Summer is for Lovers”

Posted on 17 November 2020

Under the influence of icons such as Joni Mitchell, Californian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist KAiA always pours her unfiltered soul into her singles to allow her listeners to recognise intimate thoughts which reverberate late at night but are rarely ever spoken.

With her latest single “Summer is for Lovers”, you’ll find yourself commending the candid resilience she shares through her melancholy-tinged poetically meta lyricism. The pensive lovelorn air evades the light sun-kissed instrumental arrangement which features innocent ukulele strums around full-bodied accordant acoustic guitar tones. Summer is for Lovers is powerful enough to throw you right back to your teenage heartbreak while recognising the beauty and fragility within it. If that’s not the ultimate testament of an incredible artist, I don’t know what is.

You can check out Summer is for Lovers via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mackenzie Shrieve has released her intimately absorbing Indie Folk Pop single “In the Before”

Posted on 14 September 2020

There are very few things in life more soothing than Mackenzie Shrieve’s compassionately inviting vocals. In her latest single “In the Before” which dropped on September 10th, her intimately comforting vocals perfectly match the Folk Pop instrumentals which are endearing and absorbing in equal measure.

I think the lyric “I don’t want you to slip away like every other moment in this Summer haze” legitimately broke my heart. The concepts which the track plays with will leave you awash with sun-kissed lovelorn nostalgia. It may be a rough ride, but the accordance, soul, and almost celestial level of ingenuity in the production will definitely soften the blow.

With plenty more in the pipeline for 2020 and beyond, Mackenzie Shrieve is well worth putting on your radar.

You can check out the official music video to In the Before via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Katie Kittermaster’s latest Pop single “One of a Kind” is a breath of fresh air for the airwaves

Posted on 20 August 2020
Katie Kittermaster

Pop singer-songwriter Katie Kittermaster is set to release her all too relatable single “One of a Kind” which pays ode to the bitter-sweet conflicting feelings which commonly follow heartbreak.

It’s far from your average lovelorn feat of Pop. It’s unashamedly honest, it’s accessible from the first hit, and quite honestly, Katie Kittermaster’s vocals are like a breath of fresh air for the airwaves.

Her magnetically down to earth vocal and lyrical style is perfectly paired with the unique tonal warmth offered by the funky, up-vibe guitar progressions in the stripped-back soundscape.

If there were more Pop songs in the mainstream like One of a Kind, plenty more people would be better equipped to navigate romantic relationships healthily.

One of a Kind will be released via Revanche Records, you’ll be able to check it out via Spotify from the date of the release.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Or1gin & Nellie S get over old memories on ”Ghost”

Posted on 1 August 2020

Or1gin and Nellie S rip through with the new track that is a self-reflective indie-electro song called ”Ghost”.

The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. This is the story of letting go of that ghost and what is holding you back. You have shared special memories but now the time to move on.

This is such a powerful song that makes you think of past moments in your life and how we could be dragging along ghosts with us. Those can haunt you and can also weigh your soul down.

Driven by the sensational vocals of the breathless Nellie S, we are treated to a sonic memory that will be timeless. I love the beat from Or1gin and everything about this song screams quality. ”Ghost” digs up old memories but can also inspire us to change our ways. This is what music is really about.

Stream this breathtaking pop single on Spotify.

Follow Nellie S on Insta.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Mari – Natural Desires: Evocatively Absolving Acoustic Pop Rock

Posted on 26 July 2020

Natural Desires was the 2019 debut single from up and coming Pop singer-songwriter Mari. If the release slipped you by, there’s no better time to delve into her evocatively powerful sound. With an EP in the works, there are plenty more powerful soundscapes to come.

Following the success of Natural Desires, Mari released two subsequent singles Wrong Places and End Up with You. Yet, Natural Desires remains the best introduction to her frill-free, soulfully arrestive sound which manages to ooze both purity and maturity.

Rather than attempting to stay ahead of the curve, with Natural Desires, Mari took her sound right back to the roots of Pop Rock to ensure instant accessibility. As for the commercial potential, that can be found in her natural vocal harmonies which will stay with you long after the light and tender single has faded to a close.

If you like to have your finger on the pulse of hot up and coming talent, get her on your radar.

Natural Desires is available to stream via all major platforms through this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Australian pop artist Deonie sends through real message about snakes with debut ”Karma”

Posted on 11 July 2020

Deonie is a young Australian pop star in the making. She effortlessly launches her career in the wild music world with her stunning debut ”Karma”. This is a singer who has a flawless voice and is set for huge things.

”Karma” is a pop journey all about having your heart broken and feeling that you have been with a real snake. Someone who has made up stories to be cool and now the lies are catching up to them. This is a real story and a true tale that many of us have had to ensure at some point in our lives. She sings with such meaning and you believe every word.

I love the smooth beat here as it compliments Deonie’s voice with precision production that is perfect. ”Karma” is an absolute winner for 2020 and hopefully this young singer goes from strength to strength.

Here is the Youtube video link.

Click through here to see more info on live show via Facebook.

Stream this brand new track right here on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

LA-based Dance Pop group Yep tell all with debut ”Breakup Sex”

Posted on 7 July 2020

The Los Angeles based indie-pop group Yep show us what they are made of with their debut song ”Breakup Sex”. The new band from the USA are in impressive form and this is an enjoyable song to make you think. They take us into their journey of this touchy subject that has it’s pros and cons.

This is a touching indie-pop release for 2020 that explores this sad love story. You are with someone and you always seem to be breaking up. Then you keep on getting back together and repeating this cycle. This can be fun but after a while you start to wonder if this is going to be the new normal. Is this going to be a familiar ride along this twisting road?

”Breakup Sex” from Yep is a fun indie song that is very consistent with the chilled beat and the soothing vocals. With this being their debut there is no doubt that Yep are going to be on our radar with their catchy music.

Click here for the Soundcloud page to hear this new song.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Prepare Your Indie Folk Playlists for Harry Bodley-Scott’s Latest Single “Man Like Me”

Posted on 21 June 2020

“Man Like Me” was the first single to be released from Indie Folk singer-songwriter Harry Bodley-Scott’s debut EP “Hoping for a Sunrise”. If festivals were happening this year, Man Like Me is exactly the kind of track you’d hope to be soaking up under the Summer sun.

Fans of Noah and the Whale, Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver and the Lumineers will definitely want to hit play on the stunningly crafted single. Similarities aside, Harry Bodley-Scott’s standout single boasts a striking amount of amorous distinction.

Through the candidly poetic lyrics and the intricately layered Indie Folk instrumental arrangement which is led by angularly absorbing riffs, it’s safe to say a radio-ready earworm was created with Man Like Me.

You can check out Man Like Me with the rest of Harry Bodley-Scott’s EP Hoping for a Sunrise via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Scotty Otten urges peace with each other on new single ”Earthstrong”

Posted on 20 June 2020
https://soundcloud.com/scottyotten/earthstrong/s-K7rs8YoEhPh

An artist who has just been transported from the early 80’s into our ears at precisely the right time. Most importantly, he has the right message of peace and unity.

”Earthstrong” is taken off the debut album from Seattle native Scotty Otten. A singer with flair and imagination.

Scotty Otten is new on the scene and sparkles brightly with this 80’s influenced pop song for the ages. He saunters in with a scream to announce his arrival and from there, you will be dancing around your room. The sound is pure and with a deep sense of meaning. Everything around you falls away for just a few minutes while listening to ”Earthstrong”. This is a song about unity and just plain ol’ hope. Scotty also has a sense of humor with the strong message which is usually the best way to go about it. This song took me back down memory lane and if this is a taste of what’s to come- the rest of ”Puzzle Pieces” will be a marvel to listen to.

Stream this 80’s inspired artist with a big future on his new SoundCloud channel and get those dancing shoes ready for action.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen